Spring 2021
The
Providence Village Experience
Providence Village Barbershop More than a Haircut
Who is Carlos?
So Many Things to So Many People
Brad & Mel Becker
One of the Best Kept Secrets in PV
HarleyWix
Lighting up Your Life
PLUS
Kindness Revolution Tax Time! Angie’s Recipe Corner Virtual Learning Fostering & Adopting
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9 Providence Village Barbershop
FEATURES
More Than a Haircut
Photos by Donna Spurgin PV Resident
10 Who is Carlos? So Many Things to So Many People
18 Brad & Mel Becker One of the Best Kept Secrets in PV
25 HarleyWix
PLUS
Lighting up Your Life
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Meet the Town Council Kindness Revolution Angie’s Recipe Corner Tax Time Fostering & Adopting
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Virtual Learning Spring Health & Wellness Kid’s Corner Important Dates Helpful Numbers
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Our “Policy” is Kindness by Denice Kiesling
“We spread kindness, one policy at a time” at the Kiesling Agency. We’d like to invite you to join us in our kindness revolution and help make the 380 Corridor a kinder place to live.
“Kindess is a gift everyone can afford to give.”
—Unknown
At the Kiesling Agency, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to serve. We pride ourselves on delighting our customers and giving back to our community. We’re thankful for the closeknit relationships we have formed so far and are excited about the new ones to come. We love nothing more than to serve alongside those who share our same values. There’s no doubt that we can achieve more together. Let’s face it, times are tough, and people are struggling. We could all use more kindness in our lives. Each of us at the Kiesling Agency is committed to do our part in making the world a brighter place for all. To help with that, we recently joined forces with The Kindness Revolution, a national non-profit organization that transforms local communities. They do this by promoting values like kindness, leadership and customer service. Whether it’s in schools or businesses, The Kindness Revolution is all about bringing kindness to the local level. We’re honored to lock arms with them and serve as area ambassadors. What excites us the most is the opportunity to spread kindness in unique ways all throughout this area. We’ve already been partnering with schools, the 380 Rotary Club and so many others to change our community for the better. We’re anxious to tell you more about The Kindness Revolution. Even more, come join us! To kick kindness off in our community, we’re giving away free Kindness Kits. Call or stop by our office to get yours today!
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More Than a Haircut The barber’s trade stretches back far into our world’s history, with the earliest references being around 3500 BC. Throughout our history and civilization, barbershops have held prominent places in society and at one point, even rivaled saloons in their popularity. From the upholstered chairs to the iconic barber pole, barbershops and their barbers are truly the gatekeepers of our community. No one knows this better than Joey Medina, owner of the recently opened Providence Village Barbershop. Being a barber wasn’t always on Joey’s mind. Growing up, Joey’s family expected him to carry on the family tradition of cutting hair. For almost four decades, his grandfather was a barber and owned a shop in Denton called Medina’s Barbershop. In the mid-1970s, Joey’s dad and uncle attended barber college and started their careers in the grandfather’s shop. But when Joey was in high school, he had his eyes set on other dreams. Wanting to make a name for himself, he ultimately decided to blaze his own path. For 20 years, Joey worked up through the ranks at Kroger, becoming Assistant Store Director at a young age. He loved being on the frontlines of corporate retail but eventually realized that his priorities were
Story by:Ashley Cook
changing. He wanted a new challenge opened up that also allowed him to be with his wife his second and newborn. shop – the Providence Remembering his roots, Joey decided to V i l l a g e Joey Medina, Owner enroll in barber school in August 2015. Barbershop. Soon after graduating, Joey started cutting hair at the newly opened Bearded Lady Known for its retro design and throwback Barbershop near Denton’s Downtown barbershop look, Providence Village Square. Barbershop is a place that welcomes all – from the oldest to youngest and from But Joey’s dream of owning his own individuals to families. What makes shop was just starting to grow. Driving Providence Village Barbershop unique home from Denton one day, Joey saw his is that it was community-built from the grandfather’s old shop available for lease. get-go. Residents were signing up for The previous renter had converted it into a founder’s membership subscription a high-end furniture store, making it a before the shop even opened. perfect fit for a renovated barbershop. When asked what he loves about cutting Jumping on the opportunity, Joey hair in Providence Village, Joey says it’s contacted the store owner and signed a the heart of the community. He’s been lease. In March 2020, Joey opened his able to build friendships and get to first barbershop on Locust Street – the know different community members inthird location of The Bearded Lady. While person. As a resident for 15 years and having to adjust hours and operations due now owning a business here, Joey loves to the pandemic, Joey continued building bringing people together. his clientele at his new shop while also looking for opportunities closer to his For Joey, his barbershop truly is an home in Providence Village. extension of this community. Like his grandfather from decades ago, Joey sees That opportunity came when a spot everyone as a neighbor and lives out how opened up along the 380 Corridor in the being a barber is really all about taking same shopping strip as Mom’s Burgers and care of one another. La Cima Mexican Grill. Joey contacted the property owner, and in June, Joey Spring 2021 | 9
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Brad & Mel Becker One of the Best Kept Secrets in Providence Village By Ashley Cook
What makes a neighborhood special? Is it the spacious homes or beautiful landscaping? The quietness from the bustle of the city or feeling safe and secure? For Brad and Melissa Becker, it’s the people. As residents of Providence Village for over seven years, the Beckers were instantly enchanted by this community. All it took was one visit to their friend’s home in Phase 1. From the charming homes to the hearts of the people, Melissa, or Mel, knew she and Brad would never live anywhere else. While finding their perfect spot in Providence Village took some time, they soon nestled into their home on Greene Drive in 2013. Before long, they knew all their neighbors, and all their neighbors knew them. For the Beckers, their 18 | Spring 2021
neighbors aren’t just friends or people who live near them – they’re family. From waving on their porch to dinners and concerts, the Beckers love spending time with their neighbors. Even though the pandemic presented some physical limitations, the Beckers wouldn’t let that stop them. They’d often have conversations from the sidewalk or across from one another’s porches. Even now, it’s not uncommon for Mel to send a text to her “GDC”, or Greene Drive Crew, to check in, wish a happy birthday, or to simply see if they need anything.
“We absolutely love their happy and funny spirit.”
Their kind gestures don’t go unnoticed. Erika Urquidez, one of the Becker’s neighbors, shared, “The Beckers are one of the most caring and compassionate people we’ve ever met. They are always there for us and anyone that needs them. We absolutely love their happy and funny spirit.” One of the most special ways that the Beckers make an impact is through supporting the neighborhood kids. While they don’t have children of their own, Brad and Mel love being the uncle and aunt of Greene Drive. The kids who live near them know that they can always count on the Beckers for a good talk or if they need something. Nothing warms the Beckers’ hearts more than hearing the kids pull up to their driveway on their bikes and scooters. Each year, the Beckers enthusiastically support school fundraisers. Over the years, they’ve bought countless Thin Mint
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cookies and kitchen gadgets from kids in the neighborhood – kids like Sergio and Carina Urquidez. They both shared how the Beckers are “very nice and kind and buy our school fundraiser items like cookie dough and other yummy things.” Their sister, Carla, went on to say, “They are funny and nice – always welcoming.” The Becker’s generous spirit doesn’t end when the neighborhood kids grow up. One of the young adults on their street graduated from college to become a kindergarten teacher. The Beckers surprised her by buying some muchneeded items from her teacher wish list. For the Beckers, “It takes a village to raise these kids – even when they’re grown up.”
did this by purchasing an engraved brick to be placed on the park’s walkway. The Beckers are forever grateful for our first responders and military heroes.
him. They had their first lunch together at Schlotzsky’s and were soon having more lunches and going out to clubs. After being friends for a while, they started dating.
When asked what it is about the residents of Providence Village that keeps them here, the Beckers both smiled. They shared how the people of Providence Village are open and caring. They’re truly the salt of the earth. Mel went on to say, “There’s no air about them. I’ve been in their homes – what you see is what you get. We know their children. We know how they feel about raising their kids, their values and their morals. We didn’t see this in other areas where we’ve lived.”
Once they started dating, it soon became time to introduce Mel to his family. The opportunity came that following Christmas. Being raised on a dairy farm in south central Kansas, Brad grew up in a large, German-Catholic family. As soon as Brad and Mel pulled up and the front door opened, Brad’s family instantly fell in love with Mel and claimed her as part of their family. Within five years of their first date, Brad and Mel married. For the Beckers, family is at the center of who they are. They spent years in apartments where they heard their neighbors but never actually knew them. The Beckers knew they were ready for their own community. It’s this same passion and love for family that strengthens their relationships in Providence Village.
“They are funny and nice – always welcoming.”
The Beckers have a huge heart to make sure children in the area don’t go hungry. They regularly let their neighbors know they can always come and grab food from their pantry – no questions asked. The Beckers also love supporting Lovepacs, a local organization that provides meals for over 900+ kids in the Aubrey area.
Karen Mattson, the leader of the Aubrey chapter, shared this about the Beckers: “My little family has known the Beckers since we first moved in almost eight years ago. From Day One, they have treated us like their own family. They have come to my rescue many times, selflessly and without hesitation. They excel at being stewards of humanitarianism and giving back to their community with body, heart, and soul. We love them!”
Later this year, Brad and Mel will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. When asked how they met, Mel’s eyes lit up, and she recounted the story of first meeting Brad in the shipping department of their office in Richardson. As soon as she saw him, she immediately wanted to meet
“For the first time in our lives,” Mel shared, “when we unpacked everything, those moving boxes went to the Recycle. Continued on next page
Mel and Brad’s love of this Village extends even further into other initiatives. Both have a deep appreciation and respect for the armed services and have friends or family who have or currently are serving. Because of this, supporting the Providence Village Hero Park was a must. Hero Park recognizes the service of active military, veterans, first responders and unsung heroes. The Beckers had the opportunity to provide some input early on in the park’s development. They also supported the Providence Village Hope Foundation’s fundraiser for the park. They
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“They excel at being stewards of humanitarianism and giving back to their community with body, heart, and soul. We love them!”
Karen & Gabe
They’re gone. We don’t have a spare box in the house, and we refuse to have one. Because we’re not leaving.” She then laughed and added, “And we’ve told everyone in the surrounding eight houses [that] they can’t move either.”
Every community has its best kept secrets. Whether it’s that amazing food truck or that one house with the best Halloween candy, these secrets make each neighborhood unique and special. Without a doubt, within Providence Village, one of the best kept ones are the Beckers.
Brad & Mel Becker
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HarleyWix:
Lighting up Your Life with Customized Candles By Ashley Cook Candles have been with us as far back as history goes. They were a major source of light before electricity was invented. Now, they soothe senses, spark romance and accent homes. They’re both practical and symbolic. With a simple lighting of a wick, candles can transform an entire room by creating a relaxing ambiance, reverent atmosphere, or an added sense of warmth. The art of candle making is a thoughtful one, from the type of wax and wick to the proper levels of heat and fragrance. Hillary Knowles, owner of HarleyWix, knows this well. She first started learning this art back in the early weeks of the 2020 pandemic. As the world was turning upside down, Hillary began searching for new hobbies to pass the time. She stumbled upon a candle making kit and decided to try it out. Her first candles weren’t perfect. Whether it was a sunken middle, floating wick, or a pesky air bubble, Hillary kept learning and testing. With each trial and error, she perfected her craft. Soon, she started making customizable candles for family and friends before eventually opening her own shop on Etsy. When asked what makes her candles unique, Hillary lit up with excitement. She shared about how many mainstream candles don’t
incorporate t h e i r fragrances properly. She uses a special technique to make sure all her candles burn with a lasting scent. What Hillary prides herself most in is how each candle is tailormade. Customers select from 42 fragrances, 40 colors, and 2 types of wax. They can choose single scents or blends and can also pick their desired size. Once they design their candle, Hillary brings it to life. She melts and stirs and pours until each candle is crafted just how her customer wants it. Before candle making, Hillary didn’t always have her eyes set on owning a business or even moving to Providence Village. Born and raised near Fort Worth and in New Boston, Texas, Hillary thrived in smaller communities. She loved how everyone knew everyone and that her son could be near horses. After renting a house in Pilot Point, Hillary and her husband Casey realized it was time to start looking for a home of their own. Hillary was determined to keep living in Pilot Point until her husband convinced her one day to look a little further south. She hesitantly agreed. After a long journey of house-hunting, Hillary and Casey found their new home. It so happened to be the very last one on their list. They closed on their new house before moving in shortly after. But then the pandemic hit. For the first month in their new home, the Knowles couldn’t do much. This gave them a unique opportunity to get settled in, explore their new neighborhood and find new hobbies. After Casey saw how bubbly and excited his wife was with making candles, he suggested she start a business. HarleyWix was officially born. For Hillary, making customized candles came as a surprise passion but one that she’s glad she found. She now has dreams of expanding her business, whether it’s offering wax melts and lip balms or someday opening her own store front. Whatever it is she offers, she loves creating that personal touch for each customer.
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SPRING
HEALTH
Mind, Body & Soul
A New Treatment for Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome As low dose naltrexone (LDN) finds its place among other therapies in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, it has now also Dr. Olga Cortez made a contribution to women’s health. A worthy question then is, “If you have a medication that reverses autoimmune disorders and decreases inflammation in chronic infections, how can this then be translated to the treatment of pelvic problems that are not autoimmune in nature?”
Low dose naltrexone has been shown repeatedly to be safe and effective for patients battling health conditions with inflammatory components, including PCOS and endometriosis. As we are looking to expand our treatment options in the field of women’s health care, further research involving low dose naltrexone could lead to exciting new possibilities.
The two main diagnoses that we will be addressing in this chapter – endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome – have been shown to have an inflammatory component. Seen in this light, these conditions can understandably be treated with LDN as an adjunct to traditional medical therapies.
on How Low Dose Naltrexone Could Revolutionize Treatment for PTSD, Pain, IBD, Lyme Disease, Dermatologic Conditions, and More.
This is an excerpt from the Women’s Health chapter written by Dr. Cortez in The LDN Book Volume Two: The Latest Research
To read the entire chapter you can find the book here
Stuck in your Comfort Zone? Elizabeth Tiseo Coach, Solar CrossFit
It’s that time of year again…people join gyms, go on diets and try to get out of their comfort zones. Some will stick to it, but many will lose the momentum as the months pass and not stay committed to their goals. Does this sound familiar?
Here at Solar, we strongly encourage committing to yourself and creating a healthier you ALL year round. We help you stay accountable and keep you motivated throughout the year. With tiered programming for all fitness levels, our coaches will set you up for success. Because everyone is built d i f f e re nt l y, h a s
different goals, and is starting at different fitness levels, every class has multiple versions of our workouts. CrossFit is not a “one size fits all” kind of deal. It varies depending on each individual. We’ll find what works for YOU! Crush the thoughts in your head like, “I can’t” or “I am not ready.” They’re only holding you back. If you are committed to working hard and achieving lasting fitness results, you are ready! The motivating, dynamic environment at Solar is filled with likeminded people of all ages and body types who have overcome the battle with themselves and stepped outside of their comfort zone. We all work. We all have families and responsibilities. We all have different priorities. Part of those responsibilities and priorities should be taking care of ourselves. Do something for YOU this year, and book a free consultation. Let us get to know you, your goals and your struggles, while helping you get lasting results. Take that first step out of your comfort zone and into a healthier lifestyle. Remember, summer is only a few months away!
Scan to learn more
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Make Managing Eczema Easier More than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance. People with eczema tend to have an overreactive immune system that produces inflammation on the skin when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, such as food or pollen, along with factors like stress and sleep. Experts say tracking and recording symptoms and possible triggers is key to managing the condition, but it can be time-consuming, and many people struggle to keep thorough notes in journals or on their smartphones. Because one of the most challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association (NEA), designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it. “One of the best things out there to help keep track of your child’s eczema is EczemaWise because it’s so easy to use,” said Aisha Bryant, mother of a 3-year-old with eczema. “Within a few days of using it, I was able to identify that tomato sauce was causing my daughter to flare.” The app can help track nine different disease and care factors, including: • Itch intensity on a scale of 0-10 • Pain on a scale of 0-10 • Skin symptoms using a body map to note affected areas • Stress on a scale of 0-10 • Sleep problems on a scale of 0-10
• Weather, which auto-populates using your location • Triggers, which track exposure to materials such as metals, chemicals, irritants and environmental allergies • Diet with tracking of water intake and foods • Treatments logged by time of day The free app, which is available for Android and iOS as well as a web app, is designed to identify trends and patterns so people and their doctors can better determine the most effective treatments. “Using EczemaWise will empower patients with eczema,” said dermatologist Eric L. Simpson, MD. “The app allows them to communicate a much broader story about their disease than we can typically capture in a 15-minute visit.” Source: National Eczema Association For more information, visit EczemaWise.org.
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month by Holly Coppedge When you think about your wellness, eyesight is not something that comes to mind. You may think about diet and exercise or hard-to-control cholesterol, not eye health. However, vision is an important part of your overall health, and you should make sure you’re taking steps to protect it. Workplace Eye Wellness Month is the perfect time to re-evaluate your workplace and make sure you’re doing everything necessary to avoid an injury. About 60% of workplace eye injuries are a result of not wearing appropriate eye protection. This can be anything from googles and helmets to simple safety glasses. These small pieces of protection have the power to prevent many injuries and may even save your eyesight.
• Make sure your safety glasses or goggles are in good condition and fit correctly • Don’t rub your eyes with dirty hands or clothing • Place your computer screen two feet away from your eyes • Reduce the glare/brightness on your computer screen Don’t forget to schedule your annual eye exam and talk with your optometrist about your work conditions. Your provider may have other suggestions to help protect your eyes in the workplace. Call us today at 940-365-0440.
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