Life in Castle Hills Magazine June 2019

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATIONS

TOP 4

SUMMER

PESTS

SOON-TO-BE

SENIORS

JUNE 21, 2019 - JULY 19, 2019

This Isn’t Your Ordinary

FOOD

COURT

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

E N D C N E E P DAY E D IN

Celebrations

by Barbara-Scott Kolb

T

he Fourth of July is a time to gather with friends and family in commemoration of America’s birthday and remember how lucky we are to live in this great nation!

If you haven’t decided on the right place to celebrate this year, here are a few ideas!

CASTLE HILLS FREEDOM FESTIVAL 2520 King Arthur Blvd. • Lewisville, TX 75056

The Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza is putting on its annual 4th of July Freedom Festival that you won’t want to miss! The festival runs from 5:30 - 11 pm and includes so many fun activities, such a euro bungee, a water slide, a giant inflatable obstacle course, carnival games, and so much more! Everyone is welcome to attend this free Fourth of July extravaganza.

LIBERTY BY THE LAKE

3700 Sparks Rd. • The Colony, TX 75056 Celebrate your Fourth of July lakeside at The Colony’s 22nd Annual Liberty By the Lake Festival! Enjoy a full day of live music, magic shows, games, stunt shows and more at the Stewart Creek Park and end your day at the festival with an incredible firework show. $20 for parking, but free admission. Personal grills and glass containers are not permitted at the park. Don’t miss out on all the fun at this year’s Liberty By the Lake Festival! Go to www.thecolonytx.gov/609/Liberty-By-The-Lake for info.

4TH OF JULY AT JOSEY RANCH

1700 Keller Springs Rd. • Carrollton, TX 75006 The City of Carrollton is hosting a free firework show over the Josey Ranch Lake!

Those who wish to attend are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to the event and residents from the surrounding neighborhood can view the show from their homes! The fireworks are scheduled to take off July 4th around 9:30 pm. Parking is limited, so make sure to get there early to secure a spot! Visit cityofcarrolton.com/fireworks or call 972.466.3593 for more information.

2 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

CastleHillsMagazine.com

IT’S

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

SUMMER

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

TIME...

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel Barbara-Scott Kolb

Advertising Manager

Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T 469.500.5657 www.whatsthatguysname.com

Letters

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

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries

S o M a k e I t O n e To R e m e m b e r

S

ummer is finally here, and I’ve got to tell ya, it’s about time! Not only am I looking forward to things slowing down just a little bit so Scott and I can hang out with the kids more, but I am eagerly awaiting more consistent weather patterns.

Yes, that means the North Texas sun will be beating down on us unmercifully at times, but it also means long days outside by the pool, road trips to wherever our budget will allow, hanging out on the patio grilling steaks and burgers, and ice cream dripping down sticky fingers. I can see and feel all of that right now. Can you?

Good … so let’s make the most of it.

One thing that always works for me is to live in the moment and make the most out of each day of summer that I have.

Here are a few simple tips to make the most out of yours: •

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 | JUNE 2019

Have a camp out in the backyard – A friend of mine did this last summer with their little ones, and it wasn’t anything too elaborate. They simply set up shop on the trampoline in their backyard, put out a few citronella candles to repel mosquitoes, and stared into the starry night sky until they drifted off to sleep. Trust me … the kids will love it.

Plan something you’ve never done before – Have a family sit down and choose a few road trips or local activities you’ve never done together before.

Master a new skill or talent – This can be for you or the kids because kids never want to stop trying new things

and adults need to remember they can still learn new tricks at any age.

A friend of mine said he’s going to teach his littlest son how to ride a bike this summer, and another said she will train for a half marathon.

The possibilities are endless.

•

Check in on your 2019 goals – June is the midway point of the year, and if you set goals for yourself back in January, it’s time to see where you are at and if you need to play any catchup.

What ideas do you have for this summer?

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: A Selection of Delicious Food from Urban8

FEATURED: WORLD’S FIRST ARGUMENT ENDER ASK THE EXPERTS 13 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing 23 School Days with Valorie McGilvra

20 Getting a Running Start

02 Independence Day Celebrations

24 What Are Your Sleeping Mistakes?

06 Fireworks Safety Tips

25 Foodie Friday with Jay Marks Real Estate 26 Fun Summer DIY Backyard Games

10 Inside Community

28 Lewisville Corner: Exciting Changes on the Horizon

11 Inside Education

29 4th of July Recipes

12 4 Questions You Need to Answer

30 Top 4 Summer Pests

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DIY Backyard Games

18 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

21 Pet Adoption of the Month

08 Hiking Trails Near You

EDITORS PICK: Fun Summer

14 Soon-To-Be Seniors

ARTICLES

07 Community Corner

26

The Fitness

ISSUE Featuring profiles on local fitness and health professionals.

Learn the latest trends in getting in shape.

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

Fireworks

SAFETY TIPS

by Steve Gamel

I

t’s summertime, which means it won’t be very long before we start hearing the welcomed boom of July 4 fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day, and we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? But whether you are planning on being extremely hands-on with fireworks, or you will be around people who will, it’s important to practice good safety habits.

Each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries – according to the National Fire Protection Association. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

All of these statistics are telling us that no matter how fun they look, all fireworks devices should be handled with extreme caution, and if possible, by professionals who have the training to ensure nothing bad happens. On the right are a few helpful tips on fireworks safety from both the National Council on Fireworks Safety and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

•

Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

•

Never allow young children to handle fireworks

•

Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye wear

•

Never light fireworks indoors

•

Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material

•

Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

•

Never ignite devices in a container

•

Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

•

Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

•

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

•

Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers

•

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks

•

Never point or throw fireworks at another person

•

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers

•

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

COMMUNITY

CORNER

What Does A County Commissioner Do?

T

he Denton County Commissioners Court oversees a number of duties ranging from financial management

of multiple departments to maintaining county roads and bridges, to name a few.

Each of the four commissioners represents

Before the Texas Revolution of 1836,

county government did not exist in the territory now known as Texas.

With the Constitution of 1836, the

Republic of Texas created 23 counties.

As Texas settled, the number of counties

a separate precinct in the county. As a

grew to the current number of 254.

member of the court, commissioners

Initially, the county judge and

exercise broad policy-making authority to conduct general county business.

Several key components of a commissioner’s job is to: •

photo courtesy of Dawn Cobb

by Ronald Marchant, Commissioner, Pct. 2

1861 and 1866 created a court

comprised of the county judge and

four commissioners as noted by the Texas State Historical Association.

set the tax rate

Those early documents did not address

Approve all budgeted purchases

•

Set salaries and benefits as well as approve payroll Provide and maintain all county facilities

•

Then Constitutions written in 1845,

Adopt the county’s budget and

•

•

justices of the peace governed counties.

Maintain county roads and bridges

If you look at the 163-page guide from the Texas Association of Counties on all that state law allows commissioners to do to ensure the welfare of county residents, you would find hundreds of listings.

The Commissioners Court handles

county government structures, leaving it to the state legislature to determine

specifics. The Constitution of 1876 set up Commissioners Court as we now know it.

While it is the administrative body of the

county, there are numerous independently elected county officers. The delegation

of specific duties to the elected officers

prevented centralization of power within any group.

Counties are a subdivision of the state.

While they have been delegated certain

powers, they remain under state control.

The state legislature can pass down

mandates, some which may be funded

everything from setting a burn ban when

and others, not.

weather conditions warrant to providing

In a high growth region such as Denton,

for pauper burials. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

challenges arise when population growth

exerts pressure on services provided at the county level. This can range from the amount of traffic on county-maintained roads requiring additional upkeep to ensuring there is enough jail space to

handle an increasing number of prisoners.

Each Commissioner is responsible for determining the individual needs in their precincts as well as the county overall.

They work closely together to address these challenges.

This is not an easy task when considering the amount of growth, rising costs and the determination to provide services in a manner that is cost effective.

However, the Denton County Commissioners Court is committed to providing good services to residents while ensuring the county is good stewards of their tax dollars.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Ron Marchant, who has served as commissioner since 2007, is a lifelong resident of Carrollton where he served on the city council, worked as Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace and has been actively involved in a number of other civic organizations.

He can be reached at 972.434.7140 or at Ronald.Marchant@ dentoncounty.com.

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Fitness Article

HIKING TRAILS Ne ar You H

iking is one of the best ways to get exercise and spend good quality time with family and friends. Neighborhood walking is great but it’s nice to get off the sidewalk from time to time for something a little more off road. There are a ton of hiking trails around your area but here are just a few to try out if you haven’ t already.

1

NORTH SHORE TRAIL | 18 Miles

3501 Pavilion Pl. • Grapevine, TX 76051

4

This trail traverses the North Shore of Grapevine

This trail isn’t off road hiking but it is great for runners,

including: Rockledge Park, Murrell Park, MADD

strollers and wheelchairs since it is paved and partly a city

Shelter, and Twin Coves Park. This is an old

walk. There are numerous street crossings so look before

motocross trail that is used for hiking and mountain

crossing. This trail is also dog friendly as long as they are

biking. We suggest if you are hiking to go in the

on a leash.

opposite direction of the suggested trail, so that you can see oncoming bikers.

Running | Biking | Family Friendly

Dog Friendly | Kid Friendly | Mountain Biking

Stroller/Wheelchair Friendly | Walking | Dog Friendly

Hiking | Trail Running

SHORELINE TRAIL LOOP | 2.6 Miles

4500 Sarasota Dr. • The Colony, TX 75056

5

and horses. This trail also connects to Knob Hill Trail.

It offers scenic views and dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Hiking | Trail Running

LEWISVILLE LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL

LEARNING AREA | 9 trails | About 13 Miles In Total 201 E. Jones St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 (Visitor Center Address)

Within this park are multiple trails for all levels. This is a great place to come and spend the day with family

12434-12498 Dunham Rd. • Roanoke, TX 76262

moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips

trafficked loop trail is great for the whole family.

Dog Friendly | Kid Friendly | Mountain Biking

CROSS TIMBERS EQUESTRIAN TRAIL | 6.5 Miles

A lightly trafficked trail that features a lake and is rated as

Connected to Stoneridge Drive Trailhead this lightly

3

304 Swisher Rd. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 This trail is moderately trafficked and is rated as moderate.

Lake. There are several trailheads for this route,

2

DENTON KATY RAIL TRAIL | 8.4 Miles

Horse Friendly | Hiking

6

KNOB HILL TRAIL | 10.6 Miles Off of US-377 • Roanoke, TX 76262 Knob Hill Trail is a moderately trafficked loop trail and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail connects to Cross Timbers Equestrian Trail.

and friends to hike and enjoy nature.

Dog Friendly | Kid Friendly | Mountain Biking | Hiking

Kid Friendly | Hiking | Canoeing

All information sourced from AllTrails.com

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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380

DENTON

380

380

288 35W 377

35E

4

ARGYLE

LAKE DALLAS

35W

LANTANA

377

6

2

35E

3

5

114

CASTLE HILLS

121

1 35E

121

State Highway

Roads

U.S. Highway

Water

Interstate

Vegetation/Park

INSIDE COMMUNITY SOUNDS OF LEWISVILLE

CONCERT SERIES Every Tues. in Jun. & Jul. | 7-9:30pm 148 W Church St. • Lewisville, TX 75057

Every Tuesday in June and July from 7-9:30 pm, the Lewisville Wayne Ferguson Plaza is hosting “The Sounds of Lewisville,” a free concert series! You can expect a variety of different genres of music in a family friendly environment — come enjoy tributes to Garth Brooks, Selena, Madonna and many more. No tickets are required. Visit www.soundsoflewisville.com for the summer event lineup.

MOUNTAIN NATIVES AT WITHERSPOON DISTILLERY Sat., Jun. 29 | 6-9pm | Witherspoon Distillery 225 S Charles St. • Lewisville, TX 75057

The Witherspoon Distillery is a special hangout in the heart of Lewisville that designs unique handcrafted spirits and is a great spot to see some live music. June 29th come out and try one of their specially designed cocktails and catch a free show.

The indie folk band, Mountain Natives will be performing from 6-9pm. photo courtesy of the Mountain Natives Facebook page

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

CODE NINJAS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Sat., Jun. 22 | 11am-3pm | Code Ninjas 2500 King Arthur Blvd., Ste. 122 • Lewisville, TX 75056

Be a part of the fun as Code Ninjas celebrate their Grand Opening of Code Ninjas Castle Hills! This free event is for the whole family to check out their Dojo: the STEM space where kids can try activities like Video-Game Building, Roblox, Minecraft, Drones, Robotics, Circuit Building, and Coding. It will be an afternoon of coding, treats, raffles, and high fives! Find more information on the Code Ninjas Castle Hills Facebook page. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

INSIDE EDUCATION THE COLONY HIGH SCHOOL’S KIM MOSELY This past month, Kim Mosely of The Colony High School, was selected as The Colony Chamber of Commerce/DATCU Credit Union as Teacher of the Month.

Her selection concludes the 2018-19 school year. Mosely received this award following 30 years of dedicated service at TCHS.

LISD DI TEAM TAKES STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The Lewisville ISD Destination Imagination is a unique STEAM program that challenges students innovative, problem-solving skills.

Under the guidance of Killian Middle School teacher Terri Kinsella, three students from the district took on a medical mystery challenge at the Texas State DI Tournament and won first place. Congratulations to Hebron’s Lindsey Peterson, Flower Mound’s Jacoby Solari, and Aiden Nguyen of Creek Valley Middle School!

FIND IT Police Car with Lights On Man Wearing a Hat Swing Set Train Green Roof Picnic Table Detour Sign Person Singing in Car Baseball Field Bird on a Wire Water Tower Ambulance Ladder

LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY The goal of the Lewisville Public Library is to increase their collection in order to educate readers of all ages. The Library was recently awarded a $2,500 grant at this year’s Texas Book Festival to help assist in that goal.

The Library is now one of 41 public libraries throughout Texas to have received grants over $100,000.

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Mailbox Rusty Pickup Truck Yellow Sports Car Person Taking a Selfie Bridge Over Water Port-A-Potty Old Tire on Side of Road Swimming Pool JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Fitness Article

4 QUESTIONS

YOU NEED TO ANSWER

A

by Diana Rissell

friend, lets just call her Josie, asked me to meet her at Chick-fil-A. After an hour and a half of talking through what she could be doing to lose weight and improve her overall health she looked me in the eye, sighed heavily and said, “Isn’t there just a pill I can take?”

She stopped taking my calls after that conversation.

Losing weight is hard work, like any change. Even when we want to change and know we need it, we still resist it.

We get stuck in what the change will do to how we live – and it’s scary. We side with familiar over fear, as Josie did. She didn’t see possibilities. She saw disruption and didn’t think it was worth it.

For so many of the people I have worked with, and for me, losing weight is more mental and emotional than physical.

That probably explains why it’s so frustratingly hard. Most of us already know what healthy is and what needs to change, but none of that makes it any easier. We have to “unpack our stuff.”

All of the people I’ve met who are holding a healthier weight after losing weight have done the really hard work. Maybe the weight loss came fairly easy – and lots of diet programs are successful with this part – but staying the course and maintaining the healthier weight long term surely isn’t.

Here are the four important questions to start the mental and emotional prep work.

Keep them handy, because you’re going to need to answer them regularly.

1. What do you want? Lots of people

talk to me about eating healthier and then are frustrated when a month

goes by, and they haven’t lost any

weight. Those are two different goals – lots of overlap but different.

2. Can I do this for a long time?

Whatever eating plan you choose,

can you “live” it? Will it help you lose

weight? Many programs out there do

that, but then … nothing. Can you see

your future in what you are doing, and are you OK with it?

3. Do you have support? It is said

that we are the five people we hang out with the most. So, who’s in your circle? Are they with you on this

journey to eating healthier? Or are they dropping by on Friday night with chips and mojitos?

4. Why? Yes, finding your why has

become a cliché … but it works.

When the changes you are making get tough – and they will – what do you call to mind to push past the

perceived pain? What keeps you in

the game while staying patient and

being consistent to get to your goals?

Do the hard work to answer the questions. Accept that you may not be ready yet. But know that the disruptions and changes to your life, your routine (maybe even to your friends!) are worth it. Not a single person I know who has done the hard work and is living at a healthier weight has ever said, “Gee, I wish I hadn’t done that!”

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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Organizing :Ask The Expert

How To Use A

TOMATO TIMER To Get

ORGANIZED

H

ave you heard of the Pomodoro Technique® Pomo-what?

Pomodoro is Italian for tomato.

The Pomodoro Technique® is centered around the idea of using a tomato timer to get things done. What does that have to do with organizing, you ask? It’s all about efficiency. It’s a time management technique that was credited

by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.

I have tested this technique out many times and find it to be super motivating. There’s something about getting as much done as possible before that timer sounds. Using a timer is a

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Shift your mind to a relaxed state by

drinking a cup of tea, doing a few yoga moves, take a shower, walk around the

block, or anything else relaxing and nonstrenuous. These breaks will help you

tackle the rest of your project with a new, fresh perspective.

After your break, you can set the timer for another 15-25 minutes and get back to

organizing. The short bursts of work with

systematic breaks keep you from burning

out too quickly. Less burn-out means you’ll be more likely to finish your project in a timely manner (see what I did there?)

I don’t suggest doing more than 4

timed-sessions in a day. If you do more

than 4 sessions Cirillo recommends that simple yet effective method you can use to stay on track while working on any big organizing project.

The key is to stay within a couple

parameters so that you stay on track.

First of all, set the timer for no more than

15-25 minutes. Second, you have to STOP at the end of the timer. So simple!

The genius part: you require yourself

you take longer breaks in between each timed-session.

Remember, organizing is never a do

or die situation. If you don’t get your organizing project done in one day

that’s perfectly fine. You can declutter,

destress and simplify your life by using short, manageable bursts of time.

Set reasonable goals for yourself and set a timer.

to take a short break (about 15-20 minutes) after the timer goes off.

You cannot do anything related to the organizing project during the break.

Try not to even think about the

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

organizing project.

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

SOON-TO-BE

SENIORS Here’s What You Should BE DOING THIS SUMMER

by Steve Gamel

W

e totally get it. You’ve got one more summer before your senior year of high school,

and the last thing you want to be thinking about is more school. Now should be the

time to goof off with friends, go on family

vacations, lay out by the pool, take in a few movies, and yes, maybe squeeze in an allnight binge of Fortnite when the parental units aren’t looking.

You can do all of this, but there also

For example, if you wanted to

up to your college applications. It may

home, UNT is a perfect option and

getting a summer job will give you

Journalism. If you want to go far, Emerson

College Essays Are Critical

on most polls. A quick Google search or

The truth is, you won’t really know what

be a journalist and not be too far from is home to the Mayborn School of

College in Massachusetts is ranked No. 1

in-person campus tour may reveal options you’ve never considered.

Search For Scholarships, Financial Aid

must be some balance. The summer

Not everyone can pay for college out

opportunities to stand out in the college

in the classroom, you may be eligible

in a row, so you’re ahead of the game

apply early and often. There are also

before your senior year is one of your last

of pocket, and if you’re a smarty pants

admissions process and get all your ducks

for a handful of scholarships if you

when August rolls around.

We’re not trying to lecture you, but here

opportunities with a local Chamber of

Commerce or community organization

are just a few productive activities you

like Rotary International where you can

should add to your summer to-do list:

be offered scholarships.

Narrow Down Your College List And

Build Your College Resume

Potential Major

With this tip, think summer internships,

The list of colleges and universities you

volunteer work and community service,

overwhelming, so start by deciding how

College admissions officials want to

what areas of study you want to focus on.

you, and these are just a few ways to beef

can attend in the United States alone is

and summer classes for college credit.

far away from home you want to be and

know anything and everything about

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

not be high on your to-do list, but even real-world experience.

the essay topic is on most applications until you officially apply. Now is your chance to start brainstorming ideas

ahead of time and even think of defining moments in your life that have molded you into the person you are today or

shaped your decision on what you want to do for a living. All of these could be great fodder for a potential essay.

How you score on your essay is critical to not only earning a spot in many

major universities but also stand out amid a sea of qualified applicants.

Prepare For Standardized Tests Summer is a great chance to take practice

SAT or ACT exams if you haven’t taken the real thing yet or weren’t too happy with

your previous score and want to try again.

This doesn’t mean you have to study all

day, every day … but every little bit helps down the road.

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JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

World’s First

Argument

M

ENDER

by Steve Gamel

ost people would have looked Stanley Rose right in the eye and told him he was nuts the second he decided almost five years ago that he was going to get into the food court business.

‘Maybe there’s something to this.’ And by golly, there was. There isn’t a soul who has come in who hasn’t been impressed by it.

You read that right: food courts – the overcrowded staple of every mall in the country where no matter how much you make it look nice, junk food is still the name of the game, and there’s never enough options to please everyone. On paper, it was hardly the most exciting of entrepreneurial endeavors, and the funny thing was that Stanley totally agreed.

Located in The Colony,

He didn’t like the food court model, either – which is why he wanted to reinvent the entire concept.

“I Googled my idea, and there was nothing like it,” Stanley said. “I thought, 16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

It’s a food court on steroids.”

weekends, local musicians, trivia night on

Tuesdays, singo (a combination of singing and bingo) on Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays, and so much more.

Allow us to introduce you to Urban8 Local Food Courts.

Urban8 is a free-standing,

local food court with seven chef-driven restaurants and a craft cocktail bar

that serves up specialty drinks, healthier dining

options, and an upbeat,

atmosphere that caters to

families, friends looking for

You can’t find this concept

The idea for Urban8 was born from his own frustrations with the food court industry

a fun night out, and even

coworkers looking to blow off steam.

Urban8 has fun activities going on all the time, including dueling pianos on the

anywhere else. From

burgers to tacos, pho, and pizza, Urban8 is sure to excite any appetite.

“It’s the food court model

with much better food, and we’ve designed it in such a way that if one concept isn’t working or needs to

be changed, we can switch it out to keep everything

relevant,” Stanley said. “I’ve surrounded

myself with great people; I have a five-star chef on staff named Sean Cahill, and he’s

really good. And our bar makes drinks that www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Sponsored Content photography by What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a pretty

trying to settle his son into college in

Urban8 opened in September, but

“It was noon, and I was bored and hungry

neat concept when you see it for yourself.”

Stanley and the team have planned a

grand re-opening July 11 where they will

unveil three new restaurant concepts that will include prime rib and steak on the

weekends as well as pizza, Italian dishes, and a full-service deli that is out of this world. The slate of restaurants is Pho

Corner, Urbano8, Taco Cielo, Sushi Corner, Monster Yogurt, U8 Burger & Grill, Urban Station Deli and, of course, the wildly popular Str8 Up Bar.

Stanley, who now lives in Little Elm, said

the idea for Urban8 was born from his own frustrations with the food court industry.

When Life in Castle Hills magazine caught up with him, he was quick to recount the day nearly five years ago when he was www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Colorado Springs.

driving around looking for something,”

Stanley said. “I drove by the mall thinking,

In an age where you can’t please everyone, Stanley and his team at Urban8 are coming pretty darn close. Not only have they created a diamond in the rough in the heart of The Colony, but they are

‘Man, I’d like to have more choices in that

just as much a community partner and are

and on top of that parking was a big issue.

Chamber and schools.

food court.’ I knew I’d just be eating junk,

working hard to be involved with the local

So I went down the street to a Jason’s Deli

Next time you’re looking for fun things to

just to find something a little healthier. I

got a salad, and while I was sitting there, I sketched out my idea on a napkin.”

do today, Urban8 is your answer! Come eat, drink, dance, and be part of the Urban8 family any day of the week!

He added, “I didn’t have any experience in this beforehand, but I wasn’t afraid of jumping in and making it work.”

You can check often for updates at www.urban8food.com.

469.301.2416 5265 State Hwy 121 • The Colony, TX 75056 JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

T

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office Training Unit falls under the Support Services Division. It is under the command of Captain Kelly Fair and is composed of one Lieutenant, one Sergeant/Training Coordinator, one Range Master, and a Training Deputy.

The Training Unit is responsible for the career development of officers by finding or providing specialized courses appropriate to their assignment areas. The Training Unit also manages the Denton County Sheriff’s Firearms Range and keeps records of firearms qualifications.

The Training Coordinator will monitor transcripts to ensure the availability of certification/re-certification classes to keep officers current in CPR, Impact Weapons, TASER, Firearms, etc. The Training Coordinator also ensures compliance of agency members with rules established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as to hours required and courses required to maintain a peace officer license, jailer license, or tele-communicator license.

Interns from Colleges and Universities are under the purview of Training.

940.349.1600 127 N.WOODROW LANE STE. 300 DENTON, TX 76205 DENTONCOUNTY.COM/ DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

2018 Major Accomplishments •

The Denton County Sheriff’s Office Training Department taught a total of 25,066 contact hours of onsite training, which accounts for more than 50 TCOLE accredited classes.

•

Ninety-three students attend the Denton County Sheriff’s County Corrections Academy, which includes students from the Collin, Wise, Montague, and Lewisville police departments.

We are hiring Detention Officers. If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer positions start at $37,623 per year.

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Fitness Article

GETTING A

RUNNING

START

R

by Susan Neuhalfen

unning has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it’s hard on the body. It jars joints and just leaves you feeling achy all day if you don’t do it enough. On the other hand, it’s a very quick way to lose weight and a great motivator. It is also addictive, and once that addiction is discovered by a runner, the euphoria is unmatched.

For those just starting to run, however,

the entire thought can be overwhelming.

Luckily thousands of people have taken the time to create the best equipment

available to make learning to run easier than ever.

Here are a few first steps to make that transition to running:

feeling like you are running forever like a half-marathon or full marathon.

Lucky for you, there are several apps entitled “Couch to 5k” for the beginning runner. Many are free and some work better than others depending on the type of phone used. A few recommended include: 5K Runner • C25K Zombies, Run! • 5K Run.

feet, or even their heels. It varies, and

there are shoes designed specifically for

how you run. The right shoe can mean the difference between sore hips and ankles and feeling great. While you’re at it get some good, cushy running socks.

GPS Watch - Heart Monitor It’s important to keep an eye on your heart rate when you run, which is why you should invest in a quality GPS watch designed specifically for runners.

Runner’s World lists the Apple Watch Series 4, Coros Apex Multisport, Polar Advantage, Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, and the Suunto 9 as just a few of the more advanced GPS watches for runners in 2019.

Couch To 5K Apps

The Right Shoes

Signing up for a run is a great way

Don’t just purchase any run-of-the-mill tennis shoe – go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes, and let the specialist watch you run or walk. Runners may run on their toes, the outside of the

to motivate yourself, and there is no

better motivator than a 5K (3.1 miles).

Unlike a 1 mile fun run, it’s just long enough to be a challenge without

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

A Good Place To Run Finding a good trail is a great motivator.

Google “running trails near me,” and there will be plenty. You can also look in the

pages of this magazine, as we have put

together a map of nearby trails and other running spots.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Take Your Mind Off It The point of listening to something is to take your mind off the run and put it into a positive state. Design a playlist with songs that mimic the beats per minute (BPM) of the run, or just turn on Pandora Radio and listen to your favorite tunes.

Podcasts and books are available if you prefer something other than music. The app Zombies, Run narrates an adventure story in which the runner outruns hordes of hungry zombies while collecting things for the mission.

PET ADOPTION

Of The Month Hi my name is Biscuit,

Find A Running Mate

I’m one year old and a truly loyal guy.

To take running in a more social direction, there are plenty of running clubs in the area, and most are free. Search the internet and find one that fits your style.

Once I’ve bonded with you I’m sweet and

There are plenty of other hacks out there to make running easier. Start with these basics and then work into exactly what is needed to make running a great go-to sport that fits your schedule.

Remember, it’s never too late to start a great new habit like running.

one come by and see me!

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calm. I’m learning some basic common commands and will do well since I’m treat motivated. If you think that I might be the

LEWISVILLE ANIMAL SERVICES 995 E Valley Ridge Blvd. • Lewisville, TX | 972.219.3478 Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm • Sat 1 - 5pm JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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Family

School Days :Ask The Expert

F

I

T

N

E

S

It Starts At The Dinner Table

S

by Valorie McGilvra, Teacher and Life Coach-ADHD/Parenting

W

hen you ask your kids what they want for dinner, do they say?

A. A favorite home-cooked meal B. Chick-fil-A, Panda C. Order pizza

•

summer. We do have family dinners, but

•

My childhood memories of setting

the table and helping prepare meals with mom.

•

It is becoming a fortune to eat out.

•

Healthy-home-cooked meals are

• •

Time- between baseball and my

husband’s work schedule this always puts a wrench in our dinner plans.

•

Planning-I start with good intentions, then I drop the ball. All it takes is a

few days of unplanned dinner, and my car’s GPS takes over, and I am ordering a #5 combo!

•

Routine-Once again this skill

comes from the part of your brain that controls Executive Function, so I struggle with this as well.

Once you identify why your goal is

important and what obstacles you’ve

encountered, then you are ready to write your new goal and plan of action.

going to be healthier, and you can

Step 1: Write your goal. I want to have

Doctors attribute many diseases

sure your goals are clear and reachable,

control what is going into your food.

family dinner three days a week. To make

to diet.

each one should be:

It is really the only time to sit with

• Specific (simple, sensible, significant).

everyone and connect.

• Measurable (meaningful, motivating).

Teaching your child how to cook,

• Achievable (agreed, attainable).

table etiquette, measurements,

timing, learning what ingredients to

use, and how to mix and match them for a perfect meal.

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• I want to use our money wisely.

Step 3: What are the possible obstacles, and how will you overcome them?

• Action: Make a menu and a grocery list in advance.

change in my family’s life, and here’s how

a family dinner is important to me.

• I want my family to eat healthily.

•

been successful.

to “coach” myself to make this important

First, I wrote down the reasons why having

• I want to have a regular family time that will help foster strong, healthy relationships with my family.

• Lack of Planning/Preparation: I wait until I’m driving home to plan dinner.

they are far and few between. I decided

I did it.

share with family.

Step 2: Identify the reasons why your new goal is important to you and list the reasons why you want the change.

Next, I wrote down why I haven’t

My boys will choose B or C more often

than not. I want to change all of that this

Communicate with people,

limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

• Relevant (reasonable, realistic, and resourced, results-based).

• Time-bound (time-based, time-

• Extracurricular Activities: Baseball, soccer, music lessons, etc.

Honor the day and time I set for our family dinners. Be prepared for life’s events to happen and set another day, so you still get in your minimum weekly family dinners.

Step 4: I now have a doable plan.

I will have three family dinners per week.

I will choose three dinners and have them prepped ahead of time on Sunday. If we miss a day, I will go back and figure out why it didn’t happen and readjust the day or time.

Want to join me? Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear from you. Val@ADDitudeCoaching.com.

Quick Tip: Try playing some family conversational games at the table to keep it lively. We play guess the capital, and famous people named George…

Check out: Marriage 365 Blog for dinner conversation starters. https:// www.marriage365.org/blog/40family-questions-to-ask-at-thedinner-table?rq=dinner%20table JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

WHAT ARE YOUR Sleeping Mistakes?

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make before bedtime:

DRINKING OR HAVING A NIGHTCAP: Alcohol can help you fall asleep but it also affects how you sleep. When you go to bed tipsy or drunk it can cause you to have slower sleep patterns, interrupt your circadian rhythm (which can block your REM sleep), have aggressive breathing, and have your sleep interrupted by the need to go to the bathroom. This will lead you to have an unrestful sleep.

BEING NEGATIVE: Being stressed, thinking about what happened during the day or planning the next day makes it hard for you to sleep. Your body cannot relax and your heart rate and blood pressure become elevated. Try meditating, doing yoga or doing something relaxing before bed to help you go to sleep.

HITTING THE SNOOZE BUTTON: We all have woken up to the alarm and hit the snooze button and said, “Just 5 more minutes.”

Well it turns out that it’s not the best for us. When you hit that snooze button and go back to sleep you start your sleep cycle again, which means when you do get up you have not finished a sleep cycle making you more tired than if you had gotten up without pressing the snooze button.

HAVING THE TEMPERATURE TOO HOT: Your body temperature has a cycle and towards bedtime your body temperature gets cooler, which affects your blood vessels. When the temperature in the room is too hot it prevent your body temperature from lowering which means your blood vessels are enlarged and you lose more heat. So when heading to bed put the temperature somewhere in the 60s.

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

USING TECHNOLOGY: When we use a device that produces light it tricks our body into thinking that the light is coming from the sun. The body thinking it’s sunny signals to stay awake, stopping the production of melatonin, which is what helps us go to sleep. So instead of scrolling through social media, watching a video or playing a game, try reading a book before going to bed.

HAVING CAFFEINE: Caffeinated items such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate are great for when you wake up because the caffeine blocks the sleepinducing chemicals in your brain. Once the caffeine takes effect, it takes about 6 hours for half of the caffeine to leave your body. This means it would be best not to have that cup of coffee in the afternoon, because it will keep you up at bedtime.

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Z Grill & Tap :Foodie Friday DFW

Z GRILL W

& Tap

e always love visiting new restaurants in the area, but just as fun is visiting some of our

previous Foodie Friday restaurants who have made some big changes!

This week we got to visit with Shawn and

Zara Mash, the three-year owners of Z Grill photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

& Tap, who have recently finished making some fun, new changes to this beloved

committed to making the floor plan flow more to allow for more dining space

and room for dancing. The interior has new paint, new TVs, and they moved

the stage to allow for that extra dining

and dancing space. They also added a

special VIP section near the dance floor.

We’d like to be a VIP!

local hangout spot.

Shawn and his team also overhauled

One of the things Z Grill & Tap is probably

POS System and the kitchen to allow for

best known for is its live music. Whether it’s New Year’s Eve or just a normal

weekend, the team always has something fun happening. You can find live music

Wednesday through Saturday evenings

at Z Grill & Tap, and they’ve also recently introduced live jazz music on Sundays.

972.691.2300 www.zgrillandtap.com 2321 Cross Timbers Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028

Shawn (an architect by trade) was

To better serve their customers, they

also just wrapped up remodeling the entire interior of the restaurant.

the equipment and technology in their better service. Plus, they’re rolling out

a new menu featuring gluten-free and vegan options.

You’ve probably also noticed their new signage as you’ve driven by. They have incorporated a new look all the way

around, but it’s still the same great food

and entertainment you’ve come to love!

With all these new changes, one thing has always stayed the same. Shawn and Zara

always comment on how grateful they are

for their regular customers who call Z Grill & Tap their local spot! And it really is the

perfect hangout - it’s open 7 days a week

and they offer Happy Hour every day from 3pm to 7pm.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

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So, this weekend, head to Z Grill & Tap for some live music, delicious food, and to

check out their new look! Shawn and Zara are so excited to share it with you!

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Summer DIY BACKYARD Yo u

S h o u l d

B e

D o i n g

N o w

by Steve Gamel

S

ummer is here, and while many people are planning their next vacation getaway with family and friends, there are those of us who are perfectly content doing something more local. Well, what’s more local and fun than your own backyard?

This is the time of year when we all get outside and hang out by the pool while dad fires up the grill, and there are plenty of traditional backyard games like cornhole, lawn darts, croquet, bocce ball, or even dodgeball to keep us busy for hours. Here are a few do-it-yourself game ideas that will take your next backyard outing from ordinary to larger than life.

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

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30 Dunk Bucket Think of the dunk tanks at carnivals where you throw a ball to hit a target that releases a switch that drops one hopeless soul into the water. You may not have access to a tank, but all you have to do here is attach a wood base to a nearby tree or shed wall that can hold a fivegallon bucket.

20 10 Bean Bag Ladder Toss Talk about thinking outside the box.

DUNK BUCKET

INSTRUCTIONS Take some wood and cut out a target

Grab your basic ladder from the shed and

Lawn Twister This is probably one of the easiest, and most fun games on the planet to do in your backyard. Use circular stencils and

spray paint to turn a section of your lawn into a makeshift game board.

use pieces of paper or sturdy notecards to write point totals for each rung of the ladder. To play the game, make a few

bean bags or substitute bean bags with

rolled up socks and toss them through the different rungs to earn points.

Take wood and cut out base for 5-gallon bucket Use hinges to attach bucket to tree and to attach target to tree Use washers or some other mechanism to hold bucket up Use piping as a delivery method to fill the bucket

Ladder Golf

Glow In The Dark Bowling Why limit your backyard shenanigans

Buy/find tennis balls

to daytime when you can go overtime with this neat, summer night game.

Simply grab yourself six empty water Sit person in front of bucket

bottles, a few glow sticks to put inside the bottles to create the perfect lighting, and any ball you have on hand. When you’re

Throw ball at target (repeat if necessary) Instructions courtesy of thehappyhousewife.com

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all set up, bowl to your heart’s content.

Per wideopenneats.com, all you need to play this fun version of golf is 4x4s, 2x4s, bolts, washers, dowels, plywood, and a few screws. To play this game, space the ladders about 15 feet apart.

Each player tosses three bolas, and then the next player does the same.

The first one to 21 without going over is the winner! The top rung is worth three points, the middle is two, and the bottom rung is worth one point.

If you decide to do any of these DIY game ideas this summer, please send us your photos at artwork@murray-media.com or our Facebook page! We’d love to publish them.

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

CORNER EXCITING CHANGES ON THE HORIZON

T

he Lewisville Area Chamber is located on North Valley Parkway in Lewisville in a building built in 1997. While the building has served the chamber well over the years, it has never had any updates or renovations since it was built. We’re excited to announce the chamber will undergo complete remodel over the summer.

SAVE THE DATES Featured Events

The building will receive a new outside facade facing the parking lot that will mimic the character of Old Town Lewisville, and inside will be repurposed into a large community event space with the capacity to accommodate close to 120 people. This will be a great option for businesses and organizations in the Lewisville and surrounding areas to hold events and meetings.

The chamber’s President, Lori Fickling, has a vision for the chamber to become a community hub; a place where people can drop in and do some work if they need to, have one-on-one meetings or large meetings, as well as be a resource to the community to connect people with local businesses. The project is expected to be complete before the end of summer and will follow with a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Watch the progress on our Facebook page and be sure and join us for our completion celebration!

Follow us on Facebook to keep up with all we have going on!

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

Other Events Monthly Partnership Luncheon Jun., 25th | 11:30am - 1pm Courtyard by Marriott Flower Mound 4330 Courtyard Way Flower Mound, TX This event features a special guest speaker as well as presentations for the following community awards: Student of the Month, Teacher of the Month, School of the Month, Business of the Month, First Responder of the Month, and Chamber Ambassador of the Month. This is a great way to meet and support outstanding community members.

Healthcare Alliance Wed., July 10th | 9am Medical City Lewisville The Healthcare Alliance is a networking group of the Lewisville Area Chamber.

These meetings are a great way to develop partnerships, share best practices, and build your network with individuals in the Healthcare Industry and related fields.

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ANGEL FOOD CAKE

RECIPE

•

1 cup fresh raspberries

•

1 jar of cream cheese icing

•

1 cup fresh blueberries

•

1 tsp sugar or splenda

•

1 cup fresh strawberries

•

bakery bought angel food cake Directions

Place angel food cake on a July 4th decorative plate.

Smooth cream cheese icing over the top of cake.

Combine raspberries, strawberries and blueberries in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar/splenda; toss gently. Add fresh raspberries, strawberries and blueberries and top cake with berry mixture. Chill and serve when ready.

4th of July BERRY SALAD

RECIPE • 6 cups mixed baby greens • Cup fresh blueberries • Cup fresh raspberries • Cup fresh strawberries • ¼ cup walnuts • ½ cup Gorgonzola cheese • Dressing of choice Directions

Combine all ingredients above and serve with dressing. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JUNE 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

TOP 4

SUMMER

PESTS

S

by Barbara-Scott Kolb

ummer is here, which means pests are back on the prowl. After trying to survive the winter, bugs are now searching for any hot, muggy environment to find food.

Here is a list of the most prevalent summer insects and a few tips on how to get rid these unwanted house guests.

Mosquitoes

Ticks

Mosquitoes might rank number one on the list of annoying summer insects, and leaving you covered in red bumps that itch incessantly is not the only damage they do. Mosquitoes also often carry dangerous diseases that, when transmitted, can cause extreme illness for humans — diseases such as West Nile Virus, dengue, and malaria to name of a few.

These parasites are as dangerous to us as they are to our animals. Three serious diseases ticks are known to spread are Rocky Mountain Tick Fever, Malaria, and Lyme Disease.

Mosquitoes thrive where there is water because that is normally where reproduction occurs. Eliminating as much standing water as possible surrounding your residence can help reduce the number of these nuisances. This strategy paired with natural mosquito repellents and mosquito nets should be effective.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2019

There are a few tick repellents, but a good way to assure you don’t come in contact with a tick is to wear proper clothing when you have a feeling you might be wandering into their territory.

Ticks typically attack at your ankles — wearing tight, long socks can give you peace of mind when you’re out trekking through nature. Always inspect yourself and your animals once returning indoors.

Snakes Insects are not the only pests that emerge this time of year. There is a reason Texans use the phrase “snake summer.”

Snakes are usually hibernating during the winter, so when spring and summer begin, they make their reappearance.

You especially must be aware if there are poisonous ones wandering around on your property. Most poisonous snakes have pupils like slits with triangular shaped heads, whereas non-poisonous snakes have round-shaped pupils.

Securing all entryways, keeping food indoors, maintaining your lawn, and possibly installing a fence are all ways to protect your home from snakes. Always be aware when walking around your property during this time.

Termites Termites are extremely destructive pests.

They hibernate underground during the winter, and when summer begins, they are ready to dig out of their winter home and scavenge for food. That food being your humble abode, as they feed on wood.

To prepare for their possible arrival, it is important to have your home periodically inspected. Once they have begun feeding on the wood structure of your home, it is costly and extremely inconvenient to have them removed.

Despite the presence of all these creatures, summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors. Just do yourself a favor and take the proper precautions against these pests. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com