WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS
CO2 – carbon dioxide – laser resurfacing uses targeted beams of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. This type of laser treatment can remove skin cancer, address cosmetic skin issues, such as fine or keep lines, wrinkles and acne scars; and treat areas of skin discoloration, like sunspots or age spots.
As the leaves turn and the season of gratitude arrives, our November issue is one that holds deep meaning and reflection. This month, we dedicate our pages to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country, and the families who have supported them along the way. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we pause to recognize not only the freedoms we enjoy, but also the incredible individuals who’ve made them possible—our veterans.
In this special issue, you’ll find stories that go beyond uniforms and medals. We highlight local nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition back into civilian life—whether through housing, mental health support, or career development. Their work is a reminder that honoring veterans isn’t just something we do once a year, but a continuous commitment as a community.
We also shine a light on businesses that are veteran-owned or go out of their way to hire and support those who have served. Their stories are a powerful blend of entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose—proof that service to others doesn’t end when military service does.
One feature we’re especially proud to share is on our local school’s ROTC program. These young leaders are already demonstrating the values of discipline, integrity, and dedication. They are tomorrow’s protectors, peacemakers, and changemakers—and they give us every reason to be hopeful for the future.
This issue is a celebration of service, sacrifice, and the power of community. As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we hope the stories within these pages inspire you to express your gratitude, not just in words but in action— whether it’s supporting a veteran-owned business, volunteering with a local nonprofit, or simply offering a heartfelt “thank you” to someone who’s served.
From all of us at the Burns Team City Lifestyle, we’re thankful for you—our readers, our partners, and especially our veterans.
With gratitude,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hang Le | hang.le@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Brittany McCaffety | brittany.mccaffety@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Valerie Merrick
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Christopher Bigenho Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mariah Leeson: Giggles Galore
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Mariah Leeson: Giggles Galore
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
1 - 7: The first annual Crafts & Drafts event was held in October at Watters Creek in alignment with Oktoberfest celebrations. The event featured local artisan vendors, live music, hands-on craft activities, and a curated selection of regional craft beers. It drew a strong community turnout and celebrated creativity and local flavor in a festive, family-friendly setting. Be on the lookout for its return next year—this new tradition is one you won’t want to miss.
Louis G. Jewelry is now open at Watters Creek, located at 907 Watters Creek Blvd, Allen, TX. This family-owned boutique features over 1,200 exclusive in-house pieces, custom designs, luxury watch repairs, and sustainable fine jewelry options. With a focus on craftsmanship, heritage, and community, Louis G. brings timeless elegance to Allen’s premier shopping destination. Visit today for a personalized and elevated jewelry experience.
This year, the annual WISE Women’s Conference is turning the page—and writing a bold new chapter. “Rewriting the Story” is a message for women who lead with purpose, defy expectations, and reshape what’s possible across every arena of life and leadership. Join a powerful collective of visionaries, change-makers, and rising voices for a day of inspiration, connection, and transformation through candid conversations, breakthrough insights, and shared momentum. https://tinyurl. com/WISEConf2025
Now open in Watters Creek, Allen, TX—Pure Green is your new destination for cold-pressed juices, handcrafted smoothies, and superfood açaí bowls. Whether you’re fueling a workout or grabbing a healthy snack, Pure Green offers fresh, nutritious options made to energize your day. Visit them at 970 Garden Park Dr, Allen, and experience wellness that tastes as good as it feels. Stop by and see what the buzz is about!
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 40,000 veterans in Collin County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This collection highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits dedicated to honoring their service and ensuring they receive the resources and care they need as they return home and beyond.
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Heroes on the Water is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through therapeutic kayak fishing experiences. Founded in 2007, the organization provides free outdoor wellness events that offer calm, connection, and community for those who have served.
What makes Heroes on the Water unique is its focus on recreational healing. The rhythm of the paddle, the quiet of nature, and the concentration of fishing help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and rebuild a sense of purpose. As one veteran explains, “The locations allow us to connect with nature, and the platform of kayaking enables us to be centered without the noise that motors and electronics may cause.”
With volunteer-led chapters nationwide and specialized therapeutic partnerships with the VA and Department of Defense, Heroes on the Water reaches people of all ages and abilities. No prior kayaking or fishing experience is required—just a willingness to show up and breathe.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking stress relief or a first responder looking for community, Heroes on the Water is a place to belong. Every cast, every paddle stroke, and every laugh shared on the water moves participants toward peace and empowerment.
Learn more or get involved at www.heroesonthewater.org.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families. Their programs and life-changing services help to strengthen the mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellness of service people and their loved ones.
Shawn Morgan, Dallas resident and Wounded Warrior Project Regional Alumni Director, explains that he came across the organization when transitioning from his service in the Army. “I was searching for a job, but I didn’t know where to begin. Wounded Warrior Project encouraged me to apply for open roles at the organization. I will be celebrating 12 years at Wounded Warrior Project in February.”
Morgan recounts how WWP recently supported a local veteran facing serious complications from cancer treatment. “Through one of our free programs, we connected him with a dedicated case manager who guided him to the care he needed and helped stabilize his financial well-being. We also gave him the chance to connect with fellow veterans at Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers games–offering not just a moment of relief but a reminder that he’s not alone.”
You can make a difference for a local veteran by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back.
Carry The Load began in 2011 by two veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Stephen Holley and Clint Bruce, who felt Memorial Day had lost its true meaning. What started as a way to honor their fallen service people has grown into a national movement that brings Americans together to recognize the sacrifices of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Whether through cleaning headstones at VA cemeteries or joining in a storyboard procession, volunteers across the nation help keep the memories of heroes alive.
Through powerful initiatives like the Dallas Memorial March and the National Day of Service and Remembrance on 9/11, Carry The Load offers the public meaningful ways to reflect, serve, and support those who have carried the load for our country. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to storytelling by sharing the names, faces, and lives of those lost in service to continue their legacy.
Proceeds from Carry The Load’s events and fundraisers support vital services, including counseling, housing, service dogs, and scholarships for children of the fallen.
In support of Veterans Day, please join Carry The Load’s 100,000 Meters Challenge from 11/11-12/11. Register at www.100kmc.com.
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The Veterans Center of North Texas (VCONT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families across North Texas stabilize, recover, and thrive. Since starting operations in 2014, VCONT has provided free assistance to more than 10,000 veterans and family members, addressing both immediate crises and long-term needs. Their services include help with essentials such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, and household items—practical support that keeps families secure during difficult times.
Anna-Marie Welch, Director of Client Services for Plano, explains that, “We see crises up close—an unexpected bill, a car repair, a notice on the door. When we step in with rent, utilities, food, or transportation, we’re not just paying an expense; we’re buying time and dignity while we connect the veteran to lasting support.”
Together, the staff and volunteers of VCONT provide the individualized attention and follow-through that ensure no one is left behind. By combining crisis intervention with long-term guidance, the Veterans Center of North Texas offers more than a stopgap—they provide a reliable partner for veterans as they build stability, independence, and a renewed sense of community.
To support local veterans, please consider making a donation at www.veteranscenterofnorthtexas.org/ what-we-need.
ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALLEN ISD THE LASTING VALUE OF MCJROTC AT ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL
At Allen High School, the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program offers students far more than a typical high school elective. It serves as a powerful foundation for leadership, character development, and future success—whether that path leads to college, military service, or a civilian career. Rooted in discipline and built around service and responsibility, Allen’s MCJROTC program continues to shape students into confident, capable young adults who are prepared for the demands of life beyond high school.
MCJROTC is a four-year academic and leadership program designed to foster citizenship, build character, and promote a sense of civic duty. While it is affiliated with the Marine Corps, participation in the program does not obligate students to enlist in the military. Instead, it introduces them to the values and structure of military life in a classroom setting, where they learn history, leadership, physical fitness, first aid, and communications, all under the guidance of retired Marine instructors.
One of the key strengths of Allen High School’s MCJROTC program is its focus on student leadership. Cadets do not simply sit in class and take notes. They run operations, lead squads, plan events, and serve in command positions such as company commander or first sergeant. This hands-on experience gives students the chance to learn what it means to lead and to be accountable, while still having the support and mentorship of experienced instructors. These real-world responsibilities help students build self-confidence, improve time management, and develop the interpersonal skills that will serve them for years to come.
For those who are considering enlisting in the military after high school, the MCJROTC program can provide a significant head start. Students who complete two or more years of the program are often eligible to enter the military at a higher rank, which means higher pay and more responsibility from the beginning.
In the end, the MCJROTC program at Allen High School is about shaping well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the future with strength and integrity. Students who participate in MCJROTC often say they gain more than just skills; they gain confidence, purpose, and a clear sense of direction.
“Students gain confidence, purpose, and a clear sense of direction.”
For those interested in exploring the program, the MCJROTC team at Allen High School welcomes questions and encourages students and parents to learn more. The door is open to anyone ready to rise to the challenge—and become a leader for life.
At 100% Chiropractic Fairview we specialize in quality Chiropractic care and whole body wellness. We want our community to enjoy life and achieve their full potential at whatever stage of life they are in. Dr. Jenny Garner and her amazing team will greet you with a smile and will make your health our priority.
The stress and strain of getting a healthy meal on the table is an all too familiar feeling for many families. But when the holidays roll around, this tension can feel amplified. Preparing for guests, cleaning the house, grocery shopping and cooking—it all piles up, and sometimes even negates the joy of the holiday experience itself. If you find yourself in this boat, overwhelmed with too many to-dos, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
When Elke’s Market Café’s owners Gregory and Kim Casale say, “Let our family feed your family,” they mean it. Determined to take the stress of cooking out of the holidays, their deliciously crafted Thanksgiving catering menu meets the needs of many frazzled families. “Many people will still cook their one or two favorite family recipes but allow us to do the heavy lifting,” explains Kim.
Elke’s specializes in corporate catering, as well as running a full market café serving soups, salads, and sandwiches (in addition to offering a Wine Club). It was founded in 2004 by Elke Kuby Marsh, who retired in 2020 to enjoy more time with her family. The Casales were subsequently chosen to carry on her recipes and traditions, which revolve around community and connection.
It’s easy to see why. Gregory hails from a prestigious background which includes being a former corporate chef and owner of a fine dining restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. He and his wife, Kim, who have been married for 30 years, are also business partners. Kim is a certified wine educator and handles the day-to-day running of the café with a passion for customer service.
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At any given lunch hour from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., you can see the café brimming with the familiar faces of returning customers, as well as new foodie-adventure seekers. Whether it’s a specialty sandwich like Elke’s Nutty Creation (pecan cheddar spread, bacon, candied jalapeños, peach preserves, and lettuce on toasted molasses wheat bread), coupled with a steaming hot house soup (carrot bisque, anyone?), the vibes of the café convey the warm and fuzzies and say Welcome home. Grab and go options are also available for those on the run.
While the holidays are often reserved for family celebrations, many families miss the opportunity to enjoy the festivities because of constraints on time. And a lot of that time is spent in the kitchen, slaving over dishes that take just too many hours to perfect.
The ease and simplicity of catering options draw many folks to Elke’s during the holiday season. “We make oven-ready meals that are made in-house, almost always from scratch, ready to deliver to you. All you have to do is follow our cooking instructions and stick them in the oven. It’s as easy as purchasing the meat, already flavored with herbs and cheeses, that’s centered in the middle of a pan with beautiful, colorful vegetables all around it, ready to go for you,” Kim explains.
For Thanksgiving, these catered meals can be as traditional or nontraditional as you’d like. How about a juicy turkey made from scratch, with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole as your sides, and banana pudding or pumpkin pie for dessert? Or maybe you fancy trimmed beef tenderloins with Elke’s special dry rub and praline sweet potatoes. After all, you are a Texan, right?
“Our jalapeno corn bread dressing and mashed potatoes continue to be some of our most popular offerings,” says Kim. Her personal favorite during the holidays is the porchetta pork loins. While it’s also one of Chef Gregory’s favorite entrées to make, his best-loved dish remains the German potato salad. “It’s without mayo, and it’s warm, and just an altogether different signature item.”
Perhaps this is the holiday you finally get to concentrate on making Grandma’s special stuffing recipe, because you know the star of the show (aka Elke’s porchetta-style pork loin, which is butterflied, stuffed with herbs, rolled, and tied) is due to arrive soon. Most importantly, being able to kick off your shoes and take a nap before the guests start pouring in could be the most important memory-maker of the holidays.
When asked what they are most thankful for this season, family and community support for their café top the list for Gregory and Kim. As a family and locally owned legacy business, they also understand that the comfort of a warm, home-cooked meal is one of the many blessings in life. For today’s busy moms and dads, it can even be a luxury.
If you’re ready to stuff that Texas Pecan Brownie or the Rise and Shine Breakfast Sandwich into your mouth, be sure to visit Elke’s at 105 N Greenville Ave. #11, Allen, TX, 75002, 214-495-0200, elkesmarketcafe.com (and place your catering orders early, so they will be in time for Thanksgiving!).
ARTICLE
BY MARIAH LEESON/GIGGLES GALORE
Transform Your Holiday Table with Thoughtful Details and Autumn Flair
Thanksgiving is a holiday spent gathered around the table, so it’s important to make sure it feels welcoming and inviting for your guests. However, setting a beautiful fall table doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. This Thanksgiving, entertain like a boss, and feel confident doing so, when you focus on these tips to create a beautiful table guaranteed to ensure guests linger...which is the best part about Thanksgiving!
START WITH A PLAN
Start by choosing a theme or color palette. This will give direction and cohesiveness to your gathering. Your theme doesn’t have to be elaborate, but choosing
Place cards not only help guests feel extra special, they also alleviate everyone figuring out where to sit. You can also add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving dinner table by creating place cards that double as party favors, such as a potted succulent tucked inside a hollowed-out mini pumpkin with a chalkboard planter stake.
Conversation cards are a great way to prompt family and friends to reflect on the things they are thankful for and keep the conversation flowing.
Enjoy the moment, laugh together, and create memories.
Visit www.gigglesgalore.com for Thanksgiving table inspiration, free printable Thanksgiving conversation cards, and more.
a color palette or selecting a mood you want to create will make other decisions like dishes and table decor easier. For example, gold pumpkins, gold chargers, white and black plates, and black-and-white chevron napkins with gold flatware tied together with greenery and gold glitter paper bows create an elegant table, while a farmhouse-inspired neutral color palette feels more intimate and casual.
One of my favorite tips is to set your table first before you create your centerpiece. It may seem a little backwards, but when you set the table with the chargers, plates, and glasses you plan to use, you will know how much room you have left to work in your centerpiece.
Celebrate the bounty of the season with a fresh centerpiece that includes flowers, seasonal vegetables, and natural elements. This simple detail can completely transform your space. Remember to keep things low so that guests can see across the table and engage in conversation with everyone.
WEDNESDAYS IN NOVEMBER
Chicken N Pickle-Allen: 1221 Johnson Rd., Allen, TX 75013
Test your music knowledge and sing along to your favorite hits during Music Bingo—where every round brings laughs, great tunes, and the chance to win prizes. It’s the perfect way to spice up your Wednesday night. Learn more at www.chickennpickle.com/location/allen.
NOVEMBER 1ST - 2ND
The Green at Watters Creek Village: Village Green Dr, Allen, TX 75013
Enjoy live performances from award-winning country, blues, and red dirt artists while exploring artisan booths, a fresh farmer's market, and a gourmet food and beverage garden. With free tickets and parking thanks to generous sponsors, it’s the perfect way to spend a weekend. Get tickets at www.dallascountryfestival.com.
NOVEMBER 7TH - 8TH
Hilton Garden Inn Allen: 705 Central Expy. S, Allen, TX 75013
Get into the festive spirit with two full days of crafting, shopping, and creativity! Whether you're making holiday cards or last-minute gifts, enjoy themed classes, a six-foot crafting space, and a relaxed atmosphere to create something special. Learn more or reserve your spot at www.justcrop.com/event-schedule.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Allen Senior Recreation Center: 451 St Mary Dr. Allen, TX 75002 | 7:00 PM
Follow the Yellow Brick Road… straight into a murder mystery! Enjoy a catered dinner while unraveling a wickedly fun whodunit set in a not-so-peaceful land beyond the rainbow. With old grudges and magical secrets at play, costumes are encouraged for extra flair. Can you crack the case? Reserve your spot at www.cityofallen.org/calendar.php.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Armor Brewing Co: 9 Prestige Cir., Allen, TX 75002 | 12:00 PM
Raise a glass of veteran-brewed beer while exploring a vibrant pop-up market filled with handmade goods, sweet treats, custom finds, and more. This family-friendly event blends community spirit, creativity, and craft brews in honor of Veterans Day. Discover vendor highlights and event details at www.armorbeer.com/events.
NOVEMBER 12TH
Glow and Go
MaxStrength Fitness-West Plano: 19009 Preston Rd. Ste. 116, Dallas, TX 75252 | 6:00 PM
Get holiday ready with an afternoon of beauty, wellness, and self-care! Explore the latest in skincare, fitness, and holistic health with top local vendors. Enjoy complimentary samples, exclusive deals, and live demos—including mini workouts and consults. Sip bubbly, snack, and prep for a radiant season. Find more details by following @allencitylifestyle on Instagram.
NOVEMBER 16TH
Let Your Creativity Bloom
North Texas Flowers: 710 E Main St. Ste. B, Allen, TX 75002 | 2:00 PM
Discover the art of floral design in a hands-on workshop led by expert designers. With fresh blooms, guided instruction, and everything you need provided, you’ll leave with a stunning arrangement—and a newfound love for flowers. Spots fill quickly, so register now at www. NorthTexasFlowers.com.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Sneaker Ball with a Cause
Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen: 210 E Stacy Rd., Allen, TX 75002 | 6:00 PM
Step onto the red carpet for an unforgettable night of glam, games, and giving. Enjoy a five-course dinner, casino tables, and music by DJ K-Flan—all to empower single-parent families and teens through Bands of Hope’s impactful programs. Reserve your spot and learn more at www.bandsofhope.org.
-Joanna
Gary Bourgeois Protects His Community
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GARY BOURGEOIS
Every day, we walk past community members who’ve made extraordinary sacrifices for our everyday freedoms. One of them is Gary Bourgeois: a local leader, veteran, and lifelong practitioner of martial arts.
Gary recently retired as a master sergeant after 23 years in the Louisiana and Texas Army National Guard. His service included a deployment to Iraq, where he served as a tank commander and earned a Purple Heart. He also spent over a decade mentoring young soldiers in Recruiting and Retention.
Now, as a mortgage advisor with Barrett Financial Group LLC, Gary specializes in VA loans as he helps fellow veterans understand and access the benefits they've earned. He’s passionate about dispelling myths around VA loans that often discourage veterans from using this powerful tool.
Outside of work, Gary’s dedication continues through martial arts. A seventh-degree black belt in Taekwondo, he’s taught hundreds of students across Louisiana and Texas, and served as a Team USA coach at international competitions. Today, he’s back at white belt while training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside his son.
Whether guiding veterans, coaching students, or leading in his community, Gary embodies the spirit of service. His life is a testament to leadership and a continued commitment to help those around him.
