Life in Castle Hills Magazine July 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021 - THE FAMILY & EDUCATION ISSUE

Top-notch Educational

CHOICES SET LEWISVILLE ISD

AND ITS STUDENTS APART

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

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TABLE OF

Contents CASTLE HILLS

PHOTO PAGE 21 Castle Hills Resident Photos ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Budget Friendly Day Trips 10 Teacher Be Still 12 Inside Community And Education 18 5 Things To Try 22 Castle Hills Annexation 26 Hot To Help Your Child Pick A Career 29 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

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16

Top-notch Educational

CHOICES SET LEWISVILLE ISD

AND ITS STUDENTS APART Cover Image Lewisville ISD Students @CastleHillsMagazine www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

IS IT MY TURN FOR THE Mommy Crisis?

O

ur theme for this month’s issue is family and education, which naturally got me thinking about my kiddos and how Scott and I are almost emptynesters. Some parents might see that as a good thing, and who knows, maybe we’ll adjust quickly.

But there’s this unshakable feeling in my mommy gut that’s telling me I might not handle it all too well.

Our oldest son Konnor is 23 and already out of the house.

Zach just graduated from high school and will be off to college next month. Meanwhile, Courtney is headed off to law school.

That’s three kids … out on their own to spread their wings.

All that’s left is our baby girl, Maddie. It won’t be long for her, either. We’re going on a family vacation at the end of July. How complicated will it be after this summer to get all of us in the same place?

Our community magazines, Best of Denton County, and all the other amazing things we do here at Murray Media Group can only keep my mind off the reality that my kids are leaving me for so long. Pretty soon, it’s all going to hit me hard. Will it be some sort of existential crisis? Will I gain a bunch of depression weight?

They say family is never far away. So I know deep down that everything is going to be fine. They’ll always need their momma. And I will always need them. But in the meantime, I’m so proud of the men and women they have become.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone! And be sure to hug your kids tight. I know I am!

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Editor & Writer Steve Gamel

Writers

Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Michele Cunningham-Scott

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography

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 Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@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. © 2021 Murray Media Group

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2021

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HOT

BUDGET FRIENDLY

DAY TRIPS

1. DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK Take a walk down the lane of history at Dinosaur Valley State Park. This day trip is very kid-friendly. You can find dinosaur tracks, camp, have a picnic, mountain bike, swim, fish, and even paddle the river. You can also have fun watching for wildlife, looking for geocaches, or even riding your horse. This gem of a state park is located in Glen Rose, Texas, which is just a short drive from Fort Worth and makes this the perfect family day trip.

2. TURNER FALLS Fall into a fun time at Turner Falls. This is the perfect place to cool off in these hot summer Texas months. Turner Falls is a waterfall on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma. You can cool off by taking a swim in the refreshing water, or you can take a hike to see the famous rock castle. Turner falls is 8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2021

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just six miles south of Davis, Oklahoma and about an hour and a half drive from Denton County.

3. FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS Experience where the West begins at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Nothing embodies

western heritage better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. From

the original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the

true history of Texas’ famous livestock industry. You can enjoy good food, live music, and a fun environment – all just a short distance from home.

4. DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST It’s fun for the whole family at Davy Crockett National Forest. This Texas local destination contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas,

and a wildlife habitat. You can enjoy camping, swimming, picnicking, an amphitheater,

an interpretive forest trail, as well as fishing and boating. Located in Houston and Trinity counties, this is the perfect little day getaway for all to enjoy.

5. LAKE TEXOMA Cool off for the summer at Lake Texoma. This is the perfect place for people of all ages.

Lake Texoma offers horse trails, golfing, fishing guides, camping, hunting, hiking and biking trails, and even casinos for adults. There truly is something for everyone. And

if you fall in love and decide to make it more than a day trip, they offer cabin rentals, resorts, and hotels. It’s a great summer day trip destination.

6. BEAVER’S BEND STATE PARK Become one with nature at Beaver’s Bend State Park. This destination is located in the

mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and

the Mountain Fork River. Here, you will be able to find adventure, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities inside the state park. The scenic beauty of Beaver’s Bend State Park makes this one of Oklahoma’s most popular destinations.

8. FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS Shop ‘til you Drop at First Monday Trade

Days. Also referred to as “Canton” due to its location in Canton, Texas. First Monday began more than a century ago and has grown to become the largest outdoor vendor and flea market in the world. This event takes place each month on the four days preceding the first Monday of the month. You can shop while also enjoying the delicious food that First Monday has to offer. First Monday Trade Days is a great way to spend the day.

9. ARBUCKLE WILDERNESS Step into the wild at Arbuckle Wilderness.

This one-of-a-kind park is located in Murray County, Oklahoma. They offer an exotic animal park with self-drive car tours, along with a fun petting zoo, reptile center, and small rides. This is the perfect kid-friendly day trip that is sure to impress this summer vacation.

10. LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK

7. GRANBURY, TEXAS It’s time to fall in love with Granbury, Texas. Granbury is located about 35 miles

southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Here, you can walk the famous town square while

you shop in their boutiques and stores, dine in their local restaurants, and enjoy the

scenery of this historic square. You can also cool down and enjoy water activities at Lake Granbury. Granbury, Texas is the perfect day trip this summer. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

It’s a summertime blast at Lake Whitney State Park. If you are wanting a fun getaway for a day, this is the place for you.

Just a short road trip from DFW, you’ll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great place to relax with family and friends. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing. You can enjoy the hiking trails, geocaching, and you can even enjoy the stars at nightfall. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

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T

eaching is one of the most important jobs in the world.

Teachers fill students’ eager minds with information they’ll need for their future, prepare them to be respectable human beings, and inspire them to set goals for a fulfilling and successful life.

Many of us can recall a favorite teacher or one who made an impact on our lives.

We’re the lucky ones.

be still

by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of Lighthouse Creative

Jamie Harrison and Jill Miller are close friends, in part because they have so much in common. Both embrace a strong Christian faith. Jamie lives in Flower Mound, and Jill lives in Highland Village.

They’re also teachers for Lewisville ISD, though Jamie taught high school in Lewisville, and Jill was an elementary school teacher in Flower Mound.

“We created the event without having a reserved venue, no speakers lined up, and no plan other than the conviction that teachers really needed this,” Jamie recalled. “From one single Facebook post, we sold out to 400 teachers in three days!”

“Having nearly 20 years of combined teaching experience within several types of schools and grade levels, we’ve definitely met a lot of teachers,” Jamie explained. “Common threads among teachers seem to be that they’re tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. The list of requirements and expectations for teachers increases every year.”

“Our conferences have been held there ever since,” Jamie mentioned.

At the eleventh hour, Lantana Community Church stepped in, and the conference was a tremendous success.

That kind of support was incentive enough for Harrison and Miller to launch Teacher, Be Still, an organization founded by teachers for teachers. It is solely dedicated

to providing encouragement and promoting personal wellness for all types of teachers.

“Actually, all educators, such as principals and administration, are included in that group with teachers,” Jill clarified.

The hugely popular organization focuses on the teacher as a person, apart from the classroom, students, and curriculum, and equips them to put themselves first.

Reflecting their faith, the organization’s name was inspired from the Book of Exodus (14:13-14), as Moses said, “…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Harrison and Miller felt that someone needed to help teachers and to remind them how valuable they are.

“Teachers are such a vital asset to society, but they’re deficient in the self-care department,” Jill added.

Teachers best support teachers, so Jamie and Jill took the initiative.

It all began in 2018. Motivated by a need to create change and develop something strictly for teachers, the longtime friends decided on a live summer conference focused on teacher wellness.

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As skilled and dynamic speakers, the duo also finds time to schedule public speaking events that motivate and inspire schools and home schools, women’s organizations, and church groups.

All messages are faith-based and founded in the Bible.

“The Lord has guided us every step of the way,” both Jaime and Jill affirmed.

The two often work together serving as advocates for teachers who are reluctant to speak out to school administrators.

“We talk with school leaders to help implement more wellness-focused programs,” Jamie remarked.

“During COVID-19, we held our conferences virtually, and they were picked up in other countries,” Jill marveled. “We have a huge following in South Africa and Australia!”

The need for this organization has been so overwhelming that both of them left their teaching jobs last year to focus 100% on Teacher, Be Still.

“Teacher, Be Still focuses on inspiring teachers to take care of themselves and start making themselves a priority,” Jaime said. The focal point of their message is what they call the Three Pillars (of wellness): Spiritual health, Physical health, and Mental health.

patient and understanding,” Jill disclosed.

“I felt that the Lord was calling me out.

My husband had been laid off during the pandemic, and he landed a new job the very day I quit mine!”

Their website www.teacherbestill.com is filled with inspiration and encouragement for teachers, both personally and professionally. Within the site, their blog offers relevant and devotional articles touching on every subject to help teachers cope. The Educator’s Mercantile provides merchandise mindful of teachers putting themselves first, whether cozying up with a soft t-shirt and a mug of herbal tea, or a monthly Teacher Box filled with goodies, again designed to promote wellness. Their podcast explores topics like the realities of education today and related hot topics.

“Our husbands have been ridiculously

“We’re so proud to give back to our teachers and educators through Teacher, Be Still,” the partners expressed. “We’re here for them.”

photo courtesy of Coco Paige Photography

In addition to their annual one-day conferences, the team has developed Teacher, Be Still Nights, which are threehour Saturday evening mini-conferences held quarterly and at various locations throughout the metroplex. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

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JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION NOW OPEN The Jurassic World Exhibition at the Grandscape in The Colony is now open! This exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by Jurassic World by getting closer to dinosaurs than ever before. You will have the opportunity to discover the science of Jurassic World, walk in the land of Jurassic giants, and come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs! For tickets and more information go to https:// jurassicworldexhibition.com/. photo courtesy of Jurassic World Exhibition social media page

JOURNEY TO DREAM CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER Journey to Dream and Kyle’s Place is hosting their last big fundraiser of the year! On August 19th at Sneaky Pete’s Monterey Ballroom, try your luck and support a cause at this Charity Casino Night. Admission comes with 2 drink tickets and $200 worth of casino cash. There will also be a raffle and an auction. To learn more go to https://www.facebook.com/events/512498933529612.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & TEACHING AT LISD Lewisville ISD has announced the appointment of Adrienne Gall as the district’s new Chief Executive Director of Learning and Teaching! Gall most recently served as Executive Director of Elementary Curriculum and Programs where she oversaw all curricular content areas and led multiple departments. In this new role she will oversee curriculum and instruction ensuring the district develops and maintains the highest quality curriculum, instruction, assessment, and program services. photo courtesy of Lewisville ISD

LISD VIRTUAL LEARNING UPDATE Lewisville ISD recently learned from the Texas Education Agency the district will not receive funding for full-time virtual learning. Without that funding, LISD will not be able to move forward with their plans for a full-time virtual learning option, therefore all students will attend school in-person next year. They are happy to welcome students back to campus in August and an in-person schedule will be generated for all students based on course selections from the spring semester.

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BUCKETS & BOWS NAMES NEW COO Buckets & Bows started as a one-woman operation in Lewisville and is now a local cleaning empire! Owner Debbie Sardone announced that Tim Ross has taken over as the new Chief Operating Officer. Ross is taking over for Carla Pruitt who retired after nearly 30 years with Buckets & Bows. Ross brings close to 30 years of experience working with large-scale organizations, including Walmart and Party City. photo courtesy of Buckets & Bows social media page

LEWISVILLE WESTERN DAYS DATES RELEASED The Lewisville Western Days dates have been announced! It’s currently scheduled for September 24-25, 2021, in Old Town Lewisville. This festival is designed to showcase the history and spirit of the west and invites attendees to find the inner cowboy in them.

There will be live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and more! They are now accepting vendor applications, to apply go to https://bit.ly/3yctCP1.

OLD LISD NATATORIUM TO BE DEMOLISHED

LISD SOAR ACADEMY For 15 days, 210 students participated in Lewisville ISD’s annual S.O.A.R. (Supporting Overall Academic Readiness) Academy. This enrichment program is designed for middle and high school students who are learning English as a new language. Students were led by 22 teachers and were tasked with physically designing their own block in a city. After presenting their blocks, students pushed all their projects to the middle of the gym to create one city. photo courtesy of Lewisville ISD

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The Flower Mound Town Council approved demolishing the old Lewisville ISD Natatorium on Timber Creek Road.

The land is currently home to the old Lewisville ISD Natatorium, administration building, and a small communications building. The new land will be used as an active park that could include a cultural arts center with a performance theater, additional parking, as well as trails and landscaping.

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Top-notch Educational

CHOICES SET LEWISVILLE ISD

AND ITS STUDENTS APART

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Lewisville ISD

L

ewisville ISD has earned the right to tout that it has 68 of the best schools in Texas. From elementary to middle school and its five award-winning high school campuses, their footprint stretches confidently across Denton County.

But what truly helps them be an educational standard-bearer is they are always striving for exceptional learning environments to serve their more than 50,000 students.

Coming off one of the most challenging school years in recent memory due to the pandemic, Lewisville ISD proved that its administration, teachers, and students would thrive and seek out ways to innovate no matter what. And when you couple that with a diverse lineup of special offerings that help students prepare for the future in ways they might not be able to achieve elsewhere, this is a school district that is primed to have another breakout school year in 2021-2022.

“I think it is extremely important that our students are given the opportunity of a diverse lineup of programs that help them prepare for their future,” said Monya Crow, Executive Director of Counseling and Social Work Services. “Much of this material can be found through

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partnerships within our community.

In our partnership with both Collin

College and North Central Texas College, LISD students not only have access to a

wealth of dual credit courses through our Collegiate Academy at The Colony High

School, but these students have access to earn an Associates Degree in addition to

their high school diploma. The coursework that is within our INCubator EDU program, a part of our Career and Technical

Education department, prepares students for possible future entrepreneurship and many other business applications that are not typically taught in most high

Inaugural INCubator EDU Final Pitch Night

school settings.”

She added, “The resiliency and

collaboration of our students, teachers,

parents and community at large has been exceptional as we have navigated this

unconventional school year. We are very excited about this upcoming fall, and

we know our students will be excited to

continue working toward a thriving future they create!”

INCubator EDU began in 2018 at Lewisville High School and will soon expand to The Colony High School. It offers an authentic entrepreneurship experience as students develop their own product or service startup. During the year, students learn problem solution identification as they research a project they care about. Next is customer and idea www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

exploration, where the students learn from real entrepreneurs and volunteer mentors and coaches. From here, the students develop their ideas into prototypes and finally pitch their concepts to a selected board to gain real investment dollars for their business.

The INCubator EDU program is just one of a handful of unique programs of choice that makes LISD stand out from local educational Middle institutions.

School students explore LISD CTE offerings at the 2021 CTE Career Exploration Camp

The Collegiate Academy was rolled out for the 2017-18 school year at The Colony High School.

It allows students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit by taking dualcredit courses. Through a partnership with Collin College, students can earn an Associate’s Degree or up to 60 hours of dual credit while in high school. The courses are transferable to most public four-year colleges and universities in Texas. The Collegiate Academy has many advantages, including small class sizes, personal attention from Collin College staff, the ability to begin their college transcript, as well as the cost.

“College tuition costs have continued to rise, so students in our Collegiate Academy are getting a head-start on their

college hours and saving money because of dual credit tuition rates with Collin

College,” Director of Counseling and

Social Work Jill Adams said. “Additionally, LISD has provided books for the

Collegiate Academy students so all of this will offset any future costs for their postsecondary education!”

The LISD STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Math) Academy began at

Donald Elementary for the 2018-19 school year and has expanded its offerings to three other elementary schools across the district (Polser, Valley Ridge, and

Bridlewood), with the fifth elementary

campus opening at Memorial Elementary in the fall. In addition to learning all of the foundational curricula as in other schools, including PE, Art, and Music, the STEM Academy program provides engineering instruction every day for every student.

The Academy program also provides an integrated STEM curriculum where students learn content through projectbased learning experiences.

Lewisville ISD is expanding its STEM Academy program for middle school students, opening for 6th-graders at Downing, Creek Valley, Hedrick, and Forestwood for the 2021-22 school year.

“LISD is a district of innovation and forward-thinking,” Crow said. “Our administration is continuously exploring new course opportunities for the betterment of our students. Their goal is to help LISD continue its position as one of the top public school districts in Texas.

Our district is very optimistic and excited about this upcoming school year.”

2021 Collegiate Academy Graduates

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For more

information, please visit LISD.net

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Things 5TO TRY OAK HILLS SPLASH PARK 1225 Royal Palm Ln. | Carrollton, TX One of two splash parks in Carrollton, the Oak Hills Splash Park offers tons of aquatic fun. All the water features run from 9am8pm daily from May 1 - October 15 and include a slide, spray grounds and tipping water buckets. There’s also a pavilion, tables and grills available on a first-come, first-served basis.

HERITAGE SPRINGS SPLASH PAD 600 Spinks Rd. | Flower Mound, TX Heritage Park is the center of fun and events in Flower Mound, and it’s now home to a 2,000 sq ft shaded splash pad including sculpted concrete features and 14 unique water features including Misty Mountain, Over N’ Under, and a Touch ‘n Go Activator.

CARL GENE YOUNG SR. PARK 327 S Wood St. | Denton, TX The spray ground is a new amenity at Carl Gene Young Sr. Park and is open from 9am-8pm from May 10 - September 30, 2021. The popular splash pad features a water-spinning flower and several other sprayers. After you’re done cooling off, you can also enjoy the playground, basketball courts, and picnic tables.

DOUBLE RANCH PARK 310 Highland Village Rd. | Highland Village, TX

Kids and parents alike are going to love Doubletree Ranch Park, where you can walk almost a mile of trails, enjoy a family picnic at the pavilion, and then cool off by playing in the splash pad. While you’re there, you can also watch a soccer game and enjoy snacks from the concession stand. The splash pad was designed with a natural creek look and flow.

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LITTLE ELM BEACH 701 W. Eldorado Pkwy. | Little Elm, TX Little Elm Park is located on Lake Lewisville in Little Elm, Texas. Located along the western shoreline of Little Elm Park is Little Elm Beach. The public swim beach provides swimmers a safe, enclosed sand beach area that does not allow boat traffic. You’ll also find sand volleyball and a playground at this park. The beach is an open sand and has a family-friendly play area. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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CASTLE HILLS

ANNEXATION

by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of City of Lewisville

L

ike other local politicians whose careers have been in the business world, TJ Gilmore enjoys helping people solve problems more than having to ask them for their vote. So now that he’s been elected the new mayor of Lewisville, he can put that preference into practice.

The 48-year-old Yuma, Arizona, native won a four-way race May 1 with 53.1 percent of the vote. He officially took over May 12 from Rudy Durham, who declined to run for a third term. His first city council meeting as Mayor was May 17.

“You can ask my wife (Tanya). When something comes to me, my answer is ‘How can I fix it.’ That’s my nature,” he said. “People have issues, and my job is to understand what the issue is, and how can we make things better. That’s what I love about this. I love fixing stuff and improving stuff. Maybe it’s not broken, but how can we do it better.”

“A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOK AT IT THROUGH A FINANCIAL LENS. I LOOK AT IT AS THIS IS AMERICA.” 22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2021

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Initial issues on Gilmore’s radar include the Lake Park area redevelopment, more engagement from the Hispanic community, expanding parks and trails, working with the Denton County Transit Authority, and the 2025-2035 strategic plans. Another is the upcoming annexation of Castle Hills.

the same token, we want to make sure

first employer, Dale Carnegie, in 2000.

in taxes because the utilities are funded

months, he and Tanya settled in Lewisville

and commissions to Castle Hills residents.

technology support as client engagement

“We’re excited about bringing Castle Hills in,” he said. “A lot of people look at it through a financial lens. I look at it as this is America. You should have a say in your local government, and they don’t right now. This is more about citizen engagement and basic democracy than about dollars.”

months, Gilmore will seek more boards

previous job with Waste Management put

people can get involved.

so he’s long been familiar with how

As part of bringing Castle Hills into the fold, Lewisville voters recently approved adding a sixth city council member who will join the council when the annex is complete late this year or early in 2022. That will move Lewisville from an at-large form of representation to a residential district.

residents in Lewisville don’t pay more

differently in Castle Hills to how they are

in 2001 and been in the same house ever

funded in the city,” Gilmore said.

since with their three college age children.

The city has opened up seats on boards

Gilmore currently works in information

Where legally allowed, and in the coming

manager for Isogent Data Services. His

and commissions where Castle Hills

him in close contact with area city councils,

Gilmore began his public service on

they work.

some of those same city boards and

“People perceive the title of Mayor a

council member for 10 years including

member. If they have issues, they want

commissions, then as a Lewisville city

little differently from the title of council

deputy Mayor Pro-Tem in 2013 and Mayor

to talk to the person they perceive is in

Pro-Tem in 2014 and 2016. He has been a member of the DCTA the past two years, including one year as Vice Chair.

“I think half of this job is the relationships I’ve cultivated over the last decade,” he said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I

Before the annexation can be completed, issues relating to parks, linkages to water and sewer, and taxes must be resolved.

personally probably know the person who

“The key to this is the residents of Castle Hills don’t pay more in taxes. And by

outside of Boston for about five years

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After living in Grapevine the first six

does and get you connected.”

The University of Arizona graduate moved before he transferred to North Texas with

charge. And so my role is a bit different now in that I am considered a face of the city,” he said.

“As Mayor, I’m getting reached from folks who would talk to the previous Mayor.

I’m brought into conversations with the city manager for long-term strategy.

There’s also regional stuff like mayor’s

conferences, commissions, and mayor’s

calls with the county commissioners. I’m expected to be that conduit to those regional political bodies.”

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how to help your child

pick a CAREER

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they will LOVE

by Steve Gamel

T

here have been plenty of inspiring stories of local small-business owners in the pages of our Living magazines, but there’s no doubt that the best ones are the entrepreneurial tales of our area youth.

For example, there is young Zack Crabill, who started Zack’s Doggy Doody Service

here are a few

suggestions

Push their passion If you’re going to work for the next 20 or 30 years, you might as well pick something you are passionate about.

As parents, it’s easy to suggest careers to our children that we like, whether it’s our own career or another that carries lots of prestige. What we should be doing is honing in on what our child’s strengths are and what they are most passionate about. They may still become a lawyer or police officer like you, or they could choose something else. Either way, they’ll be happy.

in Lantana to help him save money for his first car. There’s also the young men from Lake Dallas ISD who opened a lawn mowing service that gained a handful of new customers within a matter of days.

Just last month, we highlighted 5th-grader Chloe Kelley, who is the proud CEO of Soaper Girl.

After sharing those stories, and so many more just like it, it’s clear that there’s no limit to how early kids begin thinking about careers and their future. Who knows if they’ll stick with these jobs or move on to something else, but it begs the question: how can we as parents help our kids – from pre-teen to high school seniors – pick a career they’ll love? www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

Tap into your resources Speaking of chasing dreams, if your child is passionate about a particular subject in school, maybe it would be a good idea to leverage the contacts you’ve built over the years to expose them to that sort of stuff outside of the classroom. They can interview these individuals and even shadow them on the job for a day or two. And who knows, maybe that person will become their mentor.

provides them with a unique learning experience and the opportunity to prepare for a job directly out of high school.

Encourage summer internships Applying for a regular summer or afterschool job has its advantages, but for the older kids out there, taking part in a paid or non-paid internship gives them handson experience in a career they enjoy so they can decide if it’s right for them.

Help them get that new business venture off the ground The young men mentioned who started a lawn care service got help from their parents, who not only bought supplies and equipment but also gave up their time to drive them to clients’ houses since none of them had a driver’s license. Make sure your kids know how much you support them and their entrepreneurial choices.

Look for electives and trade classes at school Signing your kids up for electives and trade classes like woodworking, theater, engineering, or plumbing JULY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

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SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

M U R P H R E E

SUMMER LAKE SAFETY

WE ARE HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply.

M

any Denton County residents look forward to our area lakes during the summer months. Denton County Sheriff’s Office patrols Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake, and our Lake Patrol Unit recommends the following to stay safe on the water.

www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

Boater Education - Enjoy boating in Texas • Take a boater safety course - https://tpwd. texas.gov/education/boater-education/?fb clid=IwAR0XuuGKXTELH_hMjVT3 soEL4gMYI0rWldwNF2hNd ppNq7JKk1JBrRGXkQ • Life jackets for everyone (anyone under 13 must have one on)

• Have a plan – A person you can depend on should know where you are, when you are departing, and how long you plan to be there

• Avoid alcohol • Watch children closely • Use an engine cut off safety switch

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.GOV/707/SHERIFF www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2021

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