Allen Image August 2011

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contents

August 2011

Vol. 21, Issue 8

cover story 36 Strikes against cancer

Geordon Cox loves his mom and baseball and has learned how to use a strike to make a strike against cancer. And his concept strikes many as a fantastic idea that needs to grow.

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

features

36

20 Local cafĂŠ recipe receives national recognition

A recipe from Reel Thing Catfish CafĂŠ was selected for the cookbook, A Taste of Main Street America.

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

32 Lucas Fire Department fighting fires in West Texas

A new brushfire truck, a combination of huge water tanks and a foam fire extinguishing system, calls Lucas home.

by Simon Valentin

special sections

32

21 pet page Bonnie

30 kids korner

Kids Eat Free (or cheap)

by Deborah Dove

44 business seen

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Jenny on the Spot Reading Ranch Tutorial Center Grande Communications

by Nicole Bywater

46 calendar 78 people seen

contents departments

publisher/editor

civic forum

graphic design

8

8

Chase Oaks Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters

by Jeff Mues

10

Concerts for a Cause

Set for School Volleyball Fundraiser

12

Water IQ

13

Harvest Craft Fair

by Jeff Mues

library 16

Germania author, Brendan McNally

by Tom Keener

17

Awesome animation

by Tom Keener

17

18

Cris Gale

by Tom Keener

gardening 22

Add a little harmony to your landscape

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

education 24

22

Camp Invention promotes teamwork and creativity

by Keith A. Taylor

38

by Heather Darrow

70

The skinny on weight loss

by Dr. Rosemary Bates

72

Demystifying sun protection

by Dr. Dan Moulton

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74

3 numbers to know for your health

by Dr. Jamie Anderson

76

Barbara Peavy

Kevin Valdez

production assistant Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Jill Edelman

contributing writers Dr. Jamie Anderson Dr. Rosemary Bates Nicole Bywater Heather Darrow Deborah Dove Tom Keener Dr. Dan Moulton Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Dr. Julie Qu Peggy Helmick-Richardson Mark Robinson Keith A. Taylor Simon Valentin

cover photo Larry Fleming

Sailing brings physics to life

health & fitness

24

Allen Image

Amazing acupuncture

by Dr. Julie Qu

Allen Image Š 2011 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

Chase Oaks Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters

by Jeff Mues At Chase Oaks Golf Club it’s not uncommon to see players of all skill levels and ages working on their swings and putting in practice to better their games. Earlier this summer, on Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Day, a group of approximately three-dozen mentors were more focused on bettering lives than they were on their golf games.

About 35 “Littles” may have been out-driven by their “Bigs” as they hit range balls or played the Sawtooth 9Hole Course, but as Golf Services Manager Jeff Holt has discovered, results aren’t always measured in yards or strokes. For a little more than a year now Jeff has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to facilitate group outings for Bigs and Littles, but also acting as a Big Brother to Little Brother, Alex, age 11.

While Jeff has showed Alex how to grip and swing a club, he’s also been able to share advice about a wide range of topics. Alex, an aspiring artist, has opened Jeff’s eyes to the world of art, much like he has been able to open Alex up to the sport of golf. Other activities of shared interest include watching movies, riding bicycles, attending sporting events and inline skating.

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Research shows that the impact of the time Jeff and other Big Brothers have spent with Little Brothers is significant. In fact, researchers have found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in the program, were:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs • 27% less likely to begin using alcohol • 52% less likely to skip school • 37% less likely to skip a class • 33% less likely to hit someone

They also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in school, and they also got along better with their families. From a mentoring standpoint, the benefits are clear for Littles like Alex, but Jeff also sees benefits for the sport of golf.

“There are a quarter of a million children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and we have an opportunity to promote the game to juniors regardless of background,” said Jeff. “Golf can be expensive and intimidating for youth, but at Chase Oaks we strive to offer affordable and accessible programs and opportunities to learn the game.”

One of these newly introduced programs at Chase Oaks allows Littles to hit range balls for free with the purchase of a bucket of range balls by a Big Brother or Big Sister. Littles can also play free with their Big Brothers on the Sawtooth 9-Hole Course.

“Big Brothers and Big Sisters are always looking for activities to experience with their Littles, and, as evidenced by our first Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Day, the kids had a blast,” said Jeff. “I think we may create some lifelong golfers that I’ll see in a few years on the 18-hole championship Blackjack course at Chase Oaks.”

For more information about Chase Oaks visit www.chaseoaks.com, and to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org.

Click “Volunteer” to begin the process of becoming a Big Brother so that the next time you visit Chase Oaks, you can bring a Little to share in the experience. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

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9

Snippets Concerts for a Cause Marketing Director Gail Alvarez presents a $500 check on behalf of The Village at Fairview to representatives from the Foundation for Allen Schools during the shopping center’s first Concerts for a Cause event on June 10.

The Village at Fairview kicked off the summer concert series with a free concert by The Project. An in-kind donation drive was held to benefit the Foundation for Allen Schools and concert guests were encouraged to participate by bringing school supplies.

Concerts for a Cause will continue Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through August 19. v

L to R: Marty Monnant, Foundation for Allen Schools board member; Gail Alvarez, marketing director for The Village at Fairview; Regina Taylor, director of Foundation for Allen Schools; Craig Thomas, Foundation for Allen Schools board member.

Set for School Volleyball Fundraiser Tru Prophets Ministries Inc., a local non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has just finished their 2011 Set for School Volleyball Fundraiser. The local community participated in a volleyball tournament to give back to those less fortunate in our area. The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit families in need of school supplies and clothing for this upcoming school year.

Thank you to all who participated in our 2011 Set for School Volleyball Fundraiser. A special thank you to the several individual donors and players that made this fundraiser a success, and to A&S Glover Enterprises for their donation of Flav H20 Water and Tee-Stitch Worx for a great job on the t-shirts. The participants had great fun for a great cause! v

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this test, especially if they have a family history of heart disease. It is a simple procedure that changes lives everyday, and can improve the quality of life for patients by allowing us to see what is right and what might need attention.”

Dr. Khan says, “Other important screenings provided at our facility include the comprehensive blood profile, where we look for a new marker for heart disease. This is an especially important test for women. We are also one of the few places to offer CT Angiogram of the Carotids that allows us a detailed view of the carotid arteries—the chief arteries going to the brain—so we can see if a patient may be at risk for a heart attack or stroke.”

Dr. Khan is also Director of the Peripheral Vascular Disease Program at Medical Center of Plano. “We work with women who have varicose veins or bulging veins in their lower extremities. Treatment is minimally invasive, and not only makes legs look better, but eliminates swelling, pressure, and blood clots,” Dr. Khan says.

Cardiac Center of Texas

F

ebruary may be Dr. M. Akram Khan’s favorite month, and not because of Valentine’s Day. It is because it is National Heart Month, and like this campaign to raise public awareness about heart disease, Dr. Khan is a strong believer in working to help his patients focus on prevention.

“Most people associate heart disease with men and don’t realize it is actually the number one killer of women— more so than anything else, including breast cancer,” says Dr. Khan, FACC, FSCAI. “Heart disease may come later in age for women, particularly after menopause, and their symptoms are often atypical, milder and therefore ignored or misdiagnosed. That is why education and prevention is key.

“One of the biggest problems in healthcare now is that we only see people when they come in to complain about something.” At the Cardiac Center of Texas in McKinney, a full service cardiology center, Dr. Khan says, “Heart disease is a costly disease but it often takes years to develop, starting when people are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. If people come in before experiencing symptoms we can prevent, or essentially treat them so they don’t have to go through a heart attack. We are working on identifying people as early as we can through state-of-the-art diagnostic testing.

Innovative, cutting edge technology such as the CT heart scan allows Dr. Khan to detect plaque in the heart’s arteries.

Dr. Khan shares, “This non-invasive test allows us to see even the mildest of build-up. Everyone over 40 should have

Dr. Khan and his staff take time to listen to the patient’s questions and concerns, and make sure they understand all the options available to them. “It’s all about giving the patients the best service and best care. We strive to reassure them about their condition and tests they may undergo,” Dr. Khan adds.

If you’re interested in more information, contact Dr. Khan.

The Cardiac Center of Texas 4201 Medical Center Drive Suite 380 • McKinney, TX 75069 972.529.6939 • Visit online at www.CardiacCenterOfTexas.com

Water

IQ

The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) is conducting its 2011 Water IQ campaign to help encourage and educate residents regarding efficient water use practices for a healthier lawn.

Water IQ, an official State of Texas water education and awareness campaign, provides tips and resources to use water wisely and efficiently.

A survey conducted for NTMWD reveals that 33 percent of residents admit they water their lawn three or more times a week—a practice detrimental to lawns and a common waste of water according to area agronomists. According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the typical North Texas home with an automatic sprinkler system has five irrigation zones and each zone applies 15 gallons of water per minute, so during the typical watering cycle of 10 minutes per zone, the average sprinkler system in North Texas sprays about 750 gallons.

The NTMWD survey (Baselice & Associates, August 2010) also revealed that 70 percent of North Texans think they use more water indoors than out.

“The truth is more water is used outdoors,” said Jim Parks, NTMWD executive director. “In the summer, outdoor water use can account for up to 80 percent of home water use, and about half of that is wasted due to the over-watering of our lawns, broken sprinklers or water runoff according to the Texas Water Development Board.”

“Now imagine if one of those sprinklers is misaligned,” continued Parks. “That’s a lot of water—and money—down the drain.”

NTMWD invites North Texas residents to visit Water IQ “Grass Roots” community events to meet 1 2 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

with agronomists, turf and water experts, to ask their landscape and watering questions.

Additionally, a display consisting of three mini yards with exposed root systems demonstrates the effects of efficient watering versus inefficient watering on Texas lawns.

Water IQ Tips

• Watering your yard deeply (about 1 inch) and infrequently (about once a week) using the cycle soak method produces a healthier lawn.

• Overwatering is harmful for native plants and is a common cause of plant death.

• Lawns with improperly managed and operated sprinkler control boxes can use up to 35 percent more water than lawns without automatic sprinkler systems.

• Operating sprinkler systems manually allows for more control over when and how much is watered.

• Raising the lawnmower blade and cutting grass to a height of 3 inches shades the soil, which reduces evaporation and allows roots to grow deeper.

• Watering early or late saves 25 gallons of water a day.

For more details about the Water IQ outreach events or for simple tips on how to conserve water, visit http://northtexas.wateriqknowyourwater.org/. v

Harvest Craft Fair

by Jeff Mues It’s never too early to think about holiday shopping, and the Allen Senior Recreation Center ’s new Harvest Craft Festival is the perfect, early opportunity. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 17, 2011, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and plan to take advantage of this shopper ’s dream. With enter­ tainment, raffle prizes, food and most importantly, a variety of vendors and artisans, it’s certainly an event you won’t want to miss.

Marking the beginning of what will hopefully become a new tradition for the Allen Senior Recreation Center, the Harvest Craft Festival has organizers thinking of great crafts as well as cooler temperatures. Being held just one week before the first official day of fall, it’s fitting to call to mind the idea of a harvest. In fact, before the 16th century, “harvest” was the term used to refer to autumn as it comes from the old English “haerfest”—a time to celebrate the reaping and gathering of crops, or in this case, crafts!

A wonderful complement to the Spring Community Arts & Craft Fair and the Holiday Craft Fair—both of which are held annually at Joe Farmer Recreation Center—the Allen Senior Recreation Center’s Harvest Craft Fair fulfills a desire from the community for an additional showcase for arts and crafts in late summer/early fall. The Holiday Craft Fair at Joe Farmer Recreation Center has been set for December 14.

“There is a lot of excitement about the Harvest Crafts Festival, both in the community and with our members, and we are very pleased to present this highlyanticipated event,” says Leslie DoranCope, Senior Recreation Center supervisor. “We definitely hope to grow this event, and we are all really looking forward to it.”

The Harvest Craft Festival is free and open to the public and will be held at the Allen Senior Recreation Center, 451 St. Mary Drive, conveniently located on the corner of St. Mary Drive and Cedar Drive.

For those interested in being a

vendor, indoor and outdoor booths are available. Please contact Linda Kyriakopoulos at lkyriakopoulos@ cityofallen.org or 214.509.4820 for more information. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

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Get help paying your medicare costs If you have limited income and resources, you could qualify for programs that pay some of the Medicare costs you are currently responsible for, as well as most of what you pay for your Medicarecovered prescription drugs. Many people qualify, and they don’t even know it.

If you qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your annual Medicare costs.

The programs pay some or all of the Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurances. The three programs for retired individuals are: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual (QI). To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you must at least have Part A of Medicare.

Medicare’s program for prescription assistance is called “Extra Help.” If you qualify, you will get help paying your monthly

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drug plan premium, annual deductible, and copayments for prescription drugs. You must be enrolled in either Part A or Part B of Medicare to qualify.

More than 9 million older and disabled Americans are enrolled in the Extra Help program.

They save an average of almost $4,000 a year on their prescription drug costs.

People with limited income and resources should apply to find out if they qualify for one or both programs. Applying for Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs is free and confidential, and you can apply at any time.

Residents of Collin and other counties can get more information and apply by calling the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging at 1.800.272.3921 and ask for a benefits counselor. v Article submitted by the North Central Texas Counsel of Governments (NCTCOG).

library

Germania author Brendan McNally

by Tom Keener

What happened during those final days of the Third Reich after Adolph Hitler committed suicide? The Third Reich didn’t end completely, it actually went on for another twenty-three very surreal days under a Reich run by a second Fuhrer Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. Heinrich Himmler and Albert Speer collaborated with Grand Admiral Dönitz in the hopes they might have positions in the new government.

Dönitz established the last government of the Third Reich in the gymnasium of the German Naval Academy, located outside of Kiel.

Brendan McNally discusses his book, Germania, historical fiction that accurately describes this chaotic period, at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 18, at Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive.

Before turning to fiction writing,

this Dallas author was a defense journalist, first at the Pentagon, and then in Prague where he covered the Eastern European arms trade and intelligence issues. Brendan currently writes feature articles for D Magazine, Smithsonian Air & Space and GX Magazine. His first novel, Germania, is a darkly comic account of the last days of the Third Reich, told through the eyes of Hitler ’s architect and best friend, Albert Speer, and four identical quadruplets, the Flying Magical Loerber Brothers.

Following Hitler ’s death, Speer was at Admiral Dönitz headquarters at Flensburg. Dönitz had been appointed the new head of state and he established a new government. In addition to surrendering to the Allied forces, he administered this surrealistic regime.

Speer collaborates with Werner Baumbach, with whom he used to go kayaking on the Havel.

Baumbach had possession of these gigantic flying boats (BV-222), at that time the biggest airplane in the world.

And one night over whiskey, he suggests to Speer that the two of them fly away to Greenland and spend the summer fishing, hunting walrus and writing their memoirs together.

Brendan declares, “This was a Nazi version of Thoreau and Emerson!”

Wall Street lawyers and econo­ mists, including John Kenneth Galbraith, representing a group called The United States Strategic Bombing Survey, interviewed Speer for almost a week. Speer talked to them about the challenges of keeping German industry rolling in the face of the American Strategic Bombing Campaign. Brendan declares, “In my story, Albert Speer abandons one magician and then takes up with another. It made sense to me, because that’s what people do when they give up on one god. They go find another. I wanted my book to be a kind of tragic slapstick.”

This program is free and no reservations are required. For more information, call 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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Awesome animation

By Tom Keener

August 2

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937 (G), 7 p.m., Snow White, pursued by a jealous queen, hides with the Dwarfs; the queen feeds her a poison apple, but Prince Charming awakens her with a kiss.

August 9

Yellow Submarine, 1968 (G), 7 p.m., The Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his Yellow Submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.

August 16

My Neighbor Totoro, 1988 (G), 7 p.m., when two girls

move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.

August 23

Toy Story, 1995 (G), 7 p.m., a cowboy toy is profoundly threatened and jealous when a fancy spaceman toy supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room.

August 30

The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993 (PG), 7 pm, Jack Skellington, King of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.

All films are shown at Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive, and all are free. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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17

Cris Gale

by Tom Keener

Come hear one of the world’s oldest musical instruments when Allen’s own “Ocarina Diva” Cris Gale performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 12, at Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive.

She will be performing classical standards, as well as contemporary and classical pieces from Asia. Cris explains, “I suppose the program could be described as East/West Classical Fusion.”

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

From the United States to Switzerland to Senegal, Italy to Japan, ocarinas bring people of the world

together. Primitive forms of these instruments have been excavated from sites of various ancient civilizations, including Aztecs, Mayans, Chinese and Pacific Islanders.

Because of its portability and versatility, the ocarina continues to be popular in contemporary cultures, and has been featured in the popular video game The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time.

Cris began playing the ocarina in 1999, and since then she has performed at renaissance festivals, weddings and as a studio musician for a meditation CD. In 2009, she won STL Ocarina’s International Search Competition and subsequently joined STL Ocarina as a consultant and performer.

Cris declares, “It is just something that I deeply enjoy doing that happens to bring me peace and happiness. I can’t imagine life without it. When I attended the ocarina festival, I met a maker/performer from Norway that lost one of his hands in an accident. He made himself a special ocarina so that he could keep playing. Despite what’s happened to him, he continues to make beautiful music. I don’t think he had a choice. I think that once music gets a hold on you, it never lets go.”

One of the more interesting venues was at a friend’s Indian wedding. Her knowledge of Indian music was negligible but the piece that was selected was extremely soothing for her to play. She described the experience as very beautiful and somewhat surreal.

For more information, please call 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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feature

Local café recipe receives national recognition

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson Last year, JEC Publishers went on a hunt for some of the best recipes from restaurants around the United States.

The editor had several strict parameters to follow. Each restaurant from where the recipes were to be gleaned had to be independent, family-owned and located on their city’s Main Street.

On November 30, 2010, A Taste of Main Street America was released, featuring recipes from over 200 eating establishments in all 50 states. Of these, recipes from only five Texas restaurants were selected for the cookbook.

Among these elite few was Allen’s Reel Thing Catfish Café.

Co-owner Jim Brevard explains that they were sent an e-mail notice that JEC Publishers was inviting Main Street restaurants to submit recipes for consideration of inclusion in their cookbook. He and wife Mary both agreed that their entry needed to be Shrimp Étouffée. Their adaptation of this family recipe from Mary’s North Carolina aunt has proved to be one of the café’s more popular dishes.

Although the cookbook was released in November 2010, Jim points out that high demand for the cookbook resulted in delayed shipments to many of the restaurants, including theirs. On March 5, Jim and Mary hosted a book signing party at Reel Thing to celebrate the release of A Taste of Main Street America and their recipe in it.

The couple purchased their Allen restaurant, located at 600 E. Main Street across from the Lowery Freshman Center, 10 years ago. Mary, who had no prior restaurant experience but hailed from a long line of good cooks, first managed it by herself. “I’ve always been interested in cooking,” Mary notes. “And living in the south, that’s just something you learn to do.”

Mary got more help after Jim’s retirement from Nortel Networks in 2006. Also retired from the U.S. Air Force, Jim laughs as he recalls, “I’m sitting home my first day and Mary asks, ‘How do you like retirement?’ I said, ‘Retirement is great,’ and then she grabbed me by the ear and I’ve been up here ever since!”

Jim admits that he already had a good understanding of the ins and outs of owning a restaurant because his father owned a restaurant in New Jersey for many years.

Today, Mary manages more of the food end of the operations while Jim handles the computer work, including bookkeeping, website management and point-of-sale system. In addition to managing the kitchen staff and occasionally cooking, Mary spends several days a week

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Jim and Mary Brevard creating her popular desserts, including chocolate cheesecake, German chocolate cake, lime icebox pie and sweet potato pie. They also recently took on a partner, Karen Sim, to free the couple up from the growing workload of the day-to-day operations of their popular café.

One job the Brevards enjoy is finding and adapting new recipes to share with customers. Inspired by a son with diabetes, they also devote a great deal of time to creating meals to satisfy their diabetic clientele. This also includes a diabetic-friendly adaptation of their Shrimp Étouffée and several of Mary’s desserts. Jim boasts that a special taste test with a group of customers and a television crew who reported on the new creations could not tell the difference between the regular and diabetic recipes. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

pet page Bonnie is a 6-year-old Bassett. Her family took her to the shelter because they had too many dogs and couldn’t take care of them any longer. CCHS stepped up and took her into their foster care program where she awaits her furever home!

Bonnie is a very sweet and gentle lady who loves nothing more than to lie in the sun and watch her foster siblings at play. She is a true lovebug and loves to lay close with her head on your lap. She does well with kids but prefers older ones that understand her more laid back lifestyle. She has not been exposed to cats while in foster care but wouldn’t mind meeting one! Bonnie does great in the car and on leash and loves to play in the water!!!

“Bonnie”

Bonnie looks forward to meeting you!

Photos: Teresa Berg

Bonnie weighs about 52 lbs, is spayed, heartworm negative, up to date on routine vaccinations and is microchipped. She is also housetrained and crate-trained but is so well behaved, she is allowed to roam free in the house while her foster parents are away. So, if you are interested in meeting this sweetie, please fill out an online application. Bonnie looks forward to meeting you!

Just complete an online application at: http://www.collincountyhumanesociety. org/Forms.htm.

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21

gardening

Add a little

harmony

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Noted American anthropologist, scholar, and writer, Loren Eiseley, once wisely wrote, “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in water.” I believe those words to be true every time I sit in the cozy courtyard at my home.

Center stage in a small flowerbed is a two-tier fountain, and when I hear the splash of the water as it cascades into the bowl, I feel the debris of the day cleared from my mind, and its sound is music that soothes my soul.

Water features have been an important element in gardens for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used fountains and ponds for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Water brought refreshing respite from the hot summer sun, served as a place for people to gather and symbolized social and artistic ideas.

Fountains, ponds and waterfalls evoke a sense of serenity and beauty. So, with today’s hectic lifestyles, it’s no wonder water features are popping up in Collin County backyards in soaring numbers.

If you’re looking for a way to liven up your landscape, consider adding a water feature. Water adds dimension to your home, transforming an outdoor space and turning your landscape into something special by providing a focal point and some place you can relax with family and friends. An added bonus…not only will water help mute the unwanted sounds of nearby traffic or noisy neighbors, it will create a backyard habitat by attracting a plethora of wildlife, such as birds, dragonflies, butterflies, toads and frogs to your garden.

There is a full range of water-related garden décor available. Homeowners can choose from fountains, waterfalls, pools, ponds, streams or creeks and cascading water. Do an Internet search and the options are numerous, if not downright overwhelming.

To help me shed light upon the variables of

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to your landscape waterscapes I called upon Michael O’Keefe, local water feature and landscape design expert.

Michael counsels, “There are few classifications when it comes to waterscapes. However, when choosing and planning your water feature make sure it fits in with the composition of your landscape. The biggest mistake people make is doing too much. And too much is just too much.

The ultimate goal is to make sure the feature looks like it belongs there—it needs to have cohesion. A water feature should look like it was originally in that space and you loved it so much you decided to build a house around it.”

One of the first things to consider, besides space, is your theme. Is your style rustic Colorado, desert Arizona, serene oriental, tropical islands or English cottage garden? No matter what size your landscape, you have room for a water feature. If you have a small area, consider an ornamental fountain—there are many designs available.

Ornamental fountains are the perfect addition to any space.

Almost anything can become a fountain. Statuary, ceramic urns and west Texas moss stones are popular choices for fountains. However, not all pottery or stone materials are suited for use with water, as they will deteriorate over time. The latest trend is to use artificial, lightweight materials such as fiberglass or plastic in the making of fountains. They look like the real deal, but are lighter and very efficient.

Who doesn’t love a waterfall? Currently a popular choice in water gardening are pondless waterfalls. Pondless waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream, without the presence of a pond. They are easy to maintain, and feature unique designs like artificial boulders or hollowed out logs, which utilize a buried, hidden basin. This basin supports a coping of river rock, allowing water to re-circulate while protecting the pump from leaves and debris. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water that creates a lovely illusion of water disappearing into the earth.

Michael adds, “One of the most user-friendly and least expensive features currently on the market is pre-fabricated or selfcontained waterfalls. They have the authentic look of rock and are one of the easiest and least expensive to install. Open a box; find a level surface, add some water, plug it in and voila! This option offers instant gratification. Many styles include built-in lighting, and offer a great centerpiece for outdoor entertaining.”

Whether you have a large yard or a small balcony, there is a water feature out there to suit your lifestyle.

Whether you choose a whimsical water fountain or a quiet pond, you will find it brings a smile and joy to your day.

Sit back and enjoy the sounds of tranquility. v

“How often it is that a garden, beautiful though it be, will seem sad and dreary and lacking in one of its most gracious features, if it has no water.”

—Pierre Husson

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

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23

education

Camppromotes Invention

teamwork & creativity

by Keith A. Taylor

Standing around a worktable, ideas were traded, tried, discarded or retained. New methods of production were developed and sometimes, things were invented.

That doesn’t describe a meeting of the Research and Development Department at Apple, though; it happened in a classroom at Allen ISD’s Green Elementary School last month.

For the first time, the school hosted a district-wide Camp Invention for gifted and talented students, with more than 250 students participating

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in classes to hone their problemsolving and critical-thinking skills.

Experiencing a variety of scenarios from crash-landing on an inhospitable planet to cleaning up a polluted city, the kids had to work together to develop solutions to complex problems. It wasn’t all work and no play, though, as evidenced by the rather un-class-like noises coming from behind closed doors.

“These kids are a lively bunch,” said Ashley Weller, one of the organizers of the camp. “These are the

kinds of kids who have bright ideas and aren’t afraid to tell anyone about them.”

The Camp Invention program is a week-long adventure in creativity allowing participants to engage in hands-on activities in science, tech­ nology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as history and the arts.

The campers at Green, representing students from all over Allen, worked through five modules during the course of the camp. Besides the inhospitable planet ZAK and polluted

Sludge City, the kids also learned about physics working as interns at an amusement park, developed new versions of old games in “Game On: Power Play,” and became junior inventors as they walked in the shoes of Thomas Edison to create and market a multi-step machine.

A group of students in the “I Can Invent: Edison’s Workshop” worked busily on deconstructing electronic devices. They later will use the disassembled pieces to create complicated, multi-step machines that solve a specific challenge.

Next door, another group works out plans for a roller coaster for marbles made out of foam tubing.

They have to calculate speeds and trajectory to make sure the marbles safely reach their destination.

Down the hall, fierce competition between two teams makes for a lively game of what only can be described as horizontal basketball with beach balls and hula hoops.

Students in another room confer as they try to figure out how to filter impurities to create drinkable water.

“The curriculum of this program is just phenomenal. It promotes the highest level of creativity,” said Barbara Myer, Allen ISD gifted and talented coordinator.

Since Camp Invention’s start in 1990, the program has grown to include more than 1,100 school partnerships in 49 states. In 2010, more than 65,000 children participated nationwide. The non-profit Camp Invention program was created in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which continues to support Invent Now’s mission to inspire creativity and inventive thinking in children of all ages.

“We are focused on the STEM subject areas that will help the U.S. address a critical shortage of scientists and engineers in the global workforce of the 21st century,” said Michael J. Oister, Chief Operating Officer for Invent Now, Inc. “Our programs nurture creative thinking in children,

providing them with open-ended opportunities to explore ideas, make mistakes and reinvent solutions.”

Allen ISD gifted and talented staff first heard of the program about four years ago, Myer said and were able to bring the program to Allen this summer through the efforts of “Activating Inquisitive Minds” (AIM) teachers

Weller and Carrie Sledge. AIM is the school district’s gifted and talented program for elementary students.

“We have wanted to do this for a while,” according to Sledge. “We knew parents wanted something like this to help their kids keep their enthusiasm for learning over the summer. Still, we were surprised at the response.”

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Allen ISD Elementary teachers Carrie Sledge, Jennifer Gurss, Ashley Weller and Julie Georgas worked together to organize Camp Invention at Green Elementary.

Information announcing the pro­ gram went home with students on a Thursday afternoon during the spring semester. Myer said that by 5 p.m. that same day, the first camp of 125 had been filled. Another camp was added and it filled the next day. The two camps—Einstein and DaVinci, and led by Sledge and Weller—ran at the same time in June. They were helped by two assistant camp directors—Julie Georgas and Jennifer Gurss.

“The enthusiasm for the camp is just incredible,” said Georgas, an Allen AIM teacher. “It’s so much fun to watch these kids get together and come up with some amazing ideas.”

Weller agreed, saying, “These classes really promote the belief of ‘I can be an inventor.’ They say the best ideas come from kids. I think this camp proves it.”

Not only does each class promote creativity, each is developed to encourage teamwork. “The activities are team-based,” said Dawn Hosni, the director of Elementary School Programs for Camp Invention. “They are designed to help the students learn how to listen to others, how to collaborate and build consensus.”

The classes are led by AIM teachers, with teen-age “counselors” as assistants. Most of the counselors

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are current or former participants in the high school gifted and talented program, Phoenix, as well as the AIM program “Many of the counselors wanted to give something back to the AIM program,” Myer said. “They make a great contribution to the camp and serve as important role models to the kids, especially the younger ones.”

Sledge pointed that the camp not only helps the students, but teachers see benefits as well.

“One teacher told me that working at the camp helped get her old spark back,” she said. “She was able to break her old routine and work hands-on with students on problem-solving.”

The best part, though, is that much of the creative thinking will carry over to when classes start in the fall, Sledge said.

“Challenging creative students can be a complicated issue during the school year,” Myer said. “Camp Invention gives our teachers an opportunity to try new ideas and find new ways to interact with students. I think we will see benefits from the camp that extend beyond just the kids who attend.” v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

Sailing brings physics to life

Bruno Veiga

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Photo: Nick Young

by Heather Darrow

There is nothing like gazing up at a 28-foot sail catching the wind and experiencing the full force of nature propelling you forward. The sun warms your skin, the cool breeze tousles your hair and the playful air currents tip the watercraft dangerously close to the rippling water, daring you to harness their power again. Like most people, Collin College student Bruno Veiga loves to go sailing, but his bliss is not derived solely from the physical experience.

Rather, it is the physics and mathematical concepts catapulting to life as wind, water, keel and sail come into contact that captivate all of his senses.

Veiga’s sailing experience was the culmination of a Center for the Advanced Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CASMNS) under­graduate research project with physics professors Dr. Mike Broyles and Meade Brooks. In the fall semester, Veiga and fellow students Mehdi Ahmadi and Nancy Karanja began researching how to determine the optimal sail angle using a velocity prediction program. Veiga and both Collin professors tested their hypo­ theses using Sailfish Yacht Analyzer.

“I learned sail boats go the fastest when the sail is 90 degrees from the direction the wind is blowing. It doesn’t matter which direction. That 90-degree angle is called beam reach.

People use a lot of predictive programs when they go sailing. That is how they pick their sailboats. I had no idea people took all of this into account. I enjoyed seeing how it all came together and how what I researched compared to what I saw happening on the water. Sailing is exciting

Photo: Collin staff

because the wind makes the boat shift and you can come really close to the water. You won’t fall in—well probably not,” Veiga said laughing.

Professor Brooks says physics is an amazing discipline because regardless of an individual’s back­ ground, it is always possible to share a physics concept that is relevant and sparks interest.

“Research experience, such as that offered by CASMNS, provides students the opportunity to explore concepts and make applications beyond the classroom. That also makes for a rewarding and engaging instructional experience. Students who voluntarily participate in research are typically very motivated and interested in what they are learning.”

That was certainly the case with Veiga who learned a valuable lesson about research. He discovered that the controlled laboratory environ­ ment frequently does not mimic the outside world.

“The velocity program predicted the best possible situation, not reality.

The day we took readings the wind was coming from the southeast. That

dictated the angle we measured. The software said at 80 degrees from the wind direction the velocity should be 7.2 knots. The closest we got was 4.8 knots. However, we did not have the top 25 percent of the sail up, the wind was varying a lot that day, and there were several gusts so the wind could have increased or decreased at any time,” Veiga said.

Dr. Broyles has been sailing for close to 15 years and enjoys teaching physics because it is the study of the natural laws around us.

“Sailing illustrates how physics can be used to analyze how various forces act on a sailboat to allow it to move through the water. The wind provides a force; the water through which the sailboat moves acts as a resistive force; the sailboat keel provides a stabilizing force. To under­ stand how these and other forces act requires knowledge of vectors which we study in physics.”

Veiga plans to transfer to The University of Texas at Austin this fall, earn a computer science degree and ultimately become a software engineer or programmer. He says he chose

Collin College because of the quality education. He was pleased that his advanced placement credit transferred and surprised that most of his professors hold doctoral degrees.

“I recommend CASMNS. If you don’t like physics, you can do research in biology or another science. It is a different feeling when you are interested in a subject and then do a lot of research and finish an experiment and see it all happen in front of you. It is interesting and fun.”

For Veiga, physics formulas are no longer flat, two-dimensional groupings of symbols and numbers. He sees physics in nature.

“My physics class was challeng­ ing, but I liked it. The project really connected the lessons in my physics class. Opposite forces reacting create a net force somewhere in the middle.

I saw that with the sail and keel. It is easy to remember because I experienced it.”

Visit www.collin.edu/academics/ casmns/. v Heather Darrow is a public information writer for Collin College.

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Kids Eat Free (or Cheap)

By Deborah Dove With the dog days of summer upon us, who wants to cook? Take advantage of our updated list of restaurants that offer free kids meals throughout the week.

Unless otherwise noted, restaurants offer a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal. The following offers were valid at press time, however we suggest you call ahead to verify.

MULTIPLE DAYS Souper Salad—204 Central Expressway, Allen, 214.495.9455 Salad bar buffet, taco bar, macaroni and cheese, pizza, baked potatoes and soup, plus ice cream bar. Kids 3 & under eat for free daily; kids ages 4-10 eat for $2.99 (Sundays only).

Steak and Shake—1820 W. Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, 972.547-4662 or 2313 N. Central Expwy., Plano, 972.509.1112 Burgers, fries, and milkshakes along with sandwiches and salads. Half price milkshakes and drinks (weekdays 2-4 p.m. and 2-4 a.m.) and free kids meal (Saturday and Sunday).

CiCi’s Pizza—204 N. Greenville, Allen, 972.727.2424 Pizza and pasta, with a small salad bar. Kids 3 & under eat free (kids age 4-10 eat for $2.99) every day.

SUNDAY

Dickey’s Barbecue—405 Central Expressway S. , Allen, 214.495.8877 Barbecue (turkey, brisket, chicken, sausage, etc.) with kid friendly sides and free soft serve ice cream. Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) every day.

MONDAY

Sonic—Various locations Slushes, sodas and made-to-order limeades (and of course you can get a burger or coney dog to go with it). Half price drinks weekdays 2-4 p.m.

Bar-B-Cutie—208 N. Greenville Ave., Allen, 214.383.7555 Barbecue. Half off kids meals Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

IHOP—315 Central Expressway North, Allen, 214.383.3434 Known for their breakfast food served 24 hours a day, they also have burgers, sandwiches, steak and fish. Free kids meal daily 3-10 p.m.

Denny’s—1830 N. Central Expressway, Plano, 972.423.8005 Breakfast all day, plus American classics.

Free kids meal every day from 4-10 p.m.

Café Brazil—3190 S. Central Expwy., McKinney, 972.984.1259 Coffee shop with gourmet breakfast all day as well as sandwiches, salads and signature entrees. Free kids meal Monday-Thursdays after 5 p.m.

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Tin Star—1008 McDermott, Allen, 972.396.7700 Southwestern (tacos, quesadillas and more).

Free kids meal after 4 p.m.

Mr. Gatti’s—2107 West El Dorado Pkwy., McKinney, 214.504.9100 Pizza buffet. One free kids buffet with each purchased adult buffet.

Spaghetti Warehouse—1517 N. Central Expressway, Plano, 972.516.8903 Classic Italian (spaghettis, pizza, pasta dishes). $1.99 kids meal.

MONDAY & TUESDAY Cristina’s Fine Mexican—2811 Craig Drive, McKinney, 214.544.2800 and 8210 Highway 121, Frisco, 214.618.8230 Authentic Mexican, as well as grilled tilapia, shrimp, chicken and steak. Free kids meal.

JC’s Burger House—SE corner McDermott and Hwy 75, Allen, 214.495.9090 Good old-fashioned burgers. Free kids meal w/purchase of adult burger, fries & drink.

TUESDAY Baskin Robbins—1512 E. Exchange Parkway, Allen, 972.646.6969 Ice Cream (31 flavors). Kids Scoops for $1 and regular scoops for $1.50, 5-10 p.m.

Applebee’s—1820 W. University Drive, McKinney, 972.562.8016 American classics such as salads, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. Free kids meal.

Black-eyed Pea—605 West 15th, Plano, 972.423.5565 Home style cooking. Free kids meal, 5-9 p.m.

Hooters—720 Central Expressway, Plano, 972.422.9464 Hot wings plus burgers and sandwiches.

Free kids meal.

WEDNESDAY Boston’s—6800 Highway 121, McKinney, 214.585.0900 Gourmet Pizza, pasta, salads, burgers, chicken, steak and seafood. Kids eat free.

Gattitown—3251 Preston Road, Frisco, 214.618.9800 Buffet with pizza, salad and hot pasta. Free kids buffet with purchase of adult buffet.

Firehouse Subs—5999 Custer Rd., Frisco, 214.618.8277 Hot and cold sub sandwiches. Free kids meal with purchase of medium sub combo.

Rainforest Café—Grapevine Mills Mall, Grapevine, 972.539.5001 Pasta, burgers, seafood, chicken and steak with a tropical flair in a fun simulated rainforest setting. $2.99 kids meal with purchase of an adult meal after 5 p.m.

THURSDAY El Chico—1222 N. Central Expressway McKinney, 972.548.7526 Classic Tex-Mex. Kids eat free from “Little Amigos” menu.

Amazing Jakes—831 N. Central Expressway (inside Collin Creek Mall), Plano, 972.509.

Jake Pizza buffet with soup, salad, pasta and dessert items. One free child buffet with each purchased adult buffet.

SATURDAY Texas Land and Cattle—3191 Preston Road, Frisco, 972.668.2832 Steak and chicken. Free kids meal between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

feature

Lucas Fire Department Fighting fires in West Texas

by Simon Valentin The official, gentrified name for it is Booster Two. What it should be called is the name tossed around when it first stomped into Lucas’ Volunteer Fire Department—Godzilla.

The new flame-fighting brushfire truck is a sixwheeled-beast; a monstrous combination of massive engine, huge water tanks and state-of-the-art foam fire extinguishing system.

It has remote-controlled fire nozzles on the bumper, GPS satellite information downloading capabilities, a cab big enough to carry a hockey team and hoses that stretch nearly two football fields.

It’s a high tech, brush crushing, all-terrain truck that does everything short of climb the highest tree, roar and scare brush fires into submission.

Lucas took it to fight blazes in West Texas and it did so well that other departments were impressed enough to have their pictures taken with it. It was a celebrity. And they call it Booster Two. Name choice aside, the truck is a crucial midpoint between a smaller booster truck and a full-blown fire

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engine. It’s designed to roll up and deal with flames in a subdivision or brush fires on the fringes of those neighborhoods.

“This is an urban interface vehicle, its used as a last line of defense to protect homes that are growing into the country side,” shares Chief Craig Zale.

Lucas Battalion Chief David Leonard points out the need for this specialized truck. “Urban houses that interface with rural areas are encroaching upon nature,” he says. “You can’t take a large fire engine made for structural fires, or a truck meant for small buildings, and access some homes. We need a vehicle that holds a lot of water with special hoses and nozzles that can get next to these newer houses.”

And that’s exactly what Godzilla, I mean Booster Two, does. Though it calls Lucas home, Booster Two is obliged to stand ready to answer the call just about anywhere within a half a day’s drive, since $173,000 of the $217,000 price tag was picked up by the State of Texas.

When brush fires threatened people, livestock and property in West Texas, Lucas sent their new truck to dig

in and fight. The volunteer crew that went was surprised at what they found.

“There were gulleys and terraces and bluffs and this thing just rolled right over them; nothing held us back or slowed us down,” Chief Zale exclaims.

That’s a good thing, because sometimes those gulleys and bluffs were part of someone’s driveway, a path that might be three miles long from front porch to mailbox.

Besides being able to handle any terrain it encountered, Booster Two’s mega-water tanks and Compressed Air and Foam System, or CAFS were also a big help.

“The truck carries 784 gallons of water, plus a compressed air foam system,” Chief Zale explains. “It enabled us to stay on the fire line longer.”

Typical four-wheeled fire trucks might carry a couple hundred gallons of water. By nearly quadrupling that capacity, Booster Two didn’t have to stop for water breaks as often. And combining the foam with water makes it even more effective.

“The CAFS system puts out a fire 15-30 times more effectively than just water,” says Assistant Lucas Fire Chief Ed Fleming. “The foam sticks to trees and walls.”

According to one manufacturer of the CAFS system, it smothers the fire with a foam blanket, preventing oxygen from combining with fuel. It’s been shown to disrupt the chemical reaction required for a fire to continue.

Firefighters would lay a protective line of foam and water around the house, then do what they could to make the house itself fire resistant.

“The houses out there are made of stone and fiber cement siding, making them less likely to catch fire,” Chief Zale states. “We would foam the walls, the roof and vents to put out any embers that got blown onto the home.”

Though many homes received this treatment, one in particular stands out. It was surrounded by encroaching fires and needed this kind of protection. The volunteer fire crew from Lucas, along with other task force agencies, went to work, and using saws from Booster

Two, cut down trees closest to the home. They foamed surrounding vegetation as well as the home before they were forced to pull back and let the fire burn over.

“At a quarter mile away, the fires were too hot to stay in that spot,” Chief Zale explains. “We had to move and let the fires go through.”

When firefighters returned hours later, the home they’d worked so hard to save was sitting safe and sound, surrounded by scorched earth. “We didn’t lose any homes in our area,” Chief Zale emphasizes.

Those West Texas blazes were a four-day baptism by fire for Booster Two and its crew, and much was learned about how to best utilize this newest piece of equipment.

“We basically lived out of that truck for four days,” Chief Zale comments. “We learned a lot working these fires and we’re going to make improvements based on that information.”

The memory of another uncontrolled Texas fire also motivates Lucas fire fighters to make those changes. “In 2005, a welder sparked a grass fire in Cross Plains, Texas,” Captain Leonard muses. “The fire wound up destroying more than half of the town and it killed four people.”

Leonard says Cross Plains is similar to Lucas and some surrounding cities—pockets of subdivisions dovetailed with trees and brush—the perfect location to use Booster Two. “People should rest assured that if an urban interface problem ever arises, this truck and the firemen who volunteer will be there,” Assistant Chief Fleming states.

So whether you call it Booster Two, Godzilla or a Texas-sized, six-wheeled, fire-snuffing machine, if it can tackle the fast burning blazes that roared through West Texas earlier this year, it can handle whatever pops up here in our backyard.

The Lucas Volunteer Fire Department currently has more than 40 members and would like to grow to 50 within the next few years. If you are interested, call 972.727.1242 for more information. v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

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MarketPlace

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For MarketPlace Your Health

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cover story Just last November, then 11-yearold Geordon Cox decided he needed to do something special in the way of a Christmas gift for his mother, Lisa, who is battling endometrial cancer.

Eight months later, the very reticent Geordon simply shrugs off all the attention he has received for the present he decided to give her.

Geordon’s father Adam explains, “Lisa and her older son, Patrick [Hesser], had gone to Las Vegas for about a week in November. So Geordon and I were just hanging out at home and he asks, ‘What are we going to get Mom for Christmas?’”

With a shy grin, Geordon inter­ jects, “I wanted to get my mom something that she would cherish forever, and since she was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to do something to fight cancer.”

The Faith Christian Academy seventh-grader continues, “I play baseball and I like to throw strikes.”

Pointing to his father, he adds, “And he likes to do art work and can make websites. I thought of the name and thought I could throw strikes and raise money for cancer.”

Recognizing the powerful concept Geordon had proposed, Adam went straight to work helping his son achieve his dream. By May, the notfor-profit Strikes Against Cancer™ hosted its first baseball tournament with 174 area youth baseball teams participating. By mid-June, the event had netted over $6,770, all going to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

With this success seen as nothing short of amazing, Strikes Against Cancer volunteers are inspired to make this tournament an annual event, and involve other communities as well.

Living on 20 acres northeast of the community of New Hope, the Coxes moved to their rural home from the mid-cities area when they learned Lisa was pregnant with Geordon.

Adam explains that their primary reason for moving to the country was

so they could raise their son close to family. Lisa’s parents built their home on the property, and Adam’s mother, who at that time had been battling cancer for several years, opted to also move to the land. Adam sighs, “She passed away a year later, but at least she had some time to spend with Geordon. That was the biggest thing we wanted.”

Even before Geordon was old enough to play baseball, Adam brought him along to the games. This not only gave him a chance to be with other boys but also started his participation in his family’s long-established love for the sport.

Adam credits his love of baseball to his mother. “My grandfather died when I was just six months old. He

Currently, this not-for-profit select baseball organization has five teams— 12U-AAA, 11U-AAA, 10U-AA, 8U-AA and the Mini-Mongrels for players age six and under. Adam notes that a few more teams are developing for the coming fall season, including one in Allen. This season, Geordon is a pitcher and left fielder with the McKinney Mongrels 11U-AAA team.

“None of the coaches are paid,” Adam notes. “They do it to serve the kids and because they love baseball.

We try to instill proper mechanics with the boys, that is what it’s all about.”

For this reason the 11 and 12 McKinney Mongrels teams play only in weekend tournaments rather than in weekday league games. Adam also emphasizes the organizational leaders’ Christian faith plays a significant role in the teams’ philosophy. “We always give thanks before and after games,” he states. “That is our ministry.”

Today, Adam is president of the McKinney Mongrels board, Coach Nick Reiter is vice-president and treasurer, and Coach Tom Goller serves as both secretary and the group’s spiritual leader.

Adam is not coaching any specific team but steps in to assist any coach or team in need of extra help.

With a special fondness for coaching the boys in the dugout during games, he points out, “What I’ve noticed is that as the boys get older—11 and 12 years old—and getting ready to play high school baseball, a lot are men­ tally deficient with the game. If they make a mistake, they don’t know how to let it go. They want to sit there and dwell on it. So it is important to have a coach in the dugout who gets them through that and helps them move on.

Good, bad, or indifferent, you have to move on.”

“Baseball isn’t about baseball,” he concludes. “It is about life lessons.

We like to win, but we also have a high level of accountability. That is really important.”

“I wanted to get my mom something that she would cherish forever, and since she was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to do something to fight cancer.” was a huge Cincinnati Reds fan and would take my mom and her sister to New York to see them play,” he explains. “My mother held on to that passion. She took my brother and I to our youth games and once a year she would take us down to Shea Stadium to watch the Reds. Every time I step on that ball field I think of Mom.” In 1984, Adam began coaching select baseball while teaching in Lewisville. Ten years after this, he established The Mongrels in Euless.

After moving to Collin County in 2000, Adam umpired for select and high school baseball and coached a 12U baseball team. At age 4, Geordon began playing select baseball and on the heels of that milestone, Adam decided to resurrect The Mongrels, this time in McKinney.

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Adam followed that same approach as he helped Geordon set up Strikes Against Cancer. The first steps father and son took were to get a post office box, file a DBA with the Collin County Clerk, and open a dedicated bank account for the organization.

This was followed by the lengthy endeavor of filling out and filing the official paperwork to designate Strikes Against Cancer an official 501(c)3 organization. With little time to spare, Adam enlisted the aid of an attorney to assist with this complex maze of paperwork. The initial board members for this fledgling organization are Adam, Mongrel Coach Robbie Roberston and Lisa’s son Patrick.

Smiling over at his son, he notes, “These were some good life lessons

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for him on how to establish a business.” And all of this was just the beginning.

Helping Lisa while she was undergoing treat­ ment for her cancer and getting Strikes Against Cancer up and running left Adam with little time to devote to his home theater seating business, Continental Seating, that he created with Rick Neverdosky.

“Since January I have taken a leave of absence,” Adam declares. “Because I have a great business partner, I made a choice to be with Lisa and the family and help her with the radiation treatments. It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

This also allowed Adam the oppor­ tunity to assist Lisa with her home-based business decorating high-end jerseys for select hockey teams.

As others learned about Geordon’s dream of raising money for cancer research by starting a baseball tournament, more volunteers came on board and word spread around the baseball community.

“What started out as a projected 63-team tournament blew up to 174 teams at nine different facilities!”

Adam beams. “We never expected that kind of response.”

Although Adam has not run the numbers yet, he is confident enough to boast that in its first year, the Strikes Against Cancer tournament in McKinney proved to be one of the

biggest of its kind in this region of the United States in 2011.

Support from the community manifested in many different forms and contributions are still coming in.

Adam explains that as per the theme of Strikes Against Cancer, people can make independent pledges relating to how many strikes the pitcher of their choice throws. “People can sponsor Geordon for how many strikes he throws per game or even per season,” he states. “And we have people who say they want to pledge so much once he gets to a set number of strikes. Once he reaches that amount, they make their donation.”

Some have pledged donations for each of Geordon’s strikes to the end of the season that concludes with the American Amateur Youth Baseball Alliance World Series the first week of July for the 11U teams. “There are 72 teams just in our division and it is a week-long tournament,” Adam points out.

For the May Strikes Against Cancer Tournament, each team played a minimum of three games and $100 regis­ tration fee provided 20 Strikes Against Cancer patches. As an added fundraising opportunity, the board decided to sell Strikes Against Cancer merchandise that included three t-shirt designs, caps and wrist­ b ands.

“Everything sold out by Saturday,” Adam exclaims, noting that plans are already underway for additional products for next year’s tournaments.

To increase the contribution to the V Foundation, Strikes Against Cancer approached the Collin County Baseball Umpires Association requesting members who would serve as umpires for the tournament to donate their first two games. Adam explains that the first donated game would pay for the special pink with black trim shirts each tournament umpire would be provided, and the funds from the second donated game would go directly to the cause.

Anxious to support the project, Buffalo Wild Wings in McKinney

HomePlace

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CCBUA High School Area Director Jeff Carter was one of the umpires participating in the tournament. distributed $1 donation cards to customers for the month prior to the tournament and also gave 10 percent of all food sales on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Strikes Against Cancer tournament. This added $1,995 to the contribution coffers.

On Demand Printing in Plano donated the almost $1,000 worth of strike tally cards and thank you cards, as well as the Buffalo Wild Wings donation cards and certificates.

And let’s not forget how many strikes were thrown at the Strikes Against Cancer tournament. Adam reports that when the tally cards for the entire weekend were added up, the grand total came to 20,021 and attendees were kept apprised of the number via an electronic road sign donated for the event by Solar Tech.

Of these strikes, Geordon threw 40 as well as two strike-outs.

Plans are already underway for the 2012 tournament in McKinney, and Strikes Against Cancer has been approached by teams in Lubbock, Houston and College Station to bring the tournament to their communities as well.

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“We have a lot of planning to do,” Adam declares, “but we are blessed to have a lot of good people around us.”

Strikes Against Cancer’s success owes a great deal to its impressive list of volunteers. These coaches, umpires, and fans, many whose own lives have been touched by cancer. wanted to see the dreams and hard work of one determined and dedicated boy be met with success.

“I lost my mom four years ago from cancer, so this hits close to home for me,” Coach Phil of Plano notes as a reason Strikes Against Cancer holds special significance for him. He is not only head coach for Geordon’s 11U McKinney Mongrel team which his son Brock plays on as well, but also for his 14-year-old son Brady’s team Plano Storm. Participating in youth baseball for many years, he played second and third base as well as outfield for Plano Senior High School. Phil describes his primary job at the tournament as “being there for those 12 kids.”

“That an 11-year-old thought of this is pretty cool,” he continues. ”Geordon is such a great kid to be able to go through what he is going

through and have such a good attitude. So I want to make sure Geordon has a fun time.”

Coach Tom Goller has known the Coxes since their sons started playing T-ball together and he assisted Adam when the McKinney Mongrels was getting set up.

The slightly older “Mike-Mike” Goller now plays on the McKinney Mongrel’s 12U team and his younger brother “Powder” plays on the 8U team, with their father volunteering as a coach for both teams.

Tom played baseball through high school and moved on to umpire duties while in college in Colorado.

“When Adam first told me about Strikes Against Cancer, I told him we had to find a way to make it happen,” Tom declares. First he jumped on board to help get the Strikes Against Cancer web site up and running. During the tournament, when his teams were not playing, he also assisted at the information table.

“I think this could be amazing,” Tom declares. “There could be multiple

tournaments in Texas. It is hard to say what the limit is—across the state, the region, or even the country! ” A professional baseball player for eight years, two years in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates, left-handed pitcher Ross Powell now owns and operates the McKinney baseball complex Triple Creek Academy, hosting tournaments and summer baseball camps and providing private instruction.

“We had planned on having a cancer benefit, so when Adam mentioned their Strikes Against Cancer, we decided the best thing to do was try to help them,” Ross explains.

In addition to providing fields as well as locating additional fields as the numbers grew too large for the one facility, Ross also gave Geordon private pitching lessons “to provide him the opportunity to honor his mother.

“Everyone knows somebody who has been affected by cancer,” Ross

Adam Cox umpiring games at the tournament.

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emphasizes. “We appreciate being able to participate in this.”

Now a high school umpire, Jeff Carter of Plano played baseball when

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he was a boy, and when his sons were growing up he got them involved with the sport as well. An active 18-year member of the Collin County Baseball

Umpires Association, Jeff took on the responsibility of organizing the umpires for the Strikes Against Cancer tournament and recruiting umpires to volunteer some of their time to help the cause.

“We knew about Lisa’s situation and wanted to help any way we could.

And it was a good way to help using what we know to do,” Jeff affirms. “We consider this the first annual tourn­­­­ ament and I was just at a planning session for next year ’s event. We plan to continue to support Strikes Against Cancer next year and the years to follow.”

Jeff even carried his efforts to the Texas Association of Sports Officials, acquiring permission for the area umpires to wear the Strikes Against Cancer patch on their uniforms this year.

Having played baseball from age five all the way through college, CCBUA umpire Brad Davis of Allen was disappointed to realize that his recent knee surgery would prevent him from serving as an umpire for the tournament. “I’ve also had family members and friends who have been struck with cancer, including my

mother-in-law who died when my wife was still in high school,” he explains as one reason why he wasn’t going to let this temporary impairment stand in his way.

So he approached Adam about tackling another job that would not be as physically taxing and readily accepted the offer to serve as the Mrs. Ryan congratulates Geordon on a job well done. tournament’s official ruling s repre ­ mediate families have been touched sentative. In addition, Brad made it a by cancer.” point to promote the event at every As Strikes Against Cancer’s glib public forum available to him. storyteller, one particular account that “I see myself having a role in Robbie shares emphasizes the helping Adam moving this forward. significance of what a small group can And once we start going to other places, accomplish and the impact their I would like to help develop and run actions have on others. tournaments for them. We have to see this kid’s dream come true.”

A baseball pitcher and first baseman through college and now passing that passion to his own son, Coach Robbie Robertson of Richardson points out, “There are life lessons you learn from baseball—from being part of a team, losing with grace and winning with class. So it was a natural fit to put my son Riley in the McKinney Mongrels.”

Because of his experience in helping Adam manage the McKinney Mongrels and serving as head coach for its 12U team, along with his ease in public speaking, Robbie Robertson comfortably stepped into the role of board vice-president and official spokesperson for Strikes Against Cancer. He acknowledges that his involvement in the organization has enlightened him as to how many lives cancer touches.

“I have known Phil Taylor for eight years and I didn’t know his mother died of cancer until we got involved with this. And there are nine kids on my team whose im-

“It was Sunday during the tourna­ ment and we were playing at Triple Creek,” he recounts.

“They drove a car down so Lisa could lay in the back of it and watch the game.

They put Geordon in to pitch while his mom was there to watch, and he probably threw 10 miles per hour faster than he has ever thrown before. It was such a special moment and it drove the point home for those people who were able to witness this.”

To read more about Strikes Against Cancer, make donations,or learn about volunteer opportunities, go to www. strikesagainstcancer.org. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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business seen

by Nicole Bywater

Jenny on the Spot Pet Sitting

Having spent the past decade helping animals in shelters and volunteering with rescue groups, Jenny Hillary is happy to be working full-time with animals through her dog walking and pet sitting business. “Animals are my passion and my mission is to provide the best care for them possible,” Jenny explains. “I’ve always loved animals—it’s just part of who I am and something I’ve dedicated my life to.”

Jenny on the Spot’s services include dog walking, and visits for potty breaks when their owners are working long hours. Summer is a popular season for pet sitting services as animal owners go on vacation. Jenny can not only take care of pets, she can help with things like picking up the mail, watering houseplants and making a home appear ‘lived in’ for added security.

“By having a sitter come to your home instead of taking your pets to a boarding facility, both you and your animals will be more comfortable because they maintain their routine,” Jenny says. “You’ll also avoid the risk of your pet contracting a contagious illness and be sure your animals are in an environment familiar to them.”

For dogs that are comfortable going “on vacation” when their owners do, Jenny offers boarding services with individual dog runs at her home in Lucas.

Jenny On the Spot is bonded and insured and is Pet CPR and First Aid certified by the American Red Cross. For more information visit, www.JennyontheSpotPetSitting. com, call 972.358.2172 or e-mail JennyontheSpotPetSitting@yahoo.com.

Reading Ranch Tutorial Center

“The gift to read is the gift of a lifetime” is the philosophy of The Reading Ranch Tutorial Center, founded and directed by Kim Southwell. We offer a phoneticallybased program in reading, writing and spelling enrichment for pre-K - 4th grade.

“Our reading classes are multi-sensory, teaching phonemic awareness, decoding words by identifying individual sounds and letter patterns,” Kim says. “Our direct instruction approach meets individual needs, giving children a strong foundation in reading. It also provides reading/writing/spelling enrichment for children with learning disabilities, dyslexia or struggling readers.”

Reading Ranch offers small-sized literacy classes of two students per one teacher.

Teachers are degreed educators with specializations in reading, dyslexia, speech and special education. New programs include fall early reading pre-K morning classes of 30, 45 or 60 minutes and three programs for 3 year olds: pre-K and Jr. Kindergarteners.

Pre-K Classes start at $95 per month and are a great complement to Mother’s Day Out or childcare programs. Traditional (K-4th grade) multi-sensory reading classes are offered, along with afterschool or Saturday/Sunday reading camps and popular summer reading camps.

Reading Ranch Tutorial Center is located at 125 W. Main St. #200 in Allen. For information call 972.396.7323, visit www.ReadingRanch.com or email ksouthwell@ readingranch.com.

Grande Communications

“Allen is a great place to do business,” says Matt Rohre, Vice President and General Manager for Grande operations in Allen and suburban north Dallas. “Grande prides itself in being a great company to do business with. Exceptional customer service is our top priority—24 hours, seven days a week our employees put the needs of consumers first. Grande has a culture based on strong principles—integrity, honest communication, professionalism, trust, respect and service to community. Our employees are willing to ‘go the extra mile’ and are proud to provide excellence in customer service.”

A Texas-based broadband communications company, Grande offers residents and businesses a real choice in entertainment and communications providers, plus outstanding local customer and technical support. Grande’s products include a full suite of Internet, TV and phone services for residential and business customers through a state-of-the-art, high-capacity, hybrid fiber-optic network. “Grande applauds the wholesome community atmosphere in Allen, a vibrant community with events and activities for everyone,” says Community Relations Manager Lori Salisbury. “We enjoy being actively involved in the civic life of Allen. Serving our communities with passion and commitment has been the guiding principle of Grande’s community outreach program from the beginning, giving back to the communities in which we do business and where our employees live and work.”

For information, call 855.436.6584 or visit www.mygrande.com.

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calendar AUGUST Concerts for a Cause, 6 pm-8 pm, Village at Fairview Grand Commons, Top (Party/Dance) benefiting The Samaritan Inn. Requested donation: paper goods. Free admission.

For more info: www.thevillageshopping. com or call (972) 549-4010.

5-7 McKinney Repertory Theatre presents Into the Woods, 8 pm, Fri. & Sat.; 2 pm Sun, McKinney Performing Arts Center, Downtown McKinney.

For more info: www.mckinneyrep.org.

9 Southwest Learning Summit and Exposition, 8 am-5 pm, Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Gain visibility to the latest training and tools and products and hear speakers on a variety of topics.

For more info: www.dallasASTD.org.

Stonebridge Ranch Ladies Association’s Girl’s Night Out, 7-9 pm, That Elegant Touch Salon and Day Spa, 3090 Laura Ln., McKinney. Drinks, appetizers, door prizes and spa treatments.

For more info: 214-544-2280 or www. srla.net.

11 Tiny Tot Time at Collin Creek & Mall, 10 am, lower level in Center 25 Court, a half-hour of fun—stories, 5

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singing, dancing, craft and snack. No charge, parents must be with children.

For more info: www.collincreekmall.com/ events.

Concerts for a Cause, 6 pm-8 pm, Village at Fairview Grand Commons, Buster Brown (Variety Band) benefiting Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. Requested donation: school supplies.

For more info: www.thevillageshopping. com or call (972) 549-4010.

Concerts for a Cause, 6 pm-8 pm, Village at Fairview Grand Commons, The Wonders (Variety Dance Band) benefiting Collin County Humane Society. Requested donation: puppy food (Nutro Chicken & Rice or Purina Pro Plan).

For more info: www.thevillageshopping. com or call (972) 549-4010.

Fall classes at Collin College begin. Registration is open through the first day of class.

For more info: www.collin.edu or call 1.877.COLLIN1.

Heard-Craig Tea & Conversation, 2 pm, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney.

The Heard Legacy author Cathy Apple will sign copies of her new book on McKinney’s Heard family.

For more info: 972-569-6909.

CITY OF ALLEN Parks and Recreation Events

1-31 Junior Golf Month. All Juniors age 12 and under play free on Sawtooth course with a paying adult.

5 Flapjack Friday, 8-9:30 am. Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast, Allen Senior Rec Center.

6 Junior Golf Development, 9-10:30 am, Chase Oaks Golf Club. Ages 6-17. Also on Aug. 13, 20 and 27.

For more info: 214-509-4563.

Advanced Junior Golf Instruction, 11 am12:30 pm, Chase Oaks Golf Club. Ages 7-17.

Also Aug. 13, 20 and 27.

For more info: 214-509-4563.

12 Dance for Adults with Disabilities, live music, fun and creative theme, snacks and commemorative photo mailed to each participant. For information or to get on email list, contact tharben@cityofallen.org

Family Night at the Edge Skate Park.

Enjoy the skate park and amenities (game room, media room and computer lab) free from older kids. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent or adult.

19 Visitor Center Lock In, stay up all night and enjoy video game tournaments, dodge ball, foosball, ping-pong and billiards all day with FREE admission to the Edge Visitor Center @ Allen Station Park. Concessions available and meals provided.

Family Night at Ford Pool, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Pool is open late and dinner served, you can enjoy the evening as a family. Guests receive coupon for concessions.

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Art Extravaganza, 10 am-3 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Experience local youth artist’s works on display. Show your support by viewing this brilliant exhibit.

For more info: 214-509-4750 or www.allenparks. org.

Adult Athletic League Registration Deadlines

Men’s Softball Tournament, Aug. 27. Cost, $175.

15 years+. Reg. thru Aug. 22. ‘Line Drive’ Softball Tournament, a unique format to give players a chance to work on placement hitting and defensive skills. Tournament format will be double elim.

Softball Late reg. through Aug. 7, $360 Format: 8 game season + playoffs. Play begins Aug. 22.

Ultimate Frisbee Reg.: July 4-Aug. 15, $265. Format: 14 game Season +playoffs. Play begins Aug. 25.

Flag Football Reg.: July 11-Aug. 9, $350. Format: 7 game season + play-offs. Play begins Aug. 30.

Soccer Reg.: July 11-Aug. 9, $515. Format: 8 game season. Play begins Aug. 30.

Men’s Basketball

Reg.: Aug. 15–Sept. 13 ($425). Late Reg.: Sept.

14–18 ($440). Format: 8 game season + single-elimin. tournament. Play begins Oct. 4.

Volleyball

Reg.: Aug. 15–Sept. 13 ($235). Late Reg.: Sept.

14-18 ($250). Format: 8 game season + singleelimin. tournament. Play begins Oct. 3.

Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810.

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ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Programs

Armchair Travelers visit Miskito Coast, Honduras with Marilyn & Mike Tucker, 7 pm, 2nd floor computer lab. Reg. required.

Mom’s Night Out: Book Club, 7 pm, meeting room. Mike Yudizky—Of Course My Home’s Poison Proof….Or Is It? Adults only.

All caregivers welcome. Register online.

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Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm, 8-11 am, bring your binoculars, about 30+ species, 3 hours. All ages. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent are recommended.

Meadow Preserve Open House, 12-5 pm.

RSVP@Connemaraconservancy.com.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214-509-4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214-509-4770.

For more info: www.allenparks.org.

Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry to be donated to children in the community. Plus receive a chance to win a prize.

For more info: 972-727-0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters.

For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

MOMS Clubs McKinney/East, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, baby sitting co-op, etc. Monthly business meeting.

For more info: momsmckinneyeast@yahoo.com or www.momsclub.org; Texas Health Presbyterian offers a variety of events.

For more info: www.texashealth.org.

Urban Explorers, a laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout the Dallas area. Something for everyone!

For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout.

Chronic Hugs: Chronic Pain Support Group, Grace Community Church, 4501 Hedgecoxe, Plano. Call for times.

For more info: Jackie Smith, 214-726-9060 or 214-636-7461.

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.

Collin County Allergies in Courage, support group for those who are dealing with food allergies. Playgroup, quarterly meetings, Mom’s Night Out, activities.

For more info: Amy at CollinAllergiesInCourage@yahoo.com.

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. Class for kids, one for a parent.

For more info: Kim Tedford: 214-544-8050 ext.

109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www. creekwoodumc.org.

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Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events.

For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Allen AA, welcoming those with a desire to stop drinking, 601 S. Greenville, 7 pm, M-F; 9 am Sat. For more info: Joe G. 214-564-9403 or Tina P. 214-566-7581.

Every Monday

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or henry@fortunefs.com.

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972-583-8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com.

Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.

For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Atrium Building, 1333 W. McDermott #100, Allen.

Guests welcome.

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.

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Second Monday

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano, 6:45 pm. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women.

For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www. aauwplanocc.org.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm.

For more info: 972-562-5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

McKinney Childcare Association, nonprofit organization of state-listed, registered and licensed home childcare providers in McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary.

For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www.mckinneychildcare.com.

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.

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.

Third Monday

Allen Retired Educators, 11 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75.

For more info: Dale Howard, dalehoward2@ sbcglobal.net.

Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell.

For more info: 972-382-3124 or www. collincountyaggiemoms.org.

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, North Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney.

For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972-5404984.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, everyone welcome.

For more info: www.K5PRK.org.

Fourth Monday

Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972-390-7402.

Plano Photography Club, 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.

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.

Every Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, Dodie’s Place in the Villages of Allen (Stacy & Central). $1 member/$7 non-mem.. 1st visit free.

For more info: 972-727-5585.

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.

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

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.

For more info: 1-800-YEA-TOPS or www.tops. org.

McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. A disciplined and structured approach to the compulsive eater or food addict.

For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow. org.

Schlotzsky’s Summer Chess, 5-7 pm, 502

W. McDermott, Allen. 10% of all purchases benefit Lovejoy Leopard Chess booster club.

Fifteen chess boards will be set up in the lobby for kids that want to play some chess.

For more info: Lovejoy Leopard Chess at LeopardChess@gmail.com.

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm.

Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.

For more info: 972-548-4232 or 972-424-1460.

First Tuesday

Collin County Event Professionals, networking group for wedding & special event professionals.

For more info: Wendy Kidd, 214-542-1317 or www.collincountyeventpros.com.

Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting.

For more info: 972-562-5566.

First and Third Tuesday

Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Nate’s Seafood, Stacy Road, Allen.

For more info: kevin_carlson@sbcglobal.net.

Second Tuesday

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville.

For more info: 214-509-4820.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors are welcome.

For more info: info@bptmn.org.

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, social; 10 am, meeting.Center for Professional and Economic Development; 4800 Preston Park Blvd, Plano. Program: Police officer Mark Dawson —personal safety and crime prevention techniques.

For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org or Linda Frageman, lindafragemanpr.nfgp@yahoo. com.

Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen.

For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214-8933643.

Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.

For more info: 972-542-1263.

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.

Second and Fourth Tuesday

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 11:45 am-1 pm. Verona Restaurant (inside Stacy’s), 111 Central Expressway N. For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598.

Third Tuesday

Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Room-old library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen.

For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info: 972-727-3090.

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Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport.

Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1.

For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405.

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.

Fourth Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenchamber.com.

Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art.

For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm.

For more info: 972-562-5566.

Every Wednesday

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.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle.

For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary. org.

Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Dr., Allen.

For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527.

First Wednesday

Collin County Master Gardeners Association guided tour of Myers Park, McKinney, 10 am, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Reservations 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.

Second Wednesday

Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano.

For more info: 972-231-4190.

VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main, Allen.

For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

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Second and Fourth Wednesday

Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano.

For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551.

Mocha Moms of North Dallas, support group for stay-at-home moms of color, 10 am, at Douglass Com. Center, Plano.

For more info: www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com.

Every Thursday

Allen 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.

Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.

For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central Expwy, parking lot between Chipotle and Stacey Furniture.

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.

First Thursday

Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street.

For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies.

Networking & discussion of women’s issues.

Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance.

For more info: www.allenchamber.com

North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept. thru June, 11 am, Prestonwood Country Club— The Hills, 6600 Columbine Way, Plano.

Luncheon and an activity fair. All women in the North Dallas area.

For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street.

For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

Second Thursday

Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church.

For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-529-5277.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies.

For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220.

Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2.

For more info: 972-747-6036.

First and Third Thursday

Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv, 102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail.com.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen High Noon Lions Club, Verona’s Italian Bistro (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expressway South For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598.

Third Thursday

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary.

For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309.

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 972-2609330.

Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen.

For more info: Steve Nagy, 469-569-3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you in any way we can.

For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241.

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 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/Nonmember Allen resident $3. Non-Allen residents $24/annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5.

For more info: 214-509-4820.

Every Other Friday

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided.

For more info: 972-727-8241.

Second Friday

Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities A lle n I m a g e x A u g u s t 2 0 11

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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.

Fourth Friday and Second Saturday

USA Dance, promotes the joys and benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing. Free lesson at 7:30, open dancing until 10:30 pm at McKinney Performing Arts Center.

For more info: http://www.usadancenct.org.

Second Saturday

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting.

For more info: 972-562-5566.

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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.

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.

health & fitness profiles The Medical Center of Plano 3901 West 15th Street • Plano • 972.596.6800 • www.medicalcenterofplano.com Since 1975, The Medical Center of Plano has maintained a legacy of exceptional care and compassion as it has grown from a small community hospital to a sophisticated, world-class medical facility. The Medical Center of Plano is a 427-bed acute-care facility with more than 1,500 employees and over 900 doctors on staff, representing over 70 specialties. Its 53-acre campus includes the main hospital, medical offices and the Center for Lifestyle Enhancement. Specialized departments include HEARTLINK™ Center Cardiovascular Services, Women’sLink™ Women’s Services and Cancer Services. The Surgical Services Department features 17 state-of-the-art operating suites, 5 endoscopy labs and an outpatient surgery. The Department of Radiology offers full-service diagnostic imaging using a variety of technologies, including North Texas’ first GE Discovery LS PET/CT scanner. Emergency Services features the first nationally accredited Chest Pain Center in Collin County, and was the first in Texas to be recognized by the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines program.

Accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), The Medical Center of Plano was selected as Collin County’s Best Hospital and Best Emergency Room for the ninth consecutive year in Star Community Newspapers’ latest Reader’s Choice Awards.

Dr. Rosemary Bates, MD PA 6300 Stonewood Drive, Suite 302 • Plano • 972.943.8597 • www.rosemarybatesmd.com.

Rosemary Bates, MD, is a board certified internist with a special interest in prevention, helping her patients achieve optimal wellness and better quality of life. She and her caring staff offer personalized, progressive care with modern methods and equipment in a warm and friendly environment.

They encourage a healthy lifestyle including weight management, good nutrition and exercise. She offers diet and exercise counseling, nutritional and dietary supplements and has added a safe and effective rapid weight loss option using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

Originally from England, Dr. Bates has been in the U.S. since 1986 and is a citizen. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry at Lamar University and her medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Her internship and residency were completed at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and she has been in private practice since 1999. She is married and lives in Lucas with her husband and two young children.

For an appointment or more information, call the office or visit her online.

Allen Surgical Associates 1105 Central Expwy. North • Medical Office Building 1, Suite 320 • Allen • 972.747.6420 Drs. Candace Covington and Jim Smith are general surgeons specializing in minimally invasive procedures that can reduce pain and shorten recovery time.

Dr. Covington received her medical degree from The University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and completed her residency in general surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she served as administrative chief resident. Most recently, Dr. Covington completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery. When not caring for patients, Dr. Covington enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and serving the community with her church.

Dr. Smith went to medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center and completed his residency in general surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was the resident teacher of the year and administrative chief during his final year. Dr. Smith practiced in Lawrence, Kansas, for three years and served as the hospital’s chief of surgery, before moving to Texas.

Outside of the operating room, Dr. Smith is an avid golfer and enjoys running, swimming and reading.

North Texas Orthopaedic and Spine 4510 Medical Center Dr., Suite 312 • McKinney • 214.592.9955 • NTOSonline.com Dr. Slabisak is Fellowship trained in diagnosing and treating conditions of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine. With his foundation in orthopaedics, he is also skilled in treating most general orthopaedic conditions. Utilizing some of the latest minimally invasive techniques, surgical treatment for spine conditions can result in improved healing times. Treatment plans are specialized for each individual patient, surgical or non-surgical.

Dr. Lessner is an orthopaedic surgeon with specialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopy.

His fellowship included active participation as an assistant team physician for the Cincinnati Bengals and The University of Cincinnati sports teams. Dr. Lessner is trained in all areas of orthopaedic care, but his special interests lie in care of athletes of all ages and levels as well as advanced arthroscopy and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee.

Dr. Slabisak

Dr. Lessner

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At North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine, our primary focus is high-quality patient care and our staff takes pride in providing excellent service.

health & fitness profiles Children’s Dentistry Tammy Gough, DDS, MS • Jessie Hunter, DDS 201 North Alma Drive • Allen • 972.727.0737 Dr. Tammy Gough is a board certified Pediatric Dentist who has practiced in Allen since 1993. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas.

Dr. Gough has served as President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentists and the Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentists. She is the chairman of the Texas Pediatric Dentist’s Political Action Committee and is an advocate for children’s dental health issues in Austin. She has been selected as a “Best Dentist in Dallas” by D Magazine. Dr. Gough is honored to have been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas State Dental Board for a six-year term.

Dr. Jessie Hunter is also a board certified Pediatric Dentist.

She was raised in Oklahoma and did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and Dr. Tammy Gough Dr. Jessie Hunter received her Dental Degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. Jessie earned her Pediatric Certificate from Louisiana State University. She currently lives in Frisco with her husband, Brandon, and their children, Haidyn and Austin.

As pediatric dentists, Drs. Gough and Hunter are experts in the growth and development of the oral structures of infants, children and adolescents and are specially trained in behavior management and sedation techniques for apprehensive or special needs patients.

“Our office is committed to making every visit a fun and positive, yet educational, visit for the children.”

The office provides its young patients plenty of fun, with a video arcade for their enjoyment before and after their appointment. A sports theme features Dallas professional teams and a wall displays a collection of sports memorabilia. The doctors and staff provide the highest quality of dentistry through continuing education on new procedures, products and equipment.

AMS Women’s Care & Continence Center 1105 N. Central Expwy., Suite 230 • Allen • 972.390.1796 Every woman’s health is personal. That’s why we take time to talk with you, learning about your goals, your lifestyle, your health questions. Whether you’re seeking effective contraception, dealing with menstrual discomfort or experiencing menopausal symptoms, we partner with you to manage your medical care. “Our patients appreciate that we’re interested in them as human beings; that we take the whole person into consideration,” said Sherri L. Merideth, MD, FACOG. “We build trust by ensuring that patients have consistently good experiences within our care. Part of that is avoiding ‘medspeak’ so we can have real conversations and explore appropriate options.”

Dr. Merideth is a board certified physician, providing services in general and high-risk obstetrics, as well as gynecology and incontinence. She is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. Described as easy-going and thorough, Dr. Merideth welcomes input from patients in all decisions affecting their health. “Of course, I’ll offer a recommendation,” Dr. Merideth said, “but I want to hear from you. Patient involvement works well for both of us!”

AMS provides complete and comprehensive care for women of every age.

Creekview Orthodontics 1780 W. McDermott, Suite 100 • Allen • 214.547.0001 At Creekview Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Ghosh and his team strongly believe in preventive care with a conservative treatment philosophy. In addition to practice experience, Dr. Ghosh taught orthodontics for several years. Being interested in research, he has over 30 publications in scientific journals and currently serves on the editorial board of two international journals. Dr. Ghosh has lectured in national and international dental meetings and attends meetings to stay current in his field.

Orthodontics provides beautiful smiles that improve self-esteem, while contributing to overall health. Other benefits include better function, ease of cleaning and greater longevity of teeth. Since detecting a problem early makes prevention and correction easier, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children be screened by an orthodontist at age seven. Since newer materials—like tooth-colored “invisible” braces and special alloyed wires— have made treatment more cosmetically appealing and comfortable and has shortened treatment time, more adults are accepting orthodontic treatment as well.

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health & fitness profiles Vein Care Solutions • Ana Cecilia Lorenzo, MD FACS RVT 4401 Coit Road, Suite 401 • Frisco • 214.387.4202 • www.veincaresolutions.com Varicose and spider veins are not only unattractive, but can be indicative of further medical problems. At Vein Care Solutions, we offer state of the art technology to patients with venous disease. We are committed to delivering comprehensive vein care in a personalized, comfortable setting.

We offer radiofrequency ablation, phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser vein ablation and Veinwave. All diagnostic imaging is performed in our office. We accept and process claims through a multitude of insurance plans.

Dr. Lorenzo earned a Bachelor in Science degree from Trinity University in San Antonio and her Medical Doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She went on to complete a General Surgery Residency at the University of California-San Francisco-Fresno. Dr. Lorenzo completed a Fellowship in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Connecticut. She is Board Certified in both General and Vascular Surgery.

She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Phlebology, the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Texas State Optical of Allen 941 W Bethany Drive (Watters Creek) • Allen • 214.495.0095 • allen@tso.com Our patients are our priority. At TSO of Allen, we have placed patient care at the center of our focus. Every aspect of our clinic is geared to provide our patients with the best service, the highest healthcare and the greatest satisfaction.

Our doctors have been extensively trained to care for everything from glasses and contact lens fitting to advance medical treatment for serious ocular pathologies. Our office is beautiful and welcoming and our service is unparalleled. No one is more concerned about your vision than TSO of Allen.

Drs. Reid and Hina Robertson received their doctorates from the University of Houston where they excelled in their studies, acted in several leadership positions and even helped create a new student group aimed at expanding the scope of education at their school. They completed externships at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they studied and treated glaucoma and advanced ocular illness and with the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma where they were trained in lid and laser surgical procedures. Their goal is to give all their patients the highest level of care possible and take the time to answer their patients’ questions.

Allen Hearing Clinic 915 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 180A • Allen 972.747.1333 • allenhearingclinic.com Michele Gillentine, Au.D. of Allen Hearing Clinic, Inc. has been certified by Audigy Group, the largest member-owned organization in the hearing care industry. All members adhere to the same set of unsurpassed patient care standards and the use of advanced technologies to provide patients with personally tailored hearing solutions.

Born deaf in her right ear, Dr. Gillentine felt her struggles and frustrations would be an asset in helping others overcome hearing difficulties. She pursued her passion and earned her Master’s Degree in Audiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1993. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, upon graduation and worked for a university hospital and an ear, nose and throat clinic. Dr. Gillentine had the opportunity to open her own private practice, and upon careful consideration, chose Allen. In her desire to continue providing the best possible hearing healthcare she went back to school and earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Arizona in 2004.

Dr. Gillentine believes the fitting, follow-up and service aspects of her relationships with patients ensure the value they’re receiving from their investment in better hearing is then optimized for long-term satisfaction.

The Dentist of Allen • Joshua Liescheski, D.D.S. 1104 N. Greenville Ave. • Allen • 972.727.8249 • www.thedentistofallen.com Dr. Liescheski was born in Houston, Texas, and moved to Allen at an early age. From elementary school onward, Joshua excelled at academics and graduated with a full International Baccalaureate Diploma from Allen High School. He pursued his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech. Following the excellent advice of his childhood dentists, Dr. Liescheski attended The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. After earning his doctorate in dental surgery, Dr. Liescheski returned to Allen and joined into practice with his own childhood dentists, Dr.’s Bishop and Kim at The Dentist of Allen. He is also an active member in the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the North Texas Dental Society.

“Dr. Ski,” as referred to by his tongue-tied patients, is a compassionate provider that maintains a conservative approach centered on your needs. With advanced training in modern sedation techniques, he can offer services to patients who have anxiety regarding dental treatment. His goal is to work as a team with you to provide optimal oral health in a comfortable environment and to “always keep you smiling!”

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health & fitness profiles Allen Family Dental Dr. Lina Lizardi • Dr. Marisol Chaves-Trautmann 1420 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 170 • Allen • 469.342.6644 • www.allentexasfamilydental.com At Allen Family Dental, we spend extra time helping our patients feel comfortable and understand their treatment. We are committed to giving our patients the personalized care they deserve in a beautiful and comfortable office setting with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Our core values are: understanding patients’ needs, presenting an honest diagnosis, giving a thorough explanation of treatments, providing quality care and creating a comfortable dental experience.

Dr. Lina Lizardi graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007, and from the University of Santo Tomas de Aquino in Colombia in 1994. She has been practicing dentistry since 1995. Dr. Lizardi lives in Allen with her husband, Rafael, and their two children, Alex and Sofia. She stays active in the community at a personal and professional level. Dr. Lizardi is a member of the Allen Chamber of Commerce, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), The American Dental Association (ADA), The Texas Dental Association (TDA), the North Texas Dental Society (NTDS), the Hispanic Dental Association (HAD) and she is an Allen sports activity sponsor.

This year we are very happy to welcome Dr. Marisol Chaves-Trautmann to the practice. Dr. Chaves-Trautmann was born and raised in Costa Rica and came to the United States to pursue her post graduate dental education. She graduated in 1991 and in June of 1997 she completed the Ohio State University program of Advanced Prosthodontics—the field of dentistry that specializes in dental restoration associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Shortly after completing the program she joined the Baylor College of Dentistry faculty in Dallas and taught at the Advanced Educations of General Dentistry Program, and then joined private practice. She has been married for 19 years and has three boys. She enjoys watching them play sports and spending time at the lake with family and friends. During her 20 years in the dental field, she has focused on delivering to patients the best possible care in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Dr. Chaves-Trautmann is very excited to be joining the Allen Family Dental team.

Experience the difference for yourself today.

Breast Surgery Center of North Texas 1105 Central Expressway North • Medical Office Building II, Suite 2100 • Allen • 972.747.6401 At the Breast Surgery Center of North Texas in Allen, Dr. Radha Iyengar and her staff understand breast care and are here for you every step of the way. Offering informative and compassionate breast care, our services include evaluation of new breast complaints, high risk screening and breast cancer treatment. We also perform in-office procedures and hospital-based surgeries.

Dr. Iyengar is medical director of the Breast Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. She obtained her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Florida and went on to complete a general surgery residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas. She then pursued further specialization in breast surgery by completing a Society of Surgical Oncology-accredited breast fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

She has since returned to Texas and practices breast surgery at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. Dr. Iyengar is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and licensed to practice medicine in Texas and Georgia. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Dallas Medical Society, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society of Breast Disease, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Premier Foot and Ankle 6309 Preston Road, Suite 1200 • Plano • 972.424.8999 • www.premierfoot.com Dr. Jaryl Korpinen of Premier Foot and Ankle offers the newest technologies for the treatment of foot and heel pain.

Podiatherm is a non-surgical, insurance approved treatment using radiofrequency to cure heel pain as well as pain in the ball of the foot called Morton’s neuroma. The EPAT is a non-invasive in office treatment to heal conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Although Dr. Korpinen was surgically trained at the Harris County Surgical Residency, he has invested in these new, conservative technologies for better solutions for foot pain without the need for surgery.

As a former college basketball player, Dr. Korpinen has a special interest in sports medicine and works closely with various running clubs, triathlon clubs and races. Dr. Korpinen has been recognized by his peers as a D Magazine Best Doctors in Collin County.

Premier Foot and Ankle also has on site x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, treatments for neuropathy and vascular testing diabetics. New technology for the treatment of toenail fungus is now available as well. Please call the office for an appointment or more information.

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health & fitness profiles Brookwood Family Practice and Pediatrics 865 Junction Drive • Allen • 214.547.8300 Practicing in Allen since 2005, family physician Adam Smith MD, and pediatrician Kimberly Smith MD, recently joined their practices to provide the best care for the entire family. Married for 15 years, and with two children of their own, our physicians understand the importance of long-term relationships and continuity of care.

Whether it is for an annual checkup or the sniffles, we hope to provide convenient care with a down-home feel. We are proud of our newly-constructed medical office located just south of Exchange Parkway, between Watters Road and Highway 75, at Junction Drive in Allen.

Our medical family includes family nurse practitioner Happy Muigai NP-C, and we plan to add another provider in the coming months that specializes in pediatrics. Call us today for an appointment or feel free to stop by and check out our new office.

Gandy Orthodontics 431 Stacy Road, Suite 109 • Fairview • 972.727.3900 • www.gandyorthodontics.com Dr. Allen Gandy is a Board Certified Orthodontist and regularly lectures on new advances in orthodontics. He graduated at the top of his class and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, with highest academic honors, from Baylor College of Dentistry. As a resident, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center where he completed his post-doctoral specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and his Masters of Science degree in Oral Biology.

Recognized for his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Gandy has been honored with distinguished awards from the American Association for Dental Research, the American Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and the Southwest Prosthodontic Society. He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists and he is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (Board Certified).

Dr. Allen Gandy is one of few orthodontists in North Texas offering in-office 3-D imaging as a routine diagnostic tool for individualized treatment planning. This cutting edge 3-D treatment allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

His offices in Allen and Frisco also offer the most advanced orthodontic systems including the DAMON and SURESMILE systems.

A complimentary consultation with Dr. Gandy can be scheduled by calling 972.727.3900.

Vision Source Fairview 1546 E. Stacy Rd., Suite100 • Allen • 214.383.5400 • www.visionsource-fairview.com Vision Source combines advanced eye health care with high fashion frames all in a neighborhood eye care center. Dr. Carey Patrick, O.D. and Dr. Shannon O’Hare, O.D. offer comprehensive eye health care for the family using advanced technology such as digital retinal imaging that allows them to detect potential sight-threatening conditions before any symptoms are noticeable. As Therapeutic Optometrists, Drs. Patrick and O’Hare diagnose, treat and co-manage treatment of eye infections, eye injuries, Dry Eye Syndrome, ocular allergies, cataracts and macular degeneration. Both are Certified Glaucoma Specialists.

Specialty services include pediatric eye health and vision development evaluations for patients 6 weeks to 4 years old; sports vision performance evaluations; custom contact lens designs for hard-to-fitpatients; and CRT—Corneal Refractive Therapy—to reshape the patient’s eyes, without surgery, to see well without daytime glasses or contact lenses. Vision Source also offers eyeglasses and sunwear from fashion names like Fendi, Vera Bradley, Calvin Klein, Nautica and Nike.

Dr. Carey Patrick

Dr. Shannon O’Hare

Advanced eye health care, fashion forward designs and family-focused eye doctors. That’s the difference at Vision Source.

The Ear, Nose & Throat Centers of Texas 1105 Central Expressway N., Suite 210 • Allen • 972.984.1050 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 100 • McKinney • www.entTX.com Drs. Brindley, Champion and Thrasher are pleased to introduce the newest physician to our practice, Dr. Shane Pahlavan.

The Ear, Nose & Throat Centers of Texas provides advanced pediatric and adult otolaryngology and allergy care to Allen, McKinney, and the greater Collin County community. Our practice offers the latest innovative treatments to families in a comfortable setting. Providing care throughout the spectrum of ENT conditions, they have extensive training in adult and pediatric ear infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis, voice disorders, snoring/sleep apnea, thyroid nodules and cancer, head and neck cancer, as well as hearing and balance disorders.

We offer extensive allergy testing and treatment through our licensed allergy nurses. Additionally, partnering with our hearing center, we provide comprehensive hearing testing and furnish state-of-the-art customized hearing aids, molds and devices. Please visit us at www.entTX.com for more information or call 972.984.1050 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

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health & fitness profiles Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA 915B W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 200 • Allen • 972.727.1200 • www.2thboy.com Dentistry has changed a lot over the last 20 years. Dr. Ross J. Miller has been practicing dentistry since 1989 and has seen this first hand.

After spending 17 years in Plano, he saw an opportunity to move to a dynamic, healthcarecentered area in central Allen. He and his team built a modern, comfortable office combining Old World sophistication with cutting-edge technology. Digital x-rays minimize exposure, electric hand-pieces minimize noise, and TVs over the chairs minimize the tedium of the typical office visit. With CAD/CAM technology many restorations can be done in a day, without resorting to temporization and its attendant complications. These are amazing times in dentistry!

Dr. Miller appreciates what it’s like to be on the other end of the drill. “I’ve been a patient of several dentists in my life, and I’ve often thought ‘does it really need to be this rough?’

When I got the chance to be the provider I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to not be perceived in that way.” The key to gentle treatment? Time. Dr. Miller does not believe in simply running the maximum number of patients through his office, preferring to keep the pace relaxed and manageable. Continuity of staff helps a great deal with this, and most of Dr. Miller’s staff have been with him for years.

Growing up in Richardson, Dr. Miller remembers when Plano was “that little community just north of us, and no one had heard of Allen!” Campbell Road was a two-lane blacktop with cotton fields on either side. Plano had one high school. “Wow, how times have changed—for Allen, as well as the dental field.

I feel fortunate to be practicing in both.” If you would like to get acquainted with Dr. Miller’s office please call or check our website.

Craig Ranch OB-GYN 7900 Henneman Way, Suite 100 • McKinney • 214.544.6600 • www.craigranchobgyn.com Craig Ranch OB-GYN is currently located in the new exciting development of Craig Ranch, which is located on S.H. 121 between Alma and Custer. They provide OBGYN services to the north Collin County area including Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney.

They offer complete and total obstetrical care with management of both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. They also offer midwife services that are provided for those patients desiring a more natural childbirth experience.

They are one of the leaders in all of Texas in in-office procedures such as endometrial ablation and the new Adiana for permanent sterilization. The group consists of Andrew Shimer, MD, Sara Robert, MD, Heather Sloan, MD and Shea Joyner, MD. Please call for a consultation.

Stonebridge Internal Medicine 5881 Virginia Parkway, Suite 300 • McKinney • 972.369.0214 Drs. Starling C. Reid and Jamie Anderson emphasize preventive medicine as primary care doctors and believe the doctor-patient relationship should be a partnership based on mutual respect, compassionate care and patient education.

Dr. Reid graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1989 and attended UT Southwestern Medical School where she received the prestigious Richard Mays Smith Award in internal medicine. She completed her internship and residency at UT Southwestern and has been in private practice as a board-certified primary care physician in the Dallas area since 1996. Married for 19 years and the mother of four children, Dr. Reid is active in community outreach programs in McKinney and Allen.

Dr. Jamie Anderson attended medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Her residency at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, where she was chief resident, brought her back closer to her hometown of Greenville, Texas. Dr. Anderson is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians. She and her husband moved to McKinney in 2007 and have been thankful to live there ever since. She enjoys traveling and photography.

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health & fitness profiles The Dentist of Allen 1104 N. Greenville Ave. • Allen • 972.727.8249 • www.thedentistofallen.com Since 1983, we at The Dentist of Allen have been offering quality care in a patient focused practice. Our office seeks to develop an ongoing relationship with each of our patients, to best achieve our goal of ideal oral health. As a family practice, we offer many conveniences not found elsewhere: appointments available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays; block scheduling usually available to get the entire family appointed; little to no waiting in our cozy waiting area.

Most importantly—Did you know a healthy mouth can affect your overall health? Recent studies have shown the importance of oral hygiene; the link between gum disease and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke has been proven. Better yet, most insurance companies cover 100% of routine cleanings and exams.

Call or come by to see how we, together, can strive to meet all your dental needs conservatively in a comfortable environment with the help of our excellent and motivated staff!

TLC Pediatrics 1105 Central Expwy., Suite 250 • Allen • 972.747.5437 • www.tlcpedi.com The mission of TLC Pediatrics is to provide exceptional health care to children—care that fosters their health and prepares them for the future. We strive to share with you in the nurturing of your child from birth to adolescence so that they may reach their full potential. We bring our skills, knowledge and passion to help care for your child’s physical, emotional and developmental needs.

We invite you and your child to come experience TLC Pediatrics—Where Kids Come First!

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Dr. Dan Moulton established his pediatric practice here in October 2000. Dr. Dan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his residency training in pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He is certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. His special pediatric interests include childhood immune deficiencies, allergies and pediatric sports medicine.

Calvert Hearing Care 109 Central Expwy. N., Suite 533 • Allen • 972.359.7800 • www.calverthearingcare.com Calvert Hearing Care, a North Texas leader, has been helping people overcome their hearing problems for over 30 years. We strive to build a lifelong following of satisfied, hearing-improved patients who enthusiastically refer others to Calvert Hearing Care because they were valued, informed, honestly diagnosed and clearly treated by our team of skilled, service-oriented Doctors of Audiology.

J. Clay Mainord, Au.D., CCC-A, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Central Arkansas, his Master of Science degree in Audiology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and his Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida. He is both owner and practicing Doctor of Audiology with over 18 years experience successfully treating hearing loss.

Susan Tseng Feinberg, Au.D, Board Certified, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from New York University and her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and sign language, Dr. Feinberg is committed to helping people of all ages overcome hearing loss.

Allen Ophthalmology/Heritage Eye Surgery Center Allen Ophthalmology • 400 N. Allen Drive, Suite 108 • Allen • 972.727.7477 Heritage Eye Center • 1501 N. Redbud Blvd. • McKinney • 972.548.0771 • www.theheritageeyecenter.com Allen Ophthalmology/Heritage Eye Surgery Center is the premier provider of ophthalmic care in North Collin County. We provide state-of-the-art treatment in all facets of eye care while maintaining the personalized service of a small town practice. Established in McKinney in 1982 by Dr. Rudy Churner, the practice expanded to Allen in 1999 when Dr. Sanjay Patel joined the group. In 2008, Dr. James Norbury was added to our team. He and/or Dr. Patel see patients in Allen five days a week. Saturday morning appointments are available at our McKinney office.

Our board certified physicians specialize in the surgical treatment of cataracts and offer Crystalens and Restore implants. Additionally, Dr. Grant Gilliland specializes in oculoplastic surgery; Dr Henry Choi and Dr. Santosh Patel provide state-of-the-art retinal care. Visit either of our offices for the best sight of your life.

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health & fitness profiles ChiroSpa Lifetime Wellness Central Expressway & McDermott Drive • Allen 972.390.2273 • www.chirospa.org Chiro Spa is the place to experience optimal health and wellness so that you feel great, look great and live great! Under the direction of Dr. Robb Tanella, our team of dedicated professionals will provide you with world-class wellness services and therapies. These include chiropractic care, spinal rejuvenation programs, nutritional supplement evaluation, custom-crafted wellness programs, detoxification therapy and massage therapy.

Your health affects everything you do, everyone you know, and is the main factor in the direction of your destiny. The stresses of our daily lives and the pollution in our environment can wear us down and inhibit our abilities to enjoy and embrace our lives. Don’t you want to wake up each day feeling alive and energized?

We offer the means of fortifying your body and immune system so that you may heal naturally and realize your best results. Contact Chiro Spa today and make the choice to live a healthier and more vital life!

At Chiro Spa, we combine the latest technology and wellness research to restore your body to its optimal form and function. Utilizing a variety of specialized advanced therapies, Dr. Tanella will tailor a program to return you to health and help you achieve physical, chemical and emotional well being.

We also offer body purifying and detoxifying treatments to combat the pollutants that our clients face each day. In a calm and relaxing environment, our restorative techniques welcome you to wellness.

Chiro Spa Lifetime Wellness was voted Best Doctor in Dallas (seen on CloseUp TV News).

Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes, DDS, MS 604 S. Watters Rd., Suite 150 • Allen • 972.390.1100 • www.allenorthodontist.com Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes and her team have been specializing in creating healthy and beautiful smiles for patients of all ages since 1999. They provide their patients and their families with the highest quality of orthodontic treatment in a friendly and professional environment. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes uses the latest technologies and treatment modalities to customize unique treatment plans that emphasize comprehensive, preventative and interceptive therapy. They focus on patient education and personalized care, and they involve other specialists, as needed, to customize unique treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs.

Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M University with summa cum laude honors and went on to Baylor College of Dentistry to complete her DDS degree as the top graduating student. She then completed her orthodontic residency and masters’ degree at the world-renowned program of Baylor with top honors. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes is active in her community and numerous national and local organizations.

To learn more about the practice visit their web site at www.AllenOrthodontist.com or call 972.390.1100.

Vein Clinic of Texas 4201 Medical Center Drive, Suite 380 • McKinney, TX 75069 • 214.544.6019 Vein Clinic of Texas offers the latest state-of-the-art technology for medical and surgical treatment of varicose veins and related venous disorders in a very comfortable spa-like atmosphere. We are equipped with new, less invasive devices (EVLT, RFA) to treat these issues. Endovascular laser (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (VNUS/RFA) are outpatient procedures with minimal downtime and quick recovery. Spider veins and smaller veins can be treated with relatively simple and painless sclerotherapy and phlebectomy procedures. We offer a successful history of reducing the appearance of leg veins. We can make your legs look smoother, softer, and younger.

Dr. Akram Khan, the medical director of Vein Clinic of Texas and Cardiac Center of Texas, has practiced in McKinney since 1997. He is board certified in cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology. He brings new technology and techniques to his practice and is skilled in coronary and peripheral intervention. His expertise in peripheral vascular disease includes minimally invasive surgical treatment of carotid artery stenosis, peripheral vascular disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm endovascular treatment.

Please call to schedule your free vein screening.

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health & fitness profiles Raintree Pediatrics 919 Medical Drive • Allen • 214.644.0280 • www.raintreepediatrics.com Raintree Pediatrics specializes in the care of your children from birth to adolescence. Our new location behind Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, gives us the space to provide excellent health care in a warm nurturing environment for our patients.

Our board certified providers—Yuri E. Cook MD, Chad Smith MD, Punita Shah MD., Beth Godi RN MSN CPNP and Amber Holifield MS PA-C possess a wealth of knowledge and years of collective experience to provide the best treatment possible. For after-hours issues we have available a registered nurse and our free online resource which guides you through symptoms and issues.

We offer: same-day sick visits, complete wellness care, a full range of travel vaccines and Saturday morning sick clinic at our office. We realize the health of your child is your biggest concern and we gladly go the extra mile to make sure we are here for you! During winter months we extend our hours and offer early flu vaccines to protect you and your family. Our goal is to be here for you whenever you need us. We have a “Meet the Doctor” night on the first Tuesday of each month. Give us a call and come meet our great providers!

Elite Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 1105 Central Expressway North • Medical Office Building 1, Suite 320 • Allen • 972.747.6420 At Elite Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we offer comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine services.

Specializing in sports injuries, cartilage replacement, treatment of arthritis, and robotic-assisted joint replacement, Dr. Richard Rhodes performs the latest minimally invasive procedures and is committed to providing quality care.

Dr. Richard Rhodes is board certified in orthopedic sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and after completing his orthopedic residency at the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program, served in the military as chief of orthopaedics in the Sixth Air Mobility Wing, and U.S. Special Operations Command. As chief, Dr. Rhodes provided advanced treatment for Green Berets, Navy Seals, Marine Force Recon, Air Force Special Operations, and served as team physician for the Special Operations Parachute Demonstration Team. Currently, he is the team physician for the Allen Wranglers arena football team. Dr. Rhodes received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. He and his wife have two young children and are involved in church and sports activities.

Allen Dental Center, PA 300 West Boyd • Allen • 972.727.3941 • www.allendentist.com Allen Dental Center welcomes our new dentist—Dr. Brad Wyatt. He is joining our family and cosmetic dental practice which offers state-of-the-art dental services. Patients enjoy receiving regular check-ups with as much quality and care as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, root canals or cosmetic dentistry services. Whether it is a smile makeover or restorative work, we offer sedation dentistry for those apprehensive about dental treatment. Drs. Jeff and Steve Williams provide a special brand of quality care.

“The people who come to see me are more than just patients,” says Dr. Jeff Williams. “For me, practicing dentistry has always been about connecting with the patient,” adds Dr. Steve Williams. “That’s why we make sure that all of our patients know all about the procedure we’re performing and the status of their oral health. We offer the kind of care we would want for our own families.”

Allen Dental Center strives to consistently provide a superior level of treatment and comfort with stateof-the-art dental products and services at affordable prices. Call for an appointment today and see how Allen Dental Center is helping to make Allen more beautiful, one smile at a time.

North Texas Counselors 305 E. McDermott, Suite A • Allen • 972-984-2071 • www.NTxCounselors.com Do anxiety, stress, anger, family problems, low-self esteem or depression control your life? If you find yourself struggling with difficult emotions, it might be time to get help. North Texas Counselors offers a group of compassionate therapists who successfully help guide you through the change process. Their wide range of counseling services include play therapy, individual counseling for children, teens and adults, ongoing group counseling and family counseling. They offer evening and Saturday appointments.

Counselors are trained to go beyond simple “talk therapy” and focus on creativity. Jackie Burson, Director of North Texas Counselors, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist, National Certified Counselor and author of seven books used by counselors nationwide.

“Our approach encompasses a wide range of techniques,” said Jackie. “We feel using creative means of expression can be appropriate for people of all ages.”

For children ages four and older, they have a full play therapy room. “When working with children, parents are an intricate part of the therapeutic process and are included in sessions as needed. For teens and adults, we focus on determining the reason behind the pain and help manage healthy coping skills.”

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health & fitness profiles Acupuncture & Herbs • Dr. Julie Qu 2305 Coit Road, Suite D • Plano • 972.832.1584 • www.jqclinic.com.

Americans are increasingly interested in acupuncture and herb treatment because of the great results achieved and the lack of associated side effects. Dr. Qu has extensive training and 25 years experience in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

She graduated in 1985 from Hei Long Jiang University in China, a school of traditional Chinese medicine. In 1993, she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Chinese Medicine and became a member of the first generation of Ph.D.s in Traditional Chinese medicine.

Through combinations of acupuncture and herbs, Dr. Qu has treated patients with a variety of disorders including pain, injury, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine headaches, vertigo, TMJ, stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue, allergies, PMS, infertility, digestive problems, IBS and more. She can also help patients quit smoking or lose weight. She has been teaching Acupuncture and Herbology at the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine since 2003, where she works as a professor, a clinic supervisor and a clinic director. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call or visit her website.

Fitness Together 1201 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 106 • Allen • 469.675.3378 • www.fitnesstogether.com/allen Fitness Together is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best while achieving their fitness goals. It is a private one-on-one personal training studio with a fun and upbeat atmosphere. The unique setup allows trainers to focus solely on their client while providing maximum results in less time.

Fitness Together provides custom weight training, cardio and nutritional programs tailored to meet the needs of each individual. They also provide metabolic testing while addressing specific nutritional types; they understand every person has a different metabolism and not everyone does best on a standard high protein diet. The constant customization is what allows their clients to get great results!

The owner, Ray Cattaneo, received his B.S. from New York University and is certified through the National Academy of Sports and Medicine. He has over six years experience and has done extensive research in the area of nutrition. The trainers are all well-educated and have experience training a variety of clientele including children, sedentary or active adults, diabetics, rehabilitating individuals and competitive athletes.

Whether your goal is losing weight, building muscle or getting and staying healthy, Fitness Together can design a program that is right for you.

Ray Cattaneo

Kila Hamilton

Humam Kakish, MD 1105 N. Central Expwy. MOB II, Suite 2310 • Allen • 469.547.1142 Named a “Best Doctor in Dallas” in D Magazine for nine consecutive years, Dr. Kakish currently holds the position of chief of vascular surgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. He is known throughout Dallas for his unsurpassed level of care and his use of the latest technological advances in vascular surgery.

As a board certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Kakish deals with all aspects of arterial (PAD) and venous disease. His practice includes the latest in minimally-invasive techniques such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement and endovascular treatment for aortic aneurysms.

Dr. Kakish has a special interest in treating varicose vein disease. He has one of the largest varicose vein practices in the Dallas area. He offers in-office procedures using laser ablation, radiofrequency and foam sclerotherapy. He provides a comprehensive vascular evaluation using on-site diagnostic ultrasound, which makes treatment simple and efficient. With multiple office locations, access to treatment has become even more convenient to better serve his patients’ needs.

Master’s Hand Dental

935 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 300 • Allen • 972.359.2822 www.mastershanddental.com Your Smile. Our Passion. The entire team at Master’s Hand Dental is excited about the latest high-tech developments to make your dental treatment a high-comfort, low-stress experience. Our practice includes general dentistry, oral sedation, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, orthodontics, non-surgical periodontal treatment and so much more. With our popular oral sedation dentistry you can have your entire dental treatment accomplished while you sleep and wake up with a new smile!

We pride ourselves in individual service with state-of-the-art equipment and sterilization techniques. We have a very caring and knowledgeable staff who works with Dr. Koons providing our patients with a comfortable and warm atmosphere! We would be delighted to welcome you to our office as our new patient!

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

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health & fitness

The

skinny

on weight loss

by Dr. Rosemary Bates

Most of us have tried to lose weight at one time or another for vacations, weddings, class reunion or just “to get back into that little black dress”. Not surprisingly, 66% of adults in the U. S. are considered overweight or obese. Additionally, childhood obesity is rising to epidemic proportions. It is now so severe that diseases once only seen in adults are now affecting children. Type II diabetes, rare in children 20 years ago, now accounts for nearly half of all cases seen in children.

What is obesity? How is it measured?

“Obesity” refers to an excessive amount of body fat. Measuring body fat is not easy, therefore the Body Mass Index, (BMI) is most commonly used to define it. This has replaced the older weight-for-height tables and is less likely to misclassify a very muscular individual as obese.

The BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in pounds by height in inches squared, and multiplied by 703.

A BMI of <25 is considered desirable, 25-29.9 overweight and a BMI>30 is considered obese.

Body fat distribution is also relevant. Typically, women collect fat in their buttocks and hips giving them a “pear” shape and men tend to gain fat around their bellies giving them a more “apple”’ shape. Waist circum­ ference is used to assess abdominal fat and the likelihood of developing obesity-related diseases. Women with a waist circumference more than 35 inches and men more than 40 inches have more health risks.

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs when we consume more calories from food and drink than we use. We need to balance the calories we consume with the calories we burn to maintain weight.

Science suggests a genetic cause, but families share much of the same diet and lifestyle, which strongly influence obesity. Americans frequently eat out, consuming large quantities of high fat foods and have little physical activity. We drive long distances to work, sit all day and have access to vending machines with high calorie, high fat foods.

Our environment doesn’t support a healthy lifestyle. There is a link between obesity and socioeconomic

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status but it is not conclusive. And, there are some medical conditions (ie. low thyroid, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease, lack of sleep and some medications) that can all contribute to weight gain and or a decreased metabolic rate.

Consequences of obesity

There are many serious diseases linked to obesity—heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers. There are many other conditions either caused or aggravated by obesity—­ g allbladder disease, gout, fatty liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux, os­teo­arthritis, breathing problems, sleep apnea and reproductive problems. Generally, the potential for health problems increases with the degree of obesity.

Who needs to lose weight?

Anyone with a BMI of 30 or more should lose weight for health, and anyone with a BMI of 25 or more with other risks for, or a family history of, obesity-related diseases—high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood—sugar should lose weight.

• Decrease portions • Watch fat and sugar content, read labels • Eat five servings of fruit and fiber daily • Exercise—brisk walking, thirty minutes daily • Have a healthy snack one to two hours before a social gathering Weight loss maintenance is considered successful if you lose at least 10% of your body fat and keep it off for at least one year.

In summary, obesity is a growing epidemic responsible for many chronic medical conditions. Although there are many factors thought to play a role, our modern lifestyle—an excess caloric intake coupled with decreased physical activity—is likely the main culprit for the rise in obesity rates in the last two decades. Weight loss is possible for everybody and requires modification of diet, exercise and behaviors. v Rosemary Bates, MD, is a physician practicing in Plano.

Weight loss

The method of weight loss may depend on the degree of obesity, general health and age of the individual and the readiness to lose weight. A combination of diet, exercise and behavior modification is essential.

Some people may benefit from the addition of weight-loss drugs, and even bariatric surgery for the morbidly obese may be recommended.

Diets should be individually planned and help create a deficit of 500-1000 calories per day. It should include decreased saturated fat—total fats should be 30% or less of total calories. Carbohydrates also need to be decreased. Frequent visits with a health care provider help to promote weight loss and weight maintenance.

Weight Loss Suggestions

• Record food intake and exercise • Don’t eat in front of the TV or while doing any other activity A lle n I m a g e x A u g u s t 2 0 11

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Demystifying sun protection Dr. Dan Moulton

It used to be advised that you should not use sunscreen on babies less than six months old, but the American Academy of Pediatrics now states that sunscreen is probably safe to use on younger children, especially if you just use it on small areas of your baby’s skin that is exposed to the sun, such as the hands and face.

It is first important to understand there are 18 FDA approved active ingredients in sunscreens that provide protection. What I will refer to as sunblock, involves a “physical” or chemical-free barrier made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products sit on top of the skin, forming

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a barrier against the sun’s damaging rays and this protection begins immediately after putting them on.

The other products are generally considered chemical sunscreens and need to be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure to give the skin time to absorb them, and it is because of this absorption that they may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Currently, there is no evidence that chemical sunscreens are dangerous or toxic, but we just don’t know enough yet about how young children react to these ingredients.

Another common misconception is higher SPF is better. Generally, I

encourage a minimum of 15, but don’t recommend exceeding an SPF much over 30. Controlled testing indicates that SPF 30 sunscreens filter approxi­ mately 97% of the UV rays.

Practically speaking, increasing the SPF any further provides minimal additional protection from the sun, while significantly increasing exposure to higher doses of unwanted chemicals.

This effect is magnified when using high SPF products on very young children with a much higher body surface to volume ratio.

Most derma­ tologists recommend using a “sunblock” type product when­ ever possible.

A few last comments to remember.

Encourage your children to wear hats with brims and sunglasses that protect against UV rays. Avoid exposure when the effects of the sun are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen liberally and often, as it is very common for parents to use only about half what is needed and about half as often as it should be applied.

Cloud cover only reduces UV exposure by as little as 20-40%, and up to 85% of rays may be reflected from water or sand, so be wary. When first using sunscreen on babies, perform a patch test—apply a small amount to the inner upper arm and check the site after several hours to make sure there is no reaction. Enjoy your time outside and be safe! v Dan Moulton, MD, is a physician practicing at TLC Pediatrics in Allen.

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numbers to know for your health

By Dr. Jamie Anderson There are numerous diagnostic tests that can be performed in a medical office, but often the simple tests provide the most valuable information. If we had to choose just three things to check in an exam, it would be a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blood pressure, lipid panel and fasting blood sugar. These tests are widely available,

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fairly inexpensive and provide a clear overall picture of your health, including the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease or stroke. Knowing these numbers puts you in better control of your health and allows you to make changes that can reduce your risk of certain diseases.

Blood Pressure High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition of increased pressure in the blood vessels.

If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every one to two years.

Optimal blood pressure readings are under 120/80. Readings between 120/80 and 140/90 are considered prehypertension and may indicate an increased risk for hypertension later on if diet and exercise remain the same. A reading higher than 140/90 is considered hypertensive. More than one elevated reading over a period of several weeks is usually required for a hypertension diagnosis

glucose level is lower than 100.

Fasting glucose readings between 100 and 126 are considered prediabetic and may indicate an increased risk for developing diabetes if no change to diet or exercise is made. A reading over 127 more than once is considered diabetes.

Knowing these numbers can help catch serious and dangerous health conditions early, making them more treatable with fewer complications.

Treatment for such conditions often

includes changes in diet and the addition of regular exercise, which will have a positive effect on all of these numbers.

Your primary care physician is a good resource to help you interpret what these test results mean and what you can do about them to take charge of your health. v Jamie Anderson, M.D., and Starling Reid, M.D., practice at Stonebridge Internal Medicine in McKinney.

Cholesterol Along with blood pressure, adults should have their cholesterol checked annually. A cholesterol test measures the amount of lipid, or fat, in the blood. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

If you have a family history of heart disease or other high cholesterol risk factors, then you should start screening by age 20. Typically, total cholesterol that is under 200 is considered normal, but this can vary based on individual risk factors, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to discuss your score with your doctor.

Fasting Blood Sugar The third important number to know is your fasting glucose level.

The American Diabetes Association recommends regular screenings for anyone over the age of 45 (or younger, depending on certain risk factors such as being overweight or obese, family history of diabetes or diag­n osis of hypertension).

When taken first thing in the morning and before a meal, a normal A lle n I m a g e x A u g u s t 2 0 11

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amazing acupuncture

by Dr. Julie Qu

More and more Americans are using acupuncture and are amazed by its great results in treating a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture came to America in the 1980s, but it has been around over two thousand years in the east.

Some people may be curious about acupuncture and what it can treat.

Acupuncture is based on the knowledge of vital energy flow to the whole body. This energy travels through pathways called meridians or channels (they are similar, but not identical, to nervous and blood circulatory systems.) Each meridian is connected to one specific organ, or

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group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions.

Once energy is deficient or blocked, the body stops functioning normally and will eventually become sick. The stimulation created by the application of needles and needling techniques will strengthen or promote the circulation of energy, unblock stagnation in the meridian, and restore the organ and body to its normal function—it is an absolutely natural way to restore health.

Acupuncture has very successful results in the following conditions: • Musculoskeletal and neurological pain such as arthritis, headaches,

migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica, etc.

• Psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc.

• Gynecological and genitourinary difficulties such as PMS, menopause, infertility, impotence, etc.

• Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, etc.

• Immune disorders such as chronic fatigue, side effects of chemotherapy • Addictions such as smoking, detoxification from drugs • Weight control Acupuncture may be easier to understand from a modern medicine point of view.

Acupuncture can improve the quality of eggs and sperm. It maximizes the blood flow to ovaries to ensure a constant and steady supply of hormones and nutrients needed for normal growth. Healthy blood flow can increase follicle and egg health and quantity, and can encourage the lining of the uterus to become a more hospitable environment for an embryo to implant and grow. This is especially true for women who have a poor prognosis, either because of age or previously failed cycles. In men, acupuncture helps improve the total sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology.

Acupuncture also can regulate hormone balance. Hormone balance plays a significant role during the conception process. Without the proper balance of various hormones (FSH, LH, progesterone, prolactin, etc.),

women can experience no ovulation or poor egg quality, irregular menstrual cycles, and even miscarriage, which may lead to infertility. Regular acu­ puncture treatments can be very effective in regulating hor­ m onal imbalances. It can influence the hormonal regulation centers in the brain and the autonomic nervous

system and as a result, improve the hormonal status.

Rising levels of stress can lower a woman’s fertility, be disrupting to her hormone balance, and in some cases prevent ovulation completely.

Acupuncture works to alleviate stress by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing the production

of natural chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins, that can improve a person’s mood and overall feeling of well-being. In addition, acupuncture improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

If you are considering acu­ puncture, you may want to know what it feels like. The needles acupuncturists use today are disposable. They are metallic, solid and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others may feel relaxed.

Acupuncture needles generally cause no bleeding on entry or removal. v Dr. Julie Qu, Ph.d., L.Ac, is a licensed acupuncturist practicing in Plano.

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