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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

June 2015

Vol. 25, Issue 6

cover story

for the love of the game

You’ve got a championship hockey team in your backyard, playing in an arena that doesn’t have a bad seat in the house; Biscuit the bulldog, walks around with kids trailing him like a canine pied piper; and the Ice Angels, the American’s dance team, is the best dance team in the league. What’s not to love?

feature

20 Making a difference, changing lives

Rod’s Barber Shop and Studio J Salon came together, in conjunction with One Mission, for the first annual Kids Cancer Buzz Off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and together, they shaved over 400 heads to help raise money to benefit Children’s Health in Dallas.

special sections

17 PET PAGE

Baci & Dulce

22 KIDS KORNER

Exploring Dallas with Kids

36 CALENDAR

44 20

22 6

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Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. While completing her fellowship, Dr. Havemann simultaneously earned her Masters of Medical Science degree.

Full-time Facilities Dallas IVF, Collin County’s premier infertility practice, has consistently been recognized as one of the leading infertility centers in the country. Led by fellowship-trained Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility subspecialists, the Dallas IVF Team provides personalized care at their convenient, state-of-the-art facilities in McKinney, Plano and Frisco.

Dallas IVF opened the McKinney Fertility Center in March of 2013. The office is McKinney’s only full-time fertility center and offers nationally recognized pregnancy rates. The Plano Fertility Center opened in August of 2014. It is also a full-time fertility center, and both clinics offer a completely female staff.

The practice specializes in general In Vitro Fertilization services, fertility preservation, insemination, family balancing, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) management, infertility surgery and diagnostic testing.

World-class Physicians The Dallas IVF team includes Dr. Sara Mucowski at the Plano Fertility Center, and Dr. Dara Havemann at the McKinney Fertility Center. As female physicians who have both personally utilized fertility services, Dr. Mucowski and Dr. Havemann offer a unique perspective. “I’ve undergone egg freezing for delayed childbearing and Dr. Havemann has gone through In Vitro Fertilization, so in addition to sharing the female experience, we can relate to many of our patients’ situations,” Dr. Mucowski explains. Dr. Mucowski earned her prestigious, 6-year combined Bachelor of Science/Medical Degree program with Villanova University and Drexel University College of Medicine in Pennsylvania. After graduating with honors, Dr. Mucowski completed her residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, and received fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Southern California. There, she also received additional training in minimally invasive surgery, specifically using the daVinci robotic system. Dr. Havemann attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City’s prestigious accelerated 6-year medical program and completed both her undergraduate and medical school degrees. Dr. Havemann completed her residency at UTMB in Galveston, as well as fellowship training in

Dr. Dara Havemann

Dr. Sara Mucowski

In addition, Dallas IVF operates the Frisco Fertility Center, the largest freestanding, fully-licensed facility devoted to infertility care in Collin and Dallas County. It opened in 2009 and houses physician offices along with other IVF facilities. Dr. Brian D. Barnett and Dr. Lowell T. Ku practice in this office. “The staff at Dallas IVF feels privileged to be able to help patients’ families grow,” Dr. Mucowski says. “We know how emotional these experiences can be and offer our best medical resources as well as support to our patients.” For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Dallas IVF physician, visit www.DallasIVF.com, or call the McKinney Fertility Center at 469.219.8210, or the Plano Fertility Center at 469.429.2640.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

cooking

Water restrictions

Summertime fun at Allen Event Center

The Late Prehistoric of the East Fork

How to write your life story

12 Celebrating 20 years of Allen USA

Johnny Appleseed

14 Allen Special Olympics

Parker Station Band

Allen Coin show

education

15 Myers Park tours

Escape the ordinary

26 AHS wins Grammy

Successful Denim & Diamonds Gala & Auction

living green

Junior Cotillion

The Flash of success

Water wise living

24 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Deborah Dove Holly Harvey Tom Keener Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson Keith A. Taylor David Tuck Simon Valentin

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Summer grilling

26 Allen Image ÂŠ 2015 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 issueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$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

Water restrictions Allen rolls out a new plan for conservation by Chelsey APRILL When Allen launched a new water conservation plan on May 1, the changes prompted both celebration and scrutiny. For the first time in two years, residents could water their lawns up to twice per week—a luxury afforded by nearly-full lakes and predictions of a wet summer. But some residents worried; could eased restrictions put us right back where we started?

New Days, New Stages, New Plan

The new restrictions are part of a larger conservation plan (including newly-defined drought stages) aimed at reducing water use among member cities in the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Instead of the old drought stages—ranging from the mildly-inconvenient Stage 1 to the crippling Stage 4—Allen will follow a three-stage drought plan, paired with year-round guidelines for conservation. (The harshest restrictions, including a total ban on sprinkler use, have been moved to Stage 3—but they won’t be triggered unless water sources become dangerously low or contaminated.) The rules are slightly different, but the message is the same. “There is never, ever any reason to waste,” emphasizes Gail Donaldson, Allen’s water conservation manager. When the NTMWD asked cities to conserve, she led the charge— educating Allen residents through mailers, online news letters, seminars and the city’s Block Leader program. Residents responded, reducing average water use by 30%—more than any other city our size. “Barring a severe water shortage due to no more rainfall, we shouldn’t go back to drought stages for two years based on current lake levels,” says Donaldson. “But I don’t want to lose this momentum on conserving all the water we can.”

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How Much Is Enough?

Watering may be allowed up to twice per week, but don’t reprogram those sprinklers just yet. Warm-season grasses (including bermuda, St. Augustine and zoysia) thrive on 36-40 inches of rain per year; Allen averages 38-42 inches. In wet years, extra watering is rarely necessary and could even leave your grass less resilient. When plants experience stress (as they do during drought), they put down deeper roots. Pampered grass will shed those deep roots, expecting a steady stream of surface moisture. Overwatering could kill the grass entirely. Donaldson recommends that you operate your sprinklers manually (on designated watering days, of course) only if it’s been a week or more since the last soaking rainfall. Adding a second day won’t be necessary until temperatures push 100º. As she puts it, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you have to water.”

The New Normal

The new conservation and drought plans align NTMWD with other regional water suppliers, including Dallas Water Utilities and the Tarrant Regional Water District. For the past five years, neither supplier has allowed residents to water more than twice per week. Donaldson says it’s becoming the norm statewide, especially in growing areas like Allen. “[The conservation plan] isn’t meant to punish or control. It’s insurance that we will always have water coming out of the tap.” Read details about Allen’s new conservation plan and drought stages at CityofAllen.org/WaterRestrictions. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Summertime Fun at Allen Event Center by Jeff MUES June is all about family fun at Allen Event Center, with two exciting engagements this month, Disney in Concert—Magical Music from the Movies on June 7, and Chuggington Live—The Great Rescue Adventure on June 13. First up, Disney in Concert offers an opportunity with two shows on June 7, to re-live childhood memories with scenes from the new golden age of Disney animation. Attendees will be enchanted by four leading vocalists and an orchestra performance along with projected video clips from iconic Disney films. Every new generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King or Frozen. Disney in Concert brings them all to life along with Disney classics, from a Mary Poppins medley to the “yo ho” of Pirates of the Caribbean. With songs the whole family and Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it certainly will feel like “a small world, after all” inside Allen Event Center. And speaking of favorites for new generations, Chuggington, which first launched on Disney Junior in 2010, now airs in more than 178 countries and is translated into 36 different languages. In the United States, the TV

show is seen 22 times per week across Disney Junior and Disney channels, with an estimated two million viewers every week. With that kind of viewership, it’s no wonder that anticipation is sky high for the North American premiere tour of Chuggington Live—The Great Rescue Adventure, produced by Life Like Touring and Ludorum, which rolls into Allen Event Center with an exclusive three-show engagement on June 13. The live-action, musical children’s show, based on the popular TV series, gives young fans and their families the opportunity to ex perience the train-tastic adventures of the Chuggington trainees, Wilson, Brewster and Koko. A brand-new production, Chuggington Live features impressive trains with working features and movements that bring the Chuggington TV series characters to life on stage. A fun, two act musical, this live show is presented before a giant LED video wall featuring animated locations and background action sequences from the popular TV series. So bring the entire family to both Disney in Concert and Chuggington Live at Allen “Summertime Fun” Event Center! Tickets for both engagements are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

com and at the Allen Event Center box office. Visit AllenEventCenter.com for v more information. Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

Allen Image | June 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Allen USA by Jeff MUES

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Market Street Allen USA Celebration presented by Texas Health-Allen is Allen’s largest and most spectacular community event! Allen will once again be “First to the Fourth,” with its highly-anticipated Fourth of July celebration taking place the last Saturday of June. As we approach our 20th Allen USA Celebration, think back to where it all began in 1995. Allen USA was a comparatively small community event held in the intimate surroundings of Bethany Lakes Park and Joe Farmer Recreation Center amphitheater. An estimated 5,000 people attended the first event complete with a smaller scale fireworks display, laser show and entertainment provided by the Allen Civic Chorus. The national anthem was cued up on CD with Whitney Houston doing the honors, and jazzercise routines even played a sizable part in the festivities! Though it was much different than what we have today with Market Street Allen USA Celebration, it was clear to all we had something special with the Allen USA Celebration, and a commitment was made soon after the very first one to establish it as a tradition for the Allen community, something to look forward to leading up to the July 4th holiday each year. A phenomenal success from these humble beginnings led the event to move to a larger venue in 1999, moving over to Allen Station Park. Attendance grew to more than 20,000 as the entertainment included national recording artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Vince Vance and the Valiants and others. In 2003, Allen USA exploded in attendance with a move to Allen’s new 106-acre Celebration Park. Since that time, the event has grown to draw in 100,000 people and has included national recording artists such as Survivor, JT Taylor from Kool and the Gang, Eddie Money, 38 Special, Three Dog Night, The Commodores, Pentatonix and Lou Gramm. Many people have said that it’s the memories they create at Market Street Allen USA Celebration that keep them coming back year after year. Some come for the music, the food and/or the fireworks. For others, it’s the activities and the great family fun that can be had in the Kid Zone with dozens of inflatables and the alwayspopular Craft Tent. New this year in 2015, be sure to look for the All-Sports Zone and the Jurassic Zone. Whichever your favorite reason to attend, all are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in North Texas with two stages of live performances headlined by Michael McDonald, this year is sure to be the biggest and best celebration to date. Against the backdrop of a plethora of family-friendly activities and games at Celebration Park in Allen, five-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald will get the crowd revved up with his distinctive and soulful voice. Add to it formidable songwriting and keyboard skills and

Michael McDonald you have an artist who has been a singular musical presence for four decades. McDonald is both timeless and ever-evolving. Honing his talent first as a session musician and singer before being invited to join Steely Dan, McDonald became an integral part of the group’s sound over the course of four classic albums, from Katy Lied to Gaucho, singing background vocals on FM staples like “Black Friday” and “Peg.” Then it was on to The Doobie Brothers in the mid-‘70s as a singer, keyboardist and songwriter on such Top 40 singles as “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes.” Beyond his hits with The Doobies, McDonald has lent his voice to records by artists fincluding Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Vince Gill and Grizzly Bear. For Market Street Allen USA Celebration event information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit AllenUSA.org. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department. Allen Image | June 2015

Snippets Allen Special Olympics The Allen Special Olympics Delegation held their 17th Annual “Special Angels Among Us” Dinner & Auction on March 21, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Allen. The delegation provides year round sports training and competition for special needs athletes in Allen and surrounding communities, and the annual auction is the primary means of support for the program.

Allen Coin Show Clean out your drawers, search between the sofa cushions, dig through old coat pockets and break open old piggy banks. Gather up those rare finds and bring them to the third coin show to be hosted in Allen by the Allen Heritage Guild.

It was another successful event with over 300 guests in attendance. The event could not happen each year without the support of the Allen community and delegation families. Through product donations, cash donations and family and corporate sponsorships, the live and silent auctions were full of excellent items to bid on from jewelry to art to home goods to sporting event tickets.

Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., highly collectible rare domestic and foreign coins and currency will be on display at the Allen Senior Recreational Center, 451 E. St. Mary Drive. Approximately 18 dealers, including Allen’s own Steve Anderson and Glen Shake, will be on hand to evaluate and make offers on coins, currencies and jewelry. If you don’t have any to sell, you might be interested in looking at or buying old coins and currency to add to your own collection. Don’t have a collection? This would be a good time to start one. Athletes from the Allen delegation were part of the program for the evening, welcoming the guests as they arrived, speaking during the program about their experience with Special Olympics and bidding all farewell with a huge thank you at the end of the night. Other highlights of the evening included a brief message from Dr. Lance Hindt, Allen ISD Superintendent of Schools, and Allen Mayor Steve Terrell. The best part of the evening—if you ask any of our adult athletes—is the end of the evening when the DJ turned up the music and the dance floor opened! For more information about the organization or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please email allensocommunicate@gmail.com. v

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Coins are not only works of art but, for many, are a far more interesting investment than the roller-coaster risks of the stock market. And how often can you double your money in just a few minutes? Copper pennies minted before 1982 are now worth approximately two cents each. “Double-die” pennies from 1972 and 1955 can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars! Don’t just throw them in supermarket coin machines. In addition to the coins, currency and bullion at the show, supplies for collectors—beginners and aficionados alike— will be available. Free appraisals and coin grading! Sponsored by the Allen Heritage Guild, attendance is free with door prizes awarded every hour! For information contact Stan Schwartz at SS124@sbcglobal.net. v

Snippets Escape the ordinary Myers Park Tours The Collin County Master Gardeners Association (CCMGA) will be hosting tours of the research and demonstration gardens at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. until noon. For over five years CCMGA has partnered with the staff at Myers Park to install gardens that include perennials, annuals, crape myrtles, roses, vegetables and herbs, as well as demonstration gardens around the office and park entrance.

June 2—Hook (1991) PG, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams and Julia Roberts. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy. June 9—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) PG, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Richard Harris and Rupert Grint. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. June 16—Jumanji (1995) PG, starring Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst and Bonnie Hunt. When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

Come learn about Earth-Kind ® gardening principles and see the beautiful plants that survive and thrive without fertilizer, pesticides or excessive irrigation. Master Gardeners will be on hand to serve as guides and answer questions. The Water Conservation Committee will have hands-on displays to learn about drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting and answer irrigation questions.

June 23—Maleficent (2014) PG, starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley. A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the only person who can restore peace to their troubled land.

Please join CCMGA at Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, in McKinney. For more information visit www.ccmgatx.org, or contact the CCMGA Information Center at 972.548.4232. Admission is free. v

June 30—Into the Woods (2014) PG, starring Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Meryl Streep. A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree. v

Children’s Book Project 2015 The Allen Retired Educators Association (AREA) delivered 358 new books to students and teachers at Rountree Elementary. This project is a service activity initiated by local units of the Texas Retired Teacher’s Association and the purpose is to put books into the hands of children who otherwise would not have books of their own. AREA members worked closely with the Rountree staff as they purchased, plated and bagged the books in preparation for delivery. The AREA meeting and luncheon is scheduled each month from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, in Fairview. For additional information, please contact janeen03j@yahoo.com. v Allen Image | June 2015

Snippets Successful Denim & Diamonds Gala & Auction

Junior Cotillion Manners are definitely not a thing of the past, and kids today need exposure to etiquette and social lessons now more than ever, says Laura Walsh, Director of the Allen, McKinney and Prosper chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions. “It’s exciting to teach an educational, yet fun, curriculum that will have such a positive and powerful impact on their lives forever,” Laura adds. “Our students have an opportunity to stand out amongst their peers as individuals who know to show respect and exemplify good character.” The Junior Cotillion program is for sixth- through eighthgrade students and includes lessons in character education, dining etiquette, ballroom dance and modern manners.

The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools is excited to announce $375,000 in classroom grants and professional development have been awarded to LISD for the 2015-2016 school year. This is the result of overwhelming support from Lovejoy and the surrounding area.

“Sixth to eighth grade is known to be a socially awkward age—and not because of others’ perception—but because that’s how children in those grades perceive themselves,” Laura says. “The Junior Cotillion program allows students to become comfortable with what might otherwise seem extremely uncomfortable, without exposure and practice.”

The ninth annual Denim & Diamonds Gala and Auction raised an amazing $285,000. Over 700 guests (16% increase) attended the annual event at Southfork Ranch. The evening opened with a cocktail reception for VIP guests. The band, Friday Night School, entertained during the pre-dinner hour as guests started bidding on the silent auction, played blackjack and had their souvenir photo taken. The ballroom opened, guests were seated and were surprised by a flash mob from Lovejoy’s fabulous Majestic dance team. Then, a lively live auction was led by auctioneer, Louis Murad. Overall, live and silent auction bidding increased by $50,000 over last year. The evening was topped off by entertainment by Jolie Holliday and the ever-popular Sugar Shack. Over 30 sponsors and 175 donors were responsible for making the 2015 gala a huge success. They are all very much appreciated. This year 33 grants were awarded district wide, which cover every campus and subject area. A list of grants can be found on the foundation website: foundationforlovejoyschools.org. v

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“Our daughter’s Junior Cotillion experience was very worthwhile and enjoyable,” says Jennifer Walzel of Allen. “As parents, we do our best to instill good manners in our sons and daughters. However, it is also vital that our children have the opportunity to put these social graces into practice as they grow into young adults.” Laurie Sprecher of Allen is also glad her son, Andrew, participated in the program. “He thoroughly enjoyed the classes, the dancing and all that he learned,” Laurie says. “It is evident that all the students who went through Junior Cotillion gained self-confidence, respect for themselves, their peers and adults.” v

pet page

Baci Baci was born in February and is now ready for his forever home! This little guy loves to go exploring, especially outside. He’s playful but also so, so sweet. He gives kisses every time you pick him up! He is a short-haired dachshund/terrier mix.

Dulce Dulce is Baci’s sister and littermate and she is also ready for her forever home! Dulce loves to run like a crazy girl outside and she’s also super sweet. Every time you pick her up, get ready for the kisses! She got the long hair of the family and they will both be about 10 pounds when they are full-grown. They both are very good with other dogs, cats and people of all ages. Their adoption donation is $250 each and includes all of their puppy shots, spay/ neuter and microchip. Their mom, a long haired dachshund/terrier mix, was pulled from a rural shelter before we knew she was pregnant so, unfortunately, we don’t know what breed their dad was. If you would like to meet these adorable puppies, please apply online at: legacyhumanesociety.org/ adoptfoster/adoption-application/ and their foster mom will be in contact. v Allen Image | June 2015

library

the late prehistoric of the east fork Over the last 42 years, Wilson “Dub” Crook and Mark Hughston have studied, in detail, the sites and archeological remains ascribed to the Late Prehistoric period of the East Fork of the Trinity River and its tributaries. This includes the Rowlett Creek basin that traverses Allen. What they found has proved to be a treasure trove of information about the Native-Americans living in this area. Reporting these discoveries in their new book, The Late Prehistoric of the East Fork, Crook and Hughston will share details of their exhaustive research at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at the library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. Their study includes 20 major sites and a larger number of smaller campsites that were discovered within Collin County to the north, to Rockwall County, and down to northwestern Kaufman County in the south. Wilson W. “Dub” Crook III recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career as a senior executive with the Exxon Mobil Corporation. Dub has traveled extensively all over the world, starting his archeological adventures as a child with his father, Wilson W. “Bill” Crook, Jr., who was past president and fellow of the Texas Archeological Society. He hails from ancestors from both Lamar and Collin counties. Currently a senior partner and part owner of Brazos Gas, an independent oil and gas exploration company in the Dallas area, Mark Hughston is a native of North Dallas and majored in geology and anthropology at SMU. After turning to petroleum geology in graduate school, Mark continued to develop his dream of establishing both a successful private business as well as maintaining his academic research in archeology, mineralogy and vertebrate paleontology. Mark hails from pioneer Collin County families that can be traced back before the Civil War. v

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How to write your life story

Everyone has a story to tell! Learn “How to Write Your Life Story” with Dr. Jerry Lincecum, Dr. Peggy Redshaw and Twice Upon a Time Storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 18, at the library. Using their book How to Write Your Life Story, Dr. Peggy Redshaw and Dr. Jerry Lincecum will illustrate/teach techniques for creating personal stories that can be shared either in writing or orally. Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson will demonstrate and discuss storytelling techniques for relaying your story. Dr. Jerry Lincecum, Professor Emeritus of English at Austin College, has been awarded the Silver Certificate of Merit by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Miss Ima Hogg Historical Achievement Award for Outstanding Research on Dr. Peggy Redshaw and Dr. Jerry Lincecum Texas History. A biology professor at Austin College, Dr. Peggy Redshaw was a contributing author to 2001: A Texas Folklore Odyssey, “How Cloth Was Dyed During the Civil War in Washington County, Texas,” and co-authored with Dr. Lincecum Science on the Texas Frontier, and Gideon Lincecum’s Sword: Civil War Letters from the Texas Home Front. Dr. Redshaw and Dr. Lincecum’s book on the pioneer naturalist Gideon Lincecum, Science on the Texas Frontier: Observations of Dr. Gideon Lincecum, has been reviewed by several academic journals both in history and in the sciences. Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson formed Twice Upon a Time Storytellers in 1999 and have been on the state’s Touring Artists Roster for 12 years. This tandem team blends degrees in science and journalism, professional experience in living history museums and writing, and respect for creativity, cultural diversity and social justice to educate, entertain and empower both children and adults with their tales. v

Johnny Appleseed

Learn more about John Chapman, the frontier nurseryman who became the basis for folk legend Johnny Appleseed, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Allen Public Library. Johnny Appleseed John Chapman comes alive biographer Howard Means here, and it is a thrilling recently discussed his experience to escape book, Johnny the decades of myth.” Appleseed: The — Ken Burns Man, the Myth, the American Story, on a National Public Radio interview. Sponsored by Bach to Books and the Allen Garden Club, this program is free. The Allen Garden Club and Friends of the Allen Public Library planted a tree at Bethany Lakes Park in memory of John Chapman in hopes that future generations will call it the Johnny Appleseed tree. Since apple trees do not grow well in Texas because of the torrid summers, an oak tree was planted. Although Johnny Appleseed is an iconic American hero, few know John Chapman. Howard Means will explore the facts behind John Chapman and the Johnny Appleseed mythology. It is the tale of two men—one real and one invented, the period in which they lived, how they have been used in our national story and what they symbolize. Howard Means was senior writer for Washingtonian magazine from 1977-1982 and senior editor from 1989-2000. At the Washingtonian, he won three William Allen White Medals for feature writing. Among his earlier books are the first biography of Colin Powell, a selection of the History Book Club; Money & Power: The History of Business, a companion piece to the CNBC documentary of the same names and co-authored with David Grubin; and The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Johnson and the 45 Days That Changed the Nation, also a featured selection of the History Book Club. He is now at work on a look back at the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970. v The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Parker Station Band Performing covers from a wide variety of music genres, Parker Station Band offers an exciting evening of music at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 26, at the library. Two members of the band are also professional songwriters and bring a variety of original tunes to the group’s programs. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. Hailing from Collin County, Parker Station Band has played at the Heard Nature Museum’s Holiday Special and for the New Year’s Eve event at The Opening Bell Café in Dallas. Members have played at a club on Music Row in Nashville, alongside country star Chris Young. Band leader and rocker Sam Moore is one of the three lead singers in the seven-member group. He also serves as regional coordinator of the North Texas chapter of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Possessing a smooth and mellow voice, Tony Vea is a lead singer and musical director and a founding member of the former FM 544 Band and a NSAI member.

Bringing a fantastic blend of harmonica, guitar and vocals to the band, Michael “The Mudcat” Reames is the former lead singer for Liberation. He once hired a teenager named Steve Vaughn to be his lead guitarist and is most likely the last person to ever make Stevie Ray audition! Describing herself as Parker Station’s “diva,” Theresa Havens’ powerful voice and range reminds many people of Ann Wilson from Heart. Other band members include Chad Ireland on drums and vocals; Shawn Messonnier on guitar, keyboards and vocals; Gordon Whitman on guitar; and Bill Brody on bass. v Allen Image | June 2015

feature

Making a difference, changing lives by David TUCK

Over the past twenty years, Rod’s Barber Shop and Studio J Salon have honed their craft taming the manes of the Allen public, but they turned their attention to an even nobler cause in recent years. Both came together in 2014, in conjunction with One Mission, for the first annual Kids Cancer Buzz Off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington last April, and together, they have shaved over 400 heads to help raise money to benefit Children’s Health in Dallas. Similar to a walk-a-thon, participants raise money to support pediatric cancer patients by being sponsored to shave their heads. All proceeds go directly toward

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generating funds for several new programs at the hospital to benefit pediatric cancer patients. Rod Odom started at Kountry Kutters on Main street in 1985. This was back when Allen was less than 17,000 people. Three years later he moved to his current location on main street and opened Rod’s Barber Shop. “We’ve grown with Allen,” said Rod Odom, owner of Rod’s Barber Shop. “My kids went to school here. I live here and work here. Allen has been extremely good to me and my team.” When Rod was a young child he had to undergo some

very critical surgery. “While being in the hospital laid up with casts on both legs wasn’t the best time, there were people there who helped make it easier by being there with me. Being a part of this One Mission Buzz for kids event is a blast for Rod’s barber shop and it injects energy into our lives,” he added. “When I am shaving the ‘buzzees’ heads I hear so many stories. I do not know how I could muster the energy to support my child if they were that sick. It is comforting to work with a group who is directly addressing those issues and feelings.” Jessie Jones of Studio J has his own reasons for partnering with One Mission. Jessie started at his mother in law’s salon (Suzie’s) in 1987. “We’ve been a part of Allen since the mid ‘80’s,” stated Jessie. “My wife, Andrea, graduated from Allen High in 1986. My three sons were born here and also graduated from AHS. Allen has been very good to us, we’re blessed to live and work here.” Cancer has touched him in a very personal way—he lost his stepmother to bone marrow cancer. “Volunteering my time to make the Buzz Off successful is just a small step towards making young cancer patients‘ lives easier while they’re in the hospital,” Jessie said. “As the men shave heads they get to share some pretty priceless moments and stories from others about how childhood cancer has affected their lives.” Jessie continued, “This organization [One Mission] is truly focused on helping families going through cancer. It’s not 10%; it’s 100% to families. It’s something I want to give my time, money and energy to. So, come next spring, you can be sure you will find Rod’s Barber Shop and Studio J in Arlington buzzing heads for pediatric cancer and, once again, making a difference, changing lives.

What’s the buzz about?

It’s fun; it’s for a good cause; and it’s open to all ages. The One Mission Buzz Off is a fun and unforgettable event where participants shave their heads in honor and support of kids with cancer—kids who don’t have the choice to lose their hair. Just like a walk or road race, participants raise money by asking family and friends to sponsor their participation.

Why Buzz?

Kids with cancer don’t just feel sick. They feel different from everyone else. By shaving your head, you can show them they are not alone and that others really do care. “It may not seem like the most difficult haircut to get right, but the buzz cut is the most powerful,” said Ashley Haseotes, One Mission President/Founder. “Every bald head at the Buzz Off for Kids with Cancer represents a brave person who stands in solidarity with the thousands of children who battle cancer every day. We are humbled by the local salons and barbershops who generously donate their time and skill to expertly shave the heads of our buzzees.” For more information about One Mission, go to onemission.org. v

Allen Image | June 2015

kids korner

Exploring Dallas with Kids by Deborah DOVE Summer is the perfect time to act like a tourist and explore your own hometown. From the culture of museums to trolley rides and a bird’s eye view of the city, downtown Dallas is a treasure trove of fun and the perfect antidote to summer boredom. Kids will love the thrill of being in the city, and downtown Dallas has a vibe and energy that’s completely different from the suburbs. To add to the fun, ride the DART train downtown (but make sure all of the places you want to go are within walking distance or on the DART line if choosing this option). Pick and choose from the following things to see and do. Dallas Farmer’s Market

This huge farmer’s market is worth a quick stop. Kids will enjoy picking out their own fresh produce and sampling food. Free.

Reunion Tower

Arguably the most recognizable building of the Dallas skyline, Reunion Tower provides visitors with a 360-degree view of Dallas from hundreds of feet off the ground on the Geo-Deck. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for youth ages 4-12. You can also purchase a City Pass for $44 ($30 for kids) which includes admission to the Reunion Tower Geo-Deck, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Zoo OR the Sixth Floor Museum and the GWB Presidential Library and Museum OR the Dallas Arboretum.

Klyde Warren Park

Don’t miss this urban park built over Woodall Rodgers Freeway, especially the Children’s Park with interactive fountains, playgrounds, a story-telling tree and a kid-sized amphitheater. There are also beautiful gardens, plenty of room to run and games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, ping-pong, croquet and foosball.

Perot Museum

Spend the day exploring the human body, space, weather, geology, sports and more with lots of interactive exhibits. Be sure to ride up the 54-foot glass enclosed escalator, race against a T-Rex and make music on the musical stairs.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza

Older elementary-aged children, tweens and teens will appreciate the history of the Texas School Book Depository, the tall brick building where Lee Harvey Oswald, the presumed murderer of President John F. Kennedy, is believed to have fired those fatal shots. The building is now home to the Sixth Floor Museum, which features exhibits detailing JFK’s presidential campaign, life, work and death through footage, photos and artifacts. The outdoor JFK Memorial is located nearby in Dealy Plaza. Admission is $16/adult and $13/kids ages 6-18 (5 and under are free) and includes an audio guide.

Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas’ art museum offers a place for kids to explore, imagine, and form personal connections with over 22,000 works of art from around the world and different periods of time. The museum provides Art to Go Totes that can be used anywhere in the museum and contain a variety of activities that allow families to write, talk, play or make something. There’s even a special bag for younger children ages 2-5 that includes a picture book, a deck of activity cards and hands-on activities. You can pick a gallery guide geared toward your child’s interests—from oceans to dogs

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to mysteries—and explore specific works of art geared to the theme. Kids can create their own art inspired by the museum’s collection on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m. General admission is free.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Located next door to the DMA, this two-and-a-half acre museum of sorts features one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world, including a beautiful outdoor garden with fountains. Kids enjoy free admission and special fun family programming the first Saturday of every month. Admission is $10/adults and $5/students (children 12 and under are free).

Dallas World Aquarium

This aquarium and rainforest is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day exploring saltwater tanks featuring sea creatures from around the world such as bonnet head sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea turtles, giant groupers and rare leafy seadragons, and walking through the Orinoco Rainforest filled with freeflying birds, spider monkeys, tree sloths and exhibits of crocodiles, otters and poison dart frogs. Other highlights include an eight-story Mayan exhibit with a 400,000-gallon walk-through Cenote exhibit filled with sharks, rays and sea turtles of the Yucatan Peninsula and South African penguins swimming outdoors. Admission is $20.95/adults and $14.95/ ages 2-12 plus tax.

Pioneer Park

This small and pretty park in the middle of downtown honors Dallas’ cowboy past with native landscaping, a stream with a waterfall, and a re-creation of a cattle drive in the form of bronze statues of longhorns being driven by three horse-riding cowboys. Free.

Dallas Holocaust Museum

One of only a few Holocaust centered museums in the nation, this small museum is devoted to remembering the victims of the holocaust—a memorial room, a theater where visitors can listen to survivor’s stories and artifacts such as actual pieces of property from people in the camps and a railcar used to transport Jewish men and women to concentration camps. Some lucky visitors may have the opportunity to hear testimony from a survivor, which is an unforgettable experience. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Admission is $10/adults and $8/students.

Hard Rock Café

This iconic restaurant located in the West End is fun for kids and adults alike, with mouth-watering American classics, outdoor dining, rock ‘n roll memorabilia such as ZZ Top’s furry guitar, Elvis Presley’s shirt and Buddy Holly’s red suede shoes, plus a Rock Shop featuring limited edition Hard Rock Dallas merchandise.

McKinney Avenue Trolley

The highlight of my eight-year-old’s summer, this air-conditioned restored vintage trolley is free of charge and runs through Dallas’ vibrant Uptown neighborhood. Hop on and off to explore the neighborhood, or just ride the entire route along the M-line.

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Allen Image | June 2015

education

of success

Photo:Nick Young, Collin College

by Holly HARVEY

Candice Patton in Titus Andronicus

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From a part on the community stage at Collin College, actress Candice Patton has jumped to be one of the most-watched young actresses on prime time. Patton stars as the iconic Iris West on The Flash, the top-rated new TV series on the CW Network, which is based off of the comic book hero The Flash. From a young age, Patton was interested in acting. “I would watch TV when I was really little and I loved I Love Lucy,” Patton said. “I always felt really good watching that show and I knew that I wanted to make others feel the same way.” Raised in Plano, one of her earliest roles was in William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus through the Collin College theatre department. She costarred with other famous Collin College alumni such as Michael Urie, best known for the TV series Ugly Betty and Tony Award-nominated actor Brian J. Smith. “The best part about acting is being able to be creative and express yourself,” Patton said. “Playing someone else is something that you don’t get to do in your everyday life. I get to explore other parts of myself and it changes how I see the world.” Patton eventually graduated

with a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Southern Methodist University and had many guest appearances on TV shows such as The Bold and The Beautiful, One Tree Hill, CSI: Miami and About A Boy. She got her break in The Flash, which is critically-acclaimed and currently one of the highest-rated new television shows. “It was nauseating waiting to hear if I got the part,” Patton explained. “When my manager told me I got it, I had a sense of disbelief and then relief and excitement. You hear ‘no’ so often in this business that you can’t believe it when someone takes a chance on you.” On The Flash, Patton plays Iris West, the best friend of The Flash/ Barry Allen. “It makes me proud to be on the show and I have the honor of working with great people who help make me a better actor,” she said. “In this industry, you learn to have low expectations that the show might not be well received, but there’s been incredibly positive fan support.” As Patton finished wrapping up a

season on The Flash, she says fans can look forward to the show exploring more of the concept of time travel as well as more character development. “What I really love about my character is that she’s strong and inquisitive,” Patton said. “She’s not afraid to be emotional and vulnerable and I think she’s strong because she’s not afraid to be vulnerable.” Even with a hectic schedule shooting The Flash in Vancouver and living in Los Angeles, Patton still

manages to visit Texas occasionally. “The great thing about coming to Texas is that I really get to be normal and just Candice Patton—not Iris West,” she said. “Plus, it’s where the best BBQ ribs are.” For more information about the Collin College theatre program, visit w w w. c o l l i n . e d u / a c a d e m i c s / v programs/theatre.aspx. Holly Harvey is a public relations writer at Collin College. Allen Image | June 2015

AHS wins Grammy by Keith A. TAYLOR

They won’t be walking the red carpet or rubbing elbows with superstar Taylor Swift, but Allen High School music students do have something in common with singers Sam Smith and Adele—they’re all Grammy Award winners. Allen High School has been designated a 2015 Grammy Signature School by the Grammy in the Schools

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program sponsored by the Grammy Foundation. Created in 1998, the Signature Schools program recognizes the top U.S. public high schools that make an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. “It’s a significant accomplishment,” said AHS orchestra director David DeVoto. “Thousands of schools from across the country apply for the award.” The AHS music program—including choir, orchestra and band—was one of only 13 selected for the honor. AHS choir director Brian McKinney said his students were impressed and a bit star-struck about the award. “Their reaction was pretty funny,” McKinney explaining the response when he told students of the award. “They were asking, ‘you mean we won a Grammy like Jay-Z?!” While it may not be exactly the same as the award presented to professional hit-makers and pop stars, band director Blane Hinton said the honor is as important in recognizing a strong and unified commitment to musical excellence. “There is nothing louder than winning a Grammy,” Hinton said, “Winning wouldn’t be possible without the talent and commitment of our students. However, the support of our parents, the staff and administration and the board also are essential.”

DeVoto prepared the entry for AHS and explained the process, starting with a detailed application. “The application process is open throughout the country and the foundation receives thousands of entries,” DeVoto said. “The first stage involves an on-line survey that asks about student numbers, economic considerations, specialty programs and a general overview of the entire music program.” The Grammy Foundation extensively reviews all aspects of a school’s music program in choosing its winners. The selection process begins each year in August when more than 20,000 public high schools from districts large and small, urban, suburban and rural, are asked for information about each school’s music program. Applications are completed and submitted online in October. After that, an independent blue ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals comes up with a list of 100 schools to consider for the Signature designation. Schools in the top 100 submit CDs with samples of performances. This is the second time in the past five years that Allen High School has been selected as a Signature School. “They’re really looking for an overview of the entire department,” DeVoto said. “For example, we submit three excerpts from the band in

1-1/2-minute segments. We also submit excerpts from the orchestra, the choir and other programs. The excerpts have to be from performances recorded during the school year. “From those, 100 are chosen to submit a demonstration recording,” he said. The recording includes clips of performances from all of the high school’s music ensembles. The foundation also reviews sample concert programs going back three years to judge the complexity and depth of the music programs. “We also include repertoire lists to identify the high level and quality of the music our students perform. Our musical literature is comparable to what is performed by the Dallas Symphony and other top-flight music programs,” DeVoto said. McKinney said that music selection is one of the keys winning the award. “Judges at this level are not only looking for the quality of the performance, they also are considering the maturity of the music being performed,” he said. “Some of the

music we perform is on the professional level. That makes a difference.” With the award, the high school also receives a $2,500 grant from the Grammy Foundation. According to its website, the Grammy Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture— from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Grammy award is the latest in a series of recognitions for Allen High School musicians. In October, the orchestra program received the The America Prize, a reward to the best performing artists, ensembles and composers in the United States based on submitted recordings. Additionally, the Allen Eagles Escadrille has been invited to march

and perform in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. The music and fine arts program at Allen ISD also is looking forward to continued success with the new Fine Arts Director Jeff Turner. He replaces Anthony Gibson who retired in December. Turner comes to Allen from Plano ISD where he had been Instrumental Music Coordinator since 2007. In his central office capacity he supervised the secondary band and orchestra programs, developed the fine arts budget, worked with principals on staffing, and was responsible for fine arts staff development and curric ulum development. Prior to his administrative position, he taught v orchestra for sixteen years. Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD. Allen Image | June 2015

Front row, left to right: Gabrielle Krueger, Madeline Sterrett, Keerthy Benny. Middle row, left to right: Amy Huang, Joseph Kim, Jason Tsai, Jennifer Cho, Belle Ra, Hannah Rosen. Back row, left to right: Daniel Lee Crawford, John Christopher Graham, Graham Parker Houpt, Andrew Hunter Flower, Sondra Yu, Marc-Anthony Xavier Lord

Allen students win 16 All-State awards Besides winning the Grammy honor, Allen High School Fine Arts students also earned a record 16 All-State awards and performed before the Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio. The All-State orchestra students represent the most honors ever won by the program. The previous record was three. The band members represent the most AHS students winning All-State honors since 2006. High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through several levels of auditions beginning in the fall of 2014 to qualify at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. More than 1,600 students are selected through a process that begins with over 60,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles. The honorees are:

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Orchestra Jennifer Cho, senior—violin Jason Tsai, junior—violin Joseph Kim, sophomore—violin Amy Huang, junior—viola Belle Ra, sophomore—cello Hannah Rosen, sophomore—piano

Choir Keerthy Benny, junior Gabrielle Krueger, senior Madeline Sterrett, senior

Band Sondra Yu, junior—flute Graham Parker Houpt, senior—trombone Marc-Anthony Xavier Lord, sophomore—euphonium Daniel Lee Crawford, senior—percussion John Christopher Graham, senior—trumpet Andrew Hunter Flower, sophomore—tuba Clayton Leslie Williams, senior—English horn

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Allen Image | June 2015

living green

Water Wise Living by Dawn Bluemel OLDFIELD

Snow, ice, and some significant rain events this spring brought much needed drought relief to Collin County. Yet, despite this welcome moisture, North Texas is still extremely dry and in severe drought conditions. The unusually wet winter and spring was lovely, but doesn’t make up for the 60 inches of rain the area is behind from the past couple of years of drought. Lake Lavon is AT normal level now, but with approximately 100 new residents moving to Collin County every day, the strain on our water reserves is great. Conservation is vital to our water supply and homeowners and businesses need to be vigilant about preserving our water resources to ensure there is an adequate water supply for generations to come. Gail Donaldson, Water Conservation Manager with the City of Allen says, “Even though the North Texas Municipal Water District has lifted restrictions and are back to the conservation plan, people are upset about that! People now understand they don’t need to water twice a

“

“The number one thing people can do to establish a water wise home is to make it leak-free,” Gail adds. “Leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets cost homeowners a lot of money and waste more water than they think. A leaking toilet flapper wastes 6,000-8,000 gallons of water a month and a faucet dripping at the rate of one drop per second wastes gallons of water a year, and it costs more in high utility bills than it costs to repair leaks. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed.” Here are a few tips and tricks you can implement that won’t cause your landscape to wither or put a drain on your wallet.

Indoors We each need about 16 gallons of water a day for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitation. The truth is, most individuals in the U.S. use about 105 gallons daily, and the average household usage is 260 gallons every day.

earth and its resources for the lasting good of man. week and are concerned that by easing restrictions people will go back to their old bad habits. They also know that conserving water doesn’t just preserve a precious resource; it also saves them time and money.” “There are many easy and practical water conserving practices everyone can implement into their daily lives to use water more efficiently and make being water-wise a way of life. It’s really just a matter of changing a few habits and making them a part of your daily routine. There are several conservation measures you can adopt—indoors and out—that will protect our precious water resource,” Gail comments.

”

Conservation means the wise use of the

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– Gifford Pinchot

• Don’t’ leave water running while you brush your teeth. If everyone remembered to turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth, millions of gallons of water could be saved each year. Use a glass instead and save over one gallon a minute. • Replace old washing machines, dishwashers, toilets and showers with water-efficient and energy-efficient models. If all U.S. households were equipped with water-efficient appliances, the country would save 3 trillion gallons of water and about $18 billion dollars a year! • Take shorter showers. The average person takes a 10-minute shower each day, with 50 gallons of water used

per shower. That’s over 18,000 gallons of water per person per year! Replace conventional showerheads, which flow at about 5 gallons per minute, with low-flow shower heads that flow at about 2.5 gallons per minute (or less). Low-flow showerheads will save a family of four over $95 per year if natural gas water heating is used and over $130 per year if electricity is used for water heating. • The average family washes about 300 loads of laundry a year. Running your washing machine only when fully loaded will save water, energy and money. If your washing machine is over 10 years old replace it with an ENERGY STAR certified model. This will save about 3,000 gallons of water a year and over $40 on your utility bills.

Outdoors In addition to leaks (be sure to check hoses, spigots and connectors regularly), overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Homeowners and businesses alike waste thousands of gallons of water daily on the landscape. More plants and lawns die from too much water than from the lack of it. Watering the landscape deeply, but less frequently, makes for healthier plants and turf, encouraging deep root growth and drought and disease tolerance. • Install rain barrels. About 32,000 gallons of water run off the roof of an average home a year. Rain barrels are an easy way to use water that would otherwise be storm runoff. The collected water saves an average of 1,300 gallons of water that can be used during our driest months.

• Plant the right plants in the right place and water them correctly. There are many varieties of native and adapted plants available to create a beautiful water-wise landscape. These water-efficient and low-maintenance plants come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and once established need little irrigation to thrive. • Replace outdated or broken sprinklers and use rain and freeze sensors. Install drip irrigation—it uses 20-70 percent less water than traditional systems as it waters the roots of the plants instead of spraying water into the air, thus eliminating overspray and runoff. • Mulch. A three-inch layer of mulch helps control weeds that compete with plants for water and nutrients and reduces fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture evaporation. • One of the best things you can do for your landscape is soil amendments, period. Aerate the lawn and top dress with compost to improve drainage and water retention. Gail advises, “Even though NTMWD has gone to allowing a 2-times-per-week watering schedule, irrigation should be considered a supplement to natural rainfall, not a daily ritual. Foliage and lawns don’t need to be watered on a set schedule. If you have an irrigation system, keep it on OFF. If it rains, you don’t need to water. The only time we need 2 times per week irrigation is when the temperature is over 100 degrees and we’ve had no rain. Less is more. There is a general rule when it comes to supplemental watering. During the growing season (AprilOctober) the landscape needs only one inch of water per week. During the off season (November-March) the landscape needs only one inch of water per month.” Gail adds, “We have restrictions not to be mean, but to make sure we have water available for drinking and to put out fires. If we’d gotten to stage 4 as predicted, the economic implications would have been disastrous. Look at California. If they don’t get rain relief soon they will be at stage 4 and down to 180 days of drinking water. Closer to home, Wichita Falls is in dire straits, having to truck in water for livestock and crops. These are examples of why conservation is so important.” Whether we are in drought conditions or not, we need to make it a habit to follow water conservation measures year-round. Water is a finite resource and as stewards of this planet it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it. We can all do something to manage Collin County’s water more wisely. One person CAN make a difference, but if we all work together we can make a BIG difference! Consult the Collin County AgriLife Extension website, www.ccmgatx.org for tips on Earth-Kind® gardening principles and water conservation. To learn more about the specific details of water restrictions and water conservation ordinances visit www.cityofallen.org. Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. Allen Image | June 2015

cooking

Summer Grilling By Deborah DOVE It’s that time of year when the delicious aroma of meat cooking on the grill wafts through the air and dinner-making warriors and gourmet chefs alike take to the outdoors to cook. While I use my grill throughout the year, I definitely ramp up my outdoor cooking in the summertime. Not only does it keep the kitchen cool, there’s less clean up too! Although people typically think about grilling meat and seafood, vegetables, fruit (grilled pineapple is my favorite) and even pizza or bread are equally delicious on the grill. Don’t know what sides to serve? Try a side salad, potato salad, vegetables lightly tossed with olive oil (or marinated with mayo, olive oil and a splash of lemon juice) and placed on the grill alongside your meat, corn on the cob or fresh slaw dressed with oil and vinegar and topped with feta cheese. Before you heat the grill, make sure it’s well oiled with cooking spray or oil brushed over the grates to prevent food from sticking. When grilling steak, bring the beef to room temperature before putting on

the grill, and make sure the grill is preheated. If you want professional looking grill marks on a steak, reposition the steak at 90 degrees when you turn them, and always let steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to let the juices settle. Give burgers an extra dash of caramelized flavor by brushing them with butter while they’re still on the grill. When grilling chicken, select chicken on the bone for more flavor and place the chicken breasts bone side down on the grill so the bone acts as a roasting rack. Cook chicken covered for about 20 minutes, and then turn and cook an additional 15 minutes. If you’re using a sauce, baste the chicken when the chicken is about 150-155 degrees, and discard any unused sauce after basting. Seafood is also delicious on the grill and grilling works best for meatier cuts of fish and shrimp. Spreading a little mayonnaise on a thin, white, flaky fish like trout before grilling keeps it moist and adds rich flavor. Wood planks are also good for grilling seafood, particularly salmon.

Grilled Asparagus 1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed 1 Tbs. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Preheat grill for high heat. Lightly coat the asparagus with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes or until tender.

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Pork is another summertime grilling favorite. Prick sausages with a fork before placing on the grill to release the excess fat. For juicy pork chops, once the chops are cooked, place on a plate and cover with aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes. Following are some of my favorite grilling recipes this season.

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

1/2 c. olive oil 1/2 c. Ranch dressing 3 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce 1 tbs. fresh rosemary, minced 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. white vinegar 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 Tbs. sugar 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes In a medium bowl, stir together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in bowl and stir to coat with the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for four to six hours (you can get by with 30 minutes in a pinch). Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 avocado (pitted, peeled and thinly sliced) 1/2 c. Ranch dressing 1/2 c. salsa 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 400Âş. Place the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the Ranch dressing, salsa and cilantro for the

dressing. Set aside. Preheat grill. Season flank steak with salt and pepper. Place steak on grill, once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heated, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side (slightly longer for a more welldone steak), until firm but yielding. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain. Divide lettuce among four bowls. Top each serving with slices of steak, tomato, red onion, black beans, avocado and dressing. Top with tortilla strips.

Grilled Potato Fries

2 medium russet potatoes, washed 2 tsp. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch slices using a crinkle cut knife (or a regular knife for straight edges). Toss with olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium and place potatoes on the grill. Cook for 6-10 minutes or until golden. Turn and continue cooking until tender when pierced with a fork, but slightly crispy on the outside. Serve with ketchup.

Grilled Mexican Steak Salad

3 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips (or purchased tortilla strips) 8 oz. flank steak 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 4 roma tomatoes, chopped 1 red onion, diced Allen Image | June 2015

Grilled Salmon Burgers with Sriracha Mayonnaise 1/2 c. red bell pepper, diced 1/2 c. yellow bell pepper, diced 3/4 c. panko crumbs 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 lbs. salmon fillets, skinned and finely chopped 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 Tbs. soy sauce 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp. salt Sliced avocado Lettuce and tomato Buns Cooking spray

For the Sriracha Mayo:

3 Tbs. Hellmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light mayonnaise 1 Tbs. sriracha In a medium bowl, combine peppers, panko, garlic and salmon. In a small bowl, combine egg, soy sauce, lemon juice and salt; add to pepper mixture, tossing gently to combine. Form mixture into 8 patties. Lightly coat a grill pan. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Grill 5 minutes per side, or until desired degree of doneness. Place on toasted buns and top with 1 teaspoon Sriracha Mayo, sliced avocado, lettuce leaf, tomato slice and salmon patty. v

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Allen Image | June 2015

calendar

JUNE

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center

Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com. 4 Princeton High School Graduation 6 Wylie East Graduation | Wylie High School Graduation 7 Disney in Concert 13 Chuggington LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure 1

Parks and Recreation Events

Summer Sounds Concert Series. Moving Color (Top 40 cover band), natural amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 7 pm. Concerts are free, with light concessions available for purchase. Summer Sounds Concert Series. All Funk Radio Show (Old School R&B, Disco and Soul Funk), natural

amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 7 pm. Free with light concessions available for purchase. 8 Step Up to Health. In conjunction with the Summer Sounds Concert series, it highlights health and wellness programs offered in Allen through sports, recreation and the arts. Grab everyone you know and head out to Joe Farmer Recreation Center to check out all of the free vendor booths, arts, crafts, demos and more! 12 SNAP Dance at Recreation Hall. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Music, a fun theme and snacks. Luau theme! Register early, fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wed. prior to dance. Contact Dana Gillespie at Dgillespie@ cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. 13-14 Art Extravaganza, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 10 am4 pm. Two-day art gallery and competition produced by local young artists. Submit your work of art in this familyfriendly competition by dropping off artwork during regular business hours. This young and local art gallery is free and open to the public. 15 Summer Sounds Concert Series. Good ‘N’ Gone (Texas

Country), natural amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 7 pm. Free, with light concessions available for purchase. World’s Largest Swim Lesson, 10 am-noon, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Participate in the world’s largest swim lesson! Last year 36,564 people in 22 countries simultaneously participated, come to Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and help beat the record for free! Children under 6 must be with adult. Family Night at Ford Pool. Family Night is an evening of food, fun and family time. Each paid guest will also receive a concessions coupon. Register at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium! Summer Sounds Concert Series. Exit 51 (Classic Rock and Blues), natural amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 7 pm. Free, with light concessions available for purchase. Market Street Allen USA Celebration. This star-studded entertainment lineup features two stages of musical acts including this year’s headliner, Michael McDonald. One of the largest firework displays in North Texas. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and play structures in the Kid Zone, get creative in the craft tent or beat the heat at the spraygrounds.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Summer Story Times

Youth Services 214.509.4906 Story Times run June 15 through July 30. Baby & Me—For pre-walkers w/adult Thurs., 10:15 am. Fun Ones—For 1 year-olds w/adult Mon.,Tues. & Wed., 10:15 am. Family Together Time—For children 2-6 years and family Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am. All By Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently, Wed., 11:15 am. Pajama Story Time—For children 2-6 years and their family, Tues. & Thurs., 7 pm. 13 Summer Reading Kickoff, 10-11:30 am. Grab the whole family and enjoy some carnival games, a petting zoo, book giveaways, prizes and tasty treats! 19 Teen Anime Con, 6:30-10:30 pm., ages 12-18. After-hours event features anime viewing, food challenges, trivia, a crazy scavenger hunt and so much more! 3 10

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Adults

Noontime Pageturners, noon, The Art Forger by Barbara Shapiro. Bring a lunch and a friend! A relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project. Discover a Healthier You—Wii Fit games, noon1 pm, 2nd floor program room. Get fit with Wii games. Join us to test out some of the games on Wii Fit. DIY Pet Toys, 10-11:30 am, 2nd floor program room. Learn how to make cute and creative toys for your dogs and cats. All materials provided, and you can win a gift card to a local pet store! Adult Anime Interest Group—Mecha Night, 6:30 pm. Join us as we Escape the Ordinary through the world of Mecha Anime. We will be watching the first four episodes of the new anime ALDNOAH.ZERO. Japanese snacks and refreshments will be provided. Age 18+. Free. Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Come join us in a discussion of Goodnight June by Sarah Jio. Age 18+, free, call 214.509.4913/214.509.4905. ArtSparks! Pop Rocks: Exploring Pop Art, 2:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Presented by Meg Benner, Allen Arts Alliance. Free. Ages 12-adults. Who were the pop artists and how did they change the art world in the 20th century? Make your own pop art creation. All materials will be supplied; no art experience necessary. Listen Up! 7-8 pm, 2nd floor program room. June is Audio Book Month. Come celebrate with others who enjoy listening to books and have a chance to win a free audio book provided by Penguin Random House. Free, ages 18+. No reg. DIY@APL: Sharpie© Art, 10-11:30 am, 2nd floor program room. Free. Ages 18+. Use oil-based Sharpies© to decorate plates and other items! All supplies will be provided. At the

end of the program you will take your personalized items home and bake them to seal the colors. 25 Twisted Threads Fiber Craft Circle—Morning Edition, 10:30 am, 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your latest project and work on it with of other fiber crafters. 30 Armchair Travelers Visit the Bahamas, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room, Free. Leave Nassau behind as Chuck and Debbie Vavra take you off the beaten path and under the sea to the remote islands of the Exumas, Eleuthera, San Salvador and more. Bahamian-inspired snacks provided.

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, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Watters Creek Concerts by the Creek

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Each concert is from 7-10 pm and is free to the public. Visit www. watterscreek.com for a complete listing of concerts. Miss Marcy & The Texas Sugar Daddy’s  Moving Colors  Hard Night’s Day  The Rob Holbert Group

Heard Museum

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. Ropes Course Adventure Day, 1-4 pm, Individuals and small groups (9 or less persons) are welcome to participate in our pre-scheduled Adventure Days. Reservations required. The ropes course can be scheduled for custom programs for groups of ten or more persons.

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. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out & more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly.com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-athome moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Allen Image | June 2015

Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Prof.Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Every Monday-Sunday 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 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. 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. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.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 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., McKinney. Single men & women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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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. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, 10:30 am, meets Sept.-May, except Dec., Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, President. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. 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 St, 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. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Janeen Chattaway@ janeen03j@yahoo.com. 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. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. 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.

First Nighter African Violet Society, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of their growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478 or www.beautifulviolets.org. NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees are invited. Fourth Monday 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 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. 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. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. 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 Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. 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. Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@ verizon.net. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, Collin College Courtyard Center, 4800 Preston Park Boulevard, Plano. Program: Gracie: A Love Story. Ken Freehill, stage, screen and television actor, playwright, teacher, producer and director will perform a first person original review of George Burns’ 1988 biography. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. 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. 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. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Third Tuesday Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. 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. 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 Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com/ 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. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425.

Allen Image | June 2015

First Wednesday 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. Collin County Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:3011:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www.mopsofhope.com. Second Wednesday 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. Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Third Wednesday Greater Collin County Kennel Club, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. 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: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www.nntchorus.org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor.

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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. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. 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. 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. First Thursday North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club Drive, McKinney. Dr. George Diggs, a botanist and evolutionary biologist, will surprise us with fascinating information about evolution, health and weight loss. RSVP to Jayne Holley at jayneholley@gmail.com if you want to attend. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. 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. 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/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. Allen Early Childhood PTA, 9:30-11:30 am, First Christian Church of Allen, 1207 Twin Creeks Dr. Virginia Beaver’s

talk introducing parenting approach ”Love and Logic.” Based on the best selling book Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. Provides a basic overview of this parenting approach. Res. are requested but not required. For more info: www.aecpta.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. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter 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 McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Performers will be the McKinney Summer Musicals. Program includes comments from Kevyn Robertson, director of Camelot, followed by performances by one or more cast members to give us a small glimpse of what to expect. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. 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.

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

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. 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. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. 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. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen residents $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), 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. First Friday Italian Lovers of North Dallas, 7 pm, Italian Villa, 121 N Greenville Ave, Ste B, Allen. Do you like Italy? Many bilingual Italian-Americans meet here monthly to chat in Italian and find new friends. For more info: email ITALOVERS@tx.rr.com. First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no reservatrions required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@ hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. 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. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Second Saturday Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teaches children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Third Saturday Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Free. Low cost child care 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. 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. Last Saturday 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. Every Sunday 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. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We 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.

Allen Image | June 2015

For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image | June 2015

by Simon VALENTIN

Some of the toughest guys you’ll ever see are standing on opposite ends of a 200-foot sheet of ice. It’s been about two weeks of drill after drill, hit after hit, shot after shot for the Allen Americans. Eleven days since unleashing on an opponent and the whole team is champing at the bit. Head Coach Steve Martinson takes center ice and gets ready to wrap up yet another practice by pitting them against each other. “What do you guys want to play for?” he shouts. “A firm handshake!” a player shouts back.

“Freakin’ pride!” another yells. That’s right, not beers, burgers or losers wash sweaty uniforms. These guys, ages 21 to 32, are playing for the love of the game. They throw themselves into it, skating twenty-miles-an-hour on razor sharp blades, chasing a puck going a hundred miles an hour while a six-foot-five, 230pound mass of humanity breathes down their necks, intent on taking that little black disc away from them. They skate fast, hit hard, make no excuses. And that’s just practice.

cover story Their games are amazing. If you’re not familiar with these worldclass athletes, here’s a quick primer. They’re a Double A team that won back-to-back championships in the league they used to be in. They’re dominating their current, tougher league, the ECHL. A couple days after practice, they take on the Rapid City Rush and the results are less than stellar, the Americans are rusty and suffer a four to two loss. The next night finds about four thousand folks in the Allen Event Center hoping for a win. Sitting mixed in with the crowd is a striking young brunette holding her handsome blue-eyed infant son on her lap. They both keep watch on the little one’s towheaded brother, a fouryear-old whose grin promises a rink full of mischief. They hope to see number 13, Chad Costello, add another goal to the best season of his life, the upside from last year. “After everything that’s hapened, I still get nervous when Chad plays,” his wife Ashley says. She has good reason. Last year, while with another team Chad took a slap shot to the face and was sent sprawling by a wild puck. Not long after that he took a fall and hit his head. It rang his bell and he was concussed for about a year. “Chad’s always been laid back, cool as a cucumber, it takes a lot to upset him,” Ashley says of her high school sweetheart. But after the concussion, he became irritable, had headaches, couldn’t focus during practice and wound up spending more time in his apartment than on the ice. “Things got scary, it was hard, he was in another city, eventually another country playing, and I couldn’t fly out to help him.” Months rolled by and Chad gradually seemed to bounce back. Unfortunately, he carried the concussion stigma and no one would touch him—no one except the Allen Americans.

“I love this place,” Chad says. “I owe everything to Allen and Coach Martinson for signing me. They were the only team to consider me, coach gave me the chance of a lifetime, so I give them everything I’ve got.” Chad was quick to prove coach made a wise choice. The twenty-eightyear-old beat hundreds of other players this year to win the ECHL’s shooting title, getting or assisting with an amazing 125 goals, dozens more than anyone else. “It’s been a pretty decent year,” he says modestly. “But I think I should be better. I go out and do what I can to help the team.” This night is no different. Chad is as hot as a two-dollar-pistol and he scores a goal that brings a roaring crowd to its feet, his family probably shouting loudest. “We loved seeing him score, especially Cayne, he gets so excited to see his dad contribute to the win!” Ashley says. The Americans are on their game again and they rout the Rush, eight to one. Afterward, the players were pumped about the win, but Coach Steve Martinson wasn’t about to gush over it. “They knew they played a strong game, all I said was ‘good job, take care of yourself and don’t celebrate like you won the Stanley Cup.’” The 57-year-old Minnesotan joined Allen two years ago and led the team to back-to-back championships. He’s a gritty guy, a hard-core throwback who loves his family and his hockey. Did you ever hear the saying, “We went to the fights last night and a hockey game broke out?” That was written with a guy like coach in mind. He’s played for teams all over the minor leagues as well as three NHL teams, the Minnesota North Stars, Montreal Canadians and the Detroit Red Wings. In fifteen years of professional hockey he racked up about 2800 penalty minutes. There are plenty of players who never break 1000 minutes in longer careers. Allen Image | June 2015

“I liked to fight,” he says bluntly. “But it was a different time and I wouldn’t want my son or my players to do the same thing I did. It wasn’t healthy. On this team there is a good blend of skill and physical play.” Twenty-three-year-old Spencer

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Asuchak is one of the Allen Americans who has that blend and has already caught the attention of one NHL team. The twenty-three-year-old from Kamloops, British Columbia, is a sixfoot-five, two-hundred-thirty-pound behemoth who makes opposing players twitch when he’s after them. He’s at home on the ice, but not so much in an interview and he speaks quietly in a north of the border accent that makes you want to say “eh” (pronounced ay). “I love this game,” he says shifting in his seat. “I get chills when I hear the National Anthem. When the fans are cheering, you feel the energy,” he says. “It’s pretty awesome that my job is to come to the rink every day with twenty best friends and share all these experiences with them. And the fans? Sometimes there are so many at away games it seems like we’re at home. We have the best fans in the league!” Barry Janssen blogs daily about the team and says it’s easy to see why the Allen Americans have such a die hard following. “These are some of the best hockey players in the world. They’re playing a couple tiers down from the top, making very little money,” the team’s unofficial blogger says. “The likelihood of them making it to the NHL is

remote, they do this for the love of hockey and it shows. They go out of their way to be nice to the fans, talking to them, taking pictures with the kids.” Players are here about seven months a year and they make about $600 a week on average. They have decent health insurance, including dental. The rest of the year they work nine-to-five jobs. The best head off to a Triple A team, then possibly to the National Hockey League, a bigger show and bigger paychecks. Fifteen-year-old Caity Purcell is one of those kids who started shouting “Go Red!” and singing “Sweet Caroline” in the stands six years ago. The freckle-faced Texan moved to Chicago and is doing all she can to get back for one game this season. “I really miss going to those games,” she says. “The players are amazing and it’s a great opportunity to bond with family and friends. It’s an awesome feeling being a fan of a great team in such an amazing town.” Super-fan Dan Zalaznik shares that feeling. Since the team arrived in Allen in 2009, he’s missed only one home game because he was laid up in the hospital. “It’s an exciting team, the speed, the hits, it’s a total enjoyment of the game and the personalities of these

guys is just great,” he says. “They’re good, hard working kids, trying to get up in the pros. A couple of them are very religious and I like that.” Twenty-eight-year-old Gary Steffes is one of those players whose faith runs even deeper than his superb talent and passion for hockey. You’ll see him, Aaron Gens and Konrad Abeltshauser kneeling at center ice and praying after games. “We give thanks where thanks is due,” he says. “I gave my life to Christ about six years ago.” That decision brought him a sense of peace as well as turmoil. How could he play a game as tough as hockey and still be a Christian? “I play extremely hard, with honor, within the rules. I’ll finish hits (checks) clean and as hard as I can but my intent is not to harm. I’ll skate my tail off. I’ll battle. I’ll compete. God put that in our hearts. Christians aren’t soft, they’re honorable.” You’ll hear that mantra over and over in the locker room. Play hard, honorably and sacrifice when needed. A fan made sign hanging in their hallway sums it up: “Somewhere out

there, there’s a fan who’s here for the first time…their last time…or their only time. I owe that fan my best!” That attitude makes for nail-biting games, and being there doesn’t require a small bank loan for an evening’s fun. “This is the best value in town for your dollar; you can get tickets for less than twenty dollars, parking is free, we have church groups that come out, it’s a great family environment, families keep us going,” Tommy Daniels, Media Director and booming

radio voice of the Americans says. “If you go to a game, I promise you will not go home disappointed.” There are other things that folks come to see as well, like Biscuit the bulldog, the team mascot. He walks around with kids trailing him like a canine pied piper. “Even if you don’t know anything about hockey, you’ve got to check it out,” John Wayne Seitzer, the man who dons the Biscuit costume says. “The head weighs about ten pounds and it

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hits about a hundred degrees in there,” he says. “But that doesn’t matter, the greatest feeling in the world is leading the players onto the ice before the game, firing up the crowd, making kids laugh, I love it. What a blessing!” Another crowd favorite is the Ice Angels, the American’s dance team. Led by Stephanie DiBiase-Wheat, a former Dallas Mavericks dance captain and choreogra pher, they’ve drawn national attention recently with Country Music Television following some of the ladies as they try to become members of the legendary Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The Ice Angels were voted best Dance Team in the league four of the last five years and to maintain that level they invest hour after hour of gut-busting training. They also keep themselves on the straight and narrow. Part of that is adhering to the strict “no dating players” policy. “That is a huge, huge, huge, no-no,” Stephanie stressed. “It’s a conflict of interest, it looks bad and in addition, lets say it doesn’t work out, this person has to cheer for that hockey player all year. You don’t want to be known as the girl who dates players.” While Stephanie keeps a tight rein on her dancers, the hockey team’s veterans keep the younger players in line. “I’m not a babysitter,” Coach Martinson growls. He’s built his team so it’s not strictly young guns. “The older, married guys on the team help guide the younger ones when they’re on the ice and off as well.” Allen Americans Captain Jamie Schaafsma is one of those mentors who helps keep everyone focused. At thirty-two, he’s one of the team’s elder statesman, and is looked up to by his teammates. “I try to lead by example, show them that even at my age, I still want to win,” he says. He also shows the younger guys you have to think about life after the game. He and three other players just finished a six-month internship with the Allen Fire Department. “I’m a different kind of player than a lot of these guys,” he said. “The younger ones have a shot at the NHL, or a degree to fall back on. At thirty-two, I realize hockey will come to an end and I don’t have a degree, so the internship was perfect. We got good practical training, everything from rappelling to live fires.” Chad Costello also went through the program and he was surprised at how much it was like hockey. “It’s a team first atmosphere, go in together, come out together, they follow protocol, their game is fighting fires and saving lives, they care for their community. It’s something I’m interested in.” But what about his NHL dream? “I’m at an age where taking care of my family is more important,” he says. “They love it here, they’re happy here, it’s a great city and fire fighting could be perfect for me after hockey; another

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chance to make a difference, be proud of what I do.” It’s kind of hard to believe this kid is for real, but according to Jamie, what you see is what you get. “They’re all good guys and they love it here,” he says of his teammates. Heck, even Coach Martinson nearly smiled when he talked about our fair city. “What’s not to like? The weather’s good, there are lots of things to do. Before we came here we checked out the schools and they’re all rated highly,” he says. “My daughter always did well in school, but my son always complained about going. He doesn’t complain anymore. Allen has great schools—don’t take that for granted.” Jamie, a native of Ontario, Canada, is in a similar situation, thinking about the future of his family and the best place to plant roots. He’s gotten to know a lot about us, and he urges everyone to reciprocate. “Come to a game and get to know the players; they’re good people; easy to like and the team is easy to love,” he says. That call has been heard in Allen

City Hall. The city council and Mayor Stephen Terrell recently proclaimed May 1st to be “Rock Your Red Day.” So what are you waiting for? You’ve got a championship hockey team in your backyard, playing in a stadium that doesn’t have a bad seat in the house. This is a sport where guys with legs the size of tree trunks rocket themselves across the ice with the finesse of figure skaters and the strength of football players. They’ll

send a six-ounce piece of vulcanized rubber hurtling toward the other team’s net at speeds that are illegal on the freeway. If it’s coming toward their net, they’ll block it with their bodies. You’ve got an award-winning dance team, an eight- foot-tall-skatingbulldog, and players and coaches who genuinely love your city. Come on Allen, it’s time to Rock Your Red! v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

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B U S I N E S S C A R D S 50

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