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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

April 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 11

FEATURES

HERO IN BLUE

Allen Police Officer and Allen High School SRO officer Christa Weisinger was 2015 Officer of the Year, the 2016 Unsung Hero award winner and a cancer survivor. She is more than just a police officer—she’s a role model, a mentor and an inspiration to many

A PASSION SOARS FOR BIRDS OF PREY

The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center currently has indoor mews for its education raptors, a treatment facility and flight cages for smaller species and are now moving forward with fundraisers to build additional flight caging for larger species.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

PET PAGE Belle and Piper

20 CALENDAR 44 KIDS KORNER

Birthday Parties 2017

SPORTS KORNER

30 18

46 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM

Kiwanis Golf Tournament

EDUCATION

Street Smarts

Free the Girls

TAAF Athlete of the Year

LIBRARY

Empty Bowls—Fighting Community Hunger

The Life and Times of Julia Child

Stories in Song

Latin Jazz at Its Best

Collin County Tournament of Champions

Freedman’s Bureau and Post Civil War Texas

Great American Cleanup

Bobcats in Your Yard

An Evening of Hope Gala

Peter and Will Anderson in Concert

OUTDOOR SPACES 34

Landscaping with Color

Seasonal Style in the Garden

28 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maggie Tindall

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming

41 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb

Christa Weisinger

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Heather Darrow

Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year.

Deborah Dove

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Tom Keener

Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

ON THE COVER

A Master Plan for the Future

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

CIVIC FORUM

Street Smarts by Chelsey APRILL

Traffic may be an insufferable part of grown-up life, but kids sure seem to enjoy toying with it. Playrooms overflow with Hot Wheels tracks and miniature Maserati. Older children log hours of screen time building roads between simulated cities.

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Unfortunately, managing traffic in the real world isn’t as easy as plugging in a cheat code or grabbing an extra track from the toy bin. That’s where City of Allen engineers step in, bringing construction expertise and a dizzying set of math skills to a patch of pavement near you. The city maintains nearly 500 miles of streets and alleys—enough to stretch from here to Kansas City if laid end-to-end. City staff monitor streets for congestion and signs of wear to help prioritize projects. “We spend roughly $1 million each year to replace aging concrete,” says Chris Flanigan, Allen’s director of engineering. Streets and drainage crews identify problems using iPad software, rating streets from “excellent” to “failed.” “Road maintenance is a lot like car repairs,” says Ronnie Bates, streets and drainage foreman, as he cruises through the Central Business District. “At some point it makes more economic sense to replace it and start over, rather than continuing to pay for expensive fixes.”

The pickup lurches as Bates turns on Anna Drive, which runs beside the downtown post office. The pavement is pocked and crumbling now, but this summer it will be torn up and resurfaced through a $300,000 street reclamation project. “People will come out of their houses when we start marking the road,” says Bates. “It’s proof that the process is getting started. They love seeing that white paint.” Allen’s engineering department also helps determine the need for new roads. In northwest Allen, drivers are getting an extra link to US 75 via Ridgeview Drive. (The road currently dead-ends near the Cinemark parking lot, just east of Watters Road.) The multi-million project will help funnel traffic along the developing SH 121 corridor and assist circulation around the new Preston Elementary School. Collin County is a partner in funding the project. “Collin County has split the bill with us on many major road projects,” says Flanigan. “Their contributions minimize the impact on Allen

taxpayers while allowing us to steer the design and construction schedule.” How does the city know when new roads or extra lanes are needed? It’s a numbers game, according to traffic foreman Scotty Stewart. If you’ve ever driven over a thin rubber hose stretched across a street, you’ve been part of his department’s datagathering. The devices function similarly to a Fitbit, registering the rumble of each crossing axle. A computer program uses algorithms to determine vehicle sizes, speeds and the distance between cars. “It tells us if more heavy trucks are using the route or if drivers are habitually exceeding the speed limit,” explains Stewart. City staff perform small traffic studies in-house. A contractor updates citywide counts every two years. Not every road within the city limits falls under City Hall’s supervision. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) controls State Highway 121. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) oversees US 75 and a handful of local thoroughfares, including portions of Stacy Road (east of Greenville Avenue), Angel Parkway (south of Main Street) and Greenville Avenue (north of Exchange Parkway). The city has no final say on the

design or maintenance of these roads. However, Allen engineering staff get a “seat at the table” to provide local points of view. According to Flanigan, TxDOT frequently responds to feedback by rescheduling lane closures or considering project aesthetics for the benefit of the community. “Our parks and recreation department helped design the retaining walls along US 75,” says Flanigan, referring to a stretch of highway between Stacy Road and Allen Drive. Original plans called for plain concrete walls with simple grooves. “Instead we received

decorative walls reflecting the rolling topography of the Blackland Prairie, cast with the city logo to enhance community identity.” A $23.89 million capital improvement program (approved by voters in 2016) will further improve Allen’s roadway network. Projects include expanding major thoroughfares and reconfiguring traffic signals. The result? Fewer minutes spent trapped in your car, leaving more time for relaxation and play—Hot Wheels optional. v Chelsey Aprill is a City of Allen Marketing Specialist

Allen Image | April 2017

TAAF Athlete of the Year by Matt COBB

Once a year, the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), a statewide organization that promotes, organizes and conducts amateur athletics, recognizes a top male and female athlete in Texas. This year, the top male athlete is a standout student from Allen ISD. Cameron Corhen, a seventh grader at Ford Middle School, was named the 2017 TAAF Male Athlete of the Year and was recognized for his accomplishments during a February ceremony in Waco, in front of family, friends and TAAF officials. Since 2012, Cameron has participated in TAAF track and field, excelling in multiple competitions, especially shot put. In 2013, at the age of 9, Cameron attempted shot put for the first time, managing to place second in the TAAF Region 7 Track and Field meet and fourth in the statewide TAAF Summer Games of Texas in the 10 and Under division. The following year, Cameron brought home the gold medal in both the regional and state shot put competitions. While his original goal was to win a state title, which he accomplished, Cameron’s competitive nature and dedication drove him to continue to improve his skills. The next two years, he won two more gold medals in the state competition in the 12 and Under age group, making him a three-consecutive state gold medal winner for the shot put. “I am part of a great track program in Allen and have really awesome coaches who are really patient with me,” Cameron said. “They’ve helped me learn how to leverage my long legs and height in the shot put ring.” Cameron has also competed in the shot put at the national level, having brought home the bronze in the AAU Nationals 11 and Under Boys’ Shot Put in 2015 and placing 10th in the AAU Nationals 12 and Under Boys’ Shot Put in 2016.

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Cameron’s drive for excellence is also reflected through his academics and volunteerism. Between 2013 and 2016, Cameron has been on the honor roll. He also attends ONE Community Church and volunteers his time with the Volunteer North Dallas (Feed The Homeless) organization. And when it comes to excellence, Cameron is continually raising the bar he sets for himself. His shortterm sports goals are to set a new school shot put record and defend his TAAF state shot put title. His long-term sports goals are to earn a Division I track and field scholarship and compete in the Olympics. “I like to improve and set goals for myself,” Cameron said. “Competing in shot put has been such a learning experience and a fun journey that I look forward to continuing.” v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Empty Bowls—Fighting Community Hunger Hunger is not just limited to the world’s poorer countries, 48.1 million Americans go to bed hungry each night. A third of those are children under 18, and 46,000 of those children live in Collin County. While there are many charities internationally that raise much needed funds for the poor of the world, Empty Bowls McKinney aims to help those in need right here in our local communities. The premise is simple: professional artists, student artists and amateurs create handcrafted bowls, and guests come to share a simple meal of soup and bread. In return for a donation, guests take home an empty handcrafted bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the local community. Jamie St. Clair, the Outreach Coordinator for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where Empty Bowls started in 2012, is delighted that the money raised goes straight back into the local community. While local food drives and an “adopt a shelf” program fill the food pantry with staple foods and help those in short term crisis, the money raised by covenant members and charitable events like Empty Bowls can go towards programs that can have long lasting positive effects on the people who come to the center seeking help. In 2016, Farmers Market vendors who

usually set up at McKinney’s Chestnut Square on weekends, came to the center each Tuesday. At the center, it was open to the community and Community Lifeline Center clients who received vouchers for their choice of fresh produce, eggs and natural jams and honey. The market will return to the center in 2017. Sarah Switzer, Outreach Coordinator for the Community Lifeline Center says, “The aim is to give our clients a sense of self sufficiency.” With this aim in mind, the center also offers support through their educational “LifeSteps Training” classes, which include budget planning, nutrition and job seeker skills. Classes are free and open to the community.

The Empty Bowls event will take place on April 27, at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. In March, Orisons Art Gallery hosted an evening where the community met with the artists and previewed the artisan bowls. Lisa LaBarge of The Art Studio of McKinney and Empty Bowls artist coordinator says, “We hope you’ll join us in this fight against hunger by partnering with our artists and sponsors, as a guest for this extraordinary event. Together we can make sure fewer bowls go empty in our community.” For more information and tickets: http://www.emptybowlsmckinney. com/register. Community Lifeline Center http://communitylifeline. org/. v

Mark Bishop, photographer. Allen Image | April 2017

Stories In Song with Special Guest Artist Xuesha Hu

The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Principal Guest Conductor Ryan Ross, welcomes you to our spring concert event, Stories in Song, Friday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Avenue, Allen. Musical selections for this concert feature Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, Set 1, showcasing the Allen Symphony Chorus; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, his orchestral work featuring dazzling orchestration based on the work The Arabian Nights; and featured guest artist, pianist Xuesha Hu, 2016 Grand prize winner of the Young Texas Artist Competition.

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With a spontaneous vibrant personality and communicative artistry, 22-year-old pianist Xuesha Hu won first prize in the 8th Bosendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition in January 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona; first prize in piano in the 32nd Young Texas Artists Competition in March 2016 in Conroe, Texas; first prize in the 2013 53rd Jefferson International Concerto Competition, Colorado, as well as the 2013 Lennox Piano Competition in Dallas. We are delighted to welcome her to the stage performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Xuesha Hu was born in Ganzhou City, China, to a musical family. Starting piano lessons at the age of four, her talent soon blossomed. At age 12, she embarked on serious piano study with Xiaoxue Hu at the pre-college music school affiliated with the China Conservatory. She achieved further success including the first prize of the 2007 MSCC “Dance with Black and White” Piano Competition; second prize of the 2009 Beijing International Piano Festival Concerto Competition; and many more. In 2010, Xuesha Hu was invited to perform at the Beijing Music Hall with prominent pianist Liu Shikun—a silver medalist of the First Tchaikovsky Competition. She also performed at the Forbidden City Concert Hall and the National Center for Performing Arts in Beijing. During 2011, she was invited to perform at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, and at the “Mozarteum” in Salzburg. In 2012, Xuesha was selected to appear with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No.1 under the baton of Leon Fleisher. Xuesha Hu received her Bachelor of Music degree at the School of Music at Texas Christian University on a full scholarship, under the guidance of Dr. Tamás Ungár and is presently pursuing her Master of Music degree at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, under the guidance of Professor Alan Chow. Visit our website www.allenphilharmonic.org to watch a video clip of Ms. Hu’s virtuosity. Tickets for this concert performance are available—$25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. They can be purchased online at www.allenphilharmonic.org or by calling our office at 972.359.0656. We look forward to this exciting musical story adventure! v

Collin County Tournament of Champions by Matt COBB

olfers of all skill levels will pair up and play as twoperson teams for a chance to be crowned champions at a new countywide tournament. Registration is currently open to the public for the Dawson & Associates Collin County Tournament of Champions on June 3-4 at The Courses at Watters Creek. “The Courses at Watters Creek is excited to host the Collin County Tournament of Champions, being played on The Traditions Course,” said Jeff Holt, Golf Services Manager at The Courses at Watters Creek. “We look forward to this event growing into Collin County’s premiere golf tournament.” Open to all ages, teams of two must include at least one player who currently resides in Collin County. Tournament scoring will follow a Stableford format, which is different from traditional golf because the team with the highest point total in each flight wins. Under the Stableford format, points are based on the number of strokes for each hole, rewarding risk taking because of the point differences,

such as a birdie being worth four points while a bogey is one point. Also, the tournament will be flighted based on team handicap, so teams will be playing against other teams of equal ability. The winning team from each flight will be awarded with gift cards from The Courses at Watters Creek. “Using a flighted structure, the Collin County Tournament of Champions is a fun opportunity for golfers of all skill levels to play in a team tournament, and compete against others with similar abilities,” said Matt Sipko, Head Golf Professional at The Courses at Watters Creek. “The Stableford format will create an exciting, bold tournament where players will take chances in order to score the most points.” To prepare for the tournament, registered players will have the ability to play the course for $35 anytime Monday through Thursday or after 12 p.m. Friday through Sunday from the day of signing up until the day of the tournament. The tournament will benefit the Assistance League of Greater Collin

County, which provides philanthropic services to meet the challenges posed by a diverse array of individual and community needs. “We’re thankful for Dawson & Associates for their partnership in this inaugural event,” Holt said. Golfers can register for the Collin County Tournament of Champions over the phone by calling 214.509.4653 or in person at the Golf Shop at The Courses at Watters Creek, which is located at 7201 Chase Oaks Blvd., Plano. For more information about The Courses at Watters Creek and to book a tee time online, please visit WattersCreekGolf.com. Details about the Assistance League of Greater Collin County can be found at ALGCC.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen. Allen Image | April 2017

Snippets

Great A merica n Clea nup Allen’s biggest cleanup event returns on April 15, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Great American Cleanup gives residents a chance to dump or donate almost anything, from exercise equipment to clothing to tree limbs. This year, all materials will be accepted at the City of Allen Municipal Complex, 305 Century Parkway and Two Butler Circle. To avoid traffic, enter the event from the south by turning on Century Parkway from Bethany Drive.

An Evening of Hope Gala Hope’s Door New Beginning Center hosted An Evening of Hope Gala on February 25, featuring Broadway and television star, Alan Cumming. Guests enjoyed Mr. Cumming’s brilliant performance, a wide variety of silent auction items, an elegant dinner and a fast and furious live auction.

Those ridding themselves of cardboard, trash, bulky waste, yard waste, metal or electronics should then turn right on Butler Drive. Donations of clothing, household goods, durable medical equipment, pet supplies, bicycles and more will be accepted in the City Hall parking lot; document shredding and medication disposal will also be available. Volunteers will help unload vehicles.

“We exist to provide hope to our clients who have endured intimate partner and family violence,” Jim Malatich, CEO, shared with the audience. “It is an honor to celebrate with our board of directors and sponsors the continued strides we are making together against violence, control and abuse.”

You must bring a current Allen water bill and a driver’s license with a matching Allen address. No commercial quantities will be accepted. For a full listed of accepted items, visit CityofAllen.org/GreatAmericanCleanup. v

Based in Plano, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center has a total of seven locations. Both Plano and Garland have emergency shelters, counseling offices and resale stores. A separate Batterers Intervention and Prevention Program is also located in Garland. For more information, visit https://www.hdnbc.org. v

Peter and Will Anderson in Concert Christ the Servant Concert Series presents the Peter and Will Anderson Jazz Trio in concert on Sunday, April 30 at 7 p.m. “Virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone,” (New York Times) identical twins Peter and Will Anderson have headlined the Blue Note, Kennedy Center and New Orleans Jazz Festival, playing “with a passion, unpredictability, and sense of discovery.” The Andersons are Juilliard grads, have played on Grammy winning recordings, and toured the U.K., South America and Japan. They’re known for their exciting renditions of American Songbook, Gershwin, Cole Porter and fresh sounding original works. The concert will take place at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. $10 per person; $5 for students. For more information, visit christtheservant.com. v

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Snippets

Kiwanis Golf Tournament The Kiwanis Club of Allen invites you to enjoy a day of golf, dinner and the chance at a $500 prize at their annual Ron Gentry Memorial Golf Tournament and Golf Ball Drop. Proceeds go to the many charities supported by the Allen Kiwanis Foundation. Please visit our website, allenkiwanis. org, for information on the local and international projects we serve. The tournament will be held at the Courses at Watters Creek on April 6, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The golf ball drop will be at noon. The entry fee of $135 includes 18 holes of golf, dinner and knowing that you are supporting something worthwhile in the community. There will be a raffle for select items from local stores and restaurants, silent auction and the ever-popular poker challenge. Get your Golf Ball Drop tickets from any Kiwanis member for a chance at a $500 prize. They are $10 each, 3 for $25 or 7 for $50. You can also leave an inquiry with your requested number on the website and a Kiwanis member will deliver them to your place of business (locally) or by mail with receipt of a check. Players may contact Randy McDaniel at randy_mcdaniel@bcbstx.com; and sponsors may contact Anita Rushing at lanitarushing40@yahoo.com, or David Olson at olsondavide@att.net. For more information or ball drop tickets, contact Bill Severin at bsev@aol.com. v

Free the Girls Free the Girls is helping women around the globe, who have been freed from the human trafficking industry, rebuild their lives with one very simple item, bras. They take donations of new and gently used bras and help women build businesses selling these items to their communities. Second-hand clothes are very sought after in underdeveloped countries because of their quality. Most women in America have bras in good condition, but never used, and these bras give a unique opportunity for these survivors to earn a safe income working with only female customers. The Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group that meets at First Baptist Church Allen collected 372 bras last year and helped jumpstart a new program in El Salvador. We are inviting our community to bring new or gently used bras to FBC Allen through the month of April. They accept all types of bras from nursing to sports bras. Our church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.4 p.m. Consider giving a dollar with each bra to cover the cost shipping overseas. Please join us in supporting a cause that will help these women find true freedom, not just from their traffickers, but freedom to dream of a brighter future for themselves and their children. For more information check out website: www.freethegirls.org. v

Allen Image | April 2017

PET PAGE

BELLE Meet Belle, a beautiful pit bull/hound mix with character! She is 2-1/2-years old and weighs 62 pounds. She is a friendly, wiggly, bouncy girl who loves treats and scratches. She loves making new friends and is sweet and friendly with all people she meets. She also enjoys going for walks, so grab a leash and she’s ready to go. She knows how to sit and stay on command, and she’s crate trained and does fine when left alone! She can be picky about other dogs, so if you have any other pups at home, please bring them to meet her. In her previous home, she did well children aged 2-10 years. Belle has been spayed, microchipped and received all age-appropriate vaccinations. Come by and see her! #137478

These two cuties are

Belle

Piper 18

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looking for their forever home— is it with you? PIPER If you’re looking for a quiet, calm and laid-back best friend, then please come meet Piper! She’s a friendly, 6-year-old, 12-pound, female domestic shorthair mix. She is a tad shy at first, but she will rub and purr once you’ve had a chance to meet. She loves being around other cats and is a pro at making new friends. She loves belly rubs and head scratches. She’s very gentle and cooperative and she’s very responsive to sweet talk. Piper has been spayed, tested negative for FIV/FeLV, microchipped and has received all age-appropriate vaccinations. She’s love to show you her calm nature. Stop by today and bring those head scratches her way! #149930 Belle and Piper are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214.742. SPCA (7722) or visit today. v

CALENDAR

APRIL EVENTS 8

DOLLS NextGen5K & Night of Worship, 5-9 pm, Oak Point Ampitheatre, 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. A 5K & Fun Run supporting Daughters of Our Living Lord & Savior; a student-led Christian ministry existing in public schools throughout Allen/Plano/Frisco. Following the race there will be a Night of Worship free for the community. Come to run, worship and meet other area nonprofits. For more info or to register visit www.DOLLSNextGen5K.org. Watters Creek “Easter Paw-rade,” 1-5 pm on The Green. League of Animal Protectors (LAP) rescued pets for adoption and adoptable pets from Tzu Zoo Rescue, The Street Dog Project, Angie’s Friends, South Central Bloodhound Rescue, Every Life Matters Animal Rescue, Cavalier Rescue of Alabama, Crossed Paws Animal Haven and Legacy Humane Society. Face painters, animal related vendors, Easter-themed photos and a costume contest for pets. $10 entry donation for photos and contest, which starts at 3 p.m. Prizes for the top three contestants. DJ Ryan Cave the Caveman playing music during the event! For more info: In the event of inclement weather, outdoor events will be cancelled or rescheduled. For the most up-to-date information on events, visit the Watters Creek website athttp://www. watterscreek.com.

CITY OF ALLEN ALLEN EVENT CENTER Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com. 1 Allen Americans v. Tulsa Oilers 5 Allen Americans v. Wichita Thunder 8 Texas Revolution v. Dodge City Law 13 Texas Revolution v. Amarillo Venom 15 The 1975 30 Texas Revolution v. Amarillo Venom

crafts and enjoy story time with our furry friend, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., for age: 3-6. Cost is $10. 14 SNAP Dance (1950s Sock Hop) at Allen Senior Rec Center, 7 pm to 10 pm, for ages 18+. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is 1950s Sock Hop! Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Cost is $10. 15 Under the Sea Easter Adventure at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Collect as many eggs as possible in time allowed. Be aware of age group selected when registering. Arrive 15 min. early to sign in. Swim attire required. Kids 6 and under must be accompanied by parent in the water. Mesh bags provided s. Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny before or after the hunt. Treats given to all participants. Pre-registration is required by April 13. Age: 1-12 and cost is $10. 22 Community Garage Sale, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 7 a.m. to noon. Sell items you were thinking of throwing away or discover a variety of treasures at bargain prices! Become a vendor by registering today; spaces are 17’x10’ and vendors must provide their tables and chairs. Browsing free to public. Ages 17+. Cost is $20/1 space; /$35/2 spaces/$50/3 spaces.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES Weekly story times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906. The Spring 2017 story time session ends Thursday, April 27. The Summer 2017 story time session begins Monday, June 12. Baby and Me—Pre-walkers w/caregiver, Thur., 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos—Ages 1 & 2 w/caregiver, Mon., Tue. & Thur., 10:15 am. Together Time—Ages 3-5 w/caregiver. Mon., Tue. & Thur., 11:15 am. All By Myself—Ages 4-5 without caregiver. Wed., 11:15 am. Pajama Story Time—Ages 3-5 & family. Tue. & Thur., 6:30 pm.

FAMILES/CHILDREN/TWEENS For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. 1

Bilingual Mandarin Chinese/English Story Time, 10:30 -11 am, ages 3-7 and families in Children’s Program Room. Experience stories, songs and rhymes in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! 4-5 pm, ages 5-8 with an adult in Children’s Program Room. Explore the world of insects and arachnids with hands-on activities.

Recycled Science Crafts, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 7 & up in Children’s Program Room. Create fun science projects with recycled materials!

Family Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, ages 3-7 and families in Children’s Program Room. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and crafts. Each month features one of our favorite storybook characters or authors! Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

*Tickets are general admission at the door.

PARKS AND REC EVENTS 1

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For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of the Historic Water Station Trail Loop at the Historic Dam and Water Station, 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served. Please R.S.V.P. to Jennifer Robinson at jrobinson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4703. Event parking at Allen Station Park with a short walk under Exchange Pkwy. to event location. Eggcellent Family Adventure, Allen Civic Plaza. Kids can visit tables hosted by civic organizations and businesses to receive eggs, candy, other goodies, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. There is more to enjoy with games, crafts, face painters and a bounce house. For more information, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Time: 9 am. to noon. All ages. Free. Easter Open Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Allen Community Outreach and receive free skate rental. There will be activities and an opportunity to have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, 1 pm to 3 pm, all ages. $5 entry/$3 skate rental. Lunch with the Easter Bunny at Joe Farmer RecCenter. Join the Easter Bunny for lunch and pictures! Have fun socializing with your friends while you create fun spring

10 Art in Action! 4-5 pm, ages 7-12 in Children’s Program Room. Create your own art using fun techniques! 11 Homeschool Nonfiction Club, 1:30-3 pm, recommended for ages 8-10, all ages welcome, in Children’s Program Room. Join us as we share a nonfiction story together and create a project based on what we’ve learned. After our project, homeschool families can enjoy some social time. This month’s book: “The Noisy Paint Box” by Barb Rosenstock. 12 D.E.A.R. Beverly Cleary, 4-5 pm, ages 7 & up in Children’s Program Room. We are hosting a “Drop Everything and Read” event in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday. We’ll read a selection from a book in the Ramona series, make crafts and play games.

15 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 5 & up in Children’s Program Room. Build STEM skills and create with LEGO! This month’s theme: outer space! Children under age 9 must be accompanied by adult. 18 How-To Draw, 4-4:30 pm, ages 5-8 in Children’s Program Room. Learn a new technique and create a new character every month! This month’s theme is: bees. 19 American Girl Club, 4-5 pm, ages 7-12 in Children’s Program Room. Flash back to the groovy 1970s with this program celebrating Julie! 28 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 0-3 with adult in Children’s Program Room. Join us for a morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 29 Family Game Day, 10:30-11:30 am, all ages in Children’s Program Room. Have fun playing games with friends and family while gaining problem-solving skills and increasing your creativity. Games for all ages from pre-readers to adults. All games provided. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

TEENS 13 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, teens, ages 12-18 in 2nd Floor Program Room. Join us as we watch anime, eat Japanese snacks and have fun! 14 Fandom Silhouette Painting, 3-4 pm, teens, 12-18 in Children’s Program Room. You’ve got the day off...come paint with us! Create awesome art dedicated to your favorite fandom. No art skills? No problem. This project is for artists of every level!

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room unless otherwise indicated. All events are free, and there is no registration unless noted. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913. 1

Saturday Cinema, 2 pm. Join us for a showing of “Chocolat” (PG-13). A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. Enjoy refreshments and sample chocolate while you watch!

Culinary Cinema—The Hundred-Foot Journey, 7 pm, auditorium, the story of an Indian family who relocate to France and attempt to open an Indian restaurant 100 feet away from an acclaimed French eatery.

Noontime Pageturners, “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks, 12 pm. Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! A relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. Free; no reg.

12 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. A social group for knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, leave the kids at home and continue working on your latest project in the company of other fiber crafters. Ages 18+; no childcare provided 18 Let’s Talk Dewey: Julia Child and French Cooking, 7 pm. Nonfiction readers! Join us for our choose-your-ownnonfiction book club. We pick the topic, you pick the book. For April, the topic is Julia Child and French cooking (look in 641.5944 & BIO CHI). Ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend the discussion even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book. 19 DIY@APL—Cookies in a Jar, 10 am. Jar cookies are a great gift for your favorite teacher or friend! We will have all the ingredients necessary to create cute jars full of ingredients to make your favorite cookie or brownie recipe. Ages 16+ 19 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm. Come join us in a discussion of “My Name is Lucy Barton” by Elizabeth Strout. 20 Food for Thought: French Cooking Demo, 6 pm, 1st Floor Meeting Room. Learn more about French cooking techniques from the ladies at APL’s own Food for Thought Market and Café and sample some delightful hors d’oeuvres in this come and go program before the Julia Child program starts in the Auditorium at 7pm Ages 12+; younger children welcome with an adult.

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CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu.

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Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month, in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson. com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. for more info, www.allenfriends.org Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, meets third Thursday each month, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, 2nd Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers. Free lunch; babysitting avail. for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-PreschoolPTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: Jim Anderson, a Dallas Historian gives presentation on historic preservation in Dallas, how it wa as created and became the catalyst for today’s successful downtown. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@ verizon.net. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets 2nd Tue. each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. Join Newcomer Friends to hear Ms. Rena Pederson, a trail blazer for women in journalism and faculty member at SMU where she teaches persuasive writing. All are welcome to join us. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church, Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com

Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org. Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month, Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. Social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together. Various social activities. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. The MOB (Men of Business), meets 2nd Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 Central Expy N # 501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 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. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets 2nd Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Note-Ably North Texas Women’s Chorus—All Lady Singers—Get your A Cappella On! “Sweet! Harmony Voice Workshops” 7 pm, every Monday,April 17-May 26, Watters Creek, Blue House Too Gallery across from DSW Shoes. Participate in local performances at the end of workshop! Sign up today @ NNTchorus.org.

CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@ verizon.net.

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HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health. groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

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HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:30-11:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/TrueBlueDanceCrew.

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. For times and directions: eaa1246.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle. org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www.planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First Class FREE, email Lolo@fit4mom. com. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/ friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-athome moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037. Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), at 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations. For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com

MUSEUMS/PRESERVES ALLEN HERITAGE GUILD MUSEUM

Open second and fourth Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main Street, Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, historic photo collages and DVD programs on Allen history. For more info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

CONNEMARA MEADOW PRESERVE Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, monthly alternating first Saturday and the first Sunday, 8-10 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM April 23â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Spring Plant Sale fundraising event features a huge selection of native plants, hard-to-find herbs and well-adapted plants. TThe plant sale will also offer nearly 1,000 native milkweed plantsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even more than last year. Monarch butterflies are dependent on milkweeds. This is the only plant their caterpillars can eat. By purchasing and planting milkweed to help feed Monarch butterfly caterpillars, North Texans can help the recovery of this species. All purchases are tax-free. Plant sale is open to the public April 22, 9 am-5 pm and April 23, 1-5 pm. A Heard Museum Member Pre-Sale will be offered on April 21, 4-7 pm. Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

SENIORS

Active Agers 55+ meets 2nd Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (corner of Eldorado and Ridge). We have a pre-travel meeting monthly to allow members to plan activities that range from day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the opportunity to make new lasting friendships. For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820.

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Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@ hotmail.com. Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

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Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle, Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome. For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets the second Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Provides legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership withLegal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt.org. Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason Beckett,Jason.beckett.1@gmail. com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195. org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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.

LIBRARY

The Life and Times of

Julia Child

FRENCH COOKING DEMO Food for Thought: French Cooking Demo, 6-7 p.m., prior to Sharon Hudgin’s Julia Child presentation in the 1st Floor Meeting Room. Learn more about French cooking techniques from culinary artists and sample some delightful hors d’oeuvres in this come-andgo program. For ages 12+, with younger children welcome when accompanied by an adult.

by Tom KEENER Acclaimed food writer and historian Sharon Hudgins recounts the fascinating story of Julia Child, as well as her personal encounters with the esteemed culinary star, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the library. Sharon interviewed Julia for The Stars and Stripes newspaper, where Sharon was the food writer. That interview, and the story behind it, was reprinted in Gastronomica magazine’s special Julia Child issue in 2005 and in a special tribute to Julia Child by the International Association of Culinary Professionals on the 100th anniversary of Julia’s birth in 2012.

Julia’s first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, was published in 1961 and soon became a bestseller. When the second volume appeared a decade later, Julia Child had become an acclaimed celebrity with her own cooking show on public television. She was revered for her unpredictable humor, distinctive voice, as well as her culinary skills. Her kitchen is now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. An award-winning cookbook author and a food writer with more

than 900 articles published internationally, Sharon Hudgins is currently the food editor of European Traveler website and the food columnist for German Life magazine. She has also been the editor of Chile Pepper magazine and several cookbooks, as well as a contributor to three Oxford culinary encyclopedias. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Culinary Cinema April 4—The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014 PG), starring Oscar winner Dame Helen Mirren, Om Puri and Manish Dayal. The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from the famed Madame Mallory’s Michelin-starred eatery. April 11—Julie & Julia (2009 PG-13), starring Amy Adams, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Julia Child’s story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book. Films are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the library, all culinary events are free. v

Allen Image | April 2017

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Latin Jazz at Its Best

Enjoy the exotic sounds of Javier Gutierrez and his Latin jazz band, Mosaic, in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 15, at the library. Javier has been entertaining the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over fifteen years. The ensemble performs Latin jazz standards with an infusion of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms and styles. Javier explains, “Latin Jazz is jazz

that is fused with Latin American music styles. It’s rich with percussion instruments such as congas, bongos, maracas, timbale and guiros. Jazz genius Dizzy Gillespie, along with Cubans Mario Bauza and Chano Pozo, are credited with its inception. It allows the listener and performer a way to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of North and South America.” A graduate from St. Leo University

with a B.A. in music performance, Javier taught at the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia and in Europe with the USAEUR Band, after which he retired and taught music for Dallas ISD. Currently, he performs locally with various groups including Mosaic, Salsero and the Mesquite Jazz Repertoire Ensemble. Javier and Mosaic have played at the Dallas Museum of Art’s “Jazz in the Atrium,” Dallas Arboretum and the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Javier performs on saxophone and flute; on drums, Amado Rodriguez; Bobby Tompkins is on Congas and percussion. Lico Cisneros on the bass and Christian Valdes on piano provide accompaniment. A native of Cuba, Ruth Guerrero will offer sensational vocals with a Caribbean sound. This concert is being sponsored by the ET Boon family in memory of their beloved wife, grandmother and mother. v

Freedmen’s Bureau and Post Civil War Texas Learn about the successes, challenges and failures of the Freedmen’s Bureau in Texas in a free program at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 6, at the library. The guest speaker will be Dr. Christopher Bean, author of Too Great a Burden to Bear: The Struggle and Failure of the Freedmen’s Bureau in Texas. The Freedmen’s Bureau provided valuable assistance to former slaves by offering food, clothing, shelter, educational opportunities and medical assistance. In this region, armed conflicts between union and

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Bobcats in Your Yard? Have you suspected a bobcat was in your neighborhood or even seen one walking down your street? Learn about the behaviors of coyotes, bobcats and other animals from Bonnie Bradshaw at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the library. North Texas’s coyote whisperer, Bonnie, wants us to know how to be safe and avoid wildlife conflicts. Learn how to keep yourself and your pets safe. The president of 9-1-1 Wildlife, Bonnie will cover wildlife ecology and behaviors, as well as types and causes of animal conflicts. An animal and wildlife removal, relocation and control service, 9-1-1 Wildlife’s philosophy regarding animal removal is quite different—no traps or poisons. Bradshaw explains they’re here to treat wild animals in urban areas humanely, to keep them out of harm’s way, and then to return them to their natural environment. “Most people want to take pictures when they see a coyote. Wrong! The best thing to do is clap your hands and they will run off,” Bonnie asserts. “They [coyotes]

become habituated to people because there are no consequences. If you take a picture and then just stand there, that endorses their thinking, ‘I’m safe; people are no threat.’ That’s a problem because they begin to see people as a source for food, and that’s how people get bitten. You want to keep them skittish for their safety and ours.” Bradshaw is a frequent presenter for neighborhood groups and other community organizations. “Wild animals wander throughout urban areas, with old neighborhoods with lots of trees having the largest

population of wildlife,” Bradshaw explained. Bonnie became interested in teaching and humane wildlife removal after witnessing too many orphaned animals whose parents had been caught by traps. “It was very rewarding to get animals that were injured and ill, and then release them after getting them healthy,” she added. “Making people aware there’s another option to trapping and killing wildlife is our biggest hurdle.” This free program is sponsored by the library, Animal Control Services and Parks and Recreation. v

confederate sympathizers continued after the war, and freed slaves were often caught in the middle. These skirmishes led them to seek protection from the Freedmen’s Bureau. Dr. Bean will discuss profiles of bureau officials who assisted former slaves in transitioning to a life of freedom. Agents were motivated by their sense of fairness and ideas of citizenship, gender and labor. These

men further ensured the former slaves had access to an education, a right that was unavailable during bondage. Due to lack of funding and staffing, many of the goals were not met. Agents were frequently treated with hostility, and in some cases, they were murdered. This frightened other agents from assuming those posts. Despite the agency’s shortcomings, Dr. Bean declares, “The country asked

them to do the unprecedented, and despite falling short of some expectations (including some of their own), they achieved more than many thought possible.” Dr. Christopher B. Bean is Assistant Professor of History and Native American Studies at East Central University, Oklahoma. He completed his doctorate at the University of North Texas. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | April 2017

FEATURE

Hero in Blue

by Deborah DOVE

Christa with fellow SRO, Mark Smajstria

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Despite her modest assertion that she isn’t that special, Allen Police Officer and Allen High School SRO officer (School Resource Officer) Christa Weisinger is pretty extraordinary. One of only five women in a department (not to mention a career) dominated by men, Officer of the Year for 2015, the recipient of the Unsung Hero award in 2016, and a cancer survivor, Weisinger is more than just a police officer—she’s a role model, a mentor and an inspiration to many.

From left clockwise: Kayla Parker, Christa, Gwen Dills and Shannon Watson.

Like many stay-at-home moms, Christa decided she wanted to get out of the house and go back to work when her kids got older. But, unlike most stay-at-home moms, Weisinger decided to join the work force as a police officer, despite the fact that she had no police experience other than watching police shows. “As corny as it sounds, I really wanted to help people,” Weisinger says. “And police work had always interested me.” So, she got in shape and applied to the Allen Police Department in 2008, passing a written test, a physical, an initial interview, a background check, a psychological test and a polygraph test before appearing for her oral board interview—a nerve-wracking interview with four upper level officers, which she passed with flying colors. After a final interview with the Deputy Chief, Weisinger was hired in August of 2008 and began police academy in October. She graduated in March 2009, then began her Probationary Peace Officer training to learn how the Allen department did things, followed by four months of field training where she rode along

with other officers and learned everything she needed to know. “Book learning only takes you so far,” she says. “You have to do stuff.” All officers are required to spend two years on patrol before moving to a specialized unit, and Christa Weisinger was assigned to work deep nights (6 p.m. until 6 a.m.) for two years, keeping the streets of Allen safe while its residents slept. She loved working patrol so much that she still works it on holiday breaks when school isn’t in session. She particularly enjoyed working DWI cases. Often a three-hour process that encompasses assessing the person’s ability to drive, investigating, getting blood samples and writing a detailed report that has to stand up in court, Weisinger found it “satisfying to get them off the streets.” “I was the mother on the shift, making sure everyone took care of themselves,” Weisinger says with a smile. “Us moms…it’s hard to leave it at home.” Perhaps in part because of her nurturing nature, Weisinger was recruited for an SRO position, and in 2011 she became the SRO at Erickson Middle School. Two years later, a

position opened at Allen High School and Weisinger thought to herself, “That sounds fun.” She started in 2013. SRO officers provide law enforcement first and foremost, but they are also educators and informal counselors. They monitor the hallways; break up fights; train to identify and respond to Columbinetype incidents; provide security at sporting events; help students navigate issues with cyber bullying, social media, problems at home, and issues with parents; and generally ensure a safe learning environment for the students. According to Weisinger, a lot of the work is reactive. “You never know what’s going to happen,” she says. “Lots of officers say, ‘I couldn’t do what you do,’” she adds. But it was the perfect match for the mother of two kids of her own. “I don’t like taking kids to jail, but I’d rather them change their ways now,” she says. SRO officers also have the unique opportunity to educate students, a job duty that initially terrified Weisinger, but that has come to be one of her favorite parts of her job. Now Weisinger loves teaching classes on drug and alcohol abuse and law enforcement classes. She has also been an instructor for the Junior Police Academy, which allows young people in the community to experience law enforcement first hand. Thanks to SRO officers having the opportunity to take different assignments when school is out, Weisinger has also discovered a passion for working for the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she was assigned last summer. “I wasn’t sure if I’d like it,” Weisinger says. “But I loved it.” She smiles when she adds that she is looking forward to working there again this summer. In addition to impacting the lives of children, Weisinger has changed the attitude about women on the police force simply by being herself. When she started, there was a Allen Image | April 2017

Christa (2nd from right) and family.

negative view of women in the department because of the reputation of some other women officers. Now, both she and her coworkers find that being a woman often proves to be an asset. “There are things I can do that a male officer can’t,” she explains. “If the victim is a female that doesn’t want to talk to a male officer, counselors will call me first.” However, it is Christa Weisinger’s strength, perseverance and grace in the face of adversity that truly sets her apart, and what prompted her supervisors to present her with both the Unsung Hero and Officer of the Year awards last year. In September of 2014, Weisinger was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She began chemotherapy in October, which she would continue through March of 2015. Although the treatments were hard on her body, she only missed one day of work. According to Allen High School Principal Matt Russell, she kept a smile on her face, continued to build relationships with students and never missed an after school duty or had a decline in performance. According to Lieutenant Ken Myers with the Allen Police Department, who nominated Christa for the Unsung Hero award, she also never lost her spirit, commitment or resilience. She even participated in

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three events that supported Special Olympics in addition to her regular job duties. “I was personally moved by Christa’s positive attitude and survivor mentality,” says Myers. Unfortunately, after a six-month remission, Christa Weisinger’s cancer came back in September of 2015. Since she had the type of lymphoma that typically recurs, her doctors had harvested her bone marrow immediately after she’d completed treatment and the cancer was eradicated. In January of 2016, she underwent a bone marrow transplant. She was in the hospital for three weeks as intense chemotherapy destroyed all her white blood cells, then put back the healthy harvested ones. “I was exhausted,” Weisinger remembers. “I was out for five weeks. I felt guilty for leaving.” However, to her peers, Weisinger’s positive attitude, strength, determination, grit and courage were inspirational. Lieutenant Myers, Weisinger’s

L to R: Christa, Sgt. Jon Felty and Chief Brian Harvey.

Deputy Chief, nominated Weisinger for the Unsung Hero award for fitting the definition of an unsung hero according to Webster’s Dictionary: a person who is greatly admired, but not given attention and praise that is deserved. In a moving personal email to her telling her about his nomination, he exhorted her to “never change who you are.” She was presented with the award in February of 2016. Unbeknownst to Weisinger, she was also chosen to receive the Officer of the Year award for 2015, which was presented during a ceremony in March of last year. All of the SROs were advised to attend the police awards and Weisinger assumed it was because of their contribution teaching

the Junior Police Academy (which in fact they did get an award for). As they started reading the background of the Officer of the Year recipient, Weisinger remembers thinking, “That sounds familiar.” With the cancer once more gone, she now gets an infusion every two months to keep it from coming back, and views her battle with cancer matter-of-factly, with a dash of good humor. “Do you have Photoshop?” she jokes, looking at a picture taken at the police awards when she had lost her hair due to chemotherapy. And despite all she’s been through and accomplished, she still maintains she’s not that special. “I’m honored, but I still don’t feel like I deserve it,” she says. When people express their admiration for what she’s been through and how she’s handled it, Weisinger says, “What other option do you have? You do what you’ve got to do and keep going.” Luckily, her humility hasn’t stopped those around her from recognizing the selflessness with which she serves her community every day, or the inspiration she induces. Officer Weisinger’s former supervisor, Sergeant Jason Erter, summed it up perfectly when he said, “I could effortlessly list dozens of adjectives to describe what makes Christa Weisinger exceptional, but that would not adequately encompass who she is and what she means to this department and the City of Allen. Simply put, Officer Weisinger is the type of person that we should all strive to be. Where others would be waiving a white flag, Christa charges forward with a level of strength and bravery rarely seen these days. Christa Weisinger is not only one of the most remarkable people that I have worked alongside, but one of the most remarkable people that I have met in my lifetime.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image | April 2017

OUTDOOR SPACES

with

Photo: John Nervig

LANDSCAPING

Bodie Pyndus working in his garden getting ready for spring.

Good landscaping can completely transform a house from ho-hum to extraordinary. But the benefits aren’t just aesthetic—landscaping can save you money, help you sell your home faster, burn calories (someone’s got to plant and weed and take care of all those plants) and even help the environment! For example, properly selected and placed plants can

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reduce home heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent, and landscaping can add as much as 14 percent value to your home and help it sell up to six weeks faster. Plants improve air quality and filter out pollutants from rainwater, and studies show that just looking at plants and trees, even through a window, can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. However, arguably the most important

Photos: John Nervig

reason to landscape is the beauty and joy it provides—a benefit that is enhanced by adding color to the landscaping. Color can add drama and interest, and can have more impact on the landscape than any other design element. There are a variety of ways to add color, from growing shrubs with colorful foliage or blooms to planting a combination of annuals and perennials. Because temperatures in Texas are fairly moderate, you can have color in your landscape year-round. By choosing the right flowering species and knowing when these plants bloom, you can strategically plant your yard for a colorful show all year long. But if you’re going to add color in the form of annuals and perennials, make sure you care for them properly, because nothing has a more negative impact than poorly-maintained color areas. Allen resident Bodie Pyndus is arguably the king of landscaping color. He credits his mother, a master gardener, for his love of gardening. “I love flowers,” he says. He has planned his landscaping so that he has something different blooming every month of the year, and even has his own YouTube channel called DIY Home and Garden, with segments on what’s blooming in his yard each month. Nicotina, ajuga, Lady Banks roses, hot pink peonies, iris, poppies and guara make their appearance in spring. Elephant ear, red coleus, black-eyed Susan, crepe myrtle, red buds and society garlic are just some of the plants that add color during the hot months of summer, while pots

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of hosta bring landscaping to the back porch. A vitex tree— the only tree that blooms all summer long—is a focal point in the back yard. Fall brings canna and pumpkins that grow on the three-sided trellis in the backyard, while other flowers in the garden, such as cleome and hyacinth bean, continue

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blooming throughout the autumn. Pyndus even makes winter exciting, planting onions in the front yard, which he will let the neighborhood children harvest as he teaches them about gardening. Pyndus’s landscape of color is so spectacular that his home was on the Allen Home Garden Tour in 2016. According to Pyndus, the key to landscaping with color is to plant a “skeleton” of evergreen shrubs that will stay green year-round and serve as the backdrop, then add color that “fills in and puts the meat on the bones.” When Pyndus and his wife built their house in West Allen four years ago, he looked at his as-yet-unlandscaped yard as something of a blank canvas. He knew what design elements he wanted—an arbor, shade, privacy points, a sitting area flush with the grass in the front yard—and hired a landscape architect to draw up the plans. Once he

He brought in twenty-one yards of compost soil for his backyard before he began planting his landscape. “The fundamental key is good soil,” he says. After you’ve prepared a fertile

Photo: John Nervig

had a landscape plan, he chose many of the plants and did the planting himself. “That’s the fun part,” he says. In a brand new landscape, you need plants that grow big fast and fill the spaces. “It makes the garden look big when the skeleton is still small,” says Pyndus. He suggests Indian hawthorne, yaupon, holly and rosemary as good skeleton evergreens. For plants that add color and will fill the spaces in between in one season, he recommends cleome (“it’s breathtaking”), hyacinth bean, and surprisingly, banana trees. “I grow stuff most people don’t,” Pyndus says with a laugh. He adds that the trees are fast-growing and will be big by the end of summer, and although they will be killed back to the ground by a light freeze, they typically come back the next year. According to the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, good soil is perhaps the most important aspect in maintaining seasonal color areas. This typically requires the addition of organic matter for aeration, drainage and water retention. Ideally, beds should contain at least 50 percent organic matter. Bodie Pyndus concurs, as Allen soil is mostly clay with no nutrients.

Allen Image | April 2017

Photo: John Nervig

changed out two to three times per year. Spring-planted annuals can be set out from late February through the first of June. A second planting of heat-tolerant annuals, such as verbena or periwinkle, will work from June through the hot summer months. Fall planted annuals, like pansies and dianthus, are generally planted when temperatures begin to cool off in late September to October. Consider planting spots of the same color to give your yard a cohesive feel, or plant in layers with bands of color that run horizontally. Don’t underestimate the powerful addition of a climbing plant such as climbing roses, honeysuckle, and hyacinth to add color vertically. Keep in mind that larger groups of a single hue make the most impact. Or take a page from Bodie Pyndus’s book and create an always-changing landscape of color. As Pyndus says, “Gardening is a journey, not a destination.” v

area to grow and planted your evergreen skeleton, it’s time to add color. Obviously, annuals and perennials are the easiest way to add color and it costs next to nothing if you start with seeds. When dealing with annuals in Texas, color areas can be

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Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

MARKET PLACE

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Seasonal Style in the Garden by Dawn Bluemel OLDFIELD There are always seems to be something to keep Texans busy in the garden. Here are some seasonal timely tips on what can be done in Collin County during our nearly year-long gardening season.

Spring • Prepare beds for planting flowers and vegetables. • Work in several inches of compost and top with mulch. • The last average freeze date for Collin County is around March 17. Plant summer produce such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and melons after freeze danger has passed. • Pruning of evergreen trees and shrubs should be completed by early March. • Prune spring flowering shrubs soon after flowering.

Summer

• Prune roses by about 25% after July 4, to promote a profusion of fall blooms. Prune to outward facing buds. Remove weak or dead canes. If they have Rose Rosette disease remove them from the garden. • If you get them in July or August there is still time to plant tomato and pepper transplants for a fall harvest. • Check for insects and diseases. • Mulch, mulch, mulch to conserve moisture around plants. • There is still time to plant heat-tolerant summer annuals like purslane, periwinkle, salvia and marigold. Water as needed until roots become established. • Deadhead to keep flowering plants blooming.

Autumn

• Mulch vegetable gardens, flower beds and around trees and shrubs to keep soil temperatures cooler and reduce weeds.

• You can still set out warm season annuals such as celosias, copper plants, marigolds and zinnias for fall color. • Prepare beds for cool season plants like pansies and violas. • Plant wildflower seeds late in October so they can germinate and develop root systems. • Plant cool season vegetables in September. Broccoli, cauliflower and leaf lettuces will grow better in cooler weather. Herbs also thrive in cooler temperatures. Savor a new harvest of cilantro, chive, parsley and dill. • Divide spring flowering perennials including cannas, daylily, iris, Shasta daisy, rudebeckia and lirope. Transplant to a new location or share with friends. • Fall is a great time to plant container-grown trees and shrubs, as well as perennial flowers. • Remove damaged, dead or diseased limbs from trees and shrubs. Wait until mid-winter for heavy pruning. • When night temperatures drop in mid-to-late September, plant chrysanthemums. Purchase plants with tight buds for longer bloom time.

Winter

• November through February is a good time to prune trees and shrubs. • Clean and sharpen garden tools. • Plant spring flowering bulbs if you haven’t already done so. • Continue to set out cool season bedding plants such as pansies, violas and dianthus. • Transplant mature or established trees while they are dormant. • Prepare beds and garden area for spring planting. For more information on seasonal plants that grow well in our area, visit a trusted nursery professional, or contact the Collin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 972.548.4232. Visit www.ccmgatx.org for specific varieties recommended by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association. Happy Gardening! v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a volunteer and the public relations chairperson for CCMGA.

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EDUCATION

A Master Plan for the

Future A Q&A with Collin College President Neil Matkin

by Heather DARROW

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Dr. Neil Matkin joined Collin College as its third president in April 2015, and since then has become a leading advocate for Collin County and for the vital role higher education plays in the growth of our region. Dr. Matkin previously served as president of the San Jacinto College Central Campus in Pasadena, Texas, and has held executive positions with the Louisiana and Virginia community college systems and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. In the Q&A that follows, he shares his thoughts about the college and its master plan, including the bond issue that will be on the ballot on May 6.

How would you summarize your vision for Collin College?

Collin College has been an exemplar institution for almost 32 years. In that time, Collin County has grown from a mostly rural bedroom community to the powerhouse that it is today—a home for business and industry headquarters and growing communities with an amazing quality of life. The county’s population is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2040. My vision for the college is straightforward: to successfully serve all of Collin County.

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The vision statement adopted by our board is “Delivering a Brighter Future for Our Students and Communities.” That is what we’re all about—offering the right programs at convenient locations that are necessary to sustain Collin County’s amazing quality of life and serve our students’ needs.

How and why was a master plan developed, and what does it include?

In late 2015, college leaders started talking about a master plan to respond to the immense growth we saw all around us. We examined current operations and potential future needs and looked at demographics, labor market trends, as well as traffic and growth patterns to try to understand future academic and technical programming requirements as well as ideal locations. What came out of the six-month effort was a comprehensive plan that was further refined by college staff and the board of trustees through a series of workshops. In June 2016, the master plan was finalized and approved by the board of trustees. In February of this year, the board passed a resolution to ask the voters

for bond authority up to $600 million to implement the plan over the next five to seven years.

How will the master plan benefit the City of Allen and its residents?

The master plan is designed to do two things: one, expand the academic and technical programming to meet the needs of our communities and students; and two, expand the footprint of the college to allow students to get to and from the college more readily as the county continues to grow. A technical center will be built near State Highway 121 and Custer Road, adjacent to the planned Allen High School expansion. The center is projected to house up to 360,000 square feet on 31 acres and will provide robust offerings through a partnership with Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano high schools, as well as programs for adults looking to enter the workforce more quickly with degrees in such areas as electrical, welding, advanced manufacturing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and many other areas. The center will be able to serve about 7,500 students when complete. The Public Safety Training Center,

although being constructed in McKinney, is a joint effort with the City of Allen. The center will train first responders—both police and fire—for the entire region.

What about the rest of Collin County?

Our board has also recognized for many years the growing need to serve students in the Wylie, Celina and Farmersville areas, which is why the plan includes facilities there, as well as an IT center of excellence on our Frisco campus.

The college’s board of trustees has placed a bond issue on the May 6 ballot. Can you share the details of the bond, and what impact, if any, it will have on local taxes?

The board has called for a bond issue up to $600 million to facilitate the master plan over the next 5-7 years. Due to the rapid expansion of the tax base in Collin County, the tax rate can be kept level and still manage repayment of the bonds. The reputation of Collin College as an excellent fiscal steward is unsurpassed, and the college enjoys the lowest tuition in the state, along with the second lowest tax rate out of all 50 community college districts in Texas.

How will students benefit from the master plan?

Students will have more options than ever before and will be able to choose from a wider variety of technical and university transfer programming. Students will also have more education options closer to where they live, which is critical in a county like ours where growing traffic congestion continues to be a challenge.

You speak often about why Collin College is such a great value for students, employers and the community in general. Describe for us what you mean. The most recent data estimated that the college’s economic benefit to the community was more than a half-billion dollars per year. That includes the impact of operations spending, student spending and alumni on the region. The truth is that the college does not just serve Collin County residents. Twenty-two percent of the student body comes from outside the county and another nine percent are from out of state. These dollars flow into Collin County and help to sustain our economy. The college is part of the economic engine that drives the county. Low-cost, high-quality training is good for our residents, businesses, and industries. University partnerships that allow individuals to attend Collin College for their first two years and then transfer to a university can easily save students $30,000 per year. There is not a greater value than Collin College. The master plan was constructed to ensure that highquality, low-cost higher education is accessible to all our students and communities now and in the future.

How can local residents learn more about Collin College and the master plan?

The master plan is detailed on the Collin College website at www.collin.edu/masterplan. v

Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer. Allen Image | April 2017

KIDS KORNER

Birthday Parties 2017 by Deborah DOVE We’ve rounded up some new party venues and out-of-theordinary old standbys that are sure to make your child’s birthday celebration memorable.

Polka Dot Party and Play 210 Town Place, Village of Fairview, Fairview, 972.646.1512, www.polkadotpartyandplay.com Cost varies. Classic is $245 for 10 kids (bring your own decorations and food), Grand is $395 (includes invitations, iced cupcakes, dessert plates/napkins/flatware, mini water bottles/ juice and party favors). Supreme is $645 and includes a themed party with decorations, invitations, paper goods and party favors, plus four large pizzas, a veggie tray and snacks. For toddlers and preschoolers. Party times are Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Parties are an hour and a half and include play time in the educational and imagination-driven play space that includes a climbing structure, slides, playhouses, activity boards and craft tables.

Bricks and Minifigs 7224 Independence Pkwy, Ste. 332, Plano, 972.618.2343, www.bricksandminifigs.com Cost is $200 for up to 25 kids and is for ages 5-12. Party times are Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 1 or 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 or 4 p.m. Voted one of the best kid’s parties in Plano, this is a party for Lego lovers! Held in a large toy store that only sells new and used Legos, this 90-minute party includes 60 minutes of play with provided LEGO bricks and a race ramp, followed by 10 minutes of build time at the “Build-A-Fig” table, where each child builds a minifigure to take home. The last 20 minutes is for food/drink/ cake that you provide. You can also choose to use all 90 minutes of play and no food time if you wish. Utensils, napkins, plates and clean-up is provided.

Escape Expert 2201 K Avenue, Plano, 469.249.8588, www.escapeexpert.com Cost is $28/person plus tax during weekends (15% discount during weekdays) and is for ages 12 and up (with an adult in the room). Older kids will love this physical adventure game in which players are locked in a room and have to use elements in the room to solve a series of puzzles and escape within a set time limit. All parties are private and you can choose from any of the seven themed rooms, which vary in difficulty. If you want to stay afterwards for cake, food and drinks and to watch a video playback of your group’s escape, you can add a private room for $50/hour (up to 15 guests) or $75/hour (up to 200). You must bring your own food, beverages and paper goods.

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Obstacle Warrior Kids 448 N. Custer Road, McKinney, 214.856.5001, www.obstaclewarriorkids.com Cost is $250 and up and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Inspired by the popular TV show American Ninja Warrior, this party venue allows kids to challenge themselves on a variety of obstacles in an indoor, climate-controlled environment. They also offer soft foam dodgeball. Parties are two hours and include access to the Ninja Warrior Zone, 30 minutes in a party room, a party host/hostess, decorated tables in a Ninja theme, including plates, napkins, forks or spoons, balloons, a bottle of water for each child and a souvenir T-shirt for the birthday child. Party favors are available to purchase for $5.50/person.

Hydrous Wakeboard Park 580 N. Cedar Dr., Allen, 214.390.3088, www.hydrouswakeparks.com Cost is $300 for up to 10 riders. Learn to wakeboard at this wet and wild birthday party. Parties include a private instructor, reserved private lake training, main cable option and all rental gear.

American Girl Place 13464 Dallas Pkwy., in the Galleria, Dallas , www.americangirl.com Cost starts at $31/girl and is recommended for ages 3 and up. Little girls can celebrate their special day with their friends and their dolls with a celebration at the American Girl Bistro. You can make reservations to eat (and then maybe shop or ice skate at the Galleria) or book a party. The basic package includes a tasty kidfriendly meal, cake and ice cream, goody bags and doll tiaras, a special gift for the birthday girl and invitations and thank you notes. For an additional cost, other packages can include a themed table activity and take-home craft. Doll chairs, plates and cups are always included, as are table questions to get the conversation flowing.

Medieval Times 2021 North Stemmons, Dallas, 888.935.6878, www.medievaltimes.com Cost is $36.95 for kids 12 and under; $60.95 for adults. Celebrate medieval style at this live show that includes jousting knights, horses, pageantry and medieval food. Just take your group to watch the show or pay an additional $7 per ticket for the birthday package, which includes a birthday announcement during the show, a group photo, a slice of cake, a frozen strawberry slushie in a souvenir castle cup and a cheering banner (valid only for groups of ten or more). Free invitations are available to download and print. v

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Allen Image | April 2017

FEATURE

A Passion

SOARS

for Birds of Prey

by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

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Enraptured by raptors? Mesmerized when spotting an eagle overhead? Does hearing a hoot late at night have you running outside to find the owl?

In the scientific orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes, raptors are recognized by their sharp talons and hooked beaks for snatching and eating their prey. Eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, ospreys and kites are some of the better-known birds of prey. Executive director Erich Neupert celebrates Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s (BPRC) countless successes in rescuing ill and injured raptors, as well as its efforts in educating the public on the benefits and beauty of these birds. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2004, the organization first operated on the property of a board member. In 2007, a 25-year lease was signed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the use of 66 acres in Brockdale Park, along the western shoreline of Lake Lavon. Currently the BPRC property has an office, indoor mews or large cages for its education raptors, a treatment facility, and flight cages for the

smaller species like the kestrel, screech owl and Cooper’s hawk—all volunteer built. Erich notes that the mews for the permanent education birds are considerably larger than federal regulations require and each includes a bonus outdoor area. The organization is now moving forward with fundraisers to build the flight caging necessary for larger species, such as eagles, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls. Also in the planning stage is a 4,000-sq.-ft. hospital for injured raptors to replace the on-site treatment clinic the center is quickly outgrowing. This is on top of the everyday expenses of running the center. Just the first year’s food budget was $25,000, which included quail, mice, rats and chicks. As the center grows and word spreads about its services, demand is expected to increase. Erich notes that BPRC had 400 patients in 2016, with 135 birds being the most treated at one time. But, in January 2017, they already had admitted 37 birds and the busy season usually begins in March. Like humans, the treatment for injured raptors follows a proven protocol. “When they finally get to go outside, they go to a medium-sized cage where they can get some exercise without pushing it too much,” Erich explains. “Then they get put in one of the true flight cages that are all based on federal regulations for size so they get exercise and can pass mouse school.” Prior to release, their patients must demonstrate the ability to capture live prey for seven days.

Because federal regulations prohibit visitors at rehabilitation facilities, the BPRC offers a monthly First Saturday at the park for the public. This day includes a variety of raptor-themed programs at the outdoor amphitheater. In addition, The Roost, an observation platform in the shape of a red-tailed hawk, offers a scenic view of the lake and trails meandering through an endangered blackland prairie. “The blackland prairie used to be about 16 million acres, from San Antonio up to the Red River, and it’s almost gone,” Erich emphasizes. BPRC is now restoring this rare property with the help of members from the Texas Master Naturalists and Native Plant Society of Texas. “We just got a $19,000 grant to do a prairie restoration and outdoor exhibit work based on the importance of carbon sequestration,” Erich excitedly points out. “It was discovered that the blackland prairie actually absorbs a lot of carbon from our atmosphere better than anything else in the area, which is why our soil is so good.” The goal is to first create an education-based master plan with outdoor exhibits for visitors and later add a raptor education center on site. Because BPRC is the only local raptor center with flight caging, many birds come in from other areas of Texas. Erich expects that when all the flight cages are completed, 800-900 birds could receive treatment there annually. “It will actually make us one of the largest in the country,” he points out. “Right now, based on the number Allen Image | April 2017

of patients we receive, we are already getting up there with some of the larger facilities.” In the first year-and-a-half the BPRC was open for rehabilitation services, over 450 feathered patients were treated. The biggest day so far had 33 injured birds brought in during one 24-hour period. “We have 46 spaces for small birds and it was literally full last spring,” Erich recalls. “We had six volunteers who would get here at eight in the morning and be done at eight at night. It was nonstop and only our first year!” One of the most common injuries seen at BPRC are the result of bird-eating accipters crashing into windows. “When they start chasing the birds, they fly into windows and knock themselves silly,” Erich sighs. Another familiar problem for raptors is fertilizer burns. Erich grimaces, “People will put fertilizer down, but don’t water it in. Animals then stand on it and it will burn their feet.” The often month-long treatment for the resulting injuries usually requires that the injured flesh on the bird’s feet must be slowly peeled off, leaving the bird confined until new skin grows back. The center relies on three area veterinarians for the more severe injuries requiring in-depth medical treatment. Pointing to photos of a great horned owl they treated, Erich recalls, “When it came here it had a broken wing and we were able to put a pin in it.” The severity of the injury required the owl to be housed at the rehab center for an extended period of time, he adds, “It had to have physical therapy. Just like humans, it had to get its muscle back.” Pictures of a Cooper’s hawk, aptly named Dawn, show how it was adhered to a rat glue trap. “It’s wing and tail were completely

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stuck to that thing!” Erich recalls. “Luckily we have some gentle chemicals we can use.” The solvents were then washed off the bird with Dawn dishwashing soap. BPRC maintains a detailed accounting of the birds brought in: date of admission, the diagnosed problem(s), images of injuries, daily treatments and expenses incurred. These RaptorMed pages, found on the BPRC website, also provide an opportunity to donate funds to cover the treatment expenses for specific birds. To keep raptors with razor sharp beaks and talons calm during treatments, and the handlers uninjured, the birds’ heads must be covered with a cloth device they call a “burrito.” Erich explains that as long as the handler remains calm and acts quickly, the bird will stay tranquil while wearing one of these. Because his passion for raptors extends far beyond the boundaries of BPRC, Erich also assists other nature centers in obtaining education raptors, designing mews for the birds, and teaching them proper handling so permits may be obtained. Although Eric’s background was in mass communications and advertising, he has held a life-long passion for birds. His grandmother Dorothy McIlroy was instrumental in the founding of Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology, and a bird sanctuary in the Finger Lakes region of New York was named for her. Erich volunteered for years with a wild bird rescue group on the East Coast and taught ornithology at both a community college and a number of Master Naturalist groups prior to coming to North Texas. Erich emphasizes that none of BPRC’s successes could be accomplished without the other staff member education manager, Pam Dancaster, along with over 35

regular full- and part-time volunteers and a host of dedicated weekend volunteers. One vital volunteer is rehabilitation manager Liz Dunn who oversees the clinic. First working with raptors as a volunteer at the Heard Museum in McKinney, Liz explains of her dedication, “I was hooked from the beginning. Erich and I worked together for a long time and he taught me everything I know—so now he’s stuck with me.” Other volunteers take on an array of responsibilities, from building repair and construction, treating injured raptors, to presenting raptor programs from Oklahoma to Houston. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, or 15 if accompanied by a parent volunteer. A retired teacher also employed for a number of years with Plano ISD’s Outdoor Learning Center, Nikki Lefebvre first started volunteering with BPRC over eight years ago, along with her husband. For them, working with raptors was the obvious choice when serving their required volunteer hours as Master Naturalists. Presenting educational programs on raptors for a number of area schools, Nikki laughs, “It’s amazing how good kids are when you have a bird on your fist.” Organizations such as scouting groups also donate time and services to the BPRC. Erich points out that all of the travel boxes their birds are carried in for off-site educational programs were built by Eagle Scouts. To learn more about the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, go to their website www.bpraptorcenter. org. The website offers general information on wildlife rehabilitation, answers questions on raptors, and provides details on educational programs offered on site as well as through their outreach programs. To access their RaptorMed pages on the individual birds’ treatments, select “BPRC Rehabilitation” under “Rescue” on the web page’s menu options.

Raptor lovers can visit, as well as support, the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center by attending First Saturday events. Adults are $5, children 3-12 are $3 and children under 3 are free. In addition, the center hosts an annual photo day, this year’s being May 20. All 16 of their education

birds will be placed on different outdoor perches to allow participants to take pictures of them in natural settings. Cost for this unique opportunity is $20. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

Allen Image | April 2017

SPORTS PAGE

950 E. Main • Allen • 972.727.9565

www.allensports.org

UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES TRACK Summer—April 1-May 24

CHEERLEADING Fall—May-1-June 20

FOOTBALL Fall—May 1-June 1

Tallenette Junior Clinic Always dreamed of being a Tallenette? Spend the day with us at our annual Tallenette Junior Clinic, open for participants grades K-8, on Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center at Allen High School, 300 Rivercrest Blvd. You will meet the Tallenettes, learn dances from us and have the opportunity to dance at our annual showcase! Clinic includes: t-shirt, games and crafts, dance technique development and performance for parents at 2:20 p.m. Tallenette Showcase performances are May 12-13 at 7pm. For additional details and to register, visit: AllenPAC.org/tallenettejuniorclinic $35 per participant if registered before April 13; $45 if later or on the day of the event.

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