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contents

April 2012

Vol. 22, Issue 4

cover story 50 The stage has been set for Allen’s Community Theatre

In September of 2010, Allen’s Community Theater, or ACT, was launched. Since its inception, ACT has presented two fulllength productions as well as put on short skits for community events and hosted a summer theater workshop for teens. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature 18 Showing their love

At Allen High School, Valentine’s Day is all about Love Week—a district-wide service project/fundraiser held every year. This year’s recipient is Randi Wideman, a 28year-old former teacher who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. by Nicole Bywater

special sections 20 kids korner

Birthday Parties by Deborah Dove

28 business seen

Cox’s Fine floors

Craig’s Car Care

The Eli Daniel Group by Nicole Bywater

32 pet page

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Phoebe

40 calendar 58 people seen

contents departments

Allen Image publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

civic forum 8

Bret Michaels rocks Allen by Jeff Mues

How green is your April? by Kathleen Vaught

Allen Railroad Days by Tom Keener

contributing writers

Literacy and the Library

Allen Dance Festival

Justin Jones

Lovejoy Country Run

Tom Keener

Allen Quilters’ Guild

Jeff Mues

Allen ISD Outdoor Adventures by Keith A. Taylor

Life changing scholarship by Justin Jones

library 30

Nicole Bywater Deborah Dove

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson Keith A. Taylor Kathleen Vaught

cover photo Larry Fleming

The Allen Library presents… by Tom Keener

Day of the Child/Day of the Book

The History of Clocks

Allen Musical Revue

travel 34

Round Top Antiques Fair by Deborah Dove

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Jill Edelman

advertising sales

Allen After Prom

Carrie McCormick

education

office administrator

interiors/outdoor spaces 38

Sitting Pretty by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Allen Image © 2012 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage. com.

civic forum

Bret Michaels

rocks Allen by Jeff Mues

As a rock star, reality star, businessman and philanthropist, pop culture icon Bret Michaels wears many hats—or should we say bandanas. The Poison frontman is not only a rock god, a TV star, a solo artist and an entrepreneur—he’s also a father, the face of the American Diabetes Association, a supercross enthusiast and a generous donor to many charitable causes. Bret has done quite a bit in his 26-year career. But one thing he has yet to do… rock the stage at Allen Event Center. That all changes on Friday, May 4, when Bret takes our stage for the first time. Michaels first rose to fame as the lead singer of Poison. As one of rock’s most legendary and enduring bands, Poison defined the fast, gritty and glamorous rock ’n’ roll scene. Since the band’s beginning, Poison has achieved massive success—releasing eight studio albums, four live albums and selling over 30 million records worldwide and 16.5 million records in the U.S. alone. They charted 10 singles in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 including the #1 single, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Bret Michaels’ solo career has been similarly successful. His most recent solo album, Custom Built, released in July of 2010, topped the charts, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock list. His next album, Get Your Rock On, is set to be released later this year. Michaels has also achieved stunning success in the

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realm of reality TV as well. His Rock of Love television series is one of the most successful in VH1’s history. VH1 and Bret Michaels teamed up again for his 2010 docuseries Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It. He went head-tohead with some of the brightest minds in business on Donald Trump’s NBC hit, Celebrity Apprentice, and went on to “Trump” the competition with his Trop-A-Rocka Snapple drink. Philanthropy remains an important facet of Michaels’ career. A lifelong diabetic, he partnered with the American Diabetes Association in 2010, as a spokesperson and sponsor. Rocking out and giving back go hand-inhand for Michaels, who supports a number of charities and causes including the Muhammad Ali Foundation, the Barrow Brain Tumor Foundation and the Camelot Therapeutic Ranch which provides services at no charge to adults and children with disabilities. Bret Michaels has been soaking up the spotlight for decades—and true to his nature, he shows no signs of slowing down. The spotlight will be shining as bright as ever when he takes the stage in Allen on May 4. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com. For more information, log on to AllenEventCenter.com. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

How GREEN is your April? by Kathleen Vaught Nature, Health, and Community,” will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with activities like bird watching, kite-flying, sporting demonstrations, wildlife presentations and more. Community collaborators include Allen Parks Foundation, Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists, Allen Garden Club, Allen Independent School District, City of Allen and the Connemara Conservancy.

to Earthfest 2012 will be at the southwest corner of Bethany and Alma. More information is available at www. connemaraconservancy.org. On Saturday, April 28, the City of Allen Community Services Department, Keep Allen Beautiful (KAB) and Community Waste Disposal (CWD) are hosting Allen’s annual Great American Cleanup™ where residents can purge

“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.” – Clare Ansberry, The Women of Troy Hill In addition, Keep Allen Beautiful is sponsoring a community clean-up of Rowlett Creek, which flows across the entrance to the Connemara Meadow Preserve, beginning at 9 a.m. The clean-up effort is open to all ages of volunteers; however, youth under 15 should be accompanied by an adult. EarthFest 2012 is sponsored by Keep Allen Beautiful, R.E.I., Watters Creek and Montgomery Farm. Entrance

unwanted junk or donate household items for reuse or recycling. Volunteers are welcome to sign up online at www. keepallenbeautiful.com or you can call 214.509.4555 for more information. The event runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and the collection site is located West of US 75 on Bossy Boots Drive. Participants will enter the site from northbound Watters Road, and all collection areas will be located along Bossy Boots

Photo: Scott White

With spring in the air, Earthfest 2012 offers the perfect opportunity for families to soak up nature and spend time rediscovering the great outdoors. The 4th Annual Earthfest, set for Saturday, April 7, at Connemara Meadow Preserve, offers up everything from nature walks to kayaking and canoeing demonstrations. “This is a dynamic, interactive event meant for the whole family,” said Donna Kliewer, Waste Services Manager for the City of Allen. “Earthfest is more than just a chance to get outside, it’s an opportunity to see and learn about our home—Allen has so much natural beauty and heritage.” Earthfest 2012, “A Celebration of

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Drive. Bring your current City of Allen water bill and driver’s license to take advantage of this cleanup, reduce, reuse and recycling opportunity. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with vehicle unloading. Organizations that will be on site to accept donations include: • Allen Animal Shelter—all types pet accessories and pet care products • Allen Community Outreach— household furnishings • Allen High Noon Lions Club— eyeglasses and cell phones • CWD—yard trimmings and household appliances without Freon (appliances that previously contained Freon will not be accepted without a certificate of removal by a licensed agency). They will also accept clean, empty cardboard boxes. • Cyclone Aluminum and Steel— computers, computer peripherals, small office machines, printers and ink cartridges, lawn mowers and grills, small kitchen appliances (items accepted first-come, firstserved until Cyclone trucks are full) • East Texas Bicycle Club—bicycles, tricycles and biking accessories • Goodwill Industries—household goods, clothing (please wash and bag them), children’s toys, etc. • The Shoe Bank—adult athletic shoes and all children’s shoes (no flip flops) First-Shred will be at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway, to accept and shred up to four boxes of documents (no larger than 12-7/8” by 25-3/8”—a double-sized file box, per household). Taken on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. and ending when trucks are full or at 1 p.m. CWD will also have a truck onsite at City Hall to recycle clean, empty cardboard boxes. Another initiative hosted with the Great American Cleanup is the TakeBack Initiative to collect potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and vitamins for destruction. The Allen Police

Department, in partnership with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be on hand 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at two collection sites: Allen City Hall, and Lowery Freshman Center, 601 E. Main. The service is free—anonymous with no questions asked. The nationwide initiative seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft as well as to protect the environment. Medications should never be flushed down drains. Items that will not be accepted at

either location—tires, televisions, any appliance containing Freon, flammables (gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil), household chemicals or paint. If you have items not being accepted this day or if you are unable to bring items to the event due to a disability, please call 214.509.4551 to request other options. For more details, please visit www. keepallenbeautiful.com. v Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image x April 2012

Allen Railroad Days by Tom Keener The Allen Heritage Guild presents a free exhibit of modular trains in April at the Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main. Over 100 models of freight, passenger and work trains drawn by diesel engines, representing various southwestern railroads, including Southern Pacific, Rock Island and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe will be featured. To enhance the experience, the trains meander through scenic vistas, bridges, mesas and towns. Even the Allen train depot, a typical Houston and Texas Central station, is represented in miniature as it appeared in 1942 before it was destroyed. A traveling exhibit of the Dallas/Forth Worth O scale model railroad club, this 30-foot-long modular display is part of their permanent exhibit located at South Side on Lamar in Dallas. This year the DFW Club will be joined by modular layouts in N Scale by Roy Durrell of the Allen Senior Center and 3 Rail O gauge by the Lionel Modular Group. O scale trains are built to a ratio of 1:48; for example, a 40-foot box car is 12 inches long as a scale model. HO Scale is approximately half the size of O scale and N is about 30% smaller than HO. Allen resident Stan Schwartz is an active Dallas/Forth

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Worth O Scale Club member and is organizing this exhibit. Stan has been collecting model trains for over 60 years. In 1952, he bought his first Model Railroader magazine and continues teaching, collecting and having fun with this pastime. Model train experts will be available during the exhibit for a free model train road show—free appraisals and identification will be given. In addition, Stan will present a talk on Allen’s railroad history at 1 and 3 p.m. each day. Visit your closet and attic and bring your trains for a free appraisal or to sell! Also shown—Lionel Modular Group’s 8 x 16 setup. Some of their trains are over 50 years old and still operational. Founded over a century ago by Joshua Lionel Cowen, Lionel was a leader in O scale model trains. For youngsters, there will be wooden railways they can operate. Exhibit hours are: 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Saturdays, March 31 and April 14; 12–4 p.m, Sundays, April 1 and 15. For information, call Stan Schwartz at 972.359.8242. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Snippets Allen After Prom For 19 years, Allen High School seniors and adult volunteers have planned a party to entertain graduating students in a safe, fun environment. The Allen High School After Prom has successfully provided a drug- and alcohol-free event that has contributed to the safety of graduating seniors and their dates on prom night. This chaperoned event includes food, games, entertainment, scholarships and prizes, and allows students to socialize safely from midnight to 5 a.m. in the high school. All seniors are eligible to attend, even if they choose not to attend prom. L to R: Nick Schaefer, Jeff Powell and Ryan McNutt A new event this year is a drawing for a donated used car from Nissan of McKinney, valued at $8,000. The dealership is also offering a $50 donation to After Prom for every qualified driver that visits the dealership for a car appraisal and test drive of a new car. For more information, see “Allen After Prom” on Facebook or visit http://allenisd.org/domain/1977. On-line donations may be made using electronic check, Visa or MasterCard at http://www.allenisd.org/Page/11725 or mail your donations to: AHS After Prom, P.O. Box 370, Allen, TX 75013.

Literacy and the Library A spring celebration of “Literacy and the Library” will be held at the staging area in Watters Creek, 6-8 p.m., Friday, April 20, 965 Garden Park Drive in Allen. The Friends of the Library Endowment Fund is the recipient of Watters Creek’s “Coins for Charity” program for January through March. Special events will include entertainment by Boy Scout Troop 131, a children’s story reading by retired Allen teacher, Tonya Moore, performance by The Twin Fiddles and a bilingual reading by Dana Jean. The Twin Fiddles is comprised of twin sisters Megan and Leah Bynum. They have performed for the Allen Public Library’s bluegrass concert and at Willie Nelson’s church in Abbott, Texas. Because they are classically trained, their fiddling has a unique, synergistic resonance with a classical touch. Cash and check donations to the Endowment Fund will be accepted during the evening. Incentives for donations at the April 20 event include: $50—Watters Creek discount card for participating merchants; $100—Discount card + one-year membership in Friends; $200—Discount card + Friends membership + $25 Watters Creek gift card. For information, call 972.727.3441.

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Allen

Dance

Festival

Becca Chrasta, and Devin Feeney

The Allen Civic Ballet will host the 13th annual “Allen Dance Festival” on Saturday, March 31, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Allen Civic Auditorium at 300 N. Allen Drive. Joining the Allen Civic Ballet onstage on Saturday will be Dancing Minds and Bodies, balletfoundation for the XXIst century and Fairbank Dance Theatre. Sunday’s guest companies will be Gaudium Dance Movement, Fairbank Dance Theatre, Dallas Black Dance Threatre II and special guest artists Misha Izotov and Melian Izotova. The program will feature a mix of classical, contemporary and modern ballet. The Allen Civic Ballet will be presenting excerpts from several classical ballets, including Michel Fokine’s Les Sylphides. “I feel especially driven to stage this ballet,” says Artistic Director Stefanie Best. ”My teacher, Madame Krassovska, worked intimately with Fokine, and he felt she was the perfect ballerina for his choreography.” Krassovska served as Artistic Advisor to the Allen Civic Ballet until her death in 2005. The ballet recently performed part of this work at the Classical Ballet Festival in Honor of Nathalie Krassovska. “When it was over, one of her former dancers told me she would have been proud of it,” says Best, “I wanted to cry.” In addition to Les Sylphides, solos

and demi solos from the ballets, Napoli, Paquita and Swan Lake, will be presented. Taking the stage in these roles will be the winners of last month’s Classical Variation Adjudication: in the Senior Division, Rebecca Chrasta, Moira Maloney and Devin Feeney, who won first, second and third place respectively, and in the Junior Division, Nora Syrome, who won second. The company will also be dancing original works by Best, Paul Tillman (formerly of Ballet Arkansas) and Angelica Turner (formerly of Dallas Black Dance Theatre). “It’s great that our dancers are getting extensive experience in performing more contemporary forms of dance,” says Mary Muller, Vice President of the Ballet. “That versatility is going to go a long way towards helping them secure a professional career.”

Most of the company’s dancers are serious about entering the profession, and towards that end, they audition for summer intensive programs affiliated with professional ballet companies. Allen Civic Ballet dancers have been accepted to the programs at Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and the Kirov Academy in DC. “This year we have several dancers attending American Ballet Theatre and Kirov,” says Best, “and it’s very expensive. We’ve given out $3,000 worth of scholarship money so far, so I’m really hoping ticket sales for the Festival are great!” Tickets to the Allen Dance Festival are $10 each and will be available at the door only. Cash or check only. For more information, please call 972.727.5959 or visit our website at www.allencivicballet.org. v

Allen Image x April 2012

Snippets Lovejoy Country Run Join us May 19, at 8 a.m. for the start of the Lovejoy Country Run. The 5K race and 1K fun run will begin at the back of Lovejoy High School, 2350 Estates Parkway in Lucas. Take the McDermott exit east. McDermott becomes Main and then Estates Parkway in Lucas. No turns until you see Lovejoy H.S.! The Lovejoy Country Run was established six years ago to support all athletic booster clubs at Lovejoy and it is an inviting community event for all ages. The event will also be offering many other activities such as a pancake breakfast (part of the race entry), or non-race participants may purchase tickets at the door; 5 and younger eat free. A bounce house and face painting will be held in the courtyard of the high school and there will be a craft and market show until 3 p.m.—space is available until May 10 at www.lovejoycountryrun.org. Online registration is available at www.Luke’slocker.com. Trophies will be awarded to overall 5K male and female finishers and the master 5K finisher. Medals will be awarded to the 13 brackets and ribbons awarded to all 1K participants.

Allen Quilters’ Guild Nationally acclaimed quilter and author, Pat Speth, will be at the Allen Quilters’ Guild meeting April 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Allen, 605 S. Greenville Avenue. Known for her Nickel Quilt books, Pat creates stunning quilts using traditional and original patterns. During her presentation, she will present an assortment of her quilts and focus on the blocks made from 5-inch squares. There is a $5 fee for non-members of AQG. No reservations are necessary. Also on display will be the 2012 AQG Raffle Quilt, Garden Gala, which was quilted by Richard Larson, a national award winning long-arm quilter. Raffle tickets are available and the winning ticket will be drawn December 1. Allen Quilters’ Guild meets the third Thursday of each month and is dedicated to promoting the heritage, education, art and friendship of quilting. Quilters of all levels are welcome. Through a variety of programs, special workshops and community service, Allen Quilters’ Guild members share the creative art of quilting. For more information, visit www.allenquilters.org.

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feature

Showing their

e v o l

by Nicole Bywater

While Valentine’s Day is traditionally thought to be a day for sweethearts, at Allen High School, it’s all about Love Week—a district-wide service project and fundraiser that culminates every year around the holiday. In the months leading up to the events, students organize fundraisers and sell specially designed T-shirts, bracelets and buttons in support of the year’s recipient and cause. During Love Week, which was February 1317, there were more fundraisers, including a benefit concert and food sales, as well as special ‘crazy socks’ or ‘pink shirt’ days. On Friday, everyone was encouraged to wear the official Love Week shirt. These efforts are organized by students in the high school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, with additional support provided by other school organizations. “This is all very student-driven,” explains Deborah Vernon, who is the Love Week sponsor and an IB English teacher. “It’s amazing how responsible the students are and how much time they’re willing to donate for a cause that has no benefit to them. That’s what I’m most proud of—to see so many young adults willing to do something that is so helpful to others—because teenagers often get a pretty bad reputation for being self-focused and these students are anything but that.”

Giving back

Matt, Randi and McKinley Wideman

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Event proceeds benefit a community member who faces extreme hardship and is selected by a committee of senior full-diploma IB students, from suggestions made within the district. This year’s recipient is Randi Wideman, a 28-year-old former teacher who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone a bilateral mastectomy and is receiving chemotherapy treatments. Randi was named “Rookie Teacher of the Year” in 2008 as an Allen High physics teacher, but left the field last year after her daughter, McKinley, was born. She has also been an active leader in the local YoungLife Christian ministry for the past five years. Because of her interaction with students through teaching and ministry, her cause has become an extremely personal one for many of those involved.

“Everybody’s been talking about this,” says Allen High senior and Love Week committee co-chair, Megan Plate. “Because she’s a former teacher and was so active in YoungLife, many of the students know her personally, and it’s really taken on even more meaning this year.” For Randi, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in October, the students’ response has been both overwhelming and humbling. “I just cried, but of course, I cry at everything,” she says of finding out that she was this year’s recipient. “But I knew what a big deal this was and I’m so amazed that the kids would put in all this AHS student buying a breakfast sandwich at a fundraiser for Love Week. effort. It really does make me feel so loved.” That’s the idea, the students say, to bring the program really puts an emphasis on this type of work community together and provide love and support to because they feel it’s an important part of developing the someone who has given so much to her community. “It’s whole person. The students see a need to make a difference also rewarding because this is a team effort,” Megan says. and they take ownership of that.” “It’s cool to see what we, as students, can do.”

living abundantly

years of love

The Love Week fundraiser was started by Allen High School students 33 years ago to support a fellow classmate with a brain tumor. Three years ago, it was taken over by the IB program to fulfill the program’s Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement, which places an emphasis on work outside of academic studies. Previous year’s recipients have included: Allen High English teacher Caroline Clemons, who suffers from scleroderma, an autoimmune rheumatic disease affecting the skin and other organs and Reed Elementary kindergartener Mavrick Veal, who suffered from two types of leukemia. This year ’s event has been bigger than ever, thanks to added student involvement and more publicity, says fellow senior and Love Week co-chair, Betsy Arce. Broadcasting students have created commercials for the event, while the school’s Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) class has helped by selling and delivering shirts. The community has also stepped up, with Chick-fil-a sponsoring breakfast one morning and T-shirt sales held at Allen Americans hockey games. Students have also been able to devote some class time to Love Week efforts during their IB Theory of Knowledge class, which allows more students an opportunity to be part of the project. “It’s exciting to see them getting involved,” says the class’ teacher Casey Knight. “The IB

Randi’s husband, Matt, is an Allen High graduate. While the couple has always loved his hometown, the recent events have blown them away. “That a community would do this for someone—and now I’m lucky enough to be that someone—is just remarkable. We’re lucky to be a part of this community and we’re so blessed,” Randi says. The Love Week shirts and logo include a reference to Biblical verse John 10:10, which states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This is one of the Wideman’s favorite verses and one that they often speak of in their YoungLife group. “It’s a good reminder that because of Jesus, I get to live this abundant life, even though I’m sick,” Randi explains. Randi and Matt have also been incorporated into other parts of this year’s Love Week, such as a muffin bake sale fundraiser the students created in honor of their daughter’s nickname, “McKinley Muffin”. “They’ve just put so much thought into this, and given of their hearts and with their creativity,” Randi says of the students. “I’ve seen the shirts and the flyers, but it’s still hard to grasp all of this. It’s been amazing.” To hear more of Randi’s story and to follow her journey, visit her blog at: treasuresnheaven.blogspot.com. v Nicole Bywater is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image x April 2012

kids korner

Birthday Parties By Deborah Dove Every spring, we feature fun ideas and locations for birthday parties, usually geared towards younger children. However, older kids love celebrating their birthday and hanging out with their friends just as much as they did when they were younger, and many places have popped up that cater to kids in the upper elementary, middle school and high school age range.

Here is the perfect party planner for your ’tween or teen. GatSplat 582 E Hwy 121 (business 121), Lewisville, 972.956.5500, www. gatsplat.com It’s hard to beat paintball for a birthday party for boys of any age and GatSplat makes it easy. The paintball fields (2) are indoors, so weather is never a concern. The air-conditioned and heated facility is 26,000 square feet with astroturf, lots of bunkers for hiding and very parent-friendly with large viewing windows to watch the fun, free wi-fi and a big screen TV. Best of all (from a mom’s perspective anyway), the paintballs are non-staining and easy to break so they sting less, kids play against kids their own age and guests have the option of the regular size 68 caliber gun or kid-friendly 50 caliber guns that are lighter and stingless—perfect for 6- to 10-year-olds. Unlike places that require a minimum number of guests or charge overinflated prices for food and drinks, GatSplat’s prices are per person with no minimum and you can bring in your own food (cake, snacks, pizza, etc.) and drinks. Prices of $34.99/person for 1-9 players or $29.99/person (10+ players) include entry, all day play, all day free air refills, gun, tank, hopper, safety goggles and 300 paintballs. Additional paintballs can be purchased. GatSplat is only open Friday-Sunday.

Cosmic Jump 1300 Central Expressway N., Suite 300, Allen, 214.383.1400, www. cosmicjumptexas.com. We mentioned this new indoor trampoline facility in last month’s “Spring Break Boredom Busters”, but we’re mentioning them again because they also offer birthday party packages. Self-hosted parties include two hours of jumping, including 45 minutes in the party room for $15 per guest. Hosted parties are $300 for 15 guests and include a dedicated hostess, balloons, tablecloths, napkins, silverware and paper plates.

Pole Position Raceway 10550 John W. Elliot Drive, Frisco, 972.727.7223, www. polepositionraceway.com If your birthday boy or girl dreams of becoming the next Jeff Gordon or Danica Patrick, they’ll love a racing party at this indoor kart racing track which mimics a professional race track. Pole Position offers adult karts (up to 45 mph) and kid karts for racers, who are at least 48” tall and can drive, which go 20 mph. Birthday party packages are $34.95/person (kid karts) or $39.95/person (adult karts) for two races, one soft drink, invitations and a medal for each racer or $49.94/ person (kids) and $56.95/person (adult) for three races, all of the above, plus table settings and two hours in a party room. Packages can be upgraded with pizza, trophies, game tokens and more.

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Jump Street 6505 West Park Blvd., Plano, 972.378.5867, www.gotjump.com The tween/teen equivalent of the bounce house venue for younger kids (kids have to be at least 8 for most activities), Jump Street is an indoor trampoline park on steroids. In addition to huge trampoline jump areas, Jump Street also has trampoline dodgeball courts, a maze, a mechanical bull, a fun downhill slope on an inner tube that mimics snow sledding and more. You can pay by the hour per person, with special deals on Friday nights, or purchase a party package, which includes trampolines and dodgeball, a free gift for the birthday person, a reserved table in the party area, one bottle of water per jumper, plates, napkins and tableware. You cannot bring in cake unless you have a reserved party. Party packages are $20 per person on weekends ($15/person Mon.-Thurs.).

Top Golf 1500 Andrews Parkway, Allen, 469.675.9730, www.topgolf.com Top Golf is the miniature golf party of the 21st century. Players queue up on one of three levels and aim golf balls, each embedded with a computer chip, at targets placed on different yardages. Points are calculated based on distance and where on the target they land. Birthday party packages include guest playing cards with two games per guest, a reserved standard bay, loaner golf clubs, dedicated wait staff, an ambassador to manage the event and unlimited soft drinks, lemonade and water. Entrees, desserts and appetizers can be added at a reasonable per person cost. Birthday party packages are $14.95 per guest (ages 12 and under) and $19.95 (ages 13-17) for a two-hour event with a minimum of 10 guests.

Hydrous Water Park Allen Station Park, 580 N. Cedar Drive, Allen, 214.755.9905, www. hydrouswakeparks.info This is one of the world’s coolest cable-pulled waterskiing or wakeboarding parks in your own backyard. Skiiers and wakeboarders start at a dock and are pulled by the cable, operating at 18 miles per hour, through the water. If you fall off, it’s just a short swim to shore and walk back to the dock where you can be right back on the water. Birthday parties at Hydrous are perfect for first time wakeboarders and packages start at $200, which includes a two-hour private party for 10 guests on the beginner system, an instructor and all rental equipment. Picnic tables and an outdoor viewing deck are available, as are additional party packages that include food and party favors.If you want to just grab a couple of friends instead of a formal birthday package, passes are $25 for one hour or $30 for two hours (ages 13 and over); $15 for one hour or $20 for two hours (ages 12 and under).

Visit my new parenting and lifestyle blog at www. lightonthelampstand.com.

education

Allen ISD Outdoor Adventures Casting new light on physical education Freshman George Anibouwe takes aim during archery practice.

Sixteen Lowery Freshman Center students line up quietly waiting for instructions to draw their bows. When Coach Jason Anderson gives the order, they nock their arrows, draw and release. Sixteen arrows hit their targets. “At the first of the year, half of them could barely get the arrow there,” Anderson jokes. After placing the bows on their rests, the students quietly score their shots and walk back to the firing line. The students are all part of a new physical education class being offered by Allen High School—Outdoor Adventures. The course is designed to offer an alternative to traditional PE classes and provide students with an opportunity to participate in outdoors activities that may not be available in an increasingly urban area Since the class covers subjects such as fishing and archery, the class may seem like a lark, but Anderson says that’s far from the truth. “They’re pretty serious about this,” Anderson explains, “because this is a serious class.” Using a strict curriculum developed by the Dallas Ecological Foundation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the class teaches

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by Keith A. Taylor

skills as varied as fishing, archery, boating and camping as well as ecological and environmental lessons. The completed course counts as a high school physical education credit. “We’re teaching these kids life skills that can follow them the rest of their life,” he said. “Yes, they’re learning how to use a compass and GPS and other outdoors skills. However, they’re also learning about promoting healthy living and respect for the environment. In the long run, we hope they pass these skills along to the next generation.” Different skills are taught and tested in six-week intervals according to the scope and sequence of the course. In the first segment, students learn teamwork and cooperation through a challenge course, and then move to hunting, fishing and archery skills. Later objectives cover outdoor cooking, camping and orienteering. By the end of the class, students also will have reviewed boat safety, outdoor survival skills, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Anderson is joined by Coach Dennis Bruton in teaching the classes. “Ninety-five percent of the class is

book work and the entire course is approved by the Texas Education Agency,” Anderson stated. Once the class is completed, passing students will have the necessary qualifications to apply for hunting, fishing and boating licenses with the state. Besides the classroom experiences, students also learn about outdoors activities and ecological issues with field trips. For example, classes recently visited an exhibition by the Dallas Safari Club and heard from six international speakers about game ethics and hunting. “They heard about efforts in Africa to protect endangered species from poachers by essentially making the game too valuable to kill illegally,” Anderson declared. “By organizing both shooting and photography safaris, local businesses create jobs that depend on keeping animal populations healthy. It works to benefit both the environment and the people living there. “The course really teaches that there is more to hunting and fishing than common perceptions,” Anderson commented. “The students learn more about conservation, habitat preser

vation and saving animals. They learn about the real value of game.” Although the course is new to

Allen ISD, it is not new in the state of Texas, said Lowery Principal Ross Roberts. His former school district in

Freshman Kaitlynn Kirby prepares for archery target practice.

Keller has offered the class for 10 years and about 40 other districts around the state have outdoors courses. “We’re always looking for ways to expand our course offerings in high school,” Roberts emphasized. “This class offers another opportunity for students who haven’t found a niche or area of interest to learn new skills and develop new friendships. I’ve seen very positive results come from the program in Keller and I expect we will see the same here.” “The response has been great,” Anderson said, “This may be the only course that has Allen High School students riding a bus to Lowery for a class. We haven’t heard anything negative from our parents, either. They have been great and they are really supportive of what we’re doing.” If the course is expanded, plans are for it to also include kayaking and trail biking. Anderson attributes the early success of the program to the

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commitment of the school district and strong sponsors and supporters interested in promoting the program. “When we were planning the class, we had to find a space that would allow practice for archery, bait-casting and other activities. I knew we had the old Agriculture Education Building available, but it was being used for storage and hadn’t been cleaned in years,” he added. After a lot of hard work and cleaning, the building between Lowery and Coach Dennis Bruton oversees a test during an Outdoor Adventures class. Eagle stadium was restored to usefulness. The end result is a new PE program around the state competed in the While securing a site for the that was started at a minimal cost to program. One Allen Eagle, junior classes, Anderson also faced the Allen ISD taxpayers. Brook Cooper actually tied for the challenge of finding a way to pay for For Anderson, one of the best individual state championship in the curriculum and providing the unexpected benefits of the Outdoor points, but fell to second place based proper equipment to meet course Adventures class is the creation of the on his number of bullseyes. requirements. “We applied for and first Allen High School Archery team. With the third-place finish, the received a $4,000 grant from the “In February, we took the first AHS team qualified to attend the national Foundation For Allen Schools, which team to compete in the state archery archery tournament May 12-13 in was a huge kick-start to the program,” Louisville, Kentucky. tournament in Belton,” Anderson v he stated. “Cabela’s (the outdoors enthused. “We placed third in state! sporting store) donated 24 fishing rigs How’s that for a first-year program?” Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for and bows and the Foundation donation More than 330 archers from Allen ISD. helped us double the equipment.”

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Life changing scholarship Helping Collin College’s Monnika Young fulfill her dream by Justin Jones

Monnika Young knows she is one of the lucky few, considering her life changed forever after receiving a Hendricks Scholarship her senior year in high school to attend Collin College. Enduring bleak economic conditions, the mere thought of knowing she would have financial assistance courtesy of this scholarship was a heavy burden lifted. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said about many of her friends, who, because they did not receive scholarships, and their parents could not afford to pay tuition, eventually dropped out of college. “I am thankful every time I walk into Collin College’s bookstore and get the books that I need to walk into class with confidence,” Young, who is pursuing a hospitality management degree, said. “I have seen many of my friends who have had a lot of potential decide that their dreams will never come true and have to try and find a new dream.” According to Cary Israel, district president of Collin College, the students in college classrooms today will shape the future of our country, but a startling number of students may never go to college without financial aid and scholarships, even in Collin County. “We are in dire need of scholarship donations, so we must all pull together to keep our community vibrant and our country competitive,” Israel added.

A harsh reality

Monnika Young

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The harsh reality, however, is that there are many students who depend on financial assistance, even at Collin College, which has the lowest tuition in Texas. Knowing this is why Young works extremely hard to excel in her classes at Collin College. This is her way of saying “thank you” for believing in her enough to award her a scholarship—a financial opportunity that helps her inch one step closer to fulfilling her dream

of working at a resort as an event coordinator or working on a cruise ship as an event specialist. “I have been planning parties since I was a teenager, helping my grandmother plan my sweet 16 birthday party,” Young explained. “I love the thrill of budgeting for an event, putting pieces together to see a final project and helping people plan those special moments they will photograph in their memories for the rest of their lives. I want to help someone feel like they don’t need to worry about the small details because I will be able to fix the problems for them. “I also hope that one day when I get a job I love, I can return the favor and help students who want to go to college but think it is out of their reach.”

Pay it forward Already paying it forward are companies such as PBK, which is the platinum sponsor for Collin College’s Scholarship Support Event Series. “We believe that all students should have access to quality education. We are honored to be afforded the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful opportunity,” Fred Montes, a partner at PBK, said. “We appreciate the partnership and the opportunity to promote education in our community. PBK is focused on providing a superior level of service to Collin College to help exceed all targeted educational objectives, goals, and endeavors.” “This year’s scholarship support

series not only helps raise scholarship dollars for Collin College, but also provides an opportunity to showcase some of our outstanding students and their accomplishments,” Anita Collins, chair of the Collin College Foundation, commented. The scholarship support, Collins added, is also critically important to the college as proceeds from this series enable students like Young to reach their goals. “I love being able to help fellow students receive the money they need to follow their dreams and receive the same oppor tunities I have. This is the least I can do,” said Young, one of many students in the Collin College Cary Israel Hospitality Management and Culinary Education program who are helping with Support Event Series provides such ChefStravaganza. “I have been very an opportunity. blessed to receive everything that I To learn more about the Collin have, and I know that if there are College Scholarship Support Event students who are determined, and who Series and sponsorship opportunities, are willing to work hard to get to call 972.599.3145 or visit www.collin. edu/foundation. where they want to be in life, they v deserve the chance.” Fortunately for many deserving Justin Jones is a public relations writer for Collin College students, the Collin Collin College. College Foundation’s Scholarship Photos by Nick Young, Collin College.

The Scholarship Support Event Series includes the following exclusive events that will provide an opportunity for guests to experience Collin College in a fresh, new way while supporting scholarships for students: ChefStravaganza—6 p.m., Thursday, April 26, Collin College, Preston Ridge Campus, 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the creations of the college’s exceptional Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Education with exotic confections, hors d’oeuvres, pastries and desserts that represent culinary styles and cuisines from around the world.

A Stroke of Genius Art Auction—6 p.m., Thursday, May 3, Neiman Marcus in The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano This magnificent art auction features an elegant night of live and silent auctions of some of the best works from local artists and Collin College students and faculty. Allen Image x April 2012

business seen by Nicole Bywater

Cox’s Fine Floors

As the flooring company of choice for premium custom home builders, Cox’s Fine Floors specializes in high quality customized wood flooring. “We are dedicated to providing a level of quality and craftsmanship unmatched by our competition,” says owner Gary Cox. “We take great pride in delivering the best quality wood flooring at competitive prices.” Custom flooring options include specialty woods such as cherry, walnut, pecan and other exotic choices—detailed with custom borders, inlays and/or patterns. “We work with residential customers, custom home builders, designers and architects to produce the desired fine wood look,” adds Gary. “Our expertise is key in finding the appropriate look and wood combination for any room.” Whether refinishing, resurfacing or new installation, the skilled craftsman at Cox’s Fine Floors always deliver the highest quality woodwork. Gary says, “We have built our reputation on our commitment to providing quality service, which has earned us many valuable customers for over a decade.” In addition to wood flooring installation and design, the company offers professional home improvement services such as new carpet installation, ceramic tile and stonework, granite countertops, shutters and wood staircases and metal balusters. Their showroom is located at 650 Country Club Road in Wylie. For more information call 972.461.0707 or visit www.CoxFineFloors.com.

Craig’s Car Care

In today’s economy, more people are choosing to keep their cars longer—opting to maintain or fix their vehicles rather than buy a new one. Establishing a relationship with a repair shop that you can trust is key. Craig’s Car Care fills the bill as an honest, reliable and friendly place for automobile and light truck repair, maintenance and towing. “Our customers come first,” says manager David Pierce, who has over 20 years experience in the industry. “We examine a car from end to end and give our customers as much information as we can so they can make informed decisions and work within their budget. And with our nationwide warranty, they can also have peace of mind when traveling.” Craig’s Car Care has been in Allen/Lucas for over 15 years and one of the reasons for its longevity is the quality of service provided. “People assume they can treat their car the way they did 15 years ago, but cars are designed differently,” explains Pierce. “The system in cars changes about every six months so keeping our technicians current is important. We invest heavily in training and diagnostic equipment to keep up to date.” Your car is an investment—protect it by finding a facility that you can trust. “Ask for referrals because building a relationship with a service provider you trust is best, and in the long-run, the most cost-effective thing you can do for your car,” concludes Pierce. Craig’s Car Care is located at 1005 W. Lucas Road in Lucas/Allen. For more information call 972.941.6700 or visit www.craigscarcare.com.

The Eli Daniel Group

The Eli Daniel Group is not your average staffing company. The Allen-based full service firm connects employers with workers in a variety of fields, such as office administration, accounting, medical (clinical and reception), IT and sales. But even beyond their professional duties, the staff aims to maintain a sense of humor and creativity in an otherwise ordinary industry. “We’re going to work hard, but we’re also going to joke around and have fun,” says President Chris Lawson. “You spend so much of your life working, why make it dull?” Chris has been in the industry since 1998 and started the Eli Daniel Group in 2007. The firm’s name was chosen because of its meaning and the declaration that God was the core inspiration and foundation. At the heart of Eli Daniel Group is a passion to serve, both personally and professionally. “We want to be known as a company that reflects our personal values,” Chris says. The office supports several nonprofits—Sam’s Search 4 a Cure, which raises awareness and funds for juvenile diabetes; Allen Community Outreach; The Samaritan Inn; Habitat for Humanity; and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Chris and his wife, Kendra, who is an executive vice president with the company, live in Allen and have two children. The Eli Daniel Group is located at 700 Central Expwy. S., Suite 220 in Allen. For more information, visit www.elidaniel.com or call 469.656.7500.

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library

The Allen Public Library presents… by Tom Keener

Day of the Child/ The Day of the Book History Day of the Child/Day of the Book celebrates children, families and reading. Visit the Allen Public Library, on Sunday April 29 to participate in this free fun-filled event, sponsored by Youth Services and Kiwanis Club of Allen. Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. At 2 p.m. in the auditorium, The Children’s Chorus of Collin County presents “American Passport: Journey through a World of Music.” Under the direction of music educator Janie Oliver, the Children’s Chorus will take the audience around the world. Janie notes, “By striving to sing quality and challenging choral literature, we hope to teach children the joy and pride of producing something of beauty and excellence. We want each singer to grow

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musically, artistically and personally. Hopefully, it will inspire others to join their voices with ours to make beautiful music.” She continues, “We enjoy per forming in all the communities of Collin County. It helps us to be more connected to our roots and expands our knowledge of who we are and where we come from. Being a part of the Allen Library’s Day of the Child Celebration was a great experience when we sang for this two years ago, and we are pleased to be able to return for a second concert.” Puppet shows will feature “Favorite Stories on Stage” in the Children’s Program Room at 3 p.m. Each show will last about 20 minutes. Crafts and face painting will be available in the Youth Services area. For details, call 214.509.4906. v

of Clocks

Embark on a journey of discovery about time-keeping devices at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 26, at the Allen Public Library. Beginning with water clocks, incense timepieces and sundials, and ending with mechanical clocks from Holland, Germany, France, England, China and America, horology (art or science of measuring time) expert Fred Tischler presents, “A History of Clocks”. Sponsored by Bach to Books and the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors’ Lone Star Chapter 124, this program is free. In addition, throughout April, clocks from different periods that served a myriad of purposes will be displayed in the library’s gallery. Come learn and view how the clocks of your ancestors told time. Fred’s clock collecting and repair began as a “honey-do” list. His wife had five inoperable clocks and she pointed out “someone needs to get these clocks running.” Thus, Fred took clock repair courses and immersed himself in clock restor ation. After successfully repairing his wife’s clocks, Fred notes, “I became really interested in pursuing this as a hobby. My wife, Pam, and I

Allen Musical Revue

started buying a few “project” clocks to restore and sell. We started collecting, and both of us joined the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors. I started teaching clock repair for the NAWCC in 1998, and she works nearly full time for them as a volunteer.” Since 1993, they have traveled to all continents, except the Antarctic, to learn more about historic timepieces and seek out those rare and unique items for their collection. Retiring from his full-time job in 1996, Fred has more actively pursued his clock collecting hobby and repairs clocks in his garage. Library patrons can bring their clocks for identification and repair suggestions, but estimates of worth are not provided. For information, call Tom Keener at 214.509.4911. v

If you’re looking for old-time country music, come to the Allen Musical Revue, 7:30 pm, Friday, April 13, at the Allen Public Library. Allen residents Wendell “Skip” and Chelsea Pilgrim, along with The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Band, will treat the audience to an evening of the finest country tunes. Skip Pilgrim, on steel guitar, has opened for Conway Twitty, Donna Fargo and Gene Watson. He has performed with the Light Crust Dough Boys, Bill Mack and Buddy Green’s Branson Opry House. Currently, he is the staff steel guitarist at the Red Oak Opry in Red Oak, Texas. Skip notes, “This show promises to leave your toes tapping and your voice singing some of the great songs that made country music what it has become today.” Skip is also the inmate programs co-ordinator/ chaplain for the Collin County Sheriff’s Office in McKinney. In her second year as the key boardist for Allen High School’s Encore Show Choir, Chelsea has composed 23 original songs. She has performed at Coffee and Cream, Yogurtville, Frisco’s Performing Arts Center and Center for Music Minds.

Her first single “All Things New” will be released in the coming weeks. The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Band is comprised of Skip Pilgrim on the pedal steel guitar; Jeff Williams, keys and fiddle; Wesley Taylor, lead guitar; Charlie Shearer, rhythm guitar and vocals; Billy Jones, bass guitar; Bobby Taylor, drums; Shawnda Shearer, vocals; and Archie Shearer, vocals and comedy. The band members have performed with many country legends such as Ray Price, Charlie Pride, Lea Ann Rimes and David Allen Cole.

Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required. v

The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image x April 2012

pet page Phoebe was found as a stray and when no one came to claim her, the Collin County Humane Society was able to bring her into our program. She is now approximately 2 years old and should weigh about 40 pounds at her ideal weight.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phoebeâ&#x20AC;?

Phoebe is your typical basset hound who loves belly rubs, hanging out with her humans and an occasional run around the yard. She is house trained and crate trained, and has now been spayed and is ready for her furever home!

Phoebe is a love bug looking for her furever home! She would probably do best with older kids, as the little ones sometimes tend to make her nervous. She is a total love bug and your typical silly basset girl.

If you are interested in adopting this sweet basset gal, complete an online application at http://www.collincountyhumanesociety. org/Forms.htm. 3 2 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

For MarketPlace Your Health

Allen Image x April 2012

travel

Round Top Antiques Fair by Deborah Dove Midway between Austin and Houston lies what may be the biggest antique roadshow this side of PBS. Twice a year—the first weekends of April and October—over 2,000 antique, collectible and craft vendors and dealers gather in a cluster of small communities along Interstate 290, with wares ranging from fine art and museum quality antiques to flea market finds and eclectic home furnishings. It has been described as “Canton on crack” and “the Superbowl of antiques shows.” If you love antiques, shopping, the thrill of the hunt or small town Texas, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

The nuts & bolts Four decades ago, Houston antiques maven Emma Lee Turney, launched the first Round Top antiques

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fair with 22 dealers. Now in its 44th year, the Round Top Antiques Fair has gained quite a following and stretches over a two-week period with about 60 venues scattered from La Grange to Warrenton to Round Top to Carmine. Lodging in the usually sleepy hamlet of Round Top (population 90) and its outlying towns book up well in advance. If you are planning to hit the spring show, you will have to make it a day trip (a little challenging given the four-hour drive), hit up friends or family who live in the area or find lodging in Austin or Houston, a more manageable hour ’s drive away. Or, you can book now for the October show or plan a visit during the smaller summer or winter shows. To get there from 290, take Highway 237 to Round Top, about 11 miles off 290. As you see tents and

tables everywhere, accept that you can’t see it all. Some venues charge an admission of $10, which is typically good for multiple days, while others are free. If you want to beat the crowds and have first crack at the best deals, some venues even offer an early shopper admission of $25, which is good for pre-show shopping as well as admission throughout the week. So where to begin? The show originally began in Round Top and the original shows at the Round Top Rifle Hall and Big Red Barn are still some of the best in terms of quality and variety. Throughout the 30,000square-foot Big Red Barn and nearby Big Red Tent, you can expect to find early American, Texas primitive and Continental furniture and accessories. The Continental tent offers furniture and furnishings from Europe. The

Carmine Dance Hall in nearby Carmine is where you’ll find antique silver, glass, crystal, linens, china and country furniture. This “original” show area is also where you find the most amenities, including porters who will carry your finds to the car, shipping services, wireless internet, food booths and air conditioned restrooms. Just outside of Round Top is one of the show’s largest and best known venues, Marburger Farm. Started in 1997 on what was once a working farm, the venue covers 43 acres with over 350 dealers with a reputation for high quality. Parking here is free, and your paid admission is good for the whole week. Shoppers can also rent golf carts by the day or half day, to cover more ground. Here you can expect to find English, French and Americana furniture, vintage clothing and jewelry, garden benches, silver pieces, prints and textiles, and just about anything else you can imagine. Refurbished jukebox filled with records? Check. Vintage cowboy boots? You can find them here, along with old maps, decorative leather books, French chandeliers, weather vanes and furniture to fill every room in your house with style.

plenty of places in the area to refuel, rest your feet and take a respite from all of that glorious acquiring. One of the best known is Royer’s Round Top Café on Main Street, “ a Texas country bistro serving gourmet comfort food” such as grilled rack of lamb, beef tenderloin filet, shrimp stuffed quail, grilled shrimp BLT on jalapeno sourdough bread, and an impressive wine list featuring more than 50 selections. Royer ’s is also known for its homemade pies, which are available

through mail order. The pecan is legendary, having been featured in numerous local and national publi cations, but the chocolate chip is pretty tasty too. If you can’t decide, you can always try the Pie Sampler, featuring any four types of pie. In addition to food vendors located throughout the fair, you can also enjoy award winning BBQ at the Carmine Dance Hall, sandwiches and fair-type food at the Marburger Farm Cafe and great Italian food at Volare in Brenham

Sustenance Man (or woman) cannot live on shopping alone, and luckily there are

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and buffalo burgers and wine at Buffalo Creek Winery in Bellville.

Area attractions Aside from the impressive antiques show, the area around Round Top is quaint and typically small town Texas with a bucolic beauty and several points of interest. You can tour the

Pleasant Hill Vineyard and Winery in Brenham or the Saddlehorn Winery in Burton, see how Blue Bell ice cream is made at the creamery headquarters in Brenham, or catch a Shakespeare play put on by University of Texas English students during the summer at Shakespeare at Winedale. The Round Top Festival Institute

houses a wonderful concert hall and hosts performances throughout the year. There’s even an old-fashioned dance hall—the Chicken Ranch Dance Hall in Nechanitz—which has dancing every Friday and Saturday night, pool tables and $1.50 beer for the first two hours.

Summer show Somewhat smaller in scale and more informal and eclectic than the spring and fall shows, the summer show, which takes place in the Big Red Barn, still offers plenty of shopping and treasures to be found. Summer show dates are June 23-24.

Shopping tips • The best deals are found early on the first day or often on the second Saturday. • Bring cash. Many vendors don’t accept plastic. • Pick up a copy of The Show, a free local publication with vendor info and maps. • The show goes on rain or shine, so be prepared with comfortable shoes, umbrella, jacket and sunblock. • If you work from back to front you can avoid the crowds and get better deals. • Bring hand sanitizer. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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For MarketPlace Your Health

Allen Image x April 2012

interiors/outdoor spaces

Sitting

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Ah, spring! It heralds the beginning of summer, metal furniture is making a comeback. Brightly colored bringing warmer temperatures, a time when daylight retro shell back chairs and two-seater gliders in hues like lingers and dusk turns slowly into night. North Texans lime green, bright blue, or fire engine red, offer the charm welcome these evenings. Family and friends gather in of days gone by yet add a contemporary pop of color to the backyards, enjoying the gentle breeze carrying fragrances garden. This style is probably best relegated to a shady of freshly-mown grass and smoke wafting from the BBQ. spot—you’re likely to blister your backside if they sit in the Days like this evoke wonderful childhood memories— hot summer sun! hundreds of fireflies illuminating the air; simple, delicious There is something timeless about wicker furniture. meals served on a wooden picnic table; folding lawn chairs Yet, the wicker of today isn’t the same lacy, white image of were perfect portable furniture, adding extra seats for guests Victoriana you remember from Grandma’s front porch. during a backyard party. While it still emanates an “Nothing is in good taste unless it suits the aura of romance and cool Fast-forward a few years. The backyard is still way you live. What’s practical is beautiful… breezes, today’s wicker is a favorite family spot, but made from synthetic and suitability always overrules fashion.” the dynamics of it have materials, making it as changed. Simplicity has – Billy Baldwin durable as it is pretty. morphed into outdoor Chairs, sofas, tables, and rooms with gourmand kitchens and comfortable sitting areas even bars are available in traditional, contemporary, and complete with big screen TV’s. The trick is to figure out how tropical styles. Designed to withstand the elements, they to make it personal and fit your entertaining needs. will stay beautiful for years of enjoyment. Furniture choices are seemingly endless and come in Classic or Contemporary many price points, making a beautiful outdoor living area Do you prefer the traditional craftsmanship of wood possible for every budget. But, not all outdoor furniture is furniture, or the sleek-chic of shiny metal? created equal. Some patio furniture is designed for use in Teak furniture provides stylish seating for gatherings. covered areas only. Be sure to read labels so you know if A beautiful natural hardwood, teak is fairly weather what you are buying meets your needs. resistant on its own. Staining or painting teak will help it last longer. Left untreated, it weathers to a rustic silverBlast from the Past Vintage style is all the rage, and whether you find gray. Whatever your taste, teak is a solid choice that will them new in stores, or second-hand at flea markets, 1950’s compliment any outdoor living area.

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Wrought iron is timeless, blending into almost any design—from rustic to elegant. Available in many different looks, colors and finishes, wrought iron is durable, easy to clean and withstands our Texas elements. It won’t blow away even in our crazy North Texas winds! Aluminum outdoor furniture has come a long way since I was a kid. Still made with relaxation in mind, today’s aluminum comes in many different designs that are lower maintenance, durable, and available in many colors to enhance your outdoor living space. Unlike their iron or wood counterparts, they are lightweight and easier to rearrange and store.

Our Texas weather can be fierce, so think about maintenance. To reduce upkeep, purchase covers to protect furniture from the elements when not in use. Also, consider indoor/outdoor cushions. They are not only fashionable and comfortable; their fade-resistant fabric allows water to pass right through so it dries out quickly.

reviving that space with an outdoor makeover that highlights your home’s architecture and your personality. Once you’ve selected your furniture, don’t forget accessories! Patio umbrellas are a must in our sunny Texas summers. They provide much needed shade and are a charming accent. Items like fountains, fire pits, water-resistant area rugs, and throw pillows make your outdoor living area pulledtogether and inviting. So, have a seat and stay awhile. The beverages are cold, the grill is hot, and the fireflies are about to start their show. v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

In the Swing Whether on a porch or in the garden, swings lend a romantic touch to your outdoor space. They come in many styles—from classic English bench to Adirondack—and have a calming influence. Napping in a hammock stretched between two sturdy trees, sipping iced tea in its cooling shade is one of the rites of spring. It’s easy to take your backyard from builder-basic to personal, Allen Image x April 2012

calendar

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APRIL

Allen Civic Ballet’s 13th Annual Allen Dance Festival, 2:30 pm, Allen Civic Audituorium, 300 N. Allen Drive. The program is a mix of classical and contemporary ballet with Fairbank Dance Theate, Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, & Dancing Minds and Bodies. For tickets and more information, visit www. allencivicballet.org.

Allen High School Tennis Team’s 6th Annual Tennis-A-Thon, 7pm until 5am, at the AHS Tennis Center. The all-night event benefits the AHS tennis program, the Tennis Booster Club and the Foundation For Allen Schools. To contribute to the Tennis-A-Thon or for more information, contact Coach Justin Quest at 972.727.0400 or Justin_quest@allenisd.org or regina_taylor@allenisd.org.

“Out of the Wood,” woodturning exhibit, featuring hand-turned objects from the lathe by Chas Thornhill, will be on display at the PFAMily Arts Gallery, 4017 Preston Road #544, LakeSide Market, in Plano, thru the 28th. Opening reception is April 14, 6-9 p.m. More information is available at 972.378.1234 or email info@pfamilyarts.org. EarthFest 2012 at Connemara Meadow Preserve, 10 am-2 pm, corner of Bethany & Alma, Allen. Adults and children have a chance to learn more about the wonders of nature while enjoying the great outdoors. Features an egg hunt, handson environmental activities, nature walks, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing demonstrations and wildlife presentations. Visit connemaraconservancy.org for more details. Arts in Bloom 2012, Historic Downtown McKinney, 10 am-10 pm. Experience art in all forms as creative forte’s blossom throughout the Historic District. Art, music, food and more. For details, go to www.downtownmckinney.com or call McKinney Main Street, 972.547.2660.

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Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County 2012 Gala, Courtyard by Marriot Allen. Dinner, silent and live auctions. For information, Sid Buniff, 972.398.0634 x104 or sbuniff@habitat-scc.org.

Collin County Master Gardener Association 9th Annual Plant Sale, 9 am-3 pm, Texas AgriLife Research & Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. For details, www. ccmgatx.org or 972.548.4219 or 972.548.4232.

APRIL 3

Collin College “What Should You Be Doing This Summer to Strengthen Your College Applications?”, 6:30-8 pm, Living Legends Conf. Center, Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Open to parents and students. Free. Registration required. For more info: www.collin.edu/destinationcollege or 972.377.1772. Collin College Book-in-Common Author Visit, 7 pm, Living Legends Conf. Center, Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Free lecture and book signing with Clint Van Winkle, author of Soft Spots: A

Marine’s Memoir of Combat and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.

For more info: www.collin.edu/academics/ bookincommon/ 7 Spring Night Hike at Heard Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 8 pm, 1 Nature Pl., McKinney. A trail familiar by day becomes a new experience at night! Reg. required. For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. 10 Collin College Higher Education Information Session, 7-9 pm, Living Legends Conf. Center, Spring Creek Campus 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Meet with reps from Dallas Baptist University, Texas A&M-Commerce, TWU, UNT and UT-Dallas. Reg. required. For more info: Contact: chec@collin.edu. 14 Celebrate Nature at Heard Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 9 am-5 pm, 1 Nature Pl., McKinney. Features live concerts, “green” and other vendors, interactive animal presentations,

kids’ activities, guided trail tours and canoe/ kayak demonstrations. For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. Learn 2 Live Green, 10 am-4 pm, The Shops at Legacy, Dallas North Tollway@Legacy Dr., Plano. Robyn O’Brien—Good food and child health advocate and author of The Unhealthy Truth. Free family event. For more info: www.learn2livegreen.com. 19 Angelika Film Center, Good Night and Good Luck, 7 pm, The Shops at Legacy, 7205 Bishop Road, Plano. For more info: www.collin.edu/academics/csce/ auteurfilmseries.html 23 Collin College Poetry Reading by Andrea Leavey, 2:30-3:30 pm, Living Legends Conference Center, Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano.

For more info: www.collin.edu. 28 Great American Cleanup, 8 am-1 pm, various locations in Allen. Collection of recyclable items, unused and unwanted prescription drugs & document shredding. For more info: www.keepallenbeautiful.com or 214.509.4555. Fine Arts Chamber Players present Music of Haydn, Beethoven, and Smetana performed by Dallas Symphony cellist Jolyon Pegis and violinist Maria Schleuning with pianist Liudmila Georgievskaya, 3 pm, Dallas Museum of Art, Horchow Auditorium, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas. Free. For more info: www.fineartschamberplayers.org.

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. 1-30 Allen Americans Hockey Playoffs. Check alleneventcenter.com for a complete schedule of playoff games and times. 14 Allen Wranglers Football vs. Sioux Falls Storm 5

Parks and Recreation Events

Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Recreation Hall. Join the Easter Bunny for lunch and photos while you make memories. Photo & adult lunch an additional fee. 7, 14 Saturday Night Rec & Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. & 21Fun, safe social program for students grades 3-6. Gym games and dancing, music provided by a DJ, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, theme nights and contests with prizes. Supervision provided; concessions available. Party Packs $12—includes a $5 concession credit for $4. ID card (1-time $5 fee) required to participate—must be purchased at JFRC anytime before 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Walk up admission ($10 or $14 party pack). 7th—Kickball Tournament; 14th—Door Prize Night; 21st—Sock Hop 13 SNAP Dance for Adults with Disabilities (Sock Hop Night), 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Dance features live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a photo mailed to each participant’s home. For complete information or to get on the email distribution list, email tharben@cityofallen. org or call 214.509.4707. 21 Allen Bike Rodeo, The Edge/Visitor Center. Families can receive a bike safety check-up performed by experts from Plano Cycling and Fitness, enjoy games and learn safe and fun cycling techniques. Please register in advance at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 214-509-4750 or Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214-509-4770. Community Garage Sale, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Community-wide garage sale. Variety of treasures will be for sale at great prices. Make extra money selling items you were thinking of throwing away when you cleaned out your garage, shed or home.

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23 Dive In Movie: Rio, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Come swim and be entertained. Concessions available; tubes and noodles can be rented. For more info: 972-912-1097 or www.AllenParks.org.

Adult Athletic Leagues Softball—Early reg. April 16-May 21. Cost: $325 per team. Late reg. $340. Format: 8 games. Play begins June 11. Flag Football—Early reg. April 16-May 21. Cost: $350 per team. Late reg. $365. Format: 7 games + play-offs. Play begins June 12. Men’s Basketball—Early reg. April 9-May 14. Cost: $425 per team. Late reg. $440. Format: 8 Games + single-elimination tournament. Play begins June 5. Ultimate Frisbee League—Reg. April 16-May 27. Cost: $265 per team. Format: 14 games + playoffs. Play begins: June 14. Volleyball—Early reg. April 9-May 14. Cost: $235 per team. Late reg. $250[. Format: 8 Games + single-elimination tournament. Play begins June 4. 4v4 Sand Volleyball League—Reg. thru April 20. Cost: $150 per team. Late reg. $170 per team. Format: 12 Games + singleelimination tournament. Play begins June 5/Leagues available on Tues. or Wed. night. Games played at the Village Beach in The Village at Fairview. Open Volleyball Play at JFRC—Wed. 7:30-10 pm, Sat., 11am-1 pm. Must be a current DRN or JFRC member. Jr. Americans Youth Hockey League—Allen Community Ice Rink, Jr. Americans Youth Hockey League (JAYHL), designed for Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee age players with minimal ice hockey experience who want to develop hockey skills and improve team play. Cost: $279 Mite, $299 Squirt /Pee Wee. April 25-Jul 15. Wed., Fri. or Sun. ice sessions. Reg. thru April 24. Allen Adult Hockey Instructional League—Allen Community Ice Rink Allen Adult Hockey Instructional League (AAHL I) designed for individuals with minimal ice hockey experience who want to develop hockey skills and improve team play. Men & women,18 or older. Cost: $239. May 3-Aug. 2. Thur., 8:45 or 10 pm. Reg. thru April 24. For more information, log on to www.allenparks.org or call the Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children Storytimes run through April 26. Baby & Me: Pre-walkers w/adult, Tue. & Thu, 10:15 am. Fun Ones: 1-year-olds w/adult, Mon. & Wed., 10 am; Tue. 6:30 pm. Together Time: 2 & 3-year-olds w/adult, Tue. & Thu., 11:15 am; Wed. 10:45 am. All by Myself: 4 & 5 year-olds, Wed. 11:30 am. Family Storytime: 2-6 year-olds & family, Mon. 11:15 am; Thu. 7 pm. 4 BeTween the Lines, 4-5 pm. Grades 4-6. Book: City of Ember. Please read the book before meeting. The first 12 kids registered can pick up a copy from Children’s Desk. 7 Crafternoon, 2-4 pm. Recommended for ages 3+. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9. Come craft your afternoon away! Make as many masterpieces as you like at this come-and-go program. 17 Globetrotters, 4-5 pm. For grades K-1. Reg. required. 19 Kids Explore, 4-5 pm. For grades 2-3. Reg. required.

Adults Noontime Pageturners, noon, upstairs program room. Cutting for Stone byAbraham Verghese. Bring lunch & a friend for a lively discussion. 17 Mom’s Night Out Bookclub, 7 pm, Meeting Room, Registration required. First 5 to register will receive a free copy of the book! Moms, come out and join other moms in a discussion of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 15 Readable History Book Club, 7 pm, conference room. Dividing the Spoils: The War for Alexander the Great’s Empire by Robin Waterfield. For more info: 214-509-4905. 3

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Earth Day Craft, Kids Club, 4-6 pm. Concert by the Creek, Briefcase Blues, 7-10 pm. Morning maniac car show, 1-5 pm. Movie Night, The Breakfast Club with a performance from Breakfast Club band, 9 pm. For more info: www.watterscreek.com.

Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve 1

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8 am- 11 am, Allen. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.. 22 Open House, 12-5 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, join us to wander (and wonder) at the Meadow by hiking the trails, watching the flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany. Astronomy Walk, 9-11 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, Join Clyde Camp for an Astronomy walk. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot at 9 pm sharp and walk to the Meadow the back way. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214-5094750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214-509-4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to children in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972-727-0011 or www.kidspediatricdentistry. com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-athome moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972-712-5711. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Heart Link Women’s Networking group. Industry specific, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: http://75002.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214-544-8050 ext. 109, ktedford@ creekwoodumc.org or www.creekwoodumc.org. Every Monday Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972-583-8273 or per.treven@ericsson. com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Keller Williams office at 1002 Raintree Circle #100, Allen.Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214-566-3100. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or henry@ fortunefs.com. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214-497-4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. For more info: 972-359-7383. Second Monday American Association of University Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www.aauwplanocc.org. McKinney Childcare Association, non-profit org. of statelisted, reg. and lic. home childcare providers McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www. mckinneychildcare.com. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org. McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm, various meeting places. See website for outreach project of the month. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972-712-3634. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972-442-5982. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:45 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75. Anyone with a heart for education is welcome. For more info: Jerri Caldronia, at jlcaldronia@suddenlink.net. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972-382-3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com

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Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972-540-4984. Fourth Monday Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148. For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214-477-5183. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972-3907402. Plano Photography Club, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 7 pm. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214-616-2460. Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$7 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972-727-5585. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, First United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214-363-0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. Disciplined and structured approach to compulsive eater or food addict. For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow.org. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1-800-YEA-TOPS or www.tops.org.

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Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972-548-4232 or 972-424-1460. First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. First and Third Tuesday Common Threads of Allen, 7pm, Starbucks, 904 McDermott Dr. to share current needlework projects, learn new techniques and make new friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214-704-0994 or debik@ verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Drive, Allen. For more info: kevin_carlson@sbcglobal.net. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214-509-4820. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: 972-542-1263. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214-893-3643. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www.planopacers. org. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am refreshments, 10 am meeting, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. Program: Karen Jordan and Janye Anderson present “Lettice and Lovage” a play by British playwright Peter Shaffer. Guests welcome! For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Second and Fourth Tuesday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Third Tuesday Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1. For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport. Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Roomold library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen. For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info: 972-727-3090.

Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566.

Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art. For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787.

Every Wednesday Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Braums, 1222 W. McDermott, Allen. For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary.org. Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Chess promotes creativity, imagination and strategic thinking. For more info, 214-620-0527 or mckinneychess.org. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 6:45-8:15 pm, Custer Rd United Methodist Church, Rm B11, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: info@2changeu.freetoasthost.us or www.2changeu. freetoasthost.us. First Wednesday Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972-548-4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972-740-8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch and enjoy. For more info: 972-569-6909 or www.headcraig.org. First and Third Wednesday Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano. For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: 972-231-4190. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 1212, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195. org. Every Thursday Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 7460 Warren Pkwy (NE corner Warren Pkwy & tollway), rm 110-114. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome. For more info: Sandy McNair, 214-548-5483 or www. allenkiwanis.org. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214-509-0085 or www.namicco.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture. Community Bible Study (September 8, 2011 to May 10, 2012), 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Daniel and Hebrews. Reg. required. For more info: bbrakebill@tx.rr.com or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www. allengardenclub.org.

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W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance. For more info: www.allenchamber.com North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept.-June, 11 am, Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd. Dallas. Dave Tanner, musician and entertainer, will be performing one of his great programs. Guests are welcome. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Second Thursday McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220. Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-529-5277. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036. First and Third Thursday Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv, 102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail.com. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598. Third Thursday Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Men of Business, networking and discussion of men’s issues for men of the Allen Fairview Chamber. Call for location. $20 member/$25 guest. RSVP required. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972-260-9330. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309. Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469-569-3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you any way we can. For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education Room-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. Meet new people and enjoy social activities. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). Beginning April 1. For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Non-member Allen resident $3. Non-Allen residents $24/annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5. For more info: 214-509-4820. McKinney Chess Club meets 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street , McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972-547-7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), non-denominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:3011:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972-727-8241.

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Second Friday Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities include play groups, field trips and educational opportunities, baby sitting co-op and more. Nursery reservations are available for children 6 mo.-5 yrs. For more info: www.aecpta.com. or information@aecpta.com. Second & Fourth Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Enjoy snacks, fellowship and games (dominoes, Skip Bo and other table games). Event is open to the entire community, no reservations are required. For more info: 972-727-8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@ hotmail.com. Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents outstanding speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process for the good of our community, state, and country. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club meets10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972-547-7491. Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: Mike, 972-530-6712 or www.bigd56ers.com. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community. For more info: 972-396-8010. Third Saturday Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Fourth Saturday The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America, 10:30 am, North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. Garden talks and programs by local experts are open to the public. For more info: Beth DiGioia, 972-658-6852 or www. northtexashsa.org. American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano For more info: Jane Johnson, 972-841-6854 or www.planoasg.org. Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www.planopacers. org. Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday “The Health Report” with Dr. Michelle Miller, Ph.D, monthly public service health talk show KXEZ-FM 92.1, 9:05 am and KHYI 95.3, 10 am. Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Room 1. For more info: Cindi Brannum, 972-954-7185.

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

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image x April 2012

The esteemed actor Sir Laurence Olivier once noted, “I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theater is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture.” You don’t need to have acted in, or even seen a production of, a Broadway or London’s West End play to recognize the value theater brings to a community. “The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life,” Oscar Wilde wisely surmised. But what can you do when the curtain comes down on your passion for the stage because the town you have recently moved to has no com munity theater? For many years, the answer for a number of Allen residents was to take their talents to theater companies in nearby cities. Then Gena Graham moved to Allen and devised another solution—start a theater company. In September of 2010, the first meeting was held to launch Allen’s Community Theater or ACT. Although only five people attended that first gathering, word quickly spread about the new theater company and the momentum continues to build. Since its inception, ACT has presented two full-length productions as well as put on short skits for community events and hosted a summer theater workshop for teens. For Gena, involvement in theater was strictly serendipitous. By the time she discovered she could not enroll in journalism in the seventh grade, the only elective still available was drama. “I accidentally ended up in theater and it’s been a passion ever since,” she grins. “I did it all through high school and into college and then community theatre, all in California.” She credits her early community theater activity for meeting her husband, LaMar. “We were in The Mad Woman of Chaillot,” she smiles. “It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.” Eight months later, the two moved to Anchorage, Alaska. There,

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cover story Gena completed her history degree with a minor in theater and went on to earn her master’s degree in teaching. Following this, she and LaMar decided to start a family. “I walked away from theater for a little bit because life happens,” she shrugs. But the separation didn’t last long. While working as a social studies teacher at a Palmer, Alaska, high school, Gena was tapped to assist the theater department. “They needed help with costumes and then they needed help with babysitting some of the kids, then I directed a few shows— Blithe Spirit and You Can’t Take It With You.” This eventually drew Gena back to community theatre via Valley Performing Arts in Wasilla. When the Grahams moved to Allen on July 1, 2010, Gena quickly discovered that not only was there no community theater in town, there were no theater or drama opportunities for their son, Darien, outside of the school setting. “I was an unemployed teacher with too much time on my hands,” Gena jokes about her decision to do something to rectify what she saw as a significant deficit for her family and her new community. She posted notices for a September 10, 2010, meeting of people interested in establishing a theater in Allen. “My husband and I, Robin Coulonge, Laura Madden and Nina Powers came to that first meeting,” she recalls. Although Gena has since been employed as a social studies teacher at Burnett Junior High School in the Wylie ISD, her effort and determination to see this project succeed has not waned. Like Gena, Robin Coulonge has a long history with the stage. “I don’t remember when I wasn’t doing theater,” she shrugs. While a student at Plano Senior High School, she was active in its theater program but most of her work was backstage or as an understudy. “I’m shy,” she admits. “It was really hard for me to audition!” She didn’t allow this to dilute her passion for the theater though. “But my parents were nervous that I

wouldn’t make any money at it,” she adds, “so I got my cosmetology license in high school.” She then went to the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater. She also worked at the costume shop for the school. Following this she apprenticed in the wig and makeup department of the Santa Fe Opera for two summers, and then worked on staff there for an additional two years. “Until I got married, I supported myself doing theater jobs, but mostly wig and makeup stuff,” she continues. Because this type of theater work requires a great deal of travel, Robin opted to cut back on these jobs once she married her husband, Alex, and started a family. Limiting her work to local productions such as the Dallas Summer Musicals gave her the time to return to her “true passion”—acting. Living in Rowlett at the time, she became a board member of Amateur Community Theater of Rowlett. About 10 years ago, the Coulonge family moved to Allen. Like Gena, she too was dismayed to find that Allen was lacking a community theater and confesses that her shyness prevented her from taking the initiative to start one. So she took roles offered by other nearby companies such as Rover

Dramawerks, Pocket Sandwich Theater and CORE Theatre. So when she learned of the new local theatrical start-up, Robin was anxious to get involved. To promote the fledgling organization, the Allen Arts Alliance arranged for ACT to perform brief skits at the Texas Stampede in November of 2010. “We didn’t have time to find something [to perform], so we wrote our own,” Robin recalls. Although Nancy Cecco didn’t learn of ACT until after the initial meeting, she volunteered as one of the Texas Stampede actors to help promote the organization. With her only theater experience limited to two minutes on stage as a member of the chorus for her high school’s production of Guys and Dolls, Nancy explains that she had always suffered from stage fright. “But I’ve always wanted to do it,” continues this artisan and owner of Write on… who creates a number of products but specializes in journals. In her personal aspirations journal Nancy wrote that one of her goals was to perform in community theatre, thus she was also dismayed to find that Allen did not offer this opportunity. So when the notice calling for volunteers

L to R: Gena Graham, Kathleen Vaught, Mel Tolle, Nancy Lubertazzo, Robin Coulonge Allen Image x April 2012

L to R: Mel Tolle, Marilynn Tolle, Kathleen Vaught, Gena Graham, Nancy Lubertazzo, Braden Jones, Robyn Mead to audition for the Texas Stampede skits was posted, Nancy worked up the courage to step forward and try out. Today, Nancy has not only seen her dream come to fruition several times over, including a role in ACT’s second full-length production of the Jones Hope Wooten comedy The Red Velvet Cake War, she now serves as the ACT board vice president. She has also

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enlisted the help of her husband, Jerry, and son, Mitchell, to assist with frontend jobs like ticket sales. The Texas Stampede production was followed in February 2011 with “L’Amour,” a combination of skits and songs in collaboration with the Allen Symphony Chorus, hosted at the Allen Senior Recreation Center. ACT also invited theater students

from the Lowery Freshman Center to perform at “L’Amour.” One of ACT’s newest members at the time, Julie Fackrell, performed a monolog from Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Raised by a mother who was a professional director with a degree in theater, Julie grew up around the stage. Her first speaking performance was in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown when she was 16 years old. Ten years later, in Tampa, Florida, Julie decided to become more actively involved in the theater and earned the role of Miss Evans, whom she describes as “a Hedda Hopper type,” in The Solid Gold Cadillac with the Carrollwood Players. After moving to Allen, Julie enrolled at Collin College and earned her degree in communication with all of her electives being theater classes. Since then, she also acted for one segment of the television show, Simply Beautiful, that was filmed in her apartment. Soon after joining ACT she agreed to serve as its board secretary. For the Fine Arts Festival at Watters Creek last May, members stepped forward to perform brief scenes at scattered outdoor locations for attendees to enjoy. They will be returning to this event again this year. Plus, ACT began offering free acting classes on the first and third Thursdays each month at The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive. This provides opportunities to get to know

others in the group, learn acting techniques, and help stage neophytes gain the confidence needed to perform before others. Robin emphasizes that this bi-monthly gathering is free and no one is required to perform. Gena laughs and adds, “The one thing I ask is that you introduce yourself.” Then last summer, ACT hosted a two-week teen theater workshop at The Harvest church. “We brought in as many theater professionals as we could,” Robin points out. “Robin has so much experience with props and make-up and hair, so she did a breakout session for them,” Gena continues. “We worked on monologues and had Robyn Mead work on scriptwriting.” Among other professionals who volunteered for the summer workshop— Allen Conservatory of Dance faculty member Linda Oustalet; musician, sound designer and actor with ACT, Braden Jones, who provided voice training and ACT member Jeremy Stein who held a session on stage combat. In addition, Gena’s son, Darien, presented the session at the workshop on lighting. Gena proudly notes, “He has been doing light boards for me since he was 12 years old and we were in Alaska.” Darien has also done the lighting for the other ACT plays. The workshop ended in an evening showcase for friends and family. Following these successful en deavors, ACT members were anxious to produce their own stage productions. For the group’s first play, Gena selected Girl Talk by Dori Appel and Carolyn Meyers, and asked Jeremy to direct. “We were looking for something that was strongly female-centered,” she explains. “Traditionally what you find in theaters, particularly at the community level or lower, is that there are a lot more women who want to be on stage than men. And these roles were strong, beautiful women who had something to say.” Her reason for assigning a man to direct this particular play? “As a guy he could give it another angle and not make it women’s theater. He gave it a

different energy and it was a good way to start.” Involved with ACT since performing in the cast at the Texas Stampede, another reason Jeremy was selected to direct was his years of varied professional theater experience. A recent graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in theater with an emphasis in directing, Jeremy states that Girl Talk was his first professional stage directing assign ment, but he had worked as an

assistant director, as well as directed a number of student productions and scenes or competitions. One of Jeremy’s more unique professional skills is in fight directing and stunt work, including stage combat, dagger and rapier use, high falls, bullwhips, zip lines, rappelling and precision driving. He currently works locally with Lagniappe Productions as a production coordinator, specializing in late nineteenth century western shows, as

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well as freelance work with companies such as the Fort Worth Opera. His diverse resume also lists other venues including Shakespeare Santa Monica, Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood. He has also had stunt roles in a number of films. A 2002 graduate of Allen High School, Jeremy is excited to see a theater company start up in his hometown. “Growing up in Allen we had symphonies and bands but there was no strong theatrical outlet for people like me. That drove us to other communities and I thought that was a crying shame.” Jeremy lived in California for five years and moved back to North Texas to marry his high school sweetheart and settle down in the community they both felt was a better environment for them. With cast and director ready to get to work on Girl Talk, ACT had one significant problem—no suitable and affordable performance space. Again, The Harvest stepped forward and offered their facility for a rate the group could afford. Girl Talk was presented two weekends in October of last year. Although all involved were thrilled with the production, an audience total of only 91 for all four shows was a bit disheartening. Gena and Robin credit their “number one fan”—Ella Jo Adams— for over a quarter of their attendees. “She came to see Girl Talk and was really disappointed that we didn’t have people in the audience,” Robin gratefully acknowledges. “So she brought 26 of her Red Hat friends to a show. “ The ACT members did not allow the low turnout for their first fulllength production to dissuade them from continuing in their efforts to establish a community theater company. Instead, they began work on their next play, The Red Velvet Cake War, directed by Robin, and again staged at The Harvest When the audition call for this comedy was announced, Kathleen Vaught tried out and was assigned one

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Mel and Marilynn Tolle of the roles. Although new to ACT, Kathleen had long been familiar with the stage. With a bachelor of arts in drama

and a minor in creative writing from the University of North Texas, Kathleen performed in a number of plays at the school as well as with area theater companies following her graduation. These included Dallas Children’s Theater and the improv company, Abbreviated Enlightenment Productions. In addition, while briefly living in New York in the early 1990s, she and husband, Kevin, formed Hindsight Productions. In recent years, Kathleen has worked in the public and media relations department of the City of Allen. Recognizing the need for strong publicity, Kathleen also volunteered to send out press releases and produce the program for the play. Attendance for ACT’s, The Red Velvet Cake War, jumped to 450. Gena and Robin credit Kathleen’s media

expertise for much of this growth. It has also inspired the group to continue moving forward, exploring new possibilities for plays, venues, actors and behind the scene volunteers of all kinds. Grinning, Gena comments, “We were so blessed with what Kathleen did with the publicity that we asked her to be our communications person.” Robin adds, “PR is such a big thing when you start and I don’t know how it works so I’m glad we have somebody who does!” Currently working under the Allen Arts Alliance not-for-profit umbrella, ACT has now filed the paperwork to have its own designated 501(c)3 status. Gena points out that attorney, and Allen Arts Alliance board member Robert Wendland, provided guidance to ease the process for them. ACT is gearing up for their second year at the Fine Arts Festival held at Watters Creek, May 11-13, and their second teen theater workshop this summer. In addition, ACT has

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Kathleen Vaught and Gena Graham announced It’s Murder in the Wings by Pat Cook will be its next full-length production which is scheduled for 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 25-26 and June 1-2 at The Harvest. In addition, the group decided to add a 2 p.m. matinee showing on Saturday, June 2. Robyn Mead has been tapped to be the director. The ACT board is also taking a serious look at securing a permanent space. Both Robin and Gena have tossed around a number of possibilities

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from unused retail or business space to an older unoccupied home. Nancy recognizes that ACT provides an outlet for many who aspire to try the stage but must battle the fear of public performance. “I’ve had the most fun being with all these people,” she declares. “They are so encouraging and helpful, especially with a newbie like me since I was feeling so insecure. It is a great group.” Noting that she would, one day, like to try her hand at acting in a

movie or television show, Julie adds, “Here, I get to be myself, do what I love and be with awesome people. I would love to see us get a home and have productions in our own theater. That would be amazing.” “My husband, Kevin, says that music is too important to be left to the professionals and that is the way I feel about the theater,” Kathleen concludes. “Theater brings a com munity together.” British stage actor Kenneth Haigh said, “You need three things in the theater, the play, the actors and the audience, and each must give something.” ACT and its growing number of fans are proving this true. For more information about Allen’s Community Theatre, upcoming productions and tickets, email queries to: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail. com, find it “Under the Umbrella” at www.allenartsalliance.org/main, or join their group on Facebook. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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