Life in Castle Hills Magazine September 2019

LAYLA’S

LEGACY

SIGNS OF

A STROKE

FALL

EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 - OCTOBER 18, 2019

EXPERIENCED

ATTORNEYS In Family Law, Juvenile, Immigration & Criminal

flores|harbour law

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

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

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Leanne Yocum

Advertising Manager

Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

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 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 | SEPTEMBER 2019

CHEERS TO

WOMEN T hank you for picking up our latest monthly magazine. If you’re a longtime reader, perhaps you’ve noticed that each month features a specific theme. For example: last month was Women in Business, and our July issue focused on Back to School.

Our theme for the September issue is Women’s Health, which is quite an undertaking if you think about it.

Women’s health includes everything from pregnancy and childbirth to staying on top of breast cancer screenings, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even menopause (hopefully, I’m not old enough to worry about menopause just yet). We’ve focused on many of these topics in previous years, and hopefully, you will find additional articles of interest this year. Perhaps a few of them will open your eyes to a few things you didn’t already know.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share a few inspiring quotes from women that relate to this topic. These quotes were pulled from various sources on the Internet.

“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.”

— Michelle Obama “Processed foods not only extend the shelf life, but they extend the waistline as well.”

— Karen Sessions

“I appreciate health care that gets to the root cause of our symptoms and promotes wellness, rather than the one-size-fits-all drug-based approach to treating disease. I love maintaining an optimal quality of life - naturally.” — Suzanne Somers “You always have to remember to take of yourself, first and foremost. Because when you stop taking care of yourself, you get out of balance and you really forget how to take care of others.” — Jada Pinkett Smith “Sedentary people are apt to have sluggish minds. A sluggish mind is apt to be reflected in flabbiness of body and in a dullness of expression that invites no interest and gets none.”

— Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy “As I see it, every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself.” — Adelle Davis

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: Mari Flores and Leah Harbour of Flores | Harbour Law

FEATURED: Experienced Attorneys

In Family Law, Juvenile, Immigration & Criminal BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 19 Uptown Yoga: Uncover All That Is You

ARTICLES 06 Signs Of A Stroke 08 Inside Community 09 Inside Education 10 Fall Events 13 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks Real Estate 14 Pumpkin Patch Events www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

20 EDITORS PICK:

Layla’s Legacy

22 5 Natural Tips to Help You Deal With Menopause 24 Best Little Brewfest Is Coming 25 8 Halloween Movies You Must See Again 27 Lewisville Western Days 28 Mums The Word 29 Community Corner with Judge Andy Eads 30 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

Women’s Wellness

ISSUE

Take a look inside the health issues affecting women in this issue.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

Women’s Wellness Article

SIGNS OF A

STROKE You Need To Recognize

by Steve Gamel

T

here are so many health conditions and risks to be mindful of as we age, and it’s safe to say some of the bigger ones affect men and women differently. Women, in particular, are affected by everything from menopause to breast cancer, heart disease, mental health, and osteoarthritis.

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And believe it or not, you can add strokes to that list.

A stroke occurs when blood supply is suddenly cut off from the brain. Think of it as a brain attack; it can happen at any time and is considered a medical emergency because the brain cells are being deprived of oxygen.

While heart.org states that someone dies of a stroke every 3.70 minutes (about 389.4 stroke deaths each day), stroke.org points out that strokes kill more women than men each year. In fact, one in five women will have a stroke, and some of the gender-specific reasons for the increased risks are likely due to: •

Shifting estrogen levels

•

Pregnancy

•

Preeclampsia

•

Birth control pills

•

Hormone replacement therapy

•

Frequent migraines

•

Atrial fibrillation

•

Having a thick waist, particularly if post-menopausal

With statistics like that, it’s important that we know what a stroke is and be able to act quickly when we recognize the warning signs. Immediate help is necessary to reduce the effects and avoid long-term complications.

Below are common warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, many of which are specific only to women:

SLURRED SPEECH AND TROUBLE SEEING A telltale sign that someone is having a stroke is when they slur their speech, cannot speak a simple sentence, and have difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes.

NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS What most people experience is paralysis on one side of the body, on the face, or on an arm or leg. Some people experience pain or the sensation of pins and needles.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND DISORIENTATION Many women struggle to breathe properly and may even hallucinate or show signs of confusion and disorientation with their surroundings. Some may even faint.

SEVERE HEADACHES Headaches are a common condition, but if one suddenly pops up without warning and is debilitating in comparison with the run-of-the-mill headache, you should seek immediate medical attention.

DIZZINESS, NAUSEA, AND VOMITING These symptoms may be minor or appear to masquerade as vertigo, but they should not be ignored. This is especially true if you are experiencing additional symptoms.

Beyond these symptoms, additional risk factors — for women and men — include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, heavy or binge drinking, and using illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines. Medical risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease, among others.

Your friends at Murray Media Group want to remind you the best way to maintain overall health is to live a healthier lifestyle. Also, be aware of what your body is trying to tell you and always consult with your physician.

This month’s issue features several more articles on women’s health, so be sure to check them out.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

INSIDE COMMUNITY CASTLE HILLS FALL CLASSIC CAR & TRUCK SHOW Sept. 22 | 9am - 1pm | Castle Hills Village Shops 2520 King Arthur Blvd. • Lewisville, Texas 75056 If you love cars here is a fun free event you will enjoy. It will have all kinds of hot rods, classic cars and trucks with several having the latest technology from Time Machine Car Shows. If you would like to show your own car, the entry fee is $10 and you can be eligible to win “best car” awards and prizes in different categories. For more information visit www.visitlewisville.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36003/974.

CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY CANDY CANE CARNIVAL Oct. 25 | 6 - 8pm | Castle Hills Elementary 1025 Holy Grail Dr. • Lewisville, TX 75056 Mark your calendars for Oct. 25 when Castle Hills Elementary will have their Candy Cane Carnival. It will be held at the Elementary school from 6-8pm. Be sure to follow the Castle Hills Elementary PTA on facebook for updates @castlehillselementarypta.

KIDS SPOOKTACULAR Oct. 30 | 9am - 12pm | Legacy Hall 7800 Windrose Ave. • Plano, TX 75024 Enjoy Halloween festivities in a fun and safe environment at the Legacy Hall. Activities include a kids costume parade, a pumpkin themed photo area, pumpkin decorating, face painting, prizes, treats and much more. Tickets are only $15 per person and include a $10 Hall Pass, swag bag, all activities, treats and one mini pumpkin. For tickets and additional information visit eventbrite.com, search Kids Spooktacular at Legacy Hall or visit Kids Spooktacular at Legacy Hall on Facebook.

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INSIDE EDUCATION

photo courtesy of Rodney Wallican

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR From the streets to the hallways of The Colony High School, Officer Omar Montemayor has made a big impact in a short amount of time. In only his second year as resource officer for the school, the Texas Association of School Resource Officers named him the School Resource Office of the Year for 2019.

Congratulations, Officer and thank you for working hard each day to ensure our students have a safe place to learn.

Theater Production of Chicago Sept. 20 | 7 - 9pm Sept. 21 | 7 - 9pm Sept. 22 | 2- 4pm Sept. 23 | 7 - 9pm The Colony High School

photo courtesy of Jared Stites Computer Science Teacher

HEBRON CYBERSECURITY COMPETITION Girls just want to have fun, and crush the competition. An all-girls team from HHS did just that when they topped the leaderboard at Girls Go CyberStart, a cybersecurity talent competition. In one of the largest high school competitions the girls claimed third place for Texas and 34th place across the nation.

More than ten thousand girls took part in the competition and four team members were named finalists: Fernanda Galvez, Gabriela Huerta, Fatima Khan, and Jocelyn Zhang; and semifinalist Alyssa Tran.

V, JV & 9A Volleyball vs Northwest Sept. 27 JV & 9A 5:30 | V 6:30 The Colony High School Homecoming Varsity Football Game Oct. 4 | 7pm vs Liberty Tommy Briggs Stadium

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally Sept. 27 | 6 - 9:30pm Hebron High School 4207 Plano Pkwy Carrollton, TX 75010 photo courtesy of Robert Chilton Director of Bands

KILLIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

HHS Varsity Volleyball vs Irving MacArthur Oct. 1 | 6:30pm HHS Main Gym

One of the most prestigious performance opportunities is held annually in Chicago, Illinois.

The Midwest Clinic International Band & Orchestra Conference selects no more than four middle school bands to perform each year. Drum roll please! The 2018-2019 Killian Honors Band was selected to perform in fulfillment of the honor achieved by last year’s group at the 2019 conference in December.

District Cross Country Meet Oct. 18 | 8am North Lakes Park, Denton

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

FALL

EVENTS

by Leanne Yocum

I

n Texas, fall is welcomed with football parties, pumpkin spice lattes, salt margaritas instead of salt on the roads, and flip flops that lay side by side with fur-lined boots. It’s the season to be thankful and surround ourselves with family and friends, so check out these fun fall festivities for all to enjoy!

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OKTOBER FEAST AT LEGACY HALL Sept. 27 - 29 | 4 - 9pm | Legacy Hall 7800 Windrose Ave. • Plano, TX 75024 Free Admission (seating is first come, first served) A wundebar weekend of Oktober Feast festivities.

The three-day family event celebrates German culture with authentic sausages and brats, biergartens, lively music with VIP concert seating, brewery tours, outdoor games, and a Sunday Family Day with football in the afternoon. For more information, please visit www.eventbrite.com and search Oktober Feast at Legacy Hall.

FRISCO OKTOBERFEST Sept. 28 | 5 - 10pm | Frisco Square 8843 Coleman Blvd. • Frisco, TX 75034 Bier + Stein Pass $20 | VIP Pass $80 Get out your lederhosen and celebrate German heritage at the inaugural Frisco Oktoberfest with family and friends! Feast on authentic German sausages and brats, indulge in icy cold beer and wine, wiggle your toes to lively German music, take part in keg rolling and steinhoisting contests. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.friscooktoberfest.com.

FALL FESTIVAL AND MARKET AT MARY IMMACULATE Oct. 5 | 11am - 10pm | Mary Immaculate Catholic Church 2800 Valwood Pkwy. • Farmers Branch, TX 75234 Free Admission An exciting fall festival for family and friends to enjoy together! Bounce houses, thrilling games for everyone, cliffhanging raffles, live entertainment, scrumptious festival foods and shop early for Christmas while strolling down vendor lane then head to the big top tent to bid on silent auction baskets! Blessing of the Animals begins at 10:30am, and the Market opens at 11am. For more information, please call 972-243-7104 or visit www.maryimmaculatechurch.org/fall-festival. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

ROCKTOBER HALLOWEEN BASH Oct. 29 | 5 - 10pm | Wayne Ferguson Plaza 150 W. Church St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 Free Admission Ride your broomsticks over to Old Town Lewisville and enjoy a fabulous night trick-or-treating with your little ghouls and goblins. Spooktacular Kids’ activities are from 5 - 7. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and feast on ghoulishly delightful food and drinks. Brush off the cobwebs and get your bones a rockin to spine-tingling KISS tribute band, Texas KISS-Destroyer, beginning at 7pm! Well behaved pets on leashes are welcome!

For more information call 972.219.3401 or visit Wayne Ferguson Plaza on Facebook.

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Irene’s Bakery :Foodie Friday DFW

IRENE’S

Bakery

E

ight years ago, Irene Cross was in Old Town Lewisville looking for a quinceañera dress at the local bridal shop when she looked around and realized something was missing from this “bridal destination.” There was a bridal shop, a florist, and event space but no bakery!

photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

Irene had been creating cakes out of her home for years, so she thought to herself, “Why don’t I just open my own bakery?”

And so her quest for a quinceañera dress in January turned into her opening her own bakery by February!

“You’re never too old to achieve your dreams,” Irene told us.

And after achieving her first dream of being a mother first for many years, Irene achieved another dream when she opened her bakery in Old Town Lewisville.

214.458.6714 IrenesBakery.net 116 W. Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057

In her bakery you’ll find delicious cupcakes, cake balls, cake slices, and (of course) some of her beautiful custom cakes on display.

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

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If you want to stop in for a quick sweet treat, we have a few recommendations for you! I’m a huge red velvet fan and Irene’s red velvet cupcakes are incredible! It’s a classic red velvet recipe with her own little twist on it. And did you know that a red velvet cake is actually more than just a chocolate cake with red dye? Now you do!

We can’t give away all her secrets, but just know it’s delicious.

Another of her best-sellers is her Pink Champagne which you can get in cupcake or cake ball form. We were also fans of her Chocolate Ganache (for all you other chocolate lovers out there) and her Strawberry made with fresh strawberries.

And, of course, there’s her custom cake work. It’s hard to believe that Irene is a self-taught baker when you see her stunning cakes. But that’s the artist in her! And she loves that she gets to create these pieces of art that are able to be such a big part of people’s major life events whether that’s a birthday, anniversary, or wedding.

So, come say “I do” to Irene and her baked goods, whether that’s just for a quick sweet bite while browsing Old Town Lewisville or you’re putting in a custom order. You’ll love meeting and working with Irene, and she just might inspire you to go forth and achieve your own dreams.

I know she inspired me!

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Pumpkin Patch

EVENTS

by Leanne Yocum

I

t’s fall, y’all! The leaves are changing and there is a crispness in the air. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pies, pumpkin patches, and the other amazing pumpkin delights mark the beginning of the magical season of fand a gourd-geous time to take the kids to a pumpkin patch.

HALL’S PUMPKIN FARM AND CORN MAZE SEPT 27

THE FLOWER MOUND PUMPKIN PATCH OCT 1 - 31

PUMPKIN HOLLOW OCT 17 - 19

3420 Hall Johnson Rd. • Grapevine, TX

5100 Cross Timbers Rd. Flower Mound, TX

701 W. Eldorado Pkwy. • Little Elm, TX

Mon. - Thurs. 3 - 8pm • Fri. 3 - 10pm Sat. 10am - 10pm • Sun. 1 - 8pm 817.991.1052 | hallspumpkinfarm.net

Everyday from 9am - 7pm Activities are Free.

Parking Mon. - Fri. $5 | Sat. - Sun. $10

Little Elm Park

Thurs. 6 - 9 pm

Fri. - Sat. 6 - 10pm littleelm.org/1195/Pumpkin-Hollow

817.430.4536 flowermoundpumpkinpatch.com

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CORINTH PUMPKIN PALOOZA OCT 19 Corinth Community Park 3700 Corinth Pkwy. • Corinth, TX 10am - 8pm CorinthPumpkinPalooza.com

PUMPKINS ON THE PRAIRIE SEPT 28 - OCT 31

AUBREY PUMPKIN PATCH SEPT 28 - NOV 3

Grace Avenue United Methodist Church 3521 Main St. • Frisco, TX

1042 W Sherman Dr. • Aubrey, TX

Mon. - Fri. 1 - 7pm Sat.– Sun. 9am - 7pm *Activities do not begin until 12pm on Sunday.*

972.335.2882 graceavenue.org/pumpkins-onthe-prairie/

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Everyday except Mon. 10am - 7pm Admission $9 ages 2yrs and up Parking is free.

940.343.5155 teamfamilyfarms.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

flores|harbour law Serving the Greater Dallas & Denton Areas

TESTIMONIALS Leah Harbour PARTNER

Experienced Attorneys

In Family Law, Juvenile, Immigration & Criminal

10 Rating on Avvo

Leah grew up in Lewisville, Texas and graduated from Lewisville High School.

She went on to graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in Criminal Justice and then received her Master’s degree in the same field in 2015. She received her J.D from Texas Wesleyan School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in November of 2004.

MARI FLORES PARTNER

Marianela (Mari) was born and raised in North Texas and received a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University. Mari received her law degree from the SMU Dedman School of Law. Named a “Rising Star” from 2012-2019 by Texas

Super Lawyers. Mari is fluent in Spanish. She also was voted Best of Denton County 2018 & 2019.

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

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Family Law

Juvenile Justice

Child custody and support issues are at the heart of family law cases. The future prospects of your children depends upon you taking the right legal steps during a divorce or separation.

A juvenile offense may have ramifications that will greatly impact a young person’s future.

“Really Appreciate you! Really appreciate your legal support and especially your candid advice and direction!”

“The first time I called the office and spoke with Bianca (Legal Assistant) I felt a sense of calm knowing I had chosen the right lawyers for my son. Both Attorneys, Leah and Mari, made us feel comfortable and not judged. They worked to help us understand the process and worked well with my son to help him through a difficult time.”

— Mark R.

— Melanie B.

Criminal Defense Whether you’re facing felony or misdemeanor criminal charges, you need protection from a system that wants convictions.

Assault Family Violence

Immigration Law The laws regarding immigration and visas are complex and confusing.

You need an expert on your side if you’re seeking to enter the United States legally.

Assault Family Violence charges can carry harsh penalties, including restrictions on access to children.

940.387.3909 www.FloresHarbourLaw.com Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4pm Denton Location

Carrollton Location

1409-E McKinney St., Ste. 117 Denton, TX 76209

2340 E. Trinity Mills, Ste. 300 Carrollton, TX 75006

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Business Spotlight

UNCOVER ALL

I

THAT IS YOU

t’s no secret that we live in a yoga-loving world. Whether it be the young college student trying it out for the first time or

the mom who can’t imagine starting her

by Steve Gamel

Flow classes, flexibility in Deep Stretch,

Beyond the classes, teachers, and formats,

and foundations of the practice in

what continues to make Uptown Yoga so

Beginners Flow.

popular with yogis is the community the

day any differently, fitness enthusiasts

Their instructors create a safe space for

class at their nearest yoga studio. Simply

work with the subtler aspects of the body,

everywhere are clamoring to sign up for a

exploration and also understand how to

put, yoga makes their life better.

mind, energy, and emotion. Incorporating

And for Castle Hills residents, the studio of choice is Uptown Yoga.

a mix of styles helps them bring you the world of yoga as it was intended.

“Whether you’re

Uptown Yoga in Austin Ranch has been

brand new or have

and the surrounding

decades, there’s

serving Castle Hills

been practicing for

communities for nearly

something for you

a decade and

is one of three locations

owned by longtime yoga instructor,

Jennifer Chitwood. What’s unique about her studios is that they offer a variety of

formats to meet the needs of beginners all the way to advanced yogis who want to be challenged. And they do so while

here,” said Krystle Sangillo, studio manager of the Austin

studio has organically created over the years. Students can expect to attend class with many of the same familiar faces from week to week, and because of that, they can make connections that are difficult to make anywhere else.

To play off that camaraderie, Uptown Yoga offers special events and workshops regularly. There’s a Yin and Wine Down event every few months where students can take part in a 90-minute deep stretch class followed by wine tasting in the lobby.

At the end of September, they’ll also host

Ranch location. “Many studios have been

their popular Yoga Nidra class.

shifting their focus to fitness-based classes

“All of it contributes to the community

with weights and high-intensity interval training. We are purists in the way we practice yoga, and we want to stay true

feel we have here for our yogis,” Krystle said. “There’s a buzz between classes in the lobby, and that’s exciting to see

honoring the practice of traditional yoga.

to that.”

This includes dynamic breath-based

She added, “We want to make sure

and still meeting new people. It is truly

whatever we teach is accessible to

a community, and it’s hard to find that in

stability in their Strictly Core and Core

students of all levels.”

other places.”

movement in Vinyasa Flow class,

because they’re connecting with friends

972.307.9642 | www.UpTownYoga.com | 6800 Windhaven Pkwy. • The Colony, TX 75056 www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Layla’s Legacy

by Leanne Yocum

GOLD GALA AUCTION AND DINNER September 28th 6 - 11pm | Vouv Dallas 4445 Sigma Rd. • Dallas, TX 75244

L

ayla Stamp was a 5-year-old princess with the strength of a warrior. She was a source of strength to encourage others and a treasure for the world. She was not your average kid.

“She was amazing, “ says Layla’s mom, Sara. “Every parent thinks their kid is the most talented and brilliant, but I feel like Layla really was. I can say that because I’m just like every other parent. But she was a very special little girl, super smart and very talkative from a really young age.

She loved to dance and sing, and she never met a stranger. She was in a class of her own.”

Layla was a student at Prince of Peace

Christian School when she was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at just 4 years old. She passed away in 2017. Since that day, her family has been dedicated to

honoring the memory of their daughter while also finding as many ways as they can to fund childhood cancer research programs throughout the world.

On September 28th, the second

annual Gold Gala Auction and Dinner

will be held in Layla’s honor. There will be a silent and live auction, and Dean

Enjoy a magical evening in honor of Layla and the legacy we are all continuing in her memory.

McCurry, who lives in Castle Hills, is the auctioneer. There will also be a local band called ‘The Time Machine.’

All of the money raised will go to pediatric brain cancer research.

The Stamp family is also excited to begin a joint venture with Alex’s For more info and to purchase tickets go to laylaslegacy.org/llf-gold-gala/

Lemonade Stand, an established

childhood cancer non-profit organization.

They do cooperatives with other smaller nonprofits (such as Layla’s) to help vet

research projects and match donations on certain childhood cancer research programs they feel are worthwhile.

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

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photos courtesy of Sara Stamp

Medicine cannot reach the brain because

this barrier is the natural way for the brain to protect itself. In Layla’s case, she had something similar to a port put directly in her brain and was given small doses

of a particular medicine, hoping it would make more of an impact. Traditional

chemotherapies are very rarely helpful for

She added, “She loved to play outside; loved playing in the home center with dolls. Loved playing pretend with her friends, color and paint. She was very artistic. There really wasn’t any part of school that she didn’t like. She loved to do everything!”

kids with brain cancer.”

Outside of putting on events and

partnering with other ventures, Sara has written a book called, “The Other ‘F’

Word.” The book chronicles the journey

she and her family went through during Layla’s illness and passing.

Sara stressed, “We want the funds we raise to go specifically into pediatric brain cancer research, not just to a hospital in general. We actually want it to be in the researcher’s hands and not into a lot of administration funds.”

“Brain cancer is tricky because you’re dealing with the blood-brain barrier. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

“It’s more about having faith through

any time that seems impossible,” she said.

“It is what I really tried to focus on

when there was nothing else I could do.

What happened to Layla was completely out of my control. I didn’t make a wrong decision or not do the right thing at the right time. It’s just the way life is.”

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Women’s Wellness Article

5 NATURAL TIPS

TO HELP

YOU DEAL

WITH

MENOPAUSE

by Steve Gamel

Y

ou may be thinking you are too young to have to worry about menopause, which is the period of time for women where hormones are raging in all the wrong ways as their bodies transition out of the childbearing years.

“That’s something my great grandmother has to, unfortunately, deal with — not me!” you say to yourself. And yet, you just turned 52, and you’re suddenly experiencing random mood swings, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia – and ohhhh, the hot flashes. Luckily, menopause is a normal sign of aging and will pass. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, there are practical tips out there to help you deal with menopause.

1. AVOID HOT PLACES Hot flashes are the absolute worst.

While you can take estrogen pills and other medications, a natural solution is to make sure you are always in a cool environment. This may mean turning the home thermostat down to 65 degrees at night, drinking lots of cool water, and avoiding hot or spicy food. Another cool tip is to start your day dressed in layers.

As you feel hot, remove layers to regain a comfort level.

2. MANAGE STRESS When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can cause everything from hot flashes to mood swings, weight gain, and insomnia.

Keep a diary to track what stresses you out (hint: it may also be the foods you are eating) and then slowly remove those stressors from your life. Meditation and low-impact exercises such as yoga can also help you regulate breathing and keep you in a constant state of peace.

*This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, please consult a doctor about your specific symptoms.

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3. EAT RIGHT Reduce refined sugar and processed foods. Also, eat protein-rich foods and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your day. All of this will help balance your hormones and curb weight gain, depression, and even the occasional bout of forgetfulness. Drinking at least 8-12 glasses of water a day can also help reduce bloating, increase your metabolism, and avoid dryness.

4. TALK WITH YOUR PARTNER One symptom of menopause that most women would prefer not to talk about is a decreased sex drive. Not only is the desire not there, but vaginal dryness may be causing pain that further disrupts their sex life. To combat this, have open conversations with your partner about needs and expectations.

Vitamin E and flaxseed oil have also been known to provide relief for vaginal and urinary symptoms.

5. MAINTAIN REGULAR EXAMS WITH YOUR DOCTOR As they say, you can’t treat problems you don’t know about or fully understand.

Keep up with routine exams such as pap smears and mammograms and talk openly with your doctor about any nagging symptoms of menopause that are disrupting your quality of life. Together, you can explore natural treatments or those that involve stronger medication.

The takeaway is that menopause is not a disease. It is a sign of aging that will eventually pass. Having the right mindset and a plan to tackle any temporary symptoms you do face will go a long way toward helping you stay happy and healthy. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Best Little Brewfest

IS COMING

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re a craft beer lover and want to partake in some rare and occasionally unusual brews, then put the Best Little

Brewfest in Texas on your calendar.

to 7 pm and will again be held in Old Town Lewisville at 151 W.

Church Street. It will feature everything

from beer and wine

to food, gifts, amazing music, and fun for the

wine and distilled spirits to have all the bases covered.

Last year’s event brought in

breweries such as TUPPS,

This year’s event is set for

October 19 from 1:30 pm

will also be meads and ciders as well as

As always, there will be light and summery options all the way to the exotic and barrel-aged.

entire family. As always, all

proceeds from North Texas’

best beer festival benefit Cloud 9

Charities, a local nonprofit that seeks to

provide temporary shelter for homeless families in Denton County.

OK, so let’s talk about the beer. Get ready to experience some of the finest craft

beer, wine, and spirits around. As always, there will be light and summery options

all the way to the exotic and barrel-aged.

The list of breweries is still being lined up, but you can expect around 80 or more

with about 300 offerings. Of course, there 24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

True Vine, Oak Highlands,

Hopfusion, Oskar Blues, Red Gap, Deep Ellum Brewing Company,

and Denton County Brewing Company.

Many of those are

expected to be back

this year.

vendor tents for gifts, decor, and so much more. Adult tickets include a souvenir tasting cup, tasting card for 12 samples (2 oz. each per TABC rules), access to 25 retail vendors, two stages of live music, and tasty food trucks! VIP tickets get you in an hour and a half early and admission to the VIP Lounge.

A full list of participating breweries, bands, vendors, and other information – including how to purchase your tickets in advance – can be found at bestlittlebrewfestintexas.com.

Once you’ve got your

drinks, stick around and have

some fun. According to the event website, there will be two stages for great local

music. The main stage on the east end of Ferguson Plaza will host full bands on a

professional sound platform. The acoustic stage at the west end hosts great talent

with an acoustic, singer/songwriter feel.

Last year’s lineup of performers included Trevor Douglas, Melissa Ratley, the Tennessee Stiffs, and Ricky Russell.

There’s also a one-of-a-kind shopping

experience for visitors to cruise various www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

HALLOWEEN MOVIES YOU MUST SEE AGAIN

by Steve Gamel

H

alloween is almost here.

To get you geared up for the big night, we compiled this list of must-see scary movies that have managed to stand the test of time.

Some are the type you’d be OK with having the kids watch while others are cult classics that are definitely on the adult side. Either way, why wait until Halloween when you can grab some popcorn, turn the lights off, and start a chilling movie marathon throughout the month of October?

All movie photos are presented for non-commercial illustrative purposes and is property of Artist/Promoter

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

SCARY MOVIES FOR THE KIDDOS

SCARY MOVIES FOR ADULTS

Edward Scissorhands A scientist with good intentions creates an animated human being (Edward) but dies before he can finish. This leaves poor Edward with scissors for hands as he tries to live in an average suburban neighborhood. Another mustwatch classic by Tim Burton that is great for the entire family.

Scream (all of them) “What’s your favorite scary movie?” — Ghostface. Say what you want about Scream, but there’s something about this series of four slasher films that are funny, clever, and scary. The films follow Sidney Prescott and her war against murderers who adopt the guise of Ghostface.

Halloweentown If you’re looking for something light for your small kiddos to watch, Halloweentown is a great choice courtesy of the Disney Channel. The series consists of four films that ran between 1998 and 2006.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula Everyone loves a great movie about Count Dracula, and this is perhaps the best one out there.

This is a perfect movie to watch on Halloween after the kiddos have finally gone to bed.

Hocus Pocus This is a funny tale starring the hilarious and odd trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.

Just like Beetlejuice, word on the street is there’s a sequel brewing.

Poltergeist Another Steven Spielberg flick that became an instant classic. There’s just something about that small, blonde-haired girl that will instantly creep you out for weeks. “This house … is clean.”

Gremlins Never feed a Gremlin after midnight. If you do, they may just take over your entire town. Kids and adults will definitely get a kick out of this 1980s masterpiece directed by the great Steven Spielberg.

Exorcist Out of all the scary movies you could watch this Halloween, this is one you must fit into your movie marathon.

The Exorcist (1973) is one of the most profitable horror movies ever made and is based loosely on actual events.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

L

&

N

A

H

K

O

T

U

M

C

R

E

E

N

P

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE NETWORK

L A C E

FRIDAY SEP 6, 2019 10AM - 2PM THE COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

4330 Courtyard Way • Flower Mound, TX 75028

Keynote Speaker

LINDA RUTHERFORD

Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer Southwest Airlines

Admission Fees

$40 Member • $50 Potential Member • $150 Vendor Booth (Includes lunch)

presented by: 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

Hosted by:

Women of Influence Network DIVISION OF LEWISVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

September 27 and 28 Old Town Lewisville

FREE until 7pm $10 per person after 7pm

LEWISVILLE

WESTERN

DAYS

by Steve Gamel

The free event includes stickhorse rodeo, the young anglers fishing tank, gunfight reenactments, and the Western Village tribal dancers.

Headliners for this year’s event are Brett Young on Sept. 27 and the Josh Abbott Band on Sept. 28. Some of the other

bands expected to play during the event

I

include Straight Tequila Night, Texas

f you’ve been looking for an excuse to don the cowboy hat, tight jeans, and boots with the spurs, now’s your chance as the Lewisville Western Days are officially upon us.

But don’t wait too long. It will be over before you know it.

It will feature everything from five stages of live music and western-themed activities to a livestock parade...

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Lewisville Western Days is an annual event slated for September 27 and 28 in Old Town Lewisville. It will feature everything from five stages of live music and western-themed activities to a livestock parade, the world tamale eating championship, and plenty of vendors from food concessionaires to artists and other commercial and non-profit vendors.

Western Days is free until 7 p.m. each day with a ticket, which are available for download and pickup. You simply pay for food, drinks, and children’s activities wrist bands. After 7 p.m., the cost per person is $10 except for children 12 and under.

Flood, Go Ask Alice, and Tejanas Brothers.

And let’s not forget about the slew of

children’s activities on tap for this year.

The free event includes stickhorse rodeo, the young anglers fishing tank, gunfight reenactments, and the Western Village

tribal dancers. For $12, you get unlimited

access to all inflatables, mechanical rides, the roller roper, pony rides, and the boogie, woogie, choo choo train.

According to the event website, officials are expecting upwards of 20,000

visitors at this year’s event. For more

information, visit www.cityoflewisville. com/about-us/city-departments/

community-relations-tourism/special-

events-festivals/western-days-festival/fsiteid-1.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

MUMS THE WORD

by Steve Gamel

A QUICK HISTORY OF THE HOMECOMING MUM

I

t’s homecoming season in Texas, so you know what that means – mums.

Ahh yes, Texas’ fall high school fashion trend that started many mums ago and will live on for years to come.

It’s a tradition, and it looks fantastic.

But where do mums come from, exactly? And when did they go from a simple flower to gigantic, custom pieces that are more often than not bigger than the girl wearing them?

The first question is easier to answer. Mums come from the Chrysanthemum flower, which according to the National Chrysanthemum Society, USA dates

back to 15th-century China.

The Chrysanthemum was

eventually introduced to the

Western World. In its most basic form, a homecoming mum is a

typical corsage with some kind of

backing and maybe a few ribbons.

In many of these traditional cases, the flower is real.

Around the 1970s, mums became

more elaborate. Today, there is no

limit to the design options that are available in many custom shops around North Texas.

Over the last few years, the

mum craze has branched out to

neighboring states. But they will always be bigger in Texas.

Marty Frank and Rene Diebold mfrank@mygrande.net 314.308.3663

General Mum Pricing: $50 - $125 Boutonnières: $12 Wrist Corsages: $25

Marty and Rene started making mums for their boys and their friends when they were freshmen. They loved crafting, spending time together and creating mums so they decided to keep going. Over the years their business has grown and they are excited to continue to grow together.

“We would love to make a mum or garter for you! We have pre-made mums that we will customize to your liking. We can also make one from scratch to meet your needs. Text or email to set up a time to come pick out a mum!”

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

photos courtesy of Marty Frank

YOUR LOCAL MUM CREATORS

COMMUNITY

CORNER

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads

PROPOSED BUDGET KEEPS YOU IN MIND

security (2) and workload (5.73).

The recommended budget also includes 31 positions deferred from last year’s

budget. Of those 31 positions, 21 were for public safety and eight for the new

462nd District Court as well as to handle an increasing caseload in the Child Protective Services Division of the District Attorney’s office.

Though we are adding new positions, we have actually decreased the number of employees per capita.

In the past decade, the number of

employees per 1,000 county residents dropped from 2.38 in the 2009-2010

budget year to a recommended 2.05

employees per capita for the 2019-2020

budget year. This per capita ratio speaks

to our county’s efficiency and also our use of technology.

A

s we look forward to a new fiscal year on Oct. 1, Denton County faces the challenges that fast

growth brings.

Every day, around 82 people move into our county. With our population on

Jan. 1 at 874,240, we will be reaching the 1 million mark in the next three years.

The recommended 2019-2020 budget

County’s proposed tax rate is the second

considerations. Our recommended

by population.

for Denton County reflects each of these

lowest among the Top 15 Texas counties

tax rate is the lowest tax rate in Denton

On Sept. 10, 2019, a second public

County since 1986 at $0.225278, which

includes a tax rate cut of 0.131221 percent from the current adopted rate.

hearing on the proposed tax rate begins at 7 pm in Commissioners Court on

the second floor of the Courthouse-

Let me repeat that. The recommended

on-the-Square. On Sept. 17, 2019, the regular meeting at 9 am will include a

What does that mean for Denton County?

2019-2020 tax rate will be the lowest in 33 years.

public hearing on the proposed budget

passports, register vehicles, need sheriff’s

On your tax bill this fall, you may note

to adopt the budget and tax rate.

More people will travel our roads, request deputies, seek public health services, build new homes and businesses in

unincorporated Denton County, appear

for court hearings and the list continues.

While growth often brings additional

tax revenue, we are seeing decreases in photo courtesy by Judge Andy Eads

Here is another interesting fact: Denton

fees and fines. These fluctuations present challenges.

However, I feel it is the responsibility of

Commissioners Court to handle your tax dollars like we would handle our own household budget.

Ensuring internal stability and ongoing

efficient services to you, we are taking care of our 1,700-plus employees. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

that the county’s portion is only about 9

percent of the overall bill. The remainder is for cities and school districts.

As we began our budget process this

beginning at 10 am and a public meeting I invite each of you to take the time to

attend the meetings or watch them live on the county’s Facebook page.

year, departments asked for what they needed to keep up with growth.

We understood their needs, but we

also trimmed where we could as we kept you foremost in our minds.

Though county departments requested 66

new positions for the upcoming fiscal year, the recommended budget includes only 27.73 new positions to handle increased growth demands in juvenile detention (10), child abuse (4) as well as cyber

CONNECT

WITH US pictured to the left is Andy Eads

If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

TIPS FOR PARENTS DEALING WITH KIDS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

T

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office is focused on keeping children safe from internet predators. We work closely with other agencies to conduct Joint Online Solicitation Operations.

Here are a few tips that parents can use when dealing with kids and social media.

•

•

Get up to speed on social media so that you can communicate with your kid and monitor their social media.

Set limits on how much time is spent on social media.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2019

• •

Teach your kids how to recognize and report abuse.

Embrace the benefits of social

media and teach your kids how it

is a powerful tool if used effectively.

•

Teach your kids what is and what is not appropriate to post on social media.

•

Take advantage of safety controls and monitoring apps to protect them from harm.

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 I positions start at $37,623.00 per year. Visit our website to apply.

www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ dentoncounty

ACTIVE SHOOTER CLASSES We are now doing Active Shooter

Classes for businesses and groups.

If you are interested in this presentation please email Deputy Godi at

Joshua.godi@dentoncounty.com.

WOMAN’S EMPOWERMENT CLASS

9am - 12pm at Denton Bible Church Woman’s Empowerment Program (WEP) is a self-defense class offered once a

month. This program is free and open to

females 15 years and older. Registration is required at WEP@dentoncounty.com.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com