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At Palmer Family Law Group PLLC, they believe that divorce doesn’t have to be so hard. “What we try to do is get people through a divorce in the healthiest way possible so that everyone can move on to the next chapter in their lives, in the best way possible,” says Dana, creator of the Soft Divorce® brand. “We don’t define success by the other party’s failure. Instead, our goal is for our client, their children, and even their soon-to-be-ex-spouse, to be as healthy as possible after the divorce.”
A better way to divorce
Dana C. Palmer
It’s a concept that Dana created after focusing his law firm in McKinney on family law in 2011. “I opened the firm in 2006, practicing a wide variety of cases. I soon realized that family law cases provided me with the biggest opportunity to help people and that’s when I decided to narrow my focus,” Dana says. Quickly, he says,
he saw that when divorce is approached as a battle, with each spouse trying to extract as much money as possible from the other, then no one ‘wins.’ “I’m the type of person who is always looking for a better way to do something—and when I find that better way, I feel compelled to share it with others,” Dana explains. “That’s why I’m now sharing the Soft Divorce® program worldwide.” Soft Divorce® is a concept and framework of the best practices in family law and divorce procedures that aim to keep divorces civil, family-oriented, healthy and as painfree and stress-free as possible. “I believe in Soft Divorce® because it’s better than a ‘hard divorce.’” Dana says. “At the end of the day, former spouses will always be parents together and they need to have the best possible relationship with one another, as well as with their kids. A Soft Divorce® allows for that.”
Happier, healthier results Of course, the firm’s approach doesn’t mean that they’ll simply “lie down” and take whatever the other party’s attorney is offering. “There are times that we have to, and we do, ‘play hard-ball,’” Dana says. “We go into court knowing that we’ve taken the high road, but we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the healthy result we’re after.” When prospective clients first hear about the firm’s Soft Divorce brand, Dana says, they’re often relieved to discover that there’s a healthier way to go through the divorce process. “You always see on TV and hear about divorces where people end up hating each other and losing so much,” he says. “We show people a different and better way.” For more information, please call or visit our website.
The most advanced technology Gandy Orthodontics is a technologically sophisticated practice with locations in Allen, Wylie and Frisco. Dr. Allen Gandy is one of few orthodontists in North Texas offering in-office 3-D imaging as a diagnostic tool for individualized treatment planning. This cutting edge 3-D technology allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. “After careful evaluation, I have always embraced new methods with proven track records,” says Dr. Gandy. “There’s a significant difference in the amount of information that we obtain from traditional 2-D x-rays compared to our advanced 3-D technology,” explains
Dr. Allen Gandy, DDS, MS
Dr. Gandy. “3-D imaging allows us to see things we normally would not have been able to see in the past. This helps eliminate guesswork in many orthodontic situations. I can evaluate my patients’ growth and dental development more accurately. For example, if a tooth is blocked out, we know exactly where it is and its relationship with other teeth and jawbones.” Dr. Gandy combines his expertise with sophisticated technology to achieve excellent orthodontic results. “We want to present many options to our patients and to provide them with the type of treatment they’re looking for,” says Dr. Gandy. “If a patient does not want to be in braces for a long time, we offer treatment modalities that can get us to the finish line faster. If they wish for the braces not to show, we can utilize esthetic tooth-colored braces or customize lingual braces, placed on the inside of teeth (Incognito® System). Our goal is to help our patients make an educated decision and to provide them with the best orthodontic treatment possible.“ Dr. Gandy also utilizes the Damon® Braces. The Damon® Braces system is a state-of-the-art, clinically-proven method of treatment, which uses passive, selfligating (tie-less) brackets that hold the wire with a sliding mechanism instead of traditional elastic rings. The wires slide freely through the slots with minimum friction, while the shape memory of the wire guides the movement of the teeth without tightening. Eliminating elastic rings results in improved hygiene and greater comfort. Dr. Gandy is also a Premiere Invisalign Provider, meaning that he has extensive experience with this method of almost invisible orthodontics. “Due to recent advances in Invisalign® treatment, as a specialist in orthodontics, I am now able to treat more patients efficiently utilizing this method,” says Dr. Gandy.
About Dr. Gandy
Dr. Gandy is a board certified orthodontist specializing in orthodontics for children and adults. He grew up in Arlington, Texas, and received his Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He graduated at the top of his class and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, with highest academic honors, from Baylor College of Dentistry. As a resident, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center where he completed his post-doctoral specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and his Masters of Science degree in Oral Biology. Recognized for his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Gandy has been honored with distinguished awards from the American Association for Dental Research, the American Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and the Southwest Prosthodontic Society. He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists and he is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (board certified). Community involvement is important to Dr. Gandy. He sponsors various projects for Allen, Fairview, Lovejoy, Wylie, Frisco, Lucas, McKinney and Little Elm school districts. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons. His hobbies include intense workouts, golf, running, snow skiing, reading and traveling. The best thing about his job, Dr. Gandy explains, is giving his patients a beautiful smile. “It’s very rewarding to see the results of my work. Orthodontics can really change peoples’ lives—from giving them greater confidence in their smile to improving the function of their bite. There are people who come to me and just don’t smile, but afterwards, they just can’t stop smiling.”
A great family atmosphere In every aspect of his practices—from technology to staffing—Dr. Gandy has made his patients the highest priority. “Our offices are not only state-of-the-art, but they’re also warm and caring places to be, for both children and adults,” comments Dr. Gandy. “Our dedicated team of professionals is great at what they do. It’s really a great bunch of people to work with.” Gandy Orthodontics is offering a complimentary orthodontic exam and consultation to readers of the Allen Image magazine. Mention this article and receive $300 off of your orthodontic treatment (limited time offer, some restrictions apply).
Gandy Orthodontics Allen/Fairview Location 431 E. Stacy Road, Suite 109 • Fairview
972.727.3900
contents
March 2014
Vol. 24, Issue 3
cover story
58 Better business bucolic
Collin County’s last remaining dairy sits on the west side of Jupiter Road, between Parker Road and Spring Creek Parkway in Plano—a 200-acre treasure surrounded by homes, parks, businesses and Collin College. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson
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feature 24 Moms Run This Town
Moms Run This Town is a group of women, which include all types of athletes, from distance runners training for marathons to walkers and women, who have never entered a race before. by Nicole Bywater
special sections 32 kids korner
24
Nature Preserves & Gardens by Deborah Dove
40 pet page Suzanne
46 calendar 66 people seen
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For a chance to win a $50 dining card
contents departments civic forum 10
Allen CVB expands by Kathleen Vaught
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Where ideas blossom by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield
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Hoops Hysteria is here! by Jeff Mues
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Alliance for a healthier Allen
Allen High School After Prom
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Color Run—a colorful twist
Those American flags?
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Christ the Servant Concert Series
Films—Audrey Hepburn
library
office administrator Carrie McCormick
advertising sales Sue Hardesty Kris Jones
contributing writers Nicole Bywater Stacy Cooper Deborah Dove Melanie Hess Tom Keener Jeff Mues
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Arthurian legends
Peggy Helmick-Richardson
The importance of fish tales
Keith A. Taylor
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Post-removal Cherokee Nation
Marjorie Vaneskahian
22
The Selkie Girls
Kathleen Vaught
26
Jazz Invitational swings into Allen
28
Middle school
cover photo Larry Fleming
by Keith A. Taylor
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Students embody language
helping hands 38
YOU make a difference by Marjorie Vaneskahian and Stacy Cooper
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Barbara Peavy
Dawn Bluemel Oldfield
by Melanie Hess
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publisher/editor
by Tom Keener
education
26
Allen Image
cooking 42
Throw a Mexican fiesta by Deborah Dove
Allen Image © 2014 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:
Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage. com.
civic forum
Allen CVB expands by Kathleen Vaught
Allen’s evolution into a “destination” is more than trendy buzzword appeal and is different than typical touristy cities like Orlando or Corpus Christi. The positive economic impact of Allen’s tourism ripples through our entire city boosting the experience for visitors and residents alike. 1 0 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m
The Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which now includes a full-time sales manager as well as a city council-appointed advisory board, is poised to expand upon that success. “Tourism is a major enhancement to the economic vitality of any city, large or small,” said Carson Doss, CVB advisory board chair. “The City of Allen has wisely recognized the importance of tourism to its growth and stability by creating the Convention and Visitors Bureau nearly five years ago.” The board serves as a connection to our community to provide feedback to CVB on sales and marketing efforts representing Allen to visitors and groups. Having this local input is important to help further define how we market Allen as a destination—a destination that is different from what is considered a typical tourist spot. Our attractions like shopping, dining and golf are the perfect fit for daytrips, group meetings, events and trade shows. Not only do we have the facilities for the business side of things, we have plenty of fun stuff to keep attendees occupied in their off time. In addition to Doss, other members of the board include Tyrone Wilson, Stacy Polk and councilmembers Robin Sedlacek and Baine Brooks. Two recent groups CVB worked with in bringing their conventions to
Allen were the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and World Ventures, a popular vacation and entertainment club. Each of these groups provided Allen the oppor tunity to showcase state-of-the-art facilities including the Performing Arts Center at Allen High School and Allen Event Center along with top entertainment attractions such as Top Golf. Together, these two individual events brought in close to 10,000 attendees and an estimated $1.9M in local economic impact. Returning this month to Allen Event Center are two collegiate tournaments—the Lone Star Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, March 5-8, and the National Collegiate Wresting Association’s National Championships, March 12-15. Events on the horizon for this year and next include the annual conferences for the Amateur Softball Association and the Texas Court Clerks Association. Both of these leads were garnered locally and will be hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas/ Allen at the John Q. Hammons Center. “It’s been on my bucket list as district commissioner to bring the ASA state meeting to Allen,” said Allen resident Jerry Duron. Even as word-of-mouth about Allen continues to grow in North
Texas, thanks in large part to these grass roots efforts, finding and cultivating groups to bring new meetings, conventions and tradeshows to Allen is the primary focus and responsibility of Toni Hopkins, CVB sales manager, who was added to the team earlier this year. Hopkins has 18 years of sales experience in the hospitality industry including at the national level where she successfully represented both the Grapevine and Farmers Branch Convention and Visitors Bureaus. In addition to her experience, she brings to Allen existing relationships with meeting planners and expertise in generating increased awareness of a destination. “The majority of business we’ve brought to Allen during the past five years of CVB operations have been based on some type of local contact or lead,” said Karen Cromwell, Director of Tourism. “With the addition of a dedicated sales manager, especially one with Toni’s experience, we are able to expand our efforts with regional and state event planners where, in many cases, we have remained a hidden gem.” To find out more about CVB, go to VisitAllenTexas.com or contact them at v info@visitallentexas.com. Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.
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Where ideas blossom and inspiration grows! by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield
Now in its fourth year, The Collin County Master Gardener Association’s Garden Show is the party that welcomes spring and has grown into a perennial favorite with gardeners everywhere. Local horticultural specialists and Collin County Master Gardeners, with decades of collective experience, will offer ideas for more successful gardening experiences. Educational and informative demonstrations on a variety of topics—Vegetable Gardening in North Texas; Herbs: A Flavorful Addition to the Garden; Great Container Gardens; Trees in the Landscape; Texas Natives: Not What You Might Expect; Earth-Kind ® Perennials: Which Plants Are For You?; How To Propagate Your Favorite Plants; Rainwater Harvesting & Drip Irrigation: Water Conservation is Easy as 1,2,3! and more—will be presented. Steve Huddleston, author and senior horticulturalist at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens will discuss Outstanding Plants for North Texas, on Saturday and noted horticulturalist and publisher Neil Sperry is the keynote speaker and will wrap up the show on Sunday. The show will also include local vendor booths, a children’s discovery area, adult interactive education and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the international award winning Earth-Kind® Perennial Research and Demonstration Gardens at Myers Park— the first Earth-Kind® perennial research garden in the U.S. Also on tour are the Earth-Kind ® Vegetable Research Garden, the Earth-Kind® Crape Myrtle Research Garden and the Earth-Kind® Roses Research Garden. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Collin County Master Gardeners are working to determine which perennials and other types of plants will survive North Texas difficult soils and climate extremes without the use of fertilizer, pesticides and excessive irrigation. The Collin County Master Gardener Association is an educational service organization of volunteers who are trained in horticulture, landscaping, soil improvement, water conservation and many other topics important to
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Collin County gardeners. The CCMGA volunteer program is administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service through the horticulture agent in Collin County. The garden show is an indoor event, so come on out rain or shine, hot or cold to the Show Barn at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney! Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, March 22; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, March 23. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free. All proceeds benefit the Children and Community Health Center and Meals on Wheels. Visit www.ccmgatx. org/TheGardenShow, or call 972.548.4232 for up-to-date information. v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.
Hoops hysteria is here! by Jeff Mues
During the most basketball-crazed time of the year, Allen Parks and Recreation is truly embracing hoops hysteria. With brackets busting, bubbles bursting and basketb alls bouncing seemingly every where, how could we not take part? Why sit on the bench when it’s easy to get in the game! Basketball is a fantastic spectator sport—especially when you’ve got a venue as great as Allen Event Center to take in a game. We suggest the Lone Star Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, an exciting four-day event March 5-8, that will feature eight men’s and eight women’s teams vying for their conference title. For more information, visit LSCChampionshipAllen.org. You don’t have to be a college athlete to hoop it up well into the night. Joe Farmer Recreation Center (JFRC) is planning to keep the gym open till 1 a.m. on Friday, March 21, for a special “Midnight Madness” style evening of open basketball play for
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ages 10 to 18. Pre-registration by March 19 is required. For young players, there are plenty of options, which don’t require staying up past bedtime! JFRC offers Spring Break camps, which include basketball as well as many other sports. Additionally, JFRC offers popular youth programs such as Small Fry Basketball (ages 4 to 6) and Start Smart Basketball (ages 7 to 14) during the months of March and April. Visit AllenParks.org/JFRC or call 214.509.4750 to learn more. Still craving more? Adult players can sign up for league play! Beginning April 7, Allen Adult Athletics will open up registration for summer leagues, which begin June 3. With eight games guaranteed plus a single-elimination tournament, there’s plenty of opportun
ity to shoot the rock. For more detailed information regarding tration for adult regis basketball and other sports, please call the Athletic Information Hotline at 214.509.4810. Whether you are a rookie, veteran or “free agent” so to speak, Allen Parks and Recreation certainly has a place for you to play. As we put winter behind us and head into spring, don’t forget there are plenty of outdoor courts in Allen to shoot around or get in a pick-up game. In fact, Allen parks feature 14 basketball courts! With courts at Bradford Crossing Park, Celebration Park, Ford Park West, Lost Creek Park, Quail Run Park, Stacy Ridge Park and Story Park, you’re never far from the hoop in Allen. With so many places and opportunities to play, we’re pretty much lobbing it up to the rim for you to slam-dunk. So lace up your sneakers, and let’s do this! v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator
with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.
Snippets Alliance for a healthier Allen Allen High School After Prom For the past 20 years, the Allen High School After Prom has served as an annual drug and alcohol free event that contributes to the safety of our graduating seniors and their dates on prom night. The After Prom committee—a group of concerned parents and other volunteers—have worked together to ensure that After Prom offers a safe environment for AHS seniors and their dates immediately following the prom, which is scheduled for May 3 at the Allen Event Center. After Prom begins at midnight at the high school and ends at 5 a.m. Tickets for this chaperoned substance-free event—featuring food, games, entertainment, scholarships and lots of prizes—are $15.
A couple of months ago when you tossed the 2013 calendar and began thinking about 2014, you may have made some New Year’s resolutions. Did you resolve to be healthier and more active in 2014? It’s easy to get into a pattern of making and not keeping resolutions. Several community partners have teamed up to help Allen residents keep those resolutions. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, Allen ISD, Allen Community Outreach, Keep Allen Beautiful, the City of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department and several other businesses and individuals partnered in 2008 to form The Alliance for a Healthier Allen (AHA). AHA has partnered with Live Healthy North Texas to offer their annual wellness challenge, which runs through April 4. AHA encourages anyone interested to visit LiveHealthyNorthTexas.org for more information. A youth initiative—Motivate to Move—launches March 1 and runs through April 30. The free program, which will be in all Allen elementary schools, encourages children to be more active and to make healthier eating choices. Don’t let those resolutions fall by the wayside. Bookmark and utilize the resources that are available at LiveHealthyNorthTexas.org and be sure to encourage your children to take advantage of the Motivate to Move program. Visit GetAllenHealthy.com and Facebook.com/ GetAllenHealthy for information and updates. To join the AHA team as a volunteer, call Lyndsey Cecka at 214.509.4751 or email lcecka@cityofallen.org. v
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All seniors are eligible to attend After Prom even if they don’t attend prom. “We anticipate at least 900 will attend After Prom,” said the event’s Committee Chair Diana Kinsey. “Therefore, preparations and costs for this year’s event will be substantial.” After Prom is funded exclusively by the tax-deductible donations from our community partners, businesses, parents, booster clubs and PTAs. The committee is seeking financial support for this worthwhile event as well as gifts of food, gift cards and prizes. “No donation is too small,” said Business Sponsorship/Donations Chair Tracey Cline. “The committee will accept your donations until May 3, but donations made by April 1 will help us to better plan and promote the event.” To show your support for After Prom 2014, contact Cline at 972.727.0250 or email her at tcline@allentx.com. She or a committee member can pick up donations or they can be mailed to Allen High School After Prom, P.O. Box 370, Allen, TX 75013. v
Snippets Color Run—a colorful twist on family fun Running a race used to be a straightforward endeavor. Train, show up to the race, put on your running shoes and run as fast as you can to reach the finish line. Sound familiar? Whether you have ever run a race or not, chances are in real life you have found yourself at one time or another going as fast as you can, racing to beat the clock. Wouldn’t it be nice, just for once, to throw away the clock and shift the focus to having fun with your entire family? Join us for Allen’s first ever Color Run on Saturday, March 29. This one-mile “Fun Run” offers a colorful twist as runners will be entertained by a live DJ, Zumba warm up and games. Once the race begins, participants will literally be blasted with an assortment of color as they make their way through the course. Starting out in a white t-shirt, splashes of yellow, orange, pink and blue and splatters of purple, red and green will have you looking like a Jackson Pollack painting, or maybe a bag of Skittles gone completely haywire! Sound messy? You bet! But no need to worry; it’s all easily washed away after the run. Completely colorful but also 100 percent safe, biodegradable and non-toxic, the Color Run is perfectly safe and suitable for the entire family—ages 4 and up! For more information, visit AllenParks.org/JFRC or contact Joe Farmer Recreation Center by phone at 214.509.4750. So don’t be left in the dark. The bright thing to do is to register today for the Color Run. v
Where do those American flags come from! Here comes a national holiday weekend and suddenly your whole street is lined with flags. Or maybe it’s a street around the block, or the next neighborhood over. Who puts them out and who picks them up? The Kiwanis Club of Allen is responsible for those flags you see out by the curb on major national holidays. The club volunteers store them at their homes and put them out for the six major flag holidays throughout the year—President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. This is a subscription service provided by the Kiwanis Club of Allen for our community. The income raised provides for our many projects benefiting the children of Allen— dictionaries handed out to grades school kids, the Angel League baseball program, Allen Community Outreach donations, scholarships to deserving college-bound kids, etc. How do you get one? Go online to www.allenkiwanis.org and click on the flag program. Leave your name and contact information and you will get a call or email (your preference) explaining the program. This initial fee of $50 includes the cost of the flag, the pole, sleeve in the ground for placement and the next six holidays. The annual subscription renewal is $35. Get your flag today! v A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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Snippets Christ the Servant Concert Series On Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m., Patrick Parker will perform an organ concert on Christ the Servant’s Schudi pipe organ, featuring works by Bach, Bruhns, Frescobaldi, Eben, Widor, Saint-Saëns and Pamela Decker.
Films—Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn possessed a grace and charm rarely seen in cinematic history. During March, the Allen Public Library is hosting an Audrey Hepburn film festival. As a special treat, the late actress’s son Luca Dotti will introduce Roman Holiday from Rome by Skype. Mr. Dotti will share his mother’s recollections of her career and the shooting of her Oscar winning masterpieces. All films begin at 7 p.m. and are free. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. March 4—Sabrina (1954), directed by Billy Wilder and starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. This film garnered one Oscar. A playboy becomes interested in the daughter of his family’s chauffeur, but it’s his more serious brother who would be the better man for her. March 11—Roman Holiday (1953), directed by William Wyler and starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn and Eddie Albert. This film was a triple Oscar winner. A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome. March 18—Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), directed by Blake Edwards and starring Patricia Neal, George Peppard, Buddy Ebsen and Audrey Hepburn. This film won two Oscars. A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building.
Patrick Parker is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of Houston; associate organist at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church; and selected to participate in the American Guild of Organists’ 2014 National Young Artist Competition in organ performance. Patrick has been involved with numerous projects featuring the works of J.S. Bach, including the choral masterworks, orchestral works, chamber music, and has performed over half of Bach’s solo organ works. He holds music degrees from Cleveland Institute of Music and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The concert is free and open to the public, but a freewill donation supporting the concert series is welcome. A reception will follow the concert. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is located at 821 South Greenville Avenue in Allen. For information, call 972.727.3191 or visit www.christtheservant.com. v
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March 25—My Fair Lady (1964), directed by George Cukor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. This mega box office success garnered eight Oscars. A snobbish phonetics professor agrees to a wager that he can take a flower girl and make her presentable in high society. v
library
The Library presents… by Tom Keener
Arthurian legends Welsh literature is the nexus to Arthurian legends. Celebrate Celtic month with Dr. Chris Grooms who will present a brief survey of Welsh literature and the Arthurian legends at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Allen Public Library. “Like an ancient magnet for myth and legend, the name Arthur has attracted the lore and tales of the ancient British Celts,” Dr. Groom
includes tales and materials about place-names containing Welsh “cawr” or “cewri”, or English “giant”; tales and materials for place-names with associated giant traditions; and tales and material associated with personal names of giants. A professor of English at Collin College, Dr. Grooms contributed the song “Blodeuwedd: Song of the Flowers” to a new archive of traditional
notes. “During the Middle Ages, all of Europe was abuzz with the adventures and exploits of this king and his knights and maidens. The oldest of these tales comes from the country of Wales, written in a language still spoken in that country. This lecture will reveal some of that ancient lore, some fact, some fancy, but always heroic and magical.” Author of The Giants of Wales/ Cewri Cymru, Groom’s book provides a collection and discussion of the literary, place-name and archaeo logical materials concerning giants in Wales and the Marches. The text
Welsh music for Smithsonian Folkways. Dr. Grooms was the only American invited to contribute to this anthology of native Welsh music. Dr. Grooms presented at the 41st International Congress of Medieval Studies, which offered a wide range of new perspectives and discussions on literature in the Medieval and early Modern period. Dr. Grooms also shared course organization and development perspectives with faculty teaching literature surveys in the U.S., Great Britain and France. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. v
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The importance of fish tales As a young man, I heard my father repeat some of his stories so many times that I could finish them for him. Back then, I would roll my eyes and listen politely upon hearing a story for the 1,000th time. Today, I wish I could hear them for the 1001st time. I understand now that story telling invites the imagination to embark on a journey that transcends barriers and often leads to unexpected destinations. In this realm, stories may not be true but still lead the listener to the truth. Daniel Wallace’s masterful tale The Big Fish captures the essence of good storytelling. Like most fish stories, exaggeration is expected, and Big Fish garners laughs because these tall tales are entertaining. But in the end, the stories capture the heart because they are real. Author Daniel Wallace will speak at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at the Allen Public Library. Sponsored by ALLen Reads, this program is free. At 1 p.m., tell us your story, which will be videotaped. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Wallace pursued several careers, including cleaning cages at a veterinarian clinic, before becoming an author. Big Fish is a series of tall tales woven by a father to share his
Pensions and financing of a post-removal Cherokee Nation
life with his son—a son who only wants to hear what is real and get to know his father on a biographical level, not listen to another story. As the father is dying, this relationship grows and the son’s perspective changes. The New York Times described Big Fish as “comic and poignant.” Big Fish was made into a film that was directed by Tim Burton and starred Ewan McGregor, Jessica Lange and Albert Finney. Daniel Wallace has a cameo role in Big Fish as an Auburn University professor. Currently, Wallace is a professor and lecturer in the English Department at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. ALLen Reads is a one-book program under the leadership of the Friends of the Allen Public Library. It is unique in one-book programs in that related books at different reading levels are chosen as “companions” to the main book to promote families and all generations reading and talking together. v
The Cherokee nation contributed soldiers to the United States beginning with the Red Stick Revolt in 1812, a service that enabled individual Cherokees to receive pensions from the U.S. for their war-time services. By 1829, the Cherokee National Council provided its first national pension to an individual Cherokee citizen. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20, a member of the Cherokee Nation, Dr. Julie Reed will examine why Cherokees adapted institutions as a means to deliver social services traditionally administered by clans and extended families and how those instit utions were used to protect Cherokee sovereignty when allotment and Oklahoma statehood threatened. The Removal Treaty of 1835 contained provisions that ensured the continuation of federal funds to disabled soldiers in the post-removal period. Prior to the Civil War, pensioners used their funds to support their personal care in their homes. After the Civil War, pensions continued to assist individual Cherokees, but they also provided sorely needed funds the Cherokee Nation used to support its own sovereign efforts to build
institutions and provide social services to its citizens. Earning her PhD in American History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Reed is the David J. Weber Research Fellow for the Study of Southwestern America, a position reserved for distinguished scholars and academi c ians. An assistant professor of history at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Dr. Reed is spending the current academic year at the Clements Center revising her book manuscript Ten Times Better: Cherokee Social Services. Professor
Reed’s current research examines the rise of social service institutions in the Cherokee Nation in the period after the Civil War. v
The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for additional information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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The Selkie Girls by Tom Keener The enchanting Celtic musical ensemble The Selkie Girls performs 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 14, at the Allen Public Library. Celebrating the musical traditions of Ireland and Scotland, this talented band features Alli Johnson (vocals, guitar), Jaycie DeVane (flute), Kimia Penton (vocals, violin), Dave Ervin (vocals, guitars), Joel Black (vocals, upright and electric bass) and Martin McCall (bodhran, percussion). Bagpiper Rafe Aalderink will open this free program with a lively processional. A Highland piping instructor, Rafe plays and competes with the Fort Worth Scottish Pipes and Drums. Irish dancers Jason Hickman and Anne Higginbotham take the stage with rocket-speed leg and foot movements. A former Allen High School student, Jason was the champion for the Irish Regional Dancing Competition 2012 and 2013. Anne Higginbotham placed 11th at the Irish Regional Dancing, which qualified her for the World Irish Dance Championships in London this year. The Selkie Girls boasts the rare distinction of being a new Celtic group (without scores of live appearances) selected to be a keynote band in this year ’s North Texas Irish Festival. The three women and three men in the group hail from diverse backgrounds, including remnants of the popular band Brothers 3, but this collaboration offers a fresh approach to traditional Scottish and Irish music. Alli Johnson, the featured singer who does most of her
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vocals in the Scottish Gaelic language, started performing professionally at age 16 at various Dallas-area venues. She has worked as a demo singer and played in numerous bands, largely focusing on acoustic-driven music. Majoring in music education, Jaycie DeVane is currently the principal flutist with the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and has performed at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Bass Performance Hall and New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Kimia Penton is a classically-trained violinist, songwriter and vocalist. Raised in England, she was exposed to northern European music at an early age. Dave Ervin began his musical career playing clarinet and bass clarinet in the middle and high school orchestras, but soon realized the guitar was his passion. When not performing with The Selkie Girls, Dave serves as a music minister for a church. Bassist Joel Black has performed at the Majestic Theater; Mardi Gras; Branson, Missouri; and Hollywood. Percussionist Martin McCall has opened for Texas blues legend Delbert McClinton at the Janice Joplin Memorial Concert and also for the Eagles’ superstar Don Henley. Sponsored by Martin and Karla Warborg, this program is free. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.
feature
Moms RUN this town by Nicole Bywater
Alicia Loran, founder and a co-administrator of the local chapter of “Moms Run This Town,” admits that the reason she started running was so that she could have the freedom to eat more food. “I was trying to lose weight after my son was born and doing Weight Watchers,” she recalls. “Honestly, running was the quickest way to earn activity points so you could eat more food, so that’s what I did.” Jolene Aden, also an administrator in the running group, nods in agreement, adding, “I think a lot of us run just so we feel like we can eat whatever we want.” That kind of honesty and acceptance is just what you get with Moms Run This Town (MRTT)-Allen/McKinney/ Plano/Frisco, a local chapter of the running club, which has over 700 chapters nationwide. Membership is free and while the title aims at attracting moms, the group is open to all types of women—whether they have children or not—and to those of all levels of ability.
All women welcome The groups include all types of athletes, from distance runners training for marathons to walkers and women who have never entered a race before. “That’s one thing that makes us different from a lot of the other running clubs out there,” Alicia explains. “We’re all sort of doing our own thing, at our own pace, so there’s none of that intimidation or competition. We just try and support one another. And it helps. We have women that have lost 50 pounds and women who are running their first races and doing things they never imagined they could. It’s really remarkable.” Alicia started the chapter eight months ago, after finding MRTT as she was looking for a kids running group that her homeschooled sons could participate in. “The first group I found was actually ‘Kids Run this Town,’ but it wasn’t as active as the Moms group, so that’s why I got involved with
L to R: Tammy Cline-Soza, Teri Anderson, Laura Brown, Catherine Foreman, Alicia Loran, Nicole Jones, Kelly McCawley and Jennifer Garner.
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this one,” Alicia explains. Response has been great, she says, and membership on their Facebook page has grown to over 300 members. Alicia, Jolene and another mom, Teri Anderson, serve as chapter leaders. The women didn’t know each other before becoming part of MRTT, but quickly became friends because of their shared interests. Alicia and Teri both live in Allen and Jolene lives in McKinney.
Fitting in with life “What’s nice about our group is that it’s pretty noncommittal and you can choose your own level of involvement,” Alicia says. “We have a core group that regularly turns out to events and training sessions, while there are others who just participate online. You can really do whatever fits in your life at the time.” In addition to providing support and a level of accountability to one another, members can take advantage of race fee and running gear discounts. And Jolene and Alicia say the camaraderie is priceless. “Because of my schedule, I’m not able to do a lot of the group runs, but when I show up at a race and see someone else in a MRTT shirt or headband, I feel like I know them and that we’ve got that connection,” Jolene says. “Just knowing that people you know will be at a race makes a difference when that alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m. and you know you’ve got an hour drive into Dallas for the event.” Alicia occasionally posts “Accountability Nights” on Facebook. “I’ll put it out there that I’m going to run that night and encourage others to go out too and then when we all get back we can post what we did,” she says. “Even though we all may be running separately, we’re all sort of in it together.” Togetherness is especially important given our typical North Texas weather, where running outside often means unpleasant conditions. “It helps to have someone to run with so it can take your mind off it,” Alicia says. “And it really helps to have someone else to ‘suffer’ with when it’s really windy or rainy or super hot or cold—you can know that they’re going through the same thing with you.” MRTT often hosts group runs on the weekends. Over the summer, they also held “Track Night Tuesdays” where members could bring their kids and train on the high school track. “The kids had a lot of fun at these and it got to the point where even if I wasn’t in the mood to go and run, my kids would say to me, ‘It’s Tuesday night, we’ve got to go to track night,’ and they’d get us all to go,” Alicia says. Around Thanksgiving, they hosted a running event for kids of all ages at Celebration Park, complete with trophies and swag bags. “Our kids like to run, too, and I like that we’re leading by example,” says Jolene.
“I talk on the phone a lot for work, so it’s nice to have that time where no one’s calling me, no one’s texting me.” Alicia nods and says, “It’s just quiet time.” And it’s time that these moms get to take for themselves. “I live with boys, so it’s not like I can watch Gossip Girl with them,” Jolene adds with a laugh. “When I run, I sometimes use that time to watch girly shows on the iPad. A lot of women don’t get much time to do things for them selves because they’re always looking after other people or taking care of their job and there’s not a lot of time left after that.” MRTT aims at encouraging women to seek out their “me” time and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Monthly fitness challenges on the Facebook site encourage members to interact with one another and post their healthy activities. A prizewinner is chosen every month from the challenge participants. “There’s a lot of support on the site too,” Alicia says. “You get people who say they want to run a 5K and so they’re asking for a training program and people who put them out there. Others will ask for recommendations for doctors, or about a pain that they happen to have or just for advice about which local run would be good for them to try. Everyone’s just very helpful. That’s the beauty of our MRTT community.” The chapter’s website is www.momsrunthistown.com/ allentx/. Their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/ groups/allenMRTT/. v Nicole Bywater is a freelance writer from Allen.
Taking ‘me’ time There’s something about running that makes it an ideal activity for women, especially for busy moms, Jolene says. “Sometimes I like to run by myself because it’s the only time during the day that I don’t have to talk,” she explains. A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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education
Jazz Invitational swings into Allen
Saxophonist Denis DeBlasio
On March 22, music lovers and jazz aficionados will be able to hear top performers and upcoming talent during the first Allen Jazz Invitational and Arts Festival. The Allen Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the campus of Allen High School has hosted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Wind Symphony and Allen Philharmonic Orchestra performances with great reviews. The district’s fine arts director, Anthony Gibson, was searching for additional ways to showcase the center. Working with local attorney Rob Wendland, they approached Steve Weist, the director of the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Jazz Band. The three agreed the band would offer a great performance. However, there was much more!
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By using their extensive contacts in the jazz world, the result was a 2012 performance saluting jazz trumpet great Maynard Ferguson and featuring former band members, saxophonist Denis DeBlasio, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, trombonist Steve Weist and set player Stockton Helbing, as well as the One O’Clock Lab Band. A follow-up show in 2013 featured Frank Greene as well as Denis DiBlasio, Steve Weist and Stockton Helbing. “We have had two outstanding shows,” said Allen ISD Fine Arts Director Anthony Gibson. “However, we wanted to build on the success by creating a positive, exciting educational experience for students.” The Invitational is now an all-day event beginning at 9 a.m. and culminating with a 7 p.m. performance in the PAC. Nine jazz ensembles from Plano High School, Wylie High School, Newman Smith High School, McKinney North, Southlake Carroll, Brazoswood and Allen will participate. The magnificent commons area adjacent to the PAC opens up opportunities to showcase other art forms in a festival setting. The “festival” event will headline the One O’Clock Jazz Band under the direction of Weist and featured artists—DeBlasio, Bergeron, Greene and Helbing—for the evening performance. “Each school band will perform for a 30-minute block with two of our artists critiquing,” Gibson said. “The artists will then lead an intimate, personal, hands-on clinic working with the bands following their performances.” In the afternoon, the guest artists will hold master classes for students focusing on four instrument families— saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm. After the master classes, the jazz artists will hold a panel discussion with an open Q&A forum for the students. Ticket holders also can attend the master classes and the panel discussion as observers. “This day is designed for kids to get the purest form of jazz education possible. Great jazz by great artists in a great learning environment; it is a unique opportunity for everyone attending the festival.” “The best part for fans is that one ticket gives you access to all events during the day, including the evening performance,” Gibson said. “That means a person can attend all the high school performances, follow the bands to watch the critique session and enjoy the art festival in the commons area.” The event features an exhibit from the Sherman Jazz Museum courtesy of Collins-Brinkley Foundation. “I think this will become a great event for the entire community of Allen and North Texas,” Gibson said. Visit the website at www.allenisd.org/pac and check out a short video of last year’s concert. Ticket prices range from $10 (student) to $50 depending on seat location for the evening performance. For more information, email pac@ allenisd.org or visit the website at www.allenisd.org/pac. v
Ford MS Principal Susan Horowitz
Curtis MS Principal Sonya Pitcock
Ereckson MS Principal Kim McLaughlin
MIDDLE SCHOOL
sets students on the right path by Keith A. Taylor A high school senior once said that she remembered how cool it was to finally get to middle school after seven years and how stressful it was to pick a lunch table to sit at on the first day. Her statement neatly sums up the excitement and anxiety that thousands of sixth graders bring to Allen’s three middle schools each year. Middle school represents a world of opportunities, but introduces students to a new world of responsibilities as well. Balancing those two worlds while maintaining a focus on education can be challenging, but Allen ISD has many programs to keep students on track.
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“Middle school represents a critical time for our kids,” said Ford Middle School Principal Susan Horowitz. “Their brains and behaviors are still being developed and they are undergoing a huge shift personally and academically. “Middle school is where students make critical decisions that have a direct impact on the rest of their education,” she said. “It is up to teachers, administrators and parents to provide them with the resiliency skills necessary for making good decisions. The most important thing we can do is simply to be there to let them know they can get help.”
Horowitz and her peers at Curtis and Ereckson Middle Schools, Sonya Pitcock and Kim McLaughlin, all agree that middle school success is vital for future development. “One of the most difficult things they (middle school students) have to learn is how to advocate for themselves,” Pitcock said. “They have to speak up for themselves both academically and personally. “This is a big change, especially for incoming seventh graders,” she said. “They have always had a single point of contact and support with their elementary teachers. Then, when they arrive here, they have a different teacher for every period. The school population is much larger. Schedules may keep them away from old elementary friends. They have to be resilient and we have to be there to help them learn how.” McLaughlin emphasized that middle school represents a crossroad in a student’s education. “Most importantly, the middle school years frame the student’s future in education,” she said. “This is our opportunity to make sure we do what it takes to come back to school tomorrow— and the rest of their educational career.” Each principal also said that the key to successful middle school years is to make sure students and parents are involved and informed. “We start communicating with students in the sixth grade,” Pitcock said. “Our counselors visit sixth grade classes and tell the kids what to expect and how to prepare for middle school.” Each middle school also holds orientation sessions for incoming seventh graders to ease the transition. “The new seventh graders have heard all kinds of stories about what will happen in middle school,” Horowitz said. “It’s important for them to know the real story and to see and hear that people are around to help them when needed.” Parents also play an important, but much different, role in middle school as compared to elementary. “Middle school students are
appalled if their parents show up on the campus,” McLaughlin said. “With that in mind, we make sure we create opportunities for parents to be involved with the school. “We get them in the school with activities such as team sports or our theater productions,” she said. “We have a special night for parents before school opens so they can tour the building and meet the staff. We also use the traditional methods of newsletters, emails and phone calls.”
Ford counselor Roxanne LeCroy said teachers and administrators are always looking for ways to communi cate with parents. “We monitor students’ grades and look for oppor tunities for conver sations,” she said. “Then, we can involve the parent if warranted. We also keep in mind that students are not always the best conduits of information to parents. So, we look for every opportunity to talk with parents. We have a lot more night meetings in middle school.
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All three agreed that another key to success is making sure that the students have as many options as possible for school and extracurricular activities. “Kids are building an identity for themselves in middle school,” Horowitz said. “We work hard to make sure they have a place where they can fit in and build confidence and self-worth. McLaughlin said middle schools are more aware of the varying interests of students and are working to motivate them through classes and clubs. “For most of our students, middle school is the first chance they have to participate in teams,” she said. “Whether it’s through football, cheer, choir, band or robotics, our kids are learning how to participate and fill a role in a team.” Eighth graders also help seventh graders assimilate to the campus and Allen High School’s Peer Assisted Leadership organization sends repre sentatives to middle school classes as role models for the students. Of course, a big concern for parents is security. Each campus has a School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned by the City of Allen Police Department. “The SRO is an integral part of our campus,” Pitcock said. “He is always out walking around and talking with the students. When he’s in his office, his door is always open. The kids know him and they know they can count on him if needed.” Staff also maintains high visibility at each campus.
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“I am always in the cafeteria during lunch periods along with the assistant principals,” Horowitz said. “We are in the halls between classes along with most of our teachers. We try to be as accessible as possible. We want the students to know they can always find us.” The principals agree that one of the most significant recent changes in the middle school environment is the introduction of new technology and social media. All three schools allow students to carry cell phones and many teachers use mobile devices in classroom instruction. “We realize that students are going to use social media and we see our role as teaching them how to use technology responsibly,” LeCroy said. “We try to make them aware of the consequences of what they share through social media.” “We know parents probably are not as tech savvy as their kids,” Pitcock said. “We keep up with what is popular and we monitor activities as needed and alert parents when necessary.” With all of that, middle school also is meant to prepare students for high school—a role that is becoming more important with new rules for graduation. “We actually start working with them about high school during the seventh grade year,” Horowitz said. “The counselors work with them on choosing electives and talk with them about special interests or skills.” The campuses also hold special orientation events for students advancing to ninth grade.
“In addition, the high school counselors visit eighth graders to help set expectations and make sure students are on the right track to be successful in high school,” McLaughlin said. Despite the many challenges, all three principals said their staffs work hard to make middle school a successful, fun and exciting time. “Our kids are not always focused on what they should be focused on,” Pitcock said. “It’s hard for them to concentrate on a test when they’ve just had a fight with a best friend. It takes special skills to work past those kinds of issues and make a connection with students.” McLaughlin and Horowitz agreed that teacher dedication often extends long past the afternoon bell. “Most of our clubs and extra curricular activities are created and led by staff. They may see a need in class or in talking with students. They know the importance of the kids being involved and they take the initiative to fill the need,” McLaughlin said. “Not everyone is cut out to be a middle school teacher,” Horowitz said. “Sometimes we have a new teacher come in after a year and say they want to go to elementary or high school instruction. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it takes a special person v to teach middle school.” Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.
K I D S S U M M E R A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
kids korner
Nature Preserves & Gardens by Deborah Dove Spring officially arrives on March 20, but why wait until then
to explore the great outdoors with your kids? Studies show that kids who play and explore outdoors are less stressed and learn confidence and social skills.
Following are some of the best places in town to meet up with Mother Nature. Dayspring Nature Preserve, 622 Rainforest Lane, Allen
playground, hike the paved trails (which are easy enough for just about everyone), explore the off-road trails, pond and stream and bike or walk to the scenic overlook at the top of the hill to watch the sunset. You’re likely to see a variety of animal life, including rabbits, armadillo, skunks, birds, squirrels and snakes. Be sure and pack a picnic as there are covered picnic tables (and restrooms). Our favorite activity is collecting rocks along the trail to throw into the creek as we cross the stone bridges.
Connemara Conservancy, 300 Tatum Road, Allen
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
This rugged natural area in the Twin Creeks subdivision is just over 23 acres, with a scenic overlook nestled in the trees that looks down to the creek below and access to a wide, paved trail for walking, roller skating or riding a bike or scooter. There’s a large grassy area, a covered pavilion with several picnic tables and a playground. However, the real fun is in walking the creek and looking for fossils. Reminscent of the blackland prairies that once covered North Texas, this natural area on the southeast corner of Alma and Bethany allows visitors to explore the meadow with free prairie walks, bird walks, astronomy walks and habitat walks (see the event calendar at www.connemaraconservancy.org for specific dates and times). The conservancy is also open to the public on select Sunday afternoons.
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, McKinney
The Heard is one of my family’s favorite places to escape the concrete and explore the untamed outdoors. It’s close and there are more than 6-1/2 miles of trails that vary in length and difficulty. Our favorites include the Animals of the World Trail (which isn’t really a hike but features a variety of animals such as raccoons, lemurs, deer, mongoose, opossum and more), the Wood Duck trail that takes you over wetlands via a boardwalk and the Cedar Brake Trail, a 2/3-mile trail great for observing wildflowers. Be sure to visit the indoor exhibits as well, with exhibits on snakes, rocks, marine life, ecosystems, fossils and more. Every other month, the musuem also offers zip-line adventures through the woods for $12 per ride. Visit www. heardmuseum.org for dates and times.
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano
Plano’s largest park encompasses 800 acres with 3.5 miles of concrete trails and five miles of soft surface trails along Rowlett Creek, many heavily treed for some welcome shade. There are plenty of wide-open spaces for kite flying or an impromptu soccer game, and a small lake for turtle watching or feeding ducks. The park connects to Bob Woodruff Park at the north end, which has a fun playground and a sand volleyball court.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, 6701 W. Parker Road, Plano
This nature preserve tucked away in the middle of Plano is an oasis in the suburbs and is as beautiful as is it expansive. The preserve represents three distinct eco-regions—riparian forest, upland forest and blackland prairie. Let the little ones play on the
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Nothing says spring like spending a day at the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms, which runs through April 6th. This year’s festival theme is “Birds in Paradise” and features over 500,000 spring bulbs and other annual and perennial flowers including tulips, daffodils, pansies, violas, poppies, plus more than 100 blooming cherry blossom trees and a mass of flowering azaleas. Be sure to check out the brand new Children’s Adventure Garden, an eight-acre garden chock full of over 150 interactive exhibits dedicated to immersing children in nature. Kids can create and then flood their own landscape, generate power using water, explore woodland trails, use a sundial, navigate the maze of a secret garden and more. However, the most popular part of the garden is the Texas Skywalk, a wood walkway that curves through the treetops with a space for “walking on the clouds” in a canopy netting suspended over the trail below. Admission to the Arboretum is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 3-12, plus an additional $3 for the Children’s Garden for non-members. Parking is $10.
Cedar Ridge Preserve, 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas At an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve—operated by the Audubon Society—is a slice of the Texas Hill Country in Dallas. A natural habitat of 600 acres, Cedar Ridge has nine miles of shady trails (some a little more challenging with rolling hills), native trees, grasses, and wildflowers, wildlife, a pond, small streams and a butterfly garden.
Trinity River Audobon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas
Once a dump (literally), this small reclaimed slice of nature offers an interactive exhibit hall that invites hands-on exploration and four miles of easy hiking trails through the Great Trinity Forest. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. The center also offers a nature club and nature workshops for kids for an additional fee. You can also sign up to take a two-hour, guided float trip of the Trinity River, floating past herons, egrets, beavers, turtles and river otters as you see a unique side of Dallas. Float trips are offered monthly (the next one is March 29th) and cost $65/person for non-members.
Students embody language, science and math by Melanie Hess
Which of the following does not belong? A) Math B) Dance C) English D) Science Tiffanee Arnold and the 13 college students in her dance company would argue that is a trick question. They all belong. “Dance is math, and it is science,” Collin Dance Ensemble (CDE) member Emily DiFranco said. “It is English and history, and it is physical. It’s all these academic areas, and it’s just as hard as anything else.” Rachelle Chrisostom, a Collin College dance and nutrition student, explained that dance goes beyond merely performing. “It’s educational,” Chrisostom said. Susanna Austin, fellow company member pursuing a career in dance therapy, noted that dance is often not viewed for the academic system it is. Arnold, professor of dance and company director, emphasizes that her dancers are correct. “We fully engage in scientific methods, we consider math and physics in relation to weight-sharing and we connect choreographic ideas in the same way one writes,” Arnold said.
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However, most of the company’s dancers say it wasn’t until college that they were exposed to an entirely different side of dance. “Growing up you tend to just get a glimpse at dance,” Chrisostom said. “That’s all many people ever experience. It’s very competition focused, and you don’t get the real academics and history behind it.” For this reason, they agreed people cannot be blamed for being uninformed about dance as an academic discipline, but someone does need to inform them.
A Cause in Need of Advocates
That realization led the group to its question: “How can we make dance more accessible to other academic disciplines?” Inspired by doctoral research contest “Dance your Ph.D.,” a scholarship program where doctoral candidates from a range of fields
explain their research topic through dance, Arnold and her students began to connect subjects like molecular biology and psychology with dance. Their solution for informing the community about the academic elements and educational value of dance started out small, with short outreach programs during April’s “Literacy Awareness Month” through choreographing children’s books, and grew to lecture demonstrations that are now a trademark of the CDE. “Last year, we developed the demonstrations that tied dance to other academic disciplines: science, math, English, art, music and physical education,” Arnold said. “We traveled to elementary schools and high schools and met with more than 1,300 students.” The programs were a hit, and Arnold found she had more requests for the company to conduct what they
now call ‘lecdems’ than open calendar days to accommodate. “I think that people view dance differently when they understand the academic components of it,” Arnold said. “Putting scientific principles and mathematical concepts to movement helps individuals understand it better.” Differing from “Dance your Ph.D.,” where the researcher explained while the dancers used their bodies to communicate the research, the CDE decided to physically involve everyone. “We decided to make that idea our own,” Arnold said. “In the lecdem about gravity, our student dancer would be talking about gravity and she literally falls. She keeps talking, but she is weightless. She uses gravity and then defies gravity.”
Learning Styles and A New Generation
Not only is this type of presentation
educational, it caters to a wide-range of learning styles. “We live in such a visual time,” CDE member Anna Ferreira com mented. “Students aren’t learning as well just by reading and hearing someone talk anymore. Things like these lecdems can help them by making concepts more visual and interactive.” The company works to make presentations engaging. Austin describes an elementary geometry lesson she remembers presenting. “We created shapes with our bodies where you could see the triangle and the square,” Austin said. “You could see how angles are related. It wasn’t just like writing it because you could see it form. For some people, seeing it on that three-dimensional level makes it click. People need that ‘Aha’ moment.” Arnold explained the visual and
kinesthetic sense is inherent in what the company does.
An Early Educator’s Perspective
Betty Koonce, librarian at Memorial Elementary School, said the CDE demonstrations are always a success at her school, attributing this to the student-centered, interactive, age-appropriate, diverse and engaging elements of the presentations. “The creativity of the choreography and proficiency of the dancers always delights and amazes us,” Koonce said. “Each year, they bring a new program created just for elementary students that explains academic concepts, such as geometric shapes, and weaves in the state academic standards. They show students that learning doesn’t have to be in the traditional classroom with the traditional tools and resources. Our students especially love when the dancers get them up to dance too.” A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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The Liberal Arts
Although many of its presentations focus on math and science, the CDE
discusses dance in regards to English, art and psychology during presen tations as well. Austin said the group talks with students about the concept of layering a sentence, adding adject ives and verbs to make it blossom. In fact, Arnold describes the choreographic process as nearly identical to writing a paper. “It begins with a phrase of movem ent, a sentence that then becomes embellished with additional phrases or movements or gestures,” Arnold said. “It has a
beginning, middle and an end, and sometimes there are drafts you may cut because they are not important to the main idea.” For art and psychology, the company considers the creative vision behind projects and the dancers look at emotions and relationships. To communicate different types of emotions, Austin said one demon strator would go out and do a simple movement phrase. The following three or four dancers would do the same sequence, but with a different quality, such as happy, lonely or angry. Other dances communicated the emotional effects of things like friendship or losing a loved one.
Breaking the Performance Barrier
CDE lecture demonstrations begin with the dancers introducing them selves and sharing something unique. “Elementary students eat it up,” Chrisostom said. “All you have to say is ‘I love kittens’ or ‘I love The Hunger Games’, and they get so excited.” But the purpose is not solely sharing surface level information or catching up on celebrity gossip. “It really helps the lecdems to be personal,” Arnold said. “We break the barriers of performance by letting our audience know something about us.” “We were now one of them,” DiFranco said. “When we presented all this information, they were so much more accepting and interested because we had broken that barrier.” As the company develops this year ’s lecdem material and hopes to incorporate history as well, Austin reflects on the rewarding power of the presentations. “I just love knowing that in one hour we touch all these kids’ lives,” Austin said. “We get to give them something to consider, learn from v and treasure.” Melanie Hess is a public relations associate at Collin College.
Photos by Nick Young, Collin College.
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For MarketPlace Your Health
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helping hands
YOU make a difference in our community
by Marjorie Vaneskahian and Stacy Cooper “Making a difference” seems to be a catch phrase used by charitable organizations when talking about involvement of donors and volunteers. While at times it may seem overused, it isn’t taken lightly at Allen Community Outreach. Our community DOES make a difference in the lives of local families through support of donation of funds, volunteer time, participation in, and donations to, fundraising events and programs. The impact your donations have on the families in crisis here in our area is far-reaching.
Consider the feedback of our clients and the difference your donation makes: – “I want to thank you for all your help and services. I appreciate it very much.” – “I would like to say if ACO was not here I don’t know what my family and I would do.” Impact of Your Donation
Because of you, lives are being transformed and significant improvements are made, not only for our clients, but for
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the communities we are a part of. Families in need of assistance come to ACO and meet with a caseworker to review how our programs can best make a difference in their lives and transform their crisis. Financial crisis can hit any family at any time, and we are here to help.
Financial Contributions
ACO is grateful for the financial support received from the community. Your willingness to donate has not gone unnoticed. Donations from individuals make up the majority of the funding needed to support our programs. From $20 to $20,000, even remembering ACO in your estate planning, makes a difference. A $50 donation provides two weeks of hot meals to a senior citizen through the Meals-On-Wheels and More. A $100 donation can feed a family of four for a full week. Donations of $250 and up can literally prevent homelessness by helping to pay a family’s rent for a month, or keep their children warm by paying the heating bill. Working together, we will continue to improve our community and support families facing financial crisis. Donors like you make our work possible, and we simply could not achieve our goals without your support.
Time
Throughout 2013, vol unt eers supported ACO with 33,782 hours of their time—helping families by collecting and stocking food items in the ACO Food Pantry, working in the ACO Resale Shop to sort donations, contributing hours to special events and supporting the office staff. Many hours were given to make the programs such as the GED Program, Fill the Bus school supply drive, ACO Summer Food for Kids, Thanksgiving food and Christmas “Toys for Our Tots” programs a success. According to the group, Independent Sector, the value of a volunteer hour is equivalent to $22.14. Using this figure, that means ACO volunteers’ time was valued at $747,993! Simply said, ACO could not provide the services that we do with out the valuable hours generously given by people just like you! If you are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer, get more information online at acocares.org.
Events
Events such as Wine Masters, the golf tournament, ReStyle Show, etc., are a fun way to be involved in the fundraising activities of ACO, and all proceeds from these events mean that someone in our community is helped. The auction item you won provided the money to help a mother with her utility bill. The golf team you sponsored enjoyed a beautiful day on the course, but at the same time provided the means to help a family remain in their home. An evening of fine food and drink, live entertainment and auctions bring our community together on Friday, March 28, at Heritage Ranch Country Club in Fairview, for the 12th Annual Wine Masters—a unique food and dining experience featuring fine wines, craft beer, signature spirits and
gourmet coffee paired with the chef’s specialty food creations. More information and tickets may be available online at acocares.org. Monday, April 28 is the 2nd Annual Colin Moran Memorial Golf Tournament, in honor of a fine young man, Colin Moran, who is the son of long time ACO supporters. Sponsorships and player info is available at colinmorangolf.com.
ACO Food Pantry
In 2013, the food pantry served more than 2000 families and shared food donations with other local pantries. The Nutrition and Nourishment Center added an information center for families to get nutrition guidelines and healthy recipes for special dietary needs. The ACO Food Pantry is a “choice pantry”— clients are given a shopping cart and make their own food choices. All of this is possible because of donations received from our community.
ACO Resale Shops
We have three separate stores, which support programs to help local families. When you drop off clothes or donate furniture you no longer need, you may be keeping a family from being evicted from their home because your donations are turned into cash
sales at the ACO stores. When you shop at an ACO Resale Shop you are supporting programs with your purchases. And the impact of the clothing donations you give make it possible for a parent to get much-needed clothing for a job interview or clothes for their children to wear to school. The flagship store at 801 E. Main Street has been voted Best Resale/ Consignment Store for 5 years by Dallas Morning News Neighbors Go. The Farmersville Resale Shop is in its second year and the Treasure Chest, located across from the Allen Post Office is open only four days a month—1st and 3rd Fridays and Saturdays. Sales in all three stores and money received from recycling items reached one million dollars in 2013. That’s a huge impact our community makes simply by donating discarded and no longer needed items. YOU truly do make a difference in the lives of others with your support through ACO. Your gift is easing the stress of parents who don’t know if they will be able to provide a home for their family or fill their empty refrig erator with food. You are making a difference by preventing homelessness and hunger, providing education for adults to better their careers, hot meals and friendly visits to seniors living alone, new school supplies and backpacks for students who otherwise would go without, and food and gifts during holidays. Please know how much your gifts are appreciated. For more information or to make a donation, please call 972.727.9131, visit us at 801 E. Main Street in Allen or on the web at acocares.org. v Marjorie Vaneskahian is the director of
community development and Stacy Cooper is the director of fund development at Allen Community Outreach.
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pet page
“Suzanne” Suzanne, a spaniel/shepherd mix, was tied up to a car and left with her nine puppies in a tiny crate next to her just a few days before Christmas. She and her puppies were taken to the Rockwall Animal Shelter and shortly after were scooped up by CCHS and brought into foster care. Suzanne has beautiful tricolor markings. She knows basic commands (sit, stay, fetch, etc.) and she is very gentle when taking treats from you. At her foster home she is with other dogs and gets along well with them, but she would also be fine as the only dog. She is great with humans of all sizes and loves to meet new people. She loves her dog bed and toys (lots of toys!). This girl is one of the easiest dogs you could ever find—house trained, obedient, sweet and playful. Suzanne is very smart and will do well in a home that keeps teaching her new things. She earned the trust of her foster family and is now left out of her crate when her family is away. After all that, this poor girl has been through, it is amazing that her sweet and playful personality is undiminished. She has weaned her puppies and has been spayed, received her vaccinations and been micro-chipped. She weighs 48 pounds and is about a year and a half old. To apply for this sweet and beautiful girl, go to: http://collincountyhumanesociety.org/ adoption-application. 4 0 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m
For MarketPlace Your Health
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cooking
Throw a Mexican fiesta by Deborah Dove Although Cinco de Mayo is still a couple of months away, you don’t have to wait until then to throw a fiesta. A south-of-the-border cele bration is great anytime and is just the thing to welcome back warmer weather. After all, the components of a good Mexican fiesta— margaritas on the patio, a laid-back vibe, getting together with friends and simple, make-ahead appetizers coupled with easy to make dishes that feed a crowd—are perfect anytime. You can even add a little spice to family time by planning a Mexican fiesta family dinner night. Set the stage with vivid colors such as turquoise, lime green, bright yellow and hot pink, some chili pepper lights and a few strategically placed Mexican blankets. Easy to make tissue paper flowers make a great centerpiece clustered together in a vase or bowl and a mix of colorful napkins, plates and cups (either paper products or Fiestaware) add to the festive ambiance. A little Tejano music playing in the background completes the scene.
Homemade Salsa
28 oz. can whole tomatoes, undrained 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) 1/4 c. chopped onion 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1 whole jalapeno, quartered and chopped 1/4 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 c. cilantro, loosely packed Juice from half of a lime Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until desired consistency.
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When it comes to food, the choices are endless. You can make carnitas (recipe below) ahead of time or grill up some sizzling fajitas. A taco bar with taco meat, shells and a variety of toppings such as chopped iceberg lettuce, grated cheese, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, chopped onions, salsa and sour cream allows everyone to help themselves for a fuss-free dinner. And, don’t forget the requisite chips and hot sauce and a pitcher of margaritas. Of course, Mexican dishes are known for their heat, which oftentimes comes from jalapenos. When you’re the cook, make sure you wash your hands well after handling jalapenos, as the juice from the seeds tends to linger. When cutting jalapenos, I always wear disposable plastic gloves. I’ve even been known to put a plastic bag over my hand in a pinch when cutting jalapenos! What are you waiting for? It’s the fifth of May somewhere!
Avocado-Tomato Salad
1/3 c. chopped cilantro 1/4 c. olive oil 2 Tbs. red wine vinegar 2 Tbs lime juice 1/2 tsp. salt 2 c. halved cherry tomatoes 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 med. avocados, halved and cut into chunks Whisk together first five ingredients in large bowl. Add tomatoes, avocado and onion, stirring gently to coat. Serve over shredded romaine lettuce.
Grilled Steak Fajitas
2 lbs. flank steak, trimmed of fat 3 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 Tbs. ground cumin 2 green onions, sliced Salt and pepper 3 med. onions, cut into long strips 3 bell peppers (one red, one yellow, and one green), sliced into strips 1 Tbs. olive oil Flour tortillas Pierce steak all over with a fork to tenderize. Sprinkle steak with garlic, cumin, green onion and salt and pepper to taste. Place in refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Remove steak from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before grilling. While meat is resting, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Toss onions and peppers with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook peppers and onions in skillet until onions are caramelized, about 20 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Discard green onions and sear steak on a hot grill for 4-6 minutes without moving. Turn over and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until medium rare. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before cutting. Cut meat into small cubes and mix with onions and peppers. Serve in warmed flour tortillas with shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, guacamole and sour cream.
Stuffed Jalapenos
4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) 1/2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese 6 lg. jalapenos, halved and seeded Salt and pepper
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World’s Best Frozen Margaritas 1 (6 oz.) can limeade concentrate 2 fluid oz. triple sec 6 fluid oz. tequila Squeeze of lime juice (optional)
Preheat oven to 450º. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. With a small spoon, fill each jalapeno half with approximately one tablespoon of cheese mixture. Place peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until cheese is browned and bubbling (about 10 minutes), rotating sheet halfway through.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour limeade, triple sec, tequila and lime juice into blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.
1-1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. coriander 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 (4 lb.) boneless pork shoulder roast, with fat trimmed off 2 bay leaves 2 c. chicken broth Mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander and cinnamon in a bowl. Coat pork with the spice mixture. Place bay leaves in the bottom of a slow cooker and place pork on top. Pour chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to rinse off the spice mixture. Cover and cook on low until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 8-10 hours, turning the meat after about four hours. When the pork is tender, remove from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Let sit in juices in the crockpot for 30 minutes. Remove. For more authentic carnitas, bake on a foil-lined cookie sheet at 400º for approximately 20 minutes for crispier edges after shredding. Use cooking liquid as needed to moisten the meat. Serve in fresh corn tortillas with your choice of toppings—shredded cheese (queso fresco is good), sliced avocado, onions, cilantro, sour cream— and a squeeze of lime juice. Or roll into burritos, use as filler for quesadillas or enchiladas, serve over Mexican rice with black beans, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce and hot sauce for v burrito bowls, or top nachos. Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.
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For MarketPlace Your Health
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calendar MARCH
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heARTs for ART benefit and silent auction, 2-6 pm, Allen High School Performing Arts Center. Benefiting pediatric leukemia research at Cook Children’s Hospital. Admission is $10 adults/$5 kids. All face painting, crafts and food are free after admission. Allen Civic Ballet performs at 5:15 pm. For more information, please visit www.hearts-for-art.org.
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Allen Community Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo, March 20, 21, 22, 28 & 29, Apr. 4 & 5, 8 pm; March 23, 29, 30, April 5 & 6, 3 pm, 1206 E. Main Street, #105, Allen. The hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950’s. They receive word that a Hollywood director is coming to town to see their matinee. Unnfortunately everything that could go wrong does go wrong. For information or tickets visit allenscommunitytheatre.net.
Christ the Servant Concert Series presents Patrick Parker who will perform an organ concert on the Schudi pipe organ, 7:30 pm, 821 S. Greenville, Ave., Allen. Works by Bach, Bruhns, Frescobaldi, Eben, Wido, and Pamela Decker. Visit www.christtheservant. com or call 972.727.3191 for more details.
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Lone Star Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, Allen Event Center, thru the 8th. Features 8 women’s and men’s teams in NCAA Division II basketball vying for their conference title and a variety of other activities and events to engage fans of all ages. To learn more, please visit LSCChampionshipAllen.org.
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Collin County Master Gardeners Garden Show, 9 am-5 pm, Sat. & 11 am-5 pm, Sun. in the Show Barn at Meyers Park and Event Center in McKinney. Educational and informative demonstrations on a variety of topics. Steve Huddleston will discuss Outstanding Plants for North Texas on Saturday and Neil Sperry, the keynote speaker, will wrap up the show on Sunday. Proceeds benefit the Children and Community Health Center and Meals on Wheels. Visit www.ccmgatx. org/TheGardenShow or call 972.548.4232 for additional information. Color Run, 8:30 am, Bethany Lakes Park. Allen’s 1st ever Color Run. Participants will be blasted with an assortment of color as they make their way through the 1-mile course. Live DJ, Zumba warmup and games as well. The run is colorful but 100 percent safe and suitable for the entire family, ages 4 and up. For further information, visit AllenParks.org or call 214.509.4750.
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6th Annual Allen Eagle Run, 8:15 am, Fun Run/ Walk; 8:45 am, 5K Run, at Eagle Stadium Allen High School, 155 Rivercrest Blvd., Allen. For more information or maps of the course, visit www. AllenEagleRun.org or call 972.727.0362. Plano Civic Chorus presents Schubert’s Mass in G, 8 pm, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. In observance of Lent and Holy Week the chorus will also perform Mozart’s beloved ”Ave Verum Corpus.” Before, during and after the concert, the ArtCentre of Plano will display original works of art inspired by music and created by Plano-area artists. Works will be available for purchase. For tickets or further information visit www. planocivicchorus.org or call 972.606.5220.
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Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony presents A Winning Combination, 7:30 pm, Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd. We invite you to meet the Gold Medalist of this year’s Roger & Ella Jo Adams Concerto Competition in a performance of their winning concerto, then sit back and watch the Silent Screen’s most legendary actors as they portray history’s most unforgettable characters to the accompaniment of the world’s most masterful compositions. For more information or tickets, visit www.allenphilharmonic.org or call 972.359.0656.
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. 1 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Arizona Sundogs 5-8 2014 Lone Star Conference Championship Basketball Tournament. The tournament will feature eight men’s and eight women’s teams and is scheduled for an exciting fourday run. Reserve your tickets now and join your favorite team in Allen. 12-15 2014 National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships. Hundreds of the best athletes will qualify to make the trip to nationals culled from seven collegiate conference championships held in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Michigan, California and Washington. 19 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Wichita Thunder 21 Allen Americans Hockey vs. St. Charles Chill 22 Allen Americans Hockey vs. St. Charles Chill 23 Texas Revolution Football vs. Green Bay Blizzard 26 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Quad City Mallards 28 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Denver Cutthroats 29 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Denver Cutthroats
Parks and Recreation Events
1/15/29 Saturday Night Rec n Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun, safe social program for students in 3rd through 6th grade. Gym games, dancing, music, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, theme nights, contests and prizes. Supervision provided, concessions available. An identification card (annual $5 fee) is required to participate. Walk up admission available for $10 at the door. 8 Boater Education Course. The Texas Boater Education Course is a mandatory one day certification for boaters born on or after Sept. 1, 1993 to operate a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower or personal watercraft. Boating safety, responsibility and tips for operation are stressed. Explore the Outdoors. Learn the safe way to get up-close and personal with the outdoors. Based off the Archery Trade Association’s Explore Bow Hunting Program, this class will teach concepts such as how camouflage works and what different animal calls mean. 14 SNAP Dance, 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Special needs adapted program! Dances feature live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and photo. Email tharben@ cityofallen.org or call 214.509.4707. Senior Recreation Center Open House. Members are invited to bring a guest to ASRC for a complimentary pancake breakfast. After breakfast, meet the staff, advisory council and other members. Learn about the center’s offerings, tour the
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building and even register as a new member. Indulge in a morning of fun, food and prizes. Registration required by members who are bringing a guest. Family Night at The Edge Skate Park. This is an opportunity for families to bring out small children without the presence of many older children. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent to gain entrance to the park. Midnight Basketball., 9 pm-1 am, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Enjoy your spring break with a fun night of open basketball play. Everyone’s heard of “Midnight Madness” but now it’s your turn to experience the fun. Concessions will be available. Must be preregistered by March 19. Olympic-Style Table Tennis Exhibition, Allen Senior Rec Center. LinBett and Sons Enterprises present “Lone Star Table Tennis.” Two of our Allen Senior Rec Center members, Coach Lindsey Lloyd and Mike Tatachar are National and International Olympic table tennis players. This sport is proven to be fun and healthy for senior adults. It’s after school, so bring the grandchildren for table tennis fun.
29 Family 1-Mile Color Run.Celebrate healthiness, happiness and individuality with the most colorful 1-mile fitness run in Allen. Bring the entire family for this unique experience which will be hosted by the Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Wear a white shirt at the starting line and prepare to be plastered in color by the time you’ve completed the run!
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ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Programs Story times begin January 20 Baby & Me—For pre-walkers with an adult Thurs., 10:15 am Fun Ones—For 1 year-olds with an adult Mon. & Tues., 10:15 am, Wed., 10 am Family Together Time—For children 2-6 years and their family Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am, Wed., 10:45 am All By Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently, Wed., 11:30 am. Pajama Story Time—For children 2-6 years and their family, Tues., 6:30 pm, Thurs., 7 pm. 13
Teens
An Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. Enjoy a night watching anime with a higher rating, eating Japanese snacks and exploring Japanese culture. 14 Doctor Who, 4:30-5:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 10-18. Celebrate your favorite Time Lord! 17 National Potato Chip Day! 3 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 9-18. Come chow down on potato chips! Sample new flavors and watch a recently released movie on the big screen. 18 Fantastic Fandoms: Supernatural, 34:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. Join us this month as we explore the realm of Supernatural.. 19 Anime Afternoon, 3-5 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 9-18. Join us for anime and candy sushi!
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Divergent Release Party, 3-4:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. Pick your faction and get ready to enter the world of Divergent! 21 Learn to Knit, 4-5:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12+. You! Will! Learn! To! Knit! No need to be crafty. Bring one set US size 13 bamboo needles and one skein “Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick.” 27 iCreate, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. For ages 12-18. Show off your crafty side as we fold paper to create cubees and origami masterpieces. 28 Game On, 4:30-5:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. Bring your favorite games, play our Xbox and game on with your friends.
Adults
Adult Winter Reading: Groundbreaking Reads, Jan. 6-Mar. 2. What are you going to do to break new ground this year? Sign up for Allen Public Library’s first annual Adult Winter Reading club! Sign up in person or online! All it takes is 5 hours of reading for a prize entry! Contact the library at 214509-4905 for more information. 5
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Noontime Pageturners, noon, 2nd floor program room. Big Fish: a Novel of Mythic Proportions, by Daniel Wallace (ALLen Reads selection). Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! Free. No registration. Discover a Healthier You—Implementing a Gluten-Free Diet, 12-1 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Aimee Benfield, Parent Coach. Age 18+. Learn how to start a gluten-free diet, meal planning, staying on a
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budget and eating gluten-free outside the home. We will also sample some gluten-free snacks. Free; Registration requested www. allenlibrary.org. Walk-ins welcome as space permits. For more information, contact Debbie Vavra, 214-509-4913 dvavra@ cityofallen.org. Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Do you knit? Or crochet? Or make spectacular things with thread and yarn? If so, Twisted Threads is for you! Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters, and any other type of craft done with thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters. DIY@APL—Rainbow Bracelets, 1:30-3 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Adults and children ages 9+, Enjoy a family activity making colorful rubber band bracelets using a fork as a loom. Free; no registration. For more information, contact Debbie Vavra, 214-509-4913 dvavra@cityofallen.org. Armchair Travelers Visit Ethiopia, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Join world traveler Matt Morgan as he shares stories, pictures and videos from his time in Ethiopia. Hear about visiting the source of the Blue Nile River, the supposed resting place of the Lost Ark of the Covenant, the cave churches of Lalibela, Queen Sheba’s palace and walking among fields of gelada baboons, among other unusual sights. Ethiopian-inspired snacks will be served.. Free. Registration is required. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org or contact the Reference Desk at 214-509-4905.
Connemara Conservancy
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Connemara Meadow Preserve Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closedtoed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.
Heard Museum
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For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. Heard Museum Ropes Course Adventure Day, 1 Nature Trail, McKinney. Tree Top Adventures offers a High and Low Elements Ropes Course located within our beautiful deciduous forest tree canopy. High elements include the thrilling Zip Line, Power Pole and 110 foot Tree Climb. Or, you can participate in low elements, such as the Spider Web, Pipeline, and more! Owl Prowl Night Hikes, 6:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Trail, McKinney.
Bring the whole family to see a live owl presentation and stay for a guided night hike on our sanctuary trails. Night hikes depart from the main building. Closed toed shoes, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Bring a flashlight with a red lens on it to protect your night vision while looking for nocturnal animals! Participants will be outdoors for at least an hour. Children ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Heard Nature Investigators, 2-4:30 pm, 1 Nature Trail, McKinney. Heard Nature Investigators is a nature club designed for children in 1st-5th grade. Kids, come on your own or bring an adult as we investigate a different nature topic each month. Our program this month is Bird Brains—explore some amazing bird adaptations, do some bird watching and create a bird of your own design to take home.
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. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972.727.0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days & locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork. com. MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly. com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of preschoolers. Each month has fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. Every Monday-Friday
The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www. creekwoodumc.org. Every Monday-Sunday 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, 121 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. 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.
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Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Second Monday McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm. Various locations and service projects monthly. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber members; $25 non-members/ general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150”, 1710 N. Church Street, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. 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. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. For more info: or RSVP: Jerri Caldronia@ jlcaldronia@suddenlink.net. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. 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 Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops. org. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am-12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Every Tuesday & Thursday 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.
Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org. 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. Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd., Fairview. Share needlework projects, learn new techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Second Tuesday
Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643.
Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am refreshments, 10 am program, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy., Plano. Larry Thompson, author of three legal thrillers—So Help Me God, The Trial, and Dead Peasants—will share his experiences with interesting and complex trials and how they influenced and enriched the stories for his books. Visitors and their guests are welcome at no charge. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@ bptmn.org. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Third Tuesday McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: Patriot PAWS. Patriot PAWS train and provide service dogs at no cost, to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.
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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. Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen. com. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. 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.
Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert For more info: Gayle Harry 214.509.0787. Every Wednesday Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.
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Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.asrotary.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy,Allen. For more info: Daniel Dodd, 972.571.7527. McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess. org. First Wednesday 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, 12:301:30 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 Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ ag.tamu.edu. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www. mopsofhope.com.
Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Hilton Garden Inn on 75 just North of Bethany. 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: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle & Stacy Furniture. 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. 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.
Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, Frisco Chamber, 6843 W. Main St. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost. ws. First Thursday North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am., Various locations. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.met. Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Second Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com
McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Com. Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972.747.6036. Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1.888.529.5277. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UM Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Third Thursday Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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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. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education Room-Med.Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972.747.6036. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Non-member Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491.
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First Saturday VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church Street, McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: 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 Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Third Saturday
Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. No charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 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, First Methodist Church of Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Church Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We do encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.
Please keep us informed of any local activities or events of general interest to our readers by fax to the Allen Image at 972.396.0807 or email to contact@ allenimage.com. A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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cover story Once 700 acres, the dairyman notes of their current size, “We sold a lot of land to the parks department and to the college and for road, sewer and electrical right of ways. And my grandmother gifted Shawnee Park to the city.” Todd continues, “My dad is the one who started the dairy about 1950. My grandfather only had two Guernsey cows because he liked buttermilk.” The Moores purchased land in Emory, Texas, and moved 200 of their dairy cows there in 2010. This dairy now supplies the milk for the family’s other business, Lucky Layla Farms. Today, Lavon Farms in Plano provides pasture and barn for about 30 Guernsey and Jersey cows, the Moore family home, barns, outbuildings and a small store where dairy products from their cows are sold. Deanna’s brother, Blake Patterson, works for the family business as well, along with farm manager Carlos Vasquez. Lucky Layla’s primary product is award-winning drinkable yogurts that come in eight flavors—mango, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, pina colada, peach, banana and plain that is sweetened without fruit. A pure unsweetened version is available in limited locations. The company also produces butter packaged in fivepound blocks for restaurants, and in smaller quantities, tubs for home use. Small batches of artisanal cheeses are produced when extra milk is available. In order to supervise both farms and keep track of the retail business, Todd and Deanna travel back and forth between farms. Because of the complicated logistics and the demands of raising three sons, the family opted to home school. The Lucky Layla Farm Store, located at the entrance of the Plano property, is managed by Carlos’ daughter, Maribel Vasquez. Here, shoppers can purchase the drinkable yogurts, butter and feta and paneer cheeses, as well as cheddar cheese on occasion. All of these products are produced at the Lucky Layla facility in
Garland, under the direction of cheese expert Mario Del Cid. In addition, the family recently added handcrafted items such as domino sets, rolling pins and pie spatulas created by a friend from cedar trees from their Emory farm felled by the recent drought. But in the refrigerator cases right outside the farm store is one hard-tofind product that has Lavon Farm customers driving from as far away as Oklahoma to purchase—raw milk. Texas is one of 12 states that permits the sale of raw milk only at the farm where the product is produced. Two states allow farms to deliver the raw milk and three allow raw goat milk but not cow milk. A dozen states allow raw milk to be sold in retail stores and only four states allow the sale of raw milk through the purchase of shares of a cow. The remaining 17 states prohibit any sale of raw milk to consumers. Interstate sale of raw milk is specifically banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Todd cites a City of Plano regulation as the reason they keep their raw milk in outside refrigerators. “They don’t want unpasteurized milk stored in the same coolers as pasteurized products. They don’t even want it in the same building.” Concern for possible contamin ation explains the severe restrictions placed on the sale of raw milk, but it’s also an apprehension the Moores address proactively. “We don’t have to [test] but we choose to,” Todd emphasizes. “We take samples and send them off to an independent laboratory to test for pathogens that could occur in the milk. And every batch of milk we sell here has a test attached to it.” Although Todd took over the running of Lavon Farms in 1996, the dairy didn’t start selling raw milk until 13 years later. When queried as to the reason for taking on this additional challenge, he responds immediately, “My beautiful bride! She was listening to all the customers saying we want raw milk, so she started saying that we
needed to sell raw milk. So we did!” Milk from cows at the Plano dairy is reserved solely for raw milk customers. With production amounts varying with the seasons, Todd estimates that at the end of January, these cows were yielding about 150 gallons daily, with numbers expected to rise slightly in the spring. Although the far more popular Holstein cows produce more milk, the Moores are active advocates for Guernsey and Jersey cows and adamant about raising them on their farms. In addition to having a higher protein, mineral and butterfat content, Todd points out that these two dairy breeds carry the A2 rather than the A1 genetic variant. He encourages potential customers to learn more about the significance of this difference. A 2006 report from the U.S. National Laboratory of Medicine states, “Populations which consume milk containing high levels of ss-casein A2 variant, have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, consumption of milk with the A2 variant may be associated with less severe symptoms of autism and schizophrenia.” This preliminary report encourages additional studies. Todd notes, “We have families that if their children drink A1 milk and they have autism, the side effects are amped up. But when they are drinking our milk, they don’t have any of those.” He also points out that a number of their clients purchase their raw milk because they are lactose intolerant and can drink the A2 milk without side effects. This urban dairy has accumulated a loyal customer following. “If the state were to take our license and customers had to come to the farm and pull the milk themselves, some of them would do it!” Todd laughs. During the week, the Lucky Layla Farm Store maintains a steady business that picks up briskly on the weekend. After purchasing several gallons of milk, customer Teresa Newman A lle n I m a g e x M a r c h 2 0 1 4
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points out, “Now that my boys are drinking raw milk, they don’t have digestive issues anymore. I’ve been trying for over a year to eat real food instead of all the processed stuff.” After learning about Lavon Farms’ raw milk last year, she made the switch. Teresa laughs that when she found herself out of milk over the holidays when the farm store was closed, she bought a gallon of organic milk at the grocery store—a gallon that went relatively untouched by her sons. By the time the Moores began selling raw milk, the family’s Lucky Layla brand was five years old. To simplify logistics, the cows at the Emory dairy were earmarked for retail market pasteurized products. Todd explained that his initial plan was to use the milk from his dairies for cheese and they acquired a facility in Garland for production. “Then we stumbled onto making drinkable yogurt and we were really good at it,” he states. “If you go into Whole Foods—our largest customer— there are a thousand really good cheeses but there is only one good drinkable yogurt and that’s ours. So we switched. “It’s been around for thousands of
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years, but it’s new to the United States,” he notes of the beverage. “Who wants to eat yogurt with a spoon when you can drink it? And it’s low in sugar, high in protein and two percent fat or less. There’s no preservatives, additives, artificial colors or flavorings, and we don’t make a product until we have an order.” To keep up with the Todd Moore operations of both dairies, has associated responsibilities. Todd everyone on the farm pitches in to lists off the states their yogurts can help. “Our milk is bottled every other now be found, “We are in Washington, day and it doesn’t matter if it’s Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, North Christmas, New Years, Thanksgivings Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, birthdays…. It’s every other day,” Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee…” Todd emphasizes. “So everybody has Although thrilled with the to work just about every day around growing popularity, he laments, “We here. The store is not open on Sundays, didn’t realize we would have to travel but the cows still have to be milked to check on it. It’s been a learning and fed, and the milk has to be bottled. experience. You don’t know if your “An 80-hour work week is distributors are doing a good job nothing. I’m pretty convinced that I’ve for you unless you are physically already worked more than most people standing in the stores talking to the do by the time they retire, and I’m 47,” guy receiving the orders. And retailers Todd sighs. don’t want to talk to you on the phone; Todd estimates that yogurt they want to see you in person.” production runs from 60,000 to 100,000 Blake Patterson, along with his bottles a month. As the demand for wife and son, opted to move from Lucky Layla products has grown, so
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Round Rock to Plano for the chance to work with Lavon Farms and Lucky Layla. “I love the variety of my job. Today, I’m out on the farm and tomorrow I’m at a retailer’s meeting and I do a lot of demos at our retailers.” The latter job has proved to be a
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favorite for Blake. “Being a small brand, we don’t spend a lot of money advertising and the most effective way of doing it is to do a demo at a store and let people try it,” he explains. “People don’t know we’re in Plano and that it’s a local product.”
Blake is also enthusiastic about a new growing business at the Plano dairy—renting space on the farm for special events. Several successful fundraising events have been hosted on the property and the Moores have been queried about holding weddings and other special affairs there as well. Noting that attendees will park at the entrance and Lavon Farm members will then transport them to the barn, Blake concludes, “People can have a rustic setting with all the city conveniences.” More changes are sure to be in store with Mario Del Cid now in place as plant manager at the Garland Lucky Layla facility. Although his working hours are currently devoted primarily to the drinkable yogurts, his passion lies in cheeses. Moving to McKinney and joining the Lucky Layla team last year, Mario brought with him years of cheesemaking experience. In addition to certifications from the University of Wisconsin, he gleaned skills from working with a cheese maker in Rhode Island and as a manager for the 130-employee Biazzo Dairy Products plant in New Jersey. He also spent time traveling through Italy to tour cheese plants there. Prior to moving to the U.S. from his native Guatemala, he had tried his hand at cheese making. Shaking his head, he adds, “But our cheeses there are limited. There are only three or four cheeses that we use daily.” Once he began training with professional cheese makers, Mario was hooked. “I got to love the parmesans and romanos, the hard Italian cheeses, and the soft cheeses like mozzarella and fior di latte. “On the weekend with my wife, Zuly, we get a bottle of wine and chop up parmesan, romano, gouda and make a big plate with strawberries and kiwi and then enjoy our movies,” Mario rhapsodizes. “It makes me hungry now!” Nibbling on chunks of his freshlymade feta, Mario continues, “Taste is important! Everything is coming from
California and Wisconsin, and not only that, the quality is bad. I can’t believe people eat that kind of stuff!” he sighs. With all his experience and training, Mario emphasizes, “You learn by making it. They can give you the paperwork to read but it isn’t the same. You have to have an eye for it and you have to work it.” Mario’s appreciation for the fresh Indian cheese, paneer, began when working with Biazzo. “A person approached us to make paneer for him. There is a big Indian community in New Jersey and they were bringing in trailer loads of paneer from Canada. You can imagine the footprint of that!” The knowledge he gleaned from making this cheese used in vegetable dishes and soups, he now carries over to Lucky Layla. At the Garland facility, a temperature-controlled walk-in unit holds an assortment of cultured cheeses at various stages of aging “I like cultured chesses like parmesan and they usually take 10 to 12 months to develop a good flavor, but I learned a few tricks from a Swiss guy,” Mario shares. “He was a walking
encyclopedia when it came to cheeses.” From this cheese expert, Mario learned how to significantly reduce the aging period without affecting the taste of the cheese. But he warns, “You can’t call it parmesan legally. To call it that, it has to age at least 10 months.” Although the eight employees at Lucky Layla’s Garland plant devote the vast majority of their time making the drinkable yogurts and butter, Mario notes, “Sometimes there is an overproduction of milk; the cows
never stop.” This extra milk then goes into the cheeses he creates. Because of the limited quantity, these cheeses are available only at the Farm Store. “The advantage of Guernsey and Jersey milk for cheese and yogurt is that the solid components of the milk is high,” Mario points out. “The regular [dairy] cows will give you 3.4, 3.5 percent butterfat, but these types of cows will give you 4.5 and sometime 5 percent. You can taste it. The butterfat in the milk will give it a more lactic
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Recipes When asked how she uses their products in family cooking, Deanna immediately responds, “I use our pure yogurt to marinate chicken before I fry it.” Although Lucky Layla no longer sells buttermilk, the remaining liquid drained off after making butter, Todd notes that anyone who makes butter at home from the cream off their raw milk will create their own buttermilk. “It will knock your socks off!” he grins. “We use it to make pancakes—it gives me chills just thinking of it.” Here are two of this busy family’s favorite fun and quickto-make treats.
Mamaw’s No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies Place the following ingredients in a pan: 2 cups sugar ¼ cup cocoa ½ cup Lavon Farms raw milk ½ cup Lavon Farms butter Dash of salt Stir together. Bring to a boil and boil for one minute. Turn off the heat and add: flavor; it will be more ‘milky,’ so they are good quality producers. Mario emphasizes the natural qualities of their dairy products, without water added to the butter or unnecessary additives like stabilizers, artificial colors and preservatives. “If it extends the shelf life of a product, it will shorten yours!” he observes. One cheese that Mario makes at home is ricotta. Describing most commercially-available ricottas as being “like sand,” he asserts that homemade ricotta is “easy to make. You just boil the milk, add something to acidify it, little by little, until you see the fluffiness of the ricotta start floating. But it has to be a good quality milk to make it.” Mario is so confident in cheese aficionados’ ability to make some cheeses in their own homes that Lucky Layla is planning to offer cheese-making classes at the Plano dairy. “I know there are people who would love to learn how to make their own cheeses, and you’ll have the raw milk right there!” he declares. Anyone that is interested in taking cheese-making classes at Lavon Farms needs to go the contact page on their website www.luckylayla.com and leave a message in the “Comment” box. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.
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½ cup peanut butter 3 cups quick oatmeal 1 tsp. vanilla Stir and then drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper. Enjoy when firm and cool enough to eat.
5-Minute Ice Cream Put in a pint-sized zipper storage bag: 1 Tbs. sugar ½ cup Lavon Farms raw cream ¼ tsp. vanilla (Optional ingredients—cocoa, chocolate chips or chopped fruit can also be added at this time.) Fill a gallon-sized zipper storage bag half full of ice and add 6 tbsp of rock salt or another coarse salt. Put the sealed little bag inside the gallon size and shake for about 5 minutes. To serve the ice cream in a dish, snip off a corner of the little bag and squeeze the ice cream out Makes 1 serving. Deanna explains that the resulting ice cream has a soft-serve consistency if shaken vigorously. She also notes that larger quantities can be made by using small and large coffee cans in place of the plastic bags. v
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