Life in Castle Hills Magazine March 2019

NEED A LIVE

AUCTIONEER?

REINVENTING

THE WHEEL

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

MARCH 15, 2019 - APRIL 19, 2019

YOUR LOCAL

ROOFER: THEN, NOW AND FOREVER

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

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

PET

EDITION

Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Emily Mitchell

We Are Surrounded By

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

Kim Ortiz Photography 972.814.9642 wwwKimOrtiz.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

AMAZING BUSINESSES

I

AND NOW IS THE TIME TO GO VISIT

f you haven’t noticed, we’ve been sending out notifications here and there over the last month or so about our annual Best of Denton County contest. It’s funny because people keep coming up to me – including past winners who are looking forward to defending their title – and saying, “Already! It feels like we just wrapped all that up.”

Well, there’s still three months to go before nominations begin on June 12, but yes, it will be here before you know it.

Which reminds me – please take a few moments, especially before the craziness of BODC season, and visit some of the amazing small businesses we have here in Denton County. It doesn’t matter if you live in Flower Mound, Lantana, Argyle, or downtown Denton, we are surrounded by the best of the best. Whether it’s electricians, car repair shops, yoga studios,

lawyers, dentists, or someone else, you really can’t go wrong.

You simply need to see for yourself, especially if this will be your first

experience with Best of Denton County.

We are a very tight-knit community, and it really means so much to our organization to be able to call so many of you our

friends and family. We all work so hard

every single day; we pour our heart and soul into what we do for a living, and it means so much to put a smile on a customer’s face.

There are a lot of big-top companies out there who have forgotten the point of

being a business owner. Small-business owners, especially those right here in Denton County, never forget.

Shop Local. Promote Local. Look forward

to Best of Denton County. It’s almost here!

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

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www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: Heritage Construction Co.

FEATURED: Your Local Roofer: Then, Now and Forever ASK THE EXPERTS

11 Inside Education

22 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing

12 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

13 Resident Spotlight

27 Reinventing the Wheel

14 Lewisville Chamber Corner

PHOTOS FROM CASTLE HILLS

18 Tax Scams To Be Aware Of

04 You Submit, We Print: Pet Edition

ARTICLES 08 Brain Injury Awareness Month 10 Lesser Known Ways to Get a Concussion 10 Inside Community www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

20 Classic of Denton Honors Local Military Veteran 24 Top 7 Benefits of Aloe Vera 26 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks Real Estate 28 2019 Easter Services 30 2019 The Colony & Hebron National Signing Day

12 EDITORS PICK: Need a Live Auctioneer? Call DM Auction Services

The Health

ISSUE Look for the icon above to learn more about your health and how to stay healthy.

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Health Article

Brain Injury Awareness Month:

L E S SE R K N OWN WAYS TO GE T A

CONCUSSION

by Steve Gamel

I

f you were to give most people a few minutes to think about it, they could probably tell you how old they were when they suffered their first diagnosed concussion.

Granted, they may be a little fuzzy on the details for obvious reasons, but whether it happened during a game of dodgeball in PE class, while roughhousing with an overzealous sibling, or in the first half of a football game, it’s a memory that will always stand out in some way.

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

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And why? Well, any injury to the brain – especially if it’s your first – is scary and presents a ton of unknowns since everyone is affected by a blow to the head differently. On top of that, recovery time also varies, which means you could be dealing with the effects for a long time if you’ve had repeated blows to the noggin.

Depending on the severity of the injury, concussion symptoms include:

Memory Loss

Chronic Headaches

Vision Problems, Including Sensitivity to Light

Vomiting and Nausea

We share all this with you because March just so happens to be Brain Injury Awareness Month, which

is designed to engage in public

awareness campaigns that educate the

general public about incidents of brain injuries and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families.

To that end, the folks here at Murray Media Group thought we’d remind everyone that while many of the stories we hear

the lesser known ways that may be contributing to the high number of unreported concussions. Some may sound silly but perhaps listing out a few of these will help more people consider visiting with a concussion specialist to improve their immediate and long-term health.

• Slips and falls, especially in the elderly • Hitting your head on the nightstand

about concussions involve athletes from high-impact sports such as football and

• Volleyball (it’s one of the highest-rated concussion sports below football)

soccer, no one is immune from suffering

a concussion. Furthermore, while various statistics from the CDC and the Brain Injury Research Institute say that an

estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States each year,

• Rollercoasters • Whiplash from a car accident • Intense workouts

millions more go unreported.

• Explosions or work-related injuries

There are obvious ways to get a

• Willingly spinning or shaking your head violently

concussion, but here are a few of www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Difficulty Concentrating

Depression and Anxiety

• Violent shaking

the youth level all the way to the pros in

Neurological Issues

• Previous concussions (The more concussions you have, the more susceptible you are to them)

Once you feel you have a concussion, or if you suspect you do, follow these important steps:

• Avoid performing the actions that led to the concussion in the first place • Get plenty of sleep • Drink lots of water • Avoid strenuous mental activities • Consult with a doctor before taking pain-relieving drugs

Your friends at Murray Media Group want to remind you the best way to maintain your overall health is to live a healthier

lifestyle, be aware of what your body is

trying to tell you, and always consult with your physician.

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

COMMUNITY LAKE CITIES BALLET AT

MCL GRAND THEATER Mar 29th - 31st | Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater 100 N Charles St. • Lewisville, Texas 75057 Don’t miss this fun-filled family event as the Lake Cities Ballet

Theatre performs a delightful ballet on the stage of the Medical City of Lewisville Grand Theater. They will close their 2018-19

season with the fanciful full length ballet, “Coppélia.” Performances will be on March 29th and 30th at 7:30pm, and on the 31st at 2pm. Tickets are available online at www.lakecitiesballet.org.

BAREFOOT NATION TRIBUTE TO

KENNY CHESNEY

CITY OF LEWISVILLE

COLORPALOOZA

Fri., Mar 29th | 9 - 11pm | Box Garden at Legacy Hall 7800 Windrose Avenue • Plano, TX 75024

Sat., Apr 6th | 10am - 7pm | Old Town Lewisville 150 W Church St., • Lewisville, Texas 75057

Barefoot Nation is Dallas’ premier tribute to Kenny Chesney.

It’s time to throw off those work shoes and relax.

It’s Summertime! This is a FREE event, therefore seating or access to the venue is NOT guaranteed. Seating is first come, first served. Visit legacyfoodhall.com and click the events tab for more info.

ColorPalooza is a FREE event designed to showcase the rich cultural, artistic and eco-friendly spirit of Lewisville. Highlights include sidewalk chalk art, interactive art activities for children, a DIY tie-dye station, various art demonstrations, an eco-alley, live music and performances from cultural groups. For more info visit the Old Town Lewisville facebook page.

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INSIDE EDUCATION CEREBRAL PALSY STUDENT

GETS BIG SUPRISE Ethan Buckley is a 17 year old senior at Hebron

THE COLONY

High School with cerberal palsy. Due to having

cerebral palsy he goes through one pair of shoes

each month. With the love of everyone at Hebron

word got out and Nike and KISS-FM both donated shoes to Ethan. Hebron is still receiving emails

EVENTS The Colony HS Track

March 23rd at 8am at Neal Wilson Stadium

from people all over the country wanting to give Ethan shoes and how he has inspired them.

The Colony HS Golf March 28th 8am at Frisco Lakes GC

LEWISVILLE ISD SPECIAL TOURNAMENT

The Colony HS Baseball Varsity and JV

Lewisville ISD hosted a special basketball

March 29th at 4:30pm and 7:30pm at TCHS vs Denton

tournament that partnered special needs

children with other kids. The tournaments main goal was to make sure that no student gets

left on the sidelines. It is part of the movement by the Special Olympics which promotes

friendship between special needs kids and

other students. It has brought kids together and showed new interests to children with special needs.

THE COLONY HIGH SCHOOL

NEW SOFTBALL FIELD

EVENTS

softball field. Both leaders of Lewisville ISD

Hebron HS Golf March 28th 8am at Frisco Lakes GC

High School junior shortstop Jayda Coleman

Hebron HS Softball Senior Night

On March 6th The Colony High School had

their ribbon cutting ceremony for their new

and the Colony joined the event. The Colony served as the student speaker, and LISD

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Rogers threw the first pitch on the new field. The Lady Cougars won their first game on the new field against Little Elm with a 2 - 0 score. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

HEBRON

March 29th 7pm at HHS vs Nimitz The Colony HS Baseball

April 5th 7pm at HHS vs Flower Mound

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER C

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

aptain Jeff Davis is the SWAT Commander for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. The SWAT team is made up of 18 deputies who volunteer for this position, and all come from divisions within the Sheriff’s Office. SWAT team members have to apply and then pass a rigorous tryout which consists of a physical test, cognitive test, and firearms test. After the tryout, a board composed of senior SWAT personnel will meet to evaluate the applications and success of each candidate on tasks during the tryout. Recommendations are then made and sent to the Sheriff, who makes the ultimate decision.

The Denton County SWAT team is responsible for mutual aid responses to smaller agencies in Denton County that require a SWAT response. The SWAT team also acts as advisors to smaller agency SWAT teams in Denton County and assist federal agencies with operations within Denton County. The Denton County SWAT team is also used for special operations – for example the recent online solicitation operation involving multiple agencies that was conducted in Denton County.

Live Auctioneer?

NEED A

CALL DM AUCTION SERVICES

by Steve Gamel

D

ean McCurry was merely trying to help out when he picked up a microphone to call a run-of-the-mill bingo night at his kids’ school more than 20 years ago. He was far from a professional, but a few ladies in attendance thought otherwise.

“They said, ‘Hey, Dean. You’re great at calling bingo. Would you do our auction?’”

Dean recalled. “I had never done something like that before, and even told them I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’ll

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

give it a shot. We ended up raising $2030,000, and they were shocked.”

To make a long but interesting story short, what started as a “side thing” quickly grew into a full-time endeavor. Dean, a proud Castle Hills resident, retired as the Director of Sales for Western Digital in 2009, and in the years since, DM Auction Services practically became a household name. This full-service charity fundraising and event planning service helps raise an average of $3-5 million per year – including

EVENTS

Citizen Academy

Every Mon. for 10 Weeks Starting on MARCH 18th | 6:30 - 8:30pm Denton County Sheriff’s Office This is an awesome opportunity to experience how your Sheriff’s Office operates. The first class, will start at 6pm.

Go to www.dentoncounty.com/sheriff

Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP)

MARCH 23rd Denton County Sheriff’s Office This is a self-defense class for females. You must register at wep@dentoncounty.com.

Go to our facebook page for information on a regular basis about our WEP.

a staggering $5 million in 2018 – and has provided support for live benefit auctions for organizations that support everything from schools and churches to victims of crimes, children with cancer, senior citizens, military veterans, the homeless, special needs, and so many more.

More than just an auctioneer, Dean takes a significant amount of burden off the organizers by offering value-added services such as bidding technology, trips, celebrity appearances, celebrity, silent and live auction items, music and entertainment, raffle girls and raffle items, even planning, and much more.

“It's a feel-good job because you’re helping people that need money to support their organization through fundraising,” Dean said. “That’s what we help people do.”

If you would like to partner with DM Auction Services to make your next event your BEST event, visit www.dmauctionservices.com or call (214) 783-8064. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

P

PAT AND RENEE

at and Renee met in Dallas on a blind date after a mutual friend introduced them. Pat, originally from

Wisconsin, was working as an avionics

What is your favorite thing to do as a family?

Water sports and food (Jordan, Riley and

engineer while Renee, a native Texan, was

Renee are fantastic cooks; Pat, Hannah,

long distance courtship and many moves

What are some of your favorite

working as a Respiratory Therapist. After a they finally settled into Castle Hills.

What are some fun facts about your family?

We love being with extended family and

gather strength from it. We love water sports and have multiple water toys.

Ashley and Owen aren’t bad either) restaurants?

We love seafood, bbq, Thai, Italian. Any type of food is worth a try. Our latest favorites are Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill in Plano and Wildwood Smoke Craft

Animals surround us and enrich our lives.

Whiskey in Garland.

What made you decide to move to

Where do you love to go on vacation?

Castle Hills?

Our family has always enjoyed H2O

Location (near good schools, hospitals,

sports. We spend most weekends

travel); great amenities of the subdivision.

Whitney. Summers are filled with

Renee’s work, soccer, near DFW for Pat’s

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at the family lakehouse on Lake

skiing, wakeboarding and wake

surfing. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be seen from the back porch. It’s very peaceful and relaxing. We have

traveled as a family throughout the US

including; the eastern seaboard, Florida, the Midwest (Wisconsin is Pat’s home),

California, Ireland, while Pat and Renee have extensively traveled through-out

Europe. Pat travels frequently with work and on occasion Renee will join for a weekend.

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Lewisville

CHAMBER

CORNER I

n February, the Lewisville Area Chamber began a new professional networking group, the Healthcare Alliance. This group provides a great opportunity for all types of healthcare professionals in all types of fields, to network, share best practices and create lasting partnerships. This networking group is also perfect for those in senior care and home health, as well as professionals working in an industry servicing healthcare, such as accountants, IT, realtors, and so many others.

“Healthcare is such a widespread industry that serves the community, we felt the chamber could really benefit from a group like this,” said Rachel Bagley, VP of the chamber. “We wanted to create an opportunity that caters to the healthcare industry and industries that support healthcare to foster the development of lasting partnerships and to help elevate the overall health and vitality of our community.”

Meetings are typically held on the first Wednesday of each month, 9am - 10am in the Medical City Lewisville’s Community Room.

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

469.920.2993 | CarrolltonRoofing469.com

2540 King Arthur Blvd. | Lewisville, TX 75056

YOUR LOCAL

ROOFER: THEN, NOW AND FOREVER

by Steve Gamel

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

J

ake Brydon will never forget the conversation he had with a homeowner shortly after he started his roofing company, Heritage Construction, seven years ago. He and his team had just put the finishing touches on a big job when the customer confided in him and said, “you are the best contractor I’ve ever had.”

“We want the residents of Castle Hills to know we love being their neighbors, which is why we have our office here,” Jake said.

“At the end of the day, we want them to feel like their house is better now than it was before the storm.”

Hearing high praise like that is every roofer’s dream, and Jake was thankful for the kind words. But he was a little taken back by the unwarranted praise.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wait a second.

We had a contract – I did my part, and you paid me and did your part. All I did was provide a service and do what was required the first time,” Jake said. “Then it dawned on me that not a lot of guys do.”

Sponsored Content photos courtesy of Heritage Construction Co.

It’s a headache to have your roof ripped off and replaced, especially in Castle Hills, where homeowners are constantly at Mother Nature’s mercy contending with everything from torrential downpours to damaging hail, high winds, and even the blistering hot North Texas sun. The good news is that roofing companies are a dime a dozen – maybe you’re looking out the window right now and can see two or three company trucks driving by – but the flip side is that many homeowners are left in a vulnerable state wondering if the contractor they picked can get everything back to pre-storm condition.

Heritage Construction strives to set a new standard with every shingle they nail down. Since 2011, they’ve provided quality residential and commercial roofing service – from composition roof shingles and clay tiles to low slope and Cool Roof systems designed to conserve energy – all the while paying close attention to even the smallest of details to ensure all roofing jobs run smoothly from beginning to end.

Heritage Construction’s reputation for efficiency, reliability, compassion for the

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client’s needs, and solid craftsmanship is making the rounds all over North Texas, especially in Castle Hills, which is where more than half of their business came from in 2018 alone. The company has an office conveniently located in the Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza.

“We want the residents of Castle Hills to know we love being their neighbors, which is why we have our office here,” Jake said. “At the end of the day, we want them to feel like their house is better now than it was before the storm.”

Sadly, it’s a rarity that home improvement contractors do their job right the first time, and that’s shocking because in no other industry is that tolerated. It’s almost as if the bar has been lowered when it comes to protecting a home, and it’s the customer who suffers the repercussions of that shoddy work, he said.

“To have success in any sales role, it’s pretty simple, really: do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it,” Jake said. “When a customer pays for something, they expect to get it. They deserve to get it.”

He added, “Companies that can deliver on that time and again are going to have a very solid reputation. We are just as focused on the process as we are on the product, which is why we have received the highest honors available to any roofing contractor from manufactures and distributers alike and why we can offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on every roof system we sell.”

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

one of the more recent ways crooks are scamming us out of our money.

According to several media outlets and the IRS, crooks are finding inventive ways to steal your data from legitimate tax professionals, including your bank account number if you’ve requested direct deposit for a refund. The scammer gives the IRS your information in the form of a fake return, then scares you with a phone call saying that you were a victim of tax fraud and to return the money.

TAX SCAMS TO BE

AWARE OF

by Steve Gamel

G

ood, honest taxpayers all over the world, including many unsuspecting residents right here

in Denton County, lose millions of dollars

•

A third party calls claiming the IRS has issued a warrant for your arrest

•

Someone claiming to be the IRS calls asking for credit card, bank account, or social security information

•

Phishing scams through email or phony website links

every year to illegal tax scams. Some

scams are very easy to spot while others

are so highly sophisticated that even the savviest person falls for them hook, line, and sinker.

Since we are in the

throes of tax season,

here are a few scams that prey on our fear of getting in trouble with the IRS. Be on high alert if you

According to the IRS website, the number of potential taxpayer victims from this particular scam jumped from a few hundred to several thousand in a matter of a few days last year.

or a loved one are

targeted by any of the following: •

Someone claiming to be an IRS agent calls demanding immediate payment for delinquent tax obligations

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

• Phony tax preparers passing themselves off as legitimate businesses • Someone promises free money in the form of inflated refunds

• Refund money shows up as a deposit in your bank account before you’ve even filed your return The last scam on this list is perhaps the most interesting of them all. It’s also

Of course, when you return the money, you are actually giving it directly to the crooks.

According to the IRS website, the number of potential taxpayer victims from this particular scam jumped from a few hundred to several thousand in a matter of a few days last year. Making things worse is that many taxpayers who receive these erroneous deposits end up spending the money or not following the proper steps to return the money directly to the IRS. The IRS wants everyone to know a good rule of thumb: when in doubt, assume it’s a scam. This is especially true if you’ve always filed your tax returns on time and have previously never been in trouble with the IRS. A few more things to keep in mind – straight from the mouth of the IRS. •

The IRS will never call you

•

The IRS will never send you a text message

•

The IRS will never send you an email

•

The IRS will never reach out through social media

•

The IRS will never ask you to divulge personal information (social security number, bank accounts)

The IRS has an entire page on its website dedicated to tax scams and consumer alerts. Everyone can visit that site and

learn more at www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxscams-consumer-alerts. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Classic of Denton

Local Military Veteran

by Steve Gamel

I

t’s no secret that giving back to the community is an everyday practice for the team at Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Classic Mazda of Denton. But in all the years they have selflessly served those around them, they hadn’t had the opportunity to give back to the Military veterans who risk their lives to protect our freedom.

That all changed this February when General Manager Rick Wick, along with longtime owner Richard Allen, presented United States Marine Corps Sergeant Kenneth Rolon with a 2019 Ram Lonestar Crew Cab Classic.

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

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The presentation was part of a joint effort

Wick said Classic was

Military Warriors Support Foundation, which

and the Military Warriors

between Classic, Wells Fargo Bank, and the honored Sergeant Rolon, a Denton native,

through its Transportation4Heroes program.

The Transportation4Heroes program is designed to help veterans successfully photo courtesy of Slade Meadows

transition back to civilian life by providing

access to reliable transportation as well as mentoring opportunities.

Sergeant Rolon was part of a presentation on February 9 at a UNT men’s basketball game. On February 21, Classic hosted a separate event at its dealership, where

Sergeant Rolon officially received the keys to his new truck.

chosen by Wells Fargo Support Foundation,

which chose Sergeant

Rolon but were in search

of a dealership to partner with. Wick said those

organizations reached out to UNT, which

suggested Classic as the perfect partner.

This year alone, Classic of Denton

adopted 119 children that are homeless yet attend school in the Denton

Independent School District, and

provided 330 learning cards to the

Gonzalez School in Denton. Classic also

“It was a very quick deal where we only

adopted 134 children for the Friends

visited with Richard, and he said let’s go

which gives assistance to mothers and

had two weeks to pull it all together. I

of the Family Denton organization,

for it,” Rick Wick said. “Our

children who are victims

to be recognized. They

and sexual assault. The

and our country. They go

children of Giving Hope,

one way to give back and

based organization that

military veterans deserve

of domestic violence

risk their lives to protect us

organization adopted 56

through so much, so this is

Inc., which is a Denton-

show our appreciation.”

assists individuals and

Sergeant Rolon grew up in Queens, New

families who are homeless or at risk

the events of 9/11. He began his service

financial aid, assistance with housing,

had a tour in Afghanistan and as part of a

and basic necessities.

York and chose to join the Marines after

of becoming homeless by providing

in 2004 and twice went to Iraq. He also

job training, transportation, childcare,

Marine Expeditionary Unit before being

Classic of Denton’s giving campaign

honorably discharged in 2012.

didn’t stop there as it adopted 24

He is a Purple Heart recipient and

children for Lake Cities Church and

Defense Service Medal, Global War on

Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s

Action Ribbons, and four Sea Service

history of offering healing and

was also recognized with a National

21 children and six mothers through

Terrorism Service Medal, two Combat

Home, which has a proud

Deployment Ribbons, among others.

hope to vulnerable children,

Sergeant Rolon and his wife, Jodalys, met as teenagers and have been married for 12 years.

“He’s a down-to-earth individual, and

it was a pleasure meeting him and his family,” Wick said.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

the homeless and is also open anytime the temperature outside is above 80 degrees or below 38 degrees. Our Daily Bread, which provides nutritious meals, special services, and referrals for other services to those in need, received a cash donation of $3,000 along with prepaid gift cards – all courtesy of Classic of Denton.

Through the efforts of the Classic of Denton employees, customers, and vendors, over $40,000 was collected.

The Friday before Christmas, all Classic managers contributed $2,100 as a gift to Crosstimbers Church, on behalf of owner Richard Allen. Mr. Allen then matched a check for $2,100 for a total of $4,200 to Crosstimbers Church.

Last, but certainly not least, Classic donated $3,000 to the Bedtime Rescue Program, which was founded in December 2012 through Cloud 9 Charities.

Adding military support to their endless good deeds was a no-brainer, Wick said.

“The spirit of giving back is definitely infectious throughout our entire dealership staff,” Rick Wick said. “Our employees are determined to set the goals higher every year and challenge themselves to make the biggest impact we can for those in need right here in Denton.”

teens, and families. It also

donated sheets, gift cards,

backpacks, and hoodies to

the Monsignor King Outreach Center of Denton. The

outreach center opens on

December 24 every year for

MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Ask The Expert: Organizing

The First Step To

CLEARING CLUTTER

W

hen your belongings are in your way, either physically or mentally, those belongings

have officially become clutter. I have

a simple rule of thumb for identifying clutter: Pick up an item and honestly

We may hold onto something we don’t

love or use simply because someone gave it to us. Getting rid of something that was gifted to us can sometimes carry huge

guilt. Keep in mind that clutter is a burden, so it’s OK to release the burden no matter

answer these two questions: 1) “Do I love

how it came into your life: a new store-

both questions, it’s clutter. Time to let it go.

family heirloom you inherited. These items

to clutter that no longer positively serves

intentions, but they have now become

let’s look at a few:

clutter. Let it go.

it?” 2) “Do I use it?” If you answer “no” to

bought gift, a used hand-me-down, or a

Easier said than done. We tend to hold on

may have been given to you with good

us. Why? There are multiple reasons, but

clutter. You have absolutely no use for

We hold on to clutter because it’s easier than dealing with it.

We hold on to clutter because of memories.

Closing the door on a cluttered room,

Objects hold memories for us: good and

old junk inside boxes is an easy, quick fix

attachment, and human beings struggle

shoving clutter under the bed, and stuffing when dealing with clutter, right? No!

The clutter is still there. Even if we can’t see it, we always know something feels

a little “off” or “heavy” when we are near it. That hidden clutter carries a lot of

mental weight. Avoiding the clutter isn’t fixing the problem.

We hold on to clutter because we have guilt.

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

bad. These memories create an emotional with releasing emotional attachment.

This starts at a very early age in life. Small children get emotionally attached to a

favorite stuffed animal or a “lovey.” For

represents who you are right now. Then, ask yourself if you love or use the object.

No? Let it go.

We hold on to clutter because we get overwhelmed.

Not dealing with the clutter, having guilt associated with getting rid of the clutter, or being emotionally attached to clutter is all very overwhelming. It’s hard even to know where to start. Take a breath.

Tackle a little bit at a time. Sorting and decluttering is very time-consuming so show yourself patience, forgiveness, and kindness.

Sometimes, understanding why you have the habit of hanging on to things that no longer serve you allows you to move forward. Letting go of physical clutter can help clear some mental clutter.

Remember, if you get stuck Crystal with Cloud Nine Organizing can be reached at CloudNineOrganizing@gmail.com.

most of us, emotional attachment to

objects carries over into adulthood which makes decluttering some items very

difficult. The best way to deal with clutter

that holds memories is to honor yourself,

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

not the object. Ask yourself if this object

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

7 Health Article

TOP

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

BENEFITS

ofALOE VERA

by Steve Gamel

E

veryone is out there looking for that wonder drug that can cure all types of ailments with a single application. Whether that drug or cream exists is up for discussion, but one cure-all that has been around for centuries is aloe vera.

I know what you’re thinking, “What? You mean that stuff my mom used to slather on my back when I got a really bad sunburn as a child?”

Yes. That’s exactly what we are talking about, though this gelatinous substance that can be found in grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide offers so much more than just being a cure for a sunburn.

Will it cure everything? Probably not. But there is an entire industry devoted to it as it can be used in everything from cosmetics and soap to moisturizers, shaving cream, and more. It can also be taken orally or in cream or gel form.

It can be taken orally or in cream or gel form.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Here are a few ailments or other conditions that can be lessened or cured by using aloe vera.

BURNS We mentioned sunburns, but it can also be good if you accidentally put your hand on a hot stove or were burned in some other way. Not only does it help with the pain, but it can reduce healing time.

HEARTBURN RELIEF According to healthline.com, consuming one to three ounces of aloe gel at mealtime could reduce the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive-related problems.

CONSTIPATION Studies on aloe vera being a potential laxative are mixed, but many people do believe it offers benefits in moderation.

DENTAL PLAQUE Your dentist likely sounds like a broken record every time he or she tells you that you have too much plaque buildup on your teeth and close to your gums. Aloe vera juice has been proven to act in the same way as standard mouthwash.

IMPROVE SKIN AND LESSEN WRINKLES Everyone wants to look younger, right?

Topical applications of aloe vera have also been known to improve skin elasticity and, in some cases redness in the skin, when used regularly over time.

LOWER YOUR BLOOD SUGAR Also according to healthline.com, ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day can cause blood sugar levels to drop in people with Type 2 diabetes.

MOUTH ULCERS Everyone is looking for ways to get rid of these harmless sores, and aloe vera may do the trick. Rather than let it heal on its own, aloe vera can reduce the size of the canker and decrease pain.

Bottom line, there are a variety of uses for aloe vera, but when in doubt, consult your primary care physician about aloe vera and any other natural remedies that could help.

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Foodie Friday DFW: Verf’s Grill & Tavern

S

VERF’S Grill & Tavern

ome of our Foodie Friday DFW restaurants are especially near and dear to our hearts. And Verf’s Grill &

Tavern in Flower Mound is one of those.

The first time we visited Verf’s, we were

just a little-known food blog run by a real estate team – we were still trying to make our reputation and name known. But

topped with shrimp and a poblano cream; their Thick Cut Salmon Steak; and their Fish’n Chips!

And some of our other favorite “honorable mentions” on the menu are “The Bread” for an appetizer and their Chocolate Mousse Pie for dessert!

the whole team at Verf’s was incredibly

And we haven’t even mentioned their

entire experience special. And they’ve all

beers on tap, as well as a fabulous menu

excited to have us there and made our remained great friends ever since.

Fast forward to last February, Chef

Florencio and his team helped host an

INCREDIBLE 50th birthday party for me.

incredible bar yet. They have over 50

of hand-crafted cocktails. If you’ve never

had an Old Fashioned from Verf’s before, you need to! It’s one of the smoothest you’ll ever have.

The food was spectacular, the staff helped

Verf’s Grill & Tavern is the perfect location

care of, and the atmosphere (even with the

some drinks at the bar and watch a game,

all of our guests feel welcome and taken

torrential rain) was so fun and enjoyable.

It was definitely a birthday I’ll not soon forget thanks to them!

In addition to those particular fond memories of Verf’s, we’ve spent

anniversary dinners, client dinners,

Valentine’s dinners, work lunches, and

more with them. And each time, it’s been an out-of-this-world experience between the customer service and the food.

to eat out whether you just want to grab

sit out on their patio on a beautiful day, or enjoy a romantic evening out.

Chef Florencio promises that after you get to know them and what they do,

you’re going to keep coming back. And

he’s absolutely right! We (obviously) have

become big fans of Verf’s and are frequent visitors thanks to all of the fantastic experiences we’ve had with them.

972.317.3390 www.verfs.com 2221 Justin Rd., Suite 101 Flower Mound, TX 75028

So, let’s talk a little about the food, shall

we? When we visited this last time, Chef Florencio whipped up some of our

favorite dishes (which also happen to be some of their most popular), including: their Bone-In Pork Chop finished with

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com

Enchiladas stuffed with chicken and

1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

a Wild Mushroom Sauce; their Verf’s

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

jay@jaymarksrealestate.com

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Business Spotlight

REINVENTING

THE WHEEL With Meaningful, Holistic Wellness Care

by Steve Gamel

A

wstin Gregg has three master’s degrees, is currently enrolled at Harvard, somehow finds time to teach masters-level students at TCU, and at 28 years old has already been the CEO of a local hospital. So why did such a smart guy with seemingly everything going for him at an incredibly young age have problems sleeping at night? my peace of mind knowing the gaps

between levels of care existed. Seeing

individuals discharged from the hospital only to return a few days later due to

there not being adequate connectivity between after-care providers plagued

my conscience every night. I saw large, pervasive fractures in the process and

between providers. I thought, instead of having different providers, in different

cities, with different specialities, why not have one dynamic treatment team that could meet all of their needs in

For Awstin, an Argyle resident, it all

boiled down to connecting the people of his community to the meaningful, life-

but I did have problems sleeping at

night,” Awstin said. “It robbed me of

or her journey to wellness.

They have two locations, one in downtown Denton off the square and their newest location at 2701 Shoreline Drive in the Unicorn Lake development. A third location that will provide additional services is on the way across the parking lot.

“We’ve been able to recruit family therapists, professional counselors, psychiatrists, internal medicine doctors, and more to support that mission of ensuring we are always providing the best care possible and keeping everyone connected to what matters most to them,” said Awstin, who manages his own caseload, as well. “From a cultural standpoint, I’m so lucky to have likeminded professionals under one roof.”

Not only are they expanding and bringing in more practitioners, but in February, the practice passed a joint commission survey and received national accreditation for quality in the healthcare field. to achieve, and the standards are so high,

which started with one client on August

leadership teams are able to successfully

Connections Wellness Group in Denton,

only hospitals who have large senior

22 and now has more than 500 who

pass these surveys. It tells clients

couples and family counseling, routine

didn’t have problems paying my bills,

prepared to accompany a patient on his

Awstin is now the owner and therapist at

So he did what any person with three

“Before I resigned from the hospital, I

and marital issues – all while being

Typically, this accreditation is so difficult

improving care they needed to truly heal.

and set out to reinvent the wheel.

complex issues like depression, anxiety,

one place?”

are seeking solutions in areas such as

master’s degrees would do – he resigned

from the flu or a stomach ache to more

psychiatry, medication management, wellness and illness visits, trauma

treatment, play therapy for children, and more.

Connections Wellness has, and upholds, quality standards that slot them with an elite community on a national level.

This was the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken in my life, and the fact that

The idea is that with one phone call,

more and more people come here to get

working together to solve everything

how fulfilled that makes me,” Awstin said.

a patient can have a team of doctors

better, I don’t think I could truly capsulate

940.222.2399 | www.ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com | 2701 Shoreline Dr., Suite 151 | Denton, TX 76210

SERVICES

FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH OF THE COLONY

4396 Main St. • The Colony, TX www.fbctc.net

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEWISVILLE 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd. • Lewisville, TX fbclewisville.org April 21st Easter Service 9:30am, 11am

April 21st Easter Service 8am, 11am FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH FIRST BAPTIST CARROLLTON

6000 Morris Rd. • Flower Mound, TX

2400 N. Josey Ln. • Carrollton, TX

www.faithchangeseverything.com

www.fbcc.org

April 19th Good Friday Service 5pm

April 21st Easter Services 10am

April 21st Easter Service 9am, 11am

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH

THE COLONY

1401 Cross Timbers Rd. • Flower Mound, TX

4901 Paige Rd. • The Colony, TX

www.log.org

www.fumctc.org

April 19th Good Friday Service 7:15pm

April 21st Easter Services 6:45am,

April 21st Easter Services 6:30am, 8am, 10:30am

8:30am, 11am

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

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MARCH 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

2019

The Colony & Hebron

NATIONAL Signing Day

by Steve Gamel

A

nother national signing day is in the books for The Colony and Hebron

High Schools, and once again a slew of

prospects in multiple sports are moving on to the next level.

Combined, The Colony and Hebron had

country runners, a baseball player, and a softball player. Meanwhile, Hebron had five athletes, including four standouts in girls soccer. That list was highlighted by the likes of Abby Glockzin, who signed with Arkansas State.

Girls Soccer Reese Marks, Ouachita Baptist Meredith Olson, Eastern New Mexico Matti Sandoval, University of the Southwest Baseball

part in the annual recruitment ceremony

Below is the list of everyone from The Colony and Hebron who signed a National Letter of Intent on February 6.

widely publicized recruiting day in the

THE COLONY

Josh Makarenko, William Jewell

Football

Cross Country

22 athletes representing seven sports take on Feb. 6, which has become the most country. Many athletes from around

Denton County, including those from

these prestigious athletic programs, made their commitments well in advance – but

this was a chance to officially sign on the dotted line.

Of the 22 recruits, 17 were from The Colony.

Some of those who were leading the charge were Jadan Abdallah, who signed to play

football with Missouri State, Madison Acosta, who signed to swim at Oklahoma, and Shay Hartis, who will continue his baseball career at Dallas Baptist.

The Colony had eight football players, three girls soccer players, two cross

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MARCH 2019

Jadan Abdallah, Missouri State Cameron Pair, East Central (Okla.)

Calvin Baker, East Central (Okla.)

Ryan Mora, East Central (Okla.)

Zion Starling, East Central (Okla.)

Donovan Callis, East Central (Okla.)

Shay Hartis, Dallas Baptist Swimming

Madison Acosta, Oklahoma Haeley Pines, Lyon College HEBRON Basketball Evan Anderson, Arkansas-Fort Smith

Aaron Davis, Oklahoma Baptist

Girls Soccer

Oscar Guerrero, Concordia College

Abby Glockzin, Arkansas State

Softball

Lauren Descamp, Eastern New Mexico

Karlie Charles, Iowa State

Sydney Demski, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Madison Hirsch, Kansas

Grace Hall, Northwestern Oklahoma State www.CastleHillsMagazine.com