Canyon Creek Life Life - Issue 51

Front cover photo courtesy of Kyla Obert

Letter from the EDITOR

Publisher

Kyla Obert

Editor

Patti Otte

Ad Sales

Mike Obert

Designer

Open Look Business Solutions

Contributors

Angela Green, Lisa Parelli-Monaghan, Patti Otte, Ryan Amerson, Warren Caldwell and Wilson Allen

Happy spring!

It’s so busy in Richardson in April, May and June, isn’t it? Between voting, attending Cottonwood and Wildflower, spring cleaning, preparing for the last six weeks of school, planning summer vacations…there’s so much to manage. I know your schedule is packed, so thanks for taking the time to check out the latest issue of Canyon Creek Life.

Have you decided how you’ll vote in our local elections? In just a couple of weeks, we’ll have a new mayor and, in the process, say goodbye to one of our current Council members as Bob Dubey and Janet DePuy are both vying for the job. At the March CCHOA Coffee with the Council, we thanked Mayor Paul Voelker for his dedicated service to Richardson and heard from our current Council members about a variety of topics.

After voting, you could head straight to Cottonwood Art Festival for the afternoon. In this issue, Niki Gulley and Rodgers Naylor, two exhibiting artists, share with us a little bit about their craft. Both Niki and Rodgers and their respective spouses have been attending Cottonwood for more than two decades! And they’re both delightful. Maybe you’ll see our family of the month, Melanie and Auggie Sanders, while you’re there. Relatively new to Canyon Creek, the couple loves meeting new people and neither of them ever meet a stranger.

For our pet spotlight, bunnies Milo and Lumpia will hop right into your hearts. You’ll also meet the talented Tilly Austin and her fellow Academy High School robotics team members, who are headed to Houston for a major competition this month.

Possibly the “sweetest” feature in this issue is our business of the month, Decker’s Candy Corner. A budding entrepreneur who runs an adorable candy shop out of his bedroom window lives right here in Canyon Creek. Talk about ingenuity!

Finally, if you’ve never stopped to read our CCHOA president Warren Caldwell’s “Echoes from the Canyon,” I hope you will. He has a flair for writing and puts time and effort into both his job as HOA president and writing for the magazine each issue. And the Board shares neighborhood news with you as well.

I hope our paths cross this spring and that you enjoy the greening of the grass, the budding trees and the landscape updates residents are making to beautify the neighborhood. We see your efforts and appreciate you!

Gratefully,

Patti Otte

Photographer Kyla Obert

Special Thanks

Melanie and Auggie Sanders, Kathrina and Lauren Macalanda-Earhart, Matilda Austin, Decker Mello, Niki Gulley, Rodgers Naylor and Jay Dalehite

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Miso and Lumpia…

Hopping into Canyon Creek Hearts

Tell us your names and the names of your bunnies.

We're Kathrina and Lauren. Miso is a two-year-old, multi-color Mini Rex boy and Lumpia is a long-haired brown Lionhead Mix girl who is one-and-a-half.

How did you get your bunnies and how long have you had them? Tell us about their names.

Two years ago, Miso was born on a farm in Burleson and rode on a 4-wheeler to meet us. (Could you imagine our shock seeing a baby bunny on the steering wheel of an ATV?) We learned that rabbits are social animals and Miso would benefit from having a sibling. We volunteer at Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue in Haltom City, which is where we met Lumpia a year later. Miso and Lumpia had a friendly meet-andgreet session, so we adopted her and they've been attached at the hip ever since.

Our buns have food-related names: when Miso was a baby, he was the color of miso soup and the name Lumpia is a tribute to Kathrina's Filipino background (lumpia is a Filipino egg roll).

Tell us about them: fun tricks, unique talents, quirky personalities and more.

Miso is rambunctious and outgoing while Lumpia is observant and reserved, yet they are very affectionate with each other and need to do everything together. Even though they each have their own food bowls, they prefer to share from the same one.

They have their own bedroom, are litter box trained , and get free range of the house when we're home. At 7:00 am Saturday mornings, they will hop upstairs and paw at our bedroom door to let us know that we've overslept and it's time to feed them. They love to do zoomies and high jumps called binkies, flip over toy stacking cups, and crawl through play tunnels and cardboard boxes. When they're tired from their adventures, they'll go back to their room and cuddle up next to each other to get some much-needed rest...but if they hear the crunch of an apple or a banana being peeled, forget the nap—they’re suddenly on our laps ready to share!

How long have you lived in Canyon Creek?

We moved to the neighborhood a year ago. We fell in love with the charm of Canyon Creek and knew this would be the place for us. Lauren is from Kansas City, MO, and moved to DFW for work in the aviation industry. Kathrina grew up in Richardson and even took summer swimming lessons at the Canyon Creek pool as a kid.

What do you love most about living in the neighborhood?

We love taking walks around the neighborhood, seeing turtles in the creek, and visiting the local shops and restaurants without having to get in the car.

Please share with us a funny or awesome story of living in Canyon Creek.

We were thrilled that Canyon Creek is more festive for Halloween than our previous neighborhood, where there weren't many trick-or-treaters. We had fun dressing up, sitting outside, and giving out candy. It was a great way to meet some of our neighbors and we look forward to doing it again.

Is there anything else you would love for your neighbors to know about you or your bunnies?

We're getting married this year! We look forward to hosting family and friends and showing them around our lovely neighborhood.

Also, 2023 is the year of the rabbit, so we're celebrating them all year long. We encourage families to consider bunnies as pets, but they do require as much attention as a cat or dog despite their small stature. Bunnies are wonderful companions and will bring a lot of joy to your home.

Looking Forward to Warmer Weather?

by: Lisa Parelli-Monaghan

Getting your backyard ready for warmer days ahead is likely on your spring to-do list. Before you can start hosting barbecues and pool parties, you'll need to do a few things to get your backyard in tip-top shape.

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your backyard for warmer weather as you'll have enough time to complete any necessary projects before the real Texas heat arrives. Here are three projects that you can work on in spring to get your backyard ready for the warmer days ahead.

1. Clean Up and Organization

The first and most important step in preparing your backyard for days ahead is to give it a thorough cleaning. This includes removing any dead leaves, twigs and debris that have accumulated over the winter months. You should also clean your outdoor furniture and any outdoor decorations, as they are likely dirty and dull after exposure to the elements.

For metal and plastic items, all you need are a bucket of warm, soapy water, a stiffbristled brush, a hose and a clean cloth. If your furniture is made of wood, consider applying a wood cleaner or sealer to protect those outdoor pieces from weather damage. Texas heat can quickly destroy outdoor furniture.

In addition to cleaning, you should take the time to organize your backyard. This could include creating a designated area for storing outdoor toys, creating a garden bed for your plants, and organizing any other items that may take up space in your backyard. By decluttering and organizing your backyard, you will create a clean, fresh and welcoming space that is ready for your outdoor celebrations.

2. Landscaping

Landscaping is another important project that you can start in early spring to prepare your backyard for summer. This could include planting new flowers, shrubs

and trees or revamping your existing garden beds. You could also consider adding a central feature, such as a rock garden or water fountain, to create a truly inviting space.

When choosing plants and flowers, it's important to consider their sun exposure, water requirements and soil type. You should also consider incorporating plants that are native to our area, as they will be better adapted to the local climate and will require less maintenance.

In addition to plants and flowers, you may also want to consider adding a vegetable garden to your backyard. Not only will this provide you with fresh, nutritious food, but it will also add a beautiful and functional element. Herb gardens are especially easy and fun to have on hand.

3. Outdoor Living Space

Creating an outdoor living space is another great way to enjoy the warmer days ahead. This could include adding a patio, deck, or pergola, and comfortable outdoor furniture. When designing your outdoor living space, consider your lifestyle and how you will use the space. For example, if you enjoy cooking and entertaining, consider adding a built-in grill, outdoor kitchen, or bar area.

It is important to consider the layout of your outdoor living space, making sure it's functional and allows for easy flow between different areas. You may also want to consider adding elements such as a fire pit, outdoor lighting, or even a hot tub to make your outdoor living space a comfortable and inviting place to relax and enjoy the warm weather season ahead.

Enjoy the anticipation! Preparing your backyard for summer can be a fun and exciting project and, in the end, it will provide you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space to enjoy with family and friends. By following these three projects— cleaning and organizing, landscaping, and creating an outdoor living space—you can get your backyard ready for warm weather in no time. Get started early this spring and enjoy your beautiful and inviting backyard all summer long.

Melanie and Auggie Sanders’ Starring Roles… as our Canyon Creek Family of the Month

by Patti Otte

In 2021, the producers of HGTV’s popular show House Hunters millennial couple looking for a home that reminded them of the houses in which they grew up in Dallas. As luck would have it, the “Millennials in Dallas” stars— Melanie and Auggie Sanders—found their perfect home right here on Canyon Creek’s Firestone Lane.

Melanie and Auggie’s story began on Christmas Day 2012 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Melanie went alone to see the movie D’Jango and Auggie walked in with a group of friends. While searching for seats to accommodate his group of six, Auggie no ticed Melanie sitting alone next to an empty seat. He eagerly left his friends and went to visit with her for a few minutes. Five minutes after meeting, Melanie tweeted, “This guy saw me sitting by myself in the movies and invited me to sit with him and his friends. That was nice.”

While she politely declined his offer, little did she know that Auggie would end up one day being her husband. She still has record of the tweet, which she mentioned in her wedding vows, and the movie ticket has become a treasured keepsake.

After that fateful meeting at the movies, Auggie returned to Missou -

ri, where he was finishing his last semester of a dual degree program at Morehouse/Missouri S & T, yet they continued to build a long-distance friendship that later blossomed into romance. Eventually, Melanie relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, as their relationship deepened.

Four years later, the couple relocated to Dallas for better weather and career opportunities. They were married in March 2019 at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas, followed by honeymoon travels to Portugal, Morocco and Spain. According to Melanie, “We enjoyed Fado music in Lisbon, Hamman spas in Marrakech, and learned to make paella in Seville.”

The couple has lived in Canyon Creek since August 2020 and absolutely love their home and the community. Says Melanie, “We love spending time with our neighbors, going on strolls through the ‘hood, throwing themed parties and trying local restaurants. Auggie is originally from Chevy Chase, Maryland, and I am from the Chicago suburbs. We’ve found a wonderful home here in Canyon Creek.” Melanie and Auggie have a cat named Marley and a dog named General Zod and look forward to growing their family in the coming years.

Melanie and Auggie Sanders

The happy couple

Keepsake ticket stub

Melanie is a self-proclaimed people person! She enjoys interacting in meaningful ways and, consequently, finds her marketing career to be a perfect fit for her personality. At Howard University in Washington, D.C., Melanie studied marketing and has worked in that field for the entirety of her twelve-year career, most recently as a Senior Manager, Brand Cultural Strategy, for Walmart. Her role focuses on how Walmart connects and engages with diverse consumers in a meaningful way through campaigns, partnerships and community engagement. States Melanie, “Cultural strategy is the integration of culture—values, norms, ways of relating, and lived experiences—into brand strategy to bring true meaning and impact.”

Melanie loves her job: “Walmart is the largest company in the world, so the impact and scale of my work is truly mind-blowing.” Prior to working for Walmart, Melanie worked for Team One, an advertising agency focused on premium, aspirational brands. Before that, she spent five and a half years working on Social Media Strategy for Lexus. And as if she isn’t already extremely busy, she also owns a boutique consulting firm, Sanders Marketing, LLC. In that role, Melanie consults with nonprofits and small businesses on social media and brand strategy, content management, website development, cultural engagement and more.

Like Melanie, Auggie has found his professional calling. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta on a full academic scholarship, studying General Science

with a minor in Physics. After Morehouse, Auggie continued his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO, as part of a dual-degree program. While at Missouri S&T, Auggie obtained his second degree in Engineering Management with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering.

Auggie’s passion for cars provided a foundation for a successful career in the automotive industry. In his role as a Senior Analyst, Product Planning at Toyota, he focuses on strategically evaluating and understanding customer purchase behaviors, developing market-based pricing strategies and more to achieve the company’s business objectives. Besides Toyota, Auggie has worked for Ford, Honda and other automotive companies.

Melanie has been an active member of the Junior League of Dallas since 2020, is a recent graduate of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Leadership YP Development Program, a Junior Achievement Young Professionals Board member and mentor, and a Howard University Alumni Club member. She’s also a current participant in the Business Council for The Arts’ Leadership Arts Institute Dallas cohort, where she is “learning valuable arts and culture nonprofit board leadership skills.”

Auggie is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Morehouse College Alumni Chapter, and is a current participant in the Collin County NAACP’s Leadership Development program. He also participates in the Canyon Creek neighborhood whiskey club, where he serves as treasurer.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys meeting and connecting with new people, organizing events with friends, traveling, and experiencing the arts in a variety of forms, from visual arts to music to interior design. As for Auggie, “He is always watching car reviews, reading articles and staying up-to-date on all auto news. He loves road trips near and far, camping, long walks with General Zod, and hunting during his spare time. He has a great sneaker collection, loves movies, concerts, and is even more social than I am,” states Melanie enthusiastically.

Traveling is one of Melanie and Auggie’s favorite hobbies. They recently went to Cuba to attend the Havana Jazz Festival. This summer, the couple plans to visit Guatemala for the first time, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for the second time, and South Haven, Michigan, where Melanie’s family has spent time every summer for the past fifteen years.

The young couple shares many other interests besides travel. When asked what they do for fun, Melanie happily replies, “During the weekend (if you can catch us in town!), you’ll find Auggie and me checking out a new restaurant, planning a couples game night, visiting an art gallery, visiting an open house for midcentury modern design inspo, or listening to a vinyl record with a favorite cocktail. We truly enjoy each other’s company and have a great time together — we are always striving to ‘live our best lives.’”

The Sanders’ favorite family tradition is throwing an annual themed party. For their Canyon Creek housewarming, they threw a 1970s party as a nod to purchasing a midcentury modern home. They had a food truck, wait staff and a bartender to serve their almost sixty guests. In 2021, they hosted a Harlem Renaissance party with themed cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and more. Last year, they took a break to travel instead but are looking forward to more fun parties in 2023.

If you’re looking for Melanie and Auggie in the neighborhood, head to The Fifth! They love it and dine there at least once a month. Says Auggie, “The service is amazing, the food is delicious, and we love how convenient it is to our home.” So glad HGTV found a special house in Canyon Creek for the Sanders family and that they now call the neighborhood home.

Melanie and Auggie at The Fifth

Special Interest

Cottonwood’s Creative Community

Cottonwood Art Festival, a Richardson highlight, comes to town on Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7. Niki Gulley and Rodgers Naylor are two of the many talented artists whose works will be on display at the annual event. When you’re at the festival, stop and say hello!

NIKI GULLEY

Tell our readers about your art.

I consider my style to be contemporary impressionism, specializing in highly textured landscape paintings. I just love how these pieces explode with color and energy, leap off the canvas and come to life. My father is blind, so I think I subconsciously started working with so much thick paint in part because of his disease. He can feel my paintings and imagine what they look like.

I draw inspiration from nature: being immersed amongst the forest and treetops, colorful wildflowers, and water in all its forms—ocean, lake, waterfall or river. My goal is to lift people’s spirits and bring the beauty of nature inside their homes and workspaces.

What made you want to become a professional artist?

After graduation, I began work as an art director for a Dallas magazine. I painted on nights and weekends and then made the leap to being a full-time artist two decades ago and never looked back. The journey has been a lot of work but so worth it. I started out showing my work at local art shows and then expanded to galleries and exhibitions across the country.

What piece of art or art series that you have completed is your favorite?

A few years ago, I decided I wanted to go bigger, so after painting a 48” x 90” triptych, I got the idea to go even taller with a 72” x 72” quadriptych, which is a four-panel painting. By painting from the vantage point of looking

up and gazing into the treetops, I can express the child-like wonder that we often start to lose as adults. The size helps the observer feel like he or she is standing right in the middle of the woods, truly surrounded by nature.

What do you like about exhibiting at Cottonwood Art Festival?

During the twenty years I have exhibited, I’ve developed close relationships with my collectors, who come out every year to support me and the other artists. It’s such a gift to connect with everyone and I love the beautiful setting of the festival.

You can find Niki Gulley's work at http://nikigulley.com.

Villa View

Awakenings

Niki painting in Iceland

RODGERS NAYLOR

We’d like to get to know you as an artist.

I am an oil painter. I also draw with pencils and pens, but only for myself. This may sound circular, but one big reason I became a professional artist was so that I could continue to paint as much as I want! I was past the age of forty when I made this decision.

What is your “trademark” in your works of art?

I am known for my depiction of light. My subjects ranges far and wide, but light is always key. Over the years we have seen art used for every purpose from selling tires to critiquing the world we live in. I try to add a bit of sparkle and joy to the lives of my customers through my work and I’m always very pleased when I hear that I’ve managed to succeed at it.

What artwork have you completed that makes you most proud and why?

In general, the ones I enjoy most are either those that challenged me on the way to successful completion or the ones that just seemed to roll off the brush, almost as if the painting painted itself, as did my piece “Autumn Afternoon.” It included architecture and human figures, two elements notoriously easy to miss. In painting this piece, I felt every brushstroke going on just right the first time. Very satisfying!

What do you like about exhibiting at Cottonwood Art Festival?

I’ve been exhibiting there for two decades at every single show, with the exception of the pandemic. I absolutely love the wonderful, art-loving audience. Close behind that is the great team of people that keeps it so well-organized and brings such a positive attitude to the event. The Boy Scouts, the Richardson Police and the volunteers are all people I look forward to seeing each time. The location is very pleasant, too.

You can learn more about Rodgers’ work at http://rnaylorstudio.com.

Rodgers at easel

Autumn Afternoon

End of the Day

CANYON CREEK REAL ESTATE

Keller Williams Central angela.green@kw.com Phone: 214-893-4171

Information above was obtained from NTREIS. Properties were listed and/or sold by many Brokers between 2/1/23 - 3/31/23.

CANYON CREEK IS MOVING! Properties are selling! In addition to these sold properties above, we have 12 properties that are pending. It IS still a great time to sell! So, if you are considering selling, please call us and we can give you an update on the market and provide you with a complimentary market analysis. Don’t leave money on the table!

Each office is independently owned and operated.

THEN & NOW

Matilda “Tilly” Austin

Joyous, Enthusiastic and Kind

Tell us your name, what school you currently attend and what year you are in school.

I’m Matilda "Tilly" Austin. I attend Plano Academy High School and am a first-year learner (ninth grade).

What schools did you attend prior to the Academy?

I have attended Beth Torah Preschool, Aldridge Elementary and Wilson Middle School.

Tell us what activities you are involved in and why you enjoy them.

I am involved in the Academy’s FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) Robotics Team 5431. Overall, I like the feeling of community. With almost fifty kids on the team, I find it easy to talk to and make friends with the people there. I also like the environment of the competition itself. When we are at the competitions, we have the ability to walk around and talk to other teams and learn about them.

5431 is a large team. There are several different branches of the team: Metalworking, Build, Electronics, Programming, Marketing, SNS (Scouting/Strategy), CAD, SOFA (Sponsorships, Outreach, Fundraising and Awards) and Drive. I am in SNS. Our team is funded mainly by sponsors such as NASA, Texas Instruments and many others. We compete with fellow teams in the state and country for a chance to go further in the competition.

In mid-April, we will be going to the FIRST Championship state competition in Houston. During this competition, I will be in the stands studying other robotics teams and writing down how many points they make throughout the game. That’s what SNS is all about. I look to see what aspect of the game their robots excel at. I will also be working as a cheerleader and lose my voice in an effort to show my love for a metal block on wheels!

Outside of school, in what other activities are you involved?

Besides school, I participate in Scouts BSA. I am the rank of Life Scout at the moment and am working on getting my Eagle. I’m in Troop 198 and one of the founding members of our girls’ troop. On April 10, I will become our troop’s SPL (Senior Patrol Leader). I also volunteer for Dallas Street Dog Advocates with my mother.

How long have you lived in Canyon Creek and what do you love most about living here? If you can think of a funny or awesome story of living here, please share it!

I’ve been living in Canyon Creek since the age of about ten months old. During the middle of Covid, my neighbors’ chicken coop caught on fire. During that time, in order to make sure my neighbors’ house didn’t burn down, my father worked his hardest to make sure the fire was put out. When the firemen arrived, I got to watch the hilari-

ous view of firemen trying to wrangle chickens for thirty minutes!

Tell us a favorite story about an exciting moment during school.

In eighth grade, I managed to write and edit a play called “Something About Cabbages,” have Wilson’s theater group perform it, and watch it being performed. I did it without my parents knowing it ever happened…until about two months ago when I realized I forgot to tell them.

Anything else you would love for your neighbors to know about you?

Before I go, I would just like to say that interest in the Academy High School is down for next year. Academy is a wonderful program where learners work in a project-based environment, with small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios. The Academy is a great place to shine, whether you are an honors student or an average one. It’s a community that works together to achieve great things. The Robotics team is a perfect example of the camaraderie and teamwork the school builds as a part of the program.

NOTE: Titan Robotics is a FIRST Robotics Competition Team. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. To learn more about FIRST or the 5431 Titan Robotics team, visit http://frc5431.com .

Live your best life at home

TThe mission of Energy Attic is so simple it’s brilliant. Transform attics. Transform lives. They operate by doing what’s right, loving people, and working humbly to make an eternal difference. Based on Micah 6:8, that vision has been the driving force behind this Christian-owned and operated business since 2005. Energy Attic Owner Ryan Amerson 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 our industry!” Ryan said. “We do our part by making your home more comfortable, improving your indoor air quality, and saving you money on your utility bills. Put simply, we want to transform your attic space which will transform your living space, so your home can be all that it should be”. It’s something they’ve done for over 10,000 happy families, creating environments where people can love others through a comfortable and safe home. “There’s a Mother Theresa quote we love,” Ryan said. “If you

he mission of Energy Attic is so simple it’s brilliant. Transform attics. Trans-form lives. ey operate by doing what’s right, loving people, and working hum-bly to make an eternal di erence. Based on Micah 6:8, that vision has been the driving force behind this Christian-owned and operated business for 13 years. Energy Attic Founder and Owner Ryan Amerson and COO Guy Charles be-gin and end each day asking themselves how they can make life better for their clients, their em-ployees, their community, and their world. And their e orts have resulted in 10-fold growth over the years.

“We want people to live their best life at home,” Ryan said. “We do our part by making your home more comfortable, improving your indoor air quality, and saving you money on your utility bills. Put simply, we want to transform your attic space which will transform your living space, so you can live your best life.” It’s something they’ve done for over 10,000 happy families, creating environments where people can love others through a comfortable and safe home.

want to change the world, go home and love your family.” He added, “we’re all about creating healthy, comfortable homes so our friends and neighbors can do just that. What could you accomplish if your home was comfortable and dust and allergies were not an issue?”

“ ere’s a Mother eresa quote we love,” Guy said. “ ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’ We’re all about creating healthy, comfortable homes so our friends and neighbors can do just that. What could you ac-complish if your home was comfortable and dust and allergies were not an issue?”

HERE’S HOW THEY MAKE IT HAPPEN:

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Echoes From The Canyon

SPRING FORTH! 2023

Let’s collectively enjoy the entire two weeks of Spring afforded to us as Texans while counting our blessings that unlike the Johnny Horton song, when it’s Springtime in Texas, it’s not 40 (degrees) below!

Having already heralded the arrival of Matt Walker to our Board in the most recent issue of Echoes from the Canyon with 76 Trombones, it will be the equivalent (wait a minute, there is no equivalent) of bringing the entire Fighting Texas Aggie Marching Band to presage the news I am pleased to share with you!

The piece of property on the southeast corner of Collins and Fall Creek will soon become Jay Dalehite Park! The projected ribbon cutting will be in the Fall of 2023. You can bet your boots that it will be a gala like no other as we honor the man who has lived his life in service to our Country as a Veteran, as one who helped ensure energy independence to our Nation as an executive and one who has, more than any other by a factor of about a million, invested himself into creating our special sense of place in Canyon Creek. If we in Canyon Creek had the power to issue currency, Jay’s visage would grace our $100 bill.

The developers (Blue Ocean) will be investing $5.25 million into the underperforming Hyatt House to re-invent the structure into apartments that will in part serve as residences for nursing students at the adjacent West Coast University. They will literally be able to walk across the street to attend classes. The property where Jay’s Park will be located is also owned as part of the Hyatt House parcel and having heard that Indians in the Mountains sing folk songs of Jay’s good deeds to our neighborhood, the developers believed it to be the highest and best use for that three-quarter acre piece of property. And you know, we think it is only fitting that it be so.

The events of the last three years have simultaneously been some of our finest and some of our darkest moments as a functioning society. Many who had been financial contributors and volunteers at the Network are now clients who receive needed food. There is no starker "thud, hit-you-in-the-face reality" than seeing empty shelves at Network. If your economic reality has landed you more softly than your neighbors, please consider donating food, funds or your time. If you are able, please give. If you need, please receive, knowing there is a high focus on the dignity of the individual at Network.

Our Animal Shelter has been running at full capacity for too long. There are people who adopted dogs to keep them company during the lockdowns who have surrendered them. There are people who through economic hardship feel they can no longer afford to care for a pet who are surrendering them. The human tragedy we have endured as a society has repercussed into the lives of our furry friends. If you have the room in your heart and home with which to receive unconditional love that will make everything else in your life more meaningful, please consider fostering and adopting.

Whether out of habit, funds or fear, many seem to have curtailed their once-busy social calendars into a more sedate and home alone lifestyle. I encourage everyone to take pleasure in a cost effective manner by assembling with your neighbors at Wildflower. I recall with unalloyed joy in my heart the irie of dancing with The Wailers last year and there are many more memories to be made this year. Onward! We got this!

I hope something good happens to you today.

Warren Caldwell Canyon Creek Homeowners Association - President

Patriotic T-Shirt Design Contest & Fourth of July Parade

The 10th Annual Canyon Creek Homeowners Association Patriotic T-Shirt Design Contest is underway! Show your patriotic and neighborhood pride by submitting a unique design for this year’s contest. The winning entry will be featured on the T-shirts for our neighbors to wear to the 4th of July Parade.

All T-shirt design entries are due by June 9!

See Official Rules & Guidelines at http://canyoncreekhomeowners.com.

If you would like to become a sponsor for the T-shir t, send an email to tshirt@canyoncreekhomeowners.com

SAVE THE PARADE DATE

Tuesday, July 4th

Parade begins at 10:15 am Celebration at Canyon Creek Country Club immediately after parade Bounce Houses, Snow Cones, Face Painting, Music, Food & Drink

Begonia Sale & Network Food Drive a Huge Success!

Each year our CCHOA hosts a begonia sale with the express purpose of beautifying the neighborhood, activating our volunteer network, and creating a sense of community and camaraderie. Because of a dire need for food at Richardson’s Network of Community Ministries this month, the Board decided to add a food drive to the event, which was held Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1.

The weekend was a smashing success! We sold $3,324 worth of begonias—a sell out!—and donated 668 pounds of food to Network. States Canyon Creek resident and Network of Community Ministries President and CEO Abbie Kaufman, “Network of Community Ministries is honored by the generosity of the Canyon Creek community. With the increased demand for our services, food remains a critical need for our Community Market and Mobile Markets. Your food drive is a testament to the care our community shows for each other. Time and time again, this wonderful neighborhood has answered the call to support our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. On behalf of the 26,000+ individuals that turn to Network for assistance annually, thank you.”

In spite of our recent efforts, Network’s need is still great, especially heading into the summer months. In case you missed the neighborhood food drive, you can learn how to volunteer or to donate funds/ food/clothing/other supplies by visiting http://thenetwork.org.

ATTENTION FLAG PROGRAM MEMBERS!

Installing 1,800 flags to specific addresses in fewer than 24 hours is a logistical feat, but our four Scouts BSA units do a great job with the list of addresses we give them on the Wednesday before they install the flags. Last minute orders are a huge hassle, so we have established a new deadline: for a flag to be placed at your address, you must pay your flag program dues by the Monday PRIOR TO the installment weekend.

If you would like to have a flag to commemorate Memorial Day, you will need to have paid your flag program dues by Monday, May

22. But why wait? Make your CCHOA dues and flag program payment today. If you are not sure whether you have paid, contact us at cchaemail@aol.com to find out.

God Bless America!

Jay Dalehite CCHOA Membership/Flag Director Proud Canyon Creek resident for 50 years

Decker’s Candy Corner

The Sweetest Business in Canyon Creek

What is your name and the name of your business?

My name is Decker Mello. I'm eleven years old and my company is Decker's Candy Corner.

How long have you been in business?

Well…selling it out of my window, I've only been in business for less than a year, but before that I would still sell candy.

Tell us about Decker’s Candy Corner. I sell candy out of my bedroom window. My friend Blake came up with the name Decker's Candy Corner because our house is on the corner of two streets (Sutton Place and Ridgehaven Place) and my room is the corner room. People walk up on the little bricks and then ring the doorbell by my window. If I'm not there, I can hear it anywhere in my house and then I sell candy to them.

Blake's older brother Jaden does the website. He's amazing at it. He also takes orders from the kids at North Junior High, brings them to me, and then delivers the candy to them the next day at school. They are really nice friends.

Tell our readers about how you got started and why you chose candy for your business.

I would go play soccer tournaments far away with kids I didn't know. I would put a bunch of candy in my soccer backpack and take it with me on the plane. When I would show it to them after training, it was kind of a way to make friends and get to know them. When I would come back the next time, one of the first things they would ask was, “Did you bring any candy to sell?” And of course I did. I would also set it up on the tables in our hotel rooms and my parents and siblings were my only customers.

I just kind of liked the thought of candy. It makes me happy. Candy is just a happy thing—it’s so colorful. There's nothing bad about it. It makes other people happy and that makes me happy, so it's just a win-win.

What do you like about being in the candy business?

It's fun to collect new candy and admire the whole collection I am building and

adding on to. If people are really asking for something, it's so fun when I get it and can sell it to them. It's really exciting for me when I see their reactions because they know I got it just for them.

What are the three most common questions customers ask you?

"How do you have this much candy?” “Do you eat the candy?” (I tell them it's tempting, but no). “How much money do you make?”

Tell us a favorite story about your business.

So, on the snow days, everybody was out of school and all the stores were closed. It made them think of coming to my store to buy stuff, and after that they would go sledding. They would come get candy and a Prime to drink and sled down the hill by my house. They all looked so happy the whole time. Most of them came back every day that week.

Also, one night before bed just for fun, I recorded a video of me filling a fake order from my store and put it on TikTok. The next day it had over 100,000 views. I couldn't believe it. Now that same video has over 1.1 million views! I was like wait, what? That's insane!

Tell us about your family.

I have a mom and dad, Ashley and Eddie. I have one older brother, Wesley. He's thirteen and in sixth grade at PCE. I

The Mello family

Decker in his "shop"

also have one younger sister named Birdie. She's nine and in third grade at Prairie Creek—and I'm in fifth. I think my dad works with something with oil and gas and my mom does Spanish tutoring for older kids. We’ve been in Canyon Creek six years. My parents really like the school and the neighborhood.

What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?

I like it because it's a small neighborhood. Everybody is kind. I almost know like not everybody but almost everybody, and it's easier to take care of the customers when I kind of know them. I went to a different school for two years, and when I came back to PCE, everyone was really nice to me like I had been there the whole time. They remembered me. That made me feel good.

There are a lot of hills, so it's fun if it's snowing to go sledding. I know where all my friends live, like right around the corner. If I want to play, I only have to walk or ride my bike for 1-5 minutes to find a friend.

Anything else you would like your neighbors to know about your business?

I want them to know about my candy store and to come visit! If the light is on, we're open. I restock all the time with the latest candy. I like to get the latest 'exotics' that are trending and really popular but also keep the old school favorites stocked because those sell really well, too. My favorite part is seeing the smiles on the people's faces when they walk off with their candy.

How do you think having the Candy Corner will help you in your future?

It teaches me a lot about interacting with people. It's helping me learn about business and how to make money better. My customers are really loyal and I love it that they always come back. I think in a year I'll still have my store, but it will be majorly upgraded for sure, maybe take up my whole room? I just really don't like to give up on things.

TikTok: @decker897

YouTube:

www.jamesmwatsondds.com

@DeckersCandyCorner Decker and his customers

Canyon Creek Allstate Insurance

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage to My Belongings While Moving?

When you're moving, you likely have a lot of belongings that are going with you to your new home. You may be wondering whether your homeowners insurance protects your things if something happens to them during the move.

The answer is: not necessarily. While homeowners insurance generally does help cover your personal possessions, the loss has to be related to a peril that's listed in your policy. Covered perils generally include risks like fire and theft. So, if there's a theft out of the moving truck, you may find that homeowners insurance helps cover the loss.

Your homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for belongings damaged during a move in certain situations. For instance, if the moving truck is in an accident while transporting your belongings and your property is damaged, you’ll likely be covered by your homeowners policy. In some cases, though, you may see that your coverage limits are lower while your belongings are being transported during a move. Your agent can help answer any questions about your specific policy.

KNOW YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

The deductible for your personal property coverage will still apply. That's the amount you'll pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. So, for instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible and $5,000 worth of furniture stolen from the moving truck, you'll typically find that your policy will reimburse you $4,000, as long as it's within the limits of your policy.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

It's also important to know that, whether it's during a move or not, any property covered by homeowners insurance will only be protected up to the limits on your policy. Your policy may also include a lower limit for your personal property while it's away from your home. Talk to your agent to find out how your own policy may help protect your belongings during your move.

In addition, different standard limits exist depending on the category of property. For instance, your policy may state maximum coverage amounts for valuables such as jewelry or baseball cards. You may, however, be

able to purchase additional protection, called scheduled personal property coverage, for specific, high-value items.

UNDERSTAND THEFT VS. BREAKAGE

While your homeowners policy will likely cover theft, when it comes to damaged property, it isn't likely to provide coverage for items that break during your move. Suppose your movers drop a table and the legs break off, or they tear the canvas on that expensive oil painting. A typical homeowners insurance policy won't cover breakage, but you may find that a moving company offers its own insurance for that type of risk.

Once again, scheduling items of significant value—such as an expensive oil painting— may offer greater coverage and the scheduled item will typically be covered no matter where the loss or damage occurs.

TALK TO YOUR AGENT

By contacting your agent a month or two before your move, you can learn what type of coverage your current policy may provide for your move, go over your change of address, and review coverage options and limits for your new place. It's also an opportunity to go over any expected changes to your premiums with the new home.

Talking with your agent well in advance of your move is an opportunity to ensure that you have all the coverages you want when you move to your new home. Then, with the protections you need solidly in place, you can focus on getting settled in your new home and enjoying the days ahead.

PLEASE

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Election Day: May 6, 2023

Early Voting: April 24 - May 2

Last Day to Register to Vote:

April 6

“You have our vote!”

“Bob looks people in the eyes, builds rapport and respect quickly, and makes you feel like you’ re the most important person in the room. He has courage to ask hard questions with a charitable and humble tone that commands a serious response.”

Bob DeVoll, retired RISD leader

“There is no one more qualified to lead our great city than Bob Dubey. As an RISD Coach and Athletic Director, Bob rose to leadership positions at the regional and state level, earning a state Hall of Honor award. He chaired four Richardson City Commissions including the 2014 -15 Charter Review Commission and then served six years as Richardson City Councilman, Place 1.”

- Mark Solomon, former Richardson Mayor Pro Tem

- Brenda and Bert Duckett