Life in Castle Hills Magazine December 2017

Coping with the

HOLIDAYS

Gifts from

THE HEART

Lady Hawks

Repeat Champs

DECEMBER 2017

Tino and Jasmin Patel

Think Of

Castle

Hills As Their Extended Family

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December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

So Much

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Wasted Time

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Savannah Halfmann

Staff Writer

Susan Neuhalfen

Contributor Steve Gamel

Advertising Manager

Mendy Lea 214.228.5052 mendy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Stephanie Hansen 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: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101

Flower Mound, TX 75022 Life in Castle Hills is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. 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. © 2017 Murray Media Group

I

know. You’re expecting me to give you all kinds of gooey language about how the holidays are all about giving and

you should go volunteer your time here and give money there, etc.

That’s all fine and well, but I actually have a different message for you:

If you’re going to give yourself or someone you love a present, give them the gift of time. Tell your spouse to take the day to him or herself and you’ll take the kids. Then you take some time to yourself. Take some time together without kids. Take your elderly parent to

Unplug, unwind and give the gift of time.

lunch. Take your time.

We spend so much of our time in a

We take time every night to recharge our

whirlwind of activity, that when we do

have time off, we usually spend it figuring out which room in the house we’re going to clean or what project we’re going to tackle…because we have time.

to recharge ourselves. You’d be amazed how much of a better parent, spouse and co-worker you would be if you’d take the time to charge your own batteries.

I don’t know about you, but my best

holiday memories didn’t have anything to do with presents. They had to do

Stop feeling like you have to keep people entertained this holiday season. Our best memories are not organized field trips.

with time. Spending time with my

relatives when they came over for dinner.

Spending an evening playing games

with my siblings. Spending the afternoon sliding down a snowy hill with my friends with nothing but a garbage bag.

electronics, but we don’t take the time

I’m told that David Cassidy’s last words were “…so much wasted time.” Don’t let them be yours.

Take your time and enjoy the holidays.

Sincerely, Susan Neuhalfen

Writer and Editor for Life in Castle Hills, Argyle Living, Lantana Living, Lake Cities Living Susan@murray-media.com 972.899.3637 Ex. 101

Table of

Contents

16

On the Cover: Castle Hills for Kid’s Only

Featured: Tino and Jasmin Patel Think Of Castle Hills As Their Extended Family

Yourself

19 Hebron & The Colony Football

10 Nutrition with Savory Bistro

20 Lady Hawks: Repeat Champions

12 Edit This with Steve Gamel

Family 14 Inside Community

08 Editor’s pick: Coping with the Holidays

22 Child Development with Easterseals

Lifestyle 24 TCHS Culinary Arts 26 Gifts from the Heart

15 Inside Education

28 Gardening with Complete Solutions

18 Counseling with Lifeworks

30 Makeover with Cloud 9 Salon

Tips for Sentimental Gifts on page

26

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Coping

Yourself

Holidays with the

by Susan Neuhalfen Wayne Cagle, MEd, LPC-S Owner/Lifeworks

‘

T

is the season for present-giving, New Year’s resolutions, eating, parties and, of course, family. What should be one big happy couple of weeks can become very stressful. Life in Castle Hills sat down with Wayne Cagle, a licensed professional counselor-supervisor at Lifeworks in Carrollton and soon to be in the Village Shops in Castle Hills.

Mr. Cagle listed some of biggest

we do. Before you find yourself in this

contributing factors to holiday stress,

situation, take a good look at your

but instead of just discussing the

lifestyle. If this happened, how long

problems that arise, he gave solutions

could you survive? Try to take yourself

as to how to deal with these issues: Loss of work Many people lose their jobs just before the holidays and there isn’t a lot of hiring going on during the holiday season. All hiring decisions are on hold, budgets need to be approved and there are hiring freezes in most companies. This causes an extra amount of stress for people during a time where more money is spent than usual.

Solution:

out of debt and, if possible, put some money into an “untouchable” savings account now.

If you have lost your job, see where you can cut back. Take some time and make a list of all of your expenses monthly, weekly, annually, etc. What can you do without? How much do you spend eating out? How much are spending on your hair or clothing?

Finally, find out if there is a way to “pass” on some of the Christmas presents this year. In some families, the adults don’t exchange presents.

We don’t have control over losing a

See if that is acceptable within

job, we only have control over what

your family.

Loss of Relationships Whether it be divorce, death, or

simply the loss of a relationship,

during the holidays people realize

that something is missing. With the

loss, traditions change and change is

always hard. The thing is, grief doesn’t actually go away, it just changes.

Some may not even go into the grief consciously, it’s the holidays that remind them subconsciously.

Solution: The good news is that with the

passage of time, things get better every year. Instead of turning that moment into grief, celebrate the

person you’ve lost. Remember the

good times and start a new tradition in order to remember the best in

that person. This will help everyone to cope.

Family Stress

the latest and greatest toy doesn’t mean

Having to be with family tends to be a

really big stressor for many. One may have to have Christmas dinner at her husband’s house but she hates her sister-in-law, etc.

How do you cope with family stress?

Solution: Remind yourself that you’re not going

to see the family, you’re going to spend

time with your husband and it’s important to him. Now, pull back and think about whom else will be there. Do you hate all of them? Chances are, you don’t.

Reframe your perception of the idea or activity; stop focusing on the negative

(i.e. your sister-in-law). The stress will not

be eliminated but by not focusing on the negative, you will lessen the stress and make the activity easier. Many times, the things we dread the most

that you have to spend oodles of money on the same thing in order to keep up with the Joneses. Also, if the tree isn’t

perfectly trimmed and the cookies aren’t perfectly baked it isn’t the end of the world. This isn’t a competition.

Solution: We have created an entire culture around the business of the holidays and, in many

cases, lost sight of what is important. Think back to your favorite holidays. Were they great because of a gift? Were they great

because the turkey was perfectly cooked?

The best gifts are memories. Put down your phone, turn off the TV and spend time with your kids and family. Play

board games, card games, and other activities that involve interaction.

That is what your family will

remember; not your perfectly

aren’t anywhere near as bad as we think they will be.

Striving for Perfection

The perception

that you’re a bad person if your

decorated home.

The thing is, grief doesn’t actually go away, it just changes.

The most important

thing to remember, according to Mr.

Cagle, is to focus

on the positive.

Your expectation

automatically assumes

children’s Christmas

isn’t perfect is hogwash.

Do you honestly think your

parents didn’t make a few mistakes? Just

because Bobby’s parents are getting him

reality. Stress cannot

be completely eliminated.

You have to have stress in your

life; the trick is to manage it so it doesn’t manage you.

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

Yourself | Nutrition

Soups Save the Season Dear Annette:

Winter months are so hectic with holiday events and parties for my family. Is there an easy way to get through the season of winter and try to keep our immune systems from running down leaving us vulnerable to colds and flus?

Dear Reader:

It is true that when we get tired from a busy schedule our immune systems often pays the price. I have a little trick that works so well and has not failed me for years: EAT SOUP. Broths with ginger, garlic and herbs all are immune boosters. The best thing to do to boost your immune system during cold and flu season is to get more vegetables into your diet. The phytonutrients that keep the cold away are all in our vegetables. Making your own soup from a bone broth is always the best. Make big batches and freeze servings to have on hand for nights you do not want to cook. I am including one of my favorite easy soup recipes for you to try.

Robust Chicken Soup MAKES 6 SERVINGS • PREP TIME: 20 minutes • COOK TIME: 25 minutes

I’m not sure what I should call this dish. It’s

3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh sage, or 1/4 teaspoon dried

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/4 teaspoon dried

more than a soup, but not quite a stew.

6 cups Old-Fashioned Chicken

but just wait till “stoup” makes its way into

bought organic stock

Maybe it’s a stoup (you’re laughing now, the Oxford English Dictionary). Well, no matter what you call it, I think you’ll find

yourself singing its praises often, as this is really a hearty, yummy recipe.

2 cups cooked cannellini beans, or 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed

Freshly squeezed lemon juice Sea salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 yellow onion, finely diced 2 fennel bulbs, finely diced 2 large carrots, peeled and finely diced 4 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 cups sliced cooked organic chicken 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 cups arugula leaves 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

| December 2017

reduced by half. Add the remaining 5

1/2 cups of stock, the beans, bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the

heat and simmer until the vegetables are

tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken, zest, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, arugula, parsley, basil, and another 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and serve right away.

Variation: Spinach or kale cut into bite-size pieces can be substituted for the arugula.

If using raw chicken (pieces), add with the beans and vegetables and simmer until

2 tablespoons finely chopped basil

cooked through.

In a bowl, stir together the beans with a

Reprinted with permission from The

Set aside. Heat the olive oil in a soup pot

2015 by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson,

fennel, carrots, celery, and 1/4 teaspoon

Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA.

spritz of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Healthy Mind Cookbook Copyright ©

over medium heat, then add the onion,

Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown

of salt, and sauté until golden, about

15 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage, and thyme and cook for another minute.

Pour in 1/2 cup of the stock to deglaze

the pot, stirring to loosen any bits stuck

2 cloves garlic, minced 10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

Stock or Magic Mineral Broth , or store-

to the pot, and cook until the liquid is

Sincerely, Annette Doody Savory Bistro Owner & Wellness Coach

www.thesavoryteam.com

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Yourself | Edit This

I

f you’ve been thinking about starting a blog for your business, or perhaps you’re already writing and either ran out of ideas or time to put it to good use, give Edit This® a call.

Edit This is a one-stop shop for all your writing and editing needs – including blogging! I have the experience needed to team up with my clients and create a consistent blogging strategy that builds relationships and drives results.

My list of blog services include: • Editing copy you have written • Writing copy from scratch • Interviews/research for your blog topics • Consulting on best practices (SEO,

frequency of posts, sharing on social media, etc.)

clients on the differences between a roofer and a general contractor).

Having a blog that’s updated consistently with searchable, sharable, and value-

added content has unlimited benefits.

A few benefits include setting you up as

the authority as you connect with clients,

increase your website traffic, and convert visitors into customers.

• And more, including fast turnaround times

Blogs give your business an authentic

voice. In this day and age, that is more

What is a blog, anyway?

important than ever.

Blogs are short web articles where people

Is there a downside to blogs?

share ideas, best practices, and whatever else they want about their business or

industry in an informal or conversational tone. A blog is frequently updated like a

journal or diary and tackles a specific topic with each post (maybe you’re a fitness pro sharing 5-10 tips on how to lose weight, or you’re a roofing company educating 12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

If there is a downside to blogging, it’s

that many business owners don’t have

the time to do it. Think about it ... we’re all incredibly busy making sure we take care of our clients, and sometimes it feels like

there isn’t enough time in the day. It could also be that they’re simply not confident in their own writing ability.

I see all the time where clients know what they want to blog about, but not how to write it.

Rather than blog on your own, bring in a professional, award-winning writer. I’ll make sure your blogs are catchy, error free, and a true representation of your business.

My list of blog clients have included everyone from financial institutions to lawyers, lawn care experts, general contractors, and fitness experts. I pride myself on offering a writing and editing service every business owner needs.

Thanks for reading! Give me a call today to set up your free consultation.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 www.EditThisLLC.com

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Know

Be in the

Family

Inside Community

12 Days of Winter Break The Carrollton Public Library will host the 12 days of Winter Break with activities to keep the kiddos busy and happy while they’re home. From arts and crafts to movies and board game day, there are great activities every day from December 26 through January 7 at both the Josey Ranch and Hebron & Josey locations. For more information, go to the cityofcarrollton.com.

Harry Potter Yule Ball

OMG Harry Potter!

Attention Harry Potter fans of all ages! Come to the Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake in Carrollton for theYule Ball inspired by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire including door prizes, trivia contests, a photo booth, scavenger hunt, dancing and more. Dressing up is encouraged so put on your best wizarding robes! It all happens on December 29 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

ColorPalooza Contest The City of Lewisville is now accepting entries in the 2018 ColorPalooza logo design contest. This competition is open to any Lewisville resident currently in grades 9-12 at any state-certified public or private school, or any student attending a Lewisville public or private school in grades 9-12. The deadline to submit entries is Sunday, Dec. 31. For requirements and more information, go to cityoflewisville.com.

Give the Gift of Art If you’re stuck on a holiday gift, works of art from over 25 artists, from painting to photography and sculpture to jewelry, will be for sale in the art gallery of the Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles in Lewisville. Admission is free and the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of December.

Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours listed at www.mclgrand.com.

Inside Education Hebron Musicians Honored Hebron High School had 96 band students selected for the Region 2 All-Region Band. Of those who made All-Region, 29 students qualified for Area auditions, meaning those students will now try out for the All-State Band. That is the most students Hebron band has ever sent to the Area auditions. The All-Region Band will perform in concert on the evening of January 20.

Hebron HS Hawk Theatre

Events & News Band Winter Concert Monday, December 18th at 7pm Hebron High School Choir Holiday Concert Tuesday, December 19th at 7pm

Hebron High School Hawk Theatre Co. Troupe 6069 entered six individual events at the Texas Thespian Festival, three of which advanced to the International Thespian Festival. The competitors who advanced are: Alexis Geddie for solo musical, Joseph Hoffman and Caleb Geddie for duet musical, and Elizabeth Reed, Courtney Carroll, Sophia Garcia, Olivia Kahn and Alyssa Biasatti for group musical. Troupe 6069 was also named the Outstanding Troupe of the Year.

Orchestra Winter Concert Wednesday, December 20th, at 7pm Fundraiser Exemption Day Wednesday December 20th The Colony HS Castle Hills Elementary Winter Parties Held Wednesday December 20th

District Champs Killian Middle School’s 7th Grade Division II football team won the district championship with a 22 to 8 victory over Griffin. UIL 7th Grade Football Division 2 Champions finished the season as undefeated district champs with a record of 6-0-1.

*check the CHE PTA website for each grade's time*

TCHS

Orchestra All-Region The Colony High School Orchestras had six students make the Region 2 All-Region High School Orchestra, competing against over 30 other districts. Congratulations to the following students: Eli Lee, Michelle Zugasti, Ryan Hong, Hannah Bruce, Morgan Overstreet , Stephan O’Neal

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 15th, 2018 LISD - No School, LISD - Early Release Friday January 19th, 2018

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

Tino and Jasmin Patel Think Of Castle Hills As Their

Extended

Family

by Susan Neuhalfen

They say to sell something well you have to believe in the product. Tino Patel

believes in Castle Hills. He and his wife Jasmin have been married 24 years have raised two beautiful children in the area and

have been a strong part of the community for many years.

Tino has successfully

helped over 5,000 clients buy and sell homes as

well as finance mortgages.

of people,” said Tino. “We can also help

Star Award from the Metrocrest Chamber

you pay off your debt at a very low rate

of Commerce (Addison, Carrollton,

while property values are high.”

“I especially enjoy showing homes in Castle Hills because we love living here.”

It helps to own your

own mortgage company, making the

process much simpler for buyers. He has

As direct lenders they successfully funded over $155M last year. They can also help with inspectors, better insurance rates and everything else a homebuyer needs.

Tino is also very involved in his community. He serves on several boards for non-

profit organizations. He won the Rising

Farmers Branch), served on the Capital Board, Planning and Zoning Commission for city of Carrollton, was the N. Texas Director of the India Association of North Texas (IANT) for two years, the president of the DFW CLPS for three years, and a leader in the Patel Organization for three years.

“I love being a one stop shop for homebuyers because I’m all about customer service,” said Tino. “I especially enjoy showing homes in Castle Hills because we love living here. “

programs available for all kinds of buyers and because he knows the community so well, it’s easy for him to customize

everything to the buyer’s specifications – from finding the perfect home, to

developing the perfect payment plan.

972.798.2110

“Because we live in the community and

have two businesses here, we know a lot 16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

Tino Patel

www.HomeWithLoan.com 4815 State Hwy 121, Suite 2 • The Colony, TX 75056

F

irst there are their families at Castle Hills for Kids Only, the school they started over a year ago. Then there are the many families

they have helped find a home and a mortgage in Castle Hills through their ReMax Experts agency and Homewithloan mortgage

company. Finally there are the many friends and neighbors they’ve known while raising their own family in Castle Hills.

The great thing is that in all aspects of their lives and businesses, the Patels treat everyone like family. After all, Castle Hills is home.

Castle Hills for Kids Only is a school

It’s not unusual to see the kids hug their

designed to be very family-oriented.

teachers before they leave.

The Patels structured their curriculum to help children make the transition to full-time school by learning life skills from something as difficult as potty training (yes, they teach that) to something as essential as manners. They also have a full academic curriculum that includes English, math, science, history and many electives including sign language, Spanish and much more.

photography by Guy T Photography

“We aren’t corporate, we’re private so we can be a little more flexible and friendly,” said Jasmin, who also discussed how the school is flexible to parent schedules.

“That affords us the opportunity to bring in

walks through the door,” said Director Jessica Thomison. “By knowing each

The “Afterschoolers” are helped with their homework and during the summer they

learning methods.”

Included in tuition are nutritional meals

They use the Abecka and Applebaum (ATI) curriculums though they also have added their own creative niche. It all starts with the infants learning to crawl and also learning sign language in order to communicate with the teachers. They help with their first steps and their first words.

Toddlers are taught to be respectful, use

including breakfast, lunch and snacks,

something you don’t often find at a school or included in the price.

“We don’t have to follow the corporate

guidelines so we try to make the whole

experience enjoyable for the kids,” said

Tino. “Some of them have such fun they don’t want to leave.”

their words instead of actions, to share

It also means that the teachers and

In the library, they have touch screen

there is a closeness and a family-feel to

classes for a well-rounded education.

take field trips and create fun projects.

and to adjust to structure and routine.

staff are focused on giving students

physical movement, dance, and STEM

child, we can tailor to his or her

new ideas.”

individualized attention. Parents say sponsored content

“We know the name of everyone who

dance, technology classes, piano lessons,

interactive monitors and iPads for the afterschool classes to learn. However they

469.444.5442

are also big fans of tradition – namely

the school that gives them a great deal of

drawing and handwriting on paper. Some

comfort when they bring their children.

other classes offered include music,

5001 Windhaven Pkwy.

Jasmin Patel

Lewisville, TX 75056 chforkidsonly.com

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

Family | Counseling

Surviving Family

Holidays

I

f your family is like mine you’re either having lots of family in your home or you’re going to someone else’s home

to be with lots of family. You’ve been

planning, shopping, wrapping, packing

and traveling. Some of us love the hustle and bustle, and some of us don’t.

Well, the holidays have finally arrived! We

may love to be around our families, but it’s not always easy. You can’t

change them, but you can change yourself. Here are some skills to help you

respond and cope with

the many dynamics and enjoy yourself.

Unwanted questions?

from the conversation.

Criticism?

Respond with “You might be right”

or “I’ll consider that,” then smile and

excuse yourself to refill your drink, talk to someone else who just arrived, or go to the restroom.

“You are responsible for your own feelings, and you deserve to enjoy the day!”

Respond with “I would prefer not to talk about that today.” If they persist, repeat

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

yourself. You may need to excuse yourself

| December 2017

Gossip or uncomfortable questions about someone else?

Respond with “You’ll have to ask or

talk to him/her about that” or “I don’t

feel comfortable talking about this.” If they persist, excuse yourself from the conversation. You can use one of the excuses listed previously, if needed.

Intoxicated/high family member?

If no one’s safety is at stake, it’s probably

best not to confront the person.

This would likely only escalate the unwanted behavior.

After any of these unpleasant or hurtful experiences, choose not to take it personally. Instead, focus on yourself and other family members whose company you enjoy. You are responsible for your own feelings, and you deserve to enjoy the day!

If you would like help living well, we encourage you to start the conversation.

Live well. Let us help.

by Julie Orsak, MEd, LPC Lifeworks businessoffice@lifeworkscc.com

Family

&

by Steve Gamel

T

hough both Hebron and The Colony’s football season ended abruptly in the first round, each has

plenty to look forward to as they head into

force for Hebron since he transferred from Denton Ryan before his sophomore year.

Wide receiver Trejan Bridges caught 62

of Tune’s passes for

the offseason.

843 yards and 13

In Hebron’s case,

touchdowns. Jaren

perennial playoff

passes for 771 yards

the Hawks are a

Mitchell caught 54

favorite regardless of

and five scores.

who they lose each

“Clayton is so

year to graduation.

This season was no

exception as Hebron won eight games,

finished second in a tough District 5-6A, and made it to the first round before

losing to Allen 48-17. Despite that loss, the Hawks finished the year averaging

just more than 400 yards of offense. That

includes throwing for more than 226 yards per game – good for sixth in the area among Class 6A teams.

confident in what he

does out there, that he makes everyone else around him that much more

confident,” head coach Brian Brazil said

prior to the start of the season. “His ability to improvise when plays break down

makes him a special player, and it wins a lot of games for us.”

Hebron has had a history of

producing quarterbacks, so expect Brazil to find a solid

Some of the jaw-dropping individual

replacement for Tune

Clayton Tune. The Kansas commit finished

Meanwhile, The Colony

performances include quarterback

sixth in the area with 2,416 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He threw just six

interceptions while completing 67 percent of his passes. Tune has been a guiding

this offseason.

built its success this season

backs Jadan Abdallah, Myles Price, and

Andrew Nelson. The running game was huge considering the Cougars lost star

quarterback Jemel Jones Jr. to a seasonending injury before the season started.

Abdallah rushed for 863 yards and nearly seven yards per carry while scoring eight times. Price wasn’t far behind with 635

rushing yards and seven scores. Nelson

and Javontae Thomas combined for 554 yards and seven scores.

That running game lifted the Cougars to a 5-2 record in District 14-5A. One of those

wins was an impressive 14-7 decision over Prosper as Abdallah rushed for 101 yards

and quarterback Mickey Harrington threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The

Cougars closed the regular season with a 48-0 win over Carrollton R.L. Turner.

Unfortunately, that luck ran

out in a 41-16 loss to stateranked Frisco Lone Star in the first round.

behind a beefed-up

Both teams will undoubtedly

run game with running

next season.

offensive line and a powerful

be back in the playoff race

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Family

Lady

Hawks: Repeat Champions

by Steve Gamel

T

he Hebron volleyball team had been unstoppable all season long. No matter how many top-ranked opponents stood in their way, the Lady Hawks made winning look easy while inching closer to yet another state championship.

On November 18, in front of a packed

quarterback position is to football. Having

Hebron rolled with a win over The

Center in Garland, Hebron (41-7) won its

the setter not only provides leadership,

beating Seven Lakes.

25-14, 25-15 sweep of Katy Seven Lakes.

operates on the court.

crowd of 1,783 fans at the Curtis Culwell third straight Class 6A title with a 25-17, The championship was Hebron’s fifth

overall since opening its doors in 1999.

Even more impressive than that, Hebron is

one of only two teams in the state’s largest classification -- the other being Amarillo

the right person in that spot is critical, as but ultimately controls how everything

Not having McLaughlin was hard at first as the Lady Hawks lost seven matches in the first three weeks of the season. They won their final 24 to close out the season.

-- to win three straight state titles.

Outside hitter Adanna Rollins, a Minnesota

“It’s unbelievable,” head coach Karin

All-American, was named the MVP of the

Keeney told the Dallas Morning News

following the win. “If you had told me that at the beginning of the season, I wouldn’t have believed you, because we were a little rough this year.”

Keeney didn’t mince words earlier this

season when she said the loss of four-year starting setter and Gatorade Volleyball

Player of the Year, Kylee McLaughlin, was a tough spot to fill. For those who don’t

know, the setter is to volleyball what the 20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

signee and first-team Under Armour

state final as she finished with 18 kills.

Sophomore Nicole Drewnick finished with 11 kills.

And the win truly was dominating. On a stage where every team you face is the best of the best, Hebron’s finals match

with Katy Seven Lakes took just more than

an hour to finish. Seven Lakes was making its first state tournament appearance,

but was coming off a huge win over San Antonio O’Connor in the semifinals.

Woodlands in the semifinals before The biggest test will come this offseason

as Keeney prepares to replace 13 seniors, including Rollins and libero Annie

Benbow. Not only was Rollins one of 23 players from Texas to make the Under

Armour list, but Benbow was listed as an honorable mention.

The duo were also selected to the 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA

Preseason Girls Volleyball Team. The teams were chosen by John Tawa of PrepVolleyball.com.

Rollins was a first-team selection. Benbow made second team.

But if anyone knows how to work with

new talent and win at the highest level, it’s Keeney – and the Lady Hawks.

With five state titles under their belts, who’s going to question them?

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Family | Child Development

Carrollton Welcomes

EASTERSEALS

North Texas T

We are currently enrolling for

all four classrooms:

Koalas’ Treehouse (6 weeks-17 months) Our trusted and loving staff members are sensitive to the individual needs and routines of infants. We support exploration and learning in a safe, caring environment.

Doggies’ Den (18-35 months) Our staff provides toddlers warm, nurturing care and uses thematic activities to promote socialization and exploration in a fun and stimulating environment.

Turtles’ Cove (3-4 years)

Our staff members are specially trained in teaching those skills, with hands on involvement and supervision from former elementary school teachers and Master’s-level individuals. We use state recommended curricula to prepare students for success in kindergarten. Our 1:4 staff to student ratio creates specialized attention, conducive to working on those skills.

Children participate in more handson activities that build self-image, independence, and a child’s ability to make positive choices in a fun, engaging environment.

Armadillos’ Dugout (4-6 years) We prepare children for a successful transition from preschool to kindergarten with emphasis on bettering their social, academic and problem-solving skills, while building their life-long love of learning alongside their friends.

by Easterseals North Texas 972.939.3930 www.Easterseals.com/NorthTexas Childcare@ntx.easterseals.com

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

photo courtesy of Easterseals North Texas

he childcare program at Easterseals North Texas is now open in Carrollton. We have a beautiful new space where children, ages 6 weeks - 6 years learn in a fun, safe, and happy setting. Our teachers create a welcoming environment where our kids build important foundational skills that help them be successful in school. We emphasize not only academic skills but also communication skills, friendship building, problem solving skills, and independence.

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Lifestyle

S

eniors Antonio Cauich and Payton Ouellette of The Colony High School’s Culinary Arts

Class landed four of the six new

menu items at Medical City Children’s Hospital Kids’ Fit Menu Challenge.

This is the first time in the five-year history of the national contest

that all of the dishes that were

submitted by the two students at TCHS were chosen.

“I’m really proud of them. The

nutrition factor is a big undertaking for the students,” said Amanda

Bensley, Culinary Arts Teacher at

TCHS. “I have a bachelor’s degree

and a culinary degree and it’s hard for me.”

Antonio made gluten free Confetti

Spaghetti Pasta and Turkey Pinwheels while Payton submitted Buffalo

Chicken Tacos and Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats. The menu items

included sides and dessert and had

to adhere to nutritional guidelines

including keeping the dish under 550 calories and including at least ½ cup of fruits and vegetables.

TCHS has participated in the program for the last few years. Though the menu items were awarded in the spring, it wasn’t until recently they

“They would create something,

were added to the Neiman Marcus

and then they’d have to make

recently learned their newly created

in her third year teaching at TCHS.

Golf menu.

we’d put in the nutrition guidelines

menu. A new team from TCHS just

adjustments,” said Ms. Bensley who is

menu item may be added to the Top

“It’s challenging.”

In an effort to help kids develop

better eating habits, Medical City

Children’s Hospital and the Greater

Dallas Restaurant Association (GRDA) partnered with Texas ProStart®

high school culinary students to

create kid-friendly, fun to make, fun to eat recipes featuring fruits and vegetables. They then partnered with restaurants to include these

“The Aloha Aloha Slider is the slider so nice you have to say it twice,” laughs Ms. Bensley about the honey soy chicken slider, served with apple carrot fries and a raspberry drizzle.

Ms. Bensley said that one thing is for sure: they couldn’t have done it without the help of the Medical City Staff, Ryan, Amy and Jill.

items created by the students in their

“I couldn’t ask for a better team

added to the Neiman Marcus kids’

motivators,” said Ms. Bensley. “We

menus. All four items from TCHS were

to help my kids, they are great

menu and are doing very well.

couldn’t do this without them at all.

photos courtesy of TCHS Communications Staff

Antonio Cauich (left) made gluten free Confetti Spaghetti Pasta and Turkey Pinwheels. Payton Ouellette (right) created Buffalo Chicken Tacos and Cheeseburger Zucchini Boats. The dishes, which included sides and desserts, had to be under 550 calories.

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Lifestyle

from the

S

o often we find ourselves trudging through malls looking for the “perfect” gift when the best gifts aren’t really gifts at all; they are memories.

They are that time your friend made you laugh until you spit your drink all over the table at the ice cream parlor. They are the fun you had building a sandcastle at the beach with your kids. They are the band that you and your husband saw one night in concert.

The next time you have to buy a present for a friend or family member, consider a gift that can’t be duplicated by anyone else. It’s a memory you share with that person. Here are some ideas from readers as to how to give a gift that will be cherished for a lifetime: Letter book: When my husband and I were still dating, I wrote to ten important people in his life, asking them to write him a letter.

I sent the request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and, to my surprise, only had two no-shows. I placed the letters in an album, complete with pictures of my husband with those people throughout his life. To this day, he pulls out that album and reads the letters.

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

Vintage Pictures: My mom had a box full of old pictures that were barely surviving the Texas heat. I took a few of them and had them restored and then framed for her. You’d thought I’d bought her a new car she was so happy.

Shadow Box: My friend and I went to Jones Beach to see the B-52s in concert. I put together a shadowbox with a vial of sand, the ticket stub and a picture of us at the concert. She still has it displayed proudly in her house, despite our out-of-date bi-level haircuts.

8MM Film to DVD: After my mother died, my dad found 8MM film stored away and took them to have them transferred to DVD. The result was getting to see my mother again, on films I didn’t remember. The best part was seeing how much my son looked like my five year-old self.

Engraved pie plate: I gave my sister a pie plate that had our mother’s recipe for apple pie, in her handwriting, engraved into the plate. That way she can’t lose the recipe and the familiar handwriting always reminds us of our mother.

Music video: Instead of buying my husband another power tool for our wedding anniversary, I made a music video using our wedding song and put together pictures of us over the years. I catch my husband watching it sometimes.

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Lifestyle | Gardening

Winter

Lawn Care T

his time of year always seems like it’s one of the busiest as we move through the holiday season and

toward the end of the year. Remodels that need to be completed before guests arrive, patio builds to finish, customer staging, shopping to wrap up and a laundry list of office items we need to get taken care of before 2018 arrives.

As you’re preparing for Christmas and your own “end of the year deadlines” don’t forget to get outside and take care of some wintertime maintenance. As the trees are losing leaves, it’s an ideal time to get them trimmed up and thinned out. Along with helping to strengthen the tree, trimming will allow more sunlight to your shady turf areas thickening them up come spring, slowing the soil erosion and keeping your lawn looking healthier. Out in the Lantana and Argyle areas, we’ve noticed what seems to be an increase in mice and squirrels this year, so getting those limbs back off the house could also eliminate one of their routes back inside.

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| December 2017

As the last lawn cuttings (scalpings) of the year should be happening here in the next week or so (if not already) take advantage of the ground exposure and look for areas where water is either eroding or pooling up. Winter is a great time to get drainage work done now that the grass is so short and everyone can see exactly how the ground lays out.

French drains along with downspout / gutter drains are a great way to help dry out around your property.

Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, foundation issues and muddy backyards should be high on our homeowner to-do lists, ensuring yearround use of our outdoor spaces.

We hope everyone has a great Christmas season and doesn’t get too overwhelmed by one thing or another. Enjoy visiting with your family and friends and invest your time in what really matters.

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

December 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Lifestyle | Makeover

Makeover of the Month

Jentri Carter

I

f anyone deserves a makeover, it’s Jentri Carter. This single mother of two toddlers has had a trying 2017. Within months of her divorce, she had a double mastectomy, and is only now recovering after plastic and reconstructive surgery. Having major surgery while taking care of her kids has taken a toll on her work life and personal life. The reduction in hours has been difficult financially, but she is doing everything to make sure her bills are paid and her children are well cared for. Luckily, the staff at Cloud 9 was ready to give her a much-needed break.

Hair and Makeup by Hannah Hannah really kept things simple by cutting about an inch off, giving her some fun layers and changing the tone of her hair to a nice, icy blonde. Jentri’s natural beauty made makeup very simple as well. Hannah added some color to her eyes with a dark brown cut crease and a bright white lid color.

Hair Removal by Lauren Reyes Lauren performed an eyebrow wax and Brazilian wax. While many women find the Brazilian wax painful, Lauren is the queen of making it simple and relatively pain free.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

after | December 2017

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com Want to be the next Makeover?

Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

photography by Jen’s Lens Photographs

Before

Makeover and clothes provided by