Life in Castle Hills Magazine October 2018

10 LOCAL

EATERIES

Giving You

SMILE OF YOUR LIFE THE

OCTOBER 19, 2018 - NOVEMBER 16, 2018

RETHINKING

MAMMOGRAMS

THE LONDON

BAKER

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

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

THE COLONY CONGRATULATES

TCHS NATIONAL HONOREES TCHS National Merit Semifinalist Melissa Carmona

Children’s AUTUMN FESTIVAL October 25th, 2018 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm Lewisville Public Library | 1197 W Main St. | Lewisville, TX 75067 For children ages 4-8 and their families Step right up for autumn fun! LPL’s Teen Advisory Group invites you to a fun, FREE, mini-carnival inside the Children’s Wing. Play games, make crafts, decorate a goody bag and collect candy. No registration required, and all activities are while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Call to Confirm Times: 972.219.3570

TCHS National Merit Commended Students John M Carter, Srinandhini Koripally, Raul F Montes, Daniel Park and Sophia M Rojo

HEBRON CONGRATULATES

HHS NATIONAL HONOREES HHS National Merit Semifinalist Steven Allo, Cloey Crouch, Lucas Gates, Brendan Glascock, Gia-Han Hoang, Evan Hu, Brian Mathew, Bruce Moe, Sihyeong Park, Neha Philip, Rohan Varkey and Divya Viswanathan HHS National Merit Commended Students

First Family FUN FESTIVAL October 28th, 2018 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm First Baptist Church Lewisville | 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd. | Lewisville, TX 75077 This FREE event has plenty for you and your family! Activities include a petting zoo, carnival games, trunk or treat, a hot rod and classic car show, bounce houses, a concession stand, photo booth, and AWESOME door prizes! Invite your family, neighbors and friends!

Call to Confirm Times: 972.436.5502

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

William Bell, Ammar Dharani, Audrey Faulks, Hafsa Hanafi, Ethan Hardy, Tanya Jagan, Justin Jiang, Jeremiah John, Vismaya Joseph, Samuel Koshy, Sunil Krish, Hannah Lee, Jenny Li, Andrew Merutka, Caleb Meyer, Callie Moore, Christy Nguyen, Phong Nguyen, Khaleeq Rehman, Grant Shamblin, Ethan Staples, Shruthi Subramanium, Adeline Thrower, Chae Um, Sonal Verma, Thi Vu, Elizabeth Wei and Sanjana Yadav HHS National Hispanic Scholars Leonardo Castellino-Herr, Lucas Gates, Colby Newton and Lauren Rodriguez

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

OCTOBER & Breast

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen

Advertising Manager

Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Guy T Photography 469.500.5657 WhatsThatGuysName.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

O

Cancer A W A R E N E S S

ctober is one of those months that brings so many things to mind, don’t you think? You’ve got pumpkin carving opportunities galore with the kiddos, sweater weather, firepits, Halloween candy by the truck load, and many other opportunities to create priceless memories.

At this point, I’m just sad the month is almost over.

One of the bigger things that should spring to mind, too, is that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Not only that, but how can I – and, well, you too – contribute?

Breast Cancer Awareness month is more than just a time to think about loved ones who are continuing to fight or have lost their battle. It’s a yearly campaign that educates people, both men and women, about the importance of early breast screening and early testing. I am currently watching my dear friend, who is only 39 years old, fight this very battle. She was lucky and it was detected while at an early screening. That’s the blessing in all of this. Not to mention, she knows she isn’t fighting this alone. This disease has taken

so many of our loved ones way too early in life, and there are countless non-profit organizations that want to help find a cure. Even numerous clients of ours, like Buckets & Bows Maid Service, have joined in this fight.

My very own friend, Debbie Sardone, started Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization, 12 years ago through her Buckets & Bows company. Through this non-profit, it gives the gift of free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. She has inspired other local businesses, like MaidPro Denton, to help educate people in joining us in the fight against Breast Cancer.

In this issue, information on screening and testing will be provided. Read these important facts, my friends, and let’s join together in early detection.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is Dr. Luis Perez, owner of iO Dentistry and his team

FEATURED: Giving You

ASK THE EXPERTS 12 Edit This with Steve Gamel 20 Organization with Cloud Nine Organizing 28 Reading with Reading Ranch

ARTICLES 04 Children’s Autumn Festival 04 First Family Fun Festival 04 The Colony & Hebron Congratulates National Honorees 08 10 Local Eateries

The Smile of Your Life

10

EDITORS PICK:

The London Baker

14 Resident & Pet Spotlight 15 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 18 Inside Community 19 Inside Education 22 Expect Something Different 24 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks 26 Rethinking Mammograms 30 Tinkergarten Learning Though Play 30 Rescue Me: Pet Adoption of the Month

THIS MONTH:

We’re focusing on restaurants & medical experts. Look for the icons to find out the best places to eat / medical experts around your area.

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Restaurant Article

by Steve Gamel

W

hen it comes to deciding where we want to take the family for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night, many of us are creatures of habit. It’s so much easier to pull into a familiar chain restaurant or a local spot we’ve fallen in love with than spend forever finding something new that everyone will enjoy.

We’re not suggesting there’s anything wrong with that, but there are so many other options to take advantage of in Denton County – many of which have been right under our noses the entire time.

Below are our Top 10 list of local restaurants you need to try today.

J2 STEAKHOUSE

119 E Main St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 972.537.5547

A newcomer to the Denton County scene, J2 Steakhouse has quickly made a name for itself both from a culinary standpoint and its unique and inviting atmosphere. Everything courtesy of J2 Steakhouse facebook

is made from scratch, right down to the ketchup, breads, and ice cream. Dive into their Prime Angus Filet, Prime Akaushi Rib Eye, or Seared Halibut. You won’t be disappointed.

KANZI SUSHI AND HIBACHI RESTAURANT 2560 King Arthur Blvd., #142 • Lewisville, TX 75056 972.899.9779 Give your pallet a kick with KANZI. The portions are big, which means you are

courtesy of Kanzi Sushi and Hibachi facebook

bound to take home some leftovers. It is also regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in town.

BURGERS & BRATS 6100 Long Prairie Rd., #300 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.539.9110 Definitely a hidden treasure in Denton County – and it’s amazing. From German-style pork sausage and pork & beef sausage to Reuben sandwiches and to-die-for burgers

courtesy of Burgers & Brats facebook

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

that taste like they came straight from a backyard cookout, there is a little something for everyone at Burgers & Brats.

courtesy of Bumbershoot BBQ facebook

courtesy of RG’s Burgers & Grill facebook

courtesy of Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection facebook

courtesy of Mi Dia From Scratch facebook

courtesy of Giovanni’s Pizza facebook

courtesy of Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant facebook

courtesy of Tokyo Samurai facebook

BUMBERSHOOT BBQ 425 US-377 S. • Argyle, TX 76226 940.595.1782 Talk about being off the beaten path. Bumbershoot is a 32-foot trailer surrounded by picnic tables and friendly folks. It is here you can find the finest and most delicious meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and sausage. Lunch and dinner are served until the food runs out, so you’d better get there fast for a meat lover’s experience like none other.

RG’S BURGERS & GRILL 2430 S. I-35E., #172 • Denton, TX 76205 940.383.2431 RG’s is a traditional burger joint. Stop in to try their Portabella Mushroom Burger, TexMex Chili Burger, or the King Kong, which includes a free King Kong shirt if you finish it within 30 minutes. All burgers come with unlimited steak fries.

MRS. LIVELY’S CAJUN KONNECTION 721 E. Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 940.279.4299 Located off the lake on Hundley Dr., where Neal’s and Logan’s used to be, Mrs. Lively’s is a full-tilt taste of Louisiana with an amazing variety of made-from-scratch Cajun meals that will satisfy any customer. Every dish, whether it be their gumbo, crawfish, or boiled shrimp is prepared daily with fresh ingredients and cooked with the finest spices.

MI DIA FROM SCRATCH 2601 West Windsor • Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.874.4747 With three locations in Plano, Grapevine, and Flower Mound, Mi Dia From Scratch offers a blend of traditional Mexican recipes with modern Tex Mex flavors. Have lunch or dinner inside or enjoy a night out on the patio – either way, don’t forget to try their delicious margaritas and hand-crafted cocktails.

GIOVANNI’S PIZZA 100 Country Club Rd. • Argyle, TX 76226 940.464.9899 Whether you want to dine in our carry out, Giovanni’s is a basic family-owned pizzeria that is a nice change of pace from the typical Pizza Hut trip. This local treasure also offers pasta, calzones, and sandwiches.

ANGELINA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1400 N. Corinth St., #111 • Corinth, TX 76208 940.321.1133 For you Mexican food lovers out there, Angelina’s is a can’t-miss favorite on the local scene. Located in the heart of the Lake Cities, Angelina’s offers everything from steak fajitas and quesadillas to beef chimichangas and tortilla soup. And it’s all backed by one of the friendliest staffs around.

TOKYO SAMURAI SUSHI HIBACHI BAR 3600 FM407, #100 • Bartonville TX 76226 940.455.2223 Hands down one of the best sushi hibachi bars in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and it’s located close by in Bartonville. The food is amazing as a personal chef prepares filet mignon steak, chicken, and seafood dishes right at your table. If you’re looking for a different kind of family night out, give this local favorite a try.

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

LONDON Y

ou’ve seen her on Cake Wars, Dallas Cakes, and now Halloween Wars on the Food

Network. More importantly, you’ve seen

her right here in Castle Hills at her upscale bakery, The London Baker.

Meet Elizabeth Rowe. What Picasso

was to the canvas, what Prince was to

songwriting, Elizabeth Rowe is to baking.

She is a true artist, creating

one-of-a-kind pieces for residents

and celebrities alike. Business has

been booming since she opened The

London Baker in the Castle Hills Village Shops only six short months ago.

With her television shows wrapped for the season, Elizabeth is now busy decorating

for the holidays and designing holiday gift baskets that include amazing ooey gooey brownies, snickerdoodles, deep dish

chocolate chip cookies, cake pops, and more. She also specializes in breakfast

baskets that include freshly baked muffins, bacon and cheddar scones, various croissants, and other freshly baked

pastries delivered straight to your door.

That’s in addition to the amazing pies, cakes, and goodies that will make the holidays unforgettable.

The London Baker will also be

hosting Winter Wonderland High Teas on Sundays featuring a three-tiered

course with scones or finger sandwiches

(depending if you’re coming for morning or afternoon tea), tea or coffee, and various mini desserts.

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

To see Elizabeth in action now, visit the Food Network’s website for the prequel to Halloween Wars. Then, starting September 30, tune in to watch Halloween Wars on the Food Network. To see some of her amazing creations, visit thelondonbaker. com and don’t forget to watch the YouTube video of the T-Rex cake that won her first place in Austin’s ''That Takes The Cake" competition.

photos courtesy of Elizabeth Rowe

BAKER

by Susan Neuhalfen

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

5

Ask The Expert: Edit This

THINGS

COLLEGE WRITERS

Can Be Doing Right Now

I

was a late bloomer when it came to being a writer. When I was in high school, I swear my English teacher

went through three or four red ink pens every time he sat down to grade one of my writing assignments. In college, my

journalism professor grabbed an article I attempted to write for the university newspaper and

asked, “Have you ever read a newspaper before?”

You’d think I would have gotten the point then that

Nothing was going to be given to me – I had to be better, and build credibility as a writer.

If you’re a college student who wants to

be a writer but clearly hasn’t hit your stride yet, don’t give up. Here are a few things you can do right now to

Nothing was going to be given to me – I had to be better, and build credibility as a writer.

I should probably try a different profession, but I kept trudging along and got better. Not only do I own Edit This®, your source for all things writing and editing related, but I’ve won over plenty of clients who lean on me to give their business a clear and error-free voice. I’ve also won a few awards, most recently in Best of Denton County.

I share this with you because my 180-degree turnaround wouldn’t have been possible without the understanding that I needed to use my time wisely.

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

get on track.

1.

Ask your professors for

constructive criticism — Your professor may not have the

time to seek you out if he or

she is teaching a large class.

Ask for the criticism. If you are

upfront about your passion, and you

show a desire to improve, they’ll do all they can to help you.

2. Expose your writing to different people – Don’t just rely on your

professors. Share your work with

friends and other writers. Having

multiple eyes look over your work

helps you understand what different people are getting from it.

3. Get an internship – Get an internship where you can try your hand at

different assignments and learn from writers and editors who are living out their passion. Internships will also help you figure out what type of writing you like the most. This is your chance to get your foot in the door.

4. Get your portfolio ready – People want to see and read what you’ve written, edited, projects you’ve collaborated on, etc. And the best way to start is by focusing on one published work at a time. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but you can do it.

5. Read with a critical eye – People say writers need to read, read, read. While this is true, you need to read with a critical eye. What I mean by that is, what did you like about what you just read? How would you have written it? Trust me, you can learn from both good and bad writers.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Resident & Pet Spotlight

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

T

he Haas family was selected for this month’s Resident Spotlight.

Get to know Karin, Blake, Haley, and Sabi.

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

A: We lived about 2 miles away for the last 11 years and we have always admired Castle Hills. Since our family has grown we were looking for more space in an established neighborhood with parks, trees, and pools, and we knew Castle Hills was the perfect fit.

Q: What is one of your favorite family memories??

A: In May of 2017 the four of us went to Los Angeles for a reunion and 1-year birthday party with 8 of Sabi’s 9 siblings and his mother, all of which have been adopted in the United States.

Q: What are some fun facts about your family?

A: We’ve been married nearly 13 years, but we just started this new chapter with Haley! We rescued Sabi from Korea just a couple of months before Haley was born (and they are about 6 months apart in age), and we are so excited that they can grow up together!

Top photo from left to right: Karin, Haley, Blake and Sabi (dog) Haas

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

A: We love the established feel of the neighborhood and have enjoyed meeting other Castle Hills residents.

photography by Kim Ortiz Photography

PET SPOTLIGHT

W

e sit down with owners Karin and Blake Haas to ask a few questions about their adorable tail wagger named Sabi.

All images remain the property of Kim Ortiz Photography.

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

A: We were following a Korean rescue group on Facebook who took in a Sapsaree and a few days later she surprised everyone by giving birth to a litter of 10 puppies! We had recently lost our dog, who was part Korean Jindo.

Q: What is the most interesting thing he has done?

A: Sabi flew from Seoul, South Korea to DFW Airport so that we could adopt him. He also won the 2019 Pet Calendar Fundraiser contest with Kim Ortiz Photography.

Q: Does he have any special talents?

A: He is excellent at begging without making a sound. He can silently lay his head in your lap and give you the saddest puppy dog eyes so that you will share food with him. He’s also an especially protective guard dog.

Q: What is his favorite treat?

A: Sabi loves Greek yogurt (which we sometimes freeze in a Kong for him) and vegetables (green beans, sweet potatoes, corn)

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

pictured above is Sabi like Wasabi, but just Sabi.

He is a mix between a Sapsaree and Korean Jindo.

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

DETENTION OFFICERS

D

enton County is home to more than 800,000 people; it is 953 square miles and is ranked ninth by population in Texas. Denton County will only grow and with growth comes unwanted crime. One of the Sheriff’s biggest responsibilities is the jail. The Denton County jail has 1,788 beds and currently houses 1,236 inmates. The majority of our employees are Detention Officers who do a remarkable job of supervising and caring for inmates on a daily basis 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

I am very fortunate to have Assistant Chief Deputy, Barry Caver, supervise the everyday operations of Denton County jail. Chief Caver is responsible for five Detention Captains, seven Detention Lieutenants, 19 Detention Sergeants, 41 Detention Corporals, and 329 Detention Officers, along with 24 other civilian employees plus all inmates.

940.349.1600 127 N.Woodrow Lane Suite 300 Denton, TX 76205 dentoncounty.com/ Departments/Sheriff.aspx

Within our detention facility, we house a wide variety of inmates. Our Detention Officers are trained to protect themselves and the inmates. Some of our Detention Officers are a part of the Special Operations Response Team, or SORT. They have specialized training in dealing with abusive inmates. Not all who apply are accepted, the physical and mental challenges are strenuous. The men and women on the team are prepared to handle all types of situations.

Detention Officers are the backbone and unsung heroes of the Sheriff’s Office. They do a difficult job very well every day. I am proud of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to serve.

Denton County Sheriff’s Office is currently hiring Detention Officers. Please pass the word and have interested parties visit the Denton County website to apply.

God Bless.

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

Giving You

SMILE OF YOUR LIFE THE

by Steve Gamel

W

hat’s in a name? For Dr. Luis Perez of iO Dentistry in Carrollton, the answer to that simple question is “EVERYTHING” Since opening his practice almost 17 years ago, Dr. Perez has worked tirelessly to create a multi-specialty practice for all of your dental needs, making it easy to manage your appointments with predictable results and personalized care in your dental health and ensuring you can work with a dental team that not only is the best at what they do but that you know and trust. And so far, he’s succeeding in overwhelming fashion.

But as amazing as his practice has always been, Dr. Perez noticed confusion setting in among patients as they were operating under one roof with two names: Fairway Dental for adults and Peppermint Dental and Orthodontics for children.

So in July, they simplified everything and changed the practice’s name to iO Dentistry, a name that represents the perfect fusion of specialty treatment provided by trained specialists in implants, orthodontics, surgery, cosmetic and general dentistry geared toward serving your entire family.

It’s all about giving you the smile you’ve always wanted – now and years into the future.

“The goal here has always been to give our patients the smile of their life,” Dr. Perez said. “I give patients the confidence and courage to face the world with a beautiful, healthy and functional smile.”

It’s difficult to argue that point. Dr. Perez has close to 25 years experience as a specialist in Prosthetic Dentistry and

Dental Implantology. He is constantly staying on the cutting edge of better treatment options with more predictable and comfortable results. This includes, among others, the revolutionary All-on-4®

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

fixed dental implant procedure that,

rather than resting on the gum line like loose and uncomfortable removable

dentures, are a fully functional set of newly fixed teeth and can give patients a new

smile in as little as one day with a lot less discomfort and stress.

But this local practice offers so much more than that. At iO Dentistry, their team of

doctors can handle something as simple as a child’s first visit to the dentist for

cleanings and exams to teeth whitening, fluoride treatments, wisdom teeth

extractions, fillings, braces, Invisalign, crowns, root canals, and more.

For you the patient, that

means that in the majority of cases, you won’t need to deal with multiple

offices and providers – photography by Guy T Photography (www.whatsthatguysname.com)

resulting in fewer office

visits and a more cost and time effective investment in your dental health.

Teledyne Hanau Prosthodontics

Award for demonstrating outstanding knowledge and skills in the study and practice of Prosthodontics.

Dr. Perez continued his studies in

Prosthodontics at the Georgia Health

Sciences University College of Dental Medicine in 1995. After his specialty

training, Dr. Perez joined the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in San Diego. There, he

served as staff Prosthodontist and dental officer. Upon completion of his Naval commitment, he started his private

practice in 1998 and just recently he has been appointment Staff

“The way we see it, if your oral health care is going to be convenient, then you need a comprehensive dental practice that can meet the majority, if not all, of your needs,”

“The way we see it, if your

oral health care is going to be convenient, then you need a comprehensive dental practice that can meet the majority,

Prosthodontist at North Texas VA Hospital in

Dallas, where he spends part-time treating our

military veterans. He is a

member of the Academy of Osseointegration (a society committed to enhancing oral health globally by

advancing the science, practice, and ethics of implants) and the American College of Prosthodontists.

if not all, of your needs,” Dr. Perez said.

Bottom line, Dr. Perez and his team are

the future.”

iO Dentistry, they provide patients like you

“That includes those that may arise in

The ability to offer such a wide array of

services starts with having a competent

doctor. Dr. Perez was selected as “Super

Dentist” in the October 2005, November 2006, November 2009, December 2009, December 2010 and December 2012

issues of Texas Monthly Magazine. His

portrait was on the cover of The Doctor of Dentistry Magazine in October of

2004 and D Magazine in 2004, 2006,

2010, and 2016. He received his DDS

geared toward a patient-first mindset. At

with sophisticated treatment plans tailored to your needs and your budget. They

offer flexible payment options so you can achieve your desired smile.

“Why stress out about going to the dentist when you can have an awesome patient

experience at iO Dentistry?” Dr. Perez said.

pictured above is Dr. Luis Perez of iO Dentistry

“Your smile is our priority, and we can help you regain the confidence and courage you deserve.”

from the School of Dentistry at Marquette

If you are ready for the smile of your life,

studying there, he was also selected

schedule your consultation, or visit online

University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While

call the office today at 469.289.5707 to

by the university faculty to receive the

at iodentistry.com.

972.395.5409 IOdentistry.com

1616 W Hebron Pkwy., #100 Carrollton, TX 75010

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

INSIDE COMMUNITY

TOM DUFFY MEMORIAL 5K

Christian Community Action will have their second annual Tom Duffy Memorial 5K on Saturday, November 3 at Unity Park in Highland Village. The event will pay tribute to

CCA’s founder who passed away in 2017. Registration will open at 7 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run beginning at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8 a.m. Awards will be presented at 9:15 a.m. To register online go to www.ccahelps.org. For more information contact CCA at 972.219.4318.

ANNUAL FALL TRUNK SHOW The Lakes at Castle Hills is hosting their annual Fall Trunk Show on November 10th from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Join us for a day of shopping including some of the best holiday finds. A few of the vendors include Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Park Lane Jewelry, Scentsy, Grace Florals, Design & Mine and Denovo Candles Company.

Contact Courtney.Ayotte@TheLakesCH.com with any questions.

ROCKTOBER CONCERT SERIES

FALL FASHION FEST

If you enjoyed the popular Sounds of Lewisville concert series

Don’t miss out on the Fall Fashion Fest in Old Town Lewisville

then you’re sure to like the fall version, Rocktober Concert

on November 17th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The all new Fall

Series. Every Tuesday night in October from 7:00-8:30pm at Wayne Ferguson Plaza you can catch some tunes and enjoy the fall breeze. On October 23rd “Uptown Funk”, a Bruno Mars

Fashion Fest will showcase boutiques featuring trendy clothing as well as fashions for the home. The event will include live

tribute band will take the stage and on October 30th you can

music, kids activities and a wine walk to benefit a local charity.

enjoy the Halloween Bash as “Le Freak” performs!

For more information contact spershing@cityoflewisville.com.

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

INSIDE EDUCATION CLEANING THE CASTLE GARDENS Castle Hills Elementary’s Environmental Chair, Carly Dunson, had a few awesome helpers in cleaning out the Castle Gardens recently. They woke up early and braved the rainy Saturday

THE COLONY

morning to clean out the neglected garden beds. Now the

EVENTS

garden beds are available and ready for classrooms to use this year. Ready, Set, Grow!

Varsity Football vs Wakeland Oct. 26th at 7pm Homegame

CHE PTA FUNDRAISER

Fundraiser Day Oct. 31st

Castle Hills Elementary PTA is partnering with The Salty Cow Cheese & Provisions to hold a fundraiser. Order a family, party or

Varsity Football vs Little Elm Nov. 9th at 7pm Homegame

gala cheese board and 15% of your purchase will be donated to CHE’s PTA. Orders must be placed by October 26th and they will be available for pick up October 27th & 28th or November 3rd & 4th – Make sure you mention that you are supporting CHE PTA!

HEBRON

CHE SPIRIT NIGHT

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

On Tuesday, November 13th, Castle Hills

The Colony High School will be holding

Elementary will be holding a Spirit Night

their 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar on

at PI.E 3.14 Everyday Eatery located in the

November 10th from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza. Join them

Come out and get in the holiday spirit while

for a night of delicious gourmet pizza and

you get some early Christmas shopping

fun from 4 o’clock until close. Support our

done. There will be crafts, holiday gifts,

school and visit with friends and teachers.

home décor, jewelry, clothing, food booths

15% of your purchase will be donated back

and more! For booth info contact Anila

to CHE PTA.

Jafferali at jafferalia@lisd.net.

EVENTS Homecoming Week Oct. 22nd - 26th

Homecoming Parade Oct. 24th at 6pm Homecoming Dance Decorating Oct. 27th from 9am-4pm Pep Rally Nov. 9th Thespian Show Performance Nov. 12th at 7pm

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

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OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Medical Expert Article

Rethinking M A M M O G R A M S

by Susan Neuhalfen

M

ost women are told that starting an age 40, they need to start scheduling annual

mammograms.

However, many different medical entities now disagree not only on when women should start scheduling mammograms but how often they

mammograms over a woman’s lifetime as we are. Here are some of the latest recommendations:

Mammograms are low frequency x-rays of the breasts used for diagnosis and screening.

should have one.

Mammograms are low frequency x-rays of the breasts used for diagnosis and screening. They are responsible for the early detection of breast cancer in many women and have saved countless lives.

However, some medical entities argue that we don’t need to be conducting as many 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

•

The U.S. Preventative

Services Task Force recommends that mammography screening for most women start at age 50 rather than 40, and that the frequency be every two years (instead of annually) through the age of 74.

•

American College of Physicians also recommended raising the age to 50.

•

45 – 54, and continue to undergo mammography every other year after that.

Now a new debate has been fueled that argues that for every death prevented, there are three to four women “overdiagnosed”. That means that the

mammogram pinpointed a suspicious

area that required extra tests or a biopsy, but turned out not to be cancer. Good,

right? Well…according to the study, this causes the patient stress and anxiety

as well as additional medical costs. The “false positives” as they are called, can,

in some cases, do more harm than good according to these folks.

American Cancer society

Let’s check the facts.

recommends women start

In a research study published in the

mammography at 45, that they undergo annual mammograms from

journal Cancer in 2017, three different groups of women were assessed:

• Group 1 – participants had a mammogram every year from age 40 to age 84.

• Group 2 – participants had a mammogram every year from age 45 to age 54, then mammograms every other year from age 55 to age 79.

• Group 3 – had a mammogram every other year from age 50 to age 74.

Here is what the study found: • Group 1 - annual screening reduced mortality by 39.6%.

• Group 2 - scheduled screenings reduced mortality by 30.8%.

• Group 3 - scheduled screenings reduced mortality by 23.2%.

• For those wondering about the false positives, although there a larger

number of mammograms conducted

from Group 1 to Group 3, the number of false positives for each group hovered roughly around 8%.

If the goal is to prevent the most

deaths from breast cancer, the annual

mammogram starting at age 40 is the best

If the goal is to prevent the most deaths from breast cancer, the annual mammogram starting at age 40 is the best bet for all women...

bet for all women according to this

study. Here are some

• Know your family history – have a talk with your family about medical conditions. If other members of your family have had breast cancer, you, too are at greater risk.

• Keep a healthy lifestyle – obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use (1-2 drinks/day), and an unhealthy diet (refined foods, meats, saturated fats, sugars) all contribute to breast cancer.

• Perform breast self-exams in the shower.

• Keep to your regular OB/GYN exams as well as scheduled mammograms.

other things that are

The best thing to do is to consult your

breast cancer:

believes is the best path forward.

important to prevent

doctor about your risks and what he or she

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Ask The Expert: Reading

IT TAKES A

VILLAGE: P a r t n e r W i t h Yo u r C h i l d ’s Tu t o r

I

was talking to a writer friend of mine, and he said a good rule of thumb when writing anything – articles, dissertations,

and even this blog – is to avoid cliches.

Overused expressions like don’t get your

ideas, and feedback. Here are more

benefits and reasons parents and tutors should team up: •

Parents and tutors can tackle the

•

The relationship maximizes the time

•

The relationship promotes trust

•

Parents have an outlet to share

•

Parents and tutors can consider each

•

The tutor can give you a better

knickers in a twist, every cloud has a silver lining, or a diamond in the rough are a crutch we simply don’t need, he said.

And I agree.

Well, except for one – it takes a village to raise a child.

While overused, this expression describes the approach we have at The Reading

Ranch®. We are your No. 1 source for all

your child’s early literacy needs (reading, writing, and spelling enrichment), but we’re not off our rockers (cliche alert) enough to think we can do it alone.

Much of the magic we create is born from our relationships and partnerships with

bright-eyed children. And it is those open

between the parent, tutor, and child. concerns about their child’s progress. other’s perspective.

understanding of what your child is

•

Parents can share what they are

•

Tutors provide parents with more

lines of communication that help bridge the gap between what’s happening at

the tutor has with the child.

doing in the classroom.

parents. Our parents are just as welcome in the halls of our tutorial centers as our

“tough stuff” together.

seeing or not seeing at home.

direction, advice for when they work with their child at home.

school and what’s happening at home.

•

Partnering up creates a universal

productive learning environment for the

•

The tutor can create a more

Supporting each other ensures a fun and child. So, yes, it takes a village!

Our doors are always open (another

cliche) and we welcome your thoughts, 28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

Call The Reading Ranch today!!

The Reading Ranch Tutorial Center offers a phonetically-based program in reading, writing, and spelling enrichment for children in Pre-K through sixth grade.

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

We have six locations in Allen, Plano, Frisco, Castle Hills, North Dallas, and Sherman. For more information, visit www.readingranch.com to call one of our locations directly.

NEW LOCATIONS COMING SOON! For Southlake and Coppell

message directed toward your child. personalized program and any

necessary accommodations that need to be implemented.

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

OCTOBER 2018 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Tinkergarten

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY W

by Steve Gamel

e want our kids to excel in the classroom and become better versions of themselves. But there’s a movement going on right now to make sure children and their families don’t overlook the role outdoor play has in that educational process.

including right here in Denton County, and help kids from as young as 18 months to eight years old develop core life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, empathy, collaboration, and persistence in what is being promoted as a classroom without walls.

Let us introduce you to Tinkergarten, a national high-quality outdoor program that brings families together in a natural place in their communities for classes where kids learn through well-designed, outdoor play-based activities. These classes are available all over the country,

“As the education system has moved toward standardized testing, our kids spend less time outdoors. We’re leaving out play, which is the root of education,” said Marta Lusk, a former public school teacher who jumped at the chance to join the Tinkergarten movement and now

leads classes at Harold Bessire Park in

Carrollton. “We need academics, but we need children to learn through play.”

She added, “I tell kids, ‘This green area is your class. You can go anywhere so long as your mom and dad can see you.’”

Each week, explorers are presented

with a new play scenario as they learn in a supportive, mixed-age social group.

According to a parents survey on the Tinkergarten website, 93 percent of

parents surveyed learned how to support

their child’s development, and 85 percent of parents saw their kids become more

careful observers of nature, which helped develop their ability to focus. Finally, 87 percent of families now spend more time outdoors.

In a press release this April, the program – which launched its first class in 2015 – welcomed its 100,000th child.

For more information, visit tinkergarten.com.

PET ADOPTION of the Month Hi my name is Polly,

Hi my name is Piper,

I am about 4 1/2 years old (fluffy, long haired, multi color dog). I was adopted from the shelter and returned recently because the other dog and me did NOT get along, so I may need to be the only dog in the family. I am a super sweet, friendly gal looking for my forever home. Come by today and get to know me!

I am around 2 years old (black, short haired dog). I am friendly and like being with people, but I may need to be the only dog in the home. If you think you are the

Polly tested positive for heartworm but has received her final treatment here at the shelter and will need to be retested in six months.

one for me, come by today and meet me!

Piper has tested positive for heartworm.

Treatment will be provided by Lewisville Animal Services. Please discuss with a staff member.

Both are at Lewisville Animal Services - 972.219.3478 All of our adoptable pets are sterilized, up-to-date on vaccinations, tested for heartworm or FELV/FIV (if applicable) and microchipped.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2018

photos courtesy of Lewisville Animal Services Facebook

RESCUE ME: