Life in Castle Hills Magazine August 2018

WOMEN IN

BUSINESS

ARE YOU A

BUSY MOM?

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

GOOD DECLUTTERING HABITS

AUGUST 17, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2018

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

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

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.

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 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 Designer Caroline Brock

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

BACK TO THE

Daily Grind

I

t’s that time again! Are you ready to slide into another new school year?

Time to purchase back-to-school

supplies, school clothes, and get the endless amount of preschool forms completed.

Time for parents and children to transition back into daily routines, meet new

teachers, new friends, and for many,

a whole new school. For parents, this can either be a blessing or a time of

stress and sadness. But it’s always a time for everyone to get excited about the anticipation of a fresh start. Even for

me, although I am clearly beyond school

age, I still love the excitement that a new school year brings. I also look forward to all the stories my kids will share – at least for the first week or so before they go

back to their usual response “good” to my “how was your day” question. This

year our family will welcome a freshman into college, a sophomore into a new

school, and a 7th-grader returning to her of excitement around our house, to say the least.

information that has been misrepresented

I don’t know about you, but each year

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

during this time it’s like a “mini” New

Year’s for me, where I set my resolutions

for a better year. I think things like “This year I am going to read every school

email within 24 hours of it arriving” and “I am going to cook more family meals” or

“Be more organized with the kids’ school activities.” The list goes on. But, just like 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

we are celebrating Women In Business, and I think it’s a perfect time to remind parents - especially Mom’s – that you are doing a great job. It’s ok not to be perfect because no one is regardless of what you see on Facebook or “Fakebook” as I like to call it. Many of the amazing women featured in our publication would be happy to tell you how they struggle to balance home and work, they sometimes feel guilty and have days where they feel they fail at both work and at home. That being said, I hope everyone keeps this in mind. And the next time you see a parent who forgot their child’s lunch, is late to pick up their kiddo from school, etc. instead of judging them maybe offer them a smile or a word of encouragement because I genuinely believe we are all just trying to do our best. I hope you enjoy this issue and we wish you and your family all the best in the 2018-2019 school year!

current school. So we should have plenty

the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills is not responsible for omissions or

most of my New Year’s resolutions, by about week three I am back to just trying to keep my head above water. In this issue

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

Publisher of Murray Media Group kelly@murray-media.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover are the Metro Dent Girls

FEATURED: METRO

DENT

ASK THE EXPERTS

ARTICLES

13 Organization with Cloud Nine Organizing

08 Women in Business

22 Reading Development with The Reading Ranch 30 Edit This with Steve Gamel

EDITORS PICK: The Right

Job, with Excellence, Every Time

10 Foodie Friday DFW: The Catch 12 Insight to Being A Successful Female Business Owner 14 Hebron & The Colony Ready for Another Season 18 Sheriff’s Corner

PHOTOS FROM CASTLE HILLS

20 Inside Community

04 You Submit, We Print

24 Bailee Utter Competes in Teen Pageant 26 Are You A Busy Mom? 28 Resident & Pet Spotlight

21 Inside Education 23 The Colony Football Preview

29 Guyer Football Preview

THIS MONTH:

We’re focusing on business women. Look for the icon to get to know your local female business owners.

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Businesswomen Article

Women in BUSINESS Inspirational quotes from successful businesswomen in Denton County

by Steve Gamel

Debbie Sardone, Buckets & Bows Maid Service “As a cleaning business owner, I had very few obstacles associated with being a woman. I think cleaning has always been perceived as “women’s work” so no one got in my way. But, when I was ready to invest in my growth, a local Flower Mound bank would only give me a business loan if my husband co-signed. I refused and decided to grow my business without the loan. It worked out.”

“Give, give, give. Struggling business owners tend to be desperate, and giving is the last thing they have on their mind. If you want to grow beyond your wildest dreams become an authentic giver. This doesn’t always have to be monetary. Find ways to give and serve others, not sparingly, but in abundance. When you give in abundance you reap in abundance. When you give sparingly you reap in scarcity. Adopt the go-givers mindset and you will be successful. Just don’t mistake giving for being a door mat; there is a difference.”

Jayme Potter, RPM Construction “It is NOT easy! There are many times you will feel very alone. When you get to those points look at how far you’ve come and what you have accomplished so far. Then refer to your business plan to get excited and motivated about the not so easy road you have ahead of you. You will find out who your true friends are. And sadly for me it wasn’t many. Do what you do with confidence. But most of all, once you start just keep going. Don’t look back unless it’s to see how far you’ve come!”

“There were a few times I was afraid of failing, but I think that’s natural – especially going into construction. But as long as you treat your clients the way you want to be treated and just keep working you won’t fail.”

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

Kim Southwell, Reading Ranch Tutorial Center “Don’t listen to the naysayers, because there

photo courtesy of www.readingranch.com

“Stay focused and stick with the process.

Dig your heels into the dirt and don’t budge.”

will ALWAYS be critics. Surround yourself

with people who are passionate, positive,

and understand the concept of hard-work.

Lazy doesn’t cut it when you’re a business owner. And most importantly, keep your

faith strong – you’ll need to get on your knees and pray for strength to guide you and get you through the junk

that life as a business owner throws at you. But, the rewards are endless.”

“Stay focused and stick with the process. Dig your heels into the dirt and don’t budge.”

Cassandra Homer, Cassandra & Co. “There really is no playbook for starting a business. A lot of people want to make it a very simple formula, but I think it comes down to knowing what you want and not being fully tied to the outcome. I have failed a hell of a lot more than I have succeeded and frankly, succeeding can be a little boring. Not having enough experience in certain areas of running a business were major pitfalls for me.

People don’t often realize in a small business, you are human resources, you are accounting, you are operations - you are EVERYTHING! Learning to master all of these skills can be very daunting and not having the money to outsource it, leaves you with very few options. You have to dive in!”

“A huge problem facing women today is believing we still have to wait for permission. I’m not waiting for equality, I’m demanding it. I don’t need someone to tell me I’m just as good as a man, I know I am. Needing other people’s validation is something that will always make me cringe. You can’t please everybody, so why try? Be true to yourself and don’t wait for someone to allow it. Speak up. Be yourself. And you will be heard. The glass ceiling will always be there just reach up and bust through it!”

Christy Graham, Acorn Counseling “Focus on your long-term mission and try lots of stuff that may get you there. Then get rid of what doesn’t work for you. Revel in the flexibility while still making sure you can meet your responsibilities day to day. Find great people to delegate to and then trust them with it. This may mean they fail but as long as your basic business is sound, that will be ok.”

“My biggest challenge as a woman comes from my greatest source of strengthmy relationships. Balancing work and important family relationships challenges even the most organized person. Add to that the networking relationships that I build to grow and strengthen my business relationships, and time management continues to be an issue. As far as being a female professional, some people continue to be concerned about men seeking counseling from women and I simply have to educate our referral sources.”

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

Foodie Friday DFW: The Catch

The

CATCH

W

e talk about “Coming Soon” listings all the time within the realm of real estate. So, at

Foodie Friday DFW, we like to talk about

Coming Soon restaurants every once in a while, too!

You may have heard of this restaurant in

Lewisville called The Catch that’s serving up delicious, home-cooking-inspired,

Southern seafood with a hint of Cajun flair.

If you haven’t been to The Catch before, just imagine the perfect combination of

Texas and Louisiana Seafood Specialties.

They have a catfish basket that’s one of their best-sellers. Or if you’re needing a little Cajun pizzazz, their gumbo and po boys are some of the best I’ve ever had.

Right here in our backyard!

They make all of their food fresh, madeto-order with their own

And they’re doing it in a fast-casual environment

which we love even more!

For the past year, they’ve

been collecting mega-fans here in the area. Trust us - we know! We’ve heard

from a lot of them about

how we NEED to visit this

place! And we’re glad we listened to them!

...just imagine the perfect combination of Texas and Louisiana Seafood Specialties.

In the next few weeks, The

Catch will be opening their location in

Flower Mound at FM 407 and FM 2499 –

special recipes. You can dine in the restaurant, or order your food to-go for a big family dinner at home.

But just keep in mind that if you dine in, their margaritas and beers are always FREE! (No catch - get it?)

Long story short, we’re

completely stoked for their Flower Mound location to open. And in the meantime,

right across from the Shops at Highland

we’ll be chowing down on more of their

about it because we had people peeking

And you all should be too!

Village. And we know people are excited their heads in the door asking about it

delicious food at the Lewisville location!

Lewisville 724 W. Main St., Ste. 500 Lewisville, Texas 75067 Flower Mound Off FM 407 in the old Mod Market space

while we were there filming. So, don’t worry. You won’t have to wait too much longer!

Owner, Micheal Davis, is a native of Flower Mound and a graduate of Marcus High

School, so he’s very excited to bring The

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealestate.com

all of his friends and neighbors.

2624 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

Catch to his hometown and start feeding

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

jay@jaymarksrealestate.com

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Businesswomen Article photo courtesy of KoonsFuller Law

INSIGHT TO BEING A

SUCCESSFUL FEMALE Business Owner

H

pictured above is Charla Bradshaw Owner of KoonsFuller Law

ow did you get to where you are today, and did anyone help you?

My mother was my inspiration, and especially for my business life. She was a career woman with her own business: real estate.

From the time I was little, I saw my mother take care of our family and me, tend to all household needs, and at the same time manage an incredible real estate career. She taught me that to succeed you must respect all people and never judge. She taught me that in a client-oriented business, that unless you have clients, you have no business. She taught me that people have to trust you with their needs and feel confident you will be there for them. I took a temporary job as a paralegal, filling in for a girl who walked out on her bosses. I knew nothing about family law, or how to run an office. I was 19. I quickly learned while listening to the clients and their numerous needs that family law was for me. I love helping people. I then knew I had to figure out a way to pay to finish college and get a law degree, but nothing seemed impossible with the foundation I had learned from my mother.

(Q) What are some of the challenges

events for my women friends, and I join

explore financing. I would also suggest

woman in business, especially trying

in keeping women together. It is vital to

business endeavor.

or obstacles you have faced as a

to get your business off the ground in the beginning?

(A) After law school, I was fortunate

enough to have a great friend of my

parents, Mike Gregory, believe in me

and hire me to practice law with him. I

other women’s groups to try to participate have a mentor.

(Q) In your opinion, what are some

additional roadblocks/obstacles that women still face today?

(A) I think in life, roadblocks and obstacles

career counseling before starting a (Q) What is the biggest lesson

you have learned in all your years as an entrepreneur?

(A) Patience.

are mostly created by those who see

(Q) Were you ever afraid of failing? If

is important to gain skills to persevere

(A) Anyone who is successful will never

school, I am fortunate to have not seen

the most successful. I don’t think that

those who are the most successful in

woman in business.

is much better than it used to be. I think

failing. The fear of failure was and is a

(Q) How important is it for female

is the most difficult.

Failure will occur, but it is how you handle

am so thankful for him believing in me.

them as roadblocks and obstacles. It

so, why? If not, why not?

and paid for college. After attending law

through adversity. And those who do are

say they weren’t afraid of failing. In fact,

many challenges or obstacles to being a

equality has been achieved, but I think it

business will tell you they were afraid of

financing for a woman starting a business

driving force for anyone who is successful.

The challenges and obstacles I faced as a woman were early on while I worked

business owners to lift each other up?

What role, if any, do you currently

(Q) Do you have any specific advice for

about leadership?

their own business?

women in business is so important. I think

important to plan your work and work

who are positive, are important to be

best. Financing a business is vital, so

it that is important.

play in that? What have you learned

women who are thinking about starting

(Q) How do you achieve

(A) I think camaraderie amongst positive

(A) Everything begins with a plan. It is

(A) I plan time for my work, and I plan

that those who can lift each other up, and

your plan. I think incremental goals are

around. I have events at my home, I plan

before pursuing a business, I would

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

work-life balance?

time for my life, and the two do not

intersect. Keeping the distinction, and

not feeling guilty while doing the other,

is very important.

Organization :Ask The Expert

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN GOOD

DECLUTTERING HABITS

by Crystal Nerpel

A

s you send your children off to school remember that their most important and influential teacher is you, and home is their first learning environment. Expecting children to be involved in the care of their home and belongings teaches them valuable life lessons: responsibility, a sense of pride, feeling accomplished, and practicing problem-solving skills. These lessons will serve them well in school and beyond.

How do you help your children develop good decluttering habits? I’m glad you asked!

CLEAR AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE EXPECTATIONS NEVER ASSUME.

SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS •

Your children won’t always instinctively

up the playroom. The key is to do it

them over and over. That’s parenting.

every night – not every so often, not

Don’t give up. Creating good habits

when you aren’t too tired to supervise,

takes time.

and not when they feel like doing it.

Do it every single night. Stick to it. It

Hearing the expectations is helpful, but

will eventually become a habit.

hearing and seeing the expectations is better. Use visual reinforcement. A

chore chart, check list, and modeling are

•

examples of visual reinforcement.

themselves, make sure you are doing

developmentally appropriate. Don’t set tasks that are too difficult will create

very observant. They are taking it all in expect your children to pick up after

It’s crucial to keep expectations

the bar too high or too low. Assigning

TEACH BY EXAMPLE. Children are

even when you don’t realize it. If you

AVOID FRUSTRATION.

the same. Trust me, they notice!

•

PRACTICE AND PATIENCE. This

frustration for both of you. Frustration

is a learning process for everyone

chaos not create it.

how to pick up after themselves by

creates more chaos. We want to reduce On the flip side, setting expectations

involved. At first, show your kids

•

PRAISE. Make sure your children are aware that you notice their effort.

Look for progress, not perfection.

When they put in the effort say, “Thank you for doing a good job.” or “I can tell you put a lot of effort into that.” Hugs and high-fives work too. Praise creates positive action and gives them the confidence and motivation to do it again.

Helping children develop good decluttering habits doesn’t happen in one day, one week, or even one month.

Be patient as you go through this process and never expect perfection. Remember to be consistent, set good examples, and practice with them. Eventually, you’ll start to see a shift in habits.

working alongside them. Do this with

too low doesn’t allow for growth. Being

them many times. Gradually, give

is good!

Eventually, they will be able to do it

slightly challenged from time to time

Fingers crossed!

Children thrive on routine and

spend 10 minutes each night picking

to tell them. Sometimes, you have to tell

have to remind them.

BE CONSISTENT. This is so important. consistency. For instance, maybe you

know what you expect of them. You have

all on their own. You might not even

them more and more of the workload.

CloudNineOrganizing.com AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

H

ebron volleyball coach Karin Keeney didn’t mince words earlier this month when she said the 2018

season would be a challenge for the Lady Hawks.

To think Keeney’s crew will struggle at

anything is hard to imagine. After all, the

Lady Hawks won their third straight Class 6A state title last year. Only one other

team in UIL history has done that in the

state’s largest classification, and Hebron

now has five titles since 1999 to its credit.

But if coach Keeney says things may be different this season, she should know.

by Steve Gamel battle tested when district play begins.

“I think we’ve got a good core group,” The Colony coach Terri Harrod said.

The biggest question for Hebron is filling the shoes of several dynamic players.

Gone are the likes of first-team Under

Armor All-America outside hitter Adanna Rollins (Minnesota), all-state libero Annie Benbow (San Diego), and all-district

middle blocker Lauren Merrill. Outside

hitter and setter Nicole Drewnick, a junior who committed to Nebraska, announced she would only play for her club team this fall.

“We graduated 13 girls. There were really

That leaves all-state middle hitter and

with a laugh. “We’ll always be competitive

committed to Florida State, and UT-

good players in that group, too,” she said

because of the nature of the program, but it will be interesting.”

Keeney added, “I don’t want to say we’re rebuilding. But we’re definitely reshuffling.”

How difficult this season is for Hebron

remains to be seen, but they deserve the

benefit of the doubt. In fact, the sky is the

limit for both volleyball teams in the Life in Castle Hills coverage area. While Hebron went 41-7 last year, The Colony rode the

coattails of its own strong senior class to a 30-12 record and a first-round playoff win in Class 5A.

Both programs are inexperienced, but with tournament schedules quickly

drawing to a close, they’re sure to be 14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

outside hitter Emma Clothier, who is Arlington pledge Jessica

Stancliff,

to lead a

much younger group.

“It will be an eclectic group,” Keeney

said. “The coaches here are used

to the intensity

that comes with

constantly having a target on your back, but these kids aren’t. They don’t

know that every point and

every mistake is amplified here.

They’ve been working hard, though, so I’m anxious to see what happens as we move through the season.”

As for The Colony, Harrod has a few more key pieces to work with, including senior outside hitter Abby Gentry, and senior libero and defensive specialist Regan Doss. They are the only two seniors on the team and will be flanked by Jayda Coleman, who was a first-team all-district selection last year as a sophomore, Sarah Baguio, and Ashlee Procious.

“It’s a good group, and I think that helps when you have a few young girls coming in who will need help developing,” Harrod said. “Our district will be full of teams that made the playoffs a year ago, so it will be a challenge. But everyone likes a new district and a new look.

We’re excited.”

The Colony’s district features Denton Ryan, Denton High, Denton Braswell, Lake Dallas, Little Elm, and Justin Northwest.

Hebron will be in the same district with Marcus, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Coppell, Irving, Irving MacArthur, and Irving Nimitz.

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

, b o J t gh

The

Ri

with

, E NC

E L EL

C X E

Y R E

V E T

E IM el

m ve Ga e t S y b

Y

T

here’s nothing worse than waking up late at night drenched in sweat because your air conditioner stopped working. Well, actually there is – how about being stuck without cool air during the middle of a hot summer day in North Texas?

There are plenty of companies you can

organizations including American

troubles strike, but when you need

Excellence (NATE) and Air Conditioning

call when air conditioning and heating

ems t s y s ting a e cus r o f c t y a B “ es th s s e eds, c e o r n p ’ s d an omer t s u the c r g u n i o s i on so ra l a e ...” r d r a d we a y stan r t s u ind

superior A/C service done right, and

with a local touch, Northside A/C is your go-to choice.

“We are known for reliability and

great customer service,” Northside A/C co-owner Jerry Grote said.

“We have a knack for treating each

customer as if they were the most

important – because they are.”

Jerry, co-owner Bobby Pope, and the

impressive staff at Northside A/C in

Lewisville were voted Best Heating/

Air Repair Company in this year’s Best

www.NorthsideAir.com

Contractors of America (ACCA), as well as in specialties such as variable speed systems, geothermal systems, and ductless systems.

More importantly, they buck the trend of the impersonal service, unreliability, and pushy sales tactics that can be found in much bigger HVAC companies.

For Jerry, Northside A/C was started

in order to fill a void in the industry, by

focusing on the needs of the customer.

And they are here to stay.

of Denton County awards for a reason.

“I like to create stability and consistency

that their combined industry knowledge

said. “By creating systems and processes

They put their customers first. Add to

for my employees and customers,” Jerry

– a collective 100-plus years – and you

that focus on our customers’ needs, we

will find an operation that is second to

972.318.5097

Standard, North American Technician

none. They’ve been keeping Denton

County residents comfortable and top

of mind since 2004, offering everything from routine maintenance and new

construction installations to commercial and residential consultation as well as

design, diagnostics, repairs, replacements, and 24/7 service.

are also raising the industry standard.

Northside excels at giving our customers a sense of direction. HVAC repairs and replacements can be unexpected and

costly, and some customers get lost with

all the options available. We offer a sense of calm decision-making to guide clients thru this. We have assisted countless

homeowners in navigating the service

Northside A/C employs some of the most

and replacement process. We strive to

and installation technicians have gained

for some, we have helped reduce their

highly trained staff in the area. Their repair

put customers in a better situation, and

numerous certifications from prominent

electric bills in half.”

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

GET TO KNOW YOUR SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Chief Deputy Dewayne “Doc” Dockery

Sheriff Murphree appointed Dewayne “Doc” Dockery as the Chief Deputy. Chief

Dockery was born and raised in Paris, Texas. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army before joining the Texas Department of Public Safety in

1987. He was promoted to Sergeant in the Highway Patrol in 1997 where he served until 2002. In 2002, Chief Dockery was one of the few promoted into the elite law

enforcement group of Texas Rangers. Chief Dockery promoted through the ranks

in the Texas Rangers were he retired as Major in 2015. Dewayne Dockery enjoyed a year of retirement before being appointed to Chief Deputy of the Denton County Sheriff’s Office by Sheriff Murphree on January 1, 2017.

Assistant Chief Deputy Larry Kish (Operations Division)

Larry Kish was born and raised in Gainesville, Texas. He started his law

enforcement career in 1988 working for the Gainesville Police Department. In 1995, he joined the Denton County Sheriff’s Office working as a Crime Scene specialist.

Assistant Chief Deputy Kish promoted to the rank of Captain in the Criminal Investigation Division. Sheriff Murphree appointed Larry Kish to the rank of 940.349.1600 127 N. Woodrow Lane Suite 300 Denton, TX 76205 dentoncounty.com/ Departments/Sheriff.aspx

Assistant Chief Deputy on January 1, 2017.

Assistant Chief Deputy Barry Caver (Detention Division)

Barry Caver was raised in Lufkin, Texas. He started his law enforcement career as a

patrol deputy in 1976 working for Angelina County Sheriff’s Office. He then joined the Diboll Police Department in 1978 and the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1979. Assistant Chief Deputy Caver worked as a Texas State Trooper and was

promoted to Highway Patrol Sergeant in 1987. He was promoted into the elite Law

Enforcement group of the Texas Rangers in 1989. He retired as a Captain of the Texas Rangers in 2008 before working in the private sector for several years.

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

INSIDE COMMUNITY

LEWISVILLE WESTERN DAYS Put on your cowboy boots and grab your Stetson hat on September 28th for Old Town Lewisville Western Days. It is a 2 day event filled with children’s activities, live music, food, attractions, and a parade. Three festival stages feature national and regional live music and entertainment to flavor the air as festival-goers partake in the unique arts and crafts vendors, gunfight re-enactments, Native American singers and dancers, the World Tamale Eating Championship and car shows. For tickets visit lewisvillewesterndays.com/

LEWISVILLE OFFICER NOMINATED Our community backs the blue, so much so that they nominated Officer Jonathan

Henninger for Best Police Officer in Denton County! The life of an officer is often difficult and sometimes even dangerous, so it’s no wonder that the community came together to recognize an officer that is not only dedicated to his community but also made such an impact in their lives that they nominated him for Best of Denton County. Be sure to show him your support by voting for him at http://bestofdentoncounty.com/community-nonprofit-organization-voting/

CLASSIC CAR & TRUCK SHOW Stop by the Castle Hills Plaza on September 16th from 10am2pm for a FREE Classic Car Show brought to you by Time

Machine Car shows. Cars will compete for Castle Hills Pick,

‘79 & older car and truck, ‘80s & newer car and truck, People’s Choice, Outstanding Club Participation. Got a car you’d love to show off? Call Ray at 940-367-1798 or email

ART & WINE WALK On September 20th, the Castle Hills Plaza will host an Art and Wine Walk that features artist booths, merchants, and FREE wine tastings. The first 100 visitors to register at the registration booth get a FREE wine glass that you can decorate with a specialty marker. This event also features

ray@timemachinecarshows.com. There is just a small $10 entry

a violinist and caricature artists, so it’s fun for the whole

the Village Shops afterwards.

responsibly.

fee. Be sure to bring the whole family so you can walk around

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

family. Of course,, a valid ID is required and be sure to drink

INSIDE EDUCATION

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

&

Ask The Expert: Reading Development

How READING

WRITING GO HAND-IN-HAND

Y

ou don’t need fancy statistics to understand the importance of helping a child improve

his or her reading skills. The acts of

reading and being read to improve

a child’s vocabulary, communication

and comprehension, and open their imagination and eyes to the world around them.

I’d like to think the great folks here at

The Reading Ranch®, in partnership with our many parents, deserve a pat on the

back for all the hard work that goes into helping children succeed – now and for

ideas going, modeling the writing process is critical. Students need to visually see

how writing is done. We take the time to discuss and problem-solve interactively.

Shared Writing

A Reading Ranch teacher will scribe the

words but the students are now invited to contribute ideas while the teacher writes.

Lots of discussions are taking place, and we encourage questions and provide

answers. Think-alouds continue to be part of this shared writing session.

Guided Writing

A Reading Ranch teacher will provide feedback and redirect young writers

•

The ability to write their own stories

•

Improved penmanship and handwriting

•

Improved imagination, analyzation,

•

Language development and fluency

and critical thinking skills

using prompts and clues to expand

their ideas and develop organization.

Oral discussions of sentences will be

discussed before writing. Small groups are encouraged for creative writing as

many children struggle with formulating ideas. Teacher-student conferences are

encouraged, and support is given in areas

We are focused ONLY on early literacy

of struggle such as clarity, form, individual

fourth grade. That makes The Reading

Independent Writing

for young students between Pre-K and Ranch your only choice for laser-focused literacy support.

voice, and grammar.

This is when a student writes fluently and makes connections while expanding

The Reading Ranch Writer’s Workshop

their vocabulary and critical thinking.

provides an interactive approach that

and other materials to revise and edit

by developing a student’s ideas and

to share their writing creation. Not only

The Reading Ranch Writer’s Workshop

Students are encouraged to refer to charts

focuses on building the writing process

composition. A child must also have time

transforming them into a polished

will this step provide student recognition,

writing piece.

but a chance to receive feedback.

dependent on reading and writing.

Penmanship & Handwriting

The four stages of teaching effective

readers make the best writers and the

improvement program focuses on stroke

Independent) is a gradual release from

Well, the ability to read, write, and

spacing between words.

CALL THE READING RANCH TODAY

years down the road. But giving a child the best head start possible goes beyond the ability to read.

A solid foundation in early literacy is the ability to read AND write.

A child’s literacy development is

In fact, it’s long been said that the best

The Reading Ranch’s handwriting

writing (Modeled, Shared, Guided,

best writers are good readers. Why?

development, legibility and appropriate

teacher-directed to independence.

comprehend creates the basis of all education and even career success.

Modeled Writing

We sit around a circle with the children

When interwoven, children learn about

and use writing boards during a think-

grammar, capitalization, sentence

teacher will be jotting down students’

Other intrinsic benefits include:

students struggle greatly with getting their

punctuation, storytelling, vocabulary,

aloud strategy session. A Reading Ranch

structure, and the ability to express ideas.

ideas using our writing wall. Since

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

AT 214.436.5533!

by Kim Southwell, Ph.D. Founder, Owner & Director Reading Ranch Tutorial Center www.readingranch.com

THE COLONY COUGARS

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

T

by Steve Gamel

he 2018 high school football season starts next week. As you prepare to follow your favorite team through the regular season and, hopefully, the playoffs, we

Head coach: Rudy Rangel 2017 record: 7-4 bi-district finalist Returning starters: seven on offense, six on defense District opponents: Frisco Lone Star, Frisco Wakeland, Little Elm, Frisco Centennial, Frisco Independence, Frisco Heritage, Frisco Liberty.

Projected finish in District 5-5A Division I: 2nd place Key players: Cameron Pair, DB; Calvin Baker, DB/RB; Myles Price, RB/DB, Ryan Mora, HB/DL; Mikey Harrington, QB; Jaden Abdallah, RB/LB; Marcus Moore, TE/DL; Keith Miller, WR; Kyle Taylor, ATH.

want to get everyone clued in on what all the football experts are saying.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, regarded as the Bible of football in Texas, recently published its preseason magazine with previews of more than 1,400 high school teams. Here is a brief recap of The Colony.

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Bailee Utter

COMPETES In Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Pageant

by Lindsay Mears

W

photos courtesy of Bailee Utter

hen Argyle teen, Bailee Utter, was first approached during her freshman year of high school with the question of if she’d ever considered the pageant world, she was not interested at the time.

Bailee had been a dancer since she

was a little girl, and it has always been

her dream to continue on that path. As soon as she started to attend Liberty

Christian School in Argyle, she knew that she wanted to be the captain of their

dance team. She learned that one of the qualifications, as well as something that would help her in the long run, was to have a firm grasp on the interview process.

She thought back to the question she was asked earlier that

year, whether or not she’d

be interested in being in a

pageant, and knew

that this is where she could learn

the skills she needed for the dance captain position.

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

“I believe the Miss America Organization impacts our society by empowering women through scholarship and community service opportunities...”

Bailee’s very first pageant was competing for Miss Southlake, and she won first runner-up. From there, she went on to compete

in, and win, Miss Hunt County’s Outstanding Teen.

But this was only the beginning. From

there, she went on to compete for Miss

Texas Outstanding Teen, and finished in the top 10 out of 46 girls.

Going through this pageant, Bailee was a busy bee, attending different

appointments, dress fittings, runway walks, and mock interview practice.

“This was only her third pageant,”

Monica Utter, Bailee’s mom said. “And

here she was going up against girls who

had been doing this their entire lives. She

“I believe the Miss America Organization impacts our society by empowering women through scholarship and

This pageant consisted of four phases:

fitness, evening gown, interviews, and a

talent competition. Bailee’s talent was, of course, dancing.

“She did a jazz routine,” Monica said. “It was super fun and lively!”

kids love having an athlete read to them, too,” Monica said.

honored to be a part of this organization,

Bailee - the daughter of Bill Utter, the

to have expanded my platform, ‘Leading

by Reading.’”

Leading by Reading is a program that began when Bailee noticed that a star athlete in her class could not read aloud when their teacher asked him to.

“When Bailee witnessed this, her heart sank. She had no idea there were kids around her that didn’t know how to read.

Immediately, she wanted to do something to help,” Monica said.

Bailee went on to win the phases of

evening gown and onstage questions

put a smile on Bailee’s face. The younger

community service opportunities. I am

made so many friends, and met so many great people.”

“Just to see him feel good about himself

owner of Bill Utter Ford - continued the

program by holding book drives across five different car dealerships in DFW.

They donated thousands of books to school libraries.

“Bailee believes that reading is a way we can get back to intentional relationships with all of the social media in our lives,” Monica said proudly. “She truly is just a

real person - our blonde hair, blue-eyed, all-American girl.”

When asked what’s next for Bailee, Monica stated that she would probably take a

couple of years off from pageantry until she’s old enough to run for Miss Texas.

She said that Bailee will now focus on

during the preliminaries.

Bailee implemented a mentorship

The Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Pageant

program so that upperclassmen could

America, but for girls under the age of 18.

in Bailee’s class decided to take part in

is a program like Miss Texas and Miss

read to kids in younger grades. The boy

On the pageant website, Bailee said,

this program.

school and being the captain of the Liberty Christian dance team. After

school, Bailee hopes to attend Texas

Christian University and wants to try out for the TCU Showgirls, which is their school dance team.

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Businesswomen Article

Are YOU A

BUSY MOM?

by Madison Reid

I

get it, you’re starting to panic just thinking about your hectic back to school schedule and all the things that come with it.

From school schedules to sports schedule to band schedules and then your very own work schedule to deal with, things can get a little wonky.

Your thoughts are likely, “how am I going to stay organized this school year??” and “What can I do differently?” Perhaps it’s “What will my kids eat?” Check out a few of our favorite apps that help our employees and their families stay organized.

Happy Kids Timer Help your kids get used to their morning routine. This app guides your child through making their bed and brushing their teeth. This app can be operated by your child and comes with great motivation features. Also, it comes with a printable certificate after they’ve accomplished their tasks.

Kids Eat Free

Mama Bear

Once school starts, you’ll be looking for a place to go for dinner or even just a quick snack. Why not use an app that locates restaurants that offer free deals? Kids Eat Free app is used and updated by mostly other Mom’s out there, but it’s a great resource that finds the best local deals for kids plates

This family communication app is my favorite. This app helps protect and connect your family with customizable and safe place arrivals/departures, checkins, helpful tips on how to protect your family’s online reputation and panic buttons.

You can even set up notifications with important information.

Food Planner This app allows you to quickly plan your daily meals and snacks. It also allows you to create a grocery list and modify meal plans, use ones you’ve created, or use recipes that you’ve downloaded from social meal or blogs.

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Resident & Pet Spotlight

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

T

he Ortiz family was chosen as resident spotlight for Life in Castle Hills magazine.

Get to know your local residents and read about the Ortiz family.

Q: What made you decide to move to Castle Hills?

A: We have been residents since July 2004. Our daughter Ariel was 3 when we moved to Castle Hills because of the parks. Now that she is older, we enjoy the restaurants at the Village Shops and we love that our photography studio is located there.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do as a family?

A: We love to watch movies, eat out at local restaurants, and walk our dogs.

We love to go visit our Lake Travis home.

Q: What are some fun facts about your family?

A: We are a very diverse family with 6 dogs we call the Six Pack. They keep us busy.

3 of our dogs have Hawaiian names as we love Hawaii. We even adopted one of our dogs from Kauai when we went on vacation two years ago.

Q:What do you love most about living in Castle Hills?

Top photo from left to right: Kim, Mario and Ariel Ortiz

The community events, and the Village Shops.

photography by Kim Ortiz Photography

PET SPOTLIGHT

O

wner and Castle Hills Resident Kim Ortiz owns a 2 year old Chihuahua Papillon mix named Leilani. Below are a few questions about this adorable tail wagger.

Q: How did she become a part of your family?

A: She was adopted from Rescue Row in July. She looks just like my dog Lexie.

Q: Describe her personality?

A: When she first came home, she was very shy and quiet. She was rescued from a horrible hoarding situation and so she had to endure two years of her life in terrible conditions. Now her personality has come out and she is fun, sweet, and loves to play with her pack.

Q: Does she have any special talents?

A: She does the cutest wiggle in her bottom when she is happy.

Q: What is her favorite treat?

A: She probably never had a treat before she was rescued and the first time she had a greenie treat, she held it with her paws and ate it. It was so cute.

Q: Where does she sleep?

A: She snuggles in her mama’s arms in bed all night.

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018

pictured above is 2 year old Chihuahua Papillon mix, Leilani

GUYER WILDCATS

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

T

by Steve Gamel

he 2018 high school football season starts next week. As you prepare to follow your favorite team through the regular season and, hopefully, the playoffs, we

Head coach: John Walsh 2017 record: 7-4 bi-district finalist Returning starters: three on offense, five on defense District opponents: Southlake Carroll, Keller Fossil Ridge, Trophy Club Byron Nelson, Keller Central, Northwest Eaton, Keller, Keller Timber Creek.

Projected finish in District 5-6A: 2nd place Key players: Grant Mahon, DL; Seth Meador, WR; Brent Jackson, DB; Kaedric Cobbs, RB; Eli Stowers, QB; Cole Ramsey, LB; Chad Aune, DE; Isaac Carrillo, DT; Devin Goree, DE.

want to get everyone clued in on what all the football experts are saying.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, regarded as the Bible of football in Texas, recently published its preseason magazine with previews of more than 1,400 high school teams. Here is a brief recap of Guyer.

AUGUST 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Ask The Expert: Edit This

GRAMMAR FAILS

Proof Before You Print

W

e’ve all seen pictures on the Internet over the years of epic grammar fails and spelling mistakes. Being the happy-go-lucky writer and editor that I am, they provide an endless source of amusement. Below are a few I’ve taken over the years, so please enjoy.

And don’t forget to call Edit This® for all your writing and editing needs.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2018