Celina, TX December 2021

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1 | TH E P R E M I E R E I S S U E

Home for the

Holidays SHOPPING A FEW OF OUR FAVO RI T E T H I N GS LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E D EFI N ED D ISH

DEVELOPING THE FUTURE

CENTURIONAMERICAN.COM

The Bridges at preston crossings

REEKS of EGACY

EDGEWOOD CREEK

Your North Texas Real Estate Professionals Since 1987

REX GLENDENNING

12400 Preston Rd #100, Frisco, Texas 75033 | (972) 250 - 1263 rexrealestate.com

BOB TURNER CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIZES IN HOME RENOVATION AND REMODELING Featuring Design services by Wendy Rickert Interiors Alison Turner | 949.922.0720

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Home for the holidays!

Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen

WELCOME TO CELINA LIFESTYLE. With the holiday season, comes anticipa-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

tion and joy. Both are feelings I embrace as we introduce ourselves to you. We

Sara Minor

are honored to be your source for all things local and we are excited to be bringing you the stories behind the businesses and residents of our community. There is an overwhelming amount of talent, opportunity, heritage, and growth that help define Celina life. We are thrilled to get to be a part of that lifestyle and be in your home for the holidays.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sharla Davenport, Stephanie Hasbrouck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Holly Farrow, Kristen Kilpatrick

This month not only do we highlight Celina but also the magic of the season. We've compiled "A Few of Our Favorite Things" in Local's Choice to help you have a festive shopping experience while being sure to please everyone on your list. Stop in for a drink at local Hot Spot, Little Wooden Penguin, while you read “The Defined Dish" where we check in with Celina native and New York Times best-selling author Alex Snodgrass about her latest cookbook offering "Comfortable Kitchen". It arrives this month in time to help you gather the family around the table to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

We are ready to absorb all that it means to be a part of this special place we call home and share it with you. We want to thank all of our Founding Partners and Mayor Sean Terry for their confidence, encouragement and support. We are home and are so grateful to serve our dynamic community.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Blessings to you and yours. Thank you for reading and as always ~ we'll see you

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

around town!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Barbara Ireland, Publisher

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

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ON THE COVER Dan and Maranda Williams' Honey Creek Exotics

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY FARROW 6

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

Proverbs 3:5-6 City Lifestyle Celina™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Celina area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in City Lifestyle Celina™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Happy Holidays

FRO M O U R FAM I LY TO YO U R S We Offer Full Serv ice F r i e nd ly Family Healthcare Conve nient Online Sched ulin g Te l ehealth / Virtual Visits Weight Management

We would like to Introduce our new member Nurse Practitioner, Jarret Cotton.

972-382-8520 | PrestonFamilyHealthcare.com 1050 South Preston Rd., Ste. 119, Celina CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 14 A Few of Our Favorite Things Our Team’s Tips on Where to Shop Local This Holiday Season

18 The Defined Dish Comfortable Kitchen Author Alex Snodgrass Helps Readers & Followers Discover a Love of Cooking

22 Reinvent with a Remodel Alison and Bob Turner Reinvent Themselves and Your Home

18 14

26 Little Wooden Penguin "The experience is always different, but the vibe is always the same."

22

26

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Local’s Choice

16

Hometown Hero

22 Open House 26 Hot Spot 28 Giving Back 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Time for a year-end investment review.

Ryan P Merchant, AAMS® Financial Advisor 102 N Louisiana Dr Ste 1 Celina, TX 75009-6227 469-813-0001 MKT-5894K-A-A1

GOOD TIMES

Ladies Who Bingo Ladies Who Bingo is a monthly social event held at Two 29 on the Square. Each month, money is raised for a local Celina, Prosper, or Gunter charity. Helping Hands of Celina and Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors Food Pantry are just two of the philanthropies that have been supported by this community of women.

Celina Oktoberfest The 4th annual Celina Oktoberfest celebrated German culture in true Texas style. Visitors celebrated in the city's Downtown Historic Square with locally brewed craft beers, dancing, and live music. The event featured a traditional Biergarten, Dachshund Derby, and Stein Holding Contest. Hosted by Greater Celina Chamber of Commerce. Photography by Holly Farrow

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City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

Relationship Banking at its BEST

lamarnationalbank.com | (469) 296-1192 110 S Preston Rd Celina, TX 75009

Interior Design & Remodel Commercial & Residential

Trisha Puente, Designer

214-934-9012

trishaepuente@gmail.com v @humble_home_designs b humblehomedesignstips CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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AROUND TOWN center will offer auto detailing, car wash, hand wash, oil changes, inspections and mechanical repair. Let them give your car a SHINE! Visit their new location at 420 S. Preston Road, Prosper

A DEFINED DISH BOOK BY ALEX SNODGRASS COMING SOON The Comfortable Kitchen: 105 Laid-Back, Healthy, and Wholesome Recipes (A Defined Dish Book) is the much-anticipated new cookbook from the New York Times bestselling author and Celina

GREETINGS FROM THE NORTH POLE

native, Alex Snodgrass. Alex brings back the joy

Your children's letters for Santa can be mailed

of being in the kitchen for those at all levels of

from our local UPS Store right here in Celina.

cooking skill with her approachable and nutritious

Owner with a heart of gold, Andy "Hop" Hopkins,

recipes for busy lives. She provides recipes for

will be continuing his tradition of making sure each

healthy meals the whole family can enjoy including

child who writes a letter to Santa mailed from his

paleo, vegetarian, and even gluten-free options.

store will receive a response. Get your kids' holi-

This must-have cookbook will be released late

day wishlists to Santa early to ensure a timely letter

December. TheDefinedDish.com

from the North Pole. Get your printing and shipping completed at the store just in time to enjoy the holiday season. 2750 S. Preston Road #116, Celina

SUPER SPLASH CAR WASH OPENS IN NEW YEAR Sometimes, water and oil do mix! Locally owned and operated, Super Splash Car Wash and Lube

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MANGIAMO: AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DELI TO OPEN

Center will be opening in January. With pricing

Opening by year end, Mangiamo Italian Market

starting as low as $7.00, this new auto service

& Deli will be located at 203 W. Pecan Street at

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

the entrance to Celina's historic square. The owners, Italian Americans Jason Algiere and his father Robert, plan to have imported deli meats and cheeses, sandwiches, local beers and imported wines. Wood-fired pizzas made in-house with locally sourced ingredients are also on the menu. The 4,000-square-foot market will have seating inside as well as offer drinks to-go as downtown Celina has recently adopted open carry for beer and wine.

Mangiamo will provide fresh & flavorful goods not generally found locally. Mangia! facebook.com/ MangiamoCelina

NORTH SIDE PIE: NEW TO GUNTER Now open in Gunter, North Side Pie offers delicious pizzas, sandwiches and more. Celina's own Joey Dawkins of Toasted Walnut, brings his culinary skills to the menu. With limitless possibilities, North Side Pie is sure to please everyone in the family. Order yours today and get ready for pizza domination! For your pie call 903.228.5013

PAY OFF YOUR

CREDIT CARDS

FROM THE HOLIDAYS WITH A CASHOUT REFINANCE

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CLOSING COSTS WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD.

CALL JUSTIN STEINER

MORTGAGE SALES MANAGER, NMLS 514220

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/Celina using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

469.855.9062

|

JUSTINSTEINER.COM

Gateway Mortgage, a division of Gateway First Bank. NMLS 7233. All loans subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval.

1341 S. Preston Rd. Ste. B. | Celina, TX 75009

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

13

LOCAL’S CHOICE

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS SHOP AND SUPPORT LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HALF MOON LATTE

01

The cooler weather is here and it’s the perfect time to grab some hot coffee to warm your soul. At Summer Moon Coffee, the Half Moon Latte is the signature drink with half the sweetness, made with secret recipe Moon Milk. We won’t even get started on how delicious the Moon Milk is! Venture down to the Celina Square to find out why it’s one of our favorite things. 306 Walnut Street, Celina. summermooncoffee.com

Circle E Candles are known to be the longest burning, most delightfully fragrant candles on the market.

Choose from popular scents like Sugar & Suede or

ARTICLE DANIELLE POCHE'

Lavender Fields. Their seasonal fragrances will make the perfect hostess gift to take to your next holiday party. Find your favorite scent at Preston Trail Farms.

15102 State Hwy 289, Gunter. prestontrailfarms.com CIRCLE E CANDLES

OUR

TEAM

HERE

AT

CELINA

LIFESTYLE

GATHERED TO CHOOSE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS, SOME LOCALLY SOURCED AND ALL UNDENIABLY SPECIAL. With so many incredible items, unique shops and yummy treats in our midst, we had a hard time narrowing it down to just six. We are sharing some at the top of our holiday lists but encourage you to visit our town square, local farms & vineyards, and wander off-the-beaten path to find your own favorites and share them with us. We want to hear from you at CityLifestyle.com/ Celina using the Get In Touch link. Let us know what you find!

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City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

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05

OG ROLLERTOWN T-SHIRT

03

OLIVE OIL DE FINO

Fondly referred to as “Italian in a bottle” by it’s creator

The OG Rollertown T-Shirt is a favorite of ours not

Kathleen Hagan, this favorite of ours makes the perfect

only because of the trendy Rollertown logo but

gift. Olive Oil de Fino is seasoned with dried garlic and

because it’s just a great quality shirt for both men

herbs that will add a taste of Italy to any dish. This liquid

and women. Perfect to wear for any occasion, espe-

gold is homemade in Sherman, Texas. Lucky for us, our

cially those days that include some beer drinking.

very own Annie Jack carries these bottles so you don’t

Stop by to grab a delicious brew and your OG T-shirt

have to travel far to get your own! 309 W Pecan Street,

at Rollertown Beerworks. 412 N. Oklahoma Drive #106

Celina. anniejackdesign.com

in Celina. Rollertownbeerworks.com

04

Cozy up under a blanket and unwind with a glass of one of our favorite wines. With a picture of our iconic water tower on the label, Bobcat Cab will charm you with fragrant scents of stone fruits, an abundance of black fruit flavors, and notes of chocolate and cedar.

Head down to Valley Vines on Celina Square to pick up a bottle and see why it will be one of your favorites too! Cheers! valleyvines.net BOBCAT CABERNET SAUVIGNON

SWIRLS CINNAMON ROLLS Do you want to be on Santa’s nice list this year? A

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Swirls Bakery cinnamon roll on Christmas morning is sure to make an impression on the big guy. These warm, gooey, delicious treats are a favorite of ours and perfect for the holidays. Swirls Bakery is family-owned and the cinnamon rolls are made locally in Celina.

Share the sweetness and take a tray to your next event.

Email order@swirlsbakery.com CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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HOMETOWN HERO Resident of the Year

ARTICLE DANIELLE POCHE' | PHOTOGRAPHY HOLLY FARROW

Resident of the Year A WELL-LOVED LOCAL WITH A HEART FOR COMMUNITY

I SAT DOWN WITH CELINA'S NEWLY AWARDED "RESIDENT OF THE YEAR", TAWNIA KING, TO DISCUSS HER PASSION FOR OUR CITY. The Resident of the Year Award recognizes an individual's outstanding engagement within the community that goes above and beyond their duties as a family member, neighbor, and friend. The awarded recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to the community throughout all that they do. Tawnia, a mother of four children with a servant's heart, has raised her family and lived in Celina since 1980.

She is currently serving our community as a teacher at Celina Middle School.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CELINA AS THE PLACE TO RAISE YOUR FAMILY? My children's father's family is from here. As a Navy brat, I loved and wanted the small-town life. I definitely wanted my kids to grow up here — in one place. Celina offered stability for my kids after the marriage dissolved.

Who and what they had always known, was still here.

Celina offered me a variety of small jobs to subsidize my teaching career. I once even mowed the parks and sewer plant for the City of Celina to earn extra cash which was always needed raising four kids!

WHO INSPIRES YOU? Jesus

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City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

Tawnia King

WHAT ARE YOU ESPECIALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT

reminds us of our faith in times of joy and trials. Our lives

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND WHY?

are sweetened by our friends. Friends cheer you on and

I am pretty passionate about almost every aspect of

celebrate with you in good times. Those same friends

life. To sum up my purpose in a few words—my biggest

sit and cry with you in times of disappointment.

passion is living an accountable, authentic life through serving others in love. To live authentically springs

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO HAVE THE

from the heart.

BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE BETTERMENT OF

I am passionate about Celina being Celina. Keeping that small-town feel where people authentically love one another, look after each other, and care for all.

I am passionate about our Homecoming parade

THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE? To just do my part plus a little extra. Get involved.

Be a part of the solution and not the problem. Give of yourself—Volunteer!

and maintaining the tradition of our town supporting the youth of our schools. I love the parade as it brings

HAVE YOU HAD ANY LOCAL EXPERIENCES THAT

everyone out to support our kids.

HAVE CHANGED YOU AS A PERSON?

I am passionate about our city and our school district

My Sunday school class and the power of

having a solid, working relationship that continue to

YES! About 12-13 years ago, my dear friend Sue

partner together for the youth of our community.

Christopher put together a team of people who did

I am passionate in keeping Celina focused on

a home makeover at my house. When asked if they

the three pillars of our community—faith, family

could do a surprise home makeover, I said "yes". Little

and friends.

did I know- oh so little. Besides my four precious children, their spouses and my six precious grands, it was

YOU SPEAK OFTEN ABOUT YOUR FAITH, WHAT

one of the biggest blessings in my life! Many people in

ROLE DOES IT PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

my church, but also in the community, gave so much

Let’s just say without one’s faith one cannot stand the seasons of life. It’s our faith that our beliefs stand,

to bless me, my kids, and my home. It was a gift that continues to bless me today.

strengthening us to weather the storms. When life has dealt all the cards of life and stripped you of everything— you always have your family, your friends. Our family

DESCRIBE CELINA IN THREE WORDS. Faith, Family, Friends

my biggest passion is l i v i n g a n a c c o u n ta b l e , authentic life through serving others in love CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

T H E

D I S H ONE OF THE MOST ENDEARING QUALITIES OF ALEX SNODGRASS IS THAT YOU’D NEVER GUESS SHE’S A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR WITH MORE THAN HALF-A-MILLION SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS AND A SECOND COOKBOOK, COMFORTABLE KITCHEN, ON THE HORIZON.

much and continues to come back to me for,” Alex says. “My

Despite her immense popularity and burgeoning

recipes are easy enough to follow so that all levels of cooks

successes, Alex remains the down-to-earth, relatable

can enjoy, but just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they

Celina girl with the lilting laugh whom social media fell in

aren’t impressive! With festive, bold flavors you can make the

love with seven years ago.

simplest one-pan dinner or sheet-pan dinner come to life.”

In 2014, Alex and her sister, Madison Lavey, daugh-

Many of Alex’s recipes are paleo and Whole30 inspired.

ters of locals Rex and Sherese Glendenning of REX Real

But she also incorporates decadent dishes into her day-

Estate, began the popular Defined Dish blog, which offered

to-day. And her husband, Clayton, has reached Instagram

food and fitness advice. Two years later, Alex transitioned

rockstar status with his famous margarita recipe (IYKYK).

The Defined Dish into a full-time career.

Alex’s first cookbook The Defined Dish: Healthy and

“So for the first two years, The Defined Dish was merely a

Wholesome Weeknight Recipes, published in 2019, quickly

fun hobby that I fell in love with and soon wanted to pursue

reached New York Timesbestseller status proving that

as a career and really focus on making it into a business,”

her accessible and fun cooking style was exactly what

Alex says. “I rebranded my site – still keeping the name –

home cooks were craving. Her upcoming Comfortable

worked consistently, studied food photography and went all

Kitchen cookbook is sure to garner the same success.

in to make my dream come to life.”

More than 600,000 followers and two cookbooks later, you could say Alex’s venture was a resounding success.

“Comfortable Kitchen is definitely a continuation of my first book as far as healthful, weeknight recipes go, but it is also a continuation of food freedom and how I eat,” Alex

“One of the things I was a little hesitant about when I

says. “There are plenty of paleo, Whole30, dairy-free and

started The Defined Dish was that I was not a professionally

gluten-free recipes, but then there are recipes like a Fried

trained chef and perhaps my recipes were a little too, uh …

Mortadella Sandwich, which is a nod to my Italian roots

I guess simple? Maybe not impressive enough? But I really

and by no means paleo because sometimes you just need a

do think that is what The Defined Dish community loves so

cheesy, greasy meal.”

CONTINUED >

COMFORTABLE KITCHEN AUTHOR ALEX SNODGRASS HELPS READERS & FOLLOWERS DISCOVER A LOVE OF COOKING ARTICLE STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTEN KILPATRICK

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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THE DEFINED DISH (CONTINUED)

Alex says the goal of Comfortable

older my kids get, the more I have real-

Kitchen is to help take the guesswork

ized the art of a home-cooked meal,”

out of cooking and make it an enjoy-

she says.

able experience.

best and bring people around my table

society, cooking has become a stressor.

to connect more. To turn off the screens,

‘What do we cook? I don’t want to clean.

take a deep breath, look around the table

I don’t have time,’ are all the things we

and realize what you have around it and

hear so often when asked about cooking.

the value of that moment at the end of

But when you do take the time to cook –

the day," she says. "I hope to inspire oth-

even if it’s a 20-minute, one-pot dinner –

ers to see the value that a simple, home-

there is just something magical about sit-

cooked meal can provide.”

ting around the table together. And that

Through her blog and books, Alex

magic is what inspired the Comfortable

strives to encourage her readers and

Kitchen,” Alex says. “I wanted to remind

followers to use food as a love language.

people that the kitchen should not only

“Food is a powerful way of expressing

provide a comforting, healthful meal, but

love and forming deeper connections,

you should feel comfortable and confi-

and my hope is that as you cook your

dent in the kitchen.”

way through my books and blog, you’ll

As a busy wife and mother, Alex is informed by her own experiences. “The

For recipe inspiration and to order Alex’s cookbooks, visit TheDefinedDish.com.

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City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

“My family inspires me to do what I do

“With the fast-paced nature of today’s

take the time to appreciate the way that food brings us all together.”

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CityLifestyle.com/Celina

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OPEN HOUSE

ARTICLE SHARLA DAVENPORT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

ALISON AND BOB TURNER BRING STYLE & TRUST TO THEIR REMODELING BUSINESS IN ADOPTED HOMETOWN 22

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

reinvent with a remodel

“People l i ke to do busi ness w ith thei r neig h bor, someone loca l. People wa nt to k now the busi ness is t r ust wor thy a nd w i l l be a rou nd.”

ALISON TURNER AND HER HUSBAND, BOB, HAVE REMOD-

design. All in all, the team has over 20 years’ experience in the

ELED AND DESIGNED THEIR HOMES TOO MANY TIMES

business – a one-stop shop located locally here in Celina.

TO COUNT. It wasn’t until they moved to Celina that the couple turned this hobby into a career.

The Turners relocated to Celina as empty nesters looking for a change of lifestyle. Bob was working a job in the construction

Bob Turner serves as general contractor with Alison focusing on project management using her expertise from over thirty-years in the corporate world. Alison knows there is an order and a process to get tasks done, with communication as the cornerstone of this focus.

business, but Alison always had a passion and interest in home

Another benefit is that the Turners use their own trusted crews,

décor, real estate, and remodeling. When the Turners remodeled

the same people who worked on their house. Alison noted, “People

their Celina home, they quickly noticed the high-quality work and

like to do business with their neighbor, someone local. People want

ethic from the construction crew. They had not experienced this

to know the business is trustworthy and will be around.”

before and wanted to share this opportunity with others.

This motto has been successful for the company as their

They formed Bob Turner Construction, a company that focuses

business has doubled over the last year, mostly due to word-

on home remodeling and renovation with a focus on 100%

of-mouth advertising. Alison believes this is because of their

customer service. The company performs every aspect of a

quality of work and customer service, something the company

remodel and renovation. It uses an experienced team of workers

values above all else.

for all facets of the job – plumbing, tilework, paint, and interior

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

23

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

“Keep it t r ue to you. T rends w i l l cha nge, but st ick to a t i meless, classic look you w i l l a lways be happy w ith.”

Alison cautions that often a DIY project can be more expensive versus hiring a contractor. It can cost more to

with.” Alison prefers not to rely on trends, but to create spaces with a timeless beauty.

do things twice. For example, picking out a paint color

The Turners love their adopted hometown, especially the

from a small “teeny tiny sample” may not look anything

small-town, country feel of Celina. Alison recalled during

like imagined, according to Alison, so you end up repaint-

the freeze last February how neighbors rallied “like the cal-

ing. She continues, “trying to save money is worse than

vary” to help a family when a pipe burst. The Turners value

doing it right the first time. One size does not fit all.”

the genuine friendliness within the community.

Using a contractor provides project management plus

Alison hopes Celina will stay that way even with the

makes the process less overwhelming. It is also good

pending growth. She says, they may “not be from here

for interior design decisions. Alison says when it comes

originally but are happy to be here. Now, we are from here.”

to design, “Keep it true to you. Trends will change, but stick to a timeless, classic look you will always be happy

24

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

To learn more, contact Bob Turner Construction at 949-922-0720.

southern luxury R E A L E S TAT E F I R M We are a luxury firm specializing in high end real estate. We offer concierge services as well, including home staging, landscaping and private home services.

Daryn Dominick (480) 371-6603

Lisa West +1 (469) 888-2472

(4 0 4) 62 5- 4598

•

Nidah Ali (972) 282-9641

Steve Henry (678) 478-5930

W W W. E V E H E N RY H O M E S . C O M

HOT SPOT

little wooden penguin ARTICLE SHARLA DAVENPORT

PHOTOGRAPHY HOLLY FARROW

"THE EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS DIFFERENT, BUT THE VIBE IS ALWAYS THE SAME."

WACO HAS CHIP AND JOANNA, BUT CELINA HAS

Penguin” as the locals call it. Taylor started out building

TAYLOR AND KATIE. Taylor Witt and Katie Dunn have

furniture, which is where the name Little Wooden Penguin

heard this comparison numerous times as people often

originates. Simply put, Taylor likes penguins and makes

refer to them as the “Chip and JoJo of Celina”. And just

wooden furniture.

like the famous TV couple, Taylor and Katie are just getting started.

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Little Wooden Penguin is more than a unique name and place for the occasional adult beverage. Katie wants you

Taylor Witt and Katie Dunn are best known for their

to know it’s “an experience place” with events for all ages.

popular Celina hot spot, Little Wooden Penguin or “The

There is miniature golf, live music, and Trivia Nights. It also

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

hosts classes like how to make a cheese board, cookie and cupcake

Taylor and Katie also have a passion for their commercial renova-

decorating, and seasonal crafts like pumpkin decorating. For the hol-

tion business. They aim to create more concepts like Little Wooden

idays, Little Wooden Penguin will host an Angel Tree and toy drive.

Penguin, or partner with people that share similar ideas. For exam-

Do you need a housewarming or birthday gift? Try shopping the retail store located inside The Penguin. Items and products are constantly rotating so the inventory is different and new. The store has the popular “make your own succulent” section, a favorite activity for parties.

Speaking of parties, Little Wooden Penguin is the perfect place for your next celebration or gathering. Katie states it is “super easy to

ple, they were the contractors of the space now occupied by a coffee shop and retail store on the square in downtown Celina.

The couple love Celina and the people in the community. They constantly ask what businesses will drive traffic to Celina but also keep the town’s character. Their latest project in downtown Celina (soon to be announced) upholds that philosophy.

plan parties and host private events.” They have hosted bachelorette

Taylor and Katie look forward to new ventures. Next year their

parties, a groom’s “pre-wedding” gathering, graduation celebrations,

son, Grayson, will become a big brother welcoming the newest proj-

and even a birthday party for a five-year-old. Last Spring, Bobcat

ect, baby #2. Given their ability to take on many tasks at once, a

Moms hosted their monthly meeting here complete with a fashion

family of four is a challenge they will balance with ease.

show. Katie says “the experience is always different, but the vibe is

To check out this local Hot Spot, visit LittleWoodenPenguin.com

always the same” at Little Wooden Penguin.

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

27

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

THEY NEED YOUR HELP FINDING THOSE RECIPIENTS. ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON

Last year’s giveaway campaign culminated in the distribution

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

of $250,000 throughout the year to recipients from across the country who had various needs. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community members such as judges, Anna Sarol

police officers, teachers, mentors, social workers and readers like you nominated community members who were facing hardships.

As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers and stakeholders were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized.

One such nominee was Anna Sarol. About six years ago Anna was paralyzed in a gymnastics accident when she was a freshman in high school, but until last year she did not have a stairlift in her home. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000 and made sure it was installed.

“Stairlifts don’t come at a feasible price, and unfortunately our insurance denied coverage,” Anna says. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.”

The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of the giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients. Among those recipients were single mothers, families with children who were facing illnesses, individuals impacted by the loss of a job, unexpected deaths and more.

28

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

Another nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her two nephews and niece. The children came from an abusive situation involving violence, drugs, and neglect. Kathy, a single parent, worked tirelessly to provide for these children, but the family was still living in poverty despite her working seven days a week.

Additionally, Kathy lost her housecleaning job during the pandemic and resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.

When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy.

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever.

Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

29

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever.

Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors. They experienced Christmas like their peers, which filled them with such pride as it was something they have wished for all their lives.”

The case manager says the lesson is clear – when we give back to others, we truly gain so much more in the process. She said she was filled with overwhelming joy when she saw the children’s faces filled with smiles and a Christmas tree in their home for the first time. In addition, the aunt’s expressed desire to give back to others made the giving cycle full circle.

In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient. She was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children, let alone providing them with a fun Christmas. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which impacted her income as the students attended a nearby school after the building was hit. The whole town was struggling as 220 people were injured and five were killed because of the tornado, and everyone needed encouragement. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway.

The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them, so they want to be a blessing and encouragement to others. With this year’s giveaway being increased to $300,000 to give away throughout the year, it’s clear this is an opportunity to change many lives in the same way Anna’s was changed.

“As a 2020 recipient of the Christmas giveaway, I am forever grateful I now can access my basement independently,” Anna says.

“Locating a fully accessible household in my area is nearly impossible, and living in a state that experiences tornado warnings means finding a way to get to my basement by myself is crucial. Not only this, but I also now have the option of utilizing another level of my house to hang out with friends and family.” *Names changed for privacy

30

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need.

The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/Celina

31

Your Hometown Closer Dana Draper

Phone: 972.896.6709 Fax: 214-602-5525 Dana@ShawverTitle.com 312 W. Walnut Street.

Celina, Texas 75009

STAY LOCAL WE ARE

Andy “Hop” Hopkins Owner

Reach Us

(469) 777-4142 1461 Preston Road

32

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

Printing

Shredding

The UPS Store

Glendenning Pkwy

Frontier

Mailboxes

Punk Carter Pkwy

N

Find Us

2750 S Preston Road Celina, Texas 75009

REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

CELINA

AVERAGE PRICE/SQ FT

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Bluewood

$182

104%

16

4

3

Buffalo Ridge

$174

103%

12

4

2

Cambridge Crossing

$218

99%

46

4

3

Carter Ranch

$169

101%

20

4

2

Chalk Hill

$213

100%

14

4

2

Creeks of Legacy

$180

105%

10

4

2

DC Ranch

$214

111%

16

4

3

Glen Crossing

$199

100%

23

4

3

Greenway

$184

107%

3

4

3

Homestead at Ownsby Farms

$190

103%

7

3

2

Light Farms

$205

103%

19

4

3

Lilyana

$212

105%

11

4

3

Morgan Lakes

$223

99%

30

4

3

Mustang Lakes

$203

100%

15

4

4

Parkside

$182

102%

6

4

3

Heritage

$174

99%

11

4

3

Sutton Fields

$175

105%

12

4

2

Wild Wood Estates

$206

102%

19

4

3

The Bridges in Gunter

$169

100%

4

4

3

This reflects a 30-Day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of activity. *DOM = Days on Market

Property Goals

BUY•SELL•INVEST CINDYPETERS•COMPASS 214.564.7886 CINDY.PETERS@COMPASS.COM

CINDYPETERSREALESTATE.COM CityLifestyle.com/Celina

33

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

3-4

17

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE

HOLIDAY MARKET

& The Square

You won't want to miss this holiday

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

Historic Downtown Celina

All

bundled

shopping experience. For two days

Here comes Santa Claus! Bring

starting December 3rd, Two 29 on

your kids for holiday photos with

event. Featuring live musical per-

the Square, located at 229 W. Pecan

Santa from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. This

formances, amusements, food and

Street, will be filled with amazing

festive event will also include fam-

a dazzling 30 foot Christmas tree

vendors

crafts,

ily-friendly activities, sweet treats,

lighting ceremony. Other free attrac-

jewelry and more. Complimentary

offerings from the bar, and last-min-

tions include train rides, live reindeer,

beverages and light bites will be

ute shopping opportunities. This

bounce houses and photo opportuni-

offered. Shop local this Christmas

will be a great event for the whole

ties with Santa. Visitors are welcome

season!

family! For more information, visit

to come dressed in festive clothing

Two29ontheSquare.com

LittleWoodenPenguin.com

4

23

CELINA GIFT TOUR

STORYTIME WITH MRS. CLAUS

ANGEL TREE: HELPING HANDS OF CELINA

Local merchants welcome visitors to

Bring your family at 11:00am and

join in for a festive gift tour during the

enjoy a live reading by Mrs. Clause!

Hey Sugar Candy Store

peak of the holiday shopping season.

Staff will be in the holiday spirit

Christmas is around the corner and

Purchase tickets at LifeinCelinaTX.

dressed as friends from the North

to help children in need, Helping

com to participate in the Gift Tour

Pole. Following a Christmas story,

Hands of Celina in partnership with

and receive a festive holiday bag with

visitors can participate in a themed

Hey Sugar Candy Store, is offering

a map to all the participating stores.

craft. This is a free event sure to get

an Angel Tree. Adopting an angel off

Ticket sale proceeds go to Helping

you and your family ready for the

a tree is a tradition that brings the

Hands of Celina. Space is limited.

magic of the season.

magic of the season to all. To choose

More info at LifeinCelinaTX.com

142 N. Ohio, Celina

into

Christmas,

Little Wooden Penguin

free family-friendly

up

things

Two 29 on the Square

one

selling

For

clothes,

more

info

visit

and find out if they're on the naughty or nice list! LifeinCelinaTX.com

1-27

Downtown Celina & The Square

Celina Public Library

an angel, visit Hey Sugar on the Town Square. HeySugarCandy.com and HelpingHandsofCelina.com

1-27

GUNTER HOLIDAY MARKET

MIRACLE ON 134TH STREET

come shop vendor booths filled

Gunter High School

Get into the holiday spirit and with crafts & gift items. Be sure

10455 County Road 133

A new theme park is coming

to grab some goodies from the

to

sea-

Gunter High School PTO's conces-

son. Beautiful lights, delicious food,

sion stand. Bring the kids to visit

photo ops and all sorts of Christmas

Santa from 10am - 1pm and enjoy

Would you like to get in touch with

activities for the whole family. Nightly

the Kids Zone with free activi-

us? We would love to hear from you!

from 5:30pm - 10:30pm, November

ties. Event hosted by Gunter Texas

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

19th - December 22nd. For more info

Chamber of Commerce. More info

Celina using the Get In Touch link

and to purchase tickets in advance,

at GunterTXChamber.com

and let us know what you think.

Celina this

Christmas

visit Miracleon134thSt.com

34

4

City Lifestyle Celina | December 2021

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.