Thankful
As the air grows crisp and leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and amber, we’re reminded that fall is a season of gratitude. It’s a time to slow down, take stock, and appreciate the blessings in our lives, which include our families, our friendships, and the communities we call home. This season invites us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the simple moments we often overlook.
Our November issue celebrates the spirit of thankfulness in its many forms. Across our community, generosity is shining brightly. From neighbors lending a helping hand to quiet acts of kindness, these moments remind us that giving not only changes the lives of others but also fills our own hearts with purpose and joy.
Fall also invites us to create spaces that nurture gratitude. There’s something special about transforming a home into a warm, welcoming sanctuary filled with rich scents, cozy textures, and touches of nature that inspire reflection and connection. It’s in these moments, whether shared with loved ones or experienced in quiet solitude, that thankfulness grows.
As the season changes, may we all find ways to embrace gratitude through giving, through creating, and through cherishing what we have. Thankfulness transforms everyday moments into lasting memories and strengthens the bonds that hold us together.
From our home to yours, we are deeply grateful for you, our readers, and for the community we share!
ANGIE TERRY, PUBLISHER @ANNACITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Angie Terry | angie.terry@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Shannon Roberts | shannon.roberts@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Anna Living
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
2: Thankful! 4: Cheers to 3 Nations 2nd year Anna-versary 6: 200 wins for Coach Brittani James 7: Mark Chestnutt at the Sounds of Summer Concert in VA
DANNY MCFADDEN
DANNY MCFADDEN
DANNY MCFADDEN
business monthly
Just Another Reason to Smile
Founded in 2004 by Dr. Jeffrey Ludlow, Anna Dental has grown with the community, offering advanced treatments, life-changing smile makeovers, and compassionate care backed by 100+ years of combined experience. Through initiatives like its annual charity golf tournament, the practice has donated over $200,000 locally and provided millions in free dentistry.
Where Style Meets Comfort
Envy Salon & Aesthetics in Van Alstyne is a full-service beauty destination offering hair, skincare, lashes, nails, and injectables. Owner-operated with a focus on service and comfort, it features luxe touches like massage chairs, refreshments, and a welcoming vibe. Locals consistently rate the salon highly for its professionalism and results.
Shipping, Printing & More
Cardinal Carriers Express in Melissa offers expert packing, shipping, printing, and business services. With top-notch customer care, they save you time and money by providing the right solutions quickly. From global shipping to document services, they’re your one-stop shop for business support and everyday convenience.
UNITYSPIRIT SH INESTHROUGH
FOOD BANKS PROVIDE HOPE, DIGNITY, AND MEALS TO THOSE STRUGGLING
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
“When we give, no neighbor should ever face hunger.”
In every community, food banks stand as beacons of hope, compassion, and unity. They are more than shelves stocked with canned goods—they are lifelines for families facing challenging times, providing nourishment, dignity, and reassurance that no one is alone in their struggle. Volunteers, donors, and neighbors come together to fight hunger, turning generosity into action and kindness into meals. Each box packed or bag filled represents not just food, but also care, support, and the power of community working together. Food banks remind us that sharing sustenance strengthens both hearts and homes.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: MELISSA COMMUNITY OUTREACH (MCO)
Nestled in Melissa, Texas, the Melissa Community Outreach (MCO) program is a lifeline for families facing tough times. Organized under The 25 Project, MCO
provides food, coats, and other essentials at no cost to people in crisis.
MCO operates out of a food pantry located at 3107 McKinney Street, adjacent to the Zadow Baseball Fields parking lot. Its hours of service are Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. The program serves not just Melissa, but families in Anna, Blue Ridge, Van Alstyne, McKinney, and other nearby areas.
Staffed entirely by volunteers and powered by generous donations, MCO seeks to meet physical needs—hunger, clothing, warmth—with compassion. Beyond immediate relief, MCO, together with The 25 Project, also hopes to offer discipleship opportunities, family-oriented events, and educational support to help build stronger, thriving community ties.
In Melissa, MCO is more than a food pantry—it is a symbol of neighborly care, community unity, and hope in action.
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Melissa Community Outreach
“Every food bank donation is more than a meal; it's compassion, care and community in action”
GRACE PLACE: BUILDING HOPE & COMMUNITY IN ANNA, TEXAS
Located at 505 N. Powell Parkway, Anna, TX, Grace Place is a nonprofit community center with a mission to nurture spirit, soul, and body. It is a 501(c)(3)-designated organization, operated under Grace Point Family Church, offering vital services such as a food pantry, coffee shop, baby pantry, and community garden.
One distinguishing feature is its “choice” food pantry model—families can select the groceries that suit their preferences and needs, helping preserve dignity and reduce waste. Grace Place also serves as a gathering place: the coffee shop offers more than refreshments; it is a hub for community, connection, and conversation.
The center operates with hours tailored to serve more people: the pantry is open Monday & Wednesday from 4-7 pm and Saturdays 9-12; the coffee shop runs weekdays in the morning, with Saturday hours too. As Anna’s population grows, Grace Place is expanding its vision: they have acquired about 7.5 acres for a future community center campus with indoor courts, outdoor facilities, classrooms, and more.
Grace Place is more than a set of services, it is a place where people are welcomed, supported, and empowered. It shows how faith, generosity, and community can come together to meet needs and nurture hope.
SERVING HOPE: GAYLE’S PANTRY IN VAN ALSTYNE, TEXAS
Gayle’s Pantry is a local food assistance ministry operated by the First United
Methodist Church of Van Alstyne (303 S. Preston St.), committed to helping neighbors facing food insecurity. The pantry distributes free groceries weekly, providing essential support to individuals and families in the community.
Distribution takes place in the back parking lot of the church, typically on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 p.m., a reliable, consistent time for those who rely on its services. The operation is volunteer driven, rooted in compassion and care. Beyond simply offering food, Gayle’s Pantry serves as a point of connection— people come not just for sustenance but for dignity, warmth, and a reminder they are not alone.
Being part of First United Methodist Church’s broader mission, the pantry reflects the church’s belief in service, generosity, and neighborly love. In a community that is growing fast, Gayle’s Pantry remains a steadfast resource, helping to fill gaps and build bridges. For many in Van Alstyne, it is more than food distribution is a beacon of caring in uncertain times.
VAN ALSTYNE’S BLESSING BOX: A QUIET BEACON OF COMMUNITY CARE
In Van Alstyne, Texas, a small but powerful initiative is quietly making a difference: the Blessing Box. Located outside Salon Head 2 Toe at the corner of Van Alstyne Parkway and Waco Street, the Blessing Box is a free food cabinet stocked with non-perishable food items, snacks, and basic staples—open 24/7 for anyone who needs it.
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Grace Place
Gayle's Pantry
Gayle's Pantry
The idea came to life when Star Duncan and Karen Caraway, inspired by seeing a similar project in McKinney, decided to bring the same spirit of giving to Van Alstyne. Within 48 hours of acquiring a cabinet, they had it installed and stocked. Since then, they have invested over $1,000 of their own funds to maintain daily contributions and keep shelves filled.
The Blessing Box operates with no judgment and no requirements: individuals who are hungry, parents, elderly, or simply someone in a hard spot are welcome to take what they need. At the same time, community members are encouraged to give what they can—donations, restocks, or even encouragement.
Challenges remain, especially in keeping inventory consistent as demand can outpace supply. Still, the Blessing Box stands as a simple, accessible gesture of love—offering sustenance, dignity, and hope whenever it is needed most.
Volunteer!
Even if you can’t give financially, you still hold a gift that can change lives—your time. At food banks, volunteers are the heartbeat of hope. Every can stacked, every bag carried, every kind word spoken reminds someone that they are seen and valued. Your hands can ease the weight of hunger, and your presence can brighten a weary spirit. Volunteering is more than a task—it’s an act of love, a way of standing beside neighbors in their hardest moments. You don’t need wealth to make a difference; compassion and willingness are enough. In choosing to give your time, you discover that service doesn’t just feed others—it nourishes your own heart with purpose and joy.
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ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
Editor's Corner
LIVING THANKFUL ON PURPOSE!
Living with gratitude isn’t about waiting for big moments, it’s about finding joy in the everyday. Here are five simple steps to cultivate thankfulness:
1. Start the Day with Awareness
Each morning, pause to acknowledge something you’re grateful for, whether it’s health, family, or simply the gift of a new day.
3. Express Gratitude to Others
Say thank you often—whether to loved ones, coworkers, or strangers. Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and spreads positivity.
2. Reflect Daily
At night, note three things that went well. This practice shifts focus away from worries and trains your mind to notice blessings.
4. Embrace Challenges as Lessons
Instead of resisting difficulties, ask what you can learn from them. Gratitude for growth builds resilience and hope.
5. Share Generously
Give time, kindness, or resources to others. Acts of generosity remind you of your abundance and deepen your gratitude.
Gratitude is a practice, and when lived daily, it transforms both heart and outlook.
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ARTICLE BY ANGIE TERRY
FALLING GRATEFUL
Transforming your home into a haven of seasonal thanks
Something magical about fall is the crisp air, golden leaves crunching underfoot, and the aroma of spiced cider drifting through the kitchen. Autumn is a season that invites us to slow down, reflect, and embrace gratitude. It’s a time when nature reminds us that change can be beautiful, and our homes become the heart of comfort and gathering. By weaving in the essence of thankfulness, you can transform your living space into a sanctuary that celebrates the warmth and abundance of the season.
Start with Seasonal Scents
Scent is one of the quickest ways to shift the mood in your home. Autumn fragrances like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pumpkin, and apple immediately create cozy vibes. Light a candle infused with these spices or simmer a pot of apple slices, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks on the stove for a natural seasonal aroma. Essential oils such as cedarwood, frankincense, or sweet orange can make your home smell inviting and trigger memories of holidays, family gatherings, and gratitude-filled moments. CONTINUED >
Bring Nature Indoors
Fall’s palette of deep reds, dark oranges, earthy browns, and golden yellows is already nature’s reminder to appreciate abundance. Infuse your home with thankful feelings by decorating with elements from the outdoors. A basket of pinecones by the fireplace, a vase of branches with colorful leaves, or a bowl of seasonal fruits on the kitchen counter all bring simple beauty indoors. Pumpkins, gourds, and acorns make perfect accents that symbolize harvest and plenty, connect us with the season's rhythm, and remind us to be grateful for nature’s gifts.
Create Cozy Gathering Spaces
Fall is about togetherness. Rearrange furniture to encourage connection by pulling chairs closer to the fireplace or adding extra blankets to the couch for movie nights. Incorporate textures that invite relaxation, like chunky knit throws, soft flannel pillows, or even a layered rug underfoot. Creating corners for conversation or quiet reflection fosters a sense of belonging, gratitude, and peace. Whether it’s a reading nook with warm lamplight or a dining area adorned with candles, these intentional spaces inspire thankfulness for simple pleasures and loved ones nearby.
“Fall encourages us to slow down and savor life. By blending seasonal scents, rich colors, cozy textures, and meaningful traditions, we transform our homes into warm, connected spaces that embody gratitude and truly reflect the heart and spirit of autumn.”
Celebrating with Seasonal Colors
The colors of fall naturally inspire feelings of comfort and gratitude. Infuse these hues into your home through textiles, table settings, and small décor pieces. Swap out bright summer tones for earthy shades like rust, olive, mustard, and burgundy. Even a few changes, such as adding a plaid table runner, amber glass vases, or autumn-toned throw pillows, can shift the atmosphere instantly. These warm tones create a backdrop that encourages reflection and gratitude, grounding your home in the beauty of the season.
Practice Thankful Traditions at Home
Thankfulness is more than décor; it’s a practice. Establish family traditions that weave gratitude into your daily life. A gratitude jar in the kitchen invites everyone to write down one thing they’re thankful for each day. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a jar full of blessings to share and reflect on together. Create a chalkboard or bulletin board where family members can post daily notes of appreciation. Even small rituals, like lighting a candle at dinner and sharing one gratitude before eating, infuse your home with intentional thankfulness.
Add Seasonal Comfort Foods
The kitchen is often the heart of gratitude, and fall is the season of comfort foods that nourish body and soul. Baking pumpkin bread, roasting root vegetables, or simmering hearty soups fills your home with aromas that feel like hugs. Keep a bowl of fresh apples on the counter or treat your family to warm cider on cool evenings. Cooking together as a family, whether it’s rolling out pie dough or stirring a pot of chili, creates meaningful memories that anchor gratitude into everyday life.
Layer Lighting for Warmth
As the days grow shorter, lighting plays a crucial role in creating a thankful, cozy atmosphere. Swap harsh overhead lighting for softer, layered options. Use lamps, lanterns, and string lights to create a golden glow reminiscent of flickering firelight. Candles, whether real or flameless, add another dimension of warmth and intimacy. The right lighting encourages slowing down and savoring the moment.
Decorate with Meaningful Touches
Infusing thankfulness in your home is as much about meaning as it is about style. Display family heirlooms, framed photos, inspirational quotes or scripture, or handwritten recipes passed down through generations. These pieces ground your décor in gratitude for family history and shared traditions. Even small touches, like personalized place cards at a family dinner or a handmade wreath on the front door, make your home feel warm, welcoming, and filled with love.
Extend Gratitude Outdoors
Your porch, patio, or yard can also reflect the thankful spirit of fall. A wreath of dried leaves, corn husks, or sunflowers on the front door greets guests with warmth. A simple pumpkin arrangement by the entryway or potted mums in rich fall colors set the tone before anyone even steps inside. These outdoor touches remind you daily to pause and appreciate the beauty of the season.
Embracing a Mindful Atmosphere
Ultimately, a home infused with thankful feelings of fall is less about things and more about atmosphere. Slow down and enjoy the crackle of a fire, the beauty of fallen leaves, or the joy of laughter around your table. Invite friends and family in, even for simple gatherings, and focus on connection over perfection. Gratitude grows when we notice the small blessings around us.
City Manager’s Monthly Update
As the seasons change, we’ve had many reasons to celebrate together. Last month’s AnnaFest was a Texassized success, bringing neighbors and families together for an unforgettable day of western fun. From cowboy hats and boots to armadillo races, live music, and photo ops with a longhorn, the event was filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. It was a wonderful reminder of what makes Anna such a special place to call home.
This month, we turn our attention to another exciting milestone: the grand opening of the Anna Community Library on November 15. More than just books, this beautiful new space will be a cornerstone for lifelong learning and creativity. With dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults, along with engaging programs for all ages, the library is a resource that will serve our neighbors for generations to come.
And as the year draws to a close, we’re getting ready to kick off one of our most cherished traditions, the 12 Days of Anna. This festive celebration will bring holiday cheer to the entire city with family-friendly activities, seasonal fun, and opportunities to come together in the spirit of the season.
Together, these moments showcase the heart of Anna: a community that celebrates its traditions, invests in its future, and creates spaces where neighbors and families can thrive.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 1ST
Cars & Coffee
212 E. Marshall St, Van Alstyne, Tx | 8:00 AM
Monthly Cars & Coffee meet in historic downtown Van Alstyne. First Saturday of each month. Open to all cool cars, trucks, and bikes, old or new, domestic or import, classic or exotic, come on down and hang out, shoot the breeze, and check out the others.
NOVEMBER 7TH
Billy Joel Covered by My Life
Texas Wine in Anna | 7:00 PM
Enjoy music make famous by the world famous Billy Joel By My Texas Live
NOVEMBER 8TH
Heart of Melissa Fall Fest
1710 Cooper St, #200, Melissa, Tx | 11:00 AM
Don’t miss the Heart of Melissa Fall Fest!!! Over 150 vendors, food trucks, full kids area with pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, super hero’s and more, live band (Blake Nation) will be playing plus a huge jeep show.
NOVEMBER 15TH
Free Family Fun Saturdays: Kidsgiving
Anna Community Library, 111 W. 5th St., Anna, Tx | 10:00 AM
Join us for a festive family fun Thanksgiving party filled with gratitude and fun! Enjoy snacks, stories, games, ad crafts as we celebrate Kidsgiving together. Registration opens 30 days in advance.
Cambrey Johnson | Anna HS
It is with great pleasure to announce Cambrey Johnson as the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month, as selected by the Anna Independent School District Athletic Coaching Team.
As a senior at Anna High School, Cambrey has grown into a well-rounded leader both on and off the court. Her favorite subject is PALS, a mentorship program where she discovered a passion for working with children. She is also proud of her heritage as a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, something that many may not know about her outside of school activities.
She serves as the captain of the Anna High School varsity tennis team and has earned multiple awards, including Girls Doubles District Champion, 1st Team All-District Doubles, Honorable Mention in Singles, and Clutch Player of the Year for 2025. Academically, she has consistently been recognized on the A/B Honor Roll every year.
Anna Pride & Hometown Banking
In addition to her success in athletics and academics, she enjoys dancing, painting, and being active in school programs. Her favorite color is teal, and she’s an avid supporter of the OU softball team. Although once a big fan of the Dallas Mavericks, she admits her loyalty shifted after the Luka trade. She looks up to professional tennis player Coco Gauff, whose energy and determination serve as a constant source of inspiration.
Her senior year goals include winning the 5A district championship and securing a commitment to play collegiate tennis. She also plans to become a Dyslexic Therapist, a career inspired by her own journey with dyslexia and the impact her teacher, Mrs. Steffen, had on her. She hopes to one day change lives the way hers was changed through support, encouragement, and care.
Congratulations to Cambrey and her selection as the November Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month!
9:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
NOVEMBER 22ND
Disco Hits covered by Disco Inferno Band
Texas Wine in Anna | 7:30 PM
Disco Hits covered by Disco Inferno Band Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Texas Wine in Anna.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Country Christmas Concert at BarnHill with Blake Nation with Gone Country
BarnHill Vineyards, 11917 Co Road 509, Anna, Tx | 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 29th – Country Christmas Concert at BarnHill. Kick off the holiday season the Saturday after Thanksgiving with Blake Nation: The Ultimate Blake Shelton Tribute Concert!
Building Strong Communities –Giving Back with Heart
This holiday season, Crossland is proud to give back through Crossland Cares, our company-wide commitment to serving others. From volunteering time to supporting families in need, we’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work. Generosity and service are at the heart of what we do, because building strong communities goes beyond construction - it’s about caring for people. Together, we create spaces, connections, and hope that last far beyond the holidays.
