Allen Image August 2014 by Allen Image

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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

August 2014

Vol. 24, Issue 8

cover story

arriving at his field of dreams

Allen High School baseball star Shawn Tolleson has come home to play for the Texas Rangers. This 26-year-old professional relief pitcher has devoted most of his life to achieving his dream of being in major league baseball.

feature

making the ordinary extraordinary

special sections

15 PET PAGE

Legend

20 KIDS KORNER

Back to school crafts & traditions

34 CALENDAR 58 People seen

26 18

15 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

education

Summer brings capacity crowds to Allen Event center

22 Managing the mayhem

Historical marker at the Train Depot

GARDENING 24 Crops in Pots

14 Allen’s Community Theatre

HEALTH & FITNESS

Allen Ducks Unlimited

Health & Fitness profiles

library

Sensory processing disorder

Baseball’s Robin Roberts

Hidden treasure

Why your child should receive the HPV vaccine

5 major roadblocks to having a healthy lifestyle

Batman vs. the Joker

22 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe Sue Hardesty

cover photo Larry Fleming

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56 contributing writers Amy Cattaneo Deborah Dove Holly Harvey Tom Keener Kate Lundgren Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson Dr. Kimberly Smith Marjorie Vaneskahian Kathleen Vaught

Allen Image © 2014 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage.com.

civic forum

Summer brings capacity crowds to Allen Event Center by Jeff MUES

This summer has been a big one for Allen Event Center, having already hosted capacity concert crowds and

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with more great shows in the coming weeks. You may have heard about the sold out Boston and Doobie Brothers

concert in June—maybe you even were lucky enough to attend that fantastic show—but we wanted to tell you about some fantastic venue rentals (meaning produced by a third party concert promoter) that may not be on everyone’s radar. On the first day of June, just weeks before that headline-making Boston and The Doobie Brothers show, one of the biggest entertainers in the world quietly performed to a near-capacity crowd of close to 6,000 fans. That show featured a man by the name of Sonu Nigam, widely regarded as India’s most revered playback singer and an icon beloved by millions across the globe. Building off that success, musical superstars from India are increasingly making Allen Event Center their top choice venue in North Texas. In fact, just this month two major concert bookings featuring some of India’s biggest stars are expected to draw 10,000 to 12,000 fans between them. First up, leading Bollywood crooner Mika Singh will headline a bill with rising Bollywood starlet Sunny Leone, talented up-and-comer Akasa Singh and Miss India Amruta Paka on

August 10. Singh, sometimes referred to as “The Badshah (King) of Bollywood,” is a prolific singer and performer who has topped the charts with blockbuster studio albums and songs from notable Bollywood films. The younger brother of singing legend Daler Mehndi, Singh has certainly earned his status as a star in his own right—a headline caliber act and major draw. Just two weeks later, on August 24, Indian-born playback singer and famed songstress, Shreya Ghoshal, headlines a concert with a former Indian musical television reality show winner, Hrishikesh Ranade. Though Ghoshal is just 30 years of age, she has already had a long and storied musical career, having released 16 albums in six languages, winning more than 70 awards and having lent her voice to countless Bollywood films. Mixing in originals with Bengali favorites while performing alongside acrobatic dancers and wildly patterned visuals, the show promises to be extraordinary in every sense. While these two shows may fly under the radar in comparison to a booking like Boston and The Doobie Brothers, featuring mainstream American acts, these two August shows are generating much excitement. The buzz in the arena for the recent Sonu Nigam engagement was incredible, and so too was the social media reaction. Importantly, the timing could not be better. Being the offseason for Allen Event Center’s three sports tenants, it’s a fantastic time to open up a new market. Certainly we hope to bring in more of these types of events in the future, and can benefit from becoming a venue with a reputation that stretches from North Texas to New Delhi. It’s worth keeping in mind that compared to other longer-established venues, Allen Event Center is still very young. This November the arena will celebrate its 5th anniversary. With that, a number of exciting events are being planned with some of the arena’s sports tenants to commemorate the

occasion (full details to be announced soon). Plus, we’ll celebrate with a more mainstream concert booking—Judas Priest with special guest Steel Panther will perform at Allen Event Center on November 6, nearly five years to the day the arena first opened. You might recall Judas Priest played at Allen Event Center in 2011, choosing a return engagement here over other options in North Texas. The moral of the story is that coming up on five years of age, the

phone is ringing more often than ever before from those who hope to bring different flavors of musical entertain ment to the Allen Event Center stage. You never know what sort of booking will pop up next so stay tuned to AllenEventCenter.com. Especially if you haven’t already, give an Allen Event Center concert experience a try! v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

Allen Image | August 2014

Historical marker at Allen Train Depot

by Tom KEENER

In honor of its historical sig nificance to the community, the Allen Heritage Guild and Collin County Historical Commission will install a Collin County historical marker at the Train Depot, 100 East Main Street, at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 16. Allen Heritage Guild President and Commission Chairman Paula Ross and Commissioner Linda Hess will coofficiate at the program. Refreshments will be on hand for visitors. The arrival of the Houston Texas and Central Railroad through Collin County in 1872 transformed the region. Cattle and agricultural products could now be transported to Chicago, St. Louis and New York within a few days. Census data indicates that Allen’s agricultural economy exploded at an astronomical rate. Commercial and

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passenger traffic at the Allen Train Depot quickly led to the formation of nearby businesses and churches such as Mountcastle and Young, a blacksmith, and Allen Baptist, Allen Methodist and Allen Christian Churches. Two historically memorable events occurred at the Depot: On February 22, 1878, Sam Bass and his outlaw gang committed the first successful train robbery in Texas at Allen Station, near this site. After a brief exchange of gunfire, the robbers made off with approximately $1,200 in silver coins. This event led to the strengthening of the Texas Rangers as an organized law enforcement agency. On April 5, 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to visit Allen. He was traveling in his private train car,

“Rocket,” en route to a Rough Riders reunion in San Antonio. When he spoke that evening to the people of Allen, he was dressed in his Rough Riders uniform and encouraged unity among all the people. School had just ended when the president arrived and children made a mad dash to hear him, which delayed them from arriving home at the normal time. Initially assuming their children were lying, parents were later amazed to discover that their children had really seen and heard a U.S. president who opted to stop in the, then, tiny community of Allen while traveling through Texas. Please call 972.727.2772 for additional information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Comes to Allen! Offering a one-of-a-kind, dynamic workout that is both fun and challenging, Orangetheory Fitness breaks a one-hour group session, known as the Orange 60, into monitored intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Cardio routines are varied so they don’t become monotonous, using a variety of equipment including treadmills and WaterRowers—rowing machines that cross the line between rowing and cycling. Strength training includes innovative Suspended Bodyweight Training (SBT) and free weights to tone your body and gain energy throughout the day. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), the studio’s heart rate-monitored training is designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. You guessed it—fitness experts call it the orange zone.

The Orange Zone

“The orange zone is reached when you sustain 84 percent of your maximum heart rate for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on your age, weight and height,” says Xan Carr,

Business Development Manager, Orangetheory Fitness. “You always wear a heart rate monitor and a personal trainer is there with you every step of the way, encouraging and guiding you.” Once you attain and sustain your orange zone, you will start to enjoy an “after-burn” effect, a scientifically proven change in metabolic rate, Xan explains. “Our interval training design produces a 200- to 400-caloric burn increase 24 to 36 hours after your workout. This is in addition to the 500 to 1,000 calories you will burn during the workout.”

No Contracts

Orangetheory Fitness is a national franchise that recently opened its first North Texas studio in Plano. Discounted pre-sale memberships are currently available for the Allen studio, which is expected to open early this fall, along with a Frisco location. Several membership types are available, depending on your fitness goals, and there are no longterm contracts to sign. For a complimentary visit pass or more information, visit

OrangeTheoryFitness.com.

PROVEN, LASTING RESULTS IN A 60-MINUTE WORKOUT! • Fun and exhilarating 60-minute workout sessions split into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. • Increase energy, get visible results and burn more calories, even after leaving the studio. • Burn 500-1,000 calories during the workout and 200-400 more calories over the next 24 to 36 hours. • Group fitness rocks. Working out with a group makes your time fun and effective. Group sessions can help you achieve your targets and encourage you to stick to it! • Monitored heart rate to achieve “the orange zone.” • Fun challenges and cash contests for weight loss. • No long-term contract commitment.

945 W. Stacy Rd., Allen, TX 75013 972.521.3700 orangetheoryfitness.com

Snippets Allen’s Community Theatre

Allen Ducks Unlimited The Allen Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) is having their

16th Annual Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, August 7, at

5:30 p.m. at Cross Creek Ranch, 3406 Dublin Road in Parker. All proceeds benefit Ducks Unlimited wetland conservation and restoration.

Due to the enormous support from local and national sponsors and the generosity of attendees, the Allen Ducks Unlimited Chapter has received awards from both Ducks Unlimited National and the Texas State Committee for exceptional growth.

Besides great barbeque, libations and fellowship, there will be various raffles, games, and silent and live auctions. Advance

tickets (by August 5) are $50 per person, $70 per couple, youth $20 and a corporate table for ten is $600 and all tickets include one membership to Ducks Unlimited. Door prices will be slightly higher.

If you cannot attend this event, there is still an opportunity to participate in our Gun Raffle—winners need not be present to

win and all winners must complete a NICS background check. Allen’s Community Theatre presents a children’s musical, Feliciana Feydra LeRoux, by Tynia Thomassie and chosen as the 2014 ALLen Reads children selection. It was adapted for stage by Don Sandley and Matt Godfrey. The show is directed by Charlotte Taylor and produced by Jo RiversSchenck. Feliciana Feydra LeRoux lives in the heart of Cajun country with her large family, including her grandfather, Grampa Baby, who spoils her rotten. But he doesn’t let her go alligator hunting with him and her brothers, although she begs and pleads. So one night Feliciana takes matters into her own hands, sneaks out after the boys in a pirogue and gets more than she bargained for!

If you would like to support wetland conservation by

Join us at 1206 E. Main Street, #105 (SW corner of Allen Heights & Main). Performance dates are August 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and August 17, 24, 30 and 31 at 2 p.m.

attending the banquet and/or becoming an event sponsor by

Ticket are $15 (general), $13 (age 65+), and $10 (under 18). You may purchase tickets in advance at allenscommunitytheatre.net. v

To learn more about the Allen Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and

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donating funds, goods or services, or purchase Gun Raffle

tickets, contact Clint Osteen 214.455.3082 or Brad Yearwood 214.770.3551 for more details.

how you can become an active member, check us out on the web at: http://allentxduchapter.blogspot.com. v

pet page

Ledger Meet Ledger, a handsome and sweet puppy. He was found roaming the streets in the Rockwall area where he was picked up by the local shelter. His early months were not good ones, but as soon as his CCHS foster saw him, he pulled him and put him into the CCHS adoption program. Ledger is very gentle and such a lovebug. He is currently around 8 months of age and weighs about 45 pounds. He is estimated to be around 55-60 pounds when full grown. Ledger is doing great in a home with two personal dogs, two other foster dogs and a cat. He is looking for someone with the time and patience to teach him to be the best doggie he can be.

Ledger

His adoption fee includes: three sets of puppy vaccines, rabies, heartworm preventative while under our care, microchip, neuter and deworming while under our care.

If you are interested in adopting this little man, then please fill out an adoption application at: http://www.collincountyhumanesociety. org/adoption-application.html. Allen Image | August 2014

library

by Tom KEENER

Stan Musial and Robin Roberts The top right-hander in the National League from 1950-1955, baseball legend Robin Roberts garnered the respect of baseball players and fans alike. Although most of the remainder of his career was a mix of decent, fair and poor seasons, when he climbed atop the pitcher’s mound, he was a consummate professional who could pitch and simultaneously develop a well-conceived strategy.

he wants. There is one precious diamond word for him—control.” Roberts recorded 305 complete games in his career. In 1950, Roberts became the first 20-game winner for the Phillies since Grover Cleveland Alexander had set this record in 1917. In 1958, Roberts won his 191st game for the Phillies, exceeding the club record held by Alexander. In 1976, he became the first Phillie ballplayer elected to the Hall of Fame since Alexander. Rogers declares, “With a seemingly effortless motion, pinpoint control, a blazing, dancing fastball and an unequaled competitive spirit, Robin Roberts enjoyed one of the most celebrated careers in baseball history. From 1950 through 1955, Roberts was the dominant pitcher in the National League, winning 20 or more games and logging 300 or more innings each year, on his way to a stellar 18-year major league career.” The former Dean of the Dedman School of Law at SMU (1988-97), Paul Rogers served as President of the Southwest Conference from 1991 to 1993 and is currently a professor at the SMU Law School.

…But better than any of them now on the mound, Robin Roberts can put the ball where he wants. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28, author C. Paul Rogers III will discuss his book Throwing Hard Easy: Reflections on a Life in Baseball, also written by Robin Roberts, with a forward by Stan Musial and James Roberts. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. Time magazine’s Dick Seamon wrote of Roberts in 1956: “… But better than any of them now on the mound, Robin Roberts can put the ball where

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An enthusiastic baseball historian, Paul has co-authored four baseball books: The Whiz Kids & the 1950 Pennant (Temple University Press, 1996), Throwing Hard Easy, Reflections on a Life in Baseball (University of Nebraska Press, 2014), Lucky Me—My 65 Years in Baseball (SMU Press, 2011) and Bill Werber, Memories of a Ballplayer: Bill Werber and Baseball in the 1930s (SABR, 2001). v

Hidden Treasure by Tom KEENER The Allen Public Library presents Hidden Treasure of Texas—Bouquet Agate Collection of Brad Tanas during August. Brad will discuss his collection and its origins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 14, and provide a slide show. The exhibit in the library’s gallery is open to the public during normal business hours. It is an educational display, showing where these unique specimens are located, how they were formed and steps/techniques to identify, cut and polish into present day jewelry pieces. Featuring different sizes, shapes and colors, guests will view approximately 100 specimens of Bouquet agate. Rough materials are enhanced by cutting and polishing into slabs and can result in quality pieces of jewelry. Brad states, “I hope this exhibit increases awareness and knowledge of geology and related earth sciences and a higher appreciation for the lapidary arts. Inspired youth of today may be our geo-scientists of tomorrow.” Living around the Dallas Fort Worth area you would never know that Texas has beautiful agates from its volcanic past. In 1998, Brad began “rockhounding” as a family activity. During camping adventures, his family began collecting geological specimens. Brad states, “We joined our first lapidary club and attended many field trips, pot luck dinners, and made many new friends. This is a perfect extension of our family camping adventures, looking for

interesting rocks and taking pictures across the western states.” In 2004, Brad’s family moved to Texas and joined the Dallas Gem and Mineral Society. The best part of belonging to a local club is the members who can help identify rocks, their wealth of knowledge, patience to share and the handson training classes with club equipment. v

Batman vs. the Joker During August, don’t miss the Batman artifacts and collectibles in the library’s gallery to celebrate Batman’s 75th anniversary. Films begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and are free.

August 5—Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993, 76 min.) (PG) Batman is wrongly implicated in a series of murders of mob bosses actually done by a new vigilante assassin. August 12—Batman (1989, 126 min.) (PG-13) An Oscar winning film that stars Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger. The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being the clownishly homicidal Joker. August 19—The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest (1997, 74 min.) (TV PG ) Joker goes to Metropolis with an offer and plan to kill Superman for Lex Luthor while Batman pursues the clown to Superman’s turf. August 26—Batman: The Dark Knight (2008, 152 min.) (PG-13), starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart. When Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent launch an assault on the mob, the Joker is bent on turning Gotham on itself and bringing heroes down to his level. v

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. For additional information, please call 214.509.4911. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image | August 2014

feature

Making

the

ordinary

extraordinary by Deborah DOVE

Allen resident Mariah Leeson is passionate about taking ordinary things and moments and turning them into something extraordinary. That passion has evolved into a popular lifestyle and party blog, television appearances, features in national magazines such as Parenting, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Tattle, and opportunities she’d never imagined. Mariah studied Public Relations and Communications in college and worked in marketing and PR for several companies before becoming a PR consultant when her oldest daughter, Aubrey, was a baby. When twins Piper and Parker arrived a year later, she needed a creative outlet. “I needed to feel human,” Mariah remembers with a laugh. Every morning when the twins were napping, she would do a craft or creative project with her older daughter and blog about it on her blog, Giggles Galore.

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“Everything was very kid-oriented,” she says of her blog at the time. When she blogged and posted pictures of daughter Aubrey’s Strawberry Shortcake-themed fourth birthday party, other bloggers began picking up and reposting her blog and before long she had her own following. She began planning and posting more parties with beautiful photos and before long, Parents magazine featured her Vintage Dick and Jane party as their party of the month feature. With the advent of Pinterest, Mariah’s blog became even more popular. Over time, Giggles Galore has evolved from a party blog into a lifestyle blog with an emphasis on kids and families. Today, Mariah tends to focus on crafts, recipes, parties and entertaining, with an emphasis on creating affordable ways to celebrate the little things, whether it’s a family dinner, making homemade popsicles or a Fourth of July barbecue. Her tips for a successful Halloween Trunk or Treat were most recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens! “I’m passionate about helping people celebrate the little moments,” says Mariah. She adds that while she loves entertaining and sharing ideas, anyone can do it. In fact, the motivation behind her blog is to show people how to turn what they have into something special. “I don’t make homemade

Tattle Monster

cupcakes and spend hours in the kitchen,” Mariah says. “You don’t have to own anything special. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. I’m trying to make sure that any mom, whether she works or stays home, has two children or five, can come to my website and get ideas she can use.” Teachers also find inspiration and classroom solutions from Mariah’s blog. In fact, her most popular pin on Pinterest is the Tattle Monster, a craft/teaching tool she created when her kids wouldn’t stop tattling on each other. Inspired by a poem her sister (an Allen kindergarten teacher) gave her, Mariah created a cute little monster out of a tissue box that her kids could “feed” their tattles to instead of bringing them to her. She has plans in the works to create a Tattle Monster book with an accompanying tutorial and printable download. What inspires a woman who can turn a tissue box into a learning tool? “I’m recycling my childhood,” Mariah laughs. “My mom was always about tradition and making things special. She made everything fun and memorable. I want to be like my mom.” In addition to revamping her own childhood traditions, Mariah often gets ideas from Pinterest that she will tweak and put her own spin on, or some crazy idea will wake her up in the middle of the night. She’s also inspired by thrift stores (the inspiration behind her vintage Dick and Jane party) and other store finds.

“I’m the kind of person who walks into a store and sees something for $50 and think to myself, ‘I could do that for $5,’” she says. “But I like to put my own spin on it.” Her ability to put her own unique spin on special, as well as ordinary, occasions has led to numerous guest appearances on Dallas-based KTXD’s (Channel 47) The Broadcast, an entertainment talk show similar to The View that is syndicated across Texas and Louisiana. The station will contact her with a few ideas for a segment and she then plans an event, from invitations to do-it-yourself projects to food. She creates a mini version of the party to show on-air as she talks about easy ways to implement her ideas. She follows up each entertainment segment with a more extensive version on her blog with a free related printable. Her television segments have included tips for Oscar and Super Bowl parties, a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, Thanksgiving décor and table settings, and Halloween party ideas and recipes. For a girl who grew up wanting to be an actress, the switch to the small screen has been exciting. “I love it!” Mariah says enthusiastically. “It’s like talking to your best friend.” Although Mariah still does some marketing and PR consulting, her blog is quickly becoming her primary focus. She has been invited to speak at several national conferences for lifestyle bloggers and is continually contacted by brands to create posts that incorporate their products. In addition to growing Giggle Galore’s readership, she would love to host a regular TV segment. “Sharing ideas to live a fun and creative lifestyle is my passion!” she says. Mariah was recently selected as one of 30 top craft and lifestyle bloggers to participate in the Michaels Store new “Michaels Makers Blogger Program,” where these specially chosen DIY experts share new projects, reviews, DIY tips and techniques. Mariah, along with the other bloggers, will also participate in a monthly Michaels craft challenge—one project, 30 different craft interpretations—that will be featured on Michaels’ blog, The Glue String. For more information, visit Mariah’s blog at www. gigglesgalore.net, or follow her on Pinterest or Instagram @ Giggles_Galore. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Mariah’s event planning tips: • Start with a variety of white dishes and serving platters. Use them as the basis for any party, and get creative with the details. • Have at least one creative “go to” recipe, such as a fun dip or pinwheels on a fork. • Plan your get togethers so that they engage all five senses. What will your guests see, taste, feel, hear and smell? Allen Image | August 2014

kids korner

Back to school crafts and traditions by Deborah Dove The lazy days of summer are slowly winding down. Following are some back to school crafts and ideas for end of summer/beginning of school traditions and celebrations to get your kids ready for the brand new year. Crafts

Pocket Purses—Transform an old pair of jeans into a cute purse for a cell phone or a portable pencil or crayon case. Cut the pockets out of a pair of jeans. Embellish with ribbon, buttons and other accessories such as small silk flowers and bows (check the scrapbooking section of craft stores for ideas). Hot glue around the edges of the pocket, leaving a 1/2-inch of space at the top for the handle. Attach ribbon as the handle and hot glue into place. Homework Caddy—Stock up on school supplies while they’re inexpensive and then make this cute caddy with everything your student will need to do their homework in style. You will need for your lazy Susan: Approximately 5-7 empty, clean food cans (or however many will fit on your lazy Susan). Use mini vegetable cans for crayons and smaller items and larger cans for taller items such as pencils. Wrap each can with a strip of cute scrapbooking paper and secure to the can with hot glue. Arrange cans on the lazy Susan and hot glue into place. Fill cans with scissors, markers, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, erasers, a stapler, tape, etc.). For preschoolers, wrap each can with a different color of the rainbow and fill with crayons that match the can color for a cute crayon caddy. Duct Tape Pencil Cups—Cover empty and cleaned frosting cups with patterned duct tape for a personalized pencil cup. Bottlecap Magnets—Kids can make these cute magnets themselves to display the upcoming year’s artwork, grades, papers and more. You will need: Bottle cap Scrapbooking paper Clear packing tape Clear sealant Quarter Hot Glue Tacky glue 1/2-inch-wide magnet Sequins, rhinestones, beads, googly eyes, etc. Choose paper for the background. Cover both sides of the paper with clear packing tape. Using a quarter as a template, cut a circle from the covered paper and use tacky glue to affix it to the inside of a bottle cap. Glue on sequins, rhinestones, beads, googly eyes or other decorations that are fairly flat. Let the glue dry, then brush on a generous coat of clear sealant. When the sealant is dry, use hot glue to attach a strong 1/2-inch-wide magnet to the back of the cap. Back to School Hand Sanitizer Teacher Gift—Make this adorable, but inexpensive, decorated bottle of hand sanitizer for your child to give to their teacher on Meet the Teacher night. You will need: A cheap bottle of hand sanitizer (make sure nothing is printed on the bottle itself) Rub-ons or stickers Coordinating ribbon Peel off any stickers on the bottle, using Goo-B-Gone to get any

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excess stickiness off. Decorate with stickers or rub-ons. Tie a coordinating ribbon around the neck of the bottle. Easy, peasy and useful. Button Headband—The perfect back to school hair accessory. You will need: Buttons in assorted sizes and colors Elastic (1-1/2-2” wide), cut slightly longer than the circumference of your child’s head (use the elastic to measure before cutting) Sew buttons onto the elastic until the headband is covered (kids 6 and up can typically sew on buttons). Measure again and mark where the elastic needs to be sewn to fit snuggly. Sew the ends together, trimming the excess elastic.

Traditions

Back to School Countdown—Create a paper chain with colorful strips of construction paper, one for each day until school starts. Cut one link each day until you reach the end on the first day of school. For added fun, write an activity on each link to do each day to take advantage of the last days of summer. First Day of School Interview—Have your child fill out a questionnaire at the beginning of each school year documenting how they write their name, what they want to be when they grow up and favorites (such as TV show, book, friend, color, food, activity and subject). Look online for free printables or create your own. First Day of School Picture—Take your child’s picture in the same spot each year on the first day of school. Purchase a small chalkboard for them to hold identifying what grade they are starting. Matching “Tattoos”—Ease separation anxiety by drawing matching “tattoos” with a Sharpie on your child’s hand and your own—anything from a simple heart to special words such as “I love you.” Family Time—Establish a special tradition to do together a few days before school starts to spend quality one-on-one time with your child or as a family. Ideas include a special lunch date with mom or dad, family outdoor movie night, dinner out, bowling, mani/pedis, family sleepover, reading The Kissing Hand…the options are endless. Rainbow Waffles—Mix up your favorite waffle mix and divide into six bowls. Add a different color of food coloring to each bowl to create rainbow colors. Heat waffle maker and spray with oil. Quickly spoon waffle batter onto heated iron in concentric circles, starting with purple in the middle, surrounded by blue, then green, yellow, orange and red. Cook according to directions. Cut waffles in half. Place on a plate and add a dollop of whipped cream “clouds” at either end of the rainbow.

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | August 2014

education

Managing the mayhem by Holly HARVEY

Sondra Shipp Slogging through a job search can be difficult and demoralizing and can even make someone consider a career change. For Collin College student Sondra Shipp, taking the plunge and choosing a drastically different career path has made all the difference. Shipp was living in East Texas looking for a job when she asked herself an impor tant question.

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“I thought to myself, ‘What can I do that I enjoy?’” Shipp asked. “I had been working healthcare and retail jobs, and I wanted something that was different and exciting. I had a little experience planning small local and church events so I focused on that area.” After exhaustively researching, Shipp found the hospitality and foodservice management program at Collin College and packed up her

belongings in Longview to make the move to Frisco. “I read all kinds of incredible reviews about how Collin College’s program was spectacular and excellent,” Shipp said. “It made me excited to start the program.” Collin College’s Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Education Chair Karen Musa said the hospitality program gives students a chance to gain real-world experience and shows the variety of careers available in hospitality management. “The program has high standards and challenging classes and provides students opportunities to work at events and businesses to get a feel for their future career,” Musa said. Shipp and other Collin College students in the program regularly assist with local community events, and this year they catered the Wildflower Festival in Richardson with headliners such as Joan Jett and Kool & the Gang. In the past, Shipp has volunteered and helped with ESPN’s Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award (ESPY). “When students are out in the field managing an actual event they really have to think on their feet,” Musa said. “They have to quickly adapt to situations and that’s where their training from classes helps.” Shipp uses her skills at Bridal Shows Inc., a job she learned about through a Collin College classmate. Her role involves administrative tasks, managing industry contacts, checking on insurance, prepping kits for vendors and managing special projects. “For the hospitality industry, you have to be extremely organized and have precise time management skills,” Shipp said.

Naomi Butler, CEO of Bridal Shows, Inc., has produced tradeshows for more than 25 years. “Thousands of details go into producing shows,” Butler said. “It’s important to produce a quality, longlasting event that is a complete package. Treating exhibitors fairly, budgeting wisely, getting anywhere from hundreds to thousands of brides to come to shows is all part of the package.” Also certified in exposition management, Butler routinely hires students like Shipp to work at Bridal Shows, Inc. to help get their foot in the door in the industry and other jobs. Classes at Collin College such as Group Tours, Leadership, International Management and more also provide students with a firm foundation in management, Musa said. “There are an incredible amount of options in the industry,” Musa said. “Students can work with trade shows, become meeting planners, work for associations or corporations or even work independently for themselves.” The hospitality industry has been described by the U.S. Department of Labor as one of the fastest-growing industries. Musa keeps a database of job leads and internships that she frequently shares with students to help them get a leg up when starting their careers. Musa also works to help students with their skills outside of the classroom. “Networking is a huge part of the

business, and we really push our students to get involved with an industry group,” Musa said. “One group we’ve really gotten involved in that has helped our students is Meeting Professionals International (MPI).” This year, three students from Collin College received scholarships from MPI to attend its national con

ference in Minneapolis. Collin College is actively working to create a student chapter of MPI in the fall to give students a better understanding of the industry and greater networking options. People skills are a huge plus and are necessary for success in the industry. “My passion is building people and businesses,” Butler said. “A lot of business is building relationships. People are more than just a name and an email address.” Though networking, building relationships, planning and fulfilling client needs can be difficult and laborintensive, it’s worth it. “Even when the day is challenging and there’s a million things to be done, I still love working with people,” Shipp said. “When I’m able to help someone and I slowly see their frown turn into a smile, it’s the absolute best thing.” v Holly Harvey is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photos: Nick Young, Collin College.

Allen Image | August 2014

gardening

Crops in pots

by Dawn OLDFIELD

produced crops through Thanksgiving, and sometimes into Why grow your own produce? Because you get to eat December, offering a cornucopia of flavors for the holiday it of course! Nothing compares to the fresh taste of table. Likewise, fast-forward to early spring when warm vegetables that come from your own garden. Don’t let days and cool nights allow Texans to grow an abundance of limited space or Texas unpredictable weather dissuade you mouthwatering warm season crops that become the stars of from the joys and rewards of vegetable gardening. summer salads and backyard barbecues. The options for Incorporate containers and you’ll be able to grow growing crops in pots that will thrive season after season nutritious veggies, herbs and greens for a homegrown are almost endless! harvest nearly year-round. When planning your fall or spring vegetable garden The best thing about container vegetable and herb keep in mind the maturity date (approximate number of gardens is that they are portable, changeable, water-wise, days from planting to harvest), and average first and last decorative and delicious! Almost any vegetable that will frost dates. In North Texas grow in a backyard garden will also do well in a “Good gardening is very simple, really. our average first frost is around November 16. In container. All you really need You just have to think like a plant.” the spring, our average last is the right size container so frost is around March 16. the roots have room to grow, –Barbara Damrosch Of course, Mother Nature good quality potting soil, is known to toss us a freeze or two when we least expect it, seeds or transplants of your favorite veggies and a sunny so invest in sturdy plant dollies to place under containers. spot on your patio or deck with good air movement. This back-saving accessory makes it easy to wheel the It might seem counterintuitive to think about vegetable potted plants indoors to protect them from a freeze, or to a gardening when the heat is oppressive and the only things shady spot for shelter from the blazing sun. thriving outside are cicadas. But, believe it or not, midVegetable transplants are the easiest choice for summer marks the beginning of our “second growing container gardens, and can be purchased at local garden season” and is the best time to start a fall vegetable garden. centers. Lettuce and radishes can also be sown by seed I’ve found with our normally mild autumn climate directly into the container. When selecting your vegetable there have been many times my vegetable containers have

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transplants, pay attention to variety. While nearly any vegetable can be grown in a container, some varieties perform better than others. For example, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension suggests Surefire or Heat Wave tomatoes because they are the earliest maturing for fall planting and they will set flowers and fruit during the heat of September. Recommended vegetables and herbs for containers include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, leaf lettuce, spinach, green onions, green beans, radishes, cucumbers, beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, potatoes, garlic and most edible herbs like parsley, mint, oregano, cilantro and oregano. Don’t see your favorite on the list? No worries. Try growing it anyway! You might be pleasantly surprised. Anything with drainage can be used as a container. Tubs, half-barrels, terra cotta or ceramic pots, even old wheelbarrows work as planters. Drainage holes are crucial because plants don’t like wet feet! A water-logged plant will slowly, but surely, die from lack of oxygen. Place a coffee filter at the bottom of the container. This will allow water to drain but keep soil from running out of the drainage hole. Bigger is better when it comes to selecting a pot for growing vegetables. Make sure containers are large enough so plants don’t dry out between watering. A 12 to 14-inch pot will work well enough for smaller vegetables such as herbs, green onions, radishes and lettuce. Tall, top-heavy plants like tomatoes and peppers, or vining plants like cucumbers or squash need larger (about 5-gallon), heavier containers and a wire cage or trellis inserted at planting for support. Once you’ve chosen healthy seedlings and the right planter, it is important to use the right soil. Don’t use native soil from your yard or garden as it may contain pathogens. Your crops will grow better in a high quality, disease- and weed-free mix designed for outdoor containers. Synthetic soils are designed specifically for plants that grow in containers. Set plants in pots just as you would the garden. Feed plants with a time-released or

water-soluble vegetable fertilizer (don’t use one for flowers). Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. More is not better! Then water thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch on top of the soil to help keep roots cooler and prevent water from evaporating so quickly. Don’t line containers up like a row of soldiers. Let them add a design element to your space by grouping the vessels together in a visually appealing vignette. Surround large pots with smaller containers filled with seasonal flowers. Fall favorites like violas, pansies, snapdragons and mums will create an attractive, colorful focal point. Beautiful annuals like petunias, begonias, pentas and sunny Dahlberg daisy will add a pop of color in the spring. Do not re-use the same soil season-after-season, yearafter-year, as it may contain pathogens and insects that can contaminate new plants. At the end of each growing season remove all soil from the container and scrub and disinfect it with a solution of bleach and water to reduce the spread of diseases. Allow to dry thoroughly and store in a dry location. For more information about container gardening with vegetables, talk to a trusted nursery professional or contact the Collin County Master Gardener Help Desk at 972.548.4232. Visit www.ccmgatx.org or www.aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu for a complete list of recommended plants for North Texas. v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. Allen Image | August 2014

by Peggy HELMICK-RICHARDSON

cover story

Allen High School baseball star Shawn Tolleson has come home to play for the Texas Rangers. “If you had asked me if I would ever want to play with the Rangers, I would have said, ‘Absolutely! That would be a dream come true!’” Shawn affirms. “But did I ever think it was going to happen? Absolutely not and I wasn’t going to waste any time thinking about it because I didn’t think it would happen.” With the unflagging support of family and friends and overcoming several medical challenges, this 26-year-old professional relief pitcher has devoted most of his life to achieving his dream of being in major league baseball. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers before being picked up by the Rangers at the end of 2013. Today, he and wife Lynley call Allen home.

Born in Dallas to parents Jana and Mark Tolleson and raised in Fairview from the age of two, Shawn grew up in a family that loved sports. At Allen High School, older brother Shane played football, baseball and basketball, and sister Shara played softball, volleyball and basketball. His father, a veterinarian with an office in Dallas, also played football in his youth. “You’re always excited for your kids to follow their dreams and you’re excited to see your children succeed at whatever talent they attempt,” Mark asserts. “It just so happened that Shawn’s was baseball.” Jana recounts a time when Shawn, still in elementary school, was attending a kick-off party for Shara’s AHS girls varsity softball team and sat down next to the coach, Susan Elza. “She asked him, ‘Well, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ Without hesitation, he answered, ‘I’m going to be a major league pitcher.’ Then Coach Elza winked at me, covered her mouth and tee-heeheed. I spoke out and said, ‘Oh, don’t laugh. He’s really quite serious. Shawn means every word and he’s very dedicated. Just wait and see. I believe we will make it to the big leagues, too!’” Starting with T-ball once he was old enough to swing a bat, Shawn soon got involved with other sports including gymnastics, football and basketball. As his passion and talent for baseball blossomed, one-by-one, the other sports dropped by the wayside so he could concentrate on what he did best—throw a baseball. Shawn began playing on select baseball leagues during the summers. He started with the Dallas Tigers and later moved up to D-Bat. “There’d be guys from all over the Metroplex playing in the same league and we went all over the country,” he recalls. “We would go to showcases where college scouts, and maybe professional scouts as well, would watch and preview you.” During two of those summers in high school, Shawn devoted three weeks each time to try out for, practice and play on both the Youth USA (2004)

and the Junior USA (2005) baseball teams. Competing against teams from around the world in Mexico both years, Shawn notes that both years the USA team lost to Cuba in the final round. Shawn’s pitching talents also shone at Allen High School. When queried as to his high school record, Shawn responds with a shrug and a modest, “I did really well there.” With the distinction of making varsity his freshman year, Shawn points out that he was the number two starter behind Brad Furnish, who went on to the University of Nebraska and Texas Christian University before pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2006-2010. With a 0.42 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 89 innings his sophomore year, Shawn led the Eagles to the regional quarterfinals. His junior year, Shawn had a 0.89 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 80 innings for the regional semifinals. Those two years, he was also selected for the Texas High School Coaches Association All-State Team in 5A. His sophomore year, he was the only 10th grade pitcher to make the All-State team. By his senior year, both pro and college scouts were eyeing this up-andcomer and Baylor offered him a scholarship. But at the beginning of the baseball season, disaster struck. “We were playing in a tournament against The Woodlands,” Shawn recalls. “It was the third inning and I threw a slider. I felt a pop in my elbow like when you stretch a rubber band too far and it snaps.” Knowing scouts were in the stands, Shawn admits, “I called the coach and the trainer out and then just limped off the field like I had hurt my ankle.” But this proved to be an injury too significant to hide. With a torn ulnar collateral liga ment, Shawn had to have Tommy John surgery and was out for the rest of the season. This meant that many of the choices he was facing at graduation had now been decided for him and he was concerned if playing for Baylor University was still an option. Allen Image | August 2014

“I had committed verbally and Baylor still honored my scholar ship,” Shawn con t inues. Redshirted his freshman year there, he played for the Bears while at Baylor University from 2007 through 2010. He was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2008 and 2010 and named a Big 12 Pitcher of the Week twice. In June of 2010, and with only a few credits needed to graduate, he signed with the Dodgers. Later that month, Shawn traveled to Ogden, Utah, to attend advanced rookie camp for the rest of the summer, playing for the Ogden Raptors. “I had always been a starter at college, but when I showed up there, they immediately threw me in the bullpen and converted me to a reliever,” he recalls. “That was some thing I had to learn to adjust to.” He explains, “A starter throws a lot of pitches in one day and then has five days to recover from that. They have a routine and a reliever really doesn’t have one. They have to go in without warning and your arm and body aren’t used to pitching on consecutive days, and that’s often.” The change agreed with him though. “I really liked it and had a good season in Ogden. I thrived in that role.” Once the season ended, Shawn’s intent was to return to Baylor to take physics and biochemistry classes, plus an organic chemistry lab to complete his degree. Instead, the Dodgers asked him to attend camp at their spring training facility in Arizona. “It was six weeks of intense coaching and practice and once that was over, the season was officially over for me for the year.” Although Shawn still hopes to some day complete the requirements necessary to earn his degree, at this point he’s not sure when that will happen. Shortly after Shawn came home from the Dodger’s training camp, he married his high school and college sweetheart, Lynley Nicholson, also of Fairview. In February 2011, Shawn returned to spring training and was advanced to the Low A Lakes Loons in Midland,

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Michigan. “I want to say I spent maybe a month there…and I didn’t give up a run for 15 appearances.” He was quickly promoted to the High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in California and continued with his string of outstanding pitching. A few weeks later he was moved up to the Double A Chattanooga Lookouts in Tennessee. One benefit of playing on the lower level teams was that lodging was provided by volunteer host families. Moving to California meant he had to find his own housing. Shawn laughs, “I slept on an air mattress in a hallway of a two-bedroom apartment and I think six guys were living there, so I was lucky number 7. It’s expensive to live in California, and when you are in the minor leagues you only make enough money to get by on. I didn’t have to be there very long, which was great!” An Allen kindergarten teacher, Lynley joined Shawn in Chattanooga, when her spring semester was completed. “She was planning on

Shawn and Lynley coming back to teach, but it wasn’t much fun being apart,” Shawn admits. “If we struggled, at least we’d do it together. That was a good decision. We loved it there.“ To make ends meet, they shared a two-bedroom apartment with teammate Scott Van Slyke (now

with the Dodgers) and his wife, and the couples are still good friends today. At the end of the 2011 season, the Dodgers asked Shawn to come back to the Arizona instructional league before finishing the season. Pointing out that he was a 30th round draft pick, Shawn

Allen Image | August 2014

saw this additional invest ment by the Dodgers as a positive sign and began to feel more confident in his chances of moving up to the major leagues. When the 2012 season started, Shawn returned to Chattanooga where he played for a few weeks before being promoted to the Triple A Albuquerque Isotopes. He pitched here for only a few weeks when he was called up by the Dodgers. It was June 4, and the Isotopes were playing the Express in Round Rock, Texas. Lynley was in the stands with friends and Mark and Jana, who had come down to watch their son play. “Our manager called me out before the game and told me the good news,” Shawn reminisces. “Then they told me they didn’t want me to tell anybody. In order for me to

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go up somebody has to go down or go on the disabled list, and they weren’t sure what they were going to do.” Shawn couldn’t resist the urge to tell Lynley, but knew that if he popped the news while she was sitting with friends and family she’d have a tough time containing her excitement. “So I told her, ‘I need you to go to the bathroom,’” he admits with a grin. “When she got there, then I told her. And then I told her ‘Go back to your seat and don’t tell anybody.’” Mark recalls how his son shared the good news with the rest of the family later that evening when they all went out for a late-night dinner at a local IHOP. “He just said, ‘I’ll pick up the check because I’m now in major league baseball.’” Mark and Jana, as well as Lynley’s parents Bill and Janice Nicholson, scrambled to get plane tickets to Philadelphia the next day to see Shawn’s debut with the Dodgers. For the rest of the 2012 season, Shawn was optioned back to Triple A several times, but never for more than a few days before being called back up to the majors. “That’s how it works for a newbie,” he shrugs. With the 2013 spring training, Shawn was sent back to Triple A “to work on a few things.” Within a few weeks, one of the Dodger pitchers was injured and Shawn was immediately called back up. He flew to Arizona in time to play in a game against the Diamondbacks, where he threw to two batters and walked them both. “I came out of the game and my back was really hurting!” he sighs. The back pain had slowly been creeping up on him for a couple of months. MRIs were ordered and injections were given, but little provided ease for the discomfort. By April the irritation had spread to a leg and back surgery became necessary. He missed the rest of the season while rehabbing in Arizona. His prognosis had been that he would be back in pitching form by the end of four months. “Which I tried!” he declares. “But it didn’t feel quite right.

I needed to take a little more time.” When he tried to push his recovery he ended up tearing his gluteus medius. “It was one thing piling on top of another and they were all related.” Uncertain what this would mean for his baseball career, Shawn admits surprise when in December of last year he received a text message from his manager. “All it said is ‘Hey, you’re a Texas Ranger,” he recalls. “Then I get a call from someone with the Rangers and he said, ‘I just wanted to let you know that the Dodgers put you on waivers and we claimed you, so con gratulations, you’re a Texas Ranger!’” “The Dodgers had me on their roster…and making more money than they wanted me to make, basically,” Shawn explains. “And they weren’t convinced that I was going to make it back from the back surgery…. So to [the Dodgers] I seemed like a mess. But the Rangers were willing to take a risk with me.” Shawn continues his role as a relief pitcher with the Rangers. “You typically have seven relievers on a team and each one has his own skill set,” he states. “You usually have a couple of left-handed pitchers who pitch to left-handed batters and you have a closer who, when you are winning at the end of the game, comes in and saves the game. And you have the set-up guy who pitches in the 8th inning when your team’s ahead. “Then you have other guys who can fall in anywhere, which is me,” he continues. “Sometimes I pitch a lot and sometimes I pitch a little. Sometimes I’ll pitch when we’re ahead and sometimes I’ll pitch when we’re behind. I have to be on my toes whenever they need me to come in.” Confident that he has completely bounced back from last year’s surgery, Shawn is ready to face the challenge of being a Ranger. The team plays 162 games in a season, with 81 of those on the road. Out of town trips can range from three to twelve days. “There are not a whole lot of days off,” he notes, “and on a lot of those days you do get

off, you’re traveling to the next place where you are going to play.” For the in-town games, Shawn estimates he arrives at the stadium six hours early. He starts with a workout that includes strengthening exercises for his back. Then he warms up with the other pitchers and works on problem areas. He’ll also head to the outfield when the hitters begin batting practice. The team then eats a meal and relaxes before heading out to the field for the game.

During the off-season, Shawn names staying in shape as his number one priority. “I work out at a place in Frisco that specializes in training athletes,” he notes. “Maybe 12 or 13 pro baseball players live in the area and we meet up there to do our training. We have a trainer putting us through our workout five days a week.” Although Shawn tries to maintain a healthy diet, he admits to enjoying food and is willing to try anything. “I’m not afraid of unhealthy food as

Allen Image | August 2014

long as I’m getting everything I need,” he confesses. “I do love Mexican food and would eat chips and salsa every day if I could. “The rest of my time I spend catching up with family and friends,” he continues. One family member in particular gets some special attention—the couple’s golden retriever, Bear, often gets trips to ponds or creeks for a swim. Shawn also notes that he enjoys playing with his nieces and nephews. In addition, Shawn and Lynley enjoy traveling. One very special trip the two took two seasons ago was to Zambia with friends, Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen. Shawn explains, “They go to Africa every offseason. They had just finished building an orphanage

Photo: Kelly Gavin/Texas Rangers

there and were moving eight kids into it, so we went there and helped them. It was neat!”

When queried as to what he considers his best games, Shawn shrugs and answers, “There are times I’ve done really well and times that I haven’t, but I have a really short memory. Sometimes that’s to my benefit.” He emphasizes that this advantage goes both ways, especially when it comes to his less than stellar games he’d prefer to forget. Shawn maintains a pragmatic attitude about his baseball career. “My goal is to pitch in the major leagues for as long as I can,” he declares. “It wasn’t easy to get in the major leagues by any means—it took a lot of hard work and dedication. And I’m finding that it’s even harder to stay once you get there. They don’t give you a lifetime pass. You’ve got all these other guys behind you trying to make it. And if they are outperforming you, they are going to give them a chance instead of you. It’s a constant battle to make yourself better every day.” For this talented Allen athlete it’s a battle well worth facing. After all, the reward has been the fulfillment of a v childhood dream. Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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MARKET PLACE

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calendar

AUGUST Collin County Master Gardeners’ 11th Annual Bulb and Perennial Pre-Sale, thru the 31st. Benefits CCMGA community outreach and educational programs. A color brochure and an order form will be available August 1 on the CCMGA website: ccmgatx.org. Mailed orders must be accompanied by a check or money order payable to CCMGA and must be received by August 31. For more info: 972.548.4219 or 972.548.4232.

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CITY OF ALLEN ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Programs 6

Shark Week Celebration, 3-4 pm. For ages 5 and up with an adult in the Children’s Program Room. Celebrate dangerous sharks with crafts and games!

Tween & Teen Programs 9

Shrinky Dinks, 2- 3:30 pm, Upstairs Program Room. For age 9-18 .Turn your miniature works of art into wearables.

Teen Programs

All programs are for ages 12-18 in the Upstairs Program Room unless noted otherwise.

T-Shirt Design, 2-3:30 pm. Bring a white shirt to Sharpie tie-dye and/or another shirt to paint!

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Interactive Labyrinth Showing, 2-3:30 pm. Come for the food, stay to poke fun at a great old movie.

An Anime Afternoon, 2-3:30 pm. Join us for anime, Japanese sweets, crafts and more!

Adults

DIY @ APL—Duct Tape Flower Pens and Other Flowery Creations, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Register online or call 214-509-4900. Ages 18+. Registration required, walk-ins welcome as space permits.

CSI Effect, 7-8 pm, 2nd floor program room. Meet Allen Police Department criminalist, Calli McClendon who will provide an informative presentation and Q&A session. She will explain their capabilities and how the “CSI Effect” has changed their job. Ages 16+. Free. Register online at allenlibrary.org, or call 214.509.4913. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Susan Wedding, 214.509.4905 swedding@cityofallen.org.

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters for Alzheimer’s Disease, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Ages 16+. Free; register online or call 214.509.4913 or 214.509.4905. A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting information on typical aging vs. Alzheimer’s Disease, risk factors of Alzheimer’s, warning signs, steps of diagnosis, treatments and resources to help.

“How to Start a Small Business” by Collin College Director of Small Business Dev., Marta Frey, 6-7:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Call Victoria Swadley, Adult Services Manager at 214. 509.4905. Free program.

Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project.

Adult Anime Interest Group, 6-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Showing the first four episodes of the anime Ace of the Diamond and serving kakigori, Japanese shaved ice. This program is for adults only. Age 18+. Free; register online at allenlibrary.org, or call 214.509.4913. Walk-ins welcome. Contact Susan Wedding, 214.509.4905 swedding@ cityofallen.org.

Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, Adult Program Room. Come join us in a discussion of Bossypants by the hilarious Tina Fey. Registration required.

Trivia Night, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Test your knowledge in literature, history, science and more! Ages 18+. Limit teams to 4 members. Free; register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214-506-4905 or 214-506-4913. Contact Emily Plagens at eplagens@cityofallen. org. Doodle! with Tom Cornish, 2-4 pm, Adult Program Room. Registration required.

Ages 18+. Doodling is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create artwork using simple repeat patterns.

Texas in Motion—Plate Tectonics and Faulting, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. Explore how Texas has literally traveled the globe! Discover the interesting effects of plate tectonics and faulting on present-day Texas, including where to look for ancient volcanos, the different types of mountains in the state, and how Texas has moved around the world over time. Presented by Diane Brownlee, of the Heard Museum in McKinney. Ages 16+. Children and teens under 16 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Register online or contact the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905.

Watters Creek

Concerts by the Creek, 7 pm 1 2 9

16 23 30

Twin Fiddlers Don’t Tell Mama Band Cover Down Wendy Child Fox & The Bird The Bodarks

Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits,

characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closedtoed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

Heard Museum

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org.

1-31 Project Passenger Pigeon Exhibit. A nationwide program to bring conservation to the forefront through informative and interactive exhibit installations and presentations. The Heard is one of the few educational facilities in the state of Texas with a specimen in its collection, and the only one of such locations to display it during this national event. 12

“A Feathered River Across the Sky,” 7 pm, at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Author Joel Greenberg will bring the story of the passenger pigeon to life and speak about his new book. Limited tickets will be available to the public for $10 each, beginning August 4. This presentation is sponsored by the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists and Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972.727.0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com.

MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx. weekly.com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of preschoolers. Each month has fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends,

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field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com.

Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013. theheartlinknetwork.com.

Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Every Monday-Friday

The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www.creekwoodumc.org. Every Monday-Sunday

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org.

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

First and Third Monday

Singles Mingle 60+, 5:30 pm, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy.,

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government employees and retirees are invited.

Fourth Monday

Second Monday

Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

Every Monday

McKinney. A group for single men and women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835.

The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/gen. public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber. com.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www. aauwplanocollin.org. McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm. Various locations and service projects monthly. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150”, 1710 N. Church Street, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@ gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150. org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

Third Monday

Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Janeen Chattaway@ janeen03j@yahoo. com.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current

Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402.

Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub. com.

Every Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585.

2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www. tops.org.

Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome.

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S Greenville. Offers strength & hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org.

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. First Tuesday

Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

First and Third Tuesday

Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd., Fairview. Share needle-work projects, learn new techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Second Tuesday

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820.

Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net.

Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, Collin College, 4800 Preston Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors and their guests are welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol. com. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn. org.

Third Tuesday

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net.

Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen. com. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport.

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers. com.

Fourth Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566..

Every Wednesday

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy,Allen. For more info: Daniel Dodd, 972.571.7527.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.asrotary.org.

Allen Image | August 2014

Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

First Wednesday

Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu. edu. Allen Heritage Guild, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org.

Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www. headcraig.org.

First and Third Wednesday

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www. mopsofhope.com.

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Second Wednesday

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www. namicco.org.

Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Every Thursday

Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle & Stacy Furniture.

Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 6843 W. Main. For more info: http://speakupfrisco. freetoasthost.ws. Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor.

First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

Second Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans. com.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different

topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup. com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/.

North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am., locations vary. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers. net.

PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Third Thursday

Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org.

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Fourth Thursday

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail. com.

Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Allen Image | August 2014

Every Friday

Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491.

Every Other Friday

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491.

First Saturday

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org.

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Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

Every Sunday

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teach children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010.

Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com.

Third Saturday

Every Saturday

Last Saturday

Second Saturday

First & Third Friday

Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004.

Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. No charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr., Allen. Musicians 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Fourth Saturday

American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano. For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www.planoasg.org.

Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

First Sunday

United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville, Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We do encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

Please keep us informed of any local activities or events of general interest to our readers by fax to the Allen Image at 972.396.0807 or email to contact@ allenimage.com.

health & fitness profiles

Allen Kids Dentist Tammy Gough, DDS, MS • Jessie Hunter, DDS 201 North Alma Drive, Ste. 100 • Allen • 972.727.0737 • www.allenkidsdentist.com Dr. Tammy Gough is a board certified pediatric dentist who has practiced in Allen since 1993. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Dr. Gough has served as President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentists and the Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentists. She has been selected as a “Best Dentist in Dallas” by D Magazine. Dr. Gough is honored to be appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas State Dental Board. Dr. Jessie Hunter is also a board certified pediatric dentist. She was raised in Oklahoma and did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and received her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. Jessie earned her Pediatric Certificate from Louisiana State University. She currently lives in Frisco with her husband, Brandon, and their children, Haidyn, Austin and Dylan. As pediatric dentists, Drs. Gough and Hunter are experts in the growth and development of the oral structures of infants, children and adolescents and are specially trained in behavior management and sedation techniques for apprehensive or special needs patients. “Our office is committed to making every visit a fun and positive, yet educational, visit for the children.”

Dr. Hunter

Dr. Gough

The office provides its young patients plenty of fun, with a video arcade for their enjoyment before and after their appointment. A sports theme features Dallas professional teams and a wall displays a collection of sports memorabilia. The doctors and staff provide the highest quality of dentistry through continuing education on new procedures, products and equipment.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen

1105 Central Expressway • Allen • 1.877.THR.Well • TexasHealth.org/Allen Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen has been serving residents in Allen, McKinney and surrounding Collin County communities since 2000. Texas Health Allen offers a broad range of healthcare programs and services with more than 500 medical staff physicians practicing in specialties including breast surgery, cardiology, obstetrics/ gynecology, orthopedics, cosmetic/reconstructive surgery, urology and wound care. The Family Birthplace allows expectant mothers to labor, deliver, recover and bond with their new babies in the same location. The suites are equipped with free Internet access, a full-sized bathroom and a sleeper chair to help overnight guests rest comfortably. Texas Health Allen is also the first and only hospital in Collin County to offer cord blood donations through the Texas Cord Blood Bank. For more information, visit TexasHealth.org/Allen.

Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes, DDS, MS

604 S. Watters Road, Suite 150 • Allen • 972.390.1100 • www.AllenOrthodontist.com Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes and her team have been specializing in creating healthy and beautiful smiles for patients of all ages since 1999. They provide their patients and their families with the highest quality of orthodontic treatment in a friendly and professional environment. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes uses the latest technologies and involves other specialists, as needed, to customize unique treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. They focus on patient education and personalized care while emphasizing comprehensive, preventive and interceptive therapy. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M University with summa cum laude honors. She was the Valedictorian of her dental class at Baylor College of Dentistry and went on to complete her orthodontic residency and master’s degree at the world-renowned program of Baylor, as well, with top honors. She is also certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes is active in her community and numerous national and local organizations. To learn more about the practice visit their web site at www.AllenOrthodontist.com or call 972.390.1100.

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health & fitness profiles

Cutting Edge Therapy 800 N. Watters Road, Suite 150 • Allen • 469.675.3153 • www.cuttingedgepediatrictherapy.com Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy (CEPT) is the largest pediatric occupational therapy gym in TEXAS!! The three Texas-sized gyms allow therapists to focus on the specific needs of each client with a wide range of therapeutic activities. For families affected by sensory integration dysfunction, developmental delays, learning disabilities and autism, CEPT is a lifeline—a place where children can receive cutting edge occupational therapy close to home and where parents can get the support and resources they need to cope with their child’s diagnosis. For co-owners Joe and Kate Lundgren, it’s their business, but more importantly, it’s also a ministry. At Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy, pediatric occupational therapists provide evaluation, intervention and consultation in self-help and daily activity skills, fine motor development, play and socialization, sensory integration, interactive metronome, craniosacral therapy and more. The clinic also has a one-of-akind gym with zip lines, rock climbing walls, obstacle courses with a suspension swing, scooter board ramps and other “challenges” designed to provide the kids they serve with sensory and motor challenges. In an attempt to help the community, Joe and Kate also offer a unique service called “Bend an Ear,” where parents can make an appointment for a free consultation to ask questions and get answers about different interventions, resources or just to “bend an ear.”

Craig Ranch OB-GYN

7900 Henneman Way, Suite 100 • McKinney • 214.544.6600 • www.craigranchobgyn.com Conveniently located off of the Sam Rayburn Tollway between Alma and Custer, Craig Ranch OB-GYN provides OB-GYN services to the north Collin County area including Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney. We offer complete obstetrical care with management of both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies and perform deliveries at several of the local hospitals including Medical Center of McKinney, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Baylor Medical Center at McKinney. We are one of the leaders in all of Texas for in-office procedures such as endometrial ablation and Essure for permanent sterilization. For the convenience of our patients, we have also added in-office mammograms, making us the first and only OB/GYN group in the area to do this. The group consists of Andrew Shimer, MD, Shea Joyner, MD, Sara Robert, MD, Heather Sloan, MD, Christine Wan, MD, Allison Atlas, WHNP and Kristan Rhone, WHNP. Please call for a consultation.

Allen Dental Center, PC 300 West Boyd • Allen • 972.727.3941 • www.allendentist.com Allen Dental Center is a family and cosmetic dental practice that offers state-of-the-art dental services. Patients enjoy receiving regular check-ups with as much quality and care as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, root canals or cosmetic dentistry services. Whether it is a smile makeover or restorative work, we offer sedation dentistry for those apprehensive about dental treatment. Bringing over 30 years of combined experience to Allen, Drs. Jeff Williams, Dr. Steve Williams and Dr. Brad Wyatt provide a special brand of quality care. “The people who come to see me are more than just patients,” says Dr. Jeff Williams. “For me, practicing dentistry has always been about connecting with the patient,” adds Dr. Steve Williams. “That’s why we make sure that all of our patients know all about the procedure we’re performing and the status of their oral health. We offer the kind of care we would want for our own families.”  Allen Dental Center strives to consistently provide a superior level of treatment and comfort with state-of-the-art dental products and services at affordable prices. Call for an appointment today and see how Allen Dental Center is helping to make Allen more beautiful, one smile at a time. Allen Image | August 2014

health & fitness profiles

Advanced Foot & Ankle Center 4501 Medical Center Drive, Suite 300 • McKinney • 972.542.2155 221 N. Preston Road, Suite C • Prosper advancedfoottexas.com Dr. Silvers

Board Certified

At Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, we strive to deliver foot and ankle care that is safe, effective and compassionate all at the same time. Eric Silvers, DPM, Robert Hadfield, DPM and Dustin Lloyd, DPM provide experienced care for the entire spectrum of podiatry, including reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. “Our extensive training and experience provides a solid foundation for uncompromised comprehensive medical and surgical foot and ankle care,” says Dr. Silvers. “By staying current with the latest medical trends, patients can be assured that we employ state of the art procedures and equipment that have been proven to be safe and effective.” “We are located in a very active part of Texas”, states Dr. Silvers. “On a daily basis we see all types of acute and chronic foot injuries from foot and ankle fractures, to foreign bodies to tendon tears and ruptures. Of course, we also see many ingrown toenails, heel pain issues, bunions, hammer toe deformities as well as various skin and bony growths.”

Dr. Hadfield

In addition to adults and geriatrics, we also treat many pediatric patients. According to Dr. Hadfield, “Ignoring a problem and hoping it will go away is ill advised, particularly when it comes to pediatric foot issues. Caught early, many problems such as flat feet or in-toeing can be corrected with shoes, orthotics or braces. Also, most foot conditions, like flatfootedness, tend to be genetic. Fortunately these problems, when caught early, can often be treated without surgery. Dr. Silvers and Dr. Hadfield often treat patients who have had unsuccessful procedures done elsewhere, giving patients much appreciated relief. We are excited to welcome Dustin Lloyd, DPM to the practice and also back home as he is an Allen, Texas native. “I strive to know each of my patients and provide a personalized treatment plan for them,” states Dr. Lloyd.

Dr. Lloyd

Advanced Foot and Ankle Center will soon relocate its McKinney office to 5531 Virginia Parkway in Stonebridge Ranch. The state-of-the-art facility will offer digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, laser therapy, procedure rooms, in-office sedation for minor surgical procedures such as wart excision and ingrown toenails, a physical therapy department with licensed physical therapists and a retail store that will be open to the public. The retail end of the practice will offer podiatrist-recommended athletic shoes, sandals and therapeutic footwear. In addition, there will be many products that will assist with foot health. Take a step in the right direction and come visit us at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. We offer early morning, lunchtime and evening appointments.

Bethany Heights Dental

1208 E. Bethany Drive, Suite 7 • Allen • 972.390.8500 • www.bethanyheightsdentalcare.com Dr. Carla Spann-Lopez earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the Texas A & M Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Before attending dental school, she graduated from Duke University School of Engineering in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. A believer in keeping her skills current, she has completed numerous continuing education courses and is an alumnae of the Pankey Institute in Florida where she has expanded her knowledge of principles of general dentistry to incorporate all aspects of patients’ oral health, nutrition and medical systemic conditions in her practice philosophy. With a compassionate and conservative approach to dentistry, she believes that patient education is paramount to success in resolving and preventing oral health issues. She is particularly skilled in helping fearful patients relax during their dental care and is certified to provide sedation for these patients when necessary. This former Associate Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Dallas County Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. She and husband Gino attend Fellowship Christian Center Church of Allen. Her son Carson attends Ford Middle School and son Cameron attends Chandler Elementary School here in Allen.

North Dallas Plastic Surgery Associates

1105 Central Expwy. N. #2310 • Allen • 8305 Walnut Hill Ln. #210 • Dallas 214.363.2575 • www.drpollock.com We are proud to announce the election of Dr. Todd Pollock as President of the Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS). DCMS represents more than 6500 Dallas physicians and healthcare interests of all of the citizens of Dallas County. Dr. Pollock has demonstrated his leadership as President of the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgery and Texas Society of Plastic Surgery and President of the medical Staff at Texas Health Resources Allen Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Pollock provides a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the North Texas area. Cosmetic procedures include Facial Rejuvenation—facelifts, browlifts, eyelid surgery; Breast Surgery—enlargement, reduction and lifts; and Body Contouring— liposuction, tummy tuck and thigh and arm reduction. Drs. Todd and Harlan Pollock have developed the “no drain tummy tuck,” which makes this surgery safer with an easier recovery for the patient. See our educational website www.drpollock.com, which reflects the professionalism, compassion and ethical practice philosophy… BEAUTY BEGINS WITH KNOWLEDGE.

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health & fitness profiles

Allen Family Dental

Dr. Lina Lizard 1420 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 170 • Allen 469.342.6644 • www.allentexascosmeticdentist.com Dr. Lina Lizardi graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007, and from the University of Santo Tomas de Aquino in Colombia in 1994. She has been practicing dentistry since 1995. Dr. Lizardi lives in Allen with her husband Rafael and her two children, Alex and Sofia. She is actively involved with her children’s education and sports activities. She is also active in the Allen community, both at a personal and professional level. Dr. Lizardi is a member of the Allen Chamber of Commerce and an Allen sports activity sponsor. Dr. Lizardi and her team recognize that many patients come to the practice with previous negative experiences. She and her staff are committed to spending extra time helping patients feel comfortable and understand their treatment options. They offer a beautiful and comfortable office with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible comprehensive dental care. The Allen Family Dental team has created an environment where patients receive personalized attention. From your very first phone call, Dr. Lizardi wants you to know that you have her undivided attention. Dr. Lizardi is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Texas Dental Association (TDA), the Dallas County Dental Society (DCDS) and the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA). She keeps abreast of new techniques in general and cosmetic dentistry through continuing education seminars and conferences. “This practice is the fulfillment of my dream to provide high quality dentistry to families in my community. My staff and I want to treat your family as part of ours. Experience the difference for yourself.”

Premier Foot and Ankle

8080 Hwy. 121, Suite 200 • McKinney • 6309 Preston Road, Suite 1200 • Plano 972.424.8999 • www.premierfoot.com Dr. Jaryl Korpinen of Premier Foot and Ankle offers the newest technologies for the treatment of foot and heel pain. Podiatherm is a non-surgical, insurance approved treatment using radiofrequency to cure heel pain as well as pain in the ball of the foot called Morton’s neuroma. The EPAT is a non-invasive in-office treatment to heal conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Although Dr. Korpinen was surgically trained at the Harris County Surgical Residency, he has invested in these new, conservative technologies for better solutions for foot pain without the need for surgery. As a former college basketball player, Dr. Korpinen has a special interest in sports medicine and works closely with various running clubs, triathlon clubs and races. Dr. Korpinen has been recognized by his peers as a D Magazine Best Doctors in Collin County. Premier Foot and Ankle also has on-site x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, treatments for neuropathy and vascular testing for diabetics. New technology for the treatment of toenail fungus is now available as well. Please call for an appointment or more information.

Ponder-Terry, Orthodontics/Stacy Ponder-Terry, DMD, MS

1505 W. McDermott Drive #145 • Allen • 214.736.3705 • www.ponderterryortho.com Dr. Terry is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Millsaps College and completed her dental school training at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry where she finished at the top of her class. It was there where Dr. Terry made history, becoming the first African American female in the school’s history to become accepted into an orthodontic specialty program. She completed her specialty training at one of the country’s top orthodontic programs—the University of Michigan. During her residency, Dr. Terry was named a Charley Schultz Resident Scholar for her distinguished thesis research project on External Root Resorption. Dr. Terry’s work was recently published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. A past orthodontic patient herself, Dr. Terry is committed to providing the best patient care possible. Dr. Terry closely listens to her patient’s concerns to develop an individualized treatment plan. She currently lives in Allen with her husband, Ryan, and their shih tzu, Gracey. Keeping busy when not working with her patients, Dr. Terry enjoys step aerobics, running, attending her patients’ extracurricular events and spending time with her family and friends. Allen Image | August 2014

health & fitness profiles

North Texas Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Charles Slack

1105 Central Expwy. N., Suite 370 • Allen • 214.506.0112 www.drslack.net North Texas Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery believes that the patient comes first. Every effort is made to provide patients with timely and informative consultations. Dr. Charles Slack is known for his integrity and sensitivity toward patient needs and concerns. His manner is professional and reassuring. He meets personally with patients during their initial consultation to discuss the pros and cons of their prospective procedures. Proper patient education lays the groundwork for realistic expectations and helps foster a strong, trusting doctor/patient relationship. Dr. Slack completed his General Surgery residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and his Plastic Surgery residency at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington D.C. Following his Plastic Surgery residency he was accepted into the Georgetown fellowship for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He maintains privileges at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Hospital at Craig Ranch. Dr. Slack provides a full range of plastic surgery procedures including: • Breast Reconstruction • Breast Lift • Breast Reduction • Breast Augmentation • Tummy Tucks • Liposuction • Facial Surgery • Radiesse

• Botox • Sculptra • Juvederm

For more information and to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Slack please visit his website at www.drslack.net or call 214.506.0112. Saturday appointments are available.

Master’s Hand Dental 935 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 300 • Allen • 972.905.9091 www.mastershanddental.com Your Smile. Our Passion. The entire team at Master’s Hand Dental is excited about the latest high-tech developments to make your dental treatment a high-comfort, low-stress experience. Our practice features general dentistry, oral sedation, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, orthodontics, non-surgical periodontal treatment and so much more. With our popular oral sedation dentistry, you can complete your entire dental treatment while you sleep and wake up with a new smile! We pride ourselves in individual service with state-of-the-art equipment and sterilization techniques. Dr. Koons and our caring, knowledgeable staff provide you with a comfortable and warm atmosphere! We would be delighted to welcome you to our office as our new patient! Call today.

Envision Imaging

1111 Raintree Circle, Ste. 100 • Allen • 972.747.8300 MRI/ MRA/CT/CTA/Ultrasound/X-Ray/Myelograms/Arthrograms/Bone Density. Envision Imaging of Allen is revolutionizing diagnostic imaging by providing unmistakable quality and spectacular service to both patients and physicians. When seeking a diagnosis for an illness or injury, you want trained professionals with the latest in equipment and technology. At Envision Imaging, that is what we provide. Physicians can rest assured knowing they will receive complete, comprehensive and accurate reports within 4 business hours by our onsite board certified Radiologists. Combine that with our compassionate Registered Technologists, comfortable waiting area with fresh baked cookies and snack bar, our friendly experienced business office staff, therefore patients are sure to enjoy their visit. We offer flexible hours including evening and weekend appointments, lower outpatient pricing comparable to hospital rates, acceptance of all insurance plans, affordable cash rates and payment plan options to fit your needs. Visit one of our convenient locations in Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Dallas, Las Colinas, or Desoto/South Dallas. We have other locations and information by visiting our website at www.envisionimg.com. Because you have a choice in health care, choose Envision Imaging and see how we are making a difference in diagnostic imaging.

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health & fitness profiles

Vein Clinics of America 1101 Raintree Circle, Suite 140 • Allen • 972.649.6807 • veinclinics.com Vein Clinics of America is the largest group in the country specializing exclusively in vein disease treatment. Established in 1981, the network physicians of Vein Clinics of America believe that pursuing excellence in the treatment of vein disorders requires a full-time commitment. Our network physicians specialize in Phlebology, the medical specialty of treating vein disease. They are highly recognized for their published research, and many work as lecturers and trainers in the field of vein treatment for doctors from around the world. Varicose vein disease can be very complex, and each patient is unique, so we know how important it is to you to find the right physician to treat your particular condition. Michal Savcenko, M.D. received his medical degree from Comenius University in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, and completed his residency in general surgery at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board certified in cardiovascular surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine. Prior to joining Vein Clinics of America (VCA), Dr. Savcenko practiced cardiothoracic and vascular/endovascular surgery at Cor Surgical Associates of North Texas in Irving. Upon joining VCA, Dr. Savcenko underwent extensive training in Phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease and related disorders. During this time, he was trained in ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment (ELT). “Happiness is, first and foremost, dependent on good health. Early intervention in venous disease is imperative to maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and can, quite literally, put the spring back in your step.” –Dr. Michal Savcenko

Texas Foot & Ankle Clinic / Dr. Jeffrey Radack 8080 State Highway 121 • Suite 200 • McKinney • 469.742.0406 • www.TexasFootClinic.com Dr. Radack and the staff at Texas Foot & Ankle Clinic are committed to providing the highest quality of care, utilizing the latest techniques and advances in the field of podiatric medicine and surgery. Dr. Radack provides a complete range of services for pediatric and adult patients. He specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, trauma and diabetic limb salvage. Dr. Radack has practiced in McKinney for 10 years and is located at the Medical Center of Craig Ranch. He attended the College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, and completed reconstructive foot and ankle surgery residency at West Houston Medical Center in Houston. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, tennis, snow skiing and travel. His wife, Jill, is a pediatric endocrinologist in Fort Worth and they enjoy spending time with their two small children. If you are experiencing foot or ankle problems, call for an appointment today or please visit the website: www.TexasFootClinic.com.

Allen Dentistry

551 W. McDermott Drive • Allen • 972.359.9950 • www.allendentistry.com Allen Dentistry has been a part of the Allen community since 2000. The main goals of Allen Dentistry are to provide competent, efficient, comforting, family-oriented dental care. A wide range of dental services are offered, including sedation, to allow for a more comfortable and complete treatment experience. At Allen Dentistry, effective communication is our standard. No hidden fees or tricks. Whether we are answering questions about treatment or insurance, we strive to communicate what is important to you. Dr. Justin Nylander has been around dentistry all of his life as his dad was a dentist in the United States military. Dr. Nylander graduated from high school in San Antonio and received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University. He attended dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and afterward practiced dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah, for many years before making Texas his home. At Allen Dentistry we are grateful for our patients and their trust in us and hope to always make your interactions with us a positive experience. Allen Image | August 2014

health & fitness profiles

Creekview Orthodontics 1780 W. McDermott, Suite 100 • Allen • 214.547.0001 At Creekview Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Ghosh, Dr. Trent Lofgren and their team strongly believe in preventive care with a conservative treatment philosophy. In addition to practice experience, both doctors have taught orthodontics at the university level—Dr. Ghosh full-time for many years. Their belief is to use the latest technology, but only that which is backed up by peer-reviewed research. While creating beautiful smiles is their goal for each patient, the most satisfying part of orthodontics is the relationships created with patients and their families.

Dr. Lofgren

Dr. Ghosh

Orthodontics provides beautiful smiles that improve self-esteem, while contributing to overall health. Other benefits include better function, ease of cleaning and greater longevity of teeth. Since detecting a problem early makes prevention and correction easier, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at age seven. Since newer materials—like tooth-colored “invisible” braces and special alloyed wires—have made treatment more cosmetically appealing and comfortable and has shortened treatment time, more adults are accepting orthodontic treatment as well.

Brookwood Family Practice and Pediatrics 865 Junction Drive • Allen • 214.547.8300

Practicing in Allen since 2005, family physician Adam Smith, MD, and pediatrician Kimberly Smith, MD, recently joined their practices to provide the best care for the entire family. Married for 17 years and with two children of their own, our physicians understand the importance of long-term relationships and continuity of care. Whether it is for an annual checkup or the sniffles, we hope to provide convenient care with a down home feel. We are proud of our newly constructed medical office located just south of Exchange between Watters and Highway 75 at 865 Junction Drive. Our medical family includes family nurse practitioners Sabrina Dorris, NP-C and Nicole Broderu, NP-C. Call us today for an appointment at 214.547.8300, or feel free to stop by and check out our new office.

Allen Ophthalmology 400 N. Allen Dr., Suite 108 • Allen • 972.727.7477 • www.heritageeyecenter.com Heritage Eye Center • 1501 N. Redbud Blvd. • McKinney • 972.548.0771  The city of Allen’s premier ophthalmology center is in the expert hands of Dr. James Norbury who provides state-of-the-art treatment while maintaining the personalized service of a small town practice. An avid hockey fan, Dr. Norbury was recently selected to be the team ophthalmologist for the Allen Americans, caring for team players and attending to any game injuries. By partnering with his associates at Heritage Eye and Surgery Center—Drs. Rudolf Churner, Sanjay Patel, Joe Constable, Grant Gilliland (oculoplastics), Henry Choi (retina) and Santosh Patel (retina)—he can ensure quality care in all facets of eye care. For patients who require surgery, the Heritage Surgery Center team specializes in the treatment of cataracts offering Crystalens and ReSTOR lens implants, as well as LASIK, laser treatments for a variety of eye conditions and oculoplastic surgery. For the best sight of your life, make an appointment with Dr. Norbury. Allen Ophthalmology and Heritage Eye Center are eager to serve your vision needs.

Vision Source Fairview

1546 E. Stacy Rd., Suite100 • Allen • 214.383.5400 • www.visionsource-fairview.com Vision Source! Fairview provides the most advanced eye health care available with the ultimate combination of technology and personal attention from caring doctors. Dr. Carey Patrick is a Board Certified Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. In addition to comprehensive eye exams for the entire family, Dr. Patrick also cares for eye conditions including infections, injuries, ocular allergies, cornea dystrophies, dry eye syndrome, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. One of the most exciting special programs available is CRT—Corneal Refractive Therapy—to reshape the patient’s eyes, without surgery, to see well without daytime glasses or contact lenses. Specific services are also available for sports vision and custom contact lens designs for hard-to-fit patients as well as pediatric eye health and vision development evaluations for patients six weeks to four years old. We provide complete eye health care using advanced technology—including the new digital Optomap imaging system. See the inside of your eye without getting dilated! Vision Source! also offers a large selection of glasses, sun wear and top quality contact lenses in prices to fit every family’s budget. That’s the difference you’ll experience at Vision Source!

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For Your Health

Allen Image | August 2014

For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image | August 2014

health & fitness

Sensory processing disorder by Kate LUNDGREN

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). What is it? Is it real or just another reason parents give for their children’s behavior? As a parent of two children that both have SPD, I can tell you first hand, as a mother and therapist, it is real. We have all seen it as children (and some adults) will sometimes overreact or underreact to touch, sounds and food textures. Some doctors question the condition, but parents say it’s real, and therapists say it’s treatable. I get asked quite a bit if SPD is legitimate. Many people think it is for children who are classified as ”special needs.” I can attest that it affects a wide range of our population and most people aren’t aware they have it and what can be done to treat it.

Here are some quick questions to ask yourself about your child: • Is my child overly sensitive to stim ulation, does he/she overreact to, or not like, touch, noise, smells, etc.? • Is my child unaware of being touched/bumped unless done with extreme force/intensity? • Does my child have difficulty learning and/or avoid performing fine motor tasks such as using crayons and fasteners on clothing? • Is my child unsure how to move his/her body in space, i.e. clumsy and awkward? • Does my child get in everyone else’s space and/or touch everything around him? • Is my child intense, demanding or hard to calm, or have difficulty with transitions?

• Is my child in constant motion? • Does my child have sudden mood changes and temper tantrums that are unexpected? If you see a few of these behaviors in your child, he/she may have SPD. Please do not panic as this is very treatable and when treated, can bring peace to your home! Some parents hear SPD typically occurs in people with ADHD or autism, but it impacts many others as well. So what are the solutions? Sensory Integration (SI) therapy is used by occupational therapists to treat the disorder. Activities such as bouncing, crashing and spinning are key tools in SI therapy, though some may say it is all in “fun.” These kids experience too much or too little stimulation through their senses and therefore have trouble integrating the information they’re getting. As a result, it’s difficult for them to feel comfortable and safe, function effectively in various environments, and be open to learning and socialization. The idea behind SI therapy is that specific movement activities, resistive bodywork and even brushing of the skin can help a child with sensory problems experience an optimal regulation. Kate Lundgren, OTR/L. MBA, SIPT, is the owner of Cutting Edge Therapy in Allen.

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Why your child should receive the HPV vaccine by Dr. Kimberly Smith

This time of year, many parents are calling into their pediatrician’s office to schedule well visits or sports physicals. Many are going to get refills, eyes checked and forms filled out. Rarely are they focused on getting the Gardasil vaccine. However, what if their doctor walked in and asked, “What if I told you I have a vaccine that can greatly reduce your child’s risk of getting cancer?” Most would pause and contemplate this question and ask to hear further details. The Gardasil vaccine is that vaccine. Nonetheless, it comes with great controversy. Gardasil vaccine provides immunization against four high-risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), in particular types 6, 11, 16 and 18. This virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. It often spans various generations,

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socioeconomic classes and ethnic classes. Most infections never cause any symptoms and spontaneously clear within two years. On the other hand, some infections become chronic and persistent, causing

anogenital cancers. Each year there are more than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer and more than 4,000 deaths. This makes cervical cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women around the world.

“What if I told you I have a vaccine that can greatly reduce your child’s risk of getting cancer?” long-term problems up to 10 years later. Most people often are unaware of being infected, spreading the human papilloma virus without knowing. Of the 100 different kinds of HPV, some are considered higher risk. The high-risk strains of HPV—types 16 and 18—are most frequently associated with cervical cancer and other

The effects of HPV infection, however, are even more far reaching. Human papilloma virus is also known to cause cancers of the mouth, throat and vocal cords. Although rare, it may also pass through the birth canal from mom to baby, creating recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (warty growths in the respiratory tree) in

children ages 2-5. So, how do we prevent these chronic and potentially life threatening infections from occurring? Through vaccination against the HPV virus. By giving children this vaccine prior to risk of exposure, we have the chance to prevent most cases of cervical cancer and even reduce the chance of incurring genital warts. Due to this fact, the CDC formally recommended administering this vaccine routinely at the 11-12-year well child visits to both girls and boys in 2006 and 2009, respectively. HPV vaccine is given as a series of three doses, with the second dose given one to two months after the first dose and the third vaccine administered six months after the first dose. The Gardasil vaccine has been well tolerated by most patients. Like any vaccine, it may cause pain at the injection site, and in 25% of patients, redness or swelling. It may also cause headache in 33% of patients. On occasion, it has been associated with brief fainting. It may be necessary to have your adolescent lie down and wait 15 minutes in your doctor’s office in order to avoid this reaction. Despite these minor side effects, and the vaccine’s known safety, only 40% of eligible patients have been vaccinated for HPV. This is an unusually poor vaccination rate for a developed nation. This may be due to parents’ fears regarding the vaccine’s safety, or it may be due to an unwarranted sense of security. Parents may underestimate their child’s risk of future exposure. Whatever the reason, it can only help to better understand the diseases caused by HPV, and how the vaccine may help in prevention. I encourage each parent, and/or patient, to engage their doctor in further discussions regarding the HPV immunization. Or go to cdc.gov for more information. Kimberly L. Smith, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician at Brookwood Family Practice and Pediatrics in Allen. Allen Image | August 2014

5 major roadblocks to having a healthy lifestyle

by Amy CATTANEO

We all have health goals in mind, but for many there seems to be a wall. Let’s be honest. WE are the wall. WE are the key to unlocking our own potential. And, no matter what excuse we may have, it fits into one of the following categories.

Genetics

We all are pretty much stuck with whatever genetic cards we were dealt, but the issue is how we choose to handle it. Yes, you may have genetic factors that make you more likely to develop diabetes or that may cause you to lose weight at a slower than normal rate, but that doesn’t mean you are destined to get diabetes or you’ll never lose weight. You have to learn to work around and/or within your limitations. The most important step is telling yourself that you CAN improve your health and then seek out ways to do it.

Physiology

Like genetics, we may have physiological imbalances that can greatly hinder our results. Hypothyroidism, anemia and celiac disease are a few possible roadblocks between you and getting where you want to go. What this really means is you have to do more investigating into your individual physiology through elimination diets, blood work etc. to figure out what you need to do to fix your imbalance.

Exercise There’s no way around this one. If you want to be healthy, you need to exercise. And, sorry to break it to you, but doing only

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steady cardio on the elliptical isn’t going to cut it. A mixture of weight training (and not those pretty small ones!) and high intensity cardio at least 3 to 4 times a week is the way to go. So, what if you hate exercise or just don’t know what to do? Go to a gym that will not only show you what to do, but will also hold you accountable to a program.

Nutrition

We can sometimes fall into one of the following categories—we know what to do but don’t do it; we think we are eating healthy but aren’t; we don’t know how to eat right; or we don’t think we need to. Luckily, they all can be overcome by having a few key things—someone to coach you on good nutrition and someone to hold you to it.

Mindset

So, you have all your other ducks in a row, but do you have the right mindset? Start by removing the negativity from your life. Surround yourself with people and things that are positive and uplifting. Hire a coach that has already achieved your desired result. And remove the words, “can’t,” “try” and “maybe” from your vocabulary and you’ll be off to a great start. Amy Cattaneo is the co-owner of Fitness Together in Allen.

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