Life in Castle Hills Magazine August 2019

WOMEN IN

BUSINESS

AUGUST 16, 2019 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

SO MUCH

MORE THAN JUST

DENT REPAIR

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NATIONAL FUN DAYS

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

PATRICK KELLY

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

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Leanne Yocum

Advertising Manager

Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

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

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries Call 972.899.3637

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

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028

Life in Castle Hills is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2019 Murray Media Group

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

Madness

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 sophomore into college, a junior into high school, and an 8th-grader returning to her current school. So we should have plenty of excitement around our house, to say the least. I don’t know about you, but each year 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 most of my New Year’s resolutions, by about the third week, I am back to just trying to keep my head above water.

In this issue, we are celebrating Women In Business, and I think it’s a perfect time to remind parents - especially Moms – 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, how 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 or is late to pick up their kiddo from school, maybe offer them a smile or a word of encouragement instead of judging them.

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 2019-2020 school year!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: Mike Nosker of Metro Dent

FEATURED: SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST DENT REPAIR

ASK THE EXPERTS 30 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 09 KoonsFuller: A Strong Legal Reputation. An Even Stronger Legal Team.

15 I-Dee Production: The Best In Video Production 21 V•EYE•P Eyecare: Feast Your Eyes on The V•EYE•P Experience

ARTICLES

EDITORS PICK:

Resident Spotlight: Patrick Kelly

10 Inside Community 11 Inside Education 14 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 18 Productivity Tips to Help Make The Most of Your Day 19 Western Days Festival 22 Seven Tips to Get Kids Back On A School Sleep Schedule 24 Labor Day Weekend Getaways

06 Women in Business

26 Community Corner with Judge Andy Eads

08 High School Football 2019

28 National Fun Days

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

12

Women in

Business

ISSUE Get to know your local female business owners.

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

Women in Business Article

Women in BUSINESS Inspirational quotes from successful businesswomen in Denton County

by Steve Gamel

Donna Phillips, Studio 360 Med Spa “Starting out was the least thought-about thing I have ever done in my life. Working for a company and feeling like I could do it better and make more money doing it for myself just made sense. I was 17 and had less knowledge of what could go wrong than fear – and I had zero fear. I set out one day to sell one person on my ability to provide a service in the male dominated industry of risk management and asset recovery. One man took a chance and gave me my first account, so I picked my husband up for his last lunch break at the job he had no idea he would be quitting that day to open our own business.”

photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

“The quickest way to succeed is by helping other people get what they want out of life and where they want to be in life! Happy people are always more successful, or maybe it’s the other way around – successful people are happier. But I think you have to be happy first. If you are unhappy with life, then a struggle or a challenge will feel overwhelming. I have been there. When you are happy, the hard times are just a hill for a high stepper.”

Poonam Bhana, V Eye P in Carrollton photography by Kim Ortiz Photography

“I had many challenges along the way. Not only am I a woman who has immigrated twice from different countries, I had to start over each time going to college to graduate with Optometry degrees and paying off student loans in each country. I had to learn the differences within the field of Optometry between these countries and make changes to many things I was accustomed to. This was a learning curve and made being successful a bit harder.”

“Do your research and know your demographics you are trying to serve/capture.

Set realistic goals and explore ways to achieve those goals. When you truly know your demographic, you are better servant to your patrons. Being able to provide a business that offers pragmatic solutions to all varieties of clientele gives a lot of leverage to capture every patient/customer/client. Be actively involved in support groups that are available to your business and most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help.”

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

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Beth Caudill, Make The Move Team

“I encourage people to

“I think people are more concerned with their own business or actions. I like to lift people up.

I encourage people to success, even if they are a

success, even

competing business. You never know who you are going to work with next. It serves a great benefit

if they are a competing photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. I have learned that I have quite a bit to offer others. I’m happy to share what I have learned though the years as a successful

business.”

business owner.”

“Do your research, find your why, go forth and conquer.”

Kim Gronberg, Gronberg Orthodontics “I think a roadblock is thinking that life is unfair and having a victim mentality.

First of all, life is not going to be fair, whether you are a man or a woman. So get over that! I feel like the biggest determinate of how “successful” you will be is your own attitude. I think the women who are truly successful don’t have time to talk or think about potential obstacles for them because they are too busy just doing what

needs to be done! If you have a goal and want to achieve it, just do it. You are the main person who can hold yourself back.”

“Just know it’s going to be a lot of work – but anything in life that is worthwhile is going to be a lot of work. Not everything is going to go 100% right – there will be a lot of tears. Just take each day as it comes, repeat the things that are working, and quickly re-evaluate and change the things that aren’t

working. Sometimes, we think we have to plan everything out perfectly before we get started. But I would say successful business owners many times are more of a “Ready, Fire, Aim” than “Ready, Aim, Fire.” Don’t waste years

photo courtesy of Dr. Gronberg

overanalyzing every small detail.”

phy by

photogra

Erin Lundie, Primrose School of Lantana

did Mem

n Your Ca

ourCan ories (Y

“I can do hard things! I think being reflective has allowed me the best insight into our business and where I can make adjustments. Being able to humble myself and see the mistakes and missed opportunities has allowed me to grow as a leader the most.

But also, I have learned how important it is to celebrate each little milestone, too! Owning a business is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s really important to see the good things along the way.”

didMem m)

ories.co

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“When you are preparing to get your business off the ground, don’t just focus on your business. Think about all your other responsibilities at home and plan for them now. Do you need help with childcare, carpooling, or managing your house? Are there things you’ve typically done, but you may not have time for now? Sometimes being a business owner can give you some much needed flexibility, but sometimes it’s the opposite. There will be days when your best laid plans go awry, so having that support network is essential. This was the best advice I received before opening our school, and it was spot on.”

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2019

by Steve Gamel

T

he 2019 high school football season starts next week.

As you prepare to follow your favorite team through the regular season and, hopefully, the playoffs, we 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 some of the top teams in our Denton County coverage area, specifically, The Colony and Habron.

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

THE COLONY COUGARS (Coach Rudy Rangel)

HEBRON HAWKS (Coach Brian Brazil)

2018 record 9-2 bi-district finalist

2018 record 8-5 region semifinalist

2019 Projection 2nd Place

2019 Projection 1st place

District opponents Frisco Lone Star Frisco Wakeland Little Elm Frisco Centennial Frisco Independence Frisco Heritage Frisco Liberty

District opponents Coppell Flower Mound Marcus Lewisville Irving MacArthur Irving Irving Nimitz

Key players Christian Gonzalez, DB Myles Price, ATH Keith Miller, WR Marcus Moore, DT Kenneth Harrington, QB Stephen McCollom, DB Cameron Thomas, OL Shafiq Taylor, DB

Key players Carson Harris, QB Carter Norrie, LB Darius Snow, DB Jaylon Lott, RB Will White, LB Myles James, OL Mason Williamson, WR/DB Vinson Miller, DB/WR

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

photo courtesy of KoonsFuller

Business Spotlight

A STRONG LEGAL REPUTATION. An Even Stronger Legal Team

N

by Steve Gamel

o matter how many times Charla Bradshaw has been seen walking into a courtroom, you can rest assured she and her clients are backed by the largest and most comprehensive family law team in the state.

For more than 25 years, Bradshaw has built a reputation of trust and superior knowledge while having her name linked to some of the more complex divorcerelated cases locally and internationally.

But when she merged her firm with KoonsFuller in 2008 and became the managing shareholder for the Denton office, she and her team did so with the promise of providing clients limitless resources.

KoonsFuller’s services include divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, marital agreements, property division, and the modification and enforcement of orders. The Denton office has five attorneys: Bradshaw, Sarah Darnell, Sean Abeyta, James Logue, and Nicole Carroll. The firm also has a full-time licensed professional counselor, Jenny Gomez, who provides litigation support for KoonsFuller clients.

“When someone hires us, they have access to all of our attorneys, of which we have every level. On top of that, there’s this amazing support staff,” Bradshaw said. “We do things differently and comprehensively, and it starts with the team approach. We have a reputation of taking remarkably good care of our clients.”

Bradshaw, a Denton native who is listed among The Best Lawyers in America in family law and family law mediation as recognized by Best Lawyers, LLC since 2011, has all but her thesis in a masters in marriage and family therapy: she went on to law school before completion and is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

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www.KoonsFuller.com Attorney Sarah Darnell has extensive litigation experience in family law. She graduated law school in 2006 and in 2012 became Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Attorney Sean Abeyta has helped many clients achieve out-of-court settlements through informal negotiations, mediation, and collaborative law. Abeyta is also Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list since 2014.

James Logue studied law at Texas Tech University School of Law in Lubbock and is a member of the American Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and Texas Aggie Bar Association.

Meanwhile, Nicole Carroll has been practicing law for almost 22 years and is passionate about navigating clients through the divorce process and using creative solutions on complex issues.

“I am blessed to have such an amazing team around me,” Bradshaw said.

“And I know our clients appreciate it, too.”

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY TINKERGARTEN - CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR LEARNING EVENT Mon., Aug 26, 10-11:15am | Branch Hollow Park 2050 E Branch Hollow Dr. • Carrollton, TX 75007 A touch of curiosity, excitement, and enthusiasm for the outdoors will spark your child’s own enjoyment of nature science projects. Working together, families explore, problem solve, communicate, and collaborate on inquisitively designed play scenarios. Registration is required for this free trial class. Limited to the first15 families who apply, 18 months - 8 years. Register at tinkergarten.com/leaders/marta.lusk/882748.

FAMILY BOARD GAME NIGHT - KIDS EAT FREE Every Tuesday | 5pm | Heritage Pizza 3750 Plano Parkway, Ste. 600 • The Colony, TX 75056 GAME NIGHT! WooHoo!! Big kids and little kids eat free every Tuesday when you bring a board game to Heritage Pizza. So, gather up the kids for a family evening of giggles and grins! Parents, growlers to go, pints to stay! Booyah! For more information visit heritagepizza.com.

KIDS MOVIE SATURDAY AT LAVA CANTINA Every Saturday in August | 1pm | Lava Cantina The Colony 5805 Grandscape Blvd. • The Colony, TX 75056 Enjoy a fun family movie at Lava Cantina. Get $2 off kids meals during the movies!

Show starts at 1pm.

Sat. Aug 17 • The Princess and The Frog Sat. Aug 24 • The Angry Birds Movie Sat. Aug 31 • Pocahontas Visit their facebook for more upcoming events/movies at facebook.com/lavacantinatc/.

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

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INSIDE EDUCATION

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

An amazing welcoming extravaganza greeted first

Box tops have gone digital! No more worries of kids running

year Lewisville ISD teachers and new employees on

with scissors. Just download the “Box Tops for Education”

Wednesday, July 31. Student performers gave it their all.

app from google play or the app store, which is definitely

LISD leadership and 2019 Teachers of the Year delivered

convenient. Redeem anywhere, anytime within 14 days of

inspiring messages of encouragement and comradery.

purchase. The school’s earnings are automatically updated

The inaugural Community Connections event gave non-

online. Access special bonus offers on top of your Box Top

profit and for-profit businesses the opportunity to meet

earnings! #extracashformom! For additional information

and greet new employees making it the perfect way to introduce them to the Lewisville ISD community.

HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL PTSA REFLECTIONS COMPETITION

please go to boxtops4education.com. photo courtesy of Box Tops for Education facebook

LOCAL FALL YOUTH SPORTS!

Art is an expression of life, which means it expresses emotions.

Fall season starts Sep 21st / 22nd. i9Sports believes in having

Creation that allows for interpretation of any kind is art.

fun and teaching good sportsmanship! Flag football, soccer,

Express your artistic talents this year. The theme for 2019

ZIP lacrosse, baseball or cheer, ages 3 - 12, are organized co-

Reflections is “Look Within”. Entries are due to Mrs. Harrison

ed teams. Buddy requests are honored. Choose your location

by Oct 2. For more details, please visit

and register now at i9sports.com or call 817-400-4525, final

hebronptsa.com/reflections.html.

registration is August 24 for the fall programs.

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Patrick Kelly Resident Spotlight:

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re an early bird and happen to stop into Sofia’s Kitchen one morning before work, the odds are that you will bump into longtime Castle Hills resident and local government aficionado, Patrick Kelly.

And if you do, don’t be shy – he’s more than willing to offer you a seat and share a few words over a cup of coffee.

Patrick, who moved to Castle Hills in 2000, is the President of the 1B Board and has made a habit over the last few years of starting his workday at Sofia’s six days a week. On Wednesdays, he’s at The Perc Coffeehouse, and the goal is always the same: talk to people, answer questions, and rave over how Castle Hills is the best place to work and play.

Talk to People, Answer Questions, And Rave Over How Castle Hills is The Best Place

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

“I get here around 6:30 in the morning and stay until about 8,” Patrick said.

“It’s a chance to talk to people if they have questions about politics, Castle Hills, or how to get something done or just get involved. I try to be as helpful as I can.”

Bottom line, he’s a really nice guy and someone you should know if you’re interested in learning more about local politics. While his full-time job is as the Director of Information Systems for a local healthcare company, Patrick felt it was his civic duty to get into politics 10 years ago. In 2012, he joined the 1B board and

6:30 In The Morning

And Stay Until About 8

has since become known as someone who tirelessly gets involved in as much as he can. He was the founder of The Round Table Project, one of the leaders on the 2010 Water Rate Petition, and is a co-author of several articles appearing in Castle Hills Life regarding local politics.

Beyond that, he’s been a member of several organizations, including Keep Lewisville Beautiful. He also attends almost every city council meeting in hopes of soaking in as much about the community as possible.

“At some point, I may run for Lewisville City Council, but if I do, I want to make www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

sure I’m not just this guy from Castle Hills who has no views on Lewisville,” he said. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”

Their daughter, Katy, is a sophomore at

When Patrick is not working or talking politics in the early-morning hours at Sophia’s or The Perc, he’s spending time with his beautiful family. He and wife, LeeAnn, have been married for 23 years and have three children. Their two boys, Patrick and Neil, go to Hebron High School.

playing The Grind on August 3.

Baylor. What many people might not know is that Patrick is also part of what he calls a “Dad band.” Three Hand Roxy will be “It’s been neat to watch this area grow from a handful of houses when we first moved in to now where it’s a sprawling community,”

I’m Trying to Learn as Much as I can

Patrick said. “It’s a great place to raise kids.

It’s been a lot of fun living here.”

Pictured to the right is

Photo courtesy of Patrick Kelly

PATRICK KELLY

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER T

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to be extra cautious as the start of the

new school year approaches. Here are a few tips for drivers as well as students: While Driving in School Zones • •

•

Remember, traffic fines double in school zones.

• • •

Be on the lookout for students who may be crossing the street or walking between vehicles near schools.

school zones and violators will be

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

Watch for students gathering at bus stops.

Cell phones are banned in active fined up to $200.

Drop off and pick up your children in

•

•

Obey traffic rules, signs and signals.

Only cross at intersections and designated crosswalks.

•

Only walk on sidewalks, whenever they are available.

•

Look for traffic when stepping off of a bus or from behind parked cars.

•

Never assume drivers see you, make eye contact before crossing the street.

•

Obey crossing guards.

•

Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

•

When walking, do not be distracted by electronic devices such as

the school’s designated areas.

Remain alert at all times.

Do not use your cell phones.

Obey school zone speed limits.

Students Walking or Biking to School:

cell phones.

•

Obey all traffic rules, signs and signals.

940.349.1600 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 DENTON, TX 76205

DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

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I-Dee Production

Business Spotlight

THE BEST IN

VIDEO PRODUCTION

by Steve Gamel

K

enneth Boyd uses the same tagline every time he stands to promote his video production

company, I-Dee Production.

“We provide services that will make your

grandmother smile and proud,” he says to

photos courtesy of Kenneth Boyd

a room full of intrigued business owners.

stay in front of people. Video has quickly become one of the best ways to do that, as consumers watch everything from

commercials to testimonial videos to help them make decisions on whom to do business with.

I-Dee Production in Lewisville has been

It’s certainly a catchy line, but there’s

the go-to source for all things video

most people realize. As it turns out,

including high-quality streaming video,

late grandmother, Iler Dee Carr. Besides

Need a studio with multiple cameras to

always inspired him to reach for the stars

has you covered. Do you need to get on

doing just that by using his talents in video

to help you come up with ideas and

more significance behind it than what

production for more than 20 years,

Kenneth named his company after his

webcasts, live broadcasts, and audio-only.

being a beautiful light in Kenneth’s life, Iler

host your production? I-Dee Production

– and help others do the same. Today, he’s

network television? How about someone

production to help area businesses large

skillfully walk you through preproduction

and small promote themselves.

“We believe in working with the

clients. It’s not about what we want;

it’s about what they want,” Kenneth said.

“We listen to them and work out a plan that works for them. We give them that extra-special attention.”

He added, “Iler Dee still runs the company from heaven. She’s my inspiration for everything we do for people.”

and postproduction?

You can find all of that at I-Dee Production.

Kenneth and his team are set up to handle mom-and-pop companies who need

something simple all the way up to large

corporations with complex project needs.

“Our company has been around since

1999, and I think it’s beginning to reach

and see the potential of what it can be,”

said Kenneth, who has been married to his

Business owners are continually looking

beautiful wife, Cinda, for 34 years. “I can

get a message across to their clients, and

I know my grandmother would be proud.”

for ways to promote their businesses,

pictured above is Kenneth Boyd

see what this company can become, and

To learn more visit: ILERDEEPRODUCTION.COM | 469.224.7230 www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

SO MUCH

MORE Than Just Dent Repair

by Steve Gamel

S

o a major hailstorm hits North Texas … again. While you’ve been lucky to avoid damage to your car in the past, this time you need to get quite a few repairs done beyond having someone pop a few dents out of your hood.

While filing an insurance claim, meeting with an adjuster, and dropping your car off at the nearest body shop can be a nip and tuck process for many first-timers, for most it’s not. It could take weeks to meet with an adjuster depending on how many claims they are working on, and body shops, in general, aren’t built to handle an influx of hail damaged vehicles on top of their normal workload. Even paintless dent repair facilities are limited in what they can do.

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

214.735.8365 | HailFreeCar.com | 1620 E. State Hwy. 121, Ste. #C100 • Lewisville, TX 75056 That could mean you’ll be without your

condition – whether it has a single door

Mike Nosker, a resident of The Colony, has

But that’s not all they do. Metro Dent is a

and over again during his 24 years in hail

of its ability to be everything to everyone

vehicle longer than you expected.

seen this lengthy scenario play out over repair. Getting your car repaired should

be faster, which is why you should choose Metro Dent in Lewisville.

Metro Dent is locally owned and operated and has been serving DFW for 26 years.

“We bend over backward to help return

a customer’s car in the best condition we can without having them wait months.

In some cases, our cycle time is three

days and at no cost out of pocket to the

customer,” Mike said. “If a hailstorm hits,

and I need to bring in 50 more technicians to keep that cycle time and quality the same, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”

He added, “We make the entire process easy, so people aren’t so scared to get their car fixed.”

Even though storm season is winding

down and it’s time for the kids to be back in school, many of you might finally be

ding or a hood full of hail damage.

Best of Denton County winner because – from full-body dent repair to minor collision jobs, paint

correction, detailing and reconditioning services, glass replacement,

ceramic paint coatings, vinyl wraps, and more.

Ceramic paint coating

has become a large part of their core business.

This state-of-the-art

product is both ultraviolet and scratch

resistant and protects a

vehicle from dirt, stains, and water for up to five years.

They service standard cars and trucks as well as boats, RVs, and dirt bikes.

All Metro Dent technicians are certified

and have at least 15 years of experience in the industry.

“It’s amazing to me how many people

Dent has become the trusted choice for

Mike said. “Many paintless dent repair

motorists throughout Denton County

and beyond, and they are the best and most comprehensive. Metro Dent has

partnerships all over the world; Mike and his team have traveled as far as all over Europe, Australia, China, Canada, and

more to handle larger hail damage repair projects for car manufacturers.

Metro Dent strives for perfection and

will restore your vehicle to its original www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

pocket. During hail season, Metro Dent offers extended work hours,

free pickup and delivery, free car rental, and personalized service.

“We won’t be leaving town like many

companies do now that

“We make the entire process easy, so people aren’t so scared to get their car fixed.”

getting your cars repaired and will need a reliable place like Metro Dent. Metro

claims, there’s no money out of

come in here thinking we just do dents,” places are limited in what they can fix,

the storms are over,” Nosker said.

“Most of the bigger body shops are now telling

customers their teams

have left, and while they

can leave the customers car there now, they will transport it elsewhere

in the area so someone else can fix it for them.”

Speaking of insurance

claims, you might be asking if you can

choose where your vehicle is repaired.

The answer is yes. Mike stressed that it

is every vehicle owner’s right to choose their own facility. Metro Dent works on

your behalf with a licensed independent

adjuster to get your repair approved at the proper level, which means you are assured of the highest quality service. Plus, they can help with your deductible and still offer you a lifetime warranty.

but many times customers have some

Metro Dent is open Monday through

need to be replaced. We can do anything

appointments are necessary.

pretty bad damage and various things that cosmetic, and if it’s your first time having been in a hailstorm, our staff can handle

everything cradle to grave – even helping you call in the claim.”

All workmanship comes with a lifetime warranty, and on qualified insurance

Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No

“I always tell people, if you’re not sure

of us, everyone is on social media these

days. Go look at our reviews,” Mike said.

“We have a substantial amount and

continue to get them because we care about our customers.”

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

Productivity Tips To Help Make The Most of Your Day

by Steve Gamel

E

veryone is looking for helpful hacks to help them be more productive and make the most out of their day.

The only problem is that when you’re living that busy life of kids, work, school, household chores, taking care of pets, errands, etc., it can be difficult to find even the smallest shred of downtime to start implementing them.

good use. Our favorite is No. 1, but keep

Well, now that the kids are back in school, hopefully, you can find a quiet spot in the middle part of your day and put a few of these helpful productivity tips to

this activity is keeping you from starting

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

reading to see what else is out there.

Don’t read emails or look at your phone first thing in the morning.

Many of us open our eyes in the morning and immediately start answering text

messages, emails, checking social media, etc. While you think you are productive,

your day and will keep you in a constant state of catch-up. This is the time of day when our minds are clear and focused,

and there’s less noise. So put down the phone and focus on how you want to attack the day.

TO-DO LISTS ARE ALL THE RAGE Having all your tasks for the day written down is an effective productivity tool for the simple fact that it gives us structure.

Not only do we perform better and stay organized longer, but psychologically, there is a sense of accomplishment when at the end of the day, you see how much you crossed off your list.

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EAT THAT FROG Instead of starting your day by knocking out a few easy tasks, start your day with the hardest or most dreaded one. If that means baking three dozen cookies for your kids’ field trip, squeezing in that overdue 6-mile run, or taking part in a lengthy conference call, get it out of the way. By waiting, it leaves a dark cloud over your head all day long.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT We mentioned avoiding emails and texting first thing in the morning, and while that’s true, it’s still important to stay plugged in when you are on the go. There are plenty of productivity apps out there that can help you throughout the day, from checking your email on the go to digital calendars and the ability to sign and scan a document.

TAKE BREAKS As the old saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We have so much going on in our lives, but it’s still important to take breaks to recharge the old batteries – even on our busiest days.

Stand up and walk around for 10 minutes, take a 30-minute cat nap, go for a quick workout in the middle of the day, or even call a friend. When you do, you’ll return to your busy day refreshed mentally and physically.

DELEGATE If you’re a small-business owner, it can be difficult to “let go” and delegate tasks to an employee, spouse, or someone else.

But at some point, you have to realize you can’t do it all on your own. Even if you can do it all, you won’t get it all done the same day. Start by handing off smaller tasks to someone else, and once you build more confidence in that process, delegate a few more items.

What did we leave off the list that has worked for you? Let us know.

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WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL

Sep. 27 - 28 Fri: 5 - 11:30 pm | Sat: 10am - 11:30pm Lewisville Western Days Western Days in Lewisville, Texas Join us in the heart of historic Old Town Lewisville, Texas. This family fun event is a great family outing that includes FIVE stages of live entertainment, cattle drive parade, arts and crafts, mechanical bull and so much more. A full list of activities and tickets for purchase can be found at www.LewisvilleWesternDays.com.

Headliners include Brett Young and Josh Abbott Band.

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

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Business Spotlight

FEAST YOUR EYES ON THE

Experience

by Rita Patel and Poonam Bhana

V

EYE P Eyecare + Eyewear in Carrollton opened in 2010 to serve Castle Hills, Carrollton, Lewisville, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Poonam Bhana and her business partner, Dr. Rita Patel, both therapeutic optometrists, had a vision to create a family practice and provide care in the communities near their own homes.

Our mission is to provide uniquely

diseases, and other conditions that affect

customer service, and high-quality

obvious symptoms. We take the time

personalized patient care, remarkable eyewear that will surpass expectations and improve lifestyles. We pledge to always

deliver a Platinum level of service to all of our patients.

We provide not only

complete eye exams but also specific

prescription lens

recommendations

that will help achieve the results desired.

Our eye care

professionals specialize in

understanding how

the human eye really

your vision – many of which do not have to explain the results of the eye exam,

describe options, and encourage patients to ask questions.

“I have been a patient of Dr. Bhana for over 5 years. I love her and her staff. They are very friendly accommodating and professional. They have a great selection of frames. But what I value most is that she is able to fit me with contacts despite my eye condition.” — Dionicia Guerra

works as well as identifying risk factors,

their confidence and helps them perform better at school or at work. I provide

eye exams, make recommendations on treatment and/or eyewear, and have

my team of optometric assistants and

opticians help place orders for contact lenses and glasses. We discuss all the

lens options, review insurance benefits, and provide glasses that improve our

patients’ lifestyles. Our optical offers a

large selection of affordable and designer “We are a family

frames that are current with today’s trends

children – many of them

During August, we will be gifting

practice and see many needing glasses for

the first time. It really

is an inspiring feeling

when we see a child’s

reaction as they put on

their new glasses. I love

as well as the latest lens technology.”

complimentary Optomap screenings with the donation of school supplies.

We strongly value community involvement and are excited to have the opportunity to donate to some of our local schools!

that we can make such

“This is home; I’m happy where I am,”

child,” Dr. Bhana said.

we focus on providing the best care for

a big difference for the

Dr. Bhana said. “I have a great team, and

“For so many of our

every patient. I love my career and how

patients, correcting their vision boosts

gratifying it can be.”

972.428.3500 | veyepcarrollton.com | 1500 W Hebron Pkwy., Ste. 116 • Carrollton, TX 75010

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

S e v e n T i p s To G e t

Kids Back

ON A SCHOOL SLEEP SCHEDULE

by Steve Gamel

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

R

aise your hand if you’re still having to “gently” pull your screaming and groggy child out of bed so they can get dressed and make it to school on time. Wow; that’s a lot of hands. For many parents, the struggle is

real, especially during the first couple of weeks of the school year when our kiddos are still used to lazy summer days of staying up late and sleeping in.

Getting up early for school is difficult for any kid or parent, and while you probably should have introduced a new sleep routine a week or so before school started, all is not lost. Many of the same tips still apply now that school has started.

Adjust Slowly Once you know how much sleep your child needs, you may be thinking the answer to making up ground is to enforce a ridiculously early bedtime right off the bat. On the contrary, a solid tip is to work them into the new pattern gradually – start with moving the time up by 20 or 30 minutes, then push it up

Here are a few you can try right now to give your kids the rest they need and

45 minutes to an hour.

make those mornings a tad easier.

Cut Out Caffeine

Know How Much Sleep They Need

Limit Electronic Screen Time

As we all know, caffeine can even

The first step in determining when

Our kids are used to watching TV,

make grownups jumpy and wide

your child should go to bed is

playing video games, or talking to

awake. So you can imagine that

determining how much sleep they

friends on their phones. This extra

allowing your child to drink soda at

need. The National Sleep Foundation

screen time, especially right before

dinner may be counterproductive if

recommends different hours for

bedtime, makes it harder for them

you’re trying to get them to go to bed

different age groups. For example,

to fall asleep. Eliminate screen time

earlier. Choose water instead.

teenagers need roughly 8-10 hours of

at least an hour before their new

sleep versus a preschooler, who needs

bedtime, or better yet, immediately

10-13 hours of quality sleep.

after dinner.

Don’t Let Them Nap After School Try to avoid allowing your child to take a nap after school, as it will only make going to bed later that much more difficult. You can avoid the midday snooze by keeping them active with sports, putting a priority on getting their homework done, or even putting them to work with a few chores around the house.

Get Into A Routine Creating a routine that your child can count on every night will help them wind down and mentally prepare for bed. A perfect example for younger kids is having them take a bath, brush their teeth, get their pajamas on, and read a book. You can even have fun with this and create a bedtime chart,

What tips do you have to make getting

complete with pictures and “good

your child back on a sleep schedule

behavior stars.” For older kids, you can

less stressful? Share them with us on

replace some of these steps by just

our Facebook page. We’d also love to

sitting with them in their room and let

see your first day of school pictures.

them talk about their day.

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Move Everything Else Up, Too Another way to help get the kids into bed earlier once school has started is to move all the busy household chores up an hour or so. For example, have them do their homework as soon as they get home from school, so it’s out of the way, then try having dinner as a family at 5:30 instead of 6:30 p.m.

You can also adjust your own bedtime, so your child realizes it’s time for everyone to go to bed. This creates a calmer mood throughout the house as bedtime approaches.

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Labor Day WEEKEND G E T A W A Y S

Native Americans believed the “talking” rock was haunted by mountain spirits.

Not far from Enchanted Rock is Six-Mile Light where unknown energies and ghostly lights join together.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

1629 Park Rd. 59 • Glen Rose, TX 76043 2 hours

A long trip to the past, but a short drive from Ft. Worth dwells a place where

by Leanne Yocum

D

towering more than 400 feet high.

dinosaurs roamed leaving footprints in

the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean.

Discover dinosaur tracks, camp, hike,

o you long for a life less ordinary? Take a chance this Labor Day weekend and buckle up for a wild family trip. Below are some great quick getaways you and your family will enjoy.

Vacation

Gettin’ Batty in Austin 3 hours 20 mins Witness the great bat exodus on the Congress Avenue Bridge. These furry, winged critters are very punctual, emerging from the bridge at almost the exact same time – just before sundown.

Millions of shadowy flashes fly into the impending twilight, and they’re always back at the bridge by morning resting up for the following night’s performance.

Roa Trip d !

s rie Family Memo 24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 Congress Ave. • Austin, TX 78701 3 hours 20 mins One of Austin’s jewels, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, tells ‘the Story of Texas.’ Intriguing exhibitions and exciting activities will definitely inspire thought-provoking conversations with teachers and classmates alike.

Enchanted Rock 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 5 hours 15 mins On this ancient ground sits a massive pink, granite batholith formed over one billion years ago. It is one of the oldest exposed rocks in the world, covering 640 acres and

mountain bike, swim, and much more!

Next to the park is Creation Evidence

Museum, which presents a biblical model of the world’s development showcasing the lifework of the Reverend Dr. Carl Baugh’s “creation of science.”

Waco, TX

2 hours 20 mins The quaint, quirky town of Waco boasts a myriad of whimsical attractions and

guaranteed fun. Visit Magnolia Market at

The Silos and the enchanting Cottonland Castle. Saddle up and venture on

horseback through Scenic Texas Ranch.

Tour the renowned Dr. Pepper Museum

or have a wild safari at the Cameron Zoo.

Unearth hidden stairs, turret-like walls and moat-like pools rumored to emanate a

harrowing stench from a legendary place called Witches Castle of Cameron Park.

Broken Bow, OK 3 hours 8 mins

A road trip family favorite! Discover epic ziplining adventures or power ATVs

through rugged mountains. Hike arduous trails that wind through blissful waterfalls and majestic mountains or raft down riproaring rivers. A vacation doesn’t need to be pricey in order to make a huge

impact on children. A family road trip is a time-honored tradition, one marked

with smiles and silliness, togetherness

and exploration. It’s a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Still others traverse our roads on the way to vacations or transport goods to other

regions. Transportation affects each of us in one way or another.

COMMUNITY

CORNER Transportation Is A Family Value

E

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads

very day, millions of North Texans use our roads, trains and planes or ride their bicycles to go about their daily lives. Many head to work, others shop, go to the doctor or take their children to school.

Transportation is also one of the most

critical components to a healthy economy.

People need to get to and from work

and home. Companies depend on a vast

transportation network – one of the many reasons we continue to attract Fortune 500 companies. That is important to

continue offering high paying jobs for our residents.

At the same time, more than 7.5 million

people call the Dallas-Fort Worth region home. By 2045, estimates show our

population could reach 11.2 million or more.

Factor in our dependence on easy access across the 9,279-square-mile area and a strong desire to maintain our quality of life and you can understand why it is necessary to plan years in advance.

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

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7.5 MILLION

PEOPLE ARE IN THE DALLAS-FORT WORTH REGION ESTIMATES SHOW OUR POPULATION COULD REACH

11.2 MILLION photo courtesy of Dawn Cobb

OR MORE BY 2045 Last year, the Regional Transportation Council adopted Mobility 2045: The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas. This vision will guide what we do in the 12-county Metropolitan Planning Area now through the next 25 years.

In this plan, we factored in the elements mentioned above and expanded on one key element – diversity of transportation.

As growth continues, we believe more

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people will rely on other modes of transportation we already are putting into place – from our commuter trains and interconnecting rails and trails to adding more bicycle lanes and HOV lanes.

What this all boils down to is this – transportation is a family value.

Being able to get home in time for your daughter’s volleyball game or your son’s scout meeting is part of our quality of life.

I am honored to spend these next 11 months as the chair of the Regional Transportation Council where officials from 44 local government across our region will continue to make progress on these tough transportation issues. Regional planning is important. Some projects we work on will be completed in our lifetimes, and still other projects we plan will be constructed by future generations.

We all believe good, efficient transportation is vital to our way of life in North Texas – now and in the future.

As we plan for the future, it is important to us that we hear from you. Your voice matters. Log onto to www.nctcog.org/trans to learn more about our efforts in improving air quality, and congestion management here in North Texas. You can also check out our maps and models and projected timelines on future improvements across the region. We want your feedback so be sure to check out the public involvement plan.

CONNECT

WITH US pictured to the left is Andy Eads If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820.

AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

DA YS

L A N O I NAT

by Steve Gamel

I

t seems like there’s a national day for everything these days. For example, if

NATIONAL KISS AND MAKE UP DAY August 25

you want to celebrate National Hugging

Day, you can do that in January, same with

This fun day reminds people all

National Compliment Day and Spouses Day. If you’re a fan of erasers, there’s a National Rubber Eraser Day in April and even a National Yo-Yo Day in June.

The list could go on and on, but in the interest of our current issue, your friends here at Murray Media scoured the Internet and came up with a short list of the more interesting National Days for August and September.

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY August 22 According to nationalcalendar.com,

over the world to stop their bickering, which most of the time is over petty stuff we can all look back on and laugh about later. We all

this fun day was celebrated on February

have a fight with a

28 and now again in August. You can

loved one at some

celebrate it on social media with a picture

point, so be sure to say

of a toothless grin and the hashtag

your sorry and cap it off with

#NationalToothFairyDay.

a sweet kiss.

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NATIONAL JUST BECAUSE DAY August 27

NATIONAL DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER DAY September 15

This is pretty cool because we can basically celebrate anything we want and in

Don’t just eat any

any way we want – JUST

cheeseburger, go

BECAUSE. Give everyone in

all out with a thick, juicy double-

the elevator a hug, surprise

patty monster with everything on

your wife with flowers, go to

it. Just make sure you wipe off your

every fast food restaurant in Denton County.

fingers before attempting to post pics on social media. Incidentally, National NATIONAL LAZY MOM’S DAY September 6

Cheeseburger Day is celebrated a few days later on September 18.

Heck yeah! Mom’s deserve more lazy NATIONAL TRAIL MIX DAY August 31 Usually, you don’t see trail mix unless you’re at a party with lots of finger foods and snacks, so show it some love on

days. This day is always celebrated on the first Friday in September, and it’s a great opportunity to skip the laundry, dishes, or even going to work if you so desire. Take a break, and make dad do it!

NATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY September 19 Yes! Who’s up for a few “Ahoy, Marie”

National Trail Mix Day by creating your

and “Aye, Aye, Capt’n”

own special

to fill their day? We

version and

know a few people

share with

around our office here

friends at

NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY September 12

the office.

And in one loud voice, every teenager in Denton County rejoiced! The best way to

at Murray Media who would jump all over this in a heartbeat – costumes included.

celebrate is to grab all the snacks you can, invite all your friends over, and cobble together a mega marathon gaming session. Don’t forget to mix NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY September 5 Cheese pizza gets a bad

in some old retro games along with the newer stuff to make it an amazing experience for everyone.

NATIONAL ONE-HIT WONDER DAY September 25 Bring back memories of your favorite songs by artists who made it big because of

rap sometimes for being so boring in

that one song – and one

comparison to pepperoni pizza, pineapple

song only. Maybe some

pizza, or a pie with the works. From what

Milli Vanilli, Blind Mellon’s

we can tell, though, it’s the only one with

No Rain, or even Turning

its own national day.

Japanese by The Vapors.

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AUGUST 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Ask The Expert: Fitness

IS YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE

HARMFUL OR HELPFUL?

W

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com OutlawFitcamp.com

hen working toward fitness goals, one important factor many overlook is the impact your friends and family have on your success.

Your social circle does play an important role in your success! It’s important to surround yourself with people who share similar goals, but this doesn’t always happen easily.

How Friends Or Family Can (Unknowingly) Hold You Back From Reaching Your Goals If you’re in a social circle that goes out a lot—eating out, drinking, etc. – those friends may not be supportive when you’re ready to call it a night for that earlymorning workout you have planned.

Plus, they may not be concerned about the calories of the food and drinks that are flowing—and therefore, not onboard when you try to make healthier choices.

There can be other problems if you’re in a relationship. If you’re on a fitness journey without your partner, this can sometimes cause friction. When you’re frequently leaving to go workout without your partner, they may become resentful of the time you’re spending at the gym instead of hanging out at home.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2019

and doubled the workout time over

When you’re getting fit and healthy, it can

working out alone.

often cause resentment from others who are going about their business-as-usual.

But this really has nothing to do with you!

•

harder than you would on your own.

health though, and we’re here to help!

The Best Results

•

exercised on a stationary bike for 30

solo exercising — is an increasingly

minutes with a friend felt calmer and

preferred form of exercise. One study

happier after the exercise was over

found that 95 percent of those who

than those who cycled alone.

•

That’s why we always offer FREE

ball tossing, partner-resisted moves,

Our Outlaw FitCamp group fitness

relays, etc.

•

have the support you need to succeed!

•

Increases Your Commitment To

A Fitness Routine For most people, staying consistent with workout

routines is difficult. But having others there waiting for you provides the

accountability you need to show up.

•

Causes You To Push Yourself Harder One study showed that working out with others improved performance

Gives You The Support Of Being

Part Of A Team A group that sweats and struggles through a workout creates a bond.

Working Out With Others Has The Following Benefits:

There are more exercises you can

when you have a partner: medicine

or the significant other of our clients.

Either of these options will ensure that you

Diversifies Your Workouts

do to keep a variety in your workout

personal training for the spouse

classes are fun and supportive.

Solo Exercise A study published in Management found that people who

in a motivational group — rather than

completed the program.

Boosts Your Mood More Than

the International Journal of Stress

Working out with someone else or

started a fitness program with friends

Wanting to keep up with those

around makes you push yourself

This is no reason not to take care of your Workout With Others For

Gives You A Competitive Edge

•

Motivates You When You Need It When you workout with the right

person or the right group, you feel uplifted and encouraged to do your best.

Don’t Go It Alone!

We are committed to helping you find the support you need. You will find support

here in reaching your goals—your success is our success! So don’t go it alone!

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