Allen Image February 2012 by Allen Image

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contents

February 2012

Vol. 22, Issue 2

cover story

50 Guide puppies: dedicated to putting their best paw forward

Twelve-year-old Hannah Nederhoff has taken on the primary responsibility for the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh guide dog puppy they are raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Until the puppy is returned for formal guide dog training, she will instruct him in basic obedience, house manners and exposure to a variety of public settings. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature

20 Classic rides

Every Thursday night, in the Stacy Furniture parking lot, a group of muscle car lovers gather. These classic car enthusiasts bring their rides for a little show and tell. by Simon Valentine

special sections 18 business seen

Nothing Bundt Cakes Image Nation Hair Salons & Spa Rapier, Wilson & Wendland, P.C. by Nicole Bywater

22 kids korner

Curl up with a good book by Deborah Dove

30 pet page

Hank

38 Cutest Kids photo contest winners

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40 calendar 58 people seen

contents departments civic forum 8

Live it up while your kids “Rec N Roll”

publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

production assistant Carrie McCormick

by Jeff Mues

ACTV=Emmy by Kathleen Vaught

Sam Bass Day at the Train Depot by Tom Keener

Lone Star Basketball Tournament

3rd Annual Police vs Fire On Ice

library

An evening with Texas singers/ songwriters

contributing writers Nicole Bywater Deborah Dove Justin Jones Tom Keener Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Author Richard Michelson

Keith A. Taylor

Wendelin Van Draanen

education

Jill Edelman

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

by Tom Keener

advertising sales

by Tom Keener

Tips to ponder when considering college

Simon Valentine Marjorie Vaneskahian Kathleen Vaught

cover photo Larry Fleming

by Keith Taylor

Identifying solutions by Justin Jones

gardening 32

A gardener’s journey, part II by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Allen Image

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helping hands 36

A heart for giving by Marjorie Vaneskahian

Allen Image © 2012 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

Live it up while your kids “Rec N Roll!” by Jeff Mues

Purchasing a party pack for $12 ($14 day of) that includes a $5 concession credit for only $4 is your best value. If your son or daughter has not been to a Rec N Roll then they will also need to purchase an identification card as well (once-a-year $5 fee). Add it all up and it’s a heck of a bargain. So what are you waiting for? Plan an evening as exciting as you want it to be to coincide with one or all of the following Rec N Roll dates— February 4, 11 & 25, March 10 & 24, April 7, 14 & 21, May 12 or 26.

It’s an old joke but one that rings especially true for those with children. Kids are priceless, but they’re darned expensive! So much so that some parents are reluctant to spend money “living it up” with a much-deserved evening out. Dinner and entertainment, plus the small fortune your babysitter makes, can put a serious dent in your wallet, but it doesn’t have to! Those with children in grades three through six can go out on a Saturday night, minus the babysitting bill. Better yet, your kids will have a blast while you are able to enjoy a little peace and quiet time. If it sounds too good to be true, then you haven’t heard about Joe Farmer Recreation Center’s amazing Saturday Night Rec N Roll program.

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It’s a fun, social program featuring activities for kids such as dodge ball, pool, table tennis, gym games, theme nights, contests with prize giveaways and dancing with music provided by a DJ. These activities and many others are scheduled 7-11 p.m., giving you ample time to really enjoy a quiet evening at home, or a night out on the town. Perhaps best of all, you’ll pay a fraction of what you would pay a babysitter! With advanced registration, it’s only $8 ($10 day of) plus whatever your child purchases in concessions.

Registration links and additional details are posted at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center page via allenparks. org. Register today and your kids will thank you. You’ll thank us. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

ACTV = EMMY

by Kathleen Vaught

continuously creating new ways to From its inception, the staff at ming offers viewers a wide array of communicate to our citizens.” options to stay informed and smile at Allen City Television decided that With shows like Allen ChALLENge, the same time. government access programming ACTV Host Marci Moon takes on a “With the support of Allen City could be more than just a typical “live” series of challenges designed to Council and City Manager Peter meeting or a static bulletin board. If Vargas, we are always the topic was to trying new things to inform the community, then the goal would keep the information be to entertain them presented on the in the process. channel fresh, Established more than entertaining and a decade ago, that informative,” said mission would ACTV Executive eventually lead to Producer Mark ACTV’s most recent Kaufmann. “That success. coupled with the The Lone Star hard work, dedication EMMY Chapter, part and collaboration of the National with several city Academy of Television departments, makes Arts and Sciences, it all worthwhile.” recently awarded Kaufmann also Allen City Television attributes much of (ACTV) with this the success to ACTV L to R: Scott Evans, Video Producer, and Mark Kaufmann, Executive Producer. year ’s EMMY for staff members Video Community Service Producer Scott showcase areas within and around at their annual gala. The award Evans and Video Production Specialist the City of Allen organization— recognizes ACTV’s programming John Perry. information and entertainment are excellence throughout the year. The ACTV can be watched on Time melded together. The same can be said Community Service EMMY requires Warner channel 16, AT&T Uverse of ACTV’s weekly show, The Dilly-O, the winner to emphasize the depth, channel 99, Verizon FiOS channel 37 a light-hearted series highlighting breadth, duration and efficacy of or with live streaming or video events, programs and activities programming and the effort taken to on demand at www.allentv.org. Or happening around town. support a worthy community cause. visit and subscribe to ACTV’s You From humorous and serious City Manager Peter Vargas said, Tube channel www.youtube.com/ PSAs to music videos for children and “ACTV started operations 11 years ago allencitytv. v teens to programs such as Access Allen and this type of award represents the and My City, My Pride which showcase excellence we strive for with our Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing programming efforts. ACTV staff is everything Allen, ACTV programspecialist for the City of Allen.

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Sam Bass Day at the Train Depot by Tom Keener Learn about the first train robbery in Texas at the Train Depot, 100 Main Street, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 25. Enjoy fun activities with the entire family—such as a scavenger hunt—while learning about Allen’s history. Allen High School drama students will re-enact the train robbery at 12:30, and students will give their own interpretation of the Sam Bass robbery. The activities are free, but donations are accepted. At 10 a.m., the trio of George Nelson, Ron McClung and Shawn Nunez will present superb tones and sounds from the Civil War era. They play with a variety of acoustic instruments such as guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, dobra guitar, lap steel, didgeridoo and others. At 11 a.m., Rick Miller, awardwinning author of Sam Bass & Gang, the definitive history of this notorious train robber, will present an interesting account of these outlaws. County Judge Keith Self and Mayor Steve Terrell make also brief presentations. There’s something new this year— telegraph stations similar to the ones used by the Houston and Texas on the

night of the infamous Sam Bass train robbery. The train conductor at that time wired Dallas that the train had been robbed and detectives met the train at the station when it arrived. Page Thomas will offer blacksmith demonstrations outside the Heritage Center. His exhibit is an exact replica of a blacksmith shop from the 1870s. At 2:30 p.m., “Ebenezer Allen”— the Texas hero the city of Allen was named for—will present certificates to the winners of the Heritage Guild coloring contest. Ebenezer Allen was the last Secretary of the State for the Republic of Texas and an Attorney General for the State of Texas. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume as people from the 1870s or the 1920s and 30s. Who will come dressed as one of the founding families of Allen, or as Sam Bass or Ebenezer Allen? Students who come dressed in authentic-looking costumes can become Junior Members of the Allen Heritage Guild for only $5. For information, call 972.727.8985. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

L to R: George Nelson, Shawn Nunez and Ron McClung Allen Image x February 2012

Snippets Lone Star Basketball Tournament Come in out of the cold and join us for Allen’s version of March Madness. The Lone Star Conference Championship men’s and women’s basketball tournament comes to Allen Event Center on February 29 and continues through March 4. The conference features schools such as Abilene Christian University, Angelo State University, Cameron University, Eastern New Mexico University, University of the Incarnate Word, Midwestern State University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas Women’s University and West Texas A&M University. Student athletes from these universities will compete in some great basketball games for a chance to play in the NCAA Division II Basketball Championships. The City of Allen received a unanimous vote from the LSC Council of Presidents to host the championship tournament from 2012 through 2014. For more information or to volunteer at the event, please visit LSCChampionshipAllen.com. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.

3rd Annual Police vs. Fire On Ice The 3rd Annual Police vs. Fire On Ice hockey game is set for February 11 at Allen Event Center before the Allen Americans face-off against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. It promises to be another epic battle with the Police Department looking to overcome losses in the previous two games against Fire. The teams will be comprised of members from both the Fire Department—again raising money for the Public Safety Recovery Fund—and the Police Department who will play for the Special Olympics of Texas. Americans’ Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins, will coach the Fire team against the Police team led by Americans’ Associate Coach Bill “Macker” McDonald. This brings an added level of bragging rights inside the Americans own locker room. The inaugural game in 2010 had a special ringer playing for Police—Steve Duchesne, part owner of the Allen Americans and NHL All-Star, winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. Ringers for this year’s game have not been announced, but surprises could be in store for the fans! For more information and tickets, visit www.allenamericans.com. v

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library

An evening with Texas singers/songwriters by Tom Keener Some of Texas’ celebrated songwriters will gather at the Allen Public Library to present an evening of music sure to prove that our state has bragging rights to the best tunes in the country. Sponsored by Texas Roadhouse of McKinney and Bach to Books, this free program is offered 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. The lineup for this special evening includes a number of local musical talents. Songs by Garland native Austin Cunningham have been recorded by Hank Williams, Jr., Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and Wynonna Judd. His songs featured on film soundtracks include Ashley Judd’s Where the Heart Is and the Richard Gere/ Winona Ryder film, Autumn in Austin Cunningham New York. Austin has performed at the Sundance Film Festival for the Bluebird Café On the Road series. Award-winning Texas singer-songwriter, Zane Williams’s writing credits include the top 20 Billboard hit “Hurry Home,” recorded by Jason Michael Carroll. After seven years on the road as a solo Zane Williams act and two years as a staff songwriter in Nashville, Williams returned to North Texas in 2008 and has since released two successful independent albums. The nationwide documentary Troubadour, TX is currently following his adventures with a full band. Performing for over 20 years, Brad Allen began playing banjo at age 14 and progressed to fiddle, dobro, guitar, steel guitar and mandolin. An original member of the Skyriver Boys Bluegrass Band, Brad has Brad Allen performed at dozens of festivals and opened for Steven Curtis Chapman in Garland. Brad performs gospel, bluegrass, country and old time rock & roll.

A principle character on the docu-reality show Troubadour, TX, 22-year-old Kylie Rae Harris was nominated for Best New Female Vocalist in the State of Texas in 2011. Harris has been performing across Texas for five years and has shared the stage with Chuck Cannon, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Eli Young Band. Harris has released one album entitled All the Right Reasons.

Allen’s own Michael Ellis Empey has developed a unique style and his music is a sophisticated, yet down home, blend of country, R&B and jazz. He calls his sound “countrybluejazz”. For fifty years, Michael has written and performed comedy and worked with such notables as Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams. Michael joined Peter Schless to Michael Ellis Empey produce “My Father’s Song.” A singer-songwriter and fourth generation musician, Michael Prysock was deeply affected by life in rural Arkansas. Through his music, he tells achingly true tales of the influences of his family and the brotherhood of friends that helped raise him. Prysock skips the clichéd heart songs of romance and moves purposefully to lyrics that Michael Prysock convey the struggles of real life.

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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Kylie Rae Harris

Author Richard Michelson by Tom Keener

Poet and children’s book author Richard Michelson will visit the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive, at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 11. Winner of numerous awards, including the Teachers’ Choice Award for Across the Alley, his most recent book is Lipman Pike: America’s First Home Run King. This account employs fictional con versations interwoven with factual details to reconstruct an obscure era and resurrect Pike’s story for contemporary readers.

“

Social justice and racial issues are important to me and I admire people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to create change.

”

In his youth, Michelson admits he was not a reader. It was late in high

school when he discovered the works of Kafka and Dostoevsky and became enthralled with literature. Shortly after this, he became an acclaimed poet. Battles and Lullabies, Michelson’s latest book of poetry for adults, was selected as one of the 12 best books of 2006 by ForeWord Magazine. After opening a fine art gallery and championing the work of children’s book illustrators to the fine arts world, Michelson’s interest in becoming a children’s author was piqued. His books reflect a rhythm and meter characteristic of fine poetry.

“Trained as a poet, I write in rhythm and meter for my first draft,” the author explains. “Rhythm is vital because it forces me to focus on each word. Rhythm is important because I am in love with language.” Michelson’s books also explore how people from differing backgrounds can overcome adversity to achieve their objectives. “Social justice and racial issues are important to me and I admire people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to create change.” In Lipman Pike, a 19th-century Jewish baseball player faces bigotry but ultimately wins the respect of fellow athletes and fans by becoming a home run king and one of the fastest runners in his time. Sponsored by Bach to Books and Storyopolis Entertainment, the program is free. Storyopolis will have books available for those wanting inscribed copies from the author. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. For more information, call 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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Wendelin Van Draanen by Tom Keener

Wendelin Van Draanen, winner of the 1999 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile for her book Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief, visits the Allen Public Library at 300 N. Allen Drive, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 25. For more information, call 214.509.4911. Sponsored by ALLen Reads, this program is free. Van Draanen’s most recent book in the series, Sammy Keyes and the Night of Skulls, was published in 2011. In 2004-2005 Van Draanen wrote a four-book series for younger readers called Shredderman, about a boy who assumes a secret identity to help him win the battle for truth and justice. Like all the other kids, shy Nolan Byrd is bullied by Bubba Bixby. Mr. Green allows the students to do a computer project; Nolan, who has a particular knack with technology, decides to catch Bubba in action. The made-for-television movie Shredderman Rules was based on this series. Flipped (2001) is a novel about two eighth-graders who start to have feelings for each other despite being total opposites. This was made into a film directed by Rob Reiner in 2010. Van Draanen hopes to leave her readers with a sense that they have the ability to steer their own destiny; that individuality is strength; and where there is fortitude, there is a path. Van Draanen lives in California with her husband, Mark Parsons, and their two sons, Colton and Connor. She is the daughter of chemists who emigrated to the United States from Holland.

She worked as a high school math teacher and computer science teacher before writing became her career. Ms. Van Draanen’s books will be offered for purchase by Storyopolis Entertainment to be personally inscribed by the author. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Photo: Connor V. Parsons

Allen Image x February 2012

business seen by Nicole Bywater

Nothing Bundt Cakes

With decadent flavors such as chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, red velvet, lemon, pecan praline or cinnamon swirl—in sizes to fit any gathering— Nothing Bundt Cakes offers much more than your typical bundt cake. “Bundt cakes are known for their distinctive ridged ring shape and have been popular with home bakers for years,” says bakery manager Kathy Rogers. “What Nothing Bundt Cakes has done is take these cakes up a notch and make them available to everyone.” The company was started in 1997, in Las Vegas by two friends cooking out of their home kitchens. By using handcrafted recipes and imaginative decorations, the business became a successful franchise with locations throughout the country. Perfect for bridal or baby showers, birthday parties or anniversary celebrations, Nothing Bundt Cakes can be uniquely decorated to fit any personality or occasion. “The small-batch recipes of Nothing Bundt Cakes are created using the finest and freshest ingredients,” Kathy says. “Each bite envelopes your senses, leaving you, along with your family and friends, wanting more.” The perfect bundt begins at Nothing Bundt Cakes and you’re invited to be part of it. Nothing Bundt Cakes is conveniently located at 2110 W. Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 104 in McKinney. For more information, please call 469.952.5800 or visit nothingbundtcakes.com.

Image Nation Hair Salons & Spa

“Your hair is your best accessory. When it looks amazing, so do you,” says Melanie Tawater, owner of Image Nation Hair Salons and Spa in Allen and Plano. “Our professional stylists offer versatile and customized options to deliver the look you desire, bringing out the best in you.” In addition to hair cut, color, treatment and styling, Image Nation offers relaxing spa treatments so clients can get all of their beauty needs taken care of in one location. Both facilities provide salon and spa services, while the recently opened 2,000-square-foot salon in The Village at Allen also includes a med spa. These services focus on results-oriented technology for dramatically healthier and younger looking skin, permanent hair reduction or tattoo removal, including: cosmetic enhancements such as injections, dermal fillers and noninvasive infusion (hyperbaric oxygen) and cosmetic procedures such as Botox cosmetic and facial fillers, Juvéderm and Restylane. Spa packages and gift certificates are available. “Because of our medical certification, we’re able to offer much more than what you’d find in a typical salon,” says Melanie, who has over 22 years of experience in the industry. “Clients also love that they can get referrals for other services in one place. For example, your hair stylist can easily give you a great recommendation for skincare, a manicure or whatever procedure you’re looking to try.” For more information, visit imagenationsalons.com. Allen salon is located at 190 E. Stacy Rd. #1724, 972.678.2677. Plano salon is at 3033 W. Parker Rd. #133, 972.985.8849.

Rapier, Wilson & Wendland, P.C.

“Law Dawgs!” In 1989, John Rapier moved his law practice from Dallas to Allen. Although Allen only had one stop light at the time, John saw a great need for responsive, competent and local legal representation in a community which was forecast to grow at a phenomenal rate. As one long-time client of the firm once said, “I remember the early days, when John was one of the only lawyers up here and I used to see him racing up and down 121 going from meeting to meeting!” John was joined in his practice in 2000 by James Wilson and later, in 2005, by Rob Wendland, who, after practicing with a big law firm in downtown Dallas for over 20 years, realized that his clients did not want to have to come downtown to see their lawyer. John, James and Rob believe in a simple mantra—serve your community and always be available to assist your friends and neighbors. They do that by tirelessly and faithfully meeting the needs of a diverse client base, while still having found time to serve and lead in virtually every civic and community endeavor in Allen over the past 22 years. The attorneys at Rapier, Wilson & Wendland, P.C., stand ready to meet your needs for quality, efficient and cost-effective legal representation. Visit the firm’s website at www.rapierwilson.com.

“Law Dawgs”

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feature

Classic rides by Simon Valentine

They’re an unusual gathering of gearheads who bring a slice of Detroit heavy metal paradise to an Allen parking lot. A black 1930 Model A roadster that looks like it rolled out of a James Cagney gangster flick sits next to a 2002 white Camaro SS that roars when it’s 500-horsepower engine is fired up. A rare yellow1946 Chevy pickup truck that’s all curves and chrome with a Texas twist is parked across from a hot rod dressed up with a custom-made spider web grill with a small metal arachnid perched in the corner. I’m impressed. I’m in awe. I’m in trouble. “Whose SUV is running over there?” a voice barks over the rumble of a high performance engine. A founding member of this group of classic-car-freaks points out the offending vehicle. “Is there someone inside? It’s been burning gas for at least fifteen minutes. Shut it off!” Uhoh, that would be my vehicle. After unleashing a passionate sermon on air pollution, wasting gas and being green, car enthusiast and Allen native, Milton Frie, explained why having a hot rod and being environmentally responsible aren’t mutually exclusive. “It took me eleven months to build my car and it gets close to thirty-miles-a-gallon on the freeway,” he says. “Things are changing. Fossil fuels will eventually be a

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thing of the past. You know, Chevy is working on an engine that uses fuel made from corn.” That’s a new one, an eco-friendly hot rodder who acknowledges a countdown for the demise of gasoline. Well, since this nameless car club is made up of folks with more horsepower under their hoods than the average police cruiser, they must do their fair share of racing; screeching away from a traffic light, leaving a trail of tire smoke and wide-eyed kids in minivans in their wake, right? They don’t do that either. “Its risky to race,” says sixty-three-year-old Clarence Hall. He drives a 1968 Dodge RT, what he calls a “twentyfooter,” because it looks great from twenty feet away. “Street racing is risky to the public and your car. You have a big motor putting out a lot of power. You rev it up, race. And there’s wear and tear—you break parts. Do you know how expensive tires are?” Forty-one-year-old Fred Wesley nods in agreement as he stands by his prize-winning 1967 Chevy Nova SS with the custom metal flake paint job. “I’m not so much into going 0-60 in two seconds. If it looks good and sounds good, that makes me happy. Like Clarence says, it’s risky to race. It’s not risky to go to Sonic and get a burger, look good, sound good.”

The group adheres to this mantra so tightly they’ve booted street racers out of the club. Okay, that’s two preconceived notions about hot rodders shot down. But the group at least has to be male only—you know, no girls allowed, testosterone-laced and heavily tattooed, right? Nope. That beautiful 1946 Chevy pickup with the leather horse straps that run across the hood. The one built by a cowboy grandpa with his grandson, the one that used to have cap guns as interior door handles? Steve Fort took it for a spin two years ago and didn’t want to buy it from the cowboy. “I saw it in the paper and we went to Wichita Falls,” Lana, Steve’s wife, says. “I was amazed and delighted when I saw it. Steve and the owner went for a drive, I sat on the curb and waited, and I just knew we were going to get it!” But Steve didn’t share the dream. “I wasn’t going to buy it, it had a sick engine. We got back in our car and Lana said ‘I can’t believe you didn’t buy the truck.’ I told her it had to be rebuilt and she said ‘I don’t care, go buy it.’” Having been married since 1975, he knew how to keep the peace. He bought “Scooter”. Yes, Lana named the truck Scooter. It makes her happy. Scooter apparently makes other folks happy as well. “We’ll pull up to a stop light and people smile and wave at us. They appreciate the love and workmanship that’s gone into it.” That appreciation for nice sheet metal and a throaty exhaust isn’t limited to folks who paid thirty-six-cents-agallon for their first tank of gas. South African native Brett Carter says his twin seventeen-year-old girls love his heavily modified 1968 Nova.

“They’ll come out here and hang out with me, look at the other cars. I’m building one for them, a ’72 Mustang, it’s in the paint shop now.” Though you’ll see two or three newer rides at these gatherings, most are like Brett’s, from the 1970s and earlier. “I love cars from the late ’60s early ’70s,” Carter says. “The old cars had soul. I think the car companies lost their imaginations—they went after money. They forgot how to build cars.” “I love the old muscle cars too, I’m just addicted to them,” Clarence Hall says. “They’re from a unique period in time that brings back certain memories in my life. It was a time when gas was not an issue, steel was not an issue, power was not an issue.” It was a time when you didn’t need a college degree to change your oil. The average economy car now has more computing power nestled under the hood than what we used to put man on the moon. That technology makes it tough to turn a wrench on the weekend for a little fun, something these folks recommend to decompress. “The best way to explain this is to go buy an old car,” Carter says. “Get under the hood, spend some time fixing it up, get some dirt under your nails—that’s the fun part.” “Those old cars are simple to work on,” Clarence Hall says. “And there’s beauty in the simplicity.” If you’d like to get an eyeful of that beauty, swing by the Stacy Furniture parking lot in Allen on a Thursday night and look under a hood or two. Your inner gearhead will thank you. v Simon Valentine is a freelance writer from Allen. Photos by Larry Fleming Photography.

Allen Image x February 2012

kids korner

Curl up with a good book by Deborah Dove A love of reading is one of the best gifts you can give your children. Studies show that the more time kids spend reading independently, the higher their grades and school performance. February, when the weather is cold and kids spend more time indoors, is a great month to get them engrossed in a good book. Following are local story times, favorite books and tips to get your kids into reading a good book.

Story Times Allen Public Library The Allen Public Library’s children’s department is loaded with resources geared to getting children excited about reading, from the fish tank that is the centerpiece of the entrance to the children’s area to computers kids can play games on, a puppet theater, puzzles, a group reading room and whimsical paintings, not to mention a great collection of books available to borrow. The library also offers story times geared for specific age groups. Pre-walkers and their caregivers enjoy music, action rhymes and a story on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15; one year olds have their own story time (with an adult) with nursery rhymes, stories, songs and finger plays on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30; two- and three-year-olds, with an adult, meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 or Wednesdays at 10:45; and four- and fiveyear-olds, ready to attend independently, can hear age-appropriate stories Wednesdays at 11:30. There’s even a time for families of children ages 2-6 to attend together (Mondays at 11 a.m. or Thursdays at 7 p.m.). Teens have their own room at the library stocked with teen books as well as a variety of teens-only programs. Visit the library’s website for cool extras, such as Tumblebooks—an online collection of animated, talking story books that you can download to your computer or ipad for your kids to “read” or listen to. Be sure to also check the calendar for special events and programs. See www.allenlibrary.org.

A Real Bookstore Located in the Village of Fairview, this independent bookstore hosts story time for preschoolers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. with a story or two, a craft and a snack. Or, kids can wear their pajamas for Pajama Rama every Friday at 7:30 p.m. with

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stories before bedtime, a snack and a simple craft. The Real Youth Book Club for kids 813 meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. for book discussions, readings and activities. Past books the group has read include Ida B, The Gollywhopper Games and Aliens on Vacation.

Barnes & Noble Every Tuesdays at 10 a.m., the Plano store offers Story Time with Mr. Jeff, an animated and amazing storyteller that’s a favorite of kids and parents alike. The store at Stonebriar Mall hosts preschooler story time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.

Other Bookstores/Places to Buy Books 75% Off Books—Located inside the Garden Ridge shopping center at Spring Creek Parkway and Greenville in Plano, all the books here are 75% off list price. You never know what you’re going to find, but there is usually a good selection of books for kids and teens at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere, including popular authors and characters. Half Price Books—Located on the southwest corner of Eldorado Parkway and Central in McKinney, this used bookstore has a dedicated children’s section with a good selection of books for all ages at half off the listed price. www.amazon.com—This online bookseller offers prices that are usually cheaper, plus no tax and free shipping on orders over $25. www.store.scholastic.com—You can order books online directly from this well known bookseller that hosts book clubs and fairs at area schools. Most books are available at less than the list price.

My Family’s Favorites Favorite picks from a family of compulsive readers Babies and Toddlers Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. The Napping House by Audrey Wood Preschoolers Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by John Archambault Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes Owl Babies by Martin Waddell Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor Early Elementary Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborn Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel Captain Underpants series by Dave Pilkey The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner My Weird School Daze series by Dan Gutman Older Elementary The Bridge to Terabithia by Katharine Paterson Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling Regarding the Fountains by Kate Klise The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Fairest by Gail Carson Levine Inkheart series by Cornelius Funke Ages 12+ The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Giver by Lois Lowry Matched by Ally Condie Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

education

Tips to ponder when considering college by Keith A. Taylor

Senior Ashley Casey works in the AHS College and Career Center. Casey is bound for Texas Tech on a soccer scholarship.

Over the past two years, my wife and I have been helping our collegebound kids find their way through the process of preparing for, and attending, college and we’re not alone. Each year, thousands of Allen parents do their best to navigate the complicated process of college selections. Although the outcomes currently seem promising, a recent conversation with Allen High School’s Career and College Counseling Center Director Pam Hill has taught me one thing— most of what I did was not necessarily wrong, but it may not have been quite right, either. Hill has provided some tips that can make the college search less stressful, if not easier. Find a school that fits the student Hill says that too many students choose colleges based on where their parents attended or where their friends are going, and while both can be reasons, they are not necessarily the best reasons. “They need to choose schools that not only offer degrees in their area of interest, but also ones that fit with their expectations of college life,” she

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said. “Some students would be more comfortable in a small college setting while others enjoy the variety of op tions available at larger universities.” Hill advises students to first decide on a degree focus and then find a college that has a good reputation in that field. After that, the students should research the quality of student life and the surrounding community to make sure it is a good fit. She recommends career and skills assessments to help students find a major and areas of interest that are not only fulfilling, but promise a career after graduation. It’s also a good idea to query potential schools about what kind of degrees are receiving the most attention from employers after graduation. Most schools also provide information on graduation and place ment rates. These can be key in finding the best fit.

What are colleges looking for? Most colleges and universities look at qualifications in a particular order—Grade Point Average, SAT or ACT score, then what types of courses the student pursued in high

school. Other criteria include extracurricular activities, participation in community and charitable services and overall character. Hill suggests that students begin the testing process as early as possible, although younger students may struggle with some of the material. At Allen High School, students usually take the PSAT in ninth and tenth grades. Juniors and seniors take the SAT and ACT and it can be to a student’s advantage to take the tests more than once. Some universities will take the best scores from the best sections of multiple tests, while others take the best overall test score regardless of other section scores. It’s never too early to start thinking about college. Students actually have to decide in middle school if they will take college-bound courses in high school. She said choosing this route is absolutely essential for students wishing to attend Ivy League-tier schools and important for any college ambitions. Since middle school students probably don’t know exactly what

they want to do after college, that’s why career and skills assessments are important. The AHS College and Career Center has a variety of tools to help students find the right educational path. Big versus small, public versus private. Going to a small college or a large university is certainly a personal choice, but it can be important to the overall success of the student. Some students, although perfectly qualified, might struggle in large university classes with little instructor contact. Others will enjoy the atmosphere and variety of social activities available. Either way, individuals should choose a campus best suited to their per sonalities and skills. Private schools almost always are more expensive than state campuses. To attract top students, some private colleges offer scholarships that can substantially make up for the increased cost. Another consideration is to enroll for two years at a junior college or a local campus, such as Collin College. They are significantly less expensive than most state and private schools and basic course credits are trans ferrable to all public Texas colleges and universities.

the campus or participates in an organized tour of the school. Most colleges and universities realize it’s not always realistic or affordable for some students to visit a campus, so they now offer virtual tours.

Advantages of early admission Students shooting to land at toptier schools should apply as early as possible because of the limited number of slots available. Early admission is not as important for other schools. Some students feel more comfortable

with an early admission confirmation and it provides them more flexibility to explore other college options. Most schools require a nonrefundable fee for any application and some can be pricey. Students should look for opportunities to have the fee waived, such as campus visits. Begin the funding and financing process as soon as possible because going to college today is not cheap. “That’s why it’s so important to go to the right school for the right

Out-of-state versus in-state Hill recommends students remain in-state unless the out-of-state school offers a degree unavailable in Texas universities. However, many out-ofstate universities offer opportunities to qualify for in-state tuition and scholarships. They are competing for top students and often offer incentives. Also, top-tier students should always consider top-tier universities no matter where they are located.

When should students start visiting campuses? Hill advises that college-bound students begin visiting campuses in their sophomore year. They can give potential students a feel of the school and insight to the atmosphere of the community. Another benefit is that some schools waive non-refundable application fees if the student visits Allen Image x February 2012

Director Pam Hill and Debbie Cornwell work in the AHS College and Career Center. degree,” Hill said. Students can incur more than $100,000 in debt for a fouryear degree, then not be able to find a job in their field to pay off the loan. That’s why she stresses the career and skills assessments so strongly. She wants the students to have the ability

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to not only attend college, but to find success after graduation. The College and Career Center also offers help in finding and applying for scholarships and student aid. Hill also strongly advises students to complete the Free Application for

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov/ as soon as possible. The online application takes students and parents through the process stepby-step, but requires a lot of financial information about the student and the student’s family. “Most schools begin the recruiting year with a fixed pool of money for scholarships and student aid,” she said, “If you wait too long, the pool may dry up.” Although the quest for college may seem daunting, Hill said Allen High School tries to provide as much assistance and guidance as possible for students to make a wise choice. The College and Career Center focuses on helping students with families without college experience, but the high school’s counselors and career tools are available to all students. Good luck. v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

Identifying solutions ImageVision protects clients from inappropriate content by Justin Jones

More than three years ago, Mitch Butler hardly had any worries concerning the well-being of his then eighth-grade daughter. That is, until he noticed an inappropriate text message a boy had sent to her. The message was so graphic that Butler and his business partner, Steven W. White, determined it was their mission to create solutions to prevent parents and kids from being exposed to such disturbing content and imagery. “I was shocked he sent her that kind of stuff,” Butler described about the boy’s text message. “We have since talked to many parents and there is not one who believes their kid sends messages like that. We had to create something that prevents others from sending your child inappropriate images and text messages.” For White and Butler, the answer

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L to R: Steven W. White and Mitch Butler

to this problem has been ImageVision, a software solutions company they started that specializes in identifying and isolating inappropriate content in consumer, enterprise, web publishing, advertising and mobile communication digital environments. “We are one of the only companies attacking this space and using computer vision technology to solve problems,” White declared. “Because children today communicate visually, we think we have something that is needed and have been successful at bringing it to market.”

Unique software Much of ImageVision’s success stems from its unique EyeGuardian™ and Visual Filtering software, and the help that its founders have received from the Collin SBDC, located at Collin College’s Courtyard Center, 4800 Preston Park Blvd., in Plano.

“I’ve always expected great things from ImageVision because of its founders, Steven and Mitch,” Marta Frey, director of the Collin SBDC, said. “Their strong business acu men, creative approach to products and services, and flexibility to industry opportunities have set them up for sustainable success.” It has also paved the way for the EyeGuardian™ and Visual Filtering™ software, which delivers solutions that visually safeguard a network and or company. The innovative software also ensures that the workforce safely uses the latest mobile, virtual and state-of-the-art technologies without fear of illicit content disrupting your network. Furthermore, ImageVision soft ware scans and detects inappropriate content in real-time from images and videos in email, browser cache and

temporary files, hard-drives and network resources. ImageVision can also scan Facebook accounts to iden tify cyber bullying, explicit images and predators. For example, after Facebook was hacked several months ago and users noticed graphic images and messaging on their pages, ImageVision’s software immediately detected and flagged the graphic content for its clients, alerting the owners of these pages to take proactive measures to delete the information. “From a corporate perspective, big brands don’t want to advertise next to inappropriate content so it is important to keep a clean image,” Butler said. “From an individual perspective, there are a lot of ramifications that come from sending or receiving graphic images, such as depression and, in some cases, jail time or suicide.” According to White, an MTV study revealed that one out of every four kids have either sent or received an inappropriate text message. More than one million kids, White continued, are also bullied on Facebook. “ImageVision creates unique solutions to important needs. For families, ImageVision’s products filter inappropriate material from young eyes. For business, their products protect brands,” Frey said. “I cannot think of another company that can reach two distinct and different demographics in such crucial ways.” Likewise, White and Butler are unaware of another organization that could have helped them in the way that the Collin SBDC—which offers no cost, customized business consulting and training—has since fall 2009. “The Collin SBDC and Marta have been a great champion, mentor and cheerleader for ImageVision,” said Butler, adding that the free mentoring from the local business community that he and White won to help ImageVision change their lives forever. “This has been a resource for us to

a point where early on the Collin SBDC introduced us to people who had marketing, finance and market expertise,” White added. “Marta continued to align us with other (professionals) who were willing to share their business successes and pass the information on to us. She was even the one who introduced us to the city of Anna, where our offices are located. Marta has been a real conduit of our growth.”

Making an impact Such growth includes Apple, Yahoo and Photobucket as clients. “Being involved with these big, impactful companies is a dream come true for us. It validates our beliefs from several years ago,” White said. “To have companies like this confirm your convictions by buying your products, this is very gratifying because, at the same time, this started because of a personal reason.” Aside from its notable clients, ImageVision also won the Tech Fort

Worth award for Community Impact in May. And while it is hard to determine what is in store for ImageVision over the next five to ten years, considering technology is constantly changing, Butler and White are extremely proud of what their company has accom plished thus far. “This was always our vision. As parents, we were very motivated to get a solution like this out to market,” Butler said. “If our software helps our kids, then we know there are other kids and parents who would want to use it. We are obviously very humble with our success but at the same time, because we are building products that we use ourselves, we think that it is great to have a solution that not only helps our kids but our neighbors as well.” v Justin Jones is a public relations writer for Collin College. Photos by Nick Young, Collin College.

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pet page

“Hank”

Hank is a sweet and cuddly little man who loves nothing more than being with his humans. He is a rat terrier mix who weighs about 14 pounds, 5-6 years old and gets along with everybody. He currently lives with both large and small dogs, and even a few cats in his foster home! He is house trained and crate trained. He is spunky and well adjusted and just needs someone to love him! He was abandoned at a local shelter before CCHS took him into their adoption program where he is now awaiting your call.

Hank just needs someone to love him! Hank is a very special man who had a cancer spot on is belly that was successfully removed. But that doesn’t mean his life is short. He needs an understanding family who will love him no matter what and be there for him. He is current on vaccinations, neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative and ready for his forever home

If you’re looking for a little love bug, this is your man! Complete an online application today at: http://www.collincountyhumanesociety. org/Forms.htm. 3 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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gardening

A gardener’s journey, part II by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield February weather doesn’t typically bring desirable working out-of-doors temperatures. Yet, it is the perfect time to begin gardening projects. Cold days offer an opportunity to peruse garden books and magazines for landscaping ideas. On warm afternoons walk around your property imagining how beautiful your gardens can look in future seasons. Visit local nurseries and talk to horticulture professionals about which plants are best suited to our area and will best compliment your design aspirations. Many homeowners mistakenly think it takes endless hours of sweat and hard labor to maintain a beautiful garden. The truth is, everyone can have an attractive landscape that, once established, practically takes care of itself. The key to achieving this is to harmonize with Mother Nature rather than fighting her. All you need is good amended soil, the right plan and plants for a result that is not only attractive, but environmentally friendly. But, what if your dream garden doesn’t exactly hail from the Lone Star state? Be creative! Select adapted or native plants that resemble or remind you of the flora of your horticultural muse. A self-proclaimed Anglophile, I draw creative influence from trips to the United Kingdom. When we travel, I research historical, public and private gardens—most recently The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Planted partly for the enjoyment of its visitors, and partly for science, Kew’s fourteen special gardens offer a unique glimpse of plants from around the world. I noted many unfamiliar plants, such as the lovely

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Lucifer crocus and rosa Long John Silver, growing in harmony beside many species that grow happily in Collin County. Although most of the plants at Kew were magnificent, some were struggling a bit. This brought to mind the importance of growing plants suited to one’s climate and soil. While I may never be able to grow the lovely arching blossoms of bleeding hearts, or the striking blue flowers of delphiniums in my England-inspired Texas landscape, there are plenty of hardy plants that thrive in our soils and extreme temperatures that can achieve the desired effect.

The English cottage garden A cottage garden, of which there are many examples at Kew, is the idea of mixing ornamental and edible plants— colorful flowers, greenery, small trees and shrubs—with fragrant herbs. The key to achieving the elegant, yet natural, effect of a cottage garden is by densely grouping the same or similar plants along the length of curving beds—shortest plants up front, tallest in the back. Repetition of a single or multiple colors creates harmony and visual balance. In our area, plants such as Artemisia, blackfoot daisy, coreopsis, daisies, daylilies, fall aster, ferns, gomphrena, lambs ear, mealy blue sage, new gold lantana, phlox, purple coneflower, santolina, scabosia, Turk’s cap, Texas gold columbine, tidal wave petunia, verbena, yarrow and zinnia to name a few, evoke images of the quintessential English garden, but with a Texas twist.

No cottage garden is complete without roses. To me, roses entice one’s senses and emotions like no other flower. There are currently over 25 Earth-Kind roses, proven winners in North Texas. Given 6-8 hours of sunlight and adequate air movement, roses are easier than ever to grow. Yet, pretty as EK roses are, nothing says ‘English rose’ to some people more than David Austin’s. But, are they Texas tough?

Many herbs, which do well in the cooler, damp conditions at Kew also thrive in our drier, hotter climate. Among them—lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary and thyme do especially well with very little water once established. Basil, dill, sage, parsley and chive are beautiful herbs that smell wonderful and do well in our area. Little known salad burnett, not only adds a tasty cucumber flavor to salads, its fern-like look is a great substitute for ferns in a sunny location.

Herbs are a wonderful addition that will fill your garden with beauty, flavor, and history. You don’t have to travel the world to find inspiring ideas and experiences. Whether your garden path leads you to a Zen garden, a tropical retreat or a desert oasis, DFW is fortunate to have wonderful arboretums and botanical centers offering displays of plants that do well in our area. Locally Collin County has Myer ’s Park, which features National Earth-Kind

A gardener’s life. Is full of sweets and sours. He gets the sunshine. When he needs the showers. – Reginald Arkell Mark Chamblee, owner of Chamblee’s Nursery in Tyler says, “The key for success of all roses in Texas, including David Austin’s, is amended soil and a south/southeast exposure that provides them with morning sun and filtered light in the afternoon. Our heat is detrimental to them, but, some of the toughest, most heat tolerant David Austin’s include Molineax, Sophy Rose, Winchester Cathedral, Heritage, Golden Celebration, Jude the Obscure, Charles Darwin and Abraham Darby.” Whimsical accent pieces, décor and furnishings complete the cottage garden charm.

The herb garden Historically herbs were grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, they are still popular in kitchen gardens for culinary pursuits, and are respected for aromatherapy and other healthful remedies. Equally important, herbs are valued for their attractive appearance and are popular companion plants to annuals and perennials— adding texture, flowers and fragrance to flower beds. Allen Image x February 2012

Research Gardens, providing visitors an opportunity to see first-hand how over 100 varieties of perennials, crape myrtles and roses are faring in drought conditions without use of fertilizer, pesticides or excessive irrigation. Whatever your garden style, choose plants that are drought tolerant, adapted or native to our region. While we have enjoyed some beneficial rain this winter, our water worries are far from over. Our primary water source is still devastatingly low and weather experts are predicting a dismal forecastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the summer of 2012 will be much like last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;very hot and very dry. It is this gardener â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble opinion that regardless of whether we are experiencing drought conditions or not, people need to make it a habit to follow water conservation measures year-round. Water is a finite resource, and as stewards of this planet it is our responsibility to preserve and protect it. For questions or more information about plants best suited to our area and for tips on water conservation contact the Collin County AgriLife Extension office at 972.548.4232 or visit their website at www.ccmgatx.org. Happy gardening! v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. Photos: Richard Oldfield.

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For MarketPlace Your Health

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helping hands

A heart for giving by Marjorie Vaneskahian

Each day and every year Allen Community Outreach (ACO) helps families in crisis, seniors and home-bound individuals who need MealsOn-Wheels delivered, people who need food or clothing, or assistance with school supplies for their students and help during the holidays. ACO could not transform the lives of families in our community without the support from people like you who have a heart for giving. For Christmas 2011, donations of new toys were provided to 520 children, teens and seniors to make their holiday brighter. The heart of our community shows itself every day at ACO. Over the course of the year, ACO volunteers work tens of thousands of hours helping others. In the month of November 2011 alone, over 2,617 hours of volunteer service were given to ACO. According to Independent Sector, the dollar value of volunteer time is $21.36 per hour. Just in November 2011 alone, the value of volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time amounted to an astounding $55,899! The year 2012 will be no exception. Volunteers are already hard at work. Each weekday ACO volunteers drive nine routes to deliver more than 80 meals to individuals living in the Allen, Fairview and Lucas area at lunch time. Each route only takes about an hour and can be delivered alone or with a friend. Many volunteers take their children along too. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun way to involve young volunteers and bring smiles along with a hot meal! If you are interested in becoming a Meals-On-Wheels volunteer please contact the ACO office at 972.727.9131 or email Janis@acocares.org. Volunteering for ACO special events is another way to make a positive impact. Special events provide the needed funding to support the families that depend on ACO. Throughout the year, there are a number of events for which we need your support.

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A new event for ACO this year that is just around the corner is the “Ten Pins to Transform” Bowling Tournament. On Saturday, February 25, you can choose from three different times that morning—9, 10 or 11 a.m.—to come to Splitsville at the Village at Fairview and help us strike out need in our community. For just $25 per person, you can bowl for an hour and have fun with friends and family and enjoy door prizes and DJ music. Best of all—$20 of your entry fee comes directly back to ACO. Want to be a King Pin and get the VIP treatment? For $50, you can get a full breakfast buffet included along with the Bloody Mary bar. Registration for this event is available online at www.acocares.org. Mark your calendars now for the 10th Annual W i n e Masters Food and Wine Pairings on March 23. This annual event will again be held at the Heritage Ranch Country Club. It’s a fun evening to taste some wonderful wines, whether you are a wine expert or novice, and to enjoy superb food pairings prepared specifically by their chefs. Great items will also be up for both a live and silent auction. For the past four years this event has sold out, so get your tickets early! Tickets will soon be on sale so check ACO’s website for more information. ACO’s Resale Shop depends on volunteers to keep the store up and running. Volunteers work hard each day to sort through donations and to set display items on the sales floor. If you have a few hours to spare once a week, once a month or just once in a while, our store manager would love

to have your help. No experience is required. Contact Kristina for more information at Kristina@acocares.org or 972.727.4751. It’s no secret that Allen Community Outreach does it all because of our volunteers! “We have so many committed individuals. We have volunteers that have been with our organization for many, many years. I know of several Meals-On-Wheels drivers who’ve been volunteering with us since 1991. We couldn’t help so

many families without them. They are the heart of our agency,” said Glenda May, Executive Director of ACO. If you would like to become a volunteer with Allen Community Outreach, visit the website for a volunteer application at www.acocares. org or call 972.727.9131 or email Marjorie@acocares.org for more information. Marjorie Vaneskahian is the Director of Volunteer Services at ACO.

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calendar FEBRUARY 7-8 Riverdance The Farewell Tour presented by the Dallas POPS, Feb. 7 @ 8 pm, Feb. 8 @ 2 and 8 pm, Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First Ave., Dallas. Riverdance and the Farewell Tour will ONLY be in North Texas for this exclusive performance presented by Dallas POPS. Don’t miss this inspiring and final show! For more info: www.DallasPops.com. 11 2nd Annual Police vs Fire on Ice, Allen Event Center, 7 pm. Teams will be comprised of members from the fire department, raising money for Public Safety Recovery Fund, and the police department play for Special Olympics. For more info: visit www. allenamericans.com. 17-19 Collin County Home and Garden Show, Fri., 2-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-7 pm, Sun., 11 am-5 pm. Allen Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road, Allen. More than 150 vendors. The show will feature a variety of exhibits highlighting the latest in home and garden products. Also

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featured will be Donna Moss, the Queen of Bling and host of HGTV’s Donna Decorates Dallas. “Wall Wizard” Brian Santos will also be on hand to share eco-friendly painting tips and techniques. For more info: www. allenhomeandgardenshow.com or 877663-6186. 19 All American Barkus, 12:30– 4 pm, Mitchell Park, Downtown McKinney. Similar to Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans. Will feature a parade, festivities and shopping galore! Parade at 2pm followed by the costume contest. Owners and their canines dress according to the theme “All American Barkus” and children may enter floats in the parade. For more info: www. downtownmckinney.com or 972-5472660. 29 Lone Star Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, Men’s Quarterfinals set to tip off February 29. Spanning five days of NCAA Division II Basketball action (thru March 4), the event also features a

number of other activities including an alumni and fan event at TopGolf on March 1. On March 2, Fanfest offers fun for the entire family with carnival rides, free food and performances that will take place just outside the main rotunda entrance of Allen Event Center. For more information, visit LSCChampionshipAllen.com. CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center 3 4 9 11 14 21 24 25

For more info: www.alleneventcenter.com. Allen Americans Hockey vs. Tulsa Oilers Allen Americans Hockey vs. Tulsa Oilers Allen Americans vs. Wichita Thunder Allen Americans vs. Rio Grande Killer Bees Allen Americans Hockey vs. Texas Brahmas Allen Americans Hockey vs. Texas Brahmas Allen Americans Hockey vs. Laredo Bucks Allen Wranglers Professional Indoor Football vs. Wichita Wild

Parks and Recreation Events

Saturday Night Rec & Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun, grades 3-6. Gym games, dancing, dodge ball, contests with prize giveaways. Supervision provided, concessions available. Party Packs $12. ID card (1-time $5 fee) required and must be purchased at JFRC

before 5:30 p.m. day of event. Walk up$10/$14 party pack). For more info: call JFRC at 214.509.4750. 9 ASRC Day Trip: Cowboys Stadium featuring an hour guided tour. Bring a camera (no video cameras) and wear comfortable walking shoes. Enjoy lunch after the tour. 10 SNAP Dance (Valentine’s Theme), 7-10 pm, Rec Hall. Snap your fingers and shuffle your feet at our Special Needs and Adapted Program! Live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks & photo mailed to each. For more info: email tharben@cityofallen.org or 214509-4707. Flapjack Friday, 8 am, Allen Senior Rec Center members with a birthday during that month’s Flapjack Friday eat FREE and get entered into a drawing for prizes! Breakfast includes orange juice, bacon and sausage, and all you can eat pancakes. $2/ members, $3/non-members. The event is sponsored by Quality Nurses Plus Home Health Care, Inc. 11 Duck Derby, 10 am, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Purchase your “Racing Duck” from the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, decorate it to your liking and submit your duck Feb.10. Come back to race your duck against the best Allen has to offer. Valentine Skate, 7:45-9:45 pm, Allen Community Ice Rink. Admission is $5/person and Skate Rental is $3/person. All participants dressed in red or with a red rose receive a FREE skate rental. Couples: buy one skate rental and get the second for free. “Pass the Rose” couples skating contest where the winning couple will take home a great Valentine’s prize.

16 ASRC Day Trip: Lunch Break at Snuffer’s Restaurant. Join Allen Senior Recreation Center for a lunch break at Snuffer’s in Plano. Snuffers serves cheddar fries, grilled chicken, chicken fried chicken, hamburgers, specialty sandwiches, wraps and several entrée salads. ASRC membership required. 17-19Hockey Weekend Across America, Allen Community Ice Rink. Wear your favorite hockey jersey February 17, 6 pm and join the hockey “jersey flash mob.” On Feb.18 the Ice Rink will host a Try Hockey for Free clinic at 2:45 pm. Children, ages 4-9, and new to ice hockey can learn the sport for free. Feb. 19 Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes at the fire and police exhibition hockey game, 4:30 pm. Feb. 19, free Girls’ Skills Clinic, open to girls’ ages 6 to 10, at 3:15 pm. 21 Mardi Gras Luncheon and Party, 11 am- 1 pm, Allen Senior Recreation Center. It will be a carnival celebration of food, entertainment and of course, beads and masks. Register by February 14. ASRC membership is required. 23 ASRC Day Trip: Chestnut Square Tours. Join the Allen Senior Rec Center to learn about the beautiful historic homes of McKinney and the history of their owners in the comfort of McKinney Trolley. Lunch in historic downtown McKinney and visit unique shops. ASRC membership required 29 Leap Day Pizza Party, noon, Allen Senior Rec. Center. Register to attend by February 28, and join in the fun with “Smarter than a Fifth Grader” trivia to win great prizes. ASCR membership is required. For more info: 972-912-1097 or www.AllenParks. org.

Adult Athletic Leagues Tennis–Quick Start Tennis, designed to help kids develop a love of tennis! For more info: chasta_waters@allenisd.org. Softball–Reg. 1/16-2/22 ($345); format-8 games + playoffs; play begins 3/12. Flag Football–Reg. 1/16-2/22 ($350); late reg. 1/231/26 ($365); format-7 games + playoffs; play begins 3/13. Ultimate Frisbee–Reg. 1/16-2/26 ($265); format-14 games; play begins 3/15. Men’s Basketball–Reg. 1/2-2/1 ($425); late reg. 2/2-2/5 ($440); format-8 games + singleelimination tournament; play begins 2/20. Volleyball–Reg. 1/2-2/1 ($235); late reg. 2/2–2/5 ($250); format-8 games + single-elimination tournament; play begins 2/21\ Soccer–Reg. 1/16-2/22 ($515); late reg. 2/23-2/26 ($530); format-8 games; play begins 3/13. For more information, log on to www.allenparks.org or call the Athletic Information Hotline: 214-5094810.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children Baby and Me: Pre-walkers with adult, Tue. & Thu, 10:15 am. Fun Ones: 1-year-olds with adult, Mon. & Wed., 10 am; and Tue. 6:30 pm. Together Time: 2 & 3 year-olds with adult, Tue. & Thu., 11:15 am; Wed. 10:45 am. All by Myself: 4 & 5 year-olds, Wed. 11:30 am.

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Family Storytime: 2-6 year-olds & family, Mon. 11:15 am; Thu. 7 pm. 4 Crafternoon, 2-4 pm, Children’s program room. Drop in a make a craft or two! Children under the age of 9 must be with a parent or caregiver. No registration.

Teens 11 Anti-Valentine’s Party, 1-3 pm. Enjoy games, crafts and more celebrating the reverse of Valentine’s day! Crossing Over Book Club, 3:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Open to teens and adults. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant.

Adults Noontime Pageturners, noon, upstairs program room. Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet by Jamie Ford. Bring lunch & a friend for a lively discussion. 16 Readable History Book Club, 7 pm, conference room. A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage. 21 Mom’s Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, Upstairs Program Room. Registration required, open NOW. The first 5 Moms to register will receive a free copy of the book! Come out and join other moms in a discussion of In The Woods by Tana French. 7

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCY Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8 am- 11 am, Allen. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.. 26 Open House, 12-5 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, join us to wander (and wonder) at the Meadow by hiking the trails, watching the flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany. Astronomy Walk, 9-11 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, Join Clyde Camp for an Astronomy walk. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot at 9 pm sharp and walk to the Meadow the back way. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

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. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to children in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972-727-0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

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Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Heart Link Women’s Networking group. Industry specific, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: http://75002.TheHeartLinkNetwork. com. Urban Explorers is a laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout the Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout. 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. 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. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Every Monday Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or henry@fortunefs.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972-583-8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214-497-4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Keller Williams office at 1002 Raintree Circle, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: mark.liberio@gmail.com. Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. For more info: 972-359-7383. Second Monday McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm, various meeting places. Please see website for outreach project of the month. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. McKinney Childcare Association, non-profit org. of state-listed, reg. and lic. home childcare providers McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www. mckinneychildcare.com.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www. aauwplanocc.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972-712-3634. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972-442-5982. Third Monday Plano Amateur Radio Klub, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.org. Allen Retired Educators, 10:45 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75. Anyone with a heart for education is welcome. For more info: Jerri Caldronia, at 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. collincountyaggiemoms.org. 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.

Fourth Monday Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148. For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214-477-5183. 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, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 7 pm. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214616-2460. 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/$7 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972-727-5585.

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

McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. A disciplined and structured approach to the compulsive eater or food addict. For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow.org. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, First 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. 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. First Tuesday Collin County Event Professionals, networking group for wedding & special event professionals. For more info: Wendy Kidd, 214-542-1317 or www. collincountyeventpros.com. Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. First and Third Tuesday Common Threads of Allen, 7pm, Starbucks, 904 McDermott Dr. to share current needlework projects, learn new techniques and make new friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214-7040994 or debik@verizon.net.

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Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Nateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood, Stacy Road, Allen. For more info: kevin_carlson@sbcglobal.net. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214-509-4820. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors are welcome. For more info: info@bptmn.org. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214-893-3643. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 10 am, Collin College, Plano.Program: Valentine Tea. Come and enjoy refreshments and sit at tables each decorated with a different theme. Guests welcome! For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www. planopacers.org.

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McKinney Area Newcomersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: 972-542-1263. Second and Fourth Tuesday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents outstanding speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Third Tuesday Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1. For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405.

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. Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Room-old library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen. For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info: 972-727-3090.

Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art. For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566.

Every Wednesday Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary.org. Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Braums, 1222 W. McDermott, Allen. For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 6:45-8:15 pm, Custer Rd United Methodist Church, Rm B11, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: info@2changeu.freetoasthost.us or www.2changeu.freetoasthost.us. First Wednesday Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972-548-4232 or go to mgcollin@ ag.tamu.edu. Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972-740-8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch and enjoy. For more info: 972-569-6909 or www.headcraig.org. First and Third Wednesday Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano. For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: 972-231-4190. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Second and Fourth Wednesday Mocha Moms of North Dallas, support group for stay-at-home moms of color, 10 am, at Douglass Com. Center, Plano. For more info: www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com. Every Thursday Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 7460 Warren Pkwy (NE corner Warren Pkwy & tollway), rm 110-114. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome. For more info: Sandy McNair, 214-548-5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org.

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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group 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. Community Bible Study (September 8, 2011 to May 10, 2012), 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Daniel and Hebrews. Reg. required. For more info: bbrakebill@tx.rr.com or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets at 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. 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. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance. For more info: www.allenchamber.com North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept.-June, 11 am, Italian Club of Dallas, 14865 Inwood Road, Addison. Learn to make a delicious Italian meal and enjoy a meal following the demonstration. Guests are welcome. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Second Thursday Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-529-5277. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036. First and Third Thursday Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv, 102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail.com. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598. Third Thursday Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Men of Business, networking and discussion of men’s issues for men of the Allen Fairview Chamber. Call for location. $20 member/$25 guest. RSVP required. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. 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.

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Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309. Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469-569-3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you in any way we can. For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education RoomMedical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036. 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. Meet new people and enjoy social activities. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). Beginning April 1. 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. Non-Allen residents $24/annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5. For more info: 214-509-4820. McKinney Chess Club meets 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. Second Friday Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities include play groups, field trips and educational opportunities, baby sitting co-op and more. Nursery res. are available for children 6 mo.5 yrs. For more info: www.aecpta.com. or information@ aecpta.com. Second & Fourth Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Enjoy snacks, fellowship and games (dominoes, Skip Bo and other table games). Event is open to the entire community, no reservations are required. For more info: 972-727-8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Fourth Friday and Second Saturday USA Dance, promotes the joys and benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing. Free lesson at 7:30, open dancing until 10:30 pm at McKinney Performing Arts Center. For more info: http://www.usadancenct.org.

Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club meets10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972-547-7491. Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: Mike, 972-530-6712 or www. bigd56ers.com. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community. For more info: 972-396-8010. Third Saturday 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 The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America, 10:30 am, North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. Garden talks and programs by local experts are open to the public. For more info: Beth DiGioia, 972-658-6852 or www. northtexashsa.org. 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, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday “The Health Report” with Dr. Michelle Miller, Ph.D, monthly public service health talk show KXEZ-FM 92.1, 9:05 am and KHYI 95.3, 10 am. Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Room 1. For more info: Cindi Brannum, 972-954-7185.

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.

For Your Health

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image x February 2012

by Peggy Helmick Richardson

Elizabeth, Shari, Hannah and Fred, training at Market Street in Allen.

cover story Guide Dogs for the Blind are looking for a few good dogs.

Following training by skilled professionals, dogs selected to serve as guide dogs are members of an elite canine corps. They demonstrate an awesome ability to assess an environment and their owner’s needs to aid them in navigating through a world designed for the sighted. These guide dogs continue daily in their duty until old age or impairment prevents them from doing so. But their unique training can’t begin until the dogs have exhibited enough self-control and maturity to learn the necessary commands. This stage usually comes between the ages of 13 to 18 months. Before then, puppies bred and selected for their optimum potential of being quality guide dogs are raised and trained by volunteers. Required to follow a strict discipline protocol for their temporary canine boarders, these families serve as commanders for a sort of boot camp, albeit one with soldiers sporting cold noses and wagging tails.

One such volunteer family that is well-experienced in raising guide dog puppies is Shari and Brian Nederhoff and their daughters Elizabeth, 15, and Hannah, 12, of Lucas. One morning Shari, Elizabeth and Hannah arrived at Market Street to demonstrate the skills of their latest Guide Dog for the Blind puppy, Fred. As Hannah strolled down the aisles with the 11-monthold golden retriever sporting a bright green vest declaring him a guide dog in training, adults smiled knowingly and children gaped, laughed and pointed in amazement at seeing a dog in a grocery store. Despite the distraction, Fred maintained his “professional” demeanor. When Hannah dropped a few kibbles on the floor and Fred took a quick sniff, a slight tug on his leash told him the behavior was unacceptable. A minute later, Fred was again directed past the kibbles and this time he ignored them. When the practice was over, Hannah lavished the puppy with praise and ear scratches. “We started doing this in 2004 because we thought it would be a fun family thing to do,” Shari recalls. “But when we met the blind community and got to see how these dogs change their lives, we were hooked after the first dog.” Hannah has taken on the primary responsibility for the family’s seventh guide dog puppy, Fred, who they are raising for the non-profit Guide Dogs for the Blind, based in San Rafael, California. Shari explains that until Fred returns to Guide Dogs for the Blind for formal guide dog training, they are expected to instruct him in basic obedience, house manners and exposure to a variety of public settings. Allen Image x February 2012

Established in May of 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind is now the largest facility of its kind in North America and boasts over 10,000 pairings of guide dog teams in the United States and Canada. Along with offering free dogs, this California-based group provides free transportation, room and board, training, equipment, and support services for qualified applicants wanting a guide dog. All dogs in this organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program are bred and born in their kennels, with lineages selected specifically to assure the highest possible success rate. The only breeds used by Guide Dogs for the Blind are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Golden/Labrador crosses. Because proper obedience training is so vital to the success of these dogs, an entire household must commit to raising a puppy properly before being approved. One requirement for raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind

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is to belong to a local associated puppy-raising club and attend regularly scheduled meetings. Until recently, the only approved clubs were located in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado Then in July of 2010, the Lone Star Puppy Raisers club, the only Guide Dogs for the Blind-approved club in the state of Texas, was established in the Metroplex. Shari notes that the local organization was started by Dave and Beth Adams, who had worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind when they had lived in California. The Adamses moved to Southlake six years ago but are preparing to relocate to their new Fairview home this spring. Prior to the start of Lone Star Puppy Raisers, the Nederhoffs had raised guide dog puppies for organiÂ zations in New York and Florida. Shari credits the Adamses for introducing

them to Guide Dogs for the Blind. When Beth and Dave suggested to the Nederhoffs, and a few other area families experienced in raising guide dog puppies, the possibility of starting a local Guide Dogs for the Blind organization, interest was piqued. Shari clarifies. “One thing I like is that this is the only guide dog school that pays vet bills for the life of the dog. That is huge when you are on a fixed income. And it was neat to grow a group from the ground up.” Beth explains that when she and her husband lived in California they had served as volunteer puppy raisers for the organization and are now raising their eighth. “We also had other friends here who had been puppy raisers, so they let us be a pilot program. Texas ranks fourth in guide dog users, so it made sense for us to be here and be a part of the circle.” The local group meets 3-5 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church. In

addition, the members participate in a monthly outing at various times and for a variety of events. “We are a pretty spread out group, so we move our outings,” Beth points out. “Plus it is good to expose our puppies to many different things.” Shari adds that members also have

“puppy exchanges” for a few days every few months. In these situations, the puppy is expected to adapt to a new house and use a new bed, new toys and new food dish. She explains that this activity helps the puppy learn to adapt to other environments and situations, a vital skill for guide dogs.

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Currently, Lone Star Puppy Raisers has eight families with Guide Dog for the Blind puppies. “We started with six puppies,” Beth explains, “and now we are on our second phase of puppies.” And where are those first six puppies now? “Nura is currently a working dog,” Beth states. “Melville is now being trained for Dogs for Diabetics. And Natura, the dog we trained, was recently presented to a 9year-old boy in Lewisville as a buddy dog. Neutron was career changed and is now a family dog, and Miranda and Maureen have been adopted by people in California.” A buddy dog, like Beth’s Natura, is one given to children not old enough for a guide dog but ready to learn the responsibilities of owning a dog. Of the seven guide dog puppies

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raised by the Nederhoffs, two are now serving as guide dogs for blind partners, one in Boston and the other in Corpus Christi. Another now works as a military bomb-sniffing dog. Two of the puppies reared by the Nederhoffs came back to live with them. “We do some therapy work with them in a nursing home because they are so calm and are used to going out and meeting people,” Shari notes. Their first Guide Dog for the Blind puppy, Neutron, had problems with startle barking at night so he was adopted by a family in McKinney. Shari points out that puppy raisers are allowed to attend the Guide Dogs for the Blind graduation after their puppies are returned to the organi zation and trained for service work. “We get to go back and see the dog and

meet the blind person, and then we get to keep in touch with them.” The Nederhoffs have also hosted one of their past dogs and his partner in North Texas on a vacation. And another time, they dog-sat one of their past puppies for several weeks while his human partner received medical treatment. “The basic obedience entails only 13 commands; we don’t do any guide dog training at all,” Shari emphasizes. “We are not trained professionals, we are volunteers.” Shari compares raising a guide dog puppy to having a toddler in your house. “They always have to be with you and are not allowed outside unsupervised.” She explains, “They don’t want them to start digging or get into other bad habits or eat things they shouldn’t eat. Guide Dogs for the Blind are very cautious about what these guys are allowed to do.” Despite the greater need for vigilance, Shari shrugs and adds, “But now it comes as second nature to us. People might think it would be a burden, but these dogs are fabulously bred for their temperament and intellect.” As part of his socialization training, Fred accompanies the Nederhoffs almost everywhere they go, including restaurants, grocery stores, airplanes and entertainment venues. “Fred went to Cowboy Stadium on Thanksgiving and was fabulous,” Shari boasts, noting that this step first requires that a supervisor determine that the puppy is mature enough to handle a raucous environment. So that the puppies can learn to ignore noisy distractions, the Nederhoffs often take them to malls, making sure to spend time near the play areas where children are active and often screaming. There are a few places Guide Dogs for the Blind ask that the dogs not be taken, including zoos, amusement parks and dog parks. Of the latter, Shari explains, “This school is really cautious about playing with other

The Nederhoff family with Neutron. dogs. They feel that if they are allowed to play with other dogs, that when they are out working they will get really anxious when they see other dogs and start wondering if they will get to play. Even in our home with the other dogs we have, Fred cannot run around and play with them.” Although Shari, Elizabeth and Hannah all admit that not allowing the puppies to play with other dogs was difficult at first, recognizing this as a logical safety measure makes taking this stance easier. And when the puppies are not in working mode, friends and strangers are usually allowed to pet them. “The puppies have to sit and they can’t lick,” Shari states. “It’s good for us because we can educate the people [about guide dogs] and it’s good for the dogs.” How can you tell when a dog is in working mode? A fully-trained guide dog will be wearing a leather chest harness with a short lead for the handler to hold. A Guide Dog for the Blind puppy-in-training will be wearing a green canvas vest marked Guide Dog Puppy. The green vest goes on and fits much like a working-dog harness to help prepare the puppies for their future life. Hannah points out, “When Fred doesn’t have his vest on at home, he is a little more hyper. But as soon as we put it on, he calms down and stays right by your side.”

In addition to the traditional obedience expected of well-trained dogs of all kinds, guide puppies have specific behaviors they must learn. “We have to train them to do their business on a leash, when we tell them to,” Hannah states. “And they have to learn to go on concrete and then grass.” “We train them to go on concrete

first because all dogs will relieve themselves on grass,” Shari adds, “If you let them go on grass first, it is very hard to train them to go on concrete, and the visually impaired usually live in the city where there is little grass. We learn his schedule and know when it has to happen. So instead of setting him up for failure we take him at that time. When he is

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Hannah and Elizabeth with five of the dogs they have trained. Dogs back row L to R: Samie, Maggie and Neutron; front: Fred and Lena. old enough, he can probably hold it for a good half a day.” Another obedience issue guide dog puppies must master is learning when they can and cannot take food. Other than feeding times when food is placed in their dish, these puppies are taught to ignore any food on the floor or offered by hand unless it is accompanied by the proper verbal command. “I can take a piece of cheese and try to give it to him, and he will completely ignore me,” Shari asserts. Teaching this behavior is vital because the safety of the dog’s blind partner may sometimes depend on the canine companion’s absolute focus. Shari admits that the challenge of training a guide puppy varies with each one. “Fred has been so willing to please and is very obedient,” she states, “but some of our dogs have been more difficult. You have to be consistent and firm all the time. You can’t let it slip once.” She explains, “We have to keep in mind why we are doing this. We do these training techniques so if they encounter that situation with a blind person, they will walk on by.” Hannah and Elizabeth are anxious to take Fred into the classroom with

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them this semester. Until this year, both girls had been home-schooled. Now students at Lucas Christian School, there will be times when Fred will accompany them on school days. “I’ve taken him to functions at the school and made presentations there, so they know about Fred and all the rules and etiquette,” Shari states. As Elizabeth begins to look forward to graduating and going off to college, she is contemplating raising a guide dog puppy there as well. “I’ve even thought about going to the [Guide Dogs for the Blind] school in California and working there,” she declares. The family visited the school last July and met some of the trainers. “And when Fred is ready to go back for his training, we will probably take him back ourselves,” Shari states. “Some families don’t like having their last memory of their dog going back into a kennel situation, but we actually take the dog in there and sit with them for a little bit. For us, it is a happy closure.” “They’re happy there,” Hannah adds. “They run and get toys!” “That’s because they are so adaptable,” Shari rolls her eyes. “We’re crying and they’re out there playing with toys.”

When asked if giving up the puppies they have raised for a year to a year-and-a-half is difficult, Shari, Elizabeth and Hannah grin at each other, then Elizabeth admits, “It’s really hard! You cry a lot because it’s sad.” “But when you get to see what they are gonna do, it makes you happy!” Hannah continues, and Elizabeth and Shari nod in affirmation. Along with his wife and 2-year-old daughter, Justin Mann and his guide dog, Carmine, recently moved from Arizona to McKinney. This Labrador is Justin’s third guide dog, but the first from Guide Dogs for Blind. “Guide Dogs for the Blind have worked hard to tailor this for the average blind person, and I’m quite impressed with their follow-up and outreach,” Justin states. “I didn’t know how new they were to Texas because they were very popular in Arizona; you see a lot of their dogs in the west.” Enrolled in classes at Collin College, Justin is now having to maneuver the complicated logistics of relying on minimal public trans portation because of recent county budget cuts. Having a guide dog, he notes,

“makes things easier because you can concentrate on how to get where you are going versus the mechanics of where you are going. If you are a blind person using a cane, you have to worry about obstacles, but having a dog takes 95 percent of the obstacles out of the equation. That is a big thing!” Justin laments that the primary downfall of having Carmine is the public’s lack of knowledge about guide dog etiquette. He then laughs, “Everybody wants to pet a lab.” Another issue every guide dog user must eventually face is their dog aging to the point where it can no longer work. “Your dog will tell you when it is ready to retire,” Justin explains. “Some will work for 10 years and some will work ‘til they drop.” He continues, “Your relationship with your dog is such that you will know when it prefers to be at home, and when that time comes, you have to phase in retirement.” When this time comes, several options are available, including keeping the dog as a family pet or the original puppy raiser taking it back in. To qualify as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind in North Texas, applicants are required to attend Lone Star Puppy Raisers meetings and become familiar with the organi zation’s manual of puppy training. In addition, a qualified representative will conduct a home assessment to make sure the environment is suitable for the puppy. The primary puppy raiser should be at least nine years old, but the entire family must be committed to the process to ensure success. Although veterinary bills are covered by the organization, food and incidental items such as toys must be covered by the raiser. Beth states that prior to being assigned a first puppy, a new Guide Dog for the Blind volunteer family is asked to test out their new puppy skills as short-term pet sitters. Once puppies are placed in a home, trainers will come every few months to assess their progress and

determine when the puppies are ready for their guide dog training and pairing with a blind partner or placement into another program. Shari also points out that people interested in working with guide puppies, but not ready to make at least a year-long commitment, can puppy sit for other raisers who must be away from home for a length of time. She emphasizes that these sitters must also be approved by the organization and have a good working knowledge of the

training protocol. Other interested volunteers can help with fundraising or help at public events. For more information on Guide Dogs for the Blind, go to their website www.guidedogs.com. If you would like to learn more about raising your own guide dog puppy or are interested in volunteering for the local club, go to www. lonestarpuppyraisers.com. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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