Celina, TX April 2024

You focus on healing. We take care of everything else.

At Snellings Law, we’re more than just lawyers - we’re your neighbors and friends. We live and work in the community, ensuring personal treatment for every client. Trust us to guide you through the personal injury process with care, ensuring top medical care and a fair resolution.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to the negligence of someone else, we can help you recover past and future damages, including:

Medical Expenses - Lost Wages - Pain And Suffering - Mental Anguish

Scan the QR code to check out Scott’s podcast, The Driven Crowd, where he discusses business, personal growth, and more with local community leaders.

In this episode he visits with Celina’s very own, Kim and Cleve Wickliffe, owners of The Wick in Downtown Celina.

A sound investment

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.

We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets longterm financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

In this issue, we meet several locals and learn how they are investing in our community through beautification efforts and earth friendly practices. We also learn more about Toasted Walnut Table and Market, Texas Tulips, and Old Quail Run Farm and why these local business owners have chosen to invest in our region. Finally, writer Christine Clark dives deep into retirement and shares how best to invest in your twilight years.

While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances and with those that we love.

Remember, when it comes to investments, the biggest risk of all is not taking one.

As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!

BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @CELINA.LIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Danielle Poche | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

Roger Ireland | Roger.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katelyn Briscoe, Niki Carbajal, Christine Clark, Sharla Davenport, Jennifer Haveman, Megan Hoban, Angi Hockett, Roger Ireland CONTRIBUTING

Melissa Hatcher, Nicole Wierick, Katelyn Briscoe, Janie Jones

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Celina Rodeo Fashion Show Committee raises money for Celina ISD scholarships. 2: True Light Chiropractic is a proud member of the Greater Celina Chamber of Commerce. 3: Lori Vaden West Group of Coldwell Banker APEX receive a Top Producer award for 2023. 4: Bestselling author of Dinner Tonight and Celina native, Alex Snodgrass, with sister, Madison Lavey, at book signing event. 5: Trisha Puente in Caimey Hat models at Rodeo Celina Fashion Show with Color Wonder Balloons backdrop. 6: Mark and Tammie Walker at Rodeo Celina Kick Off Party at Two 29 on the Square. 7: Andy Hopkins and others model Annie Jack, Honeysuckle Rose, Willow House and Terramania rodeo fashions.

CELINA CHAMBER

LYDIA BARCLAY

LYDIA BARCLAY

city scene

CONTINUED

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8: Granny’s Bakery hosts a bread making class. 9: Little Wooden Penguin hosts their annual Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-Off. 10: Anthony Morel joins his wife on the runway at Rodeo Celina’s fashion show.

DELICIOUS

Enjoy a weekend with all day brunch, bottomless mimosas, and refreshing brunch cocktails at The Wick this coming April. Keep up with us on social media for the Grand Opening dates.

OPENING APRIL 2024 IN DOWNTOWN CELINA

OPENING APRIL 2024 IN DOWNTOWN CELINA

@TheWickCelina

107 South Colorado St. Celina, TX

469-500-5171

Please

new Celina Lifestyle partner, Ruth Ann Robbins of Keller Williams Realty. Ruth Ann is a real estate professional and certified luxury home marketing specialist. She is an experienced agent in the business and takes great pride in the service she provides to her clients, colleagues, friends and family. As

award-winning agent, Ruth Ann takes the time to mold and mentor other agents to be successful and profitable in the real estate industry. RuthAnnRobbinsRealEstate.com

1,

Bedroom

Townhome-Style

Apartment Homes

DENIM & DIAMONDS GALA

The Celina Education Foundation is hosting its annual Denim & Diamonds Gala at 3 R’s Ranch in Prosper on April 12th. So throw on your favorite pair of jeans, add some sparkle and enjoy an incredible evening of socializing, FUN and giving back! Let’s come together to support academic excellence and innovation in Celina ISD. The community’s continued support is appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you there. For tickets, visit CelinaEducationFoundation.org

CELINA AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM GRAND RE-OPENING

The Celina Area Heritage Museum will be hosting a Grand Re-Opening event on April 20th from 10AM - 3PM. The renovated Celina Area Heritage Association & Museum reopens at the same location at 211 W. Pecan, in downtown Celina, Texas. After the water pipes gave way last year, the museum underwent a remodel. Please check out CelinaMuseum. com for the most up to date information on hours and offerings.

Daystar Landscapes Celebrates 40 Years

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY THORNTON

“The roots of our business have always been our people.

Beautiful outdoor transformations: Since 1984, Daystar Landscapes, Inc., professionals have provided landscape design and installations throughout North Texas. The Prosper-headquartered team specializes in landscape design and installation services for new homes, multifamily developments, residential renovation, commercial landscape design and commercial grounds maintenance services.

"Actually, our family of landscapers look at it as being able to create memorable outdoor experiences for customers," says Jeff Canfield, founder/owner of Daystar Landscapes, Inc.

While proudly observing the company's 40th anniversary during 2024, Jeff reflects on its humble beginning.

He says, “When I first moved to Texas from Oklahoma in March 1984, I looked at what opportunities were available for business ventures. After researching the requirements and affordability of getting started, I decided to start a landscaping company. In the early days, I worked nights stocking groceries at Brookshires and found landscaping jobs during the day."

"I started Daystar Landscapes by renting a wheelbarrow and purchasing tools on a Sears credit card," he recalls.

Now, the company has 90 employees and supports the community through sponsorships, special projects and nonprofit volunteerism.

Catherine Brooks, Daystar's general manager, says a fundamental part of the company's inspiring culture is about how they make positive differences in the community, often through landscaping. In fact, she details how the company's team has assisted a variety of community nonprofits:

• Daystar is a sponsor of the Champions For Veterans initiative and Freedom program with ManeGait, a group operating a therapeutic riding center in McKinney, serving individuals with disabilities.

• Daystar is a long-term title sponsor of the Thin Blue Line Ball, an appreciation event to give back to local, selfless law enforcement families on April 6.

• Additionally, Daystar is a sponsor for the Prosper Police Department, as well as a sponsor for the Celina Police Department and that department's Drug Educational Program for school-aged children.

• Remaining actively involved in the Prosper, Frisco, McKinney and Celina chambers of commerce groups is another way Daystar supports community growth and overall progress.

• As a gold sponsor of the Community Garden Kitchen based in McKinney, Daystar helps provide food to those facing hunger and food insecurity throughout Collin County.

• Daystar gifts landscaping and other charitable contributions, along with volunteering with organizations that are so important to the local community and residents. These amazing organizations have made it their mission to “step in” where there is a loss or lack of services. Some of these organizations are The Community Garden Kitchen, Hugs Café and Greenhouse, Agape Resources, Homes for Veterans and McKinney’s Learning Garden.

• Daystar provides landscaping and some charitable contributions for Jericho Village Housing, an innovative approach to aiding people with transitional housing, support services, sustainable income stream development and other resources.

• Helping with McKinney's Learning Garden at the northwest corner of the Tupps Brewery site in east McKinney was a natural fit for Daystar. The garden features about 30 raised garden beds as well as picnic tables, potting benches and a harvest wash area. The new space also was designed to serve as an outdoor classroom for children through seniors. The garden is facilitated and maintained by volunteers, and classes led by local chefs, farmers and gardeners. Food produced at the garden will be distributed to Community Garden Kitchen, La Tiendita, Hugs Café and East McKinney Farmers Market.

• Michael E. Thornton Foundation provides financial assistance for both active and non-active duty military and families in need, and Daystar proudly supports this charitable group.

“ Most importantly, our company is rooted in the biblical principle that in addition to using our God-given talents in our jobs, we need to use the things we do well to bless those around us. ”

• Daystar contributes to and supports the Collin County Master Gardeners Association in the hopes of sharing and growing the education of the “next generation” in their school programs throughout Collin County.

Notably, Daystar is one of the 2024 sponsors of The Garden Show slated for March 17-17, as presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association. The event will be held in the Show Barn at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney.

As North Texas continues to grow, Catherine indicates so does the demand for top-notch, reputable landscape design and installation services. "Daystar is committed to quality work and superior customer

service in all aspects of our business. Our organization is a family of co-workers. We strive to accomplish the most experienced high-level service and landscape creation for our customers. This is the quality that our builders, homeowners, general contractors and maintenance clients have come to trust and depend on," she says.

"Most importantly, our company is rooted in the biblical principle that in addition to using our God-given talents in our jobs, we need to use the things we do well to bless those around us," she adds.

972.985.7489

DaystarLandscapes.com

Mention Celina Lifestyle to get 10% off your purchase

OLD quail RUN FARM

ARTICLE BY SHARLA DAVENPORT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OLD QUAIL RUN FARM

A PLACE TO GATHER, REST, AND MAKE MEMORIES WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

When you love to cook, sing, make music, and enjoy friendly gatherings, it only makes sense to bring it all together. Jennifer Taylor does all of that at the Old Quail Run Farm.

Located in Sherman, Old Quail Run Farm is an intimate entertainment venue focusing on food, wine, and music, the whole experience. For their Farm to Table dinners, food is sourced locally within twenty miles of the farm and served literally farm-to-table. Jennifer owns a catering business in Sherman/Denison, Bon Appétit Y’all, which helped start the farm-to-table movement. In fact, she was one of the first in North Texas to focus on local food sourcing.

Now at Old Quail Run Farm, the dinners become an event with performances by renowned musicians. This is partially because of Jennifer and her family’s background, touring the country performing Christian music at camps and churches. As young adults, Jennifer and her sister continued their career in Nashville writing, singing, and performing. Those music connections carried over to the dinners at the farm today. The size of event often determines the artist who performs. The farm has hosted artists such as Suzy Bogguss, Billy Dean, Texas Playboys, and Jack Ingram. Each dinner had a theme with Jennifer documenting each theme, recipe, and event.

Fittingly, she created a series of cookbooks documenting the occasions. “Gatherings and Guitars: Making Memories one Meal and Song at a Time,” the first book, should be released early this year. According to Jennifer, each chapter features an artist who performed at the event plus all recipes from that special dinner, plus a QR code linking to their music. The artists contributed a recipe plus a story explaining the food or experience. Jennifer says it’s not a cookbook but “a storybook with recipes.” She has over five years of content for the books thus planning to release a series of books each with a different theme. Jennifer shares one of those recipes this month.

Jennifer Taylor has considerable plans for Old Quail Run Farm. Having lived in Sherman for the last thirteen years, she is excited to expand the farm as the the community continues to grow. Almost certainly, Jennifer will live up to her book’s title, making memories, each meal and song at a time.

OLD QUAIL RUN FARM

233

OLD QUAIL RUN ROAD

SHERMAN, TX 75092 903.868.2100

STREET CORN & KALE SALAD

ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Kale, leaves cut from stems and chopped

• 1 head of romaine lettuce chopped.

• 1 cup of grilled fresh corncut from the ear

• 1/2 cup of cotija cheese, crumbled 1/2 of a red onion, chopped

• Cilantro Lime Dressing:

• 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt

• 1 lime squeezed

• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantrochopped fine 2 garlic cloves minced

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon of canned chipotle

directions:

Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add chopped Kale to a bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Massage kale until softened. Then add your corn, cheese, red onion, and avocado. Toss together, then add amount desired of dressing. Toss until completely coated. Sprinkle cotija cheese on top.

The UPS Store Celina Community Spotlight

Our local neighborhoods are the heart of Celina. Andy “Hop” Hopkins, owner of The UPS Store, is highlighting one of many of Celina’s finest communities on a monthly basis.

COMMUNITY: CREEKS OF LEGACY

LOCATION: Located just west of Dallas Parkway in southern Celina, Creeks of Legacy occupies arguably the most sought-after location in Collin County!

OVERVIEW: Creeks of Legacy offers elevated suburban living with multiple amenity centers, outdoor activities, award winning schools and easy access to some of the region’s most coveted assets. Only minutes away are Celina’s Historic Downtown Square, upscale shopping and dining in Prosper and Frisco and easy access to the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 380 that bring McKinney, Denton, and even Plano into easy reach.

EVENTS: Most residents agree, their neighbors are the reason they love Creeks of Legacy. Not only are there multiple pools that serve as gathering places during the warmer months, the clubhouse and event barn see loads of action throughout the year. Holiday celebrations are extra special with some residents going above and beyond with decorations including Christmas pictures with a live reindeer!

GIVING BACK: With an active HOA and engaged board members, community members say there are ample opportunities for giving both within the community and at large.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: As most Texans would agree, having an HEB about a quarter of a mile qualifies as a special highlight! Coming soon to the southeast corner of Frontier and the Dallas North Tollway, the renowned grocery chain will anchor what will certainly be upscale dining and shopping only minutes away.

From our doorstep to yours, The UPS Store Celina with Andy Hopkins is connecting neighbors. We are looking forward to meeting you in Creeks of Legacy.

“We love how First State Bank helps promote the community. They align with our values, and their services help our business thrive.”

—Doug and Melody Samuelson, Owners of Valley Vines Tasting Room

EARTHDAY EFFORTS

EARTH FRIENDLY IN CELINA

ARTICLE BY NIKI CARBAJAL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

“Fast forward 54 years, EARTHDAY.ORG is working globally to reduce carbon footprints, decrease and end plastic pollution, increase environmental literacy among students and future community leaders.”

Earth Day celebrates its 54th national birthday on April 22nd marking the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day began on college campuses as public awareness of the link between pollution and health increased. Events were promoted across the United States and 20 million Americans participated in peaceful demonstrations against the last 150 years of industrial development’s effects. Earth Day is responsible for the implementation of a great number of legislative acts including the Clean Air and Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and others. The Environmental Protection Agency was born and works with state and local government, businesses, and non-profits to conserve water and energy, minimize emissions, reduce pesticide use, and reduce solid waste.

Fast forward 54 years, EARTHDAY.ORG is working globally to reduce carbon footprints, decrease and end plastic pollution, increase environmental literacy among students and future community leaders. The power of collective action is the goal of Earth Day. That same collective action happens not just on April 22nd, but once per quarter with the City of Celina’s Adopta-Street program through the Public Works department. The program encourages groups to adopt a Celina Street and commit to maintaining a 1-mile segment for one year while conducting quarterly clean-ups. The city provides supplies like trash bags, safety vests, gloves, and trash pickers and will collect the trash after clean-up. The City will also install a road sign acknowledging the adopting organization.

Melissa Gresham’s Run Celina is an active participant in the Adopt-a-Street program and has claimed G.A. Moore

The Forge

“The project is making way for a beautiful new restaurant planning on opening May 2024 but in the process created a mass of materials headed for the landfill.”

Parkway for clean-up. That street is heavily traveled by families going to and from the school district’s newest schools, and Run Celina strives to make the drive beautiful and attractive while making an impact on the environment and reducing pollution. The stretch of road is still relatively rural, and the trash blows and gets caught in the ditches and fence row. Run Celina volunteers rotate through their events with six people combing the roadside during February’s clean-up. Volunteers wear bright yellow tees made from recycled bottles, practicing what they preach in sustainability. Run Celina is always interested in adding volunteers to their rotation for May and August Adopt-a-Street clean-up. For more information, contact Melissa Gresham at 469-400-5274.

Preston Trail Rotary Club also participates in the Adopt-a-Street program through their commitment to clean Kinship Parkway near Celina’s Collin College Campus. Despite the wind and mid20-degree temperatures, seven Rotarians collected trash in early February. Their efforts paid off in beautifying the area near the roundabout and college. For more information, contact Mark Rebro at prestontrailsrotary@gmail.com.

Earth-friendly activities also include keeping useable materials out of the landfill. The Forge 1912 is Celina’s first family-owned locally sourced fine dining steakhouse on the historic Celina square and is in the thick of a remodeling campaign. The 112-year-old building, once a blacksmith, has undergone extensive remodeling including replacing the exterior corrugated siding, framing, doors, insulation, and much more. The project is making way for a beautiful new restaurant planning on opening May 2024 but in the process created a mass of materials headed for the landfill. Owners Brian and Kristen Ethridge connected with

a local non-profit, Donkey and Equine Haven , as a possible donation of the used building materials.

The corrugated metal siding and pergola-type materials, used during Carmela Winery’s ownership, were used to help construct shelters for the donkeys, mules, and horses rescued by Donkey and Equine Haven. The volunteer driven organization was pleased at the offer for the used materials from The Forge 1912. Roof repairs on existing structures and new shade structures were made using, and saving, thousands of dollars in materials.

There are many ways to make an impact on the environment and beautification of our Earth. Here are simple and effective practices to get involved with Earth Day activities in our community:

• Reduce plastic use by shopping with reusable mesh or canvas bags, drink from reusable water bottles rather than single-use plastic bottles, use glass or metal dishes and cups.

• Shop sustainably for clothes by shopping second-hand first. It reduces landfill additions and the overproduction of items. Buy fewer clothes and invest in only items you like or need. Buy natural products made from cotton, linen, bamboo, flax, silk, wool, and alpaca. Avoid polyester, nylon, and spandex pieces made from petroleum. Donate or sell unwanted clothing.

• Engage in bee conservation efforts through planning landscaping with wildlife in mind. Use native plants that attract pollinators and provide safe areas for bees to reside and access native food sources. Plant species with varying bloom cycles. Choose plants with an array of shapes, colors, and sizes to attract pollinators. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides.

For more ideas on Earth Day, visit EARTHDAY.ORG.

Donkey & Equine Haven

Photo by: Holly Farrow

FASHION | JEWELRY | BAGS | HOME DECOR | SHOES

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DOUBLE D RANCH | CONSUELA BUDDY LOVE | FREE PEOPLE MUD PIE AND MORE!

USE CODE “LIFESTYLE” IN STORE & ONLINE TO SAVE 10%

WWW.HONEYSUCKLEROSE.COM 833-947-7673

322 W. WALNUT STREET ON THE DOWNTOWN CELINA SQUARE

RETIRE FROM WORK, BUT NOT FROM LIFE

PLAN FOR RETIREMENT

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CLARK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER

Planning for retirement can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? Financial planning seems like a logical place. But what about your health, activities you enjoy, goals you have yet to accomplish? Retirement seems a long way off in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, but now in your 50s, you realize you are getting older, and you are probably unprepared in one category or another.

A post-COVID trend is seeing people's interest in retiring earlier. The average age of retirement is is 61, according to a 2022 Gallup Survey. With, only 10% of Americans waiting until they are 70 to retire.

Tammie Walker, a private wealth advisor with Strategic Wealth Advisor Team of American Financial Services LLC (StrategicWealthAdvisorTeam@AMPF.com) reminds us, “Turning 65 does not mean you are financially ready to retire, it just means you are having a birthday.”

CONTINUED >

Tammie recommends to her clients “You need to be sure you are retiring TO something, not just retiring from something.” Depending on your personality and interests outside of your work, retirement can be something you look forward to or dread. Over the years she has seen many clients return to work, after just a few months, because they were bored or missed the excitement of achievement. Planning is the key to retiring well, and while financial planning is the obvious place to start, lifestyle planning is also important to understand. Retirees need to have identified and developed Interests and hobbies prior to retirement, and outside of work, for a successful retirement.

The first step in Tammie’s recommendations is to sit with a financial advisor who will look at your savings and investment portfolio. This can include any 401K investments, pension plans, IRA savings, and variable investments, in order to determine if you are well positioned for retirement. Many people will want to move to investments that have a lower risk profile, are income-producing, and are tax-friendly heading into retirement. The biggest mistake she sees people make is not planning for medical expenses, especially if they are retiring before 65, and therefore not yet eligible for Medicare.

Other factors that need to be built into a well-balanced retirement plan are inflation, individual tax strategy and an analysis of social security to determine your optimal age to draw benefits.

For the next step, Insurance Agent Eddie Buckley with State Farm (972.382.9008) in Celina, suggests looking at the milestone your family has yet to cross. This can include college expenses for your kids, weddings, paying off mortgages and cars, and reducing your overall debts. These events factor into the type of Life Insurance you will need heading into retirement. It can be hard to talk about, but also determine how your family will pay for your end-of-life expenses. Eddie tells his clients, “Taking care of your family after you are gone, is the most selfless purchase you will ever make.” As with other retirement investments, the younger you can put your Life Insurance plan together, the better the benefit to your family's future.

Dr. David Jarquin, owner of Independence Chiropractic (Indichiro.com) in Celina, recommends in addition to a financial plan that potential retirees consider hobbies and interests to pursue in retirement. Those interests should keep you moving and stimulated mentally. Many people who retire slow down and over time lose their flexibility and mobility. They begin to put on weight and struggle to do the things they envisioned doing.

Dr. David shared a story of his grandmother who at 83 plays three hours of tennis every day. This not only keeps her physically active, but also keeps her mentally engaged with friends and the community.

Diet and nutrition are such an important part of retiring well. Dr. David says, “You might be taking a break from work, but your health never takes a day off.” He recommends a routine of chiropractic care as a regular part of your retirement plan. Your practitioner can look at the impact of arthritis and joint degeneration and create a routine that keeps you active and healthy.

All three of our professionals view the Celina and North Texas area as a positive place to retire. With close and easy access to health care, entertainment, and activities, a retiring person can find plenty to keep them active.

Celina has opened the new Ralph O’Dell Senior Citizens Center (410 E. Main St). This exciting center is now located in a remodeled building next to the old Bobcat Field on Pecan Ave. The fresh new center allows seniors of the community to gather to play games, attend classes, and share meals. On a recent visit to the center, we found several ladies who had brought their lunch and were enjoying a game of cards while

catching up on all the local news. The center offers several exercise and fitness classes each day such as seated and standing strength classes, Drumba, and chair volleyball. The center also encourages citizens to gather and socialize through common interests such as music, woodworking, community service, and crafting. On Mondays and Wednesdays each week, local businesses donate and serve lunch for regular center attendees.

Planning for retirement is more than dreaming about not working, it is about creating plans that address your desired financial lifestyle, long-term health, and the quality of life you value.

SAFE IN

Celina

BROWNING SAFES OFFERS SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND TO HOMEOWNERS

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HAVEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER & PROVIDED

Having a safe in your home provides an immediate sense of security and peace of mind. Safes serve as guardians of our most valuable possessions, offering protection not only against theft, but also safeguarding important documents, heirlooms, and sensitive information from unforeseen disasters. Browning Safes in Celina offers their customers that security and peace of mind for their assets.

Browning Safes Texas is operated by A-1 Locksmith, a company that has been local to the DFW area since 1949. When they started looking to expand their reach to secure more communities, Celina naturally aligned with its

core values of growth, education, safety, and community. CEO Michael Schneider acknowledges, “The community has been great, and, through the diversity of trades and specialties, we were actually able to use local businesses for every single step of the development of our building.” Celina resident and Partner with Browning Safes, Ryan Wilcox, echoes this sentiment, “The best thing about Celina is the people. Our family and business have been welcomed with open arms, and the support at our store has been overwhelming. This is such a great community and we feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it.”

This location is the first Browning Safes location in the country where you can see and shop the entire Pro Series lineup of Browning Safes. In addition to the showroom, the location also houses a dedicated training room where they train and offer continued education to their locksmiths. As a licensed locksmith school, this is very important to have, especially in a community where education and training is so welcomed. This space doubles as a safety training area for all of their safe delivery teams as well.

While many will use their Browning Safe for storing firearms to ensure children, family and guests cannot access them, the team can provide guidance in outfitting your safe to secure other valuables. They sell a variety of safe accessories to store important documents, jewelry, hard drives, electronics, and just about anything else that you've invested your hard earned money into. They even offer bolting your safe down as an additional protection measure to ensure your safe isn't going anywhere. Marketing Director Alyssa Sanchez states, “We're in the security business through and through so we're big advocates

“The best thing about Celina is the people. Our family and business have been welcomed with open arms, and the support at our store has been overwhelming. This is such a great community and we feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it.”

of protecting your investment.” On the A-1 Locksmith side, they do everything in the realm of security; from residential hardware and auto keys to safe lockouts and commercial access control.

When you want to protect your loved ones and valuables, head over to Browning Safes where you’ll find that investing in a safe is investing in what matters most.

BrowningSafesTx.com

1225 S Preston Road, Celina

INVEST IN YOUR SKIN

Diamond Glow Facial

The Diamond Glow Facial focuses on three critical skincare needs. The diamond-tipped wand glides over the skin’s top and exfoliates dead cells from the surface. It also removes tissue damage, resurfacing the skin and giving it a more even tone.

Cryofacial

Cryofacial uses sub-zero temperatures to stimulate circulation, increasing oxygen and blood flow to the dermal cells. The result is tighter skin with reduced pore size and inflammation.

Virtue RF Microneedling

The most sophisticated RF microneedling tool currently on the market is the VirtueRF Microneedling Platform. A tried-and-true, non-invasive method to noticeably enhance skin tone, tighten skin, and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles is the combination of radio-frequency and microneedling.

Cool Peel CO2 Laser Treatment

A brand new way to safely, and comfortably deliver the benefits of a traditional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. By targeting just the superficial layer of skin tissue, damaged skin is removed revealing younger and healthier looking skin.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers help reduce wrinkles and restore volume and fullness in your face. They use hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. The hyaluronic acid helps bind with water, providing immediate plumping and volume to your skin.

ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER

TOASTED WALNUT TABLE AND MARKET

Refresh For Spring Promises Great Taste And A New Look

From its humble beginning as a lunch counter in the back of Annie Jack, Toasted Walnut Table and Market has evolved into a culinary mainstay of Celina’s downtown square. Much as our beloved town continues to grow and change, so do its businesses. We sat down with owners Amy Hager and Audrea Weimer to learn more about what we can look forward to.

First, for the uninitiated, Toasted Walnut is an upscale “Southern bistro” that consistently delivers on its goal to “create food that restores, replenishes, and revives.” You can find everything from carefully crafted soups, salads, and dips to gourmet sandwiches and perhaps the best hamburger you will ever eat! Complementing the divine menu items, you can enjoy a curated wine and beer list while enjoying service that makes you feel like you are part of the family.

Speaking of family, one thing that is not changing are the men and women of the kitchen staff that bring the menu to life day in and day out. Rosie Mendoza has stepped into the role as General Manager full time, skillfully guiding her husband and sons through the daily grind of preparing hundreds of meals to exacting standards. The family feel in the kitchen is the backbone of what makes Toasted Walnut so special.

While there are some changes to the menu, we can continue to expect the same superlative quality and attention to detail that has created their stellar reputation. Most notably, dinner items will be backed off the menu to allow the kitchen to focus on what they do best. The long-standing tradition of everything being made in house will continue except, of course, the ketchup! The space that this creates on the menu will allow expansion into a more diverse offering of salads like a hand-crafted Caesar salad and a house salad and allow for some more creative explorations in Southern and Cajun cuisine.

Another tradition that will continue and take advantage of the culinary roots of the owners is the secret menu! As many have noticed, some new items have found their way into the rotation in the form of crawfish etouffee and chicken and dumplings. These classic dishes are inspired by old family recipes and are the tip of the iceberg in this new exploration. While everyone we know in town has a favorite item on the secret menu rotation, on occasion, we’ve been disappointed to find out late and miss it! Going forward, the secret menu items will be on offer in two-week cycles to ensure everyone has a chance to get their fix.

Other changes currently in the works are to the dining room itself. Our friends at Puente Construction Services are expanding the number of signature booths as well as opening up a hostess stand up front to improve upon the atmosphere. And while we’ll miss shopping the market while we wait to order, plans are in motion to add a “grab and go” section where patrons who can’t stay to enjoy a meal can grab some lavash and chicken salad or other items on the run!

From the cosmetic changes to the dining room to the menu changes in the kitchen, everything is geared toward improving the customer experience. Some are subtle changes like the addition of mimosas, some are over the horizon changes like the addition of a brunch menu and perhaps even live music. Regardless, Toasted Walnut's commitment to quality and their customers is evident in everything they do.

ToastedWalnutTableAndMarket.com

304 W. Walnut, downtown Celina on the square

Amy Hager and Audrea Weimer, Owners of Toasted Walnut

Susan Edwards | Celina HS

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 Susan Edwards.

Susan is a senior at Celina High School (CHS) and is a four year starting outfielder and utility player for the Varsity Softball team. Susan has earned many awards throughout her high school softball career including Academic All District all four years, Honorable Mention All District as a Sophomore, First Team All District Outfielder as a Junior and All Metroplex Team Outfielder as a Junior.

Susan has been playing softball since 8U and has been playing select travel ball since 10U. She currently plays for 18U Titans Buettner. Susan’s Aunt Michelle, a former collegiate softball athlete and former high school and select softball coach, has

had a tremendous impact on Susan’s love for the game of softball. From a very young age she has poured into Susan both as a person and an athlete with a Christ-like influence. Susan has had numerous coaches in both select travel ball and at CHS that have continued to have a positive impact on her as both a player and person.

Susan has a strong work ethic on and off the field. Susan was a Varsity basketball player for CHS as a Freshman and Sophomore. She is a member of FCA and Prestonwood Youth Life Group. She also works part time for the City of Celina Parks and Recreation Department. She has maintained a 3.91GPA and will continue her academic and athletic career at Southeastern Oklahoma State University this fall.

Congratulations to Susan Edwards and her selection as the April Outstanding Athlete of the Month!

BOIS D’ARC LAKE

ARTICLE

Realtor Kathy Corey And Her Piece of Paradise in the Sweetest Town in Texa s

“I was just in the right place at the right time with the right salesperson, and she got me over there,” Kathy said.

It wasn’t too long ago that Celina was a small town that most people drove through, with not much but fields and cattle to admire. For local Celina resident and real estate broker Kathy Corey, the small town of Honey Grove is reminiscent of old Celina: a sleepy little square and people who wave from behind the wheel of their pickup truck as they drive past you on the two-lane road that runs through town. Kathy sold her very first home as a realtor in Heritage in Celina, and fell in love with Celina back then, but it wasn’t the homage to Celina, necessarily, that drew her in like flies to honey. It was Bois d’Arc Lake.

Kathy saw the lake a few years ago and knew she wanted to have a lakefront property for herself or as a realtor. She started researching and checking on the lake a few times a year and would see updates in the news that it was closer to being open until finally, she got news that there would be a sale. Like others in Celina, Kathy got a mailer a week beforehand.

“At that point, I was just like, ‘I want to be a part of this,’” Kathy said.

She was excited when she saw that it was not just large plots of land like she had been seeing targeted at developers, but acre lots on the lakefront. Kathy says these plots of land on the lake have been zoned by Fannin County to be used for AirBnB and Vrbo, making them a great investment. One of the neighborhoods on the lakefront, Belle Vie, is even being developed by the same company who developed Seaside in Florida. But that’s not the only perk.

“One of the game-changers about this lake is that it’s a dock-able lake,” Kathy said.

Kathy knew this would be the opportunity of a lifetime and jumped on the opportunity. There was no information provided before the sale other than to make an appointment. She kept asking questions but received no answers from the company selling the land. In fact, she didn’t find anything until the Monday before the sale. What she found led her to The Peninsula, and her eagerness to get in on this deal only grew.

So, she booked her appointment. After pushing the sales rep to move her time slot earlier, she still showed up even earlier than that on the day of the sale on May 20. By the time she was checked in and going to look at lots, The Peninsula had completely sold out in just 30 minutes. Kathy said the sellers were blindsided and, with hundreds of people there and ready to buy, they decided to open another neighborhood of lakefront lots for sale: The Shores.

“I was just in the right place at the right time with the right salesperson, and she got me over there,” Kathy said. “It was crazy because it was very very very old school.”

The salespeople had walkie talkies and were calling in the sales, often talking over each other with the flurry of sales. She was worried another buyer might beat her to it, but her salesperson got her offer in time and the acre was hers. Her end goal is to build a house on the land adding to the grove.

“I’ve already named my house; I’m calling it the Lone Oak,” Kathy said. “I have thought longer and harder about buying a dress. I just knew.”

Kathy Corey with HouseandHomeTexas.com 469.222.5335

“I’ve already named my house; I’m calling it the Lone Oak,” Kathy said. “I have thought longer and harder about buying a dress. I just knew.”

— KATHY COREY

TEXAS-TULIPS

A FAMILY’S AMERICAN DREAM IN BLOOM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY AND NICOLE WIERICK

Photo courtesy of Texas-Tulips

Texas Tulips began as a dream for Pieter and Petra Koeman. Working in the tulip industry in their native Netherlands, they set their goal to bring a tulip farm to America.

The couple researched soil conditions and weather history to find just the right conditions for their blooms to thrive. Their tulip fields now grow in Pilot Point, Celina's neighbor to the west.

Every year, the farm imports thousands of fresh bulbs from Holland, where Pieter’s family has been in the tulip business for decades. Texas Tulips boast colorful rows and rows of blooms in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Tulip Season in Texas is a little unpredictable, as it relies on the weather but typical season starts mid February and ends in early April.

Texas-Tulips.com

10656 FM 2931, Pilot Point

ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND

ECLIPSE TOTAL SOLAR

North Texans are anticipating a celestial spectacle as a solar eclipse graces the region. On April 8th, the moon will position itself strategically between the Earth and the Sun, casting a captivating shadow that will sweep across the sky. This cosmic event is eagerly welcomed by both seasoned astronomers and casual sky gazers alike since a similar alignment isn’t expected in North America until August 2045 and in our region until June 2169!

Observers in the Celina area can expect a near totality, where the moon will cover almost all of the Sun. The moon begins its brief journey across the Sun at about 12:24PM with the peak of the eclipse, known as maximum obscuration, projected to occur at approximately 1:42PM. The Sun will return to its normal glory by around 3:02PM so make sure you are in position to witness the traverse in time.

A unique opportunity to view this historic event is being hosted by the Weston Heritage Guild at the Chambersville Methodist

Church in McKinney. As fate would have it, an antique 1870s telescope used by local farmer and amateur astronomer, H.S. Moore, was recently uncovered. This same telescope was used to document the 1878 total eclipse over North Texas! The telescope will be on display allowing the public to connect with our local heritage while enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Regardless of where you choose to view the eclipse, safety precautions are crucial during any solar observation as looking directly at the sun can cause severe eye damage, even during a totality. Specialized solar viewing glasses, or solar viewers, are essential to protect one's eyes while witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon. At some of our local events, enthusiasts are providing the public with access to telescopes equipped with solar filters giving the best opportunity to safely witness this incredible spectacle.

Learn more on Facebook @WestonHeritageGuild

You

WindyHill

ARTICLE BY MEGAN HOBAN

“There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.”

As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes that’s calling our name. We buy what we love, and art should be no different.

If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Since art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is

the best fit for you.  Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting, you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.

With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space.  If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation

services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.

I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH

Clean Sweep

CELINA PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING | 8:00 AM

In the middle of Spring Cleaning and not quite sure what to do with all the odds and ends? Take advantage of this month's Clean Sweep! Celina's Clean Sweep is open for ALL Celina residents. Please bring a current water bill as proof of residency. For more information and to view a list of acceptable items, visit Celina-TX.gov/Celina-Clean-Sweep

APRIL 6TH

Boots and Bling 2024

3R'S RANCH | 7:00 PM

The 11th Annual Boots & Bling Gala presented by Brown & Griffin Real Estate Advisors is Prosper Ladies Association's biggest fundraising event of the year. Join us for a night of dinner, open bar, live band, dancing, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go straight back to our Prosper Ladies Association programs. Facebooks.com/ProsperLadiesAssociation

APRIL 8TH

Celina Eclipse Party

OLD CELINA PARK | 12:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable Solar Eclipse Party at the Park! Enjoy the Live DJ, lawn games, and delicious food and beverages. Be one of the first 1500 residents to secure your view with complimentary eclipse glasses! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a comfy viewing experience. See you there! Facebook.com/CelinaTXParks

APRIL 12TH

Denim and Diamonds Gala

3 R'S RANCH | 5:30 PM

The Celina Education Foundation is hosting it's annual Denim and Diamonds Gala at 3 R's Ranch in Prosper. Throw on your favorite pair of jeans, add some sparkle and enjoy an incredible evening of socializing, FUN and giving back! The community's continued support is appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you there! Get your ticket at CelinaEducationFoundation.org

APRIL 13TH

Touch-A-Truck

OLD CELINA PARK | 10:00 AM

Are you ready for a truckload of entertainment?  Bring your family out to Old Celina Park for this year's free Touch-A-Truck event. Learn all about the city vehicles that keep Celina running. Climb in, honk horns, ask questions, and snag some swag from city department representatives.  Be sure to enjoy the food trucks and family friendly activities! LifeinCelinaTX.com/Events

APRIL 13TH

Inappropriate Trucker Hats Block Party

116 W BROADWAY ST PROSPER | 12:00 PM

Who’s ready to party in Prosper? Inappropriate Trucker Hats ANNIVERSARY Block Party is going down! Vendors, cornhole, snacks available during the day and live music to cap it off! Tanner Usrey and Taylor Hunnicutt are coming out to help us celebrate! This is a free event but you must RSVP at Eventbrite.com/e/Inappropriate-Trucker-Hats-Block-Party-Tickets

Discover Your Dream Home in New Construction!

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of homeownership in a brand-new residence? As your dedicated realtor, I’m thrilled to guide you through the world of new construction, where possibilities are endless!

UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE:

With years of experience, I bring unparalleled expertise to help you navigate the dynamic landscape of new construction, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE:

Receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique preferences and needs. I am committed to understanding your vision and turning it into a reality.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS:

Gain exclusive access to the latest developments and newly constructed homes, providing you with a firsthand look at the most sought-after properties in the market.

ADVOCACY FOR YOU:

Rest easy knowing that I am your advocate throughout the entire process, addressing concerns with builders and ensuring your interests are prioritized.

NEGOTIATION MASTERY:

Let me leverage my negotiation skills to secure the best possible terms for your new home, whether it’s the price, upgrades, or additional perks.

SMOOTH TRANSACTIONS:

Experience a seamless and stress-free journey, as I handle all the details and paperwork, making the process of purchasing new construction as smooth as possible for you.

events

APRIL 20TH

Celina Area Heritage Museum Grand Reopening

Celina Area Heritage Museum | 10:00 AM

With renovations complete,  The Celina Area Heritage Museum is now open and better than ever!  Celebrate their reopening with snacks and beverages, check out the new and improved "Then and Now Wall," view treasures from as far back as the early 1900s and explore the rich history of Celina! CelinaMuseum.com

APRIL 26TH

Movie Night on the Square

DOWNTOWN CELINA AND THE SQUARE | 7:00 PM

Join us on the Square for a Movie Night featuring a massive blow-up movie screen presented by Sinacola for a screening of Disney and Pixar's Elemental. Prior to the movie start, the evening includes vendors offering food and beverages and FREE popcorn! Kids will enjoy a free kids zone with rotating activities in addition to the movie. LifeinCelinaTX.com/MovieNight

APRIL 27TH

Charity Softball Game

Old Celina Park | 6:00 PM

Bring your family out to cheer on Celina's finest - Fire Department vs. Police Department with all proceeds shared by The Fire Foundation of Celina and The Celina Community Police Foundation! Games, DJ, Photo Booth and ballpark fare available to all. For more information, visit Celina Community Police Foundation or Fire Foundation of Celina on Facebook.

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com