Summer State Of Mind
EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES
HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY
SPORTS + RECREATION

A DIVA WITH HEART
FOOD + BEVERAGE THE WICK



EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES
HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY
SPORTS + RECREATION
A DIVA WITH HEART
FOOD + BEVERAGE THE WICK
I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool and soaking in some muchneeded Vitamin D.
As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself enjoying the Texas summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and revitalization. Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool, reading a book, or exploring the world around me.
The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in and around Celina. And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list, curling up with a new favorite beach read, or taking in a RoughRiders game.
In this issue, we check in with Emily Phillips, owner of Just Lean In, and learn about her healthy program to help us stay fit and feeling our best this summer. She is offering our readers $50 off your initial sign-up fee when you mention "Celina Lifestyle ".
We really get to soak up the summer vibes with Make A Weisz Selection. Jason and Heather Weisz have us dreaming of our outdoor wonderland right outside our very own back door.
Buff City Soap in downtown Celina has rolled out its freshest summer scents as well as new candles and a laundry detergent that is sure to get those summer whites bright!
And as our summer picks up so does our vibrant downtown. With new restaurants on the horizon like The Wick and HEYDAY, we have a lot to look forward to as we slide into the end of summer. But until these restaurants open, you can get tips on p.58 to host your own perfect dinner party.
We hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience this Summer. As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!
July 2023
PUBLISHER
Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Holly Farrow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sharla Davenport, Niki Carbajal, Christine Clark, Marissa Cortez, Jennifer Haveman, Roger Ireland, Emily LeVine
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nicole Wierick, Brady Bowmer, Brooke Cortez
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @CELINA.LIFESTYLEHormone Replacement Therapy:
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22: Sadie Aguilar, Nicholas Dunn and Amanda Moe 23: Vie Vie Blanchard and Sierra Shepard are all smiles at graduation. 24: Jackson Rooker, Noah Bentley, Caden Mitchell and RJ Ruais pose with their moms. 25: Andrew Hatcher, Collin Hurd, Reid Crook, Logan Allen, Lanz Petrazio and Joshua Wahl 26: Sean Rabe and Lexi Tuite 27: Madi Vana, Emma Berry and Logan Brent 28: Trae Hollins and Gabe Gayton
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @celina.lifestyle
It is with great pleasure to announce the Outstanding Student Athlete of the Month as selected by the Celina Independent School District (CISD) Athletic Coaching Team. This month’s selection is Ben Thomas.
Ben will be a senior (future 2024 graduate) at Celina High School (CHS) and is letterman in both football and track. He is a defensive end and running back for the Bobcat football team and started playing pee-wee football in fifth grade.
Ben’s varsity football career began when he was pulled up from junior varsity his sophomore year for the Celina vs Krum game in 2021. Ben scored a touchdown and had a quarterback sack that very night! He was named to First Team All District and given the Headhunter Award for his efforts in the 2022 football season. The team made it to the third round of playoffs that season. Ben loves everything
about football from Friday Night Lights to the friendships with teammates and the relationships with coaches. He puts his whole heart into this game and wants to contribute to the team anyway he can.
In addition to football, Ben has also run varsity track since his sophomore year and is a two-time state qualifier in the 4x400 meter relay. The relay team recently placed fourth in the state meet! Ben stays busy off the field and track as well. He’s involved in the Chamber Choir, National Honor Society, and Future Farmers of America at CHS. He is a member of First Celina Youth Group and loves to golf, wake-surf, play piano and guitar and hunt during his free time.
Ben maintains a 4.28 GPA and plans to pursue a degree in biological and agricultural engineering at Texas A&M. We cannot wait to see all that Ben accomplishes his senior year.
Congratulations to Ben Thomas and his selection as the July Outstanding Athlete of the Month!
Favorite vacation spot for North Texans is beautiful Broken Bow, Oklahoma. All of the Broken Bow Family Cabins have pull-through driveways (boats/trailers), firepits, and spas. Just minutes away from the lake, restaurants, hiking, golf, ATV off-road trails and horseback riding. Beautifully appointed with all the comforts of home in a gorgeous rustic setting, these cabins are the perfect getaway for families! Show support for this locally-owned business and mention #Celina in the promo code . Book now at BrokenBowFamilyCabins.com
Automation Integration is awarded 2023 Business of the Year by the Greater Celina Chamber of Commerce at the banquet in May. Owner, Eric Becker, also announces Automation Integration now ranks 45th in the United States and 4th in Texas by CEPro Top 100 in 2023. Automation Integration is a local home security company that services both commercial and residential clients. They provide security, home automation, fire alarms, electrical and much more. AutomationIntegration.net
Celebrate Independence Weekend at Splash & Blast presented by Champion Waste & Recycling Services! This event will be held at Old Celina Park on July 1, 2023 from 5PM - 9:30PM. Enjoy live music with Jett Platt, Neon Prophets and headliner Extended Play. This family-friendly event is free and features a Kids Zone with water slides, rock wall and Ninja Nation Obstacle Course. Fireworks show at end of evening. LifeInCelinaTX.com/Splash
Just Lean
In offers a unique and revolutionary approach to health, fitness, and weight loss. Emily Phillips and Jenn Roux, co-CEOs, have a passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle as a means to prevent future health issues. Their vision is to help women lose weight and change their relationship with food and fitness. Through the use of whole nutritious foods laid out in a weekly meal plan, targeted workouts, one-on-one coaching, group coaching and the latest in dietary supplement suggestions, they give their clients the whole-body experience needed to lose weight and achieve their goals.
In December 2021, Emily was playing with ideas for her next adventure. She had years of sales and marketing experience but had not found a product in which she was passionate. On a vacation in the Dominican Republic, she landed on an idea to combine her business strengths and passions. She shared her ideas for coaching, healthy eating and making exercise accessible with her husband Jason Phillips who is an emergency room physician. He encouraged her to move forward with her ideas seeing it as a unique program in a crowded market.
Using Emily’s network and connections, she started recruiting friends with skills and strengths to complement her own. She had met Jenn Roux a few years earlier at a marketing conference. Thanks to the lessons learned from the pandemic, it would not matter that Jenn lives in Boston and Emily lives in Celina.
Jenn is a WNBF Bikini Professional and former Fitness Universe Bikini Professional and has been an online fitness and nutrition coach since 2014. In 2018, she began a private coaching practice focused on helping women lead a higher quality of life through fitness, nutrition and activewear. After having her first child, Jenn joined Just Lean In as co-CEO.
This team launched Just Lean In in the fall of 2022. Emily leads the company's sales, promotions and marketing, while Jenn acts as the head coach and is responsible for its strategy and operations. They have 10 coaches who live coast-to-coast as well as in Canada. They all share a heart and vision for what they are doing and how they can help women change their lives. Together they signed 40 clients in the first month and today have worked with about 400 clients.
The future looks bright for Just Lean In as they will soon launch a new more robust platform with full features to help build community between coaches and clients. There is a new app in the works to make meal planning and workouts more accessible. Also, you don’t want to miss the helpful advice and encouragement found on the Just Lean In free Facebook weight loss group - and soon to be released YouTube channel. If you are looking to make a change in your life at a reasonable price with personalized coaching, meal planning and fitness instruction, check out all that Just Lean In has to offer.
Learn more at JustLeanIn.com or call 972.897.4160
$50 Off initial sign up when you mention "Celina Lifestyle"
When Brady Bowmer first walked onto the field with his camera months ago, he never imagined where it would lead. He is now a welcome figure at Celina ISD athletic events. Baseball player Jackson Rooker said of Brady, who also serves as a baseball team manager, “We love Brady because he adds another personality to our team and he really cares about us. He’s the best manager we could ask for and he captures the great moments of our season.” Brady, a junior at Celina High School [CHS], has lived in Celina his whole life and remembers his dad always had a camera at his games.
Perhaps it was the memory of this that inspired Brady to start his journey into photography. His dad showed him how to work the camera. He supplemented that instruction with YouTube videos. When asked how he started shooting photos of Celina ISD athletes, he shrugs, “I just walked out with my camera and started taking pictures. No one stopped me so I kept going.” He tries to make it to as many games across as many sports as he can. Viewing the dropbox linked in his instagram bio, you’ll see photos divided by sport and including special events. In addition to sports photos, he also shares photos from halftime, pep rallies, and parade performances of Las Gatitas and the CHS Cheer Team.
After high school, Brady plans to attend college majoring in photography or find a job in sports photography. While we know his future is bright, we’ll continue to enjoy his work with our Celina Bobcats for the next couple of years.
Follow Brady Bowmer's work on Instagram @bradybowmerr
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRADY BOWMERHELPS YOU BUILD YOUR BACKYARD OASIS
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEVINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE WIERICKEver since Jason Weisz was very young, being an outdoorsman has run through his veins. At the age of 6, he began mowing lawns for his family and this love for the outdoors gradually grew into Weisz Selection: the award-winning, all-inclusive landscaping, hardscaping, poolscaping and outdoor living company located in Gunter, Texas.
When he was 16, Jason incorporated his company and he began building patios and arbors for his friends. Back then, his clientele grew rapidly by word of mouth and soon he developed a skilled team that helped him grow the company into what it is today.
Although Weisz Selection has seen its fair share of difficulties, the team never backs down from a challenge using the hardships as stepping stones for growth. The company had just opened a second location in Houston during the recession of 2008, and the crash forced them to throttle things back just to survive. At that time, many companies were installing landscaping or building pools, but very few were doing them both. That is when Jason first decided to add a custom pool building division to his landscape and hardscape company. Because of that decision and years of hard work to develop this niche, Weisz Selection is now
one of North Texas’ most trusted outdoor living companies. Even COVID could not stop them – the company actually saw an increase in clients during the pandemic –if families were going to be stuck at home they might as well turn their backyards into their own paradise.
Weisz Selection does it all so when you are planning your dream backyard oasis there is no need to hunt around to piece together several different companies to collaborate. From designing and installing unique state-of-the-art outdoor amenities to maintaining your backyard wonderland, there is nothing Weisz Selection cannot do.
The Weisz Selection team prides itself on being unique – Jason said that no two pool projects are alike when they design pools and outdoor living spaces. They are always looking for new and innovative ways to create something that has never been seen before, and they refuse to settle for the ordinary. Jason and his wife, Heather, collaborate with their team to build creative and beautiful outdoor retreats that are sure to have that WOW factor.
Above all, Jason and Heather want you to feel like family. They put their clients first in everything they do,
going above and beyond to satisfy each client’s individual needs. They love servicing such a rapidly growing area as it affords them the ability to stay close to home, work on the ranch, and raise their children.
So when it comes to your new outdoor getaway, Jason, Heather and their team can assure you make the “Weisz Selection” when you are ready to change your property from ordinary to extraordinary!
Learn more at WeiszSelection.com or call 972.838.4205
marrying Daniel’s extensive construction knowledge with Trisha's unique perspective.
A SWEET STORY
Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Celina residents Kim and Cleve Wickliffe are the personification of this oft-quoted saying. Persevering through health struggles, career changes, and all obstacles one could possibly throw at a burgeoning business, the couple has never waivered from their passion for life and, as our luck would have it, food!
Coming this Fall, not only do we have cooler weather and football to look forward to, the Wickliffes will be transforming their life’s journey into a one of a kind destination right in the heart of downtown Celina – The Wick . Offering fresh, upscale breakfast and lunch menus, happy hour cocktails, a coffee and espresso bar, and of course, all the incredible
goodies we’ve come to love from Swirls Bakery, The Wick will have something for everyone.
During the week, The Wick will be your one-stop kick start for a great day providing a blend of traditional and inspired breakfast offerings accompanied by some of our favorite local coffee, courtesy of Celina Coffee Roasters. Don’t worry, if you are a late riser, The Wick has got you covered with fresh, novel lunch items that are as impressive in flavor as they are in presentation. All the food items are made from locally sourced vendors and even herbs and vegetables are grown in their on-premise gardens! A special brunch menu is offered on weekends, and we can always get our favorite Swirls baked goods fresh from the bakery.
ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE
Cinnamon Roll
Rounding out each day, plan on joining friends and family for happy hour, complete with cocktails and small bites in a stylish, comfortable atmosphere. Whether you prefer the plush banquettes inside, the eclectic feel of their multiple outdoor decks, or the backyard comfort of one of their several fire pit seating areas, the charming, unpretentious, vibe is sure to satisfy.
The only thing more unique than The Wick is the story of Kim and Cleve and how they came to bless our fair town. Their journey began dating in High School, but as is so common in their story, circumstances conspired against them, and they parted ways. Decades later in 2015, as if destined to be together, their paths crossed and despite fate’s continued efforts
to challenge them, they married in 2020. While enjoying family, successful corporate careers, and every other accouterment of the American Dream, a deeper calling had so far gone unanswered.
All throughout Cleve’s life, food and family had played a central role. Growing up inspired by a love affair with the cuisine and culture of Louisiana, Cleve continuously developed skills in the kitchen, cooking and baking for friends, and just the sheer pleasure of the craft. Kim, while talented in the kitchen herself, has always had a passion for entertaining. All throughout her youth and professional career, regardless of circumstances, Kim’s superpower has always been making people feel welcome and comfortable. It seemed almost
Swirls Breakfast Sandwich Spinach Strawberry Salad“All the food items are made from locally sourced vendors and even herbs and vegetables are grown in their on-premise gardens!”
inevitable they would wind up in the service industry.
Fortunately for Celina, passing through the airport the couple stopped for a cinnamon roll and had a bad experience. Once home, Kim mentioned her disappointment and Cleve offered to make her one. “Have you ever made a cinnamon roll?” she asked. “Not yet,” he responded and a short while later, the first Swirl was born! In no time, they were in full production baking dozens of orders for friends and neighbors. After a visit to the Celina EDC to discuss business possibilities and lunch at our very own Toasted Walnut, the couple was so taken with Celina that they immediately sold their house and moved to town!
With fresh designs on opening a bakery on Walnut Street downtown, Kim and Cleve continued to grow their business through word
of mouth advertising and persistent volunteerism, donating both time and deliciousness to so many events on the square. Yet, as they diversified their business offering with other baked goods, catering, and coffee, so too seemed the problems getting the bakery off paper and into reality. With a “go big or go home” attitude, rather than succumbing to the weight of the challenge, the Wickliffes upped the ante and The Wick with a new location at 107 S Colorado St just off the Square is now coming to life!
Like Emerson’s quote suggests, the origins of The Wick are the realization of Kim and Cleve’s journey to Celina. We cannot wait to make it a regular destination for breakfast, lunch, and happy hour!
If you have been around the Celina area for any length of time, you will have seen the blue branded Grace Bridge trailers traveling Preston Road. You may have visited the resale boutique on the Square or participated in a twice-monthly food distribution. You may have donated food or received services throughout the year. But only two people have had the experience of graduating from the first Grace Bridge Welding School class.
The newest Grace Bridge initiative is based on the ReIGNITE Hope Welding School established in Gardena, California. According to their website, the program operates with a vision of “reigniting hope in the world one life at a time” by equipping people with life-changing career training. ReIGNITE Hope has trained 1,000 students for a career in welding while also offering compassion and hope in a loving environment that encourages personal responsibility and integrity.
IT IS THE GRACE BRIDGE MISSION TO PROVIDE HOPE TO THOSE IN NEED AND TO SHARE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH HOPE-FOCUSED INITIATIVES. WELDING IS AMONG THE TOP SUSTAINABLE TRADES THAT PROVIDES CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT AND A CONTRIBUTOR TO THEIR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.
Partnering with ReIGNITE Hope, Grace Bridge looks to connect the faith-based welding training program with individuals wanting to learn a sustainable trade. The eight-week program is led by an experienced team of two welders. Darr Healy has more than 30 years of experience and holds a certification in pipeline welding. He is qualified in cellulose and hydrogen pipeline welding and has experience as a welding inspector. His life verse is a testimony to his involvement in serving others in prison ministries; “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Mr. Healy’s partner in the welding school is Phil Hocking. Phil’s background includes machinist, mechanical engineer, CAD, woodworking cabinet maker, and general handyman. Prior to retiring to Prosper, Mr. Hocking lived in California where he helped establish a ministry to train people to weld and become certified through the American Welding Society. That program is now known as ReIGNITE Hope.
Classes meet twice per week and focus on instruction in MIG, Stick, and Flux Core welding. Up to six students per class cycle experience welding practices, Bible study, mentorship, job prep tips, and resume polishing. At the completion of the course, an inspector from the American Welding Society will test the welds. Successful completion earns the student entry into the national registry of certified welders.
April 2023 produced the first two graduates of the Grace Bridge Welding School. One graduate, Braden Loafman, came to Grace Bridge as a warehouse staff employee and enrolled in the welding school earlier in the year. Braden mentioned the program is relatively short but “fully equips you to become successful in life and welding”. He has several job leads and is ready to move forward with a position as a certified welder.
Grace Bridge focuses on “Hope Served Here”. The welding school is the newest area where they are offering hope, through training, but there are many other areas where Grace Bridge provides hope to those in need.
Backpack and school supplies for kinder through 12th grade students in Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties. The City of Celina partners with Grace Bridge by donating Old Celina Park for the event the first week of August. Grace Bridge expects
to serve 500 students in 2023. Registration is required. School supply donations are encouraged through Amazon IGYB List.
A new bike and Bible for kinder through 8th grade students in Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties. First Celina Church is hosting the event on December 2nd and expects to serve 150 students. Volunteers and donations are needed. Registration for recipients is required.
Students in kinder through 8th grade receive 3 wrapped Christmas gifts. The event is on December 16th at Prestonwood North Baptist Church in Prosper. Includes a family-friendly program focusing on Jesus as the true gift. Volunteers and toy donations/drives are needed. Registration for participants is required.
Includes a box of shelf-stable food items two times per month. Meat, bread, and produce are distributed as available. Personal care boxes are distributed once per month. Volunteers and donations are needed. Registration for participants is required.
• First Saturday: First Celina from 10am to noon
• Third Saturday: Prestonwood North Baptist Church from 10am to noon
• Partner church food distributions throughout the month at Heartland Church (Carrollton), Northside Baptist Church (Carrollton), Living Word Church (Little Elm), McKinney Bible Church, and Life 365 Church (Denton).
Conducted quarterly. Basic eye exams and glasses fitting at no charge. Small fee for lenses. Operated in partnership with Dr. Todd Brantley and Dr. Paola Diaz from Lone Star Vision. Registration required.
For more information on the Grace Bridge Welding School or any of the Grace Bridge initiatives, contact Jennifer Whitson, Volunteer and Programs Coordinator, at jwhitson@gracebridge.us . Visit GraceBridge.us for photos, testimonials, and volunteer opportunities.
Buff City Soap Celina is on a mission to create handmade products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant-based goodness. Soak up the summer and treat yourself to these amazing products. The new Summer collection includes Sittin' On The Dock, Sun-Kissed Getaway, and Shore Thing scents.
1. Laundry Soap Plus: Plus up your laundry routine with Laundry Soap+! Each batch is handmade with 5 simple ingredients + baking soda for boosted cleaning power.
2. Buff City Candles: Enjoy the amazing scents of these new plant-based soy wax candles. Made with lead-free wicks.
3. Buff City Minis: If this summer calls for travel, grab these TSA Approved Minis to pack for your getaway.
4. Happy Hydration Unflavored Lip Balm: Give your lips something to smile about. Made with 100% natural and certified organic ingredients including organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, and organic coconut oil, Buff's Lip Balms help to make your lips silky smooth and hydrated.
5. Laundry Scent Booster: Complete your laundry lineup with our Laundry Scent Boosters, handmade with plant-based ingredients. Simply shake a little or shake a lot to add extra scent to your laundry!
6. Soap Whip: Fall in love with the scent of your own skin. This Buff City Soap favorite is a subtle yet luxurious, cloudlike soap made with simple ingredients.
308 W Walnut St, Celina
Located on the Square - Downtown Celina 469.202.3151
New booking website: PartyWithBuff.com
At Super Splash Car Wash, sometimes water and oil do mix! Whether you need car cleaning or are looking for car maintenance and automotive repair, you can count on their lube center to get the job done well to give you peace of mind.
Cleaning and waxing are the most basic maintenance tasks for a car owner but doing it right takes expertise. Make the exterior and interior finish last longer with the experts at Super Splash.
Changing your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles is the most important preventative maintenance service you can have performed on your car. Regular oil changes help ensure that your vehicle is performing well by extending the life of your engine. Their standard oil change is quick, convenient, and includes a 20-point service and safety inspection.
All washes include a soft Neotex cloth wash, clear coat & spot-free rinse, vacuum, and towel dry. Deluxe, Supreme, and Platinum washes also receive window cleaning, and wiping of dash and consoles. Look into the VIP membership car wash program.
Your car isn't the only ride worth preserving. Super Splash will clean RVs, buses, boats, ATVs/UTVs too! Their team won't miss a spot when they hand wash your oversized vehicles or boat.
Tire rotations are the key to preserving your investment. The team at Super Splash will keep you rolling with a rotation every 10-12k miles!
Get ready for that summer road trip with an up-todate state inspection! Super Splash is here to keep your vehicle going strong all season long.
SUPER SPLASH CAR WASH
400 S. Preston Road, Prosper, TX 75078
Lube Center Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8AM - 6PM
Sunday: 9AM - 5PM
SuperSplashProsper.com
Car Wash Hours: Mon-Sat: 8AM - 7PM Sunday: 9AM - 5PM
Have you been to a Frisco RoughRiders game this summer? Besides enjoying great baseball, you will also see "Diva", a horse from Celina’s own 4 Hooves for Hearts organization.
Becky Shewchuk owns and operates 4 Hooves for Hearts, a non-riding equine psychotherapy program that uses horses to help patients with counseling and therapy needs. The horses come from Becky’s other nonprofit, WindyHill Equine Rescue, dedicated to saving horses. Her less adoptable horses are used for the therapeutic service. She says they are “rescued horses, restoring hope.”
This got the attention of Ross Lanford, Vice President of Sales for the Frisco RoughRiders, who reached out to Becky offering to help 4 Hooves for Hearts. The two realized that Becky has a horse named Diva with a striking CONTINUED >
resemblence to the horse used at RoughRiders games 20 years ago. Becky notes, “Diva looked just like the original RoughRiders horse, black with a white star. The resemblance was uncanny.”
As a result, at every Sunday home game for the rest of the summer, Diva will be spotlighted as THE RoughRiders horse. Becky proudly rides Diva around the field stopping at the dugout beside the team before the National Anthem. Afterwards, she and Diva are available for people to meet Diva and learn more about 4 Hooves for Hearts as there is not another equine therapy session like hers in this area.
Besides honoring the RoughRiders ball club, Becky’s main goal is to increase awareness and funding for the therapy programs at 4 Hooves for Hearts. She hopes to specifically raise funds and understanding to provide therapy to veterans and first responders. Becky strongly believes that any veteran or first responder asking for help deserves assistance at low cost or no cost.
The response has been incredible. The promotion started last Spring and Becky proudly states, “The crowd loves Diva! They love meeting her.” Naturally, it also has created more
interest in her organization. Becky continues, “It’s a lot of pressure on horses but Diva is well-trained, perfect in that role since she loves people.” Becky says the Frisco RoughRiders have been “extremely supportive and helpful. They are so plugged into the community.”
4 Hooves for Hearts currently supports many horses used for therapy as well as another 30 or so in her rescue program, which explains the need for funds and sponsorship as the cost for horses’ care and therapist pay is significant. The program is so successful because, according to Becky, horses as prey animals are very sensitive and will “mirror people’s emotions” making them the perfect therapy animal.
Becky is optimistic that Diva’s time as a RoughRider this summer will bring in more donations and support while promoting Celina and this unique special therapy that is available for all. So when making summer plans, be sure to include a RoughRiders game this summer and go meet Diva.
Learn more at 4HoovesForHearts.org
If you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed. Dr. Shane Brown couldn’t agree more. In fact, he encourages you to be barefoot throughout summer.
Dr. Shane Brown has been in Celina for nine years, specializing in the foot. “I am Celina’s Podiatrist, that’s all I do,” he states. This summer, he shares some summer foot care tips.
First, as previously said, go barefoot (like on grass, sand, or anywhere safe) regularly. This is especially for children to build up intrinsic muscles in feet yielding fewer problems as an adult. Plus, being barefoot reduces dry cracks on your heels.
Second, Dr. Brown says if you are going to wear sandals or flip flops, make sure they are not flat but have support. He prefers
Birkenstocks or Crocs because the shoes have arches. Sandals often cause cracked heels, so Dr. Brown recommends using lotions like AmLactin. While wearing sandals or if barefoot, Dr. Brown urges us to use sunscreen. Feet can burn easily since they are exposed to the sun.
Finally, summertime leads to more outside exercise. Dr. Brown says running or walking shoes should be designed for running and made with breathable fabric and strong support. Leather shoes do not allow the foot to breathe.
Dr. Brown is Celina’s only podiatrist. He’s an expert in the foot and ankle treating regular problems like Planter Fasciitis.
“I see it a couple times a week. Everyone tries to fix it themselves, but there is a
process for healing,” Dr. Brown says. “I explain what is going on with your foot, why you are having the problem, and how to fix it,” he continues. Dr. Brown notes most people get better without medicine.
Do your kids have pain in their feet? It could be Sever’s Disease, where bones grow faster than tendons. Dr. Brown can help kids get back to their everyday life. In addition, he can permanently repair ingrown toenails providing much relief for people of all ages.
Don’t be overdressed this summer. Go barefoot, play in the sand, and wear sunscreen. But should you need foot care, Dr. Brown is here and ready to treat your feet
Learn more at ShaneBrownDPM.com or call 972.382.8922
THE STORY OF CELINA’S FIRST DANCE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The idea of a Special Friends Prom was brought to me by a sweet girl named Jenna. The fact is that many students with disabilities do not get the opportunity to attend prom because of limitations, accommodations etc… I wanted to change that.
Finding teachers, students, and business owners to donate their time and energy to this initiative was easy. Celina is kind, giving, and selfless. Our community stepped up, helping make this event a reality. Two 29 on the Square graciously opened their doors for the Celina High School (CHS) Junior Class Officers and the FCCLA to decorate and prep for the big night. The 1st Annual Special Friends Prom was held April 30th.
Seeing the students dressed up, dancing, and walking the red carpet was a wonderful sight that I wish more people could see. Knowing that these students got the
opportunity to go to a dance centered around them is what Celina is all about. Being surrounded by a community that embraces each other and shows support to those who need is inspiring. Many good people answered a call to serve, and I am so grateful. The smiles and memories made that night are priceless.
It would be amazing to get more involved next year so the Special Friends Prom becomes an annual event, bigger and better! If you are interested in helping or need more information, please send emails to micortez9@icloud.com Together, let’s show everyone how big the heart of Celina truly is!
Thank you Marissa Cortez, Junior Class President at Celina High School, for sharing this story with us. If you have an editorial submission for print consideration, please submit to Barbara.Ireland@CityLifestyle.com
Before Luxe Blades stepped in, our yard was nothing short of a disaster. With poor drainage and constant mud, it was impossible for our family to truly enjoy the outdoor space. But Luxe Blades worked their magic, and now our yard has become the envy of the neighborhood and the ultimate destination for family fun.
“Andy, Jay, Barbara and Co. are fantastic. They have taken a number of the administrative and weekly headaches out of running our organization. A true one-stop-shop for shipping and small business needs. And...they set the bar high with great customer service” - Jake
The mission of 4 Hooves For Hearts is to enhance individual, family, & group functioning by providing opportunities to develop skills for solving problems, overcoming obstacles, and reaching individual, family or group goals through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) using the EAGALA method. Our vision is to build strong relationships through Equine-Assisted growth and learning activities.
Our goals are to improve communication, stimulate creativity in thinking, teach patience, build trust in relationships, and improve self-esteem.
Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.
• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.
• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.
Yield: 6 servings
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin
• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.
4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.
9. Serve and enjoy!
CHEF NOTES:
• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.
• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Yield: 6-10 servings
• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
6. Enjoy.
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A sample of recently sold properties in Celina.
Splash & Blast
OLD CELINA PARK | 5:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Weekend at Celina's Biggest Backyard Bash of the Summer! This family-friendly outdoor event is FREE to the public and features a large Kids Zone with water slides, foam pits, rock wall, and new this year, the Ninja Nation Obstacle Course! Enjoy live music throughout the day, and the patriotic celebration will conclude with an incredible Fireworks Show! LifeinCelinaTX.com/Splash
Achieving Milestones Summer Camps
ACHIEVING MILESTONES | 8:00 AM
Achieving Milestones Pediatric Therapy, PLLC is a collaborative pediatric therapy clinic comprised of speech pathologists and therapists, occupational therapists, and more! This summer, they are offering camps at their new location (200 N. New Mexico, Celina) to help little ones with fine motor skills, sensory integration, language development, emotional regulation, literacy, and social skills. For more information, go to AchievingMilestones.org
RIDERS FIELD | 6:00 PM
At every Sunday home game this summer, Diva, a horse from 4 Hooves for Hearts, will be spotlighted as THE RoughRider horse. She'll be ridden around the field stopping at the dugout for the National Anthem! Afterward, Diva will be available for people to meet her and learn more about equine therapy sessions at 4 Hooves for Hearts! 4HoovesforHearts.org
Serving Breakfast & Lunch Menu includes Kids Menu and Senior Specials Open 7:00AM - 2:00PM Mon-Fri | 7:00AM - 3:00PM Sat & Sun
For fast ordering and pick-up, order online!
Catherine represents North Texas residents and future homeowners, providing a 5 star experience throughout the whole process. Listening to her clients’ needs and aspirations as she creates your ultimate happiness is her #1 goal.
Catherine places a strong value on communication, as she is in constant contact with her clients, providing them with an honest and open approach to the buying and selling process. Her patience, negotiating skills, and marketing abilities have kept her in great demand.
When it comes to marketing Catherine employs innovative marketing strategies and is always leveraging the latest trends for new ways to market a property. Additionally, she uses only the best professional photos, vendors and experts in her database. Resulting in a “team effort” to sell your home or help find the perfect home for you.
Catherine prides herself on staying current on market conditions and area growth that she can always provide the most up to date information to her clients.
JULY 10TH
CELINA HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM | 9:00 AM
Have a budding thespian in 1st through 8th grade? Have them join the Summer Theatre Kids Camp at Celina High School! Students will learn improv, theatre games, playwriting skills, theatre crafts, and prepare for the short play for their families to view at the end of the week. Sign up early for a camp t-shirt! Bit.Ly/DramaKidsCamp23
JULY 10TH
O'DELL ELEMENTARY | 8:00 AM
Turn your curious kid into an innovative thinker at Camp Invention Summer Camp - a confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions!. Led by qualified local educators, the camps offer new and exciting hands-on activities every year. Register today to help your child grow their confidence, build problem-solving skills, reduce summer learning loss, and more! Register at Invent.org
JULY 17TH
TWO 29 ON THE SQUARE | 1:30 PM
Calling all future scientists aged five to ten! Explore our earth with Love My Earth Science Camp at Two29 on the Square. Students will learn about plants, composting, and how to make an impact on our planet. They'll make yummy treats while learning about cooking with herbs and plants and how it effects their health.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Celina