Life in Castle Hills Magazine April 2018

APRIL 20 - MAY 18, 2018

MOTHER’S DAY

Dining Ideas MAN CAVE Must Haves HEBRON & THE COLONY

ALL DISTRICT

Basketball

Perfect Where

CUSTOMER

SERVICE

DNA

Is IN

ITS

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

Mother’s Day Gifts That Suit Her

LOVE

Language

by Susan Neuhalfen

A

uthor Gary Chapman wrote an amazing book that was first published in 1995 called The 5

Love Languages®. That got us thinking:

Quality Time:

Physical Touch:

Focused and undivided attention

A non-sexual touch that reinforces

spent together. This is by far the most

Do you know Mom’s love language? Read

popular gift because most moms just

which one best describes your mother.

uninterrupted by phones, iPads, or video

through Mr. Chapman’s list below and see The explanation for each language is

listed below, along with a few Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Words of Affirmation: Verbal compliments expressing your

love and appreciation. Mom doesn’t hear thank you enough, so why not put it into words? Take the time to create a card, poem, or picture depicting your sentiment for her selflessness.

Acts of Service: Any act that eases the burden of

responsibility. After all, mom sure does do a lot for us, right?! The kids can all pitch

want to spend time with their families games. Put together a picnic lunch and take her to a park or on some kind of outing. Go to a restaurant where everyone is comfortable – nothing stuffy or overpriced.

Giving Gifts: Tangible symbols that reflect your thoughtfulness and effort. Okay, now we’re talking. Show mom how much you love and appreciate her with some beautiful earrings, a necklace, maybe even a Mary Kay gift basket complete with lipstick, lotions for her feet and hands, facial creams and moisturizer. There are a million

in, and both work on a meal and clean up

gift ideas out there that are affordable

and get the kids ready for bed. That leaves

it’s a pair of super soft and comfortable

afterward. Maybe Dad can do the dishes

and show how much you care – even if

mom to relax and enjoy her day.

pajamas for cold nights of lounging.

your presence (hugging, handholding,

massage). This could also be in the form

of a gift as well, perhaps a well-deserved mani-pedi or facial with a glass of wine, or a relaxing spa retreat? Many of your favorite local businesses are running

special Mother’s Day packages as we

speak, so be sure and get mom on the list immediately.

Whatever her love language, make sure to

ask mom exactly what she wants. Guys and kids often overthink what mom might want every year for Mother’s Day; they should instead stick to the basics and focus on

what comes from the heart. Chances are, all she really wants is some family time and to know you love her.

These are just some ways to show her

just how much you appreciate what she

does for you, unconditionally, every day.

Oh, and by the way. If you want to grab a copy of Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love

Languages®, it can be found at any Barnes & Noble or as an audio book.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writer & Editor Steve Gamel

Advertising Manager

Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 YourCandidMemories.com

Letters

Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries Call 972.899.3637

or email artwork@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Life in Castle Hills is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2018 Murray Media Group

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

What Can I Say?

I Have Many Offices to Write In

M

y wife has been getting on to me lately for bringing my work into the bedroom. It’s not an every

night thing, but at least a few nights a

week I am turning my laptop on, propping a few pillows up against the headboard, and typing away on my writing projects.

For me, it’s perfect because the house is quiet and sitting up in bed while typing helps me relax.

• Coffee shops • The library

• Our backyard

• Our bedroom

• A waiting room

• Our living room • A fast food joint • My car

I’m sure there are more places I’m not thinking of, but you get the point. It

beats sitting at the same desk every day

For my wife, it’s aggravating.

staring out the same window searching

I can’t blame her. Having to listen to

for inspiration. And I’m not the only writer

you’re trying to sleep is annoying. Not

creative comfort.

the tap, tap, tap on the keyboard when

who seeks out different sanctuaries for

to mention, I spent a decent amount of

I read once that Sir Walter Scott crafted his

money buying furniture for my office

downstairs. My wife even prettied up the

space to make it more inviting rather than

looking like some boring man cave I crawl into to write my next masterpiece.

writers need a change of scenery every so

often to gain a fresh perspective and keep those creative juices flowing. I like to think Some of my favorites include:

Angelou was known for writing in hotel rooms.

I am no Sir Walter Scott or Maya Angelou, but I prefer unusual writing settings, too.

That’s just it, though. I’m a writer, and

I have many offices at my disposal.

epic poem, Marmion, on horseback. Maya

Unfortunately for me, the bedroom may be off limits.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s magazine. If you’ve got a story you’d like to see, send me an email at steve@murray-media.com.

Sincerely, Steve Gamel Writer & Editor steve@murray-media.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: Mazada Sales Manager, Mike Domenico (left) and Cheverolet Store Manager, Jason Lawing (right)

FEATURED:

WHERE PERFECT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS IN ITS DNA ASK THE EXPERTS

ARTICLES

14 Gardening with Complete Solutions

05 Mother’s Day Gifts That Suit Her Love Language

24 Counseling with LifeWorks

10 Inside Community

29 Edit This with Steve Gamel

PHOTOS FROM CASTLE HILLS 11 You Submit We Print 25 DSW Productions / Jurassic Events

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 20 A Partnership with Parents, A Focus on Literacy 28 Jay Marks Real Estate

11 Inside Education 12 The Must-Haves for Your Man Cave 18 Foodie Friday: Barley & Board 19 The Colony All-District Basketball 21 Burger Bar & Art Studio Join the Castle Hills Shops

08 EDITORS PICK: Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

THIS MONTH:

We’re focusing on man caves.

You think you have the perfect man cave?

Look for the icon to read the must have’s for men today.

22 Top 10 Gadgets For Men

30 Mother’s Day Gifts That Suit Her Love Language

25 Jason Witten Is Honored with Award

30 Hebron All-District Basketball APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Mother’s Day

Dining Ideas

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re looking for dining options for Mother’s Day, there are a variety of local favorites and hidden gems throughout Denton County. Below are just a few.

SHOAL CREEK TAVERN

THE CLASSIC CAFE AT ROANOKE

GENTI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village

504 N. Oak St., Roanoke 817-430-8185

3700 FM 2181, Hickory Creek

972-317-2250

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

It’s casual, it’s fun, and the food is fantastic.

For those still sticking to their New Year’s resolution, Jesse James Fit has his own

This is not only a great place to eat, but the owners also go out of their way to create a complete experience that includes cooking classes and monthly

JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he

wine tastings. Join them for lunch or

the smoked Old Fashioned.

accurate hours.

recommends to stay on track. Start with

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

dinner – be sure to check their website for

940-497-5400

For you Italian food lovers out there,

Genti’s is a can’t miss. Located in the heart of Lake Cities, Genti’s offers everything from pizza and pasta to seafood and

traditional Italian entrees. And let’s not

forget desserts like cannolis, cheesecake and tiramisu.

VERF’S GRILL AND TAVERN 2221 Justin Rd., Flower Mound 972-317-3390 The extensive menu at Verf’s carries everything from steak and seafood to pasta and enchiladas and all of it is DOUGH BRO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2851 Plano Pkwy, The Colony

scrumptious. They also carry a full bar and a long list of wines. It’s a meal you won’t soon forget!

469-353-8182

Dough Bro’s is another Italian favorite that is sure to quench your appetite

while being served by the friendliest staff around. They focus on serving modern

versions of your favorite classic dishes – all made with the finest fresh, local ingredients.

CRAFT AND VINE 310 S. Oak St. #300, Roanoke 817-464-8181 This taproom and eatery is guaranteed to blow your mind. Their slogan is enjoy the best of Texas on your plate or in your glass – so how can you go wrong with that. They KANZI SUSHI AND HIBACHI RESTAURANT

offer wine and beer on tap and a full menu.

2560 King Arthur Blvd. #142, Lewisville 972-899-9779

Give your pallet a kick with KANZI. The portions are big, which means you are bound to take home some leftovers.

Customers may also BYOB to go along with your beautifully plated meal.

PRIME FARM TO TABLE 5810 Long Prairie Rd., #200, Flower Mound 972-539-1902

Tucked away in the plaza behind Compass

BISTECCA STEAK HOUSE 2300 Highland Village Rd., Lewisville 972-318-0515

Bank, this hidden gem has food that is not

This is the perfect place for a romantic

is created daily depending on what is

seating. The food is delicious, serving

choices are always different and fabulous.

service is impeccable.

only upscale, but very unique. The menu

dinner, with both indoor and outdoor

fresh from the local farmers, so your food

everything from steaks to pasta, and the

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Time Machine Car Shows will be hosting The Classic Car & Truck Show at The Shops again this year on May 20, 2018 from 10am - 2pm in the parking lot in front of 2540 King Arthur Blvd. There is a $10 fee to display a car or truck, but the event is free for spectators. Possible awards to be won are Castle Hills Pick, ‘79 & Older Car and Truck, ‘80s & Newer Car and Truck, People’s Choice, and Outstanding Club Participation.

LE FREAK LIVE CONCERT

Le Freak - The Greatest Disco Band in the World will take the Village Shops stage with their funky tunes on Saturday, May 19th from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Put on your dancing shoes and come out for the show! This event will include family-friendly activities like: bounce houses, balloon artist, petting zoo and face painters. Local food trucks with concessions for purchase will be onsite throughout the evening. The concert and activities are FREE!

NO STUDENT LEFT BEHIND

The Grambling University Foundation will be hosting No

Student Left Behind benefiting Grambling State University’s “Gap Fund”. The fund enables students to continue to pursue their degree when financial aid falls short of meeting tuition obligations. This benefit gala will be held on Friday, April 20th from 8pm - 1am at the Pier 121 Marina Rockin’ S Bar and Grill on Lake Lewisville. The attire is business casual.

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

SPECIAL ELECTION The Lewisville Fire Control, Prevention, and Emergency Medical Services District (Fire Control District) has called a special election for Saturday, May 5, in which Castle Hills residents will decide whether to join the district. Lewisville City Council, acting as the district board of directors, called for the election on February 13th. Early voting will begin Monday, April 23.

INSIDE EDUCATION HOCKEY STATE CHAMPS The Denton County Spartans recently played at the State

Championship Hockey game and won! The Colony High School is represented by 2 players on the team, Garrett Boseley and John Canavan. Congratulations to all the players for their awesome season and their state win. photo courtesy of The Colony High School Facebook Page

HHS 2018 PROM

photo courtesy of The Colony High School Facebook Page

Hebron High School prom, The Entertainment Capital of the World, will be held on May 5th at City Place in Dallas. All prom details can be found on the Hebron High School website. Be sure to visit for important information! All tickets will be sold exclusively online this year and sales started April 9th. Tickets WILL NOT be sold the week of prom so be sure to purchase them ASAP.

COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

HHS GIRLS GOLF

Several eighth graders across Lewisville

Congrats to the varsity girls golf team for

ISD received college acceptance letters to

their 1st place finish in the District Preview

LISD’s Collegiate Academy at The Colony

at Robson Ranch Golf Course. Jennie Park

High School. This program offers students

took 1st place as the individual medalist

the Opportunity to earn an Associate’s

champion shooting 72-69 , and Serena Shah

Degree or up to 60 hours of dual credit while

finished 2nd place overall medalist shooting

in high school. This gives the students a head

79-72. Other members of the 6th rated 6A

start on college while minimizing tuition costs

state team are: Reagan Staab, Grace Cho,

in the future.

and Marissa Bhvasar.

Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Man Cave Article

The Must-Haves for Your

MAN CAVE

by Steve Gamel

W

hether you prefer to call it a media room, den, mantuary, or man cave, every guy out there dreams of having one. They are great for watching sports, playing a game of pool with the guys, or sitting down to watch a movie on your very own big screen. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the benefits are truly endless.

So if you have a man cave, or you’re looking at purchasing a home that has one, what are the necessary items all man caves need?

Well, that list can get pretty long. But here are just a few of the tamer items we came up with.

PlayStation and XBox offer so much more while doubling as a Blu-ray player as well

as allowing you to watch Netflix, YouTube, and even live television.

A sign that says, “You are entering the man cave” This may seem like a very small detail, but for a guy, what says “I’ve officially marked

Multi-function recliner

my territory” better than a sign that says exactly what their space is designed to be? How manteresting! Outsiders beware because anything is possible inside the man cave.

Memorabilia for the walls

What man cave is complete without

Dress up those walls and wow your guests

a state-of-the-art recliner that puts

framed autographed jerseys, a Fathead or

the lights in the room, the television, give

and even shelves to display your prized

even have plenty of space to hold a few

Again, there are endless possibilities.

part of a man cave is being able to be as

with posters of Oscar-winning films,

everything at your fingertips? Control

two, bobbleheads, custom display cases,

yourself a complimentary massage, and

GI Joe figures from when you were a kid.

drinks and your popcorn. After all, the best

Big screen with surround sound speakers

lazy as possible.

It’s not a TRUE man cave if you don’t have a giant screen that could make even Jerry Jones proud. Even if sports aren’t

PlayStation or XBox gaming systems

your thing, the big screen coupled with

Depending on your age, you may be

surround sound speakers mounted in strategic spots throughout the room give you that instant theater-quality experience.

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

A wet bar and fridge

grown up just enough not to be interested

Why not go full-bore with a wet bar and

But these days, gaming systems like

plenty of space to make drinks and house

in playing video games anymore.

mini fridge? After all, you’re going to need

all your cold items while hosting parties or watching the big game.

Dartboard Granted, it’s probably not a great idea to have a regularly-used dart board in your man cave if it’s inside your house. But

many man caves are right in the comfort

of your garage, which is perfect for one of these traditional must-haves.

Giant, comfy couch, barstools, and bean bags This sort of goes without saying, right?

Unless you are a minimalist who prefers to sit on the ground (no judgment), where is

everyone going to sit? There are plenty of options to suit every man child’s needs.

Custom light fixtures Let there be light! Put the true finishing touches on your man cave with custom light fixtures that speak to your style.

Maybe have a light fixture made completely out of beer bottles or oldschool football helmets. The possibilities are endless, guys.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Ask The Expert: Gardening

The Secret to

GREEN

GRASS

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

T

emperatures are enjoyably, things are starting to green up, and allergy season is in full effect......must be Spring. This is one of the most transitional times of the year here in North Texas and can keep you pretty busy if your trying to keep up with things on the property around your home. We are going to highlight some key points when it comes to your grassy areas.

As the weather begins to change so should the aesthetics around your property. One of the most noticeable is the grass starting to come out of dormancy and turn green. To help ensure you get a healthy lawn this year check out our “TOP 3” 1-Aeration

With our terrible north Texas soils ensure

that you aerate every third year at a

minimum. Not doing so will allow the

soil to get hard, cutting off the amount of nutrients and oxyg en resulting in your

grass thinning and dying out. If you can’t

2-Watering A good rule of thumb is to ensure your grassy areas get on average 1 inch of water per week. Obvious water restrictions and weather conditions should be taken into account. If you have not done so

remember or are new to the property, the

NOW is the time to get the irrigation

by sticking a knife down into the ground.

busted heads and/or clogged nozzles can

If it stops 1.5-2.5” down then call your

all lead to under or over watering. Either

probably good for another year.

your yard space.

quickest way to tell if it’s time to aerate is

grass guy, if it goes further then your

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

system on and evaluated. Broken pipes,

direction will have a negative result on

3-Fertilization Another way to ensure your grass is thick and healthy this season is to establish a fertilization schedule and stick to it.

Being consistent with this CAN offer immediate results BUT more often will take a few treatments before you really see improvements. Being realistic with your goals and paying more for quality products are two things to keep in mind.

Typically cheaper chemicals will not treat as well and will wear out a lot faster than a name brand product with a slower release schedule.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

Perfect Where

General Motors named Eldorado Chevrolet in

McKinney to its exclusive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year list. The program honors 50 Chevrolet dealers from

across the country, 10 per region, based on exceptional

performance in sales, service and customer satisfaction.

Eldorado Chevrolet has now been the recipient of this

CUSTOMER

award for 2 consecutive years.

by Steve Gamel

SERVICE IN T

DNA

Is

Its

he ability to provide superior customer service is a critical differentiator in business these days.

That’s especially true in the car industry, where dealerships are a dime a dozen and consumers want more than just a good deal on their next dream car.

In North Texas, there’s only one dealership that exceeds those expectations every time.

photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

pictured above starting from the left: Mike Domenico, Jason Lawing and Lucas Aston

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

“The best way we can provide PERFECT CUSTOMER SERVICE is to keep our employees happy,”

El Dorado Mazda in McKinney has served the local community for more than 25

years and measures everything they do from the customers’ perspective. They

actively go beyond what is considered

routine, and the payoff has been huge.

“It’s all about the customer here,” said

general sales manager Jas Gill. “I know that a lot of places say that, but it really

is the way we feel. We want to handle all their needs, no matter how big or small.

So, rather than just talk about it all the

time, we’ve put it into action and made it part of our fundamentals. That’s the way we feel.”

When Gill visited with Life in Castle Hills

magazine, he was almost late because he was busy standing side-by-side with his employees greeting customers in the

front lobby. Rather than getting bogged down with staffing, sales, inventory,

finance, contracts, and putting out fires, Gill and his staff at El Dorado focus on short wait times, no-pressure sales, no surprises, a neat and clean lobby, a

family-focused approach, and happy and knowledgeable employees.

That’s an everyday thing for Gill, who

prefers to run his store from the front

end rather than from the comfort of his

office. He didn’t start by talking about their high-line vehicles, their sales numbers,

or touting all the lofty awards El Dorado’s family of dealerships have won. Instead,

he took us down the hallway and around a corner to their training room.

In that room on a large dry-erase board was a myriad of standard customer service goals with the phrase, “good service is not a sign of weakness” spelled out in large block writing. And that mantra clearly wasn’t relegated to the customer only. While there is a deliberate focus on maintaining perfect customer service, Gill said making sure his employees are happy ties together everything they are trying to accomplish.

time, ‘I’ve never worked so hard in all my

“The best way we can provide perfect customer service is to keep our employees happy,” Gill said. “I want them to feel like they have the support they need and that they can’t wait to come to work every day.

Yes, you have to have people to take care of the customers, but you also have to take care of the salespeople.

improving new vehicle sales and the

Gill added, “Guys like Rusty McDonald, Michael Domenico Jr., Rusty Drake, and Jason Lawing, they all care. We keep an extra manager on every sales desk, we have two receptionists to greet the customers, and we make the best deals.”

Since 1993, El Dorado Mazda’s goal

Lawing agreed, saying that he’s never been in an environment like El Dorado’s in all his year’s working in the car industry.

the flexibility to sort model inventory by

“The big thing is that we believe in perfect service for everyone, including employees,” said Lawing, a sales manager at El Dorado’s Chevrolet store on the same property. “If you take care of the employee, then they are going to take care of the customer. It doesn’t feel like work when you walk in the door here. I’ve got employees here who tell me all the

Their dealership offers a wide variety of

life, but I’ve also never had so much fun.’

Everyone wants to be a part of this team. “[The Mazda store] has found the secret

sauce. They’ve got a great crew, and they live and breathe customer service.”

And like we said, the payoff has been

huge. El Dorado Mazda is consistently

rewarded as a top-performing dealership for its focus and commitment to

customer experience. This includes

meeting rigorous customer satisfaction requirements, sales-loyalty goals,

maintaining a quality dealership image, and ensuring the sales and service staff

adhere to Mazda training requirements on an on-going basis.

has been to make the vehicle-buying

experience second to none. Some of their newer inventory include the 2018 Mazda CX-3, CX-5, and the MX-5 Miata, and

their online showroom gives customers vehicle trim options, body styles, price, drivetrain, and more.

new and used cars – they have the largest inventory in North Texas – incentives, service specials, and parts savings.

Which is why at El Dorado Mazda, cuttingedge inventory and perfect customer service is the new standard.

“It’s who we are,” Gill said.

888.484.0114 | www.eldoradomazda.com | 2150 N. Central Expressway | McKinney, TX 75070 APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

Foodie Friday: Barley & Board

Barley &

BOARD

F

or years, everyone has been telling us we must feature Barley & Board on Denton Square here on Foodie Friday DFW. We are happy to announce that this week is your week, Barley & Board fans! (Also, thank you for the recommendation because our lives have now been changed for the infinitely better after having visited there.)

Barley & Board is located in the old Lacy

munchies like their signature bread and

Hotel on the Square. When they were

butter pickles, roasted nuts, pickled

refurbishing the building for Barley &

mustard seeds, and candied apricots.

Board, the original brick interior walls

I love cheese boards and this one was

were carefully excavated and brought

definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

back to life to help tell the story of

We also got to try out their incredible

Denton’s past. Everything inside of the restaurant is handmade by specialized artisans - from the furniture to the decor and even the plates your food comes served on!

The way they see it, there’s a little bit of love in everything

I love cheese boards and this one was definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

at Barley & Board - and

B&B Burger, which has been named the Best Burger by D Magazine two years running.

And after eating this guy, we can see why!

You can enjoy their Lunch menu Monday through Friday from 11:00am-3:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays they serve a special

that includes their menu! Barley & Board

Brunch menu from 10:00am-2:00pm. We

houses a purely from-scratch kitchen,

know we’ll definitely be headed back to

from the sauces to the cured meats.

Barley & Board soon.

Their New-American menu takes classic, traditional, homestyle foods and gives

Hopefully, we’ll see you there!

940.566.3900 www.barleyandboard.com 100 West Oak St., Denton, TX 76201

them a unique twist with an emphasis on creativity and warmth.

We got to sample some of their most popular dishes while we were there this week, starting out with their Mother Board, which is a cheese and meat board that comes fully stocked with other amazing 18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealestate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

by Steve Gamel

District 14-5A All-District Girls Basketball 2018

District 14-5A All-District Boys Basketball 2018

MVP:

MVP: RJ Hampton, Little Elm

Offensive Player of the Year:

Offensive MVP: Zach Wrightsil, ProsperÂ

Defensive Player of the Year:

Defensive MVP: Bryce Okpoh, The Colony

Newcomer of the Year:

Newcomer of the Year: Jarren Cook, Newman Smith

Jordyn Oliver, Prosper Tamia Jones, The Colony

Aaliyiah Clark, The Colony

Amanda Fields, McKinney North FIRST TEAM

Morgan Helixon, Lake Dallas Jewel Spear, The Colony Mackenzie Hewitt, Prosper Mekayla Holley, Creekview Chloe Adame, The Colony Chelsea Wooten, McKinney North Ashia Pool, McKinney North SECOND TEAM

London Scott, Newman Smith Maddie Cleary, Prosper Kennadi Harris, Little Elm Kennedy Ryan, The Colony Maiya Barker, McKinney North Aaliyah Castillo, Creekview Dorian Norris, Lake Dallas JoJo Elliott, Lake Dallas

FIRST TEAM Josh Davis, Prosper Taveion White, Prosper Kahliel Spear, The Colony Parker Brehm, McKinney North Zach Frazier, McKinney North Manny Brown, Lake Dallas Javion Williams, Little Elm Morgan Cannon, Newman Smith SECOND TEAM Brandon Frazier, McKinney North Malik Perry, McKinney North Brandon Crossley, Little Elm Ike Egwu, Little Elm Kyle Jessen, Prosper Keith Miller, The Colony Luis Rodriguez, The Colony Bryndon Looney, Carrollton RL Turner Kyrece Williams, Carrollton RL Turner Jalen Mullen, Newman Smith APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Business Spotlight

reading, writing, and spelling enrichment.

Parents, A PARTNERSHIP

With

A Focus On Literacy

by Steve Gamel

D

r. Kim Southwell didn’t come from money or the big city.

She was raised in a small rural town, where her dad was a cattle buyer & farmer. Kim spent her free time at cattle sale barns, feedlots, and 4-H livestock fairs showing cattle, riding horses, and driving the tractor through pastures helping with chores.

“During my teaching experiences, I saw a dire need for a reading improvement program for kids in Pre-K through elementary school,” said Southwell, who earned a P.h.D. in Reading Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education.

“Reading and comprehension are vital skills for life-long learning, and it is critical that children learn these skills early.”

“I joke that our vacations were showing 4-H calves at the county and state fairs and that’s about as fancy as it got,” Southwell said. “I was a pretty good steer-jock, but certainly not confident in school because reading was difficult for me.”

Southwell can relate. She struggled with her reading and attention problems, which led to poor self-confidence in the classroom. But in those days, teachers didn’t know how to help students with reading problems.

It wasn’t until her mother began taking her to after-school reading tutoring a few days a week that Kim started showing progress.

But Southwell’s strong work ethic paid off as she is now the founder and owner of The Reading Ranch® Tutorial Center, which has six locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area – including one here in Castle Hills. Her childhood also serves as the perfect backdrop for why Southwell is so passionate about children’s literacy.

Those successes and experiences helped her create the kid-friendly, western-setting Reading Ranch. Since 2006, The Reading Ranch has offered a phonetically-based program in

www.readingranch.com | 972.428.8040 2540 King Arthur Blvd., Suite 109 | Lewisville, TX 75056

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

The multi-sensory teaching approach meets individual needs, giving students a strong foundation in reading, writing, and spelling while ‘filling the gap’ for children who need literacy support.

The program has become so popular that Dr. Southwell decided to offer franchising. By partnering with other likeminded educators, the benefits of The Reading Ranch services can serve more children while providing a great business opportunity for people who wish to own their own business and help children.

It’s all to give children early mastery of skills they will need forever.

“If you cannot read well, school can be difficult. And it was for me,” said Southwell, who is offering parents free sample sessions and assessments. “I’ve always been able to relate to a kid’s frustrations with reading and writing. I am obsessed with the process of reading and writing and how to help children. It’s my only talent, and I love it!”

BURGER BAR & ART STUDIO photos courtesy of Jamie Hawkes

Join The

CASTLE HILLS

VILLAGE SHOPS press release by Jamie Hawkes

B

right Realty brokered leases for a burger bar and an art studio in the growing Castle Hills Village Shops

in Lewisville. The 2,600-square-foot Grind

Burger Bar & Tap Room is in Phase 5 of the Village Shops. The Grind is a “world class neighborhood burger joint” serving craft burgers and beer.

The 1,585-sqaure-foot art studio,

Design Time, will open in Phase 1 of the Village Shops.

These retailers add to the quickly growing Village Shops destination. The London

Baker, a specialty bakery featured in the upcoming Food Network series “Dallas Cakes,” recently joined other retailers

such as TKO Libations, a craft brewery,

and The Salty Cow, a gourmet cheese and provisions shop.

Other Village Shops tenants include TBD Kitchen, PI.E 3.14 Everyday Eatery, Kanzi

Sushi & Hibachi, Z’s Wok, Sophia’s Kitchen and conveniences such as a women’s hair

salon, men’s barber, dog groomer and nail salon; dental, chiropractic and orthodontic offices; a convenience store and more.

Developer Bright Realty also sponsors regular community events in the plaza such as the upcoming Castle Hills

Concert Series, drawing thousands to the location which currently has more than 4,300 single family homes. Visit www.BrightRealtyCo.com for more information or call 972.410.6600.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Man Cave Article

Top 10 Gadgets

FOR MEN

2018

1. Fitbit Charge 2 The Fitbit Charge 2 is an economical option for fitness buffs. The sleek, slim style of the device features an easy-toread display that monitors your heart-rate and other activities throughout the day.

2. Logitech Tunable Gaming Mouse Gaming enthusiasts will love the Tunable Gaming Mouse

by Logitech. The device has balance/weight adjustments, DPI shifting, surface tuning calibration plus 11 buttons that are easily programmed to fit the needs of gameplay.

In

by Madison Reid

Y

ou might be looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day, an anniversary or a birthday. In any case, there is a variety of must have options introduced in 2018 that appeal to men having many different interests. You are bound to find the perfect gadget for the man who has everything.

3. Logitech Harmony Home Control The Logitech Harmony Home Control is the 2018 must have gadget for electronic tech enthusiasts. Along with being able to control the systems in your entertainment center, the Logitech also links with other electronic devices to control thermostats, lighting and more than 200,000 devices.

4. Rif6 Cube Convert a mobile phone into a projector that produces an impressive 120-inch display. You simply link your smartphone to the cube and watch Netflix movies or YouTube videos.

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

6. Life Straw The pocket-sized water filter ensures that outdoor recreation participants always have safe drinking water at their disposal. The device filters up to 1,000 liters of water and weighs a mere two ounces, which makes it easily portable.

photos courtesy of Amazon.com, Kegworks.com, Rif6.com, Bluesmart, Fitbit.com, Lifestraw.com

5. Sidebar Liquor Dispenser The Sidebar Liquor Dispenser is perfect for dispensing up to six different liquor or drink mix bottles to make your favorite cocktails.

Each button also easily customizes to dispense the precise amount of liquid.

7. Utility Wagon The Mac Sports Folding wagon quickly folds to a mere eight inches in height, which makes it easily portable. The heavy duty frame handles loads of up to 150 pounds and the fabric is washable.

8. Divoom Voombox Whether outside enjoying a cold brew, entertaining friends or on a camping trip, the Divoom Voombox wireless speakers allow you to link your mobile devices to play your favorite music lists.

9. Bluesmart Luggage The internal GPS system tracks the piece to each destination using a mobile app. A built-in power pack also enables users to charge mobile devices. There is a special place to hold a laptop and an abundance of storage inside.

10. Jabra Elite Sport earphones The Jabra Elite Sport wireless pieces provide comfortable freedom, offer exceptional sound quality and stay in place.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Ask The Expert: Counseling

Mistakz Matt3r

I

f you read past the typos in the title, congratulations! You discovered the point of this article. It is easy to get so consumed by mistakes, either our own or someone else’s, that we lose sight of what is most important – our relationships. Can mistakes really be that powerful?

further inspection, 16-pound Dobby had a tumor the size of a tangerine growing in his spleen. If left untreated, it would

have eventually ruptured and killed him. and the tumor proved benign.

This mistake (or divine intervention)

saved Dobby’s life, and I am forever thankful for it.

Dobby

My dog and co-therapist, Dobby, arrived

at the vet for a routine dental cleaning, but

how we choose to respond. A repaired relationship will have lasting effects more meaningful than the original mistake.

time bomb. When hurt, anger, and

encourage you to start the conversation.

resentment are left to fester unattended, they can destroy relationships.

seek revenge, or just ignore it altogether.

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

growth. Ultimately, what matters most is

relationships? It’s not too late to change!

when a technician x-rayed him by

indicated an abdominal mass. Upon

create opportunities for change and

Like Dobby, relationships can outwardly

We all mess up, and it is easy to focus on

mistake, everything changed. The x-ray

wrong to making things right. Mistakes

Are mistakes crippling you or your

he left with an uncertain life expectancy.

Although apparently perfectly healthy,

shift the focus from magnifying what is

Relationship Saver appear healthy but internally be a ticking

Life Saver

and forgive others for their mistakes, we

what is wrong. We tend to blame others, Consequently, our relationships suffer.

However, when we allow ourselves to be

If you would like help living well, we Live well. Let us help.

by Amanda Owen, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Registered Play TherapistSupervisor for Lifeworks

businessoffice@lifeworkscc.com

photo courtesy of Wayne Cagle

Instead, Dobby had his spleen removed,

vulnerable, acknowledge our mistakes,

JASON WITTEN

HONORED WITH THE ROGER STAUBACH AWARD AT UPCOMING EMMITT SMITH CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL GALA The Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational golf tournament and gala taking place May 4th & 5th will be presenting the Roger Staubach Award to this years recipient, Jason Witten.

The Roger Staubach award recognizes sports and or entertainment professionals who positively impact the lives of children by living courageously and creating opportunities for today’s youth. Witten’s SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the last decade. The foundation works against domestic violence and to promote education and youth health. photos courtesy of Cynthia Smoot, Gangway Advertising

DSW Productions/

Jurassic Events

photos courtesy of DSW Productions/Jurassic Events APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

In a Busy World

Let Us Take The

STRESS of Aging Away

by Steve Gamel

972.538.2100 | www.draxline.com | 2560 Central Park Ave., # 340 | Flower Mound, TX

T

here’s a joke making the rounds at Dr. Bradley Axline’s office that it’s difficult to tell who’s in charge.

And we’re here to tell you, that’s a great thing. Whether you’re there to see Dr.

and wellness needs for both women

expectations while providing warmth,

comprehensive gynecology and obstetrics

that has truly taken ownership of every

and men. This includes everything from to fertility assessments, arterial health, weight management, cardiovascular

Axline himself, his wife and registered

disease risk analysis, preventative

knowledgeable staff, you’ll receive

and CoolSculpting®.

nurse Meredith, or the rest of their

wellness, hormone replacement,

seamless whole-body wellness care

Dr. Axline has more than 20 years of

and a unique team approach.

experience practicing medicine, and he’s

empathy, and dependability from a team facet of the practice.

“I think the team aspect is vital to everything we do,” Dr. Axline said.

“It’s a personal approach here.”

“We’re all in charge,” Meredith said with

spent that entire time working locally with

To understand that team approach

all floating around covering for each other

Axline graduated in the top quarter of his

have to go back to when Dr. Axline first

degree from Northeastern Ohio University

the medical world since 1996, Dr. Axline

education, and training qualify him to

felt would improve a patient’s wellness

care needs of his patients, including

restrictions of working for someone else.

a laugh. “We all do everything, and we’re

patients right in his own backyard. Dr.

atmosphere and where it came from, you

and getting to know our patients. It’s a

medical school class, receiving his medical

started his practice. Already a veteran in

College of Medicine. His vast experience,

sought to expand medicine the way he

identify and manage the varying health

longevity and quality of life – without the

team – but it’s also like family.”

Meredith added, “It feels great to offer that level of service.”

Dr. Bradley Axline, MD is more than just your standard OB/GYN practice. Since

disease prevention.

2012, the Flower Mound-based practice

And it’s all done with a personalized

a wide array of total-body healthcare

calls his office, the goal is to exceed their

has proudly identified and managed

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

approach. From the moment a patient

To help him realize that dream, he

needed a reliable team that shared the

same mindset. Enter two amazing ladies named Minnie and Ami. Both had been

working with Dr. Axline for years and were

Minnie is the front office manager and is

cleared device to permanently freeze

off the ground. As Dr. Axline put it, both

develop a relationship with. Ami is one of

surgery. The CoolSculpting® fat-freezing

Sponsored Content

photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

instrumental in getting his new venture

the first person their patients talk to and

ladies took an ownership role and had

three trusted medical assistants and also

made. Minnie even took it upon herself to

of course, there’s Meredith Axline. Beyond

their hands in every decision that was

doubles as the back office manager. Then,

create the company logo from scratch.

being Dr. Axline’s wife and confidante,

In many ways, this is their

business, too. For Dr. Axline, having that support

system was invaluable.

“They are take-charge women, and since I

knew them from a prior practice, I had a level

of confidence in them

that couldn’t be matched,” Dr. Axline said. “There was

no need to worry about what I was getting. I knew from the start.”

And the best part? Patients of Dr. Axline get to see Minnie and Ami every day.

Meredith adds a unique element as the on-site registered nurse. Most medical practices don’t have that.

With more than 20

years of experience, Meredith oversees

everything the MAs

are doing while also

drawing up medications,

managing proper protocols

and compliance, and helping

educate the staff as needed. She’s

also a certified cosmetic injector and the lead consultant for the practice’s

CoolSculpting® procedure, the only FDA-

fat and eliminate it without the need for procedure uses controlled cooling to

eliminate this stubborn fat in as little as one to four treatments.

Patients at Dr. Axline’s practice love the

whole staff experience that they receive, and they know the staff well because

most have been with him for so many

years. Newer staff members like medical

assistants Juana and Keyla only add to that level of comfort. From the time patients

are greeted at the front desk to the time they leave, the staff at Dr. Axline’s office

makes sure they have received a level of care and expertise that is unparalleled.

With all that experience and dedication under one roof, why would you go anywhere else?

“Who’s in charge? We all are,” Dr. Axline said.

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Business Spotlight

“I’ve sold real estate surrounding happy times and sad times, and in good economies and bad economies. And no matter what the circumstance may be, my job is to help our clients achieve their goals,” said Jay.

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE,

BIG SERVICE ks ar

yM

Ja by

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE, Knowledge & Community.

T

hat’s the mantra Jay Marks Real Estate of Flower Mound lives by with each and every one of their clients, whether they are going through the home-selling and buying process for the first time or are well-seasoned.

Selling and/or purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions anyone will make in their lifetime and it is also typically very emotional.

After working in the real estate industry for nearly 25 years, Jay Marks and his team are fully equipped to help with whatever your real estate needs may be.

972.724.2540

JayMarksRealEstate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd,

Flower Mound, TX 75022

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

Jay grew up learning about the importance of customer service and entrepreneurship from his parents and grandparents, who owned and operated gas stations in Northern Oklahoma. And that entrepreneurial spirit has followed him throughout his life.

At a young age, Jay joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, which is where he continued to learn the importance of dedication, leadership and persistence.

In 1993, he began his career in real estate and has helped thousands of families over the last 25 years buy, sell, and invest in real estate.

His boutique brokerage in Flower Mound consists of five team members who are all highly-skilled and trained in their various roles.

Jay and his team are also highly active in the local community, featuring local restaurants in their weekly Foodie Friday DFW reviews (see page 18 to read his latest review) for the last four years and local nonprofits in their new monthly Denton County Giving features.

“As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have the support of other small business owners. I love that

I get to call attention to these local businesses and nonprofits that deserve to be in the spotlight.

Does it help my business?

Sure. But more than that, it helps me feel like I’m giving back to our community by helping others enjoy success.”

Edit This :Ask The Expert

Gamel Funny Farm (Vol. 4)

W

elcome everyone to the fourth installment of the Gamel Funny Farm Blog. What you’ll

find below are random conversations

and hilarious moments I’ve had with my

family over the last few months. Our boys, Christian (10) and Jackson (6) are witty

and have amazing comedic timing. On

top of that, my wife, Leslie, and I are 10 percent normal and 90 percent goofy.

When you add it all up, you have the Gamel Funny Farm.

You can probably imagine that as a writer, I am never at a loss for inspiration thanks to these goofballs. I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Me: (balancing the checkbook) “What’s

Lord Jackson, and I guess Christian is the Prince.”

Christian: “Uggh. A Prince?”

Daddy: “The Prince is the heir to the throne, silly!”

Christian: “Hey, I’m not AIR.” Daddy: “Seriously?”

Mommy: “My King. He clearly doesn’t know what heir means.”

Daddy: “Oh, Lord.”

Jackson: “What?”

Christian: (during the World Series)

“Wouldn’t it be great if [George] Springer hit a home run right now?”

this random $4 withdrawal?”

Me: “We definitely need it.”

Leslie: “Oh, it was so I didn’t have to use

(Two seconds later, Springer hits a homer)

the debit card at that random concession stand.”

Me: (eye roll).

Leslie: “Would you really have wanted me to use credit?”

Jackson: “Sign up for Credit Karma.

It’s free.”

Leslie: (as she types up an email) “Steve, can you spell ‘immediately’ for me?”

Me: “Why don’t we try and spell it

together? How do you think it’s spelled?”

Leslie: “I’ll just say ‘right away.’”

Jackson: “Daddy, let’s play like we live in

a castle. We can name [our dog] Roxy the royal mutt.”

Daddy: “OK. So Daddy is the King,

Mommy is the Queen, you want to be

Me: “IT’S GONE!!!! YOU CALLED THAT!!!!!”

Christian: “How did I do that?!?!?!”

Jackson: (To the lady in the carpool lane as he’s getting out of the car) “Hey! The

Christian: “Did you know one time after

you beat me in Mortal Kombat that I got so mad I went and hid in Jackson’s closet?”

Me: “What? I didn’t know that, but I’m

really sorry. That’s why I don’t like playing against you in video games. I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Christian: “It’s OK. I just didn’t know what losing was.”

Me: “Well, now you do!”

Christian: “Whatever! So, you wanna play me in MLB The Show?”

Jackson: “Daddy! I want to go to Olive’s Steakhouse.”

Me: “What in the world is Olive’s Steakhouse?”

Mommy: “I think he means Outback Steakhouse.”

Jackson: “It’s a restaurant where they have steak and olives.”

Mommy: “How was your STUCO meeting!?”

Astros won the World Series!”

Christian: “Good.”

Me: “You are so sensitive. You should

Mommy: “What did y’all talk about?”

be able to tell after 16 years when I am kidding and when I’m serious.”

Leslie: “Oh geez, Steve! Why don’t you just make me a flowchart!”

Jackson: “Daddy, I love you, but I want

Mommy to wake me up in the mornings.”

Sitting down to help my 10-year-old with his math homework. I’m worried I won’t

know the answers. I’m just a writer, dang it! #outofmyelement

Christian: “Can’t tell ya. Top secret.”

Leslie: (while at Nebraska Furniture Mart)

“Ya know, the furniture is nice, but it’s just not expensive enough.”

Me: ????????????????????????????????

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

APRIL 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

by Steve Gamel

District 5-6A All-District Boys Basketball 2018 MVP:

FIRST TEAM

Caleb Lohner, Flower Mound

Will Goetz, Marcus Xavier Smith, Marcus Trejan Bridges, Hebron Brandon Haddock, Southlake Carroll Stephen Blomstrom, Southlake Carroll Jack McBride, Southlake Carroll Kylin Green, Lewisville Jason Anigwe, Byron Nelson David Nzekwesi, Byron Nelson Marvin Irvin, Trinity Jeff Mills, Flower Mound Colton Martin, Flower Mound Oland Carter, L.D. Bell

Offensive Player of the Year: Courtney Murrell, Hebron Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Andre Nunley, Trinity Darius Snow, Hebron Newcomer of the Year: Jaden Wells, L.D. Bell Coach of the Year: Mark Bishop, Hebron

SECOND TEAM

Evan Anderson, Hebron Jaelan McCloud, Hebron Cam Cozzens, Southlake Carroll Ben Hanley, Flower Mound Barrett Harms, Flower Mound Deng Alier, L.D. Bell Jordan Richard, Marcus Zack Meyer, Marcus Nico Matheus, Byron Nelson Graham Louis, Trinity Lloyd Hill, Trinity O’Cyrus Girtman, Lewisville

District 5-6A All-District Girls Basketball 2018 MVP:

Anna Jackson, Flower Mound Offensive Player of the Year: Myra Gordon, L.D. Bell

Defensive Player of the Year: Nala Hemingway, Lewisville Newcomers of the Year: Evie Goetz, Marcus

Laila Lawrence, Lewisville Coaches of the Year:

Sherika Nelson, Flower Mound Stephanie Shaw, Byron Nelson

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | APRIL 2018

FIRST TEAM

SECOND TEAM

Anessa Boyd, Lewisville Sammie Dufek, Marcus Kyla Davis, L.D. Bell Madison Bishop, L.D. Bell Sierra Dickson, Hebron Daxia Melton, Hebron Brittney Bolin, Byron Nelson Hannah Adkins, Byron Nelson Hunter Roach, Byron Nelson Whitney Cox, Flower Mound Melissa Johnstone, Flower Mound Abby Zeitsiff, Southlake Carroll Anna Gilliatt, Southlake Carroll

McKenzie Bowie, Lewisville Lauren Cuevas, L.D. Bell Makaya Berry-Pressley, L.D. Bell TiJanae Simmons, Euless Trinity Ellie Michener, Byron Nelson Jane Beatty, Byron Nelson Bailey Roden, Marcus Skylar Conway, Marcus Sara Negrillo, Flower Mound Faith Knight, Southlake Carroll Jillian Sowell, Southlake Carroll