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Canyon Creek Life - Issue 44

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CONTENTS

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Top Trends in Remodeling 2022

20 The Canyon Creek Chronicle 24 MyRichardson App

26 Time To Kick That Young Driver Off Your Auto Policy? 27 In The Kitchen

24 Make My Day Yard Signs Front Cover photo courtesy of Kyla Obert

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8

PETS OF THE MONTH

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

12

FAMILY OF THE MONTH

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH


Letter from

the PUBLISHER Wouldn’t it be great if life had an Easy Button? I’ve thought a lot recently how nice it would be to just click an Easy Button and, poof, the thing I was stressing over or the decision I needed to make would just take care of itself. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has felt that way over the last 2 years of pandemic life. For those of you who recall the Easy Button commercial of years past, and to those of you who may be too young to remember, I’m speaking of the Staples advertising campaign from the early 2000’s. Staples’ campaign used the slogan, “That was Easy”, in the form of a red “easy” button. The Easy Button served as a symbol, acknowledging the frustrations and challenges of small businesses. Staples then advertised their company as the answer to those challenges. You just had to press the big red button to hear, “That was easy!”, and the hard task was done. The campaign blew up and before you knew it, Easy Buttons went into production and were sold around the world. This month we took our three kids to Disney World. My husband and I, like many families did during quarantine, decided that once we were able, we wanted to give the gift of travel and memory-making to our kids. We decided that a trip to Disney World would be the perfect Christmas gift this year. Now, anyone that has been to Disney, knows that family trips to the most magical place on earth are not always the easiest vacation. But that’s not why we do it, right? We do it for the memories. Luckily by some form of intervention, a friend happened to reach out to me days before our trip. After mentioning to her that we were headed to Disney World soon, my friend said she wanted to put me in touch with a person that would change our trip into the trip of our dreams. Boy was she right! Not until our trip was over did I realize that she had just given me the equivalent of an Easy Button, just when I needed it most. I had spent my recent birthday sick with Covid, my kids had spent minimal days at school due to quarantine protocol, and I had struggled to get everything done for our trip. It turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve taken with our kids.

Publisher Kyla Obert Ad Sales Mike Obert Designer Open Look Business Solutions Contributors Lisa Parelli-Monoghan, Ryan Amerson, Wilson Allen, Angela Green, Heather Natalie, and Patti Otte Photographer Kyla Obert Special Thanks Anthony & Charmaine Brewer, Carol & Tim Ozlowski, Lee Family, and Merrick Russell For Advertising Questions, please email mobert@hylogroup.com For Editoral Requests, please email kobert@hylogroup.com HyperLocal Media 224 W Campbell Rd, STE 428 Richardson, TX 75080

Although a button to make life easier will never exist, the people we surround ourselves with can absolutely make our lives easier and more fulfilled. I would compare our neighbors and friends in Canyon Creek to being the closest thing to an Easy Button as we’ll ever get. We’ve gotten each other through what might be some of the harder times of our lives, including months of quarantine, maneuvering in-person classes with Covid, and keeping businesses going. And I know none of that will ever change here in Canyon Creek. In this issue, I’m excited to have our Family of the Month, Master Jason and Katherine Galligan, who met right here in our neighborhood, share their story and all the ways they have impacted so many people through their teachings. We are even highlighting one of Master Jason’s most decorated students, Merrick Russell, as Athlete of the Month. And last but not least, did you know that Canyon Creek Postal has new ownership and is still our headquarters for the Canyon Creek HOA? Welcome, Anthony and Charmaine Brewer, who are ready to help you with your all of your postal needs. Wonderful neighbors, let’s make 2022 the easiest year yet. We are all lucky to call this neighborhood our home.

Managing Partners Mike and Kyla Obert


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Pets of the Month

Rhatt Miller, Reba, Frankie and Clementine Share with us your names and your pets’ names. We are Carol and Tim Ozlowski. Our three children (Alex, Rachel and Danny) have all three graduated and are "adulting" now. We have two pet rats, Rhatt Miller and Reba, and two cats named Frankie and Clementine. Rhatt Miller is named after Rhett Miller, the front man of our favorite Texas band The Old 97’s. In keeping with a musical theme, we named the sassier of the two rats Reba.

bringing all of them home. Our cat Frankie (Frances) was adopted from the Richardson shelter in 2016. While all the other cats and kittens were cowering in corners on the morning of our visit, Frankie came directly to the front of her enclosure and, upon opening, climbed directly into my arms and cradled her head in my neck. She chose us. Clementine came from a busy foster home this past September and is settling into the slower pace of our home.

How did you end up with the unusual combination of rats and cats? Tim and I married in 1991 and adopted our first cat through the Richardson Animal Shelter after moving to Canyon Creek. Over the years we’ve had a menagerie of fur babies including a guinea pig, four rabbits and our current two cats and rats. My interest in rats was rekindled around 2015 when Pinky and The Brain, a sweet pair of rats, was surrendered to the shelter, and again in 2018 when Jessica the rat appeared on the Canyon Creek Garage Sale page of Facebook. All three rats became part of our pet family. While we typically adopt our pets through the Richardson Animal Shelter, we purchased Rhatt and Reba at the beginning of the Covid shutdown in March 2020 There were four in the litter, and I often regret not

What attracted you to having a rat for a pet? My first experience with a rat was in the mid 1980’s. My younger brother, unsuccessful in acquiring permission from my mom to get a rat, snuck one into the house; he kept it in the basement where it lived undiscovered for several months. By the time my mom found out about the rat, it was too late to rehome him. Razzle was inquisitive, gentle, playful, much cleaner than guinea pigs and less destructive than rabbits, both of which were mainstays in our home. I think, like many things in life, we’re afraid of or dislike things we have little knowledge of and don’t understand. When closely observed, one will see in a rat beautiful delicate features, agility and strength, unending curiosity, intellect and unexpected affection. A rat also makes a nice com-

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www.CanyonCreekLife.com

photos courtesy of The Ozlowskis

panion that will share healthy snacks with its human like walnuts, cheese, raspberries and, for Rhatt and Reba, a favorite treat of dried banana chips. Rhatt and Reba enjoy a little free run time around the house each day (with cats secured in a bathroom) and will come running to me at the tapping sound of a dried banana chip on the floor. Tell us about your family and what you love about living in Canyon Creek. Tim and I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have lived in Canyon Creek since 1994. We were blessed with a realtor who had no sense of direction. Instead of visiting a listing in Plano, we instead found ourselves lost in Canyon Creek. We instantly fell in love with the quiet, close-knit, established neighborhood and have enjoyed the many Homeowners Association events over the years, especially the 4th of July parades. Our three children attended Aldridge, Wilson, Vines and PSHS. Alex and Danny were active in Cub Scout Troop 262 and Boy Scout Troop 1001. Rachel was active in Girl Scout Troop 1462. Tim, a 28-year veteran of the aviation industry, is currently fulfilling his lifelong dream of flying 747’s for Atlas Air Worldwide. I currently coach preschool and elementary classes for Richardson Gymnastics and have been a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus since 1995.


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photos courtesy of Lisa Parelli-Monaghan

Top Trends in Remodeling 2022 by: Lisa Parelli-Monaghan

T

he remodeling forecast indicates a continued rise in project numbers throughout the Metroplex. Through the pandemic, kitchens, offices, and home additions were the most requested areas for remodeling. Studies show that contractors are being hired most frequently (89% of the time) because remodels usually involve removing walls and opening spaces. Even though we have somewhat returned to our “new normal,” the supply chain is still a big issue causing contractors’ project backlogs. For example, it is taking nearly six months to get windows! Please be patient with your contractor as it may take up to six months before they can begin your work. As you plan your next remodeling project, consider these trends: Top Colors: White and gray are still very popular, but warm colors are back! White continues to be the top choice for kitchen 6

cabinets as well as backsplash or walls. Green is said to be the “BIG” color for 2022. Designers are excited about combining warm shades of green with natural wood elements such as oak and walnut. Darker, warm shades of gray will also be a hit. Kitchen Islands: The open concept, combined kitchen and living spaces with a large kitchen island, continues to be popular. The kitchen island is no longer just for cooking. It has become a workspace. Islands are now stretching more than seven feet in length! Designers are using contrasting colors such as blue, black and green on kitchen islands to bring visual interest to the space. Room Additions: As a result of the pandemic, homes are becoming multigenerational. Families now have grandparents living with them or children returning home, thereby creating the need for room additions, free-standing buildings and even garage conversions. www.CanyonCreekLife.com

Home Office: We have all likely done some type of “work from home” over the past two years. For some, it has become permanent and office space is important. The kitchen counter worked for a few months, but real workspace is needed. Remodelers are creating work spaces through closet conversions, splitting bedrooms by adding a wall, converting utility rooms and more. Homeowners are using every inch of space in their homes! Outdoor Living Spaces: During the pandemic, we found that the only place we could safely entertain was outdoors. Homeowners continue to focus on outdoor kitchens, patios, decks, pergolas and garden beds as ways to create the perfect outside entertaining space. Wallpaper: Just when we finally removed it all from our walls, wallpaper is back! Bold wallpaper statements create visual interest and colorful accents within a home. They are making great accent walls.


Business of the Month

photos provided by The Brewers

Canyon Creek Postal

What is your name and the name of your business? We are Anthony & Charmaine Brewer, and our business is Canyon Creek Postal. How long have you been in business? Canyon Creek Postal has been a gem in the community since the 1980's; however, we just acquired Canyon Creek Postal in September 2021. Tell us about your business. Canyon Creek Postal is a full-service shipping and packing facility. In addition to our partnerships with USPS, FedEx, DHL and LSO, we also offer a range of other convenient services: postal mailboxes, notary services, key duplication, faxing, scanning, shipping & office supplies, greeting cards and novelty items, just to name a few. We are proud to also partner with local Canyon Creek artisans through our consignment partnerships. We are conveniently located in the heart of the Canyon Creek Community. 8

What inspired you to do what you do? Our commitment to serving others is ultimately what inspires us most! We love helping the community and providing convenient services to our neighbors and customers. It gives us great pleasure to provide a friendly, calm and peaceful environment. We are inspired when our customers cross our threshold and greet us with smiles and compliments. We are also inspired when we can help our customers leave with the feeling of knowing they are in good hands. Tell us a favorite story or two about your business. One of our favorite stories is how we came to acquire the business. The process was seamless, and the business is closely aligned with who we are as people of service. It has been one of the easiest transitions we’ve made in a business endeavor. Another one of our favorite stories is when we had Santa spend the day with us at Canyon Creek Postal. There was such an outpouring of support from the community. www.CanyonCreekLife.com

Our neighbors stopped by to take pictures with Santa, and we even had a few furry friends join in the festivities! We appreciated the support from our Canyon Creek community and fellow business owners, and we are looking forward to creating more memories. How long have you lived in Canyon Creek? Prior to moving to Sachse in 2020, we lived in Canyon Creek for fifteen years. We absolutely love this quaint, family-oriented neighborhood and have fond memories of our time here in Canyon Creek. Why did you decide to start a business in Canyon Creek? This opportunity literally landed in our lap! We were praying and searching for opportunities to continue to build a legacy for our family. When Dino presented us with the news that he was selling Canyon Creek Postal and asked if we would be interested, we were both shocked and excited! Since we were already familiar with the community,


it was a no brainer! What do you love most about working in Canyon Creek? We love the familiar faces, we love getting to know our neighbors, and we love that it feels like our home away from home! The spirit of the Canyon Creek Community is reflected in the people that live here! We love and take pride in this community. Our neighborhood is a catalyst and a model for other communities. Tell us about your family. Together we have five young adult children (four young men and one young lady ranging in age from 18-27) and one grandson. Anthony is a United States Navy Veteran born and raised in North Texas. Prior to acquiring Canyon Creek Postal, he worked in the environmental waste business. He also owned and operated an indoor www.CanyonCreekLife.com

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play center in Central Illinois. Charmaine was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised between Arizona, California and Texas. She is currently the Branch Manager/Realtor® for Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors. Her office is located in Richardson near the intersection of the George Bush Highway and Custer Parkway. Although our lives sometimes pull us in different directions, we make time to come together as a family. Anything else you’d love for your neighbors to know about your business or you? Yes! We want our neighbors to know how much we appreciate them for their continued support! We have received so many nice gestures, warm welcomes and sweet, thoughtful gifts as ways of welcoming us into the neighborhood. We are grateful! Additionally, we are constantly looking for more ways to bring value and convenience to our friends, neighbors and customers. 10

www.CanyonCreekLife.com


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photos provided by Lee Family

Family of the Month

The Lee Family

A Canyon Creek Love Story by Patti Otte

I

f you or your family members have ever taken Tae Kwon Do or yoga in Richardson, you may have met Jason Lee or his lovely wife Katherine Galligan. Our Canyon Creek family of the month is the Lee family, which consists of Katherine, Jason and their two sons, Michael and Sean Galligan. Katherine and Jason actually met at a Canyon Creek event! Circa 2010 they both attended the neighborhood II Creeks Festival, at which Jason had a booth for his martial arts school, Sun Lee Taekwondo. Katherine was considering Taekwondo for her two sons, and they all three enrolled a few years after this chance meeting. Katherine earned her black belt in 2017 which, coincidentally, was the same year she and Jason married. Master Jason, as he is known by his students, gave Katherine no free passes in her black belt quest, demanding the same level of perseverance and discipline he requires of everyone he instructs. 12

Prior to meeting Jason, Katherine moved to Canyon Creek the summer of 2004 with her children’s father. At the time she was expecting their first son, Michael. She’s been in the same house on Shady Brook Drive ever since. Michael and Sean are both teenagers now. Michael, seventeen, attends Great Lakes Academy in Plano as a junior. He loves basketball and is the co-captain of his team. Fifteen-year-old Sean attends Plano’s John Paul II as a freshman and has “found his stride” literally and figuratively running cross country and track for JP II. Both spent some of their elementary years at Aldridge, and Katherine sometimes longs for the sunny days when they would walk the few short blocks to school together. The Lees love nature and camping, so many of their family vacations involve being outdoors. One summer the family took a trip to Grand Marais, Minnesota, and hit the single track mountain bike trails as novices. Totally out of their element with no cell service

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photos courtesy of Kyla Obert

and not as much stamina as they thought, the crew made a wrong turn on a trail and found themselves having cycled an hour in the exact opposite direction of the bike rental shop. The weary group somehow found their way back but marked mountain biking off their list of preferred outdoor activities. It’s probably safe to say that you won’t see the Lee family tromping around the neighborhood in their cycling gear anytime soon…if ever! Katherine enjoys the many neighborhood circles in which she’s been included: a “manifestation circle,” a yoga circle and an informal book club. Prior to selling the Richardson yoga studio she founded, Yoga Chikitsa (formerly known as Beach Mat Yoga), Katherine belonged to Neighborhood Network Services, a Canyon Creek networking group operated by Sandy Wolfe and her son Jeff

Wolfe, a DFW real estate duo and longtime residents of Canyon Creek. Katherine is now a private Ayurvedic Health Practitioner. Ayurveda is an alternative style of medicine that uses diet as the primary approach to healing, so one of Katherine’s offerings is nutritional guidance to heal and optimize her clients’ digestion. She also provides healthy, weeknight meals. Similar to naturopathy, Ayurveda uses herbal medicine in lieu of pharmaceuticals for treatment of more serious diseases, which, according to Katherine, helps the body find longer lasting and true, root-cause healing. Katherine is grateful that she has found a way to match her passion for helping people with her career. Jason owns Sun Lee Taekwondo, located on Campbell Road, and has operated www.CanyonCreekLife.com

the business since 2006. He grew up in his father’s dojang (TKD school); in his youth Jason competed many times as a junior and gained confidence and strength through both victories and losses. After college Jason looked back and realized that the true power of his martial arts journey had less to do with winning gold medals and more to do with the positive changes which had occurred within him. At that point Jason discovered his calling: to share his knowledge with the next generation. At Sun Lee Taekwondo, Master Jason teaches his students the character development tools he himself has mastered so that 13


they, too, can achieve incremental physical and mental goals. Jason credits his success to the amazing teachers who taught him, including his father, and the embracing Taekwondo community. Jason recently joined the Sumrok group, an organization which provides mentorship and investment opportunities in multifamily assets. The pandemic forced Jason to look at what life would be like if Taekwondo was no longer an option. According to Jason, “Not many people know that owning an apartment building is attainable or have not ventured past stock market and single family investments.” Through the Sumrok group, Jason hopes to again transfer knowledge that has been shared with him. Katherine and Jason have increasingly realized the importance of allowing time for themselves and their family. They shared, “It’s so easy in our culture to let career totally dominate life; as we get older and wiser, we want to achieve balance and personal enjoyment (not to mention mental health)!” Jason loves to fish, camp and golf. You’ll often find him at Canyon Creek Country Club with his friends from the neighborhood. Cooking, yoga and reading are Katherine’s three favorite activities. She does at least one of the three daily. As for neighborhood destinations, the Prairie Creek nature trail is easily their favorite. Like so many other Canyon Creek residents, the Lee family has taken a holiday family photo by the Prairie Creek waterfall. They take daily walks with Bagel, their beloved family puggle (a cross between a beagle and a pug), while Penny the pitbull keeps watch at home. They also love to walk the opposite direction to the shops at II Creeks — especially to Sweet Firefly! In their free time, the family enjoys relaxing together. They all have busy schedules, so “movie nights” are a big treat. According to Jason, what really happens during family movie night is that he, Katherine, and Sean make popcorn “with so much butter [they] could get arrested.” Katherine then falls asleep within the first ten minutes of the movie and, unless it’s a gripping and riveting film, both teens eventually retire to their respective video games. Like many other folks, the Lee family holds periodic meetings to discuss important matters such as traditions. As a blended family, Katherine, Jason and their boys have let go of some previously held customs while 14

photos courtesy of Kyla Obert

redefining others such as the Korean New Year celebration at Jason’s parents’ home. His mom cooks delicious traditional dishes such as seaweed soup with mandu (dumplings), Korean pancakes, and chapchae (buckwheat noodles with veggies) for the occasion. The most memorable part of the evening occurs when the family, dressed in traditional Korean “hanboks,” bows to their elders. The elders, in turn, review the year and offer encouraging advice for the year to come; all the children get new year’s money! Most of the Lee family’s other festivities revolve around food. They host at least one crawfish boil in their backyard during crawfish season, partake in major Super Bowl comfort-food “naughtiness,” smoke something in Jason’s favorite pellet grill at least once a week, and often enjoy Katherine’s delicious non-Ayurvedic cookies. Katherine and Jason have enjoyed the neighborhood’s exciting evolution: the influx of young families, lots of children and plenty of new construction. They deeply cherish being a part of Canyon Creek. States Jason, “The qualities of the collective community, such as support, courtesy, generosity and respect, are ones we strive to teach on the www.CanyonCreekLife.com

Taekwondo mats. One of the lessons taught in martial arts is the bow. We start class with a bow and end with a bow to emphasize the concept of courtesy, which we believe is key to relationships.” Katherine and Jason feel in comfortable alignment living here, appreciating their kind and considerate neighbors, a refreshing contrast to an “every man for himself” mentality. They continue to be touched by the displays of support people tirelessly give in Canyon Creek and are grateful to live in such an incredible place.


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Merrick Russell

photos provided by Clarke Russell

Tell us your name, what school you currently attend, and what year you are in school. My name is Merrick Russell. I’m currently attending Shelton High School. I’m still a freshman (9th grade). What other schools have you attended? Aldridge Elementary School (Kindergarten through 5th grade) Tell us what sports or activities you are involved in and why you enjoy them. My sports are Taekwondo sparring at Sun Lee Taekwondo and high school basketball at Shelton.

Brag on yourself: Tell us your honors and awards in school. 2021 U.S. Taekwondo Sparring Nationals, world-class black-belt division 2021 Sun Lee Taekwondo, earned black belt 2019 U.S. Taekwondo Sparring Nationals, gold, blue-belt division 2022 School Basketball, Varsity Team 2021 School Basketball, Team Offensive Player of the Year 2020 School Basketball, Team MVP What’s your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject is Math. Tell us about your plans after graduation. No plans yet.

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Outside of schools and sports, what do you do for fun, hobbies, work, etc.? I love playing video games and hanging out with my friends. How long have you lived in Canyon Creek? I’ve lived in the neighborhood my whole life. What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek? I’ve made close friends in Canyon Creek and know so many people. I like to go to II Creeks for the restaurants, especially Shady’s and Dos Arroyos (Frankie’s). Also, I’m glad Sun Lee Taekwondo is so close because it’s been a big part of my life for the last five years and so many kids from the neighborhood also go to Sun Lee. Tells us a favorite story or two about a big moment or fun moment playing your sport. My biggest moment in sports was competing in the 2021 Taekwondo U.S. Nationals as a world-class black belt in the Alamodome in San Antonio. It was my first year to compete at that level, and I was pretty nervous because those are the guys who might be in the Olympics one day. But once the bell rang to start fighting, training kicked in, all my nerves went away, and I did well. Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in Canyon Creek. There are so many great neighborhood memories: trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, the 4th of July parade, riding bikes with my friend Cyrus to Starbucks at UTD, meeting friends at II Creeks, swimming at our neighbor’s house all summer, and many more. Anything else you would love for your neighbors to know about you? I have two big brothers, Malcolm and Beck, who also grew up in Canyon Creek.

www.CanyonCreekLife.com

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The Canyon Creek Chronicle

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Echoes From The Canyon Almost Spring 2022

B

y the time this reaches your mailbox, Spring will peering around the corner beckoning attention to flower beds and top down convertibles. Let this also serve as impetus for our personal renewal. Restore oneself by sanding off the water stains and stripping the layers of peeling finish all the way down to the bare wood. Allow yourself to remove the grownup goggles and see the world through fresh eyes again. Do you remember? Back when the world was an ocean of possibility yet was no tangible promise at all. When you would very occasionally hear the inaudible click of a metaphorical closing door but were blissfully unaware of what it actually meant. When you forgot there was a rearview mirror looking back because your gaze was so enthusiastically riveted on the shiny fun new things approaching in the windshield. When the shadows were filled with mystery and the streetlights hummed in anticipation of the evening’s adventure. When the end of a glorious endless summer was so far away it couldn’t be seen with telescope or calendar. Well, they are out front, engines idling, honking the horn for you to join them. It’s time for a road trip. Pack light, be present and embrace the moment of the now in this journey of the mind and spirit and o’ the places you’ll go. Whatever one’s age, allow your heart to remain young. Your HOA was briefed by the City on a necessary upcoming water project that will likely result in the addition of a 5 mm gallon tank to

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join the existing tanks at Point North. The City originally purchased this property in the 1970’s for just such an expansion. For those who enjoy the use of the current park arrangement, please know that there will be redesigned amenities for us to enjoy. We met with a developer whose original plan was to convert the underperforming Hyatt House into “attainable” housing. We influenced their plans and discussions are preliminary but they changed gears and are now looking at creating 55 years and older adult housing which is a far more preferable use and one that serves a need in the area. If you are not yet a member of your HOA, please join us at: https:// canyoncreekhomeowners.com/membership/ for a wonderous quantity of features and benefits. For the minimal sum of $15/year, $50/ year with a Flag Subscription. Uniformed Boy Scouts hoisting Old Glory high is a sight stirring to the Soul. Also, if you have been affected by the loss of a loved one by Covid, you are in our prayers. If you have been financially impacted, our offer of a free membership and flag subscription still stands. We are in this together and your email requesting this complimentary service directed to myself or Jay will be kept confidential. Today and tomorrow, I will find someone with whom I disagree, we will shake hands and then suffer together in peace as Dallas Cowboy fans. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this neighborhood I love.

www.CanyonCreekLife.com


Meet your CC HOA Board! Name & Position: Sharon Odell, Crime Watch director Years on Board: Two Community Involvement: Richardson Woman’s Club, First United Methodist Church Richardson, Volunteer at Network’s Senior Thursday, Richardson Reads One Book

Did you know that Canyon Creek HOA offers a scholarship program for neighborhood Eagle Scout and Girls Scout Troops? Eligible candidates should contact jaydalehite@aol.com.

Why do you like serving on the HOA?: As a 50-year resident of Canyon Creek, I have served on multiple community boards, but not on our HOA Board. The Crime Watch position seemed a good fit since my husband Jack and I were Block Captains for many years and the first two to qualify as Crime Watch Patrollers when the Canyon Creek program was started. I enjoy working alongside these volunteers and feel Canyon Creek’s Block Captains and Patrollers are the unsung heroes of our neighborhood. They are never in the spotlight nor do they seek it, yet together they are the backbone of our community by partnering with the Richardson Police Department to ensure our neighborhood is a safer place for everyone.

• Candidates for Boy Scout Eagle Award or Girl Scout Gold Award are eligible. • Candidate must live in Canyon Creek. • If qualified, candidate must present project plan to Board of Directors for approval. • Project must be in or benefit Canyon Creek. • Reimbursement for project not to exceed $500.

Residents and park users will notice orange safety fencing that has been erected near the waterfall at Prairie Creek Park. There is some significant erosion that has undermined the rocks within the fenced off area. The City is working with a Capital Projects team and an engineering firm to develop a short term strategy to implement while a longer term strategy is developed. In the meantime, we ask park visitors to avoid entering the fenced off area. Once the issue has been addressed, the COR will remove the fencing. www.CanyonCreekLife.com

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Spring is On the Way!

I

t may not seem like it now, but spring is right around the corner! Your Canyon Creek Homeowners Association, CCHOA, wants to remind you that we support and encourage residents who pay special attention to their lawns and landscapes. In the past we have selected one Yard of the Quarter for each of the four quadrants of the Association, for each quarter of the year. Four Canyon Creek landscapes have been selected and awarded each quarter. However, we have come to realize that not many residents want to show off their yards in the dead of winter, what with sheets and blankets covering precious plants and other frost-bitten plants of all varieties waiting to be cut out or revived for the Spring. As a result and until further notice, these awards will be selected and presented in April for the Spring quarter (April, May and June), July for the Summer quarter (July August and September) and possibly October for the winter quarter (October November and December). We want you to know when the landscapes will be selected so that they peak in their splendor during selection time. There has been talk of a “Christmas Decoration Competition” award, so stay tuned! There will be no award for the first quarter of 2022.

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Basically, we've raised our award values and reduced the number of times we will be selecting award-deserving landscapes. Selected outstanding lawns and landscapes will be provided: • a $250 check • a $50 gift certificate from Bruce Miller nursery • a beautiful photo of the chosen landscape and family: one for the family to keep and one to be published in the Canyon Creek Life Magazine • a personal congratulatory letter from the Mayor of Richardson In the meantime, we want to thank all of you who take so much care in maintaining your properties! You truly are the ones responsible for making Canyon Creek the best place to live in all North Texas. From all our families to yours, Happy New Year!

www.CanyonCreekLife.com

Gabe Meadows, Beatification Chair, CCHOA


BUSINESS DIRECTORY Ryan Miles

sr. loan officer nmls: 184358

469-737-5710 r yan.miles@primelending.com canyoncreekhomeloans.com All loans subject to credit approval. Rates & fees subject to change. ©2021 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. NMLS: 13649 Equal Housing Lender. PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of a statechartered bank and is an exempt lender in TX. V010918

FOR ALL YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN NEEDS Call Mike Obert (214-403-3755)

18111 preston #500, dallas, tx, 74252

Look no more, your lender lives next door.


Community News Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

MyRichardson App The City of Richardson is pleased to offer its residents and visitors the MyRichardson App. This app will allow you to report issues, request brush and bulky item collection (BABIC) service, and keep up to date with the latest news and events right from your Apple or Android smartphone. New to the latest version of the app is the inclusion of your water, trash and recycling days. The application uses the address you enter into your profile to give you your specific days. There are also more detailed tabs that will provide you with information about holiday schedules, collection points, how to deal with hazardous waste and more.

Make My Day Yard Signs evolved after many nights of “pawing” the Canyon Creek Elementary neighborhood. Heather Stegal and Natalie Smith placed little cougar paws in neighbors’ yards as a school fundraiser for the 6th grade. They thought how cute it would be if they could offer a variety of double sided “sets” that could be seen from both the front porch and the street. They started with a set of smiley faces and hearts and have plans to add many more sets for all occasions (birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays and more). In addition to the set of signs scattered all over the yard, they leave a cute box on the porch with a personalized note from the sender. Instead of sending flowers, cards, texts, or food, they want neighbors to consider decorating a friend’s yard for the day! A note from Heather and Natalie: We are now on Instagram and Facebook! @mmdyardsigns, Make My Day Yard Signs You can also reach us at mmyardsigns@gmail.com. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Photos provided by Heather Natalie

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www.CanyonCreekLife.com


NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Do you know someone who lives in the neighborhood that we should feature in an upcoming issue of Canyon Creek Life? Let us know! We are looking for: • Outstanding Athletes • Richardson Business Owners • Newcomers to the Neighborhood • Golden Couples or Individuals • Pets looking for 15 minutes of (retired, semi-retired, or long-time neighborhood fame pillars of the community) • Unique or Interesting Clubs • Anyone who has something unique • (Mom’s groups, stamp collecting club, etc.) 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 Teri Hebert at thebert@hylogroup.com


Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Canyon Creek Allstate Insurance

Time To Kick That Young Driver Off Your Auto Policy?

Y

oung drivers may wonder, "Can I get good affordable insurance if I'm under 25?" The answer is yes. Age is one of the factors taken into account for premium costs, but other factors such as accidents and your credit have more effect on your rate than your age. If you have better credit than your parents, then you can probably get a better rate on your own. Do your parents have accidents and you do not? If so, you can probably get a better rate on your own.

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The lesson here: don't think just because you are under 25 that you can’t get a good rate on your own. There are also discounts young adults under 25 may qualify for. Take a look at all of your options and talk to an agent to make sure you are getting the best rate. If you do, you may find that it's not only possible to get good car insurance under 25, but also at a good price.

www.CanyonCreekLife.com


In The Kitchen

Tito's Transfusion

In a tall glass with ice, pour Tito’s to your liking, add ginger ale and a splash of Grape Juice. Photo Courtesy of titosvodka.com

Colorado Bulldog Pour over ice a Shot of Vodka, Shot of Baileys, Shot of Milk and top off with Coke Photo Courtesy of shutterstock

Paloma Paloma! Take 3 ozs of your favorite tequila, 1 oz of 43 Liquer, 2 ozs of lime juice and top with Grapefruit juice. Pour over ice, mix and garnish with a lime

Hot Toddy In a mug, add half cup of hot water, 2ozs of Woodford, Tablespoon of honey, Tablespoon of Lemon. Mix and drink warm.

Photo Courtesy of shutterstock

Photo Courtesy of shutterstock

MIKE OBERT

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www.CanyonCreekLife.com


CANYON CREEK REAL ESTATE 12/1/21 - 1/31/22 SOLD PROPERTIES

SQFT

LIST PRICE

SOLD DATE

515 W Lookout Drive #111

700

$170,000

1/3

2634 Custer Parkway #A

1,632

$199,990

12/2

525 W Lookout Drive #221

980

$200,000

12/28

2638 Custer Parkway #D

1,824

$240,000

12/3

2006 Custer Parkway

1,494

$319,900

1/6

2012 Nantucket Drive

1,952

$350,000

1/14

519 Lawnmeadow Drive

1,797

$399,900

12/16

ANGELA GREEN

2215 Custer Parkway

2,609

$560,000

12/31

425 Valley Glen Place

1,524

$399,999

1/12

Keller Williams Central angela.green@kw.com

2926 Forest Hills Lane

2,117

$419,000

1/19

Phone: 214-893-4171

2728 Pinery Lane

1,898

$425,000

12/10

2218 Shady Creek Drive

2,402

$445,000

12/3

337 Forest Grove Drive

2,111

$479,900

12/10

2209 Flat Creek Drive

2,691

$539,600

12/6

917 Firestone Lane

2,135

$485,000

12/5

425 Ridgewood Drive

1,900

$510,000

12/6

2407 Briarfield Drive

2,180

$517,500

1/27

284 Palisades Boulevard

2,279

$532,900

1/18

318 Canyon Valley Drive

2,131

$539,000

1/28

1 Crown Place

2,984

$535,000

12/9

2811 Tam O Shanter Lane

2,148

$550,000

12/9

308 W Lookout Drive

2,567

$575,000

12/13

323 Chaparral Drive

2,277

$774,900

12/15

301 Overcreek Drive

4,411

$900,000

12/17

302 Stonebridge Drive

2,501

$849,000

12/5

10 Walnut Creek Place

3,334

$1,199,000

12/3

2417 Custer Cove

4,642

$1,600,000

12/29

Serving Dallas, Collin and Denton Counties 24 years FULL TIME experience!

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Information above was obtained from NTREIS. Properties were listed and/or sold by many Brokers between 12/1/21 - 1/31/22.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

If you are considering selling, please call me for a complimentary market analysis to find out what your home is worth. Don’t leave money on the table! CANYON CREEK

CANYON CREEK

12/1/2020 - 1/31/2021

Properties Sold: 18 Price Range: $189,500 - $625,000 Average Price: $445,297 Average Price PSF: $182.75

12/1/2021 - 1/31/2022

THEN & NOW

214-893-4171

Properties Sold: 28 Price Range: $170,000 - $1,600,000 Average Price: $544,317 Average Price PSF: $236.40

DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE!


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