Allen Image August 2017 by Allen Image

Postal Customer

STANDARD RATE U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Allen, TX Permit 178

Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

August 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 8

FEATURES

DRIVEN BY A SINGLE-MINDED PURPOSE Diane Windsor is a group leader for a single parent support group, Single Side Up! And, with a desire to help more single parent families, Diane Windsor started writing books addressing topics single parent families needed to know about. Last year she took the leap into starting her own publishing company.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

16 SPORTS PAGE 17 CALENDAR 34 KIDS KORNER

Countdown to the End of Summer

PET PAGE

Jerry

26 50

16 4

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM

TRAVEL

Allen Recognized for Environmental Efforts

Counting the Cost of Water

Allen Masonic Award

Take Time to Read

HEALTH & FITNESS

19th Annual Allen Ducks Unlimited Fundraising Banquet

Health Professional Profiles

Water Safety in the Summar

What is Functional Medicine?

LIBRARY 14

Quantrill Raiders in Texas and Allen

Star Trek and the Soul

Weekend in Austin

EDUCATION 36

A Life of Service Took Flight at Collin College

30 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maggie Tindall

ADVERTISING SALES Alicia Owens

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Kirk Dickey

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

Deborah Dove

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Tom Keener

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

Dr. Julia Liaci Peggy Helmick-Richardson

ON THE COVER Diane Windsor

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Dr. Adam R. Smith

CIVIC FORUM

Allen Recognized for Environmental Efforts by Matt COBB

Sitting at a mammoth 104 acres, Celebration Park in Allen, which has four baseball fields, 22 soccer fields and is home to the annual Market Street Allen USA Celebration, was recently presented with a special environmental designation that has only been awarded to one other facility throughout the entire state of Texas. Celebration Park has been named an Environmentally Sustainable Sports Facility by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), an organization dedicated to the advancement of

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

sports fields, for proving that the park meets the best management practices for environmental sustainability in ten categories. “To be only the second facility in Texas to receive this designation shows how our team of park maintenance staff demonstrates pride and dedication to the citizens of Allen on a daily basis,” said Kim Spearman, Site Superintendent for the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. “They are striving to attain this type of environmental sustainability for the entire parks system.”

In order to receive the environmental designation, a facility must prove that it meets all of the qualifying criteria and be inspected by a qualified attester. Dr. Greg Church from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension inspected Celebration Park and verified the facility fulfills all of the necessary categories to be an Environmentally Sustainable Sports Facility. The ten categories in which a sports facility must prove it meets best management practices are: storm water management, fertilization, pesticides/integrated pest management, recycling, composting (turf), mowing, energy conservation, shop buildings and storage area, irrigation and water quality testing, and educational outreach program. “Your facility now has joined the ranks of a very select group, and your efforts to complete this process

Kim Spearman

validate your commitment to environmentally responsible management,” said Kim Heck, CEO of the Sports Turf Managers Association. To maintain certification, Celebration Park must go through the process again in three years, proving it still upholds the best management practices and meets the criteria to be designated as environmentally sustainable. The only other facility in Texas to have received this designation is Minute Maid Park, a professional stadium in Houston. In addition to this environmental designation, earlier this year Allen received a $29,385 grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to begin recycling programs in the new Spirit Park, located at the intersection of Bray Central Drive and Ridgeview Drive, as well as the newly renovated Ford Pool facility. Twenty-six blue recycling receptacles will be placed alongside each of the trash receptacles in the park’s new softball complex, playground area and along the pedestrian trail. The goal of this park recycling program is to divert 20% of trash generated in the park from the local landfill to the recycling stream. Also, nine recycling receptacles have been placed at the Ford Pool facility. “The Parks and Recreation Department is an advocate for the betterment of the environment, and we are very pleased to have received this grant,” said Tim Dentler, Director of the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. “This is a step forward in raising the bar in our overall efforts to enhance the green initiative in Allen.” To find out more information about Allen’s parks and environmental efforts, please visit AllenParks.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen. Allen Image | August 2017

Counting the Cost of

by Chelsey APRILL

Steve Massey

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Each time you start a pot of coffee, refill the dog dish, water the petunias or boil spaghetti, you’re participating in a water system spanning thousands of miles and serving 1.6 million people. North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides water to 90 communities, including Allen, and is responsible for roughly half of your city utility bill. So, do you know what you’re paying for? Steve Massey, Director of Community Services for the City of Allen, explains five things residents should know about their

water supply—and the bill that comes with it.

More people need more water

Growing cities offer many benefits: job security, stable home prices, great amenities, well-funded schools. And every new bathtub, locker room and restaurant kitchen increases the strain on our water supply.

“New development doesn’t get a free pass on water,” assures Massey. In fact, developers pay a premium— known as impact fees—to help cover the initial cost of new city pipes and supply lines. Because both the City of Allen and NTMWD finance projects over 20 to 30 years, newcomers and longtime residents share in the cost of upgrades. “This helps spread the cost of new facilities among the people who actually use them,” explains Massey.

Old facilities can’t last forever

NTMWD will spend the next five years primarily investing in new water sources—including the $1.2 billion Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir. Then, it will shift most of its attention to decades-old plants and pipes in need of serious renovation or even replacement. “It’s just like driving an old car,” says Massey. “At some point, it costs more to fix it than to buy a new one.” Still, it isn’t cheap. The cost of building new water sources and maintaining existing infrastructure has driven over a 10% annual increase in Allen’s water and wastewater costs since 2014—costs the city has managed to absorb for 2.5 years without triggering a customer rate hike. But the impact of future improvements remains to be seen.

Safer water costs more money

Scientists know a lot more about drinking water today than when NTMWD was founded in 1951. As the standard for safe water gets higher, so does the number of environmental regulations. Currently, NTMWD is changing disinfection methods to provide cleaner water and investing

in further protections against the spread of invasive species, such as zebra mussels. Allen is also replacing old infrastructure to prevent harm to the environment. In older neighborhoods, the city is swapping fragile clay tile pipes for watertight plastic ones to prevent rainwater from flowing into sewer lines. “There’s nothing wrong with regulations,” stresses Massey. “These are things we should be doing to protect both public health and our environment.”

We’ are better together

Massey is often asked if Allen would be better off by creating its own water system—one that doesn’t rely on NTMWD. His answer? “It would be astronomically expensive to go it alone.” says Massey. Not only would the city need its own water source, it would be forced to build its own filtration systems and waste treatment plants. The endeavor would require more staff as well— adding to wage, health care and retirement costs. The legal and environmental intricacies of managing

a water supply would tack even more to the city’s bottom line. As part of NTMWD, Allen can share these costs with other member cities. “We’re fortunate to be in the situation we’re in,” says Massey.

We pay less than our neighbors

Allen’s commercial and residential customers enjoy some of the lowest water and sewer rates within the NTMWD member cities. People in Princeton, for instance, pay upwards of $350 for using 25,000 gallons of water. Allen residents pay less than $150. As Allen adjusts to increased supply costs, Massey says customer value will remain a top priority. “A lot of us pay more for our cell phones or satellite TV every month than we pay for clean water,” Massey notes. “When you consider how much of your life is dependent on safe, reliable water, I think we’re getting a great deal.” Learn more about North Texas Municipal Water District at NTMWD. com. v Chelsey Aprill is a City of Allen Marketing Specialist. Allen Image | August 2017

Snippets

Allen Masonic Award Allen Masonic Lodge annually recognizes an outstanding and dedicated public educator by presenting the chosen individual the prestigious Masonic Mirabeau B. Lamar Award. This year’s recipient was Daniel Pitcock, Chief Operations Officer of Allen Schools.

19th Annual Allen Ducks Unlimited Fundraising Banquet The Allen Texas Ducks Unlimited Chapter is having their 19th Annual fundraising banquet August 3, 6 p.m., at Cross Creek Ranch, 3406 Dublin Rd, in Parker. All proceeds raised go towards wetlands conservation and restoration. Advance tickets are $60 per person, $80 for a couple and $25 for youth 17 and under. Corporate tables for eight will be $500.

The award is named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas and who is considered to be the father of public education. Pictured are Daniel Pitcock and his family. v

Take Time to Read Allen Masonic Lodge annually emphasizes the importance of parental-supervised reading to the students of participating Allen elementary schools by promoting a one-month long reading program, “Take Time To Read.” The students of Reed Elementary received personalized certificates as well as new tote bags for having returned their completed Masonic calendars to their teachers reflecting the number of minutes devoted to reading at home in March. Pictured with the students are Brenda Steffens, librarian; Susanne Miller, principal; Shannon Ivey, assistant principal; and Dr. Scott Niven, superintendent of AISD. v

There is also have great sponsorship opportunities. Bronze Sponsor tables will be $750, Silver Sponsor tables will be $1000 and Gold Sponsor tables will be $1500. Every attendee will receive a FREE Allen DU T-shirt! Besides great food, libations and fellowship, there will be a huge raffle, live and silent auctions filled with exclusive DU Merchandise. Each ticket purchased includes a one-year membership to Ducks Unlimited, which is a $35 value. Contact Brad Yearwood at 214.770.3551 or purchase your tickets online at http://www. ducks.org/texas/events/45935/19th-annualallen-du-banquet. v

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | August 2017

LIBRARY

by Tom KEENER

Sherman attorney Roger Sanders discusses the life and legacy of William Quantrill and his band of followers in a free program at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 17, at the library. Quantrill’s Raiders, which included the infamous Jesse and Frank James and McKinney’s own James “Woot” and Francis “Tuck” Hill who were cousins to the James brothers, camped out in North Texas during the Civil War. In 1864, Quantrill and his gang lynched Collin County Chief Justice J. M. McReynolds and Sheriff James L. Read in Tyler, Texas. Thus, the impact of Quantrill’s lawlessness was felt close to home. Allen pioneer George Washington Ford (Uncle Wash) recalled his experience of meeting up with the Quantrill gang at his family’s home place near what is now the Joe Farmer Recreation Center. In an interview with F. Thompson, a writer for the McKinney Democrat who interviewed early Collin county pioneers, Wash recounted these encounters with

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Quantrill. The area made a tempting hideout because of the surrounding thickets, the springs along Mustang Branch that were noted for not running dry, and there was sufficient distance east of the known stage routes. Acclaimed historian Rick Miller who wrote the definitive biography of the train robber Sam Bass declared, “Quantrill is an interesting guy; he has been painted as everything from a barbaric terrorist to a legitimate

Confederate officer who loved his mother.” Roger Sanders became interested in Quantrill when he learned that the torching of the Roger Sanders Grayson County courthouse in 1930, that left a black man dead, might have been the result of the Quantrill legacy. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for additional information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Star Trek and the Soul

Kevin C. Neece When Scotty beams you up, where does your spirit go? What happens to Vulcans’ katras when they die? And what do these things say about Star Trek’s view of humanity? Kevin C. Neece, author of The Gospel According to Star Trek series, discusses the depiction of the spirit, soul and afterlife in Star Trek and asks whether human beings are more than the sum of our DNA in a free program at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 19, at the library. Founder and curator of The Undiscovered Country Project, Kevin is a contributing editor for Imaginatio et Ratio: A Journal of Theology and the Arts, co-editor of works on Spock, Leonard Nimoy, science fiction and

C. S. Lewis. His works have appeared in many books and periodicals, including Light Shining in a Dark Place: Discovering Theology Through Film, New Identity Magazine and Patheos, among others. A former professor, Kevin holds a BAS in Communication and Philosophy and an MLA in Fine Arts. He lives with his wife and son in Fort Worth. In the foreword to The Gospel

According to Star Trek: The Original Crew, John Tenuto, sociology professor at College of Lake County in Illinois, declares, “Kevin C. Neece’s love of Star Trek as an adventure show during his youth reformulates into a spiritual appreciation for the symbolism and meanings behind those special effects and science fiction narratives. Neece avoids the trope (or trap) of using a single line of dialog…to argue for his interpretation.” The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Allen Image | August 2017

SPORTS PAGE

UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES SOFTBALL Fall—July 15-August 15 950 E. Main • Allen • 972.727.9565

www.allensports.org

SOCCER Fall—May 1-July 15

VOLLEYBALL Fall—July 15-August 25

BASKETBALL Winter—September 1-October 24

GIRLS LACROSSE Fall—August 1-September 15

Team Americans Raise Money for Scolarships This season, the ASA 9U Americans competitive baseball team participated in a fundraising drive for the ASA Scholarship Program. Thrivent Financial provided a $250 Action-Grant, which the team used to purchase 500 candy bars. The boys sold the candy bars for $2 each to raise money for the ASA Scholarship Program. All of the boys on the team participated, with some selling as much as $130 worth of candy!

Coach Andy Whaley and some of the Americans’ players presented Ken Geest, executive director of ASA, with a $1000 check for the Financial Aid program.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

CALENDAR

AUGUST CITY OF ALLEN ALLEN EVENT CENTER Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www. ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com. 6 PBR Presents: The Silvano Alves Challenge

PARKS AND REC EVENTS For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 5 Back to School, Allen Community Ice Rink, 11:45 am-1:45 pm, all ages. Cost: $5 entry/$3 skate rental. Come join the ACIR for the Back to School Open Skate. Donate a canned good for the Allen Community Outreach and receive a free skate rental. 11 SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Recreation Center, 7-10 pm, ages 18+. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Sports! Fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Cost: $10 Pre-registration/ $15 at 5 pm on Wednesday prior to dance.

7-12 Missoula Children’s Theatre, Allen Public Library Auditorium, 10 am-2:30 pm, for those entering 1st grade-12th grade. Provides kids all ages a chance to put on a theater performance from start to finish. This month, Alice in Wonderland. All registrants will receive a part and rehearsal times will vary. Cost: $75. 18 Date Night at the Nat, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 8:30-11 pm, ages 12+. Bring your date or friends to celebrate the summer with “Date Night at the Nat!” Grab your swimsuits, and while you and your friends float in the pool, you’ll enjoy a great movie experience. Concessions, noodles and tubes are available for an additional cost. Attendees may bring their own tubes and noodles. Cost: $7.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Allen Public Library Summer Reading Club— Celebrating 50 Years! Last Day of Summer Reading: is August 13. • Summer Reading Club is for all ages. • Pick up a reading log at the library and start earning prizes. • See our print or online calendar for library events and activities for all ages. Details available: AllenLibrary.org/SummerReading. Tuesdays—Family Movies. Recommended for ages 5 & up, in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. A free ticket is required to attend. Tickets are distributed at the Children’s Desk, 2 pm, the day of the movie showing on a first-come, first-served basis. Movies start at 2:30 pm.

The BFG (PG, 117 min.)

15 LEGO Batman (PG, 106 min) Wednesdays—Weekly Shows for Elementaryaged Children Recommended for ages 5 & up, held in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium, 2:30 & 3:45 pm. Free tickets required to attend. Tickets are distributed at the Children’s Desk on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the show, 30 minutes before the start time.

YOUTH SERVICES Story Times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906. Baby and Me, for pre-walkers with caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos, for 1 & 2 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am. Together Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am. All By Myself, for 4-5 year-olds without caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Pajama Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no preregistration is required. Events are in the Children’s Program Room. 3 Magic of Mythology, 3-4 pm, ages 7-12 only. Explore mythology with crafts and games.

Allen Image | August 2017

5 Mandarin Chinese/English Bilingual Story Time, 10:30-11 am, ages 3-5 with adult. Story time that features Chinese songs and folktales. 7 Magic School Bus STEM Celebration, 2-3 pm, recommended for ages 5 & up. Hands-on fun with science concepts explored in the beloved Magic School Bus series featuring Ms. Frizzle and her students.

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN (AGES 0-5) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Limited programs require free tickets. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the program starts at the Children’s Desk. 4 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 3-5 with adult. A relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 12 Family Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, ages 3-5 with adult. Family story time with stories, songs and crafts.

TEENS (AGES 12-18) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no preregistration is required to attend. Ages listed are firm. Limited programs require free tickets. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the program starts at the Children’s Desk. 1

Nerf Wars, 4-5 pm. Create your fortress and battle it out! Nerf items provided, but you may bring your own.

10 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm. In the 2nd floor Program Room. Enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts. 11 Henna Art, 2-3:30 pm. In the Children’s Program Room. Have you ever wanted a henna tattoo? Here’s your chance! A signed parental consent form is required. Download it online or visit the Children’s Desk.

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room, free with no registration—ages 18+ unless otherwise indicated. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913, or check AllenLibrary.org. 2 Keep Calm and Read On!, 12-1 pm. Attention Book Lovers! Get the buzz about new and forthcoming titles from Penguin Random House rep. He’ll be bringing reading samplers, advanced reader copies and “Keep Calm and Read On” tote bags. 5 Saturday Cinema, 2-4:30 pm. The Natural (PG). An unknown comes out of nowhere to become a legendary player with almost divine talent. Baseball inspired snacks will be served. 9 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30-8:30 pm. Do you knit? Or crochet? This is a social group for knitters, crocheters, crossstitchers, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Work on your latest project in the company of other fiber crafters. Meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday. Ages 18+; no childcare provided 15 Let’s Talk Dewey: Sports and Games, 7-8 pm. Nonfiction readers! Join us for our choose-your-own-nonfiction book club. We pick the topic, you pick the book. For August,

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

the topic is sports and games (793-799). Find a list of suggested titles on the library’s website or ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book. 24 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co, 6-8 pm. Team up with friends to compete for first place. Test your knowledge of beer, history, literature, science and more! Keep teams to 6 or fewer members. Draft beer for purchase; library will not provide alcohol. Ages 21+.

CLUBS 2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:3011:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org.

Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Road. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail. com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month, in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets the third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Gaslighters Book Review Club meets the third Wednesday every month September thru May at the Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments at noon, speaker at 1 pm. For more info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May Allen Image | August 2017

10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, 2nd Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: August program is Dr. Carey Patrick, presenting “Your Eyes: A Window into Your Health.” For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets second Tuesday each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Prelude Clubhouse, a community center for adults living with a mental illness meets at Vintage Church on E. Lamar Street, McKinney. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm. For more information, please call 469-301-6639 or www.preludeclubhouse.org.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church, Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com. Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 C entral Expy N # 501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC. com.

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

HEALTH Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo. com/group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings-days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. National Alliance of Mental Illness Collin County Support Groups meet every Thursday evening, 6:30-8 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church in the basement, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. For times and directions: eaa1246.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www. planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation. com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free, email Lolo@fit4mom.com. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:3011:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/ TrueBlueDanceCrew.

Allen Image | August 2017

MOM’S CLUBS Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), at 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations. For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com.

MUSEUMS/PRESERVES ALLEN HERITAGE GUILD MUSEUM Open 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main Street, Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, historic photo collages and DVD programs on Allen history. For more info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

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

HEARD MUSEUM Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn. org. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

SENIORS Active Agers 55+ meets 2nd Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (Eldorado at Ridge). Pre-travel meeting monthly to plan activities from day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the opportunity to make new lasting friendships. For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@ sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net. Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney. This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ALLEN/FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quarterly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets 2nd Monday every other month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Kelly’s at theVillage, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/ general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$5 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets 2nd Thursday every other month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Allen. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Breakfast, meets monthly at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 1790 N. Central Expwy., Allen, 8 am. $15 members/$20 nonmembers. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Allen Image | August 2017

Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome. For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:GenBernadoDeGalvez@gmail.com.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets the second Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Provides legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership withLegal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt. org.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary at 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary at 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org.

Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org.

VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason Beckett,Jason. beckett.1@gmail.com, or visit us at https://kofcknights. org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

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.

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | August 2017

FEATURE

Driven by a Single-Minded Purpose by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

“Single parents can raise happy, healthy children who are both emotionally and financially successful,” Diane Windsor emphasizes. Although no longer a single parent, this Allen mom devotes a great deal of time and effort to providing others the tools and opportunities to prove her right. After two marriages, two divorces and three children, Diane came to Allen in 2005. A stay-at-home mom in Colorado for a number of years, she was having no luck finding employment in her home state following the end of her second marriage. Although her primary reason for moving here was the new job opportunity, she discovered relocating to North Texas offered an added bonus—her first husband, and father of her two oldest children, was also moving to the area and wanted to remain close to his children. So, Diane readily accepted a good job offer from Verity Instruments in Carrollton. This not only offered benefits for her career, but her children’s well-being. She has now been a technical writer with the company for 12 years.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Not only did both exes choose Allen to move to, they ended up living in the same neighborhood. “We get along,” she explains. “If divorced parents can co-parent successfully, the kids do better.” Today, Diane is married to Rob Windsor, a network engineer, and she laughs, “I finally got it right.” Her oldest son, Nicholas Barbour, 27, works in information technology for a Dallas firm. He and his wife, Brittany, now have an almost-4-year-old daughter, Violet, and live in Anna. Diane’s 23-year-old daughter, Natalie Barbour, an account manager for a Carrollton business, currently lives with her father in Allen. After earning his GED, her youngest son, Brendan O’Neil, opted to move to Minnesota where his father lives. Six years ago, Diane reached out to Sarah Morris, the founder and director of the then-new This Side Up! Family. This Plano-based nonprofit was established to aid Collin County families make the sift “from surviving to thriving through parenting education, marriage enrichment, single parent support, and values focused family connection for the whole family.” Diane wanted to address the organization’s single parent support group about her book How to Relationship that guides teens of divorced parents on how to have happy and healthy relationships. But, when Diane learned that there was no single parent support group yet for lack of a leader, she shifted from offering guest speaker time to group leader services. Today, with almost 1,200 single parent members, Single Side Up! is the largest of its kind in Collin County.

In addition to special events such as the monthly Family Connections Night and a twice a year single parent clothing give away, the Single Side Up! monthly meetings provide an assortment of topics and guest speakers to address the many issues single parent families deal with. All programs are free and hosted at Plano churches and schools, with the regular monthly meeting held on the evenings of the third Saturday of the month at the Chase Oaks Family Center, 1896 Ave K, in Plano. “The most important topics are financial and legal,” Diane adds. “We ask local attorneys to come several times a year to answer questions about child support and visitation, passport and international travel issues, estate planning, guardianship and powers of attorney.” Recent meeting themes included “Mid-Year Money Check Up!” and “Deep Dive Into What a Credit Score Is,” with scheduled upcoming topics covering “What’s Up With My Teenager?” and “How to Start a Side Business.” Free childcare is provided for the meetings. Diane points out that their twice a year clothing giveaway draws

around 120 single parent families and is not restricted to members. “It opens at 9 a.m. and people start lining up at 7:30 a.m.,” she emphasizes. “Any single parent is welcome. We had a dad with tears in his eyes thanking us.” The next giveaway, offering both children’s and adult’s clothing, will be hosted Saturday, August 12, at Plano Bible Chapel, 1900 Shiloh Road. A single mother with a 13-yearold daughter and 7-year-old son, Dina Addas first became involved with Single Side Up! about a year-and-a half ago. “I was going through my separation and wanted information,” she recalls. “At one meeting they had “Meet the Lawyer Night” and at another we met with a judge. When you are going though a separation you don’t know where to turn. This group provided a lot of information for people who could not pay a lot for lawyers. It helps you focus more on what you need to ask.” With her divorce now behind her, Dina hopes to go back to the meetings to share her own experiences with others facing what she has since conquered. “Everyone is sharing information

Allen Image | August 2017

and learning from each other, and Diane is really involved and wants to help,” she concludes. “Here is where you can find good resources like a good lawyer or good mediation or just where to go to get help.” With a background in technical writing, a love for books and a desire to help more single parent families, Diane began writing books addressing topics single parent families needed to know about. Then, last year she took the leap into starting her own publishing company, Motina Books Publishing, with a primary emphasis on providing resources for single parent families. Motina is the Lithuanian word for “mother” and Diane admits that she selected the unusual moniker for her publishing business “just because I thought it was a cool name.” In its short lifetime, Motina has already published six books, available as paperbacks or e-books, with two more on the way. For teens of single parent families, Motina now offers How to Relationship by Diane. This book addresses the question of how

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

do children of divorced parents find and maintain successful relationships “since they don’t have parents who have modeled it for them,” she explains. “I would like to think I have learned from my mistakes in the past.” Motina also provides teens and college students trying to land their first job the nuts and bolts on how to interview, write resumes and cover letters, and dress for first impressions with it’s How To Interview Like You’ve Done It Before by Kari Stewart. “I love this book because it has such really good information,” Diane asserts. “And it also tells how to conduct yourself during the first 90 days.” For single parents, Motina released How to CoParent During the Holidays, inspired by Diane’s personal success in accomplishing this sensitive balancing act with her first husband and father of her two older children. Motina also offers Calming, Art Therapy Coloring Book for Single Moms, also created by Diane, and Does God Believe in Divorce by Cathy A. Threadgill.

Two more books for single parents, How to Choose the Right Attorney for YOU and The Single Parent Money Philosophy, are scheduled for release in August and September. Diane’s first novel, It’s Just Pot, has also been released by Motina. Although a work of fiction, Diane readily acknowledges that the inspiration and necessity of this book grew from her own personal experience after discovering her youngest son was smoking marijuana on a regular basis. “It really was a struggle—and it’s everywhere!” she emphasizes. “Even the ‘good kids’ are doing it.” Recounting her experiences with dangling his drivers license and a car as inducements, and drug testing as an assurance for Brendan to abandon his marijuana use, Diane acknowledges that he eventually resumed smoking it. “When we found out, we sold the car!” she recalls. This was a major factor for Brendan’s move to Minnesota. “We still have a good relationship, though,” Diane concludes. “When he is ready, he knows he can come back here.” Another Motina book currently in the works is also a novel, this one by the teenage daughter of a single mother Diane knows. “I gave her some pointers and she is editing it now. I’m excited about helping her with this.” Diane also hopes to entice other new writers with information that would aid single parents and their children to submit their works to Motina. Her many years of experience

as a professional technical writer provided her with the writing, editing, proofreading and formatting skills so valuable for the business. “I am very blessed to be paid to write,” she asserts. “And, I do the other writing for fun because that’s what I love to do.” As an independent publishing company, Motina provides one unusual incentive that could be particularly enticing for the usually cash-strapped single parent with a good idea that needs to be shared. “I work like a mainstream publisher,” Diane explains. “I don’t ask for anything up front; I can’t imagine charging a single mom to publish her book!” For Diane, who recently invested in sending out press releases introducing her niche market books and publishing opportunities, the biggest challenge in owning her own publishing business is in getting the word out on what she offers that will result in book sales. “It’s not easy!” she points out. “And, the big publishers expect their writers to have their own internet platform and do their own publicity.” Diana recognizes that the time required to achieve that would be a rare possibility for a single parent who devotes those rare spare moments to writing. This also demonstrates the unique perspective she offers her readers, writers, and group members—she understands and respects what they are going through. To learn more about This Side Up! Family and Single Side Up! go to www.thissideupfamily.org. The link to Single Side Up! can be found under “Tools/Resources.” For additional information on Motina Books, including titles, authors, where to purchase, how to submit and upcoming releases, go to www. motinabooks.com. This Side Up! Family and Motina Books Publishing can also be found on Facebook. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer. Allen Image | August 2017

TRAVEL

Austin… the Live Music Capital of the World One of the best things about my daughter (and my money) going to the University of Texas—and the added benefit of my best friend also living there—is there’s always an excuse to visit this fun and funky city. It’s got a vibe all its own and is unlike anywhere else in Texas. The state capital of Texas, Austin is also the “Live Music Capital of the World,” with music festivals and more than 250 live music venues. There’s Austin City Limits Music Festival in October—which takes place in Zilker Park and encompasses two weekends, eight stages and over 110 bands—and South by Southwest (SXSW) in March, with over 2000 performers from all genres. You’ll also find that Austinites value a healthy lifestyle. Austin was the first city in the state to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, was the birthplace of Whole Foods and still has a wider-than-average variety of farm-to-table, vegetarian and organic restaurants. There’s also a focus on being active, and Austin provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to paddle boarding. Spend a little time in Austin and you’re sure to fall in love—with

by Deborah DOVE

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

its hip casual vibe, its unique people and the wealth of fun things to do. Following is a weekend guide to get a true taste of what makes Austin Weird—the city’s trademark motto.

Friday—Explore Downtown Austin Begin your weekend in downtown Austin doing the requisite touristy things—namely touring the State Capitol building and seeing the bats of Congress Bridge. Capitol tours are free and are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to

3:30 p.m. They depart every 30-45 minutes, last about thirty minutes, and include the impressive rotunda with portraits of the Presidents of the Republic and Governors of the State, the huge star in the dome approximately 218 feet above the ground, the Senate and House chambers and the governor’s private reception room. The twenty-two acres of grounds surrounding the Capitol are equally impressive with beautiful landscaping, numerous monuments, period lighting and park benches and a 1928 drinking fountain. About thirty minutes before sunset, head over to the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world. The approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats blanket the sky at dusk as they head out to forage for food during the summer months (and most spectacularly, during August). It is one of the most spectacular and unique tourist attractions in Austin. Although you can watch them from the bridge above Lady Bird Lake or along the

Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail just east of the bridge on the south side of the lake, the best way to see them is from the water. Both Capital Cruises and Lone Star Riverboats offer bat-watching tours for about $10 per person, or you can rent a kayak or water bike. The views of the Austin skyline at night from the lake are almost as amazing as the bats. After dark, hit Sixth Street—the city’s famous entertainment district with a variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and live music.

Saturday—Explore Austin’s Beautiful Outdoors Begin your morning with breakfast at Kirby Lane, an Austin classic that’s famous for its pancakes. In addition to the always available buttermilk, gingerbread, apple whole wheat and blueberry flavors, each week there’s also a different featured special gourmet pancake such as cinnamon sugar, strawberry banana, s’mores or Elvis (peanut butter, bacon and banana). Then it’s time to work off those calories and explore Austin’s plethora Allen Image | August 2017

,find Barton Springs Pool—a threeacre pool that is fed from an underground spring and maintains a constant refreshing water temperature of 68-70 degrees year-round. If you have time, play a game of miniature golf at nearby Peter Pan Mini Golf, an old-school miniature golf course that exemplifies Austin culture. Then, after a busy day of outdoor activities, unwind and enjoy drinks and dinner at The Oasis, a multi-leveled restaurant that’s an Austin legend and provides stunning views of the sunset over beautiful Lake Travis. of outdoor activities. Spend the morning on Town Lake (aka Lady Bird Lake), which flows through downtown Austin and offers numerous outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. There’s also a 10-mile loop around the lake for joggers and bikers. Barton Creek Greenbelt is an oasis in the city—nine miles of meandering creek-side trails where you can hike with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the clear, cool water of Barton Creek. The water levels vary from wading depth to water holes you can swim in.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Sculpture Falls is a fun place to spend a few hours swimming, and there’s a rock from which you can jump into the water, and supposedly, a cave to explore. McKinney Falls State Park is another hidden gem inside the city where you can hike and enjoy waterfalls, trees and scenery. Zilker Park is considered Austin’s most loved park, and is home to lots of outdoor activities, including a miniature train, a playground, hike and bike trails, sand volleyball courts, disc golf courses, Zilker Botanical Gardens and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum. Here you’ll also

Sunday—Explore Austin’s Funky Vibe The all-vegetarian Bouldin Creek Café is consistently named one of the best restaurants in Austin, and is a great place for breakfast with amazing omelets and migas. Then it’s off to do a little shopping on South Congress, a cultural district known for its unique mix of upscale boutiques, eclectic “Austiny” stores, restaurants, music and art venues and food trucks. Check out Uncommon Objects, which is packed with antiques, vintage items and curiosities such as

baubles, dolls, furniture, jewels, taxidermied animals and mysterious antique photos. Allen Boots is an Austin institution and the place to get a new pair of cowboy boots; and the historic and iconic Continental Club is a must for live music. When you get hungry, grab a slice of, arguably, the best pizza in the world at Home Slice, or enjoy a cold treat at Amy’s Ice Cream, home of the world famous Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream. This is also where you’ll find the food trucks Austin is known for, which spawned a new way of eating and successful restaurants like Torchy’s Tacos. About three miles north of South Congress is “Graffiti Park” (you’ll find it on a map as Hope Outdoor Gallery), urban ruins consisting of broken walls and concrete foundations that are completely covered in graffiti art. It’s never the same, as anyone is free to make their mark. So, take a

few spray cans to create your own art, or just appreciate some of the amazing murals and smaller pieces by true graffiti artists.

For more information, visit www. austintexas.org. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | August 2017

KIDS KORNER

Countdown to the End of Summer by Deborah DOVE Summer’s almost over, and before you know it, the kids will be going back to school. But, there’s still a few weeks left to squeeze in some last-minute summer fun. Here’s a short list to inspire you. Catch a double feature under the stars at Coyote Drive-In, 1901 Midway Road in Lewisville. There’s indoor and outdoor dining (plus a bar with a wide variety of craft beer as well as domestic and imported beer and wine), five screens showing movies nightly, and tickets are only $8 for ages 12 and up and $6 for ages 5-11. Dogs on leashes are also welcome. Rent a kayak and paddle the lake for only $25 an hour (kids must be 10 and older to paddle their own) at Kayak McKinney, by the 380 bridge between Princeton and Farmersville. They also offer Saturday morning group classes for only $25 (kayak included). Or, you can opt for an unforgettable overnight kayak camping trip. All you have to do is drive to camp (1 hour from McKinney). They provide the tent and setup, steak or chicken dinner, sunset and sunrise paddles, campfire smores, live music and a departure breakfast. Visit www.kayakmckinney.com to schedule. Grab an icy popsicle from Steel City Pops, which has cool and unusual gourmet-flavored treats such as root beer, watermelon, strawberry lemonade, chocolate chili and coffee. There are several locations in Dallas, so visit their website at www. steelcitypops.com to find the most convenient to you. Or, check out Andy’s Frozen Custard (the closest location is at 16061 Eldorado Parkway in Frisco), a newish-to-Texas chain that makes fresh, creamy, slow-churned frozen custard in a fun retro, 1950’s style walk-up with lots of neon. If you’re looking for a little something extra, order a concrete—a frozen custard blended with sauces and chunky mix-ins. Rumor has it their Pumpkin Pie concretes in the fall and Thin Mint concretes in the winter are the bomb. Take a two- to three-hour journey through the forest canopy, tackling suspended obstacles such as rail tracks and flying carpets, Tarzan swings and exhilarating zip lines as you encounter more than forty tree-to-tree crossings at Go Ape, 5906 Los Rios in Plano. Cost is $58 for ages 16 and older, $38 for ages 11-15. A junior course is available for younger kids for $28. Get friendly with a sloth, explore the rainforest and see the creatures of the world’s oceans—from sharks and octopus to glowing jelly fish—at the Dallas World Aquarium in the West End in downtown Dallas. It’s just not summer without a trip to the ballpark. The Frisco

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Roughriders play at home at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco August 1-6 and 15-20, with special promotions such as $1 ice cream sandwiches all game (on the 6th and 20th), Star Wars night on the 4th and post-game fireworks on Fridays and Sundays. You can also catch the Texas Rangers at the Ballpark at Arlington the 1st and 2nd and the 11th-20th, with fireworks on Fridays. Take on your friends at Hard Knocks on Ohio Drive just north of 121 in Frisco, which is like laser tag on steroids with a combat simulation arena, realistically modeled weapons and over 85 different mission objectives in an urban themed combat arena. Lace up your roller skates for some retro fun at an area roller skating rink such as Thunderbird Roller Rink, 3200 Thunderbird Lane in Plano or Texas Skatium, 2020 Rowlett Road in Garland. Or, keep your cool with open ice skating at Allen Community Ice Rink in the Village of Allen. A pocketful of nickels will buy an afternoon’s worth of arcade games at NickelRama, 1238 Belt Line Road in Garland, which has a mix of classic arcade games and new titles, and one of the biggest pinball machine collections in Texas. Climb aboard an authentic 1920s Victorian coach at 705 South Main Street in Grapevine for a train trip along the historic Cotton Belt Route that travels from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards most weekends at Grapevine Vintage Railroad. There’s always something going on at Klyde Warren Park, over Woodall Rodgers Freeway in downtown Dallas. Catch a ride around downtown and uptown on the free McKinney Avenue Trolley, then play on the playground at the park, cool off at the splash pad and grab a snack at a food truck. Visit the Dallas Firefighters Museum, which is housed in a 1907 fire station at 3801 Parry Avenue, where kids can climb on a real hook-and-ladder truck in the museum, look at old and new firefighting equipment and visit with retired firefighters. Spend a day at Grapevine Mills Mall. Play at Legoland Discovery Center, view sea creatures up close at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, play a round of glow in the dark mini golf and, maybe, throw in some back-to-school shopping. v

EDUCATION

A Life Of Service Took Flight At Collin College by Kirk DICKEY

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Sitting in the offices of Wexler|Walker just a few miles from the White House in the spring of 2016, Chad Wolf was introspective when asked how he saw his time in Washington D.C. progressing. “One thing I want to do is continue to serve the public,” Wolf, a Plano native and Collin College alumnus, said. “Right now, I work in the private sector, but I can foresee a future, under a different president, a different administration, going back into public service. I think what I have done over the past 10 or 15 years has prepared me for that.”

Now the chief of staff for the Transportation Safety Administration, Wolf made the transition from policy consultant back to the federal government in March. He said the decision to return to the agency was an easy one. Wolf had worked in the TSA for four years, joining shortly after the agency’s creation in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on Washington and New York. He rose quickly through the ranks to become the youngest assistant administrator in the agency, earning two medals for his work while helping build the

agency and craft the policies and regulations that keep airlines and airports secure. Wolf left the agency for Wexler|Walker, a public policy strategy firm in 2005, but could not resist the call to return and play a part in securing the nation when asked earlier this year. “When you get the opportunity to serve—and you have that in your DNA—you have to jump at the opportunity,” Wolf said. A graduate of Southern Methodist University after attending Collin, Wolf has served his country in the public policy arena since his graduation from that university. A month after graduation, inspired by a love of history and government, he packed his things and drove to the nation’s capital with the dream of working for the public good. “I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have a place to stay,” Wolf said. “I had a friend who was going to let me sleep on the floor and I had a stack of resumes.” Wolf spent his first week in D.C. walking around Capitol Hill trying to meet with as many staff members of the Texas delegation as he could. Eventually, he landed a job in Sen. Phil Gramm’s (R-TX) office answering telephones. From there, it was on to the office of Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), where he worked in the areas of transportation, tax, appropriations, government reform and the judiciary. Any time there was a bill on the floor that fell within his areas of expertise, he would study it, summarize it and then advise Hagel on how to approach the vote. “Working in the nation’s capital is exhilarating and fast paced, particularly when you are part of government, when you are part of politics and you work in the public policy arena,” Wolf said. “This is ground zero. This is where you want to be.” His time working on Capitol Hill

and his subsequent experience at the TSA served him well as a vice president at Wexler|Walker, where he first entered the private sector. Wolf served as “boots on the ground” for companies, coalitions and non-profits who wanted help navigating the complexities of the Washington D.C. political landscape. Wolf said it was like working at the point where politics and policy intersect and he considered it a continuation of his public service, even though he was doing it for a private firm. It was a way to give a voice to people who may not, for geographical or other reasons, be able to interact as readily with politicians in Washington. While some clients paid for that assistance, others were taken on in a pro-bono capacity. He considered it an extension of his work in the public service arena. “Government is supposed to help individuals, to help companies,” Wolf said during the spring 2016 conversation mentioned above. “Being part of that process is extremely rewarding.” Wolf is quick to note that the things he has accomplished in his life are a culmination of experiences, including two-and-a-half years studying history and political science at SMU and his governmental work afterward. However, he considers his time at Collin as a formative period. “The classes I took at Collin were fantastic,” he said. “The small class size and the attention to detail you got from professors was outstanding.” Wolf focused on history in addition to other core courses at Collin. He credits the college with teaching him the basics of reading critically and writing persuasively, something he has continued to develop and uses every day. “What I gained at Collin—the skill set, the knowledge base—helped prepare me for that advanced level course work my junior and senior year (at SMU),” he said, adding that “a lot of what I do and a lot of the Allen Image | August 2017

institutions I deal with, I was introduced to at Collin through different coursework.” Now, after almost two decades in D.C., that foundational knowledge has been strengthened by practical experience, but Wolf remains committed to the idea of helping others through service. As chief of staff for the TSA, Wolf will provide the TSA administrator with guidance, counsel and situational awareness of the agency’s operations. Wolf said the job also entails working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and Capitol Hill. “As I look at events around the world, aviation security remains a very viable target for ISIS, Al Qaeda, pick any terrorist group,” Wolf said. “How do we continue to stay one step ahead? I think that means raising the bar on aviation security. “Big picture, I hope that I am able to contribute to this administration doing that.” Chad Wolf took some of his first steps toward a future of service at Collin College. Visit www.collin.edu to see how you can take yours. v Kirk Dickey is a public relations writer for Collin College. Photo by Nick Young, Collin College.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

FOR YOUR HEALTH

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Allen Image | August 2017

North Dallas Plastic Surgery/Dr. Todd Pollock 1105 Central Expwy. N., Suite 2310 • Allen • 8305 Walnut Hill Ln., Suite 210 • Dallas 214.363.2575 • www.drpollock.com North Dallas Plastic Surgery provides a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the North Texas area. Our offices are conveniently located in both Dallas and Allen. Cosmetic procedures include facial rejuvenation (facelift, browlift, eyelid surgery), breast surgery (breast augmentation, lifts and reduction) and body contouring (liposuction, tummy tuck, thigh and arm lifts). Dr. Todd Pollock is nationally recognized for the development of the Drain-free Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). North Dallas Plastic Surgery offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat changes related to facial aging. Our approach is individualized and it employs current techniques to minimize incisions and downtime. Our medical treatments include Botox, Restylane, Radiasse and Juvederm; all of which are administered by a physician. Dr. Pollock is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. All consultations include a comprehensive evaluation and face-to-face discussion with the surgeon. Our educational website, www.drpollock. com, reflects our professional, caring and ethical philosophy—“Beauty begins with knowledge.”

Bethany Heights Dental

1208 E. Bethany Drive, Suite 7 • Allen • 972.390.8500 • www.bethanyheights.com Dr. Carla Spann earned her Dental degree from the Texas A & M College of Dentistry in Dallas. Before attending dental school, she graduated from Duke University in 1992 with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering. She has completed numerous continuing education courses and incorporates all aspects of patients’ oral health, nutrition and medical systemic conditions in her practice philosophy. With a compassionate and conservative approach to dentistry, she believes that patient education is paramount to success in resolving and preventing oral health issues. She is particularly skilled in helping fearful patients relax during their dental care and is certified to provide sedation for these patients when necessary. She is a long time Allen resident. Her children attend Lucas Christian Academy and the family worships at One Community Church in Plano.

Allen Chiropractic/Dr. Jane Perry

1506 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 260 • Allen • 972.727.1106 • drjaneperry.com Looking to optimize your health? Chiropractic is an effective alternative to drugs or surgery and is a proactive approach to achieving high levels of wellness. The activator method of adjusting the spine is the most conservative and successful way to treat musculo-skeletal issues and more. Chiropractic also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system allowing the body to function better and heal faster. The key to this is choosing an experienced chiropractor. Allen Chiropractic’s methods are state-of-the-art techniques that allow for gentle, pain free adjusting. Dr. Perry’s 30 years of serving the community gives her keen insight into many issues. She is Advanced Proficiency Rated in Activator Methods and Certified in Impulse IQ chiropractic instrument adjusting. Using these unique methods allow her to target areas of the spine to treat underlying causes of pain. Dr. Perry invites you to come in and give chiropractic a try.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Allen Pediatric Dentistry Jessie Hunter, DDS • Karen Coe, DDS 201 North Alma Drive, Suite 100 • Allen • 972.727.0737 • www.allenpediatricdentistry.com Allen Pediatric Dentistry is proud to serve the children and families of Allen, Plano, Frisco and the surrounding areas. Our dentists are committed to providing a kid-friendly atmosphere that makes all of our patients feel welcome and excited about visiting the dentist! Making sure your children visit the dentist consistently is important to ensure they have a happy and healthy smile for their entire lives. Our dental services for kids encompass everything necessary from regular cleanings and preventative care to restorations and emergency care. We specialize in sedation dentistry so our dental team is always available to tend to your child’s unique needs. Our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They 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. Dr. Jessie Hunter was raised in Oklahoma, did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and received her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. Jessie earned her Pediatric Certificate from Louisiana State University. She lives in Frisco with her husband, Brandon, and their three children. Dr. Karen Coe grew up in Venezuela and speaks fluent Spanish. She completed her Pediatric Dental residency program in Massachusetts with the Lutheran Medical Center of New York. She lives in McKinney with her husband, Josh, and their daughters, Kamila and Klarisa. “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. The doctors and staff provide the highest quality of dentistry through continuing education on new procedures, products and equipment.

Craig Ranch OB-GYN

7900 Henneman Way, Suite 100 • McKinney • 214.544.6600 • www.craigranchobgyn.com Conveniently located off of the Sam Rayburn Tollway between Alma and Custer, Craig Ranch OB-GYN provides OB-GYN services to the north Collin County area including Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney. We offer complete obstetrical care with management of both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies and perform deliveries at several of the local hospitals including Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Baylor Medical Center at McKinney. Midwife services are also available. We are one of the leaders in all of Texas for in-office procedures such as endometrial ablation and Essure for permanent sterilization. For the convenience of our patients, we have added in-office mammograms, making us the first and only OB-GYN group in the area to do this. We accept Medicaid. Please call for a consultation.

Creekview Orthodontics

1780 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 100 • Allen • 214.547.0001 At Creekview Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Ghosh, Dr. Trent Lofgren and their team strongly believe in preventive care with a conservative treatment philosophy. In addition to practice experience, both doctors have taught orthodontics at the university level—Dr. Ghosh full-time for many years. While creating beautiful smiles is their goal for each patient, the most satisfying part of orthodontics is the relationships created with patients and their families. 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 newer materials—like tooth-colored “invisible” braces and special alloyed wires—have made treatment more cosmetically appealing and comfortable and have shortened treatment time, more adults are accepting orthodontic treatment as well. Allen Image | August 2017

Allen Ophthalmology 400 N. Allen Drive, Suite 108 • Allen • 972.727.7477 • www.heritageeyecenter.com Heritage Eye Center • 1501 N. Redbud Blvd. • McKinney • 972.548.0771  Allen’s premier ophthalmology center is in the expert hands of Dr. James Norbury who provides state-of-the-art treatment while maintaining the personalized service of a small town practice. An avid hockey fan, Dr. Norbury was recently selected to be the team ophthalmologist for the Allen Americans, caring for team players and attending to any game injuries. By partnering with his associates at Heritage Eye and Surgery Center—Drs. Rudolf Churner, Sanjay Patel, Joe Constable, Grant Gilliland (oculoplastics), Henry Choi (retina) and Santosh Patel (retina)—he can ensure quality care in all facets of eye care. For patients who require surgery, the Heritage Surgery Center team specializes in the treatment of cataracts offering Crystalens and ReSTOR lens implants, as well as LASIK, laser treatments for a variety of eye conditions and oculoplastic surgery. For the best sight of your life, make an appointment with Dr. Norbury.

Twin Creeks Dentistry 906 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 112 • Allen • 877.902.8946 • twincreeksdentistry.com Twin Creeks Dentistry is your hometown cozy family dental practice headed by Dr. Sangita Chandran and Dr. Audrey Miles. Their friendly team is dedicated to deliver personalized care at a relaxed pace. Services offered are prevention, cosmetic fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures, implants, invisalign and second opinions. Be sure to check them out for their advanced system of oral appliances for sleep related breathing disorders.

The Rinnovare Institute

1105 N. Central Expwy., Bldg. 2, Suite 2310 • Allen • 214.271.4600 The Rinnovare Institute is a new functional medicine center in Allen, specializing in personalized gynecological care and functional medicine for women. We offer traditional and naturopathic alternatives for common gynecological problems. The practice of functional medicine focuses on patient-centered care, and modifiable lifestyle factors. Rather than simply treating disease, we seek to identify the cause of the disease based on biochemical individuality and environmental factors. We specialize in treatment of fatigue, immune and inflammatory disorders, hormone imbalance, poor libido, menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, infertility, gut dysfunction and detoxification, as well as skin, hair and weight abnormalities. We offer extended visits, allowing adequate time to get to the root cause of problems, and enabling the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. The Rinnovare Institute was created by Julia Liaci M.D., M.P.H., IFMCP, a board Certified OB/Gyn and IFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner.

Allen Dental Center, PC 300 West Boyd • Allen • 972.727.3941 • www.allendentist.com Allen Dental Center is a family and cosmetic dental practice that 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. Bringing over 65 years of combined experience to Allen, Dr. Jeff Williams, Dr. Steve Williams and Dr. Brad Wyatt 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. Allen Dental Center strives to consistently provide a superior level of treatment and comfort with state-of-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.

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA 915B W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 200 • Allen 972.727.1200 • www.2thboy.com Delivering reasonable, rational dentistry to the northern suburbs for 27 years, Ross Miller has found his niche: patients who are swayed not by gimmicks or coupons, but by a desire for an honest assessment of their dental needs. Let’s face it, most dentists have the tools to communicate with a patient using intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, but not all dentists take the time to use these tools effectively. Dr. Miller and his staff pride themselves on listening to patients and not rushing them through a process designed to extract as much cash as possible. If treatment is required, we approach the problem with a combination of technology, compassion and conservatism. Taking time and moving slowly in the immediate patient environment keeps us from being the fastest operators in town, but makes for a much less stressful experience for all. Cerec CAD/CAM restorations can be fabricated on site, cutting down time and visits, and TV monitors in every room help to pass the time during treatment. Dr. Miller is a lifelong resident of the Dallas area. Having grown up in Richardson, he graduated from JJ Pearce High School, Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Dentistry. He opened his practice in Plano in 1989 and moved it to Allen in 2007. Please visit our website at www.2thboy.com to learn more. Also check us out on Facebook!

Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes, DDS, MS

604 S. Watters Road • 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 involves other specialists, as needed, to customize unique treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. They focus on patient education and personalized care while emphasizing comprehensive, preventative and interceptive therapy. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M University with summa cum laude honors. She was the valedictorian of her dental class at Baylor College of Dentistry and went on to complete her orthodontic residency and master’s degree at the world-renowned program of Baylor with top honors. She is also certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes is active in her community and numerous national and local organizations.

Allen Family Dental

940 W. Stacy Road, Suite 100 • Allen • 469-342-6644 • www.allenfamilydentist.com At Allen Family Dental, our top priority is providing high-quality, professional and friendly dental care for you and your family. Our focus is to create a comfortable dental experience for everyone, which begins with our warm, welcoming office atmosphere and continues with our patient-centered approach to providing treatment. Dr Geraldine Torrens-Parker and Dr Lina Lizardi have over 30 years of combined experience. Many patients come to our office with previous negative experiences and the dentists and staff are committed to spending the extra time helping patients feel comfortable and understand their treatment options. Whether you are due for your 6-month cleaning or are long overdue, call us to schedule your next visit. Allen Image | August 2017

HEALTH & FITNESS

Water Safety in the Summer

by Dr. Adam R. SMITH The summer sun blazes down in North Texas with young and old alike seeking means to escape the heat. What better way to cool off than heading for the backyard pool or local lake? Before getting out there, some things need to be kept in mind. Many are surprised by the statistics surrounding recreational water safety. From 2000-2014, there were 3,536 drownings in the United States. That equates to 10 deaths per day. Of those deaths, one in five were ages 14 and younger. Drowning is fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the U.S. Eighty percent of the drowning victims are male. From ages

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

1-4, most drownings occur in the home swimming pool. Eighty-eight percent of boat-drowning victims were not wearing life vests. In regards to adolescents and adults, up to 70% of water recreation deaths involved alcohol. Water-borne illnesses are a separate concern as well. Some pathogens such as cryptosporidium and pseudomonas aeruginosa can withstand water chlorination. Pools that are not maintained properly may grow out many more pathogens. Keeping all of this in mind, simple measures can be taken to be as safe as possible. Home pools should have safety fences around their

perimeter. Swimming lessons should be encouraged—the younger the better. In fact, formal swimming lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning. Always have a buddy system to ensure that no one swims alone. Make sure to have a designated supervisor present when the family is swimming—older siblings playing in the pool should not count as supervisors. Some good rules to follow whether at the lake or in a pool: • Avoid swimming or boating combined with alcohol consumption. • Always, encourage the use of life vests—you cannot depend on air-

• • • • •

filled toys or foam toys as floatation devices. Keep pets out of the pool. Do not allow those with illness or open wounds in the pool. Avoid swimming during lightening storms. Avoid having breakable/sharp containers in swimming areas. Make sure pool water is tested regularly and chemicals maintained as directed.

• Do not swallow lake or pool water. With the proper precautions, swimming can be a great treat for all to enjoy. Be knowledgeable about your surroundings and bring the sunscreen. Put that expansive Texas summertime to good use and enjoy the great outdoors in water style! Adam Smith, M.D. is a physician at Brookwood Family Practice and Pediatrics in Allen.

Allen Image | August 2017

What is Functional Medicine?

by Dr. Julia LIACI

There seems to be a lot of confusion defining the different types of medical practices available these days. There is integrative medicine, anti-aging medicine and functional medicine, all of which sort of fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine, which really is just anything that differs from conventional, traditional medicine. While anti-aging medicine focuses on preventing diseases

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

associated with aging, integrative medicine pairs standard treatments with complementary therapies to care for mind, body and spirit. Functional medicine is a little different. Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention and treatment of complex, chronic disease. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of

disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs. An integrative, science-based healthcare approach, functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology and lifestyle that

can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning. Integrating best medical practices, functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet and exercise. Functional medicine also incorporates use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques, as well as prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs or stressmanagement techniques. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom. Practitioners gather the patient’s symptoms, assign them to a disease process and pick the most appropriate medication or treatment. Unfortunately, the acute-care

approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as

environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. v Julia Liaci, M.D. is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner at The Rinnovare Institute in Allen.

Allen Image | August 2017

PET PAGE

“Jerry” Jerry aims to please! He is house and crate trained and knows how to sit, shake, and wait on command. He is great with kids and other dogs and can be cat tested if needed. We aren’t quite sure what breeds Jerry is comprised of, but he is lovable and playful. He likes to play fetch and snuggle on the couch with his foster family. Apply now before he gets snatched up! He will make a wonderful companion.

Jerry is six months old and will weigh about 50 pounds when he is full-grown. If you are interested in Jerry, complete the application at http://legacyhumanesociety. org/adoptfoster/adoption-application/ and his foster family will reply via email within 24 hours of submission. v

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m