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
School’s out…let the summertime fun begin! Because our son Will is now twenty and a college student at Texas A&M—WHOOP—who makes his own plans, I no longer worry about filling the endless summer days with trips to the pool, sleepovers, summer reading and more. But I do remember those times and recall Richardson having many fun and inexpensive ways to keep the littles entertained. My guess is you’re already knee-deep in discovering those options as well as planning sleepaway camps, swimming lessons, trips to the library…whatever it takes to make the summer of 2023 a memorable one.
You can add Canyon Creek Life and our sister publication, Richardson Life Magazine, to your summer reading list. In this issue of Canyon Creek Life , we celebrate our Golden Couple, Jay and Sandy Dalehite, who have lived in the neighborhood for five decades and have given so much of their time and dedication to Canyon Creek. And we also share with you the inspiring story of BRYJO Roofing and Remodeling and its owners, Michael and Maria Harris.
We’re giving a shout-out to Girl Scout Troop 2126, who are determined to bring a petfriendly water station and two Mutt Mitt stands to Custer Park. They need our collective financial help to make it happen. And did you know that we have several book clubs who meet regularly in Canyon Creek? Maybe you are in one yourself. You’ll find out about a couple of them in this publication. And we’ll introduce you to Hopper the tiny doodle and her big sis Penny. As always, there’s much to celebrate in Canyon Creek!
I am a cold-weather lover originally from the Texas Panhandle and our family spent lots of time in the New Mexico mountains escaping the heat, so you won’t cross paths with me outdoors this summer unless it’s late in the evening. But I hope we’ll run into each other at Eiland or Sweet Firefly or some other fun place in Richardson. Be sure to stop and say hello, even if we’ve never met. And be sure to support the advertisers in Canyon Creek Life They are the reason we can tell your stories.
Gratefully,
Patti Otte
Photographer Kyla Obert
Special Thanks
Jay and Sandy Dalehite, Michael and Maria Harris, Girl Scout Troop 2126, Meg Austin, Jessica Cashiola and Tiffany McGarry
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
Tell us your names and the names of your pets.
My name is Tiffany McGarry; my sons are Jack (12) and Sam (9). We have three-year-old Penny and Hopper, who we believe is going on two years old.
What type of pets are they?
Hopper...well, we're not sure what Hopper is! He is definitely some sort of a teacup poodle mix, a doodle of sorts. Penny is a cockapoo.
How did your pups become part of your family?
Penny was our COVID-19 puppy. We got her March 14, 2020, when I thought I’d be working from home for a few weeks and would finally have the time to potty train a puppy. Turns out I had a lot of time! Last summer we knew we wanted to adopt another dog into our family, so I started scrolling through Pet Finder in the evenings. After at least a month of browsing, one night the smallest dog I had ever seen popped up as available with a rescue organization. He was currently with a foster family who had found him at Fort Worth Animal Services. He had been surrendered in a very neglected state and I knew right away he was the one!
Hopper joined our family in September of 2022, which is wild because it feels like he's always been with us. At the same time we adopted Hopper, the boys and I had just finished a summer of binge-watching the entire Stranger Things series and we had wrapped up the latest season shortly before adopting him. One of the characters on the show is named Hopper. With this tiny, bouncy dog, the name really fit! We are so happy to give Hopper the home he always deserved.
Tell us about your pets: fun tricks, unique talents, quirky personality, etc. Hopper only weighs four pounds, but in his heart he's the biggest dog in the neighborhood. He is very social and, twice a week, he knows to wait by the back door to catch his ride to Hot Diggity Dog Daycare. He loves to visit with his friends! Hopper is also a champion at standing on his back legs and hopping around. He is a huge cuddler as well and likes to sleep under the blankets at night. Penny is a ball fetching powerhouse! Playing fetch is her favorite activity. She asks for belly rubs from anyone, anywhere, any time.
How long have you lived in Canyon Creek? We have lived in Canyon Creek for 10 years.
What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?
I love the people in Canyon Creek the most! Raising my two boys here has been wonderful and it’s something I brag about regularly.
Please share with us a funny or awesome story of living in the neighborhood.
Hopper has been known to dart out of the front door if he catches a glimpse of a walker or jogger that he needs to say hello to. The wonderful people of the neighborhood have helped me catch him several times in the intersection of Custer and Canyon Creek Drive!
Is there anything else you would love for your neighbors to know about you or your pets?
The neighbors in Canyon Creek are stellar, but what I never expected was how amazing the pet community here is. Not only have my own pets made lifelong friends, but so have I.
You love your home and you spend a lot of time there, but when the sun is shining, all you want to do is go outside. When the temperatures rise, your thoughts turn to outdoor living, so why not transform your patio into the perfect outdoor space?
With a few simple and inexpensive upgrades, you can turn your outdoor living space into a thing of wonder and a place everyone will want to be. Here are ten small things that will give you big benefits when you head outside for some fresh air.
1. Hang out in a deck-mounted hammock chair. There is nothing as relaxing as swinging in a hammock and you do not need a lot of space to unwind and relax. Setting up a hammock chair on your deck or hanging it from a sturdy overhead post will give you endless relaxation for a very affordable price.
2. Expand your mind with an outdoor reading nook. If you love to read a great book on a warm sunny day, why not set up a dedicated reading space on your deck, porch, or patio? All you need is a comfy chair and possibly a table where you can set your book down while you enjoy a delicious sip of lemonade. Accessorize with plants and pillows to make your space cozy and inviting.
3. Stay productive in your outdoor working space. Working from home has
become increasingly popular, so why not take the office outside when the sun is shining? Setting up a basic outdoor workspace is fast and easy, especially if you use a laptop that can be set up virtually anywhere.
4. Go beyond the grill with a full-function outdoor kitchen. Grilling is a summertime tradition, but you can go beyond the basics when you set up an outdoor kitchen. You can make your outdoor cooking space as simple or elaborate as you like, based on your individual needs and budget.
5. Entertain in style with an outdoor bar. If you enjoy a beer with your buddies, why not go beyond the cooler by setting up a fully stocked outdoor bar? An outdoor bar is the perfect place to chat, relax and unwind after a hard day at work.
6. Enjoy your favorite tunes with weatherproof wireless speakers. In the days of Wi-Fi networks and smart speakers, the music you love can literally follow you everywhere—including the deck, patio and porch. Strategically placed wireless and waterproof speakers can expand your entertainment options, especially if you sync them with your favorite voice assistant.
7. Give your feet a soft landing with an outdoor-friendly carpet. If you use traditional carpet on your deck, you will
soon end up with a soggy mess, but there is a better alternative. Outdoor carpet is a great way to treat your feet, and for a very affordable price.
8. Create the perfect ambiance with solar lights and lanterns. You do not need to string wires or worry about electrical cables, not when you have abundant sunshine. Solar lighting is the perfect complement to your outdoor living space, so light things up and get ready to have a great time.
9. Green up your thumb with a container garden. You do not need a lot of space to grow delicious vegetables or colorful flowers - with a suitable container, you can create a luscious garden right on your porch or patio.
10. Relax with a soothing water feature. There is something deeply relaxing about listening to running water and you can create a lovely water element right on your deck or patio. From elaborate fountains and fishponds to simpler water elements, the choice is up to you.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to expand and enhance your outdoor living space. With a few simple upgrades, you can make the space outside your home just as charming, just as fun, and just as beautiful as the space within the four walls of your home. It is time to enjoy the summer sun with some patio fun!
If you have lived in Canyon Creek for any amount of time, you have heard of Canyon Creek Life’s June Golden Couple, Jay and Sandy Dalehite. Sandy and/or Jay can regularly be found at Canyon Creek Country Club, Starbucks, or driving around in a golf cart in the neighborhood. They have resided at their current house on Meadowlark Drive since 1973. The couple met on a ski trip in Aspen and recently celebrated their fifty-year
wedding anniversary. Jay, born and raised in Galveston, is now a young 92-year-old, while Sandy, a Muncie, Indiana native, is a spry 82.
An avid golfer, Sandy “hits the links” three or four times a week. The couple have been members of Canyon Creek Country Club as long as they’ve lived here, but while the golf course is being completely rebuilt, Sandy plays at other courses in
the area. She’s also a board member of the Texas Golf Association, works as a rules official at various golf tournaments in the Texas area.
Jay has three children from a former marriage and he and Sandy have two boys. The couple now has 23 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. The two daughters and most of the grandchildren live in California. The oldest daughter is an ad-
ministrative head of a religious elementary school and the youngest is a registered hospice nurse. The oldest son is a radiologist practicing in Midland, while their two youngest sons work in the computer field in the Dallas area.
Jay, a University of Houston graduate (Signa Alpha Epsilon), worked for Shell Oil's Chemical Division for forty years in Houston, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas. He retired thirty years ago. Sandy graduated from Purdue University (Kappa Kappa Gamma) and worked at IBM for thirty years before retirement forty years ago. Jay was in ROTC in college and graduated as a Second Lieutenant. He spent the next two years assigned to an Atomic Weapons storage facility outside of Fort Hood.
Jay has been a lifetime volunteer. He spent five decades as an adult Boy Scout Leader, starting out as a Cubmaster in New Jersey in 1964 and ending up as a District Commissioner in the old Great Plains District in Plano. For twenty of those years, he was Aldridge Elementary’s Cub Scout Pack 262’s Committee Chair. He retired from active Scouting in 2014, but still teaches a class at the University of Scouting on Creative Fundraising. During
his Scouting career, Jay was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, which acknowledges adult Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council.
In terms of neighborhood involvement, Jay’s greatest contribution has been as a board member of the Canyon Creek Homeowners Association. After he retired professionally, Jay was asked by some of his tennis friends to join them on the CCHOA Board of Directors. He agreed and was made VP of Membership but with a catch: no job description existed. Since his friends couldn’t answer his many questions about the association (number of members, how much money the organization had in the bank, dues payments, boundaries, etc.), he reached out to the treasurer. At the time the dues were $10, the group had $200, and there were 200 dues-paying members.
Then-President Betty Bettacchi informed Jay that, according to the by-laws, the VP of Membership would become president if the president resigned, which she promptly did. Jay remembers, “I rolled up my sleeves and spent fifteen years as President building the CCHOA up to what it is today. I then stepped down but continued doing much of the work.”
When asked what he personally believes his greatest CCHOA contribution has been, Jay replies, “Definitely the Flag Program. A good friend of mine, Dennis Stewart, former City Council Member, Richardson Police Lieutenant and President of the (now defunct) Central Rotary Club, came to me with a proposal to jointly run a Flag Program in Canyon Creek. The Rotary Club would buy and assemble the flags, rent a storage area, and dig the pipes in the ground. CCHOA
Jay and Sandy at Newport Beach The Dalehite familywould supply the customers, collect the money, recruit the Scouts to install the flags, and provide the delivery info to the scouts. The money would be given to the Rotary to support their charities.”
The partnership was a tremendous success but ended when Stewart moved to Denton and Jay took it over completely. The highly successful flag program now has 1,800 out of 2,800 homes participating. With this many flags to place, Jay shares that the program can be administrative and logistical nightmare. But he goes on to say, “Fortunately, I have it planned well and have some valuable volunteer residents that I refer to as my Flag Staff.”
When asked about Jay, Warren Caldwell, current CCHOA president, fondly states, “Jay is emblematic of the Greatest Generation. He quietly lives a vigorous life of service for others without seeking fame or fanfare. His life and his contributions to our neighborhood are an aspirational goal for all of us to follow.” Canyon Creek is lucky to have the Dalehites living in our neighborhood and we are grateful for their many contributions.
JAY’S ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
• Unsung Hero Award 2021
• Chairman of the City Sign Control Board for ten years
• Graduate of Leadership Richardson Class 17
• Graduate of Citizens Police Academy
• Graduate of Citizens Fire Academy
• Lifetime member of Texas PTA
• CCCC Board of Governors member
How long has BRYJO been in existence?
BRYJO Roofing and Remodeling has been serving the DFW Metroplex since 2000 with more than 3,500 satisfied customers to date. And many of the 3,600 projects we have completed have been multiple projects for repeat customers who have been pleased with our work.
Tell us about your business (what do you do, where do you do it, etc.)
BRYJO is a full-service roofing and remodeling company with design/build capabilities. Michael Harris became a roof installer in 1986, then an estimator and
project manager for a Dallas general contractor, specializing in insurance losses (hail damage, fire and water damage). After that, he became an insurance property claims adjuster, at which time he recognized the need for quality contractor services provided with honesty and integrity.
In April of 2020, BRYJO was founded; it operates as two separate divisions under one firm. Our roofing division provides services for roof replacements, roof and exterior repairs, siding, and window replacements through most of the DFW area. Our remodel-
ing division provides turn-key services for the redesign and remodel of bathrooms, kitchens, whole house renovations and room additions. We also have design/build capabilities. We choose projects within 30 minutes from our office so we can be on site daily to ensure our projects are progressing as expected.
What makes BRYJO unique in its field?
The firm’s principal and lead carpenter has more than 35 years of roofing and carpentry experience coupled with extensive training. Aside from physical training and adjuster licensing for Michael, Maria has had exten-
sive “Aging in Place” and Universal Design training through the National Association of Remodeling. We are also unique in that we are people of strong faith and integrity and are deeply rooted in our community. That means that when we run a project, we make sure that all potentially problematic spaces are exposed to assure our crews and our clients that the spaces are safe and brought to code.
Another of BRYJO’s unique qualities is that our crews are skilled labor, most masters of their craft. They know how to work on existing homes, not just new construction. A huge gap exists in the supply of quality labor these days, but with more than 23 years in business, we have developed excellent relationships with our vendors and area able to secure top notch teams.
What skills do you find most necessary in running your business?
Strong communication skills, being detail-oriented, and possessing analytical and organizational skills.
What inspired you to do what you do?
We are inspired by our faith and our desire to help folks. For our clients who have had
a significant insurance loss, our mission has been to move them from a place of sadness and anxiety to a place of peace and excitement (looking forward). For remodels and roof projects, we want to provide our clients with service they can trust and bring their dreams to reality. We love helping people and we are blessed to build long-standing relationships with many of our clients. It matters to us that our clients trust us. We do not take that trust for granted and are honored to have it. These days, customer service can be very difficult. We must enjoy what we do for our clients in order to continue building our legacy with BRYJO.
If you had three words to describe yourselves, what would they be?
Faith, Integrity, Servant-heart. Michael and I have been married for 29 years. We have put God first, then our marriage, our children and then our business. We do the right thing the first time, every time (even when people aren’t looking or don’t know any better). We both like to serve our friends, our biblical community, our family, our neighbors, our clients and sometimes strangers. Michael coached soccer with the YMCA for many years. We currently sup -
port two non-profit organizations for kids: City House in Plano and the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County.
Do you live in Canyon Creek? If so, what brought you here?
We have lived in Canyon Creek for 20 years. Michael grew up in Dallas and said he always loved Richardson and knew he wanted to raise a family here. Soccer practices for twelve years at Canyon Creek Park, letting our boys ride their bikes to hang out with friends, and walking to school...these and so many other aspects of the neighborhood give it the small town feel we love and are grateful to have found.
Tell us about your family (names, ages, schools, work, etc.)
We have four children: Bryan, Joshua, Luke and Mark. Our children went through RISD (CCE, Richardson North Jr. High, JJP) with our youngest, Mark, currently an incoming Senior at JJ Pearce. Bryan, 26, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019 with a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a focus on Project Management. He currently works with us at BRYJO as an Estimator and Project Manager, specializing in problem-solving and space optimization. Joshua, 23, graduated from Ohio State in 2022 with a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and minor in Design. He currently works at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and lives in Baltimore, MD. Luke, 19, just completed his freshman year at Dallas Baptist University. Finally, we can’t forget our family dog, Nutmeg, who loves chasing squirrels and rabbits.
The Harris family
Tell us about the Juniors of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Troop 2126.
We have eight girls in GSNETX Troop 2126. Five are Juniors in fifth grade, three are Brownies in second grade. Six of the girls live in Canyon Creek. The five Juniors earning their Bronze award have been in the troop together for five years!
What do the girls love about their troop and/or about being Girl Scouts?
I like getting to hang out with my friends and make a difference.
Mae
…Learning useful skills and the fun activities.
Dahlia
I like making new friends and having fun with the old ones (just like our troop song says), but I also enjoy how Girl Scouts pushes me to try new things, and how we help the community, which always makes me feel like we're making a difference.
dette - grades 6-8; Senior - grades 9-10; and Ambassador - grades 11-12. In addition to rank, there are three levels of optional higher awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The girls can earn a Silver award as a Cadette or Senior Girl Scout, but the Gold award, similar to a Scouts BSA Eagle rank, can only be earned as an Ambassador. And while the Bronze and Silver can be earned as a group or individually, the highest level—Gold—is typically earned individually.
For each higher award, Girl Scouts put together a girl-led, community-driven project they are passionate about, plan it all, and execute it.
What is the project the girls are doing to earn their Bronze award?
What is needed from the community to support the girls?
What I enjoy most about Girl Scouts is doing hikes and nature walks and all of the community service activities, penny jars, blankets and Feed My Starving Children!
Abigail Ivy
I love having a group of friends to go camping with. And I love all the fun projects we do as a troop.
Willa
Tell us what a Bronze Award is. Girl Scouting advances by age: Daisy - grades K-1; Brownie - grades 2-3; Junior - grades 4-5; Ca-
They decided to help the dogs of Canyon Creek by providing their owners easier ways to care for their dogs in our very own Custer Park. Their project is to provide more pet waste stations and a dog-accessible water fountain in the park. Although the Brownies won’t be earning the award, they are still very excited to help. They are earning a badge and a patch in addition to getting to all hang out together with local dogs!
What is involved in making this project happen and what is the timeline for the project?
Troop 2126 Juniors met with Jeff Jackson, City of Richardson Parks Department, about the project. Jackson helped the girls set a financial goal of $5400 and gave them a fundraising board so they could visually see how much they raise. He also gave them suggestions for ways to secure financial sponsorships. They hope to reach their goal by the end of June. Jackson said the City would only need a short time to install the items once the $5400 goal is met.
The girls would like to ask the Canyon Creek community to donate to their cause in the form of individual donations or sponsorships from businesses. The troop can take mobile payments or cash and can provide a tax-deductible receipt if needed. To donate, contact Liz Scrogginthorpe at liz.scrogginthorpe@yahoo.com or look for flyers coming soon on social media and paper signs in the neighborhood.
Bette Perot Girl Scout Camp Projecting togetherInformation above was obtained from NTREIS. Properties were listed and/or sold by many Brokers between 4/1/23 - 5/31/23.
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.
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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
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When you see kiddos walking through the Creek unfettered by a school bell, doesn’t it take you back to that mystical feeling of an endless summer? When the crickets chirp is interrupted by the crack of a bat and the streetlights cast mysterious shadows that both beckon and court the intentionally embraced fear of a horror movie devotee. When the resumption of classes is as distant as a foreign land and the adventure begins at the home.
Please allow them the latter-day version of our experiences gifting them age-appropriate freedom and only tugging on the electronic leash when necessary.
Local elections are over and as always, if you run into anyone who ran or was elected to office, please honor them with an enthusiastic thank you. Our City Council has a rather large and extremely consequential task ahead of them in the form of an update to our Comprehensive Plan that will (and must) express the Community’s desired vision for the future. When completed, it will be used to guide the City’s land use and property development and provide a basis for future zoning decisions. It will also address infrastructure and transportation. Additional information may be found at https://www.EnvisionRichardson.com.
Please engage and bring your vision to this process. There is always room for citizens who bring solution-oriented thoughts, ruminations and asides in a calm and friendly manner.
Many of you may have seen the fund-raiser for Girl Scout Troop 2126. Their project is to add a water fountain in the
Neighborhood that will also be friendly to our dogs! Your HOA will be contributing to this worthy project. If you’d like to contribute, please contact Liz at Liz.Scrogginthorpe@yahoo. com or 972-897-7272. A $50 donation will place your name on a permanent plaque!
It is difficult to comprehend but our City is about to celebrate our Sesquicentennial! 150 years!! The Celebration will occur on Saturday, June 24th from 10am-2pm at the Main Street Plaza at 105 Interurban! There will be live music on two stages, games, a children’s area and the revealing of the City of Richardson 1973 time capsule hat was buried outside the Library. Please RSVP to Jenny Sanchez @jenny.sanchez@cor.gov or 972-744-4203. See you there!
Your Homeowner’s Association and the Canyon Creek Country Club will again partner to draw water from the well of our abundant patriotism as we celebrate our nation on July 4th! The festivities will begin at II Creeks and will end in front of the Country Club. We will again have free t-shirts sponsored by local businesses so please consider supporting them with your business. We will communicate additional details soon.
Thank you for adding pastels and patina to our piece of paradise. It wouldn’t be the same without you!
I hope something good happens to you today.
Warren Caldwell Canyon Creek HOA President
Jay Dalehite has worked tirelessly on behalf of Canyon Creek for more years than many of us have lived here and his efforts are being honored in a grand way. To recognize Jay’s many contributions to our neighborhood and his efforts to give Canyon Creek a special sense of place, a brand-new park is being created just outside the neighborhood. It will be officially known as Jay Dalehite Park.
At the southeast corner of Collins and Fall Creek, a triangular-shaped piece of property has been sitting vacant for years,
just across the street from the former Hyatt House. When Blue Ocean purchased Hyatt House, that empty lot was conveyed with the sale. Blue Ocean is in the process of investing more than $5 million to re-develop the hotel property.
While introducing themselves to Canyon Creek and Richardson, Blue Ocean met Jay and heard from many residents the remarkable extent to which he has selflessly invested himself into making Canyon Creek a better neighborhood for all. Just one example of his dedication is the Pa -
triotic Flag Program, which placed 1,800 flags in front of neighborhood homes this Memorial Day.
The principals at Blue Ocean decided that the highest and best use for the adjacent triangle-shaped property is a park in Jay’s honor. The initial rendering includes a flagpole and beautiful landscaping. However, the design may change as the planning stage continues. Stay tuned…a ribbon-cutting party will be a celebration like no other! We’ll send out details as soon as they are finalized.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 10:15 am
Our annual Fourth of July celebration and parade is just around the corner. The funfilled day begins at 10:15 am with a parade down Lookout Drive, followed by a celebration at the Canyon Creek Country Club. The party will include bounce houses, snow cones, face painting, food and drink. Don’t miss one of the best neighborhood events of the year!
What makes your book club special?
Our longevity of twenty-one-plus years. Everyone reads the books and makes an effort to attend our monthly meetings. Each member shares her opinions and insights. Our two rules for new members are to not be afraid to share… but also know there are strong views that may be very different from her own. We also have a Circle of Trust in that our conversations are kept strictly confidential.
What types of books do you collectively read?
Tell our readers about the Red Tent book club.
We have been meeting for more than twenty years. We call ourselves the Red Tent after the novel by Anita Diamant. It is the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah. The Red Tent is a magical place where all feel loved and supported and secrets are kept.
Who is the founder, and what made her want to start a book club?
Patricia Mulvihill is our founder. She always felt she was a poor reader and wanted to be forced to read one book a month. When their children had mostly started school, she and some of the other neighbors thought a book club would be a fun way to connect.
Once a year, we choose books and calendar dates. Hostesses can pick any type of book they like. We tend to choose fiction, including historical, contemporary and science fiction.
Can you share a favorite book club memory?
Traveling together for book club weekends. Themes for the food and décor. Each member really enjoys hosting and sharing extra information about the authors and the book settings. Laughter. So much laughter.
Is your club open to new members? If so, how do they join?
Currently we are not open to new members. We cap at twelve and the last opening was six years ago. These ladies are in it for the long haul!
Members who have moved in the last few years still travel back to attend. When we do get new members, they are usually nominated by a member and invited into the Tent.
RED TENT’S TOP FIVE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
• Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng
Tell our readers about your book club. What’s it called and how long have you been meeting?
TWA Book Club was established in October 2018 and meets on the first Monday of the month at The Wine Authority on Lookout.
Who is the founder, and what made you want to start a book club?
Jessica Cashiola and Jazz Kepner are founders of the TWA Book Club. When Jessica visited The Wine Authority for the first time under ownership of the Kepners, the idea was born of a book club where anyone is welcome anytime,
and the venue’s adaptability facilitates large or small book club group sizes wonderfully.
What makes your book club unique or special?
TWA Book Club is extraordinary because membership is always open to this community-owned group, and there is no limit to the number of members allowed. Readers can jump in and out each month as desired. We have more than 200 Facebook group members and our monthly in-person participation head count ranges from eight to twenty-eight. Even if you don’t attend a meeting in person, you can
always follow our book picks in the TWA Book Club group on Facebook.
What types of books do you collectively read?
The monthly selections for TWA Book Club are titles published within the last two years,
rated four stars or more, and available in all formats for a reasonable price (around $20). We draw three qualifying suggestions at the monthly meeting, and these three are posted as a 24-hour poll on the Facebook group page for any member to vote on the next month’s read. We read any genre!
Can you share a favorite book club memory?
The height of the pandemic was tough on book clubs, yet TWA Book Club thrived in the limited ways we could by meeting via Zoom from our patios, living rooms, offices and bedrooms. The virtual discussion of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is an especially treasured memory for many of us. The story is about “the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.” This book theme resonated greatly for TWA Book Club members in such a time of need for human connection.
Is your club open to new members? If so, how do they join?
Absolutely! Request to join the TWA Book Club on Facebook. We meet in person at The Wine Authority on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 pm except for Mondays on or near major holidays. (The July 2023 meeting will be held on the second Tuesday of the month, July 10.)
TWA BOOK CLUB’S FAVORITE READS:
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Variable universal life is a type of permanent life insurance policy, with features that include cash value, investment variety, flexible premiums and a flexible death benefit. Like most permanent policies, variable universal life insurance (VUL) offers life-long protection — it's designed to stay in place as long as you live and sufficient premiums are paid.
How is variable universal life insurance different from universal life insurance?
One main difference between variable universal life and universal life insurance policies is that VULs offer more investment options. You can select a number of different funds to essentially create a portfolio. Universal life policies do not offer this investment option, but you can select a policy with features that
suit your needs, such as a fixed interest rate or one that fluctuates with the stock market.
Who might be a candidate for variable universal life?
Wondering if variable universal life insurance is right for you? Life Happens says it's a good option for people "seeking maximum flexibility," which also means you'll want to be sure you can monitor investment performance
and make decisions about where to allocate funds over time. It's important to understand that investing involves risks that have the potential to reduce the policy's cash value.
Of course, any decision about life insurance takes a bit of thought. That's why it can be helpful to review your current circumstances and goals with your insurance provider, who can help you find the policy to suit your needs.
