Allen Image April 2019 by Allen Image

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Allen Image inside this issue April 2019

Volume. 29, Issue 4

Allen Image

feature

publisher/editor

Fighting hunger, one sandwich at a time

Barbara Peavy

Feed Your Neighbor and Tango Tab’s Feed the City are groups of volunteers of all ages, races and religious beliefs that work together to make meals for people less fortunate in their community.

advertising sales Sherri Russell Nora Bollman

cover photo John Nervig

special sections

14 CALENDAR 26 KIDS KORNER

on the cover L-R: Imam Abdur

Birthday Parties 2019—Tween and Teen Version

Rahman Bashir, Ali Subhani and Abdul Ghaffar

contributing writers

Matt Cobb Heather Darrow Deborah Dove

8 civic forum

28 library

6 A Better Way to Practice

11 Randy Hopper and the Big Texas Boys

7 Eggcellent Family Adventure

The Grape Man of Texas

Women Suffrage Movement in Texas

Douglas Box and the Original Southfork Ranch

8 The Lovejoy High School Jazz Band

Change the World Weekend

The 16th Annual Plant Sale

COOKING

The Diversity of Mental Health

Mini Horses at Mustang Creek Estates

education

28 31 4

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A Taste-full Easter Celebration

From Dental Hygienist to Dentist New Ag Science Center and Renovations Included in May 4 Bond Referendum

Tom Keener

Allen Image © 2019. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www.allenimage. com or email us at contact@ allenimage.com.

civic forum

by Matt Cobb Practice is important for new golfers and seasoned players alike to maintain and improve performance. To make practicing easy, convenient and fun, The Courses at Watters Creek has a membership program, providing access to DFW’s #1 Practice Facility, so players can work on all aspects of their game from driving to putting. The Performance Plus Program at The Courses at Watters Creek gives unlimited access to the Driving Range with range balls, Short Game area and The Futures Course (6 holes), and a special 10% off rate on The Traditions Course (18 holes) anytime! “Through the Performance Plus Program, players can utilize the practice facility as much as they want year-round,” said Matt Sipko, Head

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Golf Professional at The Courses at Watters Creek. “Being located right off U.S. 75 makes it easy to stop by for a quick bucket of balls on the Driving Range or a six-hole round after work when time is limited.” The Driving Range at The Courses at Watters Creek has over 50 natural grass hitting areas and is lighted for longer hours of play and practice, along with having nine target flags. With the Driving Range being 350 yards long, there are also wedge practice target greens that are 40 to 100 yards out, so players can practice all types of distance shots. The Short Game area has three chipping greens surrounded by five bunkers with grass hollows and hillocks. In this area, players can improve scoring from 25 yards in.

The Futures Course is a six-hole course, which was designed for beginners to learn the game and players who want to refine their skills from 100 yards in. With two sets of tees and five bunkers, all holes are 40 to 120 yards. Performance Plus Program memberships cost $59 per month (less than five baskets of range balls), and there is a six-month minimum requirement. Please call 214.509.4653 or stop by The Courses at Watters Creek to join. The Courses at Watters Creek is located at 7201 Chase Oaks Boulevard and can be visited online at WattersCreekGolf.com. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Eggcellent Family Adventure by Matt Cobb Grab your family, friends and Easter basket, because the Easter Bunny is coming to Allen! The Eggcellent Family Adventure, which is free to attend and open to all ages, is happening from 9 a.m.-noon, on April 13 in Allen Civic Plaza, located directly outside of Allen City Hall. A springtime tradition in Allen, this community-wide event is hosted annually by the Allen Parks and Recreation Department and includes fun festivities, pictures with the Easter Bunny and the opportunity to collect eggs. “Don’t forget to bring your biggest Easter basket, because local businesses and organizations will have tables set up throughout Allen Civic Plaza, giving children the chance to ‘trick-or-treat’ for eggs and goodies,” said Tony Hill, the Resource Development Manager for Allen Parks and Recreation. “Adults will have the opportunity to collect valuable information and special offers at the tables, as well.” Additional children’s festivities will include crafts, face paintings, games and a bounce house. The festivities, including Easter Bunny pictures, are provided at no charge to participants. Also, back for a second year at the Eggcellent Family Adventure is the exciting competition called the Eggcellent Eggdrop, where individuals and teams are given materials such as straws, tape and cardboard to build a structure to protect a raw egg from breaking from a 10+ foot drop. “Due to the popularity of the Eggcellent Eggdrop, we’re excited to bring it back again this year,” Hill said. “This is a fun competition for participants and spectators alike and utilizes STEAM—Science, Technology,

Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics—practices, allowing for creative thinking and teamwork.” Due to limited spaces available for the Eggcellent Eggdrop competition, pre-registration is required, which can be done by calling 214.509.4707 or emailing aunderwood@ cityofallen.org. (A $10 supply fee is required per individual or team to participate in the Eggcellent Eggdrop.) Parking for the Eggcellent Family Adventure is available in the parking lots off Century Parkway directly outside of Allen City Hall. For more information, please visit LifeInAllen.org. v Matt Cobb is the marketing manager for the City of Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

Other City of Allen Easter Events April 14—Geocache Easter Egg Hunt—Experience one of the fastest growing activities in the world while hunting for Easter Eggs! Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt with all kinds of new prizes and adventures behind every turn. Join us for an eggcellent time! 1-2 p.m., ages 7-13. Cost is $10. April 16—Breakfast With The Easter Bunny—Come join the Easter Bunny for breakfast and pictures! Have fun socializing with friends while you create fun spring crafts and enjoy story time with our furry friend! Breakfast and Tiny Tots are included in the fee for children. Breakfast for parents is an additional $6. 9-11:30 a.m., ages 6 months6 years. Cost is $10. April 20—Under the Sea Easter Adventure—Egg Hunters collect as many eggs as possible in the time allowed! Register by age group and please arrive 15 minutes early. Swim attire is required, and ages 6 and under must have a parent in the water. Bags will be given to participants to collect eggs. There will also be the opportunity to get Easter Bunny photos and treats. (Must register by April 18 to participate.) 10 a.m.-noon, ages 1-12. Cost is $10. v Allen Image | April 2019

snippets The Lovejoy High School Jazz Band The Lovejoy High School Jazz Ensemble welcomes two guests—The Texas Instruments Jazz Band and Sal Lozano—on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Lovejoy High School Auditorium. Proceeds benefit the Lovejoy Band Boosters. Special guest Sal Lozano is based in Los Angeles and a member of the Grammy Award Winning Big Phat Band. Sal has recorded with many artists including Paul McCartney, Natalie Cole, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder and Maynard Ferguson. He can also be heard on numerous movie soundtracks including Incredibles 2, the last three Star Trek movies and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Sal is currently a Professor of Saxophone at California State University Long Beach. The Jazz Ensemble at Lovejoy High School is one facet of the Lovejoy High School Band Program and meets each day during the academic school day. Recent successes of the ensemble and its members have included multiple All-Region and All-State awards and the band was also most recently named an Outstanding Ensemble at the 2017 and 2018 Collin Jazz Festival. The Texas Instruments Jazz Band is a full 18-piece big band organized through the Texins Association of Texas Instruments. The group formed in the summer of 1986 and has performed at The Meyerson Symphony Center, the Texas Jazz Festival, the Cancun Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival. v

Change The World Weekend Here’s your chance to make the world a better place on the weekend of May 17-19! “Change the World Allen is dedicated to providing service and positively impacting our local community. We unite area faith communities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, individuals and families to work together to serve those in need of food, clothing, safe shelter and care.” stated Jessica Wright, Director of Community Partnerships. Those who are elderly or disabled often struggle financially or physically with home upkeep and maintenance. They can submit a very simple online form to request assistance. A project lead will then come out and assess the scope of the repairs and gather a team and resources to do the work needed. Painting, brickwork, yard work, cement, electrical, trimming, fencing and much more have been done to help members of our community in need. Last year, over 5,000 items and 6,143 pounds of food were collected for the ACO Summer Food Program; 120,405 meals were packed for Kids Against Hunger; critical dental services were provided for those in need; aid was given to Project Linus, Bed Start, Hope’s Door, Connemara Nature Preserve, Teaching with Jamaica, Samaritan Inn and many others. Go to changetheworldallen.org to look for opportunities to serve. It’s amazing what a community can do to benefit so many when everyone does a little and works together! v

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Allen Image | April 2019

snippets The 16th Annual Plant Sale

The Diversity of Mental Health On Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m., the Collin County Diversity Council, in partnership with the Friends of the Allen Public Library, will present a forum on mental health in the Allen library’s Civic Auditorium.

Don’t miss The 2019 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale, presented by The Collin County Master Gardeners Association on Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., or until sold out. This is the largest plant sale in Collin County and will be held in the Show Barn at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, in McKinney. Attendees can find hundreds of varieties of beautiful plants recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension that include annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, vegetables, herbs, grasses and succulents. Come early for best selection! Bags of native hardwood mulch and compost from Texas Pure Products will also be available for purchase. Collin County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to tour the award-winning Earth-Kind® research and demonstration gardens. There is no sales tax and purchases can be made by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover only). Bringing your own cart or wagon is encouraged. The sale will be held indoors, rain or shine. Parking is free! To learn more visit, www.ccmgatx.org. v

There will be a panel of speakers on a variety of mental health concerns, including Dr. Laura Bradley, OB/GYN, speaking on mental health issues during and following pregnancy; Elise Thompson, Family and Child Psychologist; and Ruth Josenhans, director of PLAN Clubhouse (People Living Active Now—a place where people with mental illnesses such a schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, can come to learn how to deal with their illnesses and succeed in their daily lives). Q&A will follow. Before and after the panel, groups supporting various special needs will be in auditorium lobby to answer questions and share information. For more information, call 469.854.9744 or email collincountydc@gmail.com v

Mini Horses at Mustang Creek Estates Pet therapy is very popular among seniors, and there are a lot of therapy animals to choose from, including dogs, cats and now even horses. Senior residents of Mustang Creek Estates of Allen experienced pet therapy with mini horses from Mini Hooves of Love. The seniors met Hope and Hero, both about 23 inches tall and very friendly. Hope and Hero both have wonderful personalities and are very accustomed to the indoors. Many residents from Mustang Creek Estates had pets throughout their lives or grew up on farms, and activities like these trigger several pleasant memories. v

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library

The Library presents… by Tom Keener

Randy Hopper and the Big Texas Boys Randy Hopper and the Big Texas Boys, an exciting country band that combines the best of blues and rock, perform in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26, at the library. A native Texan, Randy began playing guitar and writing country music as a teenager in Blue Ridge, Texas. Some of Randy’s original songs include “The Cowboy Way” and “I Love Country Life.” Playing with his band throughout Texas for the past 40 years, he has also performed with Zane Williams, Kylie Rae Harris and other well-known musicians. Big Texas Boys has played at the Cottonwood Festival in Richardson, American Legion post in Denison and Love and War in Texas. The band is comprised of Randy Hopper on guitar, Stan Ragsdale on bass, JP Evanston on drums and Mark Lafon on guitar. Their CD, Randy Hopper and the Big Texas Boys, will be available at the concert.

Employed with the City of Plano, Randy and his wife, the Honorable Linda Hopper, live in Bonham with their three dogs. v

The Grape Man of Texas Learn the fascinating story of T.V. Munson, the Grape Man of Texas, from Sherrie McLeRoy, in a free program sponsored by Collin County Master Gardeners, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11, at the library. During the nineteenth century, a scourge erupted in Europe that decimated the wine and grape industry. Farmers destroyed their vineyards all over Europe in a desperate attempt to protect the next year’s crops. In France, over 70% of the vines were dead. A resident of Denison, Texas, T. V. Munson was a recognized expert in native American grape species, and the French government requested his assistance. He developed an insect- and fungus-resistant rootstock from native Texas grapes. Cuttings were shipped to France and grafted onto French vines. The hardy Texas grapevines thrived in the French soil and saved the vineyards of France. The French government sent a delegation to Denison to present T.V. the “French Legion of Honor” in 1888. In France, monuments were erected in his honor. Sherrie McElvoy is the co-author of Grape Man of Texas: The Life and Times of T.V. Munson and author of Texas Adoption Activist Edna Gladney: A Life & Legacy of Love. v Allen Image | April 2019

Women Suffrage Movement in Texas The adoption of the 19th Amendment, in 1920, represented a huge victory for American women by securing their inalienable right to vote. Texas was the first state in the South to ratify this hard-fought-for change. Learn more about the champions for Texas women’s suffrage, political strategies, anti-suffrage sentiments, efforts to amend the Texas Constitution, primary suffrage and, finally, the ratification of the 19th Amendment with Melissa Prycer at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the library. Melissa is the president and executive director at Dallas Heritage Village. She holds a master’s degree in public history from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Prior to joining Dallas Heritage Village, she worked as an intern at several museums in Dallas. Melissa has served in a variety of leadership roles for the Texas Association of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History and other museum associations. As a historian, she presented “The Hectic Flush: The Fiction and Reality of Consumption in L. M. Montgomery’s Life,” at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Conference at Prince Edward Island in 2002. v

Douglas Box and the Original Southfork Ranch The original Southfork Ranch for the famed television show Dallas was on Preston Road in Frisco and owned by the Cloyce Box family. Hear Douglas Box discuss his recollections of one of Texas’ most famous ranches and the rise and fall of his family dynasty at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the library. Douglas’ father Cloyce Box played professional football with the Detroit Lions from 1949 to 1950 and 1952 to 1954. After the 1950 season, Cloyce was selected by the Associated Press (AP) as a second-team end on its All-Pro team. In 1951, he was recalled from inactive reserve status by the United States Marine Corps and missed the entire 1951 season. After being discharged from the Marines, Cloyce returned to play for the Lions. The Box family was once a formidable player in the Texas business world, controlling a diverse portfolio of public and private companies, especially oil and gas, cement manufacturing and real estate. Following Cloyce’s sudden death and a litigious four-year family ordeal, Douglas led the sale of the family’s oil and gas business.

Today, Douglas is a certified family business advisor, author and public speaker. In 2014, Douglas published, Cutter Frisco, Growing up on the Original Southfork Ranch. In October of 2016, he published a more extensive memoir about his father called Texas Patriarch—A Legacy Lost. 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.

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formarketplace your health

Allen Image | April 2019

calendar

april CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. More info: www.2changeu.org. A Place To Go (APT G), meets 3rd Saturday each month, (Sept-May), 7-9:30 pm, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. Volunteers, high school age & up paired with special needs teen/young adult. Eat, play games and make crafts in a parent’s night out environment. Free. More info: 214.385.8850 or email specialkids@fumcallen.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. More info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com Allen Garden Club, meets 1st Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. More info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Guest speakers on topics of historical significance. More info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. More info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet 3rd 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. More info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Assoc. 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. More info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. More info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org.

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Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Ave., McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. More info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Camp gladiator, meets every Saturday, 8 pm, parking lot (or inside) Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway. Adult outdoor fitness group for all fitness levels. Free community workout. More info: jeanettelintzen@campgladiator.com. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Road. More info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. More info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets 2nd Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. More info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets 2nd Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. More info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required. More info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. More info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. More info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets 2nd Saturday each month in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas. More info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. More info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. More info: www.beautifulviolets.com. Friends of the Allen Public Library meets 3rd Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org.

Gaslighters Book Review Club meets 3rd Wednesday each month September thru May at Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments noon, speaker 1 pm. More info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983. Greater Collin Kennel Club, meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. All welcome. More info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. More info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday each month (Sept. thru May), 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. More info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA, meets 2nd Thursday each month, Creekwood UMC, 261 Country Club, Fairview. Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. More info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 N. Central Expressway, McKinney. More information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. More info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. More info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. NARFE Chapter 559, meets 3rd 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 Tuesday each month, refreshments 9:30 am, meeting 10 am, Noah’s Event Center, 5280 Towne Square Dr., Plano. All welcome to join. More info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets 1st Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. More info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets 1st Saturday each month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. More info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. All welcome. More info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. More info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Reflections on Spring Creek, 1901 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. More info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Prelude Clubhouse, community center for adults living with mental illness meets at Collin Creek Church, 1905 E. Parker Rd, Plano. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. More info: 469.301.6639 or www.preludeclubhouse.org. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. 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. More info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm. B1116. 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. More info: www.RFCCTX.org; email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com. Single Side Up, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. More info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org. St. Jude Carreer Alliance, meets most Wednesdays, 9 pm, lecture Hall, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. Helping to develop career strategies for students, career builders & unemployed. More info: Jack Bick, jbick@stjudeparish.com or www.stjudecareeralliance. net/aboutus/. 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. 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. More info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. 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. More info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.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. More info: www.twiceasfar.com/news. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. More info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com.

CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 6:30 pm, Blue House Too, Watters Creek. More info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. More info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. More info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

Allen Image | April 2019

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets 3rd Tuesday each month. Support & 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 Tues & Thur, 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 am5 pm, you can help. More info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. More info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets 2nd Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. More info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Meets monthly. Days & locations vary. More info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. More info: Nar-Anon.org or 800.477.6291. National Alliance of Mental Illness (for Collin County) Support Groups meet every Thursday, 6:30-8 pm, LifePoint Church, in the LifePoint Kids Bldg, 4501 Hedgcoxe Rd, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. More info: NAMI Dallas, 214.341.7133. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. More info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. 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. More info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 & 6 pm, 1st UMC, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES/SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. More info: www.cchba.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. 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. 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. 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). More info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. More info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 2nd Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, last Saturday every month, 8 am. More info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www.planopacers.org. Pure Athlete Volleyball Club offers high-performance volleyball skills training and club teams for boys and girls ages 6-18. Free player assessment. More info: Mischelle Slaton, 214.803.0311 or www.pureathleteclub.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. More info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview. fit4mom.com. First class Free. More info: Fairview.fit4mom.com, email Lolo@fit4mom.com.

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The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets 1st Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. More info: eaa1246.org.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. More info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. More info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets 2nd Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. required. More info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. Moms Club, meets 1st Friday each month (Sept.-May), 10 am-noon, at Grace Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Moms of preschool children. Relax with hot brunch & speaker. Childcare-$3 per child/$6 max. More info: www.grace-efc.org/womens-ministry/. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms & children in Allen, Fairview & Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. More info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op. More info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Moms in Prayer, join prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. More info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.. MOPS, support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare. More info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. More info: 214.762.0037. Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets 3rd Wednesday each month (during the school year), 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare provided with advance reservations. 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 St., Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, DVD programs on Allen history and historic photo collages. More info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 3-hour walk, monthly alternating 1st Saturday and 1st Sunday, 8 am, Oct thru Apr; 7 am, May thru Sept., Alma and Tautm Rd., Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides; wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages. More info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM

Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets 2nd 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 Native Plant Society, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets 2nd Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets 4th Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

SENIORS

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. More info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. More info: www.asgconline.com. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship, games. More info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Singles Mingle 60+, meets 1st Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. A social forum for active men and women singles who enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. Various social activities throughout the month. More info: For meeting information on the 3rd Monday each month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), fellowship, speakers and entertainers. More info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets 2nd & 4th Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. More info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. More info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. More info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. More info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen. More info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League, Greater Collin County Chapter, meets 3rd Wednesday, 10 am at Gleneagles Country Club, Plano. Guests welcome. More info: algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets 3rd Tuesday each month. More info:GenBernadoDeGalvez@gmail.com. Fairview Rotary Club, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. More info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets 2nd Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership with Legal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. More info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt.org. Knights of Columbus, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville Ave., Allen. More info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets 4th Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. More info: Jason at 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 2nd Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. More info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW Armistice Memorial Post 2195, meets 2nd Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Allen Heritage Guild Train Depot, 100 E. Main St., Allen. More info: Jack Rettig, 972.529.8504 or www.vfw2195.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:30 pm, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. 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. More info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org.

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

formarketplace your health

Allen Image | April 2019

feature

Fighting Hunger, One Sandwich at a Time by Deborah Dove

Feed Your Neighbor Sometimes, small and seemingly insignificant moments can have a huge impact. Such is the case with Ali Subhani, a graduate of UTD who works as an auditor for Texas Women’s University in Denton and has lived in Allen and Collin County for several decades. One Sunday morning, Subhani was bored and started reading an article in the Dallas Morning News about a group that got together quarterly to make meals for the hungry in their community and he thought to himself, “Why can’t we do something similar in our community?” He envisioned something small but sustainable. “I wanted to do something that could be kept up,” Subhani says. “Not just something to do one time and call it a day.”

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Knowing he couldn’t do it on his own, he approached his church, the Islamic Association of Allen, about funding and sponsoring the program. “They were easily convinced,” he says. Abdul-Rahman Bashir, the Imam (the religious director) of the mosque, concurs. “We had been sponsoring a lunch at the Samaritan Inn, but there are not too many opportunities to feed the hungry in Allen,” he says. The church readily agreed. “Our intention was to give back to the community,” says Bashir. The biggest concern was consistency and where the volunteers would put the meals together, since the mosque doesn’t have a multi-purpose room to accommodate the meal making. Nonetheless, on the fourth Saturday of February 2017, with funding provided by the Islamic Association of Allen, Subhani and about fifteen volunteers gathered at the mosque to put together meals for the hungry. “We watch the weather and meet outside if it’s nice,” Subhani says nonchalantly. “If it’s rainy, we use the corridors.” That first Saturday, the group— aptly named “Feed the Neighbor” or “Feed Your Neighbor”—packaged about one hundred meals which they delivered to the Beacon of Light soup kitchen in downtown Dallas to distribute to the hungry. Each packaged meal contains two sandwiches (something tasty such as turkey and cheese with lettuce and mayo on bread); fresh fruit such as an apple or a banana; a snack item like a granola bar, peanut butter crackers or something kids like such as chocolatecovered raisins; and a bottle of water or juice box. All of the items are packaged in a large zip lock bag and accompanied by a handwritten note on a sticker identifying it as a “love package,” assuring each recipient that someone cares about them. In the two years since Ali Subhani conceived of the idea to feed the Allen Image | April 2019

hungry in his community, the Feed Your Neighbor program has grown exponentially. What started as a desire for the community of Allen to give back to those around us who aren’t secure foodwise, has transformed from a handful of volunteers making a hundred sandwiches to now typically sixty to eighty people who gather monthly and make four hundred meals. To avoid chaos and ensure consistency in the quality and type of food with so many volunteers involved, Ali Subhani orders all of the food online from Walmart and picks it up right before the group gathers. Abdul Ghaffar, who’s been a backbone of the program since its inception along with Subhani, procures the meat. While there is certainly a core group of volunteers, the program allows groups such as high school students needing service hours and families who want to instill a heart of service in their children to volunteer on a drop-in basis. While Subhani’s original intent was to feed the hungry, a side benefit has been the mosque’s partnership with First United Methodist Church of Allen, whose volunteers work alongside those from the Islamic Association of Allen. “It’s great that multiple faiths can work together effectively to make a difference in their communities,” says Subhani. “We want to build bridges with other churches,” adds Bashir. “This was a first step.” The only requirement to volunteer is you mustn’t be sick. With so many meals to distribute, the program has expanded to include Austin Street Center, a homeless shelter in downtown Dallas, along with Beacon of Light, in its distribution. When Austin Street Center has too many donations, Subhani and other volunteers distribute the meals directly to the homeless, parking near a few bridges downtown where the homeless are known to congregate. “You’d be surprised how fast word gets around,” Subhani says. “Within thirty to forty minutes, all of the sandwiches are gone. It’s hard to see,” he says. If you are interested in volunteering, join Feed Your Neighbor at 909 Allen Central Drive at 9:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. “I can’t solve every problem in the world,” says Subhani, “but this is something that allows the community to come together.”

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for your health TangoTab’s Feed the City Coincidentally, on the same Saturday each month, more Allen residents gather at Bar Louie at the Village of Allen to make sandwiches that are distributed to the Samaritan Inn and other local agencies. The initiative is part of TangoTab’s Feed the City Event, a community engagement event that was launched in January of 2015, although it has only been in Allen for a year. While TangoTab’s business model is to feed people in need through the usage of an app, Feed the City has become a TangoTab cornerstone. Like Feed Your Neighbor, it’s an event where volunteers of all ages, races and religious beliefs work together to make meals for people less fortunate in their community. Allen resident Kate Slaughter, COO of EXPOW—a local charitable organization that fills gaps that aren’t otherwise being filled in the community—and a mom of four, was thrilled when TangoTab began an event in Allen. “We had been going to Frisco to volunteer,” says Slaughter. “It’s a great opportunity for people looking to volunteer with kids.” All four of her children—Maddie, 15; JP, 14; Ellie, 11; and Zach, 9—make sandwiches almost every month at TangoTab’s Allen Feed the City Event. “It’s an entry point to doing good,” says Slaughter. “People can see it’s easy to do, and the kids think it’s fun.” On February 2, 2019, the Slaughters, along with a host of other volunteers, broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the most sandwiches made in an hour at TangoTab’s Guinness World Record Event held at the Texas Live Arena in Arlington. And in case you’re wondering, the most sandwiches the group made was a whopping 57,662. To participate in a local monthly event, volunteers simply must show up before 9 a.m. with the required ingredients. For the Allen event, that includes turkey, chicken or ham lunch meat; 16 slices of cheese; a loaf of bread; a bottle of yellow mustard; a bag of Halos, Cuties or tangerines; one to two large bags of chips; and a 100-count box of closeable sandwich bags. When the weather’s nice, they gather on the patio; otherwise, they work inside. Several hours and lots of laughs later, they’ve made anywhere between two and three thousand sandwiches before they take a group picture and head home, gratified by the joy that comes from helping others. “It’s so much more than just making sandwiches,” says Slaughter. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image | April 2019

cooking

A Taste-full Easter Celebration by Deborah Dove

Easter is a celebration of many things—the resurrection of Jesus for Christians, surviving Lent (for Catholics and many other Christian religions), and the end (finally!) of the cold, dreary days of winter. And as with all celebrations, food is an integral part of Easter. Eggs are the star of the day on Easter, so make sure you boil them right (bring water to a boil, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for twelve minutes). For easy-to-peel eggs, add one teaspoon of baking soda to the water before boiling and the shells will slide right off. Surprisingly, an Instant Pot makes perfect hard-boiled eggs every time. Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot, add the wire rack insert,

and lay your eggs on top of it. Cook the eggs on high pressure for 5 minutes, with a 5-minute natural release. Remove the eggs and place them in an ice water bath for 5 minutes. But, what to do with all those colorful boiled eggs after the Easter Egg hunt? Don’t throw them out! Put them in a chopped Cobb salad with some diced cooked chicken or turkey, bacon, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese; make egg salad for sandwiches (extra delicious with avocado); or use them for deviled eggs for Easter lunch. Of course man cannot live on eggs alone, so we’ve put together this Easter Menu with a few classic staples coupled with fresh twists on old standbys. However, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these delicious recipes all spring long.

Glazed Ham 1 whole fully cooked bone-in ham (15-18 Pounds) Whole cloves 3 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. spicy brown mustard 1 can Dr Pepper or Coke 3 Tbs. apple cider vinegar Preheat the oven to 325º F. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep. Place cloves in the middle of each diamond. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, tent it with foil, and bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours (longer, depending on the pkg. directions). Heat brown sugar, mustard, soda and vinegar in a small saucepan until bubbly. Cook until reduced and thick, about 15 minutes. After 2 hours of baking time, remove the foil and brush the glaze on the ham in 20 minutes intervals (put the ham back in the oven, uncovered, in between) until it’s glossy. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 15-20 minutes before carving.

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Classic Mac and Cheese 1-1/2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni 5 Tbs. butter, divided 3 Tbs. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1-1/2 c. whole milk 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese 2 oz. Velveeta, cubed 2 Tbs. dry bread crumbs Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni. Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375Â°F for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Allen Image | April 2019

Lemon Parmesan Oven Roasted Asparagus 1 bunch asparagus 3-4 Tbs. olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 Tbs. freshly grated Parmesan cheese Juice of 1/2 a lemon Heat oven to 425 ºF. Wash asparagus, trim and pat it dry and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Lightly toss the asparagus to evenly coat it with olive oil and seasoning, then roast it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, just until tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the garlic, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice and toss again before serving.

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs 12 hard-boiled eggs 1/2 c. mayonnaise 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 Tbs. finely shredded cheddar cheese 1 Tbs. mustard Paprika Peel the hard-cooked eggs and cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks to a small bowl. Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, crumbled bacon and cheese. Stir in mustard. Fill egg white halves with the yolk mixture and top with paprika and/or bacon.

Raspberry Mimosas 1 lemon wedge 1/4 c. sugar, for rim 1/4 c. raspberry sorbet 4 oz. Chambord 1 bottle sparkling rosé 1/4 c. raspberries Rim 4 glasses with lemon wedge, then dip in sugar. Place a small scoop of sorbet in each glass, then top with Chambord, sparkling rosé, and a few fresh raspberries.

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Glazed Lemon Cake (from Ina Garten)

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2-1/2 c. granulated sugar, divided 4 x-large eggs, at room temperature 1/3 c. grated lemon zest (6-8 lg. lemons) 3 c. flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 c. fresh lemon juice, divided 3/4 c. buttermilk, at room temperature 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Glaze: 2 c. confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar, sifted 3-1/2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice Preheat oven to 350ÂşF. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Cream butter and 2 cups granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on medium speed, add eggs, one at a time, and lemon zest. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a

bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, buttermilk and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean. Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until sugar dissolves. When

cakes are done, allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and set on a rack set over a tray or sheet pan; spoon lemon syrup over cakes and allow cakes to cool completely. For glaze, combine confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over tops of cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down sides. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | April 2019

kids korner

Birthday Parties 2019—Tween and Teen Version by Deborah Dove Hosting an epic birthday party for older kids can be a challenge, but we’ve got you covered with this assortment of radically fun ideas and venues.

Ballistic Bubble Soccer—469.516.1167 or www.ballisticcrumble.com. Not your typical birthday party, this one-of-a-kind party pits players against each other in an epic game of contact soccer… while wearing bubble suits! You have to secure the venue— typically a park, school field, large backyard, playground, or soccer or football field—and the coach will bring the bubble balls to you. The coach will set up thirty-minutes prior to your event, and waivers must be signed by all participants or guardians for minors. The coach will recommend fun and exciting games to play, such as soccer, king of the hill, freeze tag and last man standing, as well as referee the games for a fun and safe experience. Players must be at least seven years old and 42” tall. The basic party package is $300 for two hours of play, a referee and eight adult bubble suits, for up to fifteen players. The “Big Party Pack,” which is $400, is best suited for kid’s parties and includes twelve mix-and-match-sized bubble suits, two hours of play and a referee trained in kid friendly games.

Zombie Scavenger Hunt—www.zombiescavengers.com. The world is in chaos, with zombies outnumbering the living ten to one. It’s up to you and your team of up to ten players to search the area for much-needed food, supplies, weapons and shelter using your smartphone. The more things you find in the one-hour, the more points you get and more likely you would be a survivor. The task will not be easy. Along the way, you will be asked to do some challenges or answer trivia questions in order to be rewarded virtual weapons. If you’re playing with a larger group, you can split up into teams and see who can find all the items first! The goal is to find all of the items in the hour to be a survivor of the zombie apocalypse. While the game is family friendly (no actual zombies are involved in the scavenger hunt), it is more suitable for middle schoolers and teens. Also, make sure there’s nice weather as the game takes place outdoors in public places. Cost is $39.95 for one team of up to ten players, $74.95 for two teams (ten players each); or $99.95 for three teams of ten.

Bowlero—Village of Fairview, 351 Town Place, Fairview 972.457.9500 or www.bowlero.com. Allen/Fairview’s newest bowling alley offers fun-filled birthday party packages for kids and teens, with cool lanes featuring black lights, soft lounge seats and huge HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family

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films. Packages run $18.99/person to $24.99/person for kids up to age twelve; and $29.95/person to $35.95/person and include unlimited bowling, shoe rental, entrees and sides, a five-dollar gift certificate for each child and a fourteen-credit arcade card.

PlayLive Nation—Village of Allen, 190 East Stacy Road, Allen, 972.678.0297 or www.playlivenation.com. This is the perfect birthday party venue for tweens and teens who love to play video games with their friends. Parties include gaming stations for everyone to play at the same time for two hours, party invitations, use of the store’s tables, food and beverages, staff to run the party, trivia with prizes and a gift bag for the birthday boy or girl. They have a wide variety of games, including racing, sports, kids, shooter, fighting and more. Cost is $229.99 for five gaming stations or $329.99 for ten stations. Additional playing time can be added for an additional fee.

Topgolf—1500 Andrews Parkways, Allen, 469.675.9730 or www.topgolf.com. Players in bays hit micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboardlike targets on an outfield. This is always a crowd pleaser. Party packages include two hours of Top Golf game play for 12 to 18 kids; menu options for food plus unlimited soda, lemonade, tea and water; lifetime memberships (required to play) for all guests; digital invites; and a team to set up and manage the party. Cost is $300 for up to 12 kids and $450 for up to 18 kids; or $420 for up to 12 teens and $630 for up to 18 teens.

Fort Paintball—4404 Dillehay Dr., Allen, 972.442.9777 or www.fortpaintball.com. You don’t have to drive far for an awesome (and affordable) paintball birthday party with seven outdoors paintball fields. Located on thirty acres in Parker (near Southfork Ranch), Fort Paintball is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am-6 pm and during all Allen ISD holidays. Minimum age to play is ten, but they have .5 cal. rentals for kids seven and up if you call in advance. Cost is $25 per person for gun, mask, compressed air tank and 100 paintballs ($40 for 500 paintballs), with a $5 per person discount and private field for parties of ten or more. Bring your own drinks and cake to enjoy at their picnic tables after play. v

education

From Dental Hygienist to Dentist by Heather Darrow

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hen Lacey KeyYates moved to north Texas she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do for a career. Prior to earning a B.A. in psychology and strategic communication from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she dealt poker and black jack, practiced real estate and even served as an embalming apprentice alongside her mother who was a mortician. After graduating, she contemplated earning a law degree and took the LSAT. “I liked all of it and was ok with all of it,” Key-Yates said. But the truth was that she was not passionate about any of the career options she explored. She decided to pursue dental hygiene and took the required prerequisites at Collin College. Though she did not know it at the time, the college would provide the backbone she would need for her future career in dentistry. According to Christine McClellan, Collin College dental hygiene director, the college’s dental hygiene program is competitive. In fact, this past year 99 applicants applied for 16 seats. Key-Yates was accepted into the program and started just after the birth of her daughter. “It is always helpful to see things from all levels in any field,” McClellan said. “Being a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) before becoming a dentist brings extraordinary patient management skills and a real understanding of the whole dental team. Our training is broad, and our students see different private practices and reach out and serve the community. Lacey is a people person, and everyone is drawn to her. As a student, the education she provided to her patients was individualized and thorough. She is a true asset to the dental field.” Key-Yates flourished in dental hygiene school and served as class

president both years. Looking back, she says the structure of the dental hygiene program and the professors made all the difference. “I learn by doing,” Key-Yates said. “They don’t teach you abstract concepts in year one that you don’t use until year two. The faculty is knowledgeable, encouraging and particular, which was annoying at the time, but it matters later,” she said, laughing. During clinicals, she watched surgical procedures at the Veterans Administration Hospital and was transfixed. “That’s when I realized all that dentists do,” Key-Yates said. “I developed a passion for surgery. The patient is finally out of pain and able to smile again.” Key-Yates was eight months pregnant with her son when she took the dental hygiene board exam. The fall after graduation, she began temping as a dental hygienist and

taking dental school prerequisites at Collin College. With the exception of one university class, she completed all of her dental school prerequisites at the college. She was accepted to the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and thought she would be able to transfer to a school that was closer to home after the first year. “Being away from my kids is one of the hardest things I have ever done,” Key-Yates said. “I moved to San Antonio by myself and commuted home each weekend. I didn’t get the transfer and stayed in San Antonio to finish dental school. Every Friday right after gross anatomy, I got on the plane smelling like formaldehyde. The people in the seats next to me probably hated me,” she said. The education she received as a dental hygienist provided Key-Yates with the opportunity to have time to spend with her family on the weekends. “Collin College really prepares

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dental hygiene students so much better than other schools,” Key-Yates said. “Dental hygiene school helped me with people skills, hand skills and clinical skills in dental school. I knew how to talk to patients and how quickly you had to get things done. I had such a good foundation that pathology and dental development were easier for me which allowed me

to commute home each weekend to spend time with my children.” To keep her mind off missing her children, Key-Yates served as class vice president throughout the four years of dental school and was active in student government. She graduated from dental school in May 2018 and is currently practicing dentistry at El Dorado Smiles in Frisco.

Lessons she learned years ago translate directly into her career today. “In Collin College dental hygiene school, they teach you to have a critical eye and be a dental detective,” Key-Yates said. “I remember Professor McClellan saying that again and again. Now, when I am exploring different possibilities I tell my patients, ‘Let me turn on my dental detector.’” Key-Yates says the journey to her career was worth the wait. “Last year, a patient came in as an emergency visit,” Key-Yates said. “She was in a lot of pain, had an abscess in a front tooth and was selfconscious about her looks. I took two teeth out and replaced them with a temporary bridge that same day. She started crying and said, ‘I haven’t smiled in 10 years. Even though I know it is temporary I can get through the holidays.’ I had to fit her in between patients, and I was drenched in sweat by the end of the day, but I was so pleased with the outcome. Being the person that helps change the way people feel or feel about themselves is huge for me.” Community members can come to the Collin College dental hygiene clinic for a thorough dental cleaning, complete oral screening, x-rays and a dental exam provided by a dentist. Regardless of the depth of the cleaning, dental cleanings are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. The clinic also offers sealants for an additional nominal charge. For more information about the college’s dental hygiene clinic, visit http://www.collin.edu/ dentalhygiene/dentalhygieneclinic. html. For more information about the Collin College dental hygiene program, visit http://www.collin. edu/dentalhygiene/. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photos Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

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New Ag Science Center and Renovations Included in May 4 Bond Referendum Eight campuses would be renovated under a bond proposal approved by the Allen ISD Board of Trustees on February 11. The proposal also calls for a new agricultural science center to be built in Allen. The $422,800,000 proposal will be included on the May 4, 2019 ballot for Allen ISD voters to consider. If approved, the sale of bonds would not increase the existing Allen ISD debt service tax rate. A citizen’s committee called Project SOAR met monthly from October to January before forming the bond project recommendations. Committee chairs Rev. Todd Harris and Bill Savage outlined the recommendations in a presentation to the Board on January 23. Projects and initiatives included in the May 4 bond proposal include:

New Construction—Allen HS Agricultural Science Center $11,568,000 A new Agricultural Science Center would be built on south Greenville Avenue on land south of Ridgemont Drive to replace the 40-year-old facility in Lucas.

Campus Life Cycle Renovations - $342,412,000 Allen ISD has sought to upgrade and renovate campuses on a 15 to 17 year cycle. The committee recommended that the district continue that renovation schedule. Campuses that would need renovation between 2020 and 2025 would include: Boon Elementary, Chandler Elementary, Evans Elementary, Olson Elementary and Cheatham Elementary Schools. Curtis and Ereckson Middle Schools would be renovated over a period of two years and the phased renovation of Allen High School would continue. Other projects would include renovations to the AISD Administration Building, track resurfacing at the AHS Track Stadium & Lowery Stadium, a shade structure and upgrades to AHS tennis facility, shade structures at AHS baseball and softball facilities and turf replacement at Eagle Stadium, Lowery & Curtis Stadiums before 2025.

period and add additional communications (radio), maintenance and safety equipment.

Safe and Secure Schools - $2,787,000 Plans are to install safety doors, secure window frames, upgrade building access control systems and upgrade security camera systems.

Technology - $59,800,000 Technology plans are to expand the wide area network (WAN), upgrade campus and classroom technology to increase accessibility and improve speed and quality, upgrade classroom multimedia technology and implement a mobile device purchase and replacement system to place more mobile devices in the hands of students and teachers. If approved by voters, the proposed projects would be completed between 2019 and 2025. Financial projections presented to the Board showed the proposed bond projects could be funded by the sale of bonds with no increase to the school district tax rate. “We were very pleased with the work of the committee and recommendations,” said John Montgomery, president of the Board of Trustees. “The bond proposition accomplishes three main objectives for the school district: maintaining equitable and quality facilities, providing access to technology for all students, and providing a safe environment for students and staff.” v

Transportation - $6,233,000 The school district would purchase 35 new school buses over a 5-year Allen Image | April 2019