Allen Image December 2017 by Allen Image

Postal Customer

STANDARD RATE U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Allen, TX Permit 178

Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

December 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 12

FEATURES

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOW WE ROLL!

Roller derby hit its peak in the 1970s but, it is still around, mostly at neighborhood rinks. Allen roller derby skaters take to the track at Thunderbird Rink in Plano.

A FAIRY TALE COLLECTION

Stefanie Best has been collecting everything Snow White since 1987, and her extensive and amazing collection now includes everything Snow Whitethemed you can imagine.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

18 CALENDAR 30 PET PAGE

Bailey Boo

KIDS KORNER

Lighting Up the Holiday Season

32 30

46 4

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

14 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM

LIBRARY

EDUCATION

Allen Offers a Helping Hand

Your New Year’s Resolutions

Zorya Ukrainian Dancers and Veselka Singers

The Nutcracker Ballet Delivers Enchantment and Tradition

Allen Community Band Christmas Concert

Creekwood UMC Hosts 13th Annual Live Nativity

White Christmas

Allen’s 5 Favorite Ways to Ring in the Holidays

Holiday Events with the Allen Philharmonic

Christmas on the Prairie

Past and Present Collide: Alumna Forges New Future

STYLE 26

Holiday Style

FINANCE 31

’Tis the Season for Giving

TRAVEL 36

Weekend in Vegas

26 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maggie Tindall

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming Photography

36 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Heather Darrow

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

Steven J. Dawson

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Deborah Dove

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.

Tom Keener

ON THE COVER Stefanie Best

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

Natasha Moser Peggy Helmick-Richardson

CIVIC FORUM

Allen Offers a Helping Hand by Chelsea APRILL

L to R: Officer Gino Ruatta, Cpl. Lyle Loggins, Officer Michael Dawson, Officer Dillon Egizi, Officer Matthew Johnson, Officer Chance Graves, Sgt. Robert Hemmenway and Officer Michael Bly.

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

Hurricane Harvey dumped 27 trillion gallons of water on Texas and Louisiana in August, an unprecedented disaster that left Gulf-area cities strapped for staff and equipment. Donations and do-gooders quickly poured in, but experienced and specially-trained help was harder to find. That’s where mutual aid agreements kick in. The City of Allen participates in a range of local, state and national organizations to pool brawn, brains and big equipment following a catastrophe such as Hurricane Harvey. Any crews called to help are compensated from state or federal emergency funds. In exchange, Allen can access the same resources should disaster strike here at home. As Texas braced for Harvey’s landfall, Allen streets and drainage superintendent Ronnie Bates was among the first called to serve. He’s a founding member of the North Texas Public Works Emergency Response Team, which helps protect and repair infrastructure following a disaster. He spent three and a half weeks coordinating public works requests for aid at the state operations center (SOC) in Austin. It was his job to connect requests with resources able to help. “There were over 200 people from all areas of emergency response in the SOC,” said Bates. “One of the biggest things that stuck out to me was how everyone worked so well

for something like this. It felt like we were meant to be there,” reflected Allen Firefighter Shane Reed. Allen Police Sgt. Robert Hemmenway grew up halfway between Port Arthur and Beaumont, where “every time a storm came in, our house flooded.” While watching the storm churn in the Gulf, he and fellow Officer Tony Brown agreed to load up their personal duck boats and head toward Houston as volunteers. They spent five days running rescue calls from an emergency management center outside Beaumont. “At first it was chaos,” recounts Hemmenway. He called on his Allen Police training to help organize a makeshift dispatch system, numbering boats and assigning calls. He estimates 100 people climbed in and out of their boats in the days ahead. Hemmenway returned home for just 12 hours before heading south again, joining a team of eight other Allen officers dispatched to Houston under the DPS Star program. The dispatched officers were paired with Houston counterparts, most of whom were working 12-hour shifts and had not had a day off since the flood began. Officer Michael Bly was among those selected from Allen. “The flooding didn’t care how much money you made or how nice your house was,” said Bly, who spent the week accompanying a Houston officer on patrols near NASA. In between emergency calls they helped move abandoned vehicles so trash trucks could access growing mountains of debris. Though the rescue efforts had ended, Bly still left Houston a life-saver. During a patrol he and his partner were called to Firefighter Shane Reed an overpass where a 15-year-old

together to get help where it was needed as fast as we could.” In addition to hundreds of smaller requests forwarded directly to FEMA, Bates helped fulfill 160 requests from areas hit hard by the hurricane. He was able to connect 188 individuals and organizations plus 21 cities (11 on stand-by) willing to help to the areas that needed assistance. Allen’s next call for help came from the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Flooded towns were overwhelmed by 9-1-1 calls and local fire departments were struggling to secure neighborhoods. Allen Fire Captain Robert Clamon was given three hours to assemble a four-person team, outfit a reserve engine and pack enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least three days. “No fire department has enough people or equipment to deal with a disaster like this alone,” said Clamon. The team inched through hundreds of miles of flooded roads, spent the night in a Home Depot parking lot and got re-routed three times as highways became impassible. They stopped between Conroe and Humble to help rescue a boater tangled in a stand of trees. Eventually they arrived in Needham and joined local firefighters in door-to-door safety checks and evacuations. “We do all this training to prepare

Captain Mark Clamon boy was preparing to jump. They found the teen with one foot on the guardrail, distracted by a woman trying to talk to him. The officers darted to his side and pulled him to safety. “The young man told the woman he was going to jump at 3:30,” recounts Bly. “It was 3:29 when we pulled him off.” His work earned a letter of commendation from Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who called Bly “an asset to both the Allen Police Department and the law enforcement community.” To Bly, it was all part of the job. “It’s just another call you go to,” he said. From participating in dramatic rescues to solving logistical nightmares, each crew returned to Allen with disaster experience no training could replicate. Firefighter Shane Reed says the trip gave him a new perspective on emergency management, which he’ll use to help Allen residents if the situation arises. “It was definitely a life-changing trip,” said Reed. v Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen. Allen Image | December 2017

Your New Year’s Resolutions by Matt COBB

The City of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department is on a mission to help the community accomplish New Year’s resolutions. From improving health and fitness to becoming more connected to the community, Allen Parks and Recreation is proving its commitment to helping Allen achieve every resolution. Through an unprecedented Free Fitness Week and Three4Free membership drive, Allen Parks and Recreation hopes to reach new members and give current members the incentive to commit to a full year of wellness through multiple membership options. The unique campaign will be held throughout January 2018, offering special membership rates designed to encourage members to start their New Year’s resolutions immediately after the first of the year with additional

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

lessened incentives offered for the remainder of the month. Anyone who signs up for a fullyear membership from January 2-8 at any Allen Parks and Recreation facility will receive three months of the membership completely free. After the three-month free special offer ends, starting January 9, fullyear memberships at all Allen Parks and Recreation facilities will be offered at 15% off through January 31. Also, for the first time ever, Allen Parks and Recreation is letting prospective members try out the facilities for free before joining. A Free Fitness Week is being held the first week of the membership drive, giving people the opportunity to use and explore the facilities during membership-only hours. “Allen has a diverse range of recreation facilities for all ages and interests that provide fun and unique

opportunities to get active and connect with other members of the community,” said Travis Cunniff, the Recreation Services Manager for Allen Parks and Recreation. “Through this new aggressive membership drive, we hope even more of the Allen community will be able to take advantage of everything that the facilities have to offer.” The facilities involved with the Free Fitness Week and Three4Free membership drive are Allen Senior Recreation Center, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center and Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Allen Senior Recreation Center is for people ages 50 and over. The facility, which has a normal annual membership of only $5 for residents, provides a variety of programs, trips, special events, activities and classes throughout the year. There is even a

fully-furnished fitness room, which serves as a great alternative to overcrowded gyms. Other amenities include computers, billiards, pingpong tables and a library, perfect for being active and meeting new people. Sounds of basketballs dribbling and weights clanking are heard daily at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. More than just your standard gym, the facility includes a fitness room, basketball court, two racquetball and handball courts, a two-lane indoor track and a game room with table tennis, air hockey and foosball. Numerous fitness classes, camps and other fun activities are offered throughout the year. The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center is one of the largest outdoor skate parks in Texas and a favorite for riding skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and inline skates. When taking a break from the action, hang out with other extreme sports enthusiasts in the center’s media room, game room and snack bar. Numerous STEAM/ STEM programs are also offered throughout the year at the facility, combining fun activity with educational programming. For those looking to get active and a little wet, the indoor aquatics facility, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, has a competition pool with lap lanes, leisure pool with a brand-new play structure, lazy river, rock wall and the largest fitness room out of all the City of Allen facilities. Programs held throughout the year include swimming lessons, water and fitness classes, and special events such as Dive-In Movies. A membership at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium automatically includes membership to the other recreation facilities. “Our resolution is to make 2018 the healthiest and most active year in Allen yet,” Cunniff said. “So, don’t hesitate to come tour the facilities, take advantage of the membership offers and get connected to Allen’s community.”

Sign up at the front desk of any of the recreation facilities in January 2018 to take advantage of the membership offers. Payment plans are available for eligible full-year memberships. For more information

about all of the Allen Parks and Recreation facilities, please visit AllenParks.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | December 2017

The Nutcracker Ballet Delivers Enchantment and Tradition Want to celebrate the holidays with live music, dancing and magical gifts? Then join the Allen Civic Ballet, with live orchestral accompaniment from the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, as they present the majesty of The Nutcracker Ballet, Saturday, December 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 2 p.m. at the Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Drive. Young and old alike love the enchanted tale about a young girl’s treasured Nutcracker Prince and their journey through the Land of Snow and Sweets. It’s a tradition for families in Allen that has been enjoyed for nearly two decades and each year promises new excitement. Allen Civic Ballet is honored to welcome special guest artist, Stephanie Rae Williams, from Dance Theatre of Harlem, as she performs the Spanish variation. Williams is from Allen and has danced with The

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

Francesca Harper Project, Complexions Contemporary Dance Company, Ballet Black and Texas Ballet Theatre, where she made her professional debut. Williams will also teach a three-day Winter Workshop at Allen Conservatory of Dance December 27-29. “I am thrilled to be dancing this year’s Nutcracker with the Allen Civic Ballet,” said Williams. “This is the first time I will be performing in my hometown, Allen, Texas.” This year’s Nutcracker will again feature Guest Artist Paul Tillman of Ballet Arkansas as he partners with

local artists Emma Pennell and Katerina Albuquerque. “It has been so much fun dancing with the talented dancers of the Allen Civic Ballet,” said Tillman. “Their production of The Nutcracker is full of tradition and magic. It’s an honor to have been a part of it for the past six years.” Tickets are available online at AllenCivicBallet.org. You can also follow the Ballet on Facebook.com/ AllenCivicBallet for more information about this production as well as the numerous other events they participate in throughout the year. v

Creekwood UMC Hosts 13th Annual Live Nativity

Creekwood United Methodist Church will once again host a live nativity this holiday season. Families will have the chance to experience the first Christmas in a special setting reflective of the original event. This two-night production, featuring live animals, will be held Wednesday and Thursday, December 6 and 7. The first show begins at 6 p.m. and continues every half hour until the final show at 8 p.m. During the 15-minute storytelling, actors portraying Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the three wise men act out the scene as it was on that same cold night in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. “We invite all in our community to this special event,” said senior pastor, David Lessner. “The nativity has become a family tradition for many and is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season. This year we’re adding several activities to enable families who wish to be able to spend a little more time together celebrating the season.” After enjoying carolers, children’s

crafts activities and complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and other refreshments, guests will be ushered into the barn where they’ll be taken back in time to the evening that Jesus was born. Before or after the nativity, families will be able to take part in an illuminating, magical, musical hayride complete with tasty treats. Hayrides will begin at 5:30 p.m. Activities are free to all in the community. Bring a jar of peanut butter to support the efforts of the

Assistance Center of Collin County and the Plano Santas. All families with special needs are invited to join us for a more intimate showing of the Live Nativity on Wednesday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m., in the barn. Creekwood UMC is located at 261 Country Club Road, Allen (corner of Stacy and Country Club). Free entry is based on first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 214.229.7555 or visit www.creekwoodumc.org. v

Allen Image | December 2017

Allen’s 5 Favorite Ways to Ring in the Holidays by Chelsey APRILL

You don’t have to venture far to find magical, memorable ways to celebrate the season. From Christmas concerts to Santa sightings, check out these fun-filled events happening in your own backyard.

fun run or the USATF-registered 5K. Chip timing is used to determine race results. Held Saturday, December 2, on Main Street in downtown Allen. Race day registration $20 for fun run, $30 for 5K.

Get in the holiday spirit at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Allen Civic Plaza will be transformed into a winter wonderland Friday, December 1, for the lighting of the city’s 35-foot Christmas tree. This family-friendly event includes live entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves. Held from 6-8 p.m. at 301 Century Parkway, behind City Hall.

Burn off Christmas carbs at the Rudolph Run. This annual race is open to all ages and skill levels. Choose from the non-competitive, 1-mile

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

Swim with Santa. After all that time up north, St. Nick loves a good trip to the pool. Join him at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium from 5:30-7:45 p.m. on Friday, December 15. Open to ages 1-16; parents swim free with each paid child. Admission is $10. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

Go shopping, sans kids. When kiddos tire of traipsing through malls, sign them up for the Drop & Shop Holiday Skate at Allen Community Ice Rink on Saturday, December 16.

Donate a non-perishable food item and receive free skate rental. Held from 3:15 to 6:15 p.m. $5 entry. Adult supervision required for children ages 8 and younger.

Rock out to Christmas hits. The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks! tour returns to Allen Event Center on Tuesday, December 12. The 19-piece orchestra, featuring big band horns and Setzer’s trademark guitar work, will have you dancing right through the New Year. Tickets available at AllenEventCenter.com. Still searching for the perfect yuletide activity? Find more holiday happenings at CityofAllen.org/ Calendar. v

Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Snippets

Holiday Events with the Allen Philharmonic A Christmas Music Festival Put yourself in the Christmas spirit with a performance of holiday music both sacred and familiar. Come join the Allen Symphony Chorus for A Christmas Music Festival on Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Allen, 601 S. Greenville Ave. Programming includes Christmas Selections of Handel’s “Messiah;” John Rutter’s “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol,” “Jesus Child,” “What Sweeter Music,” “The Very Best Time of the Year;” then close out the evening by joining the chorus with sing-a-long carols. Tickets, $15-$25, can be purchased at www.allenphilharmonic.org.

Allen TubaChristmas The Allen Philharmonic is pleased to present the Inaugural Allen TubaChristmas, Sunday, December 17, at Watters Creek. The first Tuba Christmas was presented at Rockefeller Center in 1974 by tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, the late William J. Bell. This unusual Christmas tradition is firmly established in over 200 cities around the world. Tuba players of all ages are welcome to join. Registration begins at noon at Blue House Too, located at 934 Watters Creek Drive. Rehearsal begins at 1 p.m. and the cost is $10. Music selections will come from Carols For A Merry TubaChristmas. Songbooks will be available for purchase onsite if the performers do not already own a copy of the music. The musicians will be conducted by Jeff Baker, principal tuba with the Allen Philharmonic. Then, we invite the community to come watch our musicians around the tree on Village Green Drive, at 2:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to sing along. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated, themed tubas. This program is registered with the Harvey Phillips Foundation. Please visit www.allenphilharmonic.org for additional information. v

Christmas On the Prairie Bring your entire family and join the Allen Heritage Guild, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, December 10, at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Drive, for old-fashioned festivities. Step back in time to savor the historic buildings decorated in vintage Christmas accessories and let children adorn the natural Christmas tree with ornaments. The Allen Garden Club will assist with the creation of natural ornaments for this occasion. The village includes various architectural styles from different eras in Allen’s history. Take a photo of your family adjacent to a period building for your Christmas card! Enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate and create new memories. Sponsored by the Allen Heritage Guild and Allen Garden Club, this is a free event, but donations are welcomed. Call 972.740.8017 for more information. v Allen Image | December 2017

LIBRARY

Zorya Ukrainian Dancers and Veselka Singers by Tom KEENER Bring in the holidays with Zorya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Dallas at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at the library. This unique folk dance group has been entertaining audiences throughout Texas for over 42 years. Zorya’s dance program consists of such dances as: Texan, Zaporozhetz Hertz, Chumak, Transcarpathian, Arkan, Honyvitar, Kolomemkya, Polka, Bukovina, Dubotanets, Kozachok and Poltava Suite. Zorya was formed as The Festival Dancers in 1975 by members of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas. The intent was to participate in the 1976 Texas Bicentennial celebrations hosted by the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, Texas. This first performance at the Texas

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

Folklife Festival was a great success, and the group was received with such enthusiasm that it has been invited back to the festival since then. Zorya’s mission is to educate the community about Ukrainian heritage in the way they know best—through dance. Even though some of the dancers are not from Ukrainian backgrounds, there is a deep respect for the heritage and a sense of extended family striving for the same cause. In addition to the Texas Folklife Festival, Zorya has performed at Westfest, State Fair of Texas and Van Cliburn Festival. The current director is Andrew Chobany, who has been dancing since 1984, and the artistic director is Nicki Allen, who has been dancing since she was five years old. The folk singing group Veselka—

Ukrainian for “rainbow”—was established over four years ago, and has performed at a variety of Ukrainian and international events in the North Texas area. Veselka’s director, Oksana Toporina, states, “Ukrainian carols highlight the beauty of our language more than anything else. We are proud to bring Ukrainian culture and traditions to the Allen Public Library.” Zorya and Veselka invite you to share in the Ukrainian cultural experience. Each region of this wide country has its own dialect and its own local flavor—through their dances. All these distinct flavors are united into what is Ukraine. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Allen Community Band Christmas Concert

’Twas the week before Christmas and everyone was too busy! Relax, take the afternoon off and join us for an incredible concert featuring famous songs of the season at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 17, in the library auditorium. Enjoy the sounds of the holidays performed by the Allen Community Band. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early as the band often performs to a full house. Comprised of members of the parent organization, The Allen Community Jazz Band, under the direction of Keith Petersen, will begin

the concert with outstanding jazz and swing arrangements of holiday music. Under the leadership of Craig Logan, the Allen Community Band will perform Henry Fillmore’s “America Exultant,” a traditional march with the melodic line of America played by the low brass during the trio section. Major works include arrangements by Sean O’Loughlin and Chris Sharp, which showcase traditional melodies such as “Hark! The Herald Angel Sings,” “First Noel,” O Little Town of Bethlehem,”

“Away in a Manger” and a host of others. Roland Kernen’s “Jewish Folksong Suite” will follow. The band will conclude with their annual performance of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” The Allen Community Band consists of 65 members from Allen and surrounding communities. The band has an open instrumentation policy and all skill levels are invited to join. This free concert is sponsored by the Allen Public Library and Allen Community Band. v

White Christmas Irving Berlin’s holiday classic White Christmas (1954) will be featured in a free showing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, at the library. Garnering an Oscar for the legendary World War II era film Casablanca, the film’s director, Michael Curtiz, is known for superb artistic lighting, high crane shots and unusual camera angles and White Christmas is no exception. It stars Oscar-winner Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Sisters Betty and Judy Haynes misunderstand the motives of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis when they arrange a special variety show at the struggling Vermont ski lodge of their revered old wartime commander, General Waverly. Irving Berlin surmised that from the moment White Christmas was completed, an enduring standard had been composed. v

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

CALENDAR

DECEMBER

12 SiriusXM Presents The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour

SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Rec Center, 7-10 pm, ages 18+. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Holiday Party! For info, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@ cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Cost: $10 Preregistration/$15 at 5 pm on Wednesday prior to dance.

Holiday Arts & Craft Fair, Joe Farmer Recreation Center (Gym), 9 am-4 pm, all ages, free to attend. This arts and crafts fair will put everyone in the giving spirit with creative crafts and a festive atmosphere. Each space is 10’x10’. One table and chair are included. Vendors call 214.509.4753. ($65 one vendor space/$100 two vendor spaces).

Edge Holiday Bash, The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center, 11 am-6 pm, ages 8-25. Free to attend. A funfilled day of scooter, skateboard and BMX competitions as we ring in the holiday break with a bash!

16 Allen Community Ice Rink Holiday Skate 19 Allen Americans vs Kansas City Mavericks

EVENTS Allen’s Community Theatre, The Lion in Winter thru Dec. 17. Come celebrate the holidays medieval style! Performances: Thursdays, 7:30 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; and Sundays, 3 pm, 1210 E. Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002 (SW corner Allen Heights & E. Main). Purchase tickets in advance at AllensCommunityTheatre.net 1

8-10 Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents, The Nutcracker, at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday, 2 pm (sensory-friendly performance) & 7:30 pm; and Sunday, 2 pm,

20 Allen Americans vs Kansas City Mavericks 22 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 23 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 27 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 28-30 Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! 31 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder

PARKS AND REC EVENTS For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 1

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Allen Civic Plaza. Join us for the grand lighting of its 35-foot Christmas tree, featuring more than 20,000 lights. Expect surprises, live entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves. 6:30-8 pm, all ages. Free.

Rudolph Run, Downtown Allen (Main Street), 711 am, $15-$30. A non-competitive one-mile run and the USATF registered 5K Rudolph Run. Chip timing will be used. Overall male/female Master’s division for 40+ winners. Open to all ages and skill levels. Register online at AllenParks.org. For more information call 214.509.4810.

For more info: 972-744-4650 or www.eisemanncenter.com.

CITY OF ALLEN ALLEN EVENT CENTER Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster. com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www. alleneventcenter.com. 1

Allen Americans v. Rapid City Rush

Allen Community Ice Rink’s “Holiday On Ice”

Toys for Tots

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

Holidays on Ice Show, Allen Community Ice Rink, 4-6 pm, all ages. Celebrate “Holidays on Ice,” featuring the Allen Academy of Skating and Allen Community Ice Rink Skaters. Bring a non-perishable food item and admission is free.

15 Swim With Santa!, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 5:30-7:45 pm, ages 1-16. $10. Join Santa for a swim, and tell him what you want for Christmas. Santa is available for pictures for those with their own cameras. Parents swim free with each paid child. Children six and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water. 16 Holiday Celebration!, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 11 am-1 pm, ages 2-13. $8. Enjoy holiday-themed activities—cookie decorating, holiday crafts and games. Story time with Santa will be held towards the end of the event along with a photo opportunity. 16 Drop & Shop Holiday Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 3:15-6:15 pm, all ages. $5 entry/$3 skate rental. Enjoy on-ice games and activities, including pictures with Santa. Donate a non-perishable food item and receive a free skate rental. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Adult must accompany children 8 years and younger.

19 Breakfast With Santa, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 9-11:30 am, ages 6 mo.-10 yrs. $10. Have breakfast with Santa. Bring your camera to get a picture of your child on Santa’s lap. Breakfast and Tiny Tots are included for children; parents breakfast is an additional $6.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Celebrating 50 years!

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. 18 In-N-Out Cover-to-Cover Reading Club ends, ages 4-12 only. Register at the Library’s Children’s Desk. Children read five books to earn a coupon for a free In-N-Out treat.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required. Events are in the Children’s Program Room except where noted. 1

Music and Movement, 10:30-11 am, ages 2 & up with caregivers. We sing, dance, and make music! Limited to 80. Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before the start of each story time at the Children’s Desk.

Chinese Story Time, 10:30-11 a.m. & 11-11:30 am, all ages, limited to 100 per story time. Ticket required. Free tickets available at the Children’s Desk the day of the story time. A story time in Mandarin Chinese with stories, rhymes and songs. Presented by DFW Chinese American Storytelling eGarden.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, all ages. Your stuffed animal is invited to a sleepover! Drop off your special friend at the library by 5:45 p.m and the stuffed animals will spend a special night with us in the Library! Join us Saturday morning at 10:30 am for a special Family Story Time and find out what fun they had! Please pick up your stuffie by noon on Saturday.

Family Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am, all ages. Enjoy family time with stories, songs and crafts.

15 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 0-3 with caregivers. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 16 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 5 & up with families. Build STEM skills and create with LEGO! This month’s theme: pirates! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 18 Build It: LEGO Bridges, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Make architecture wonders with our building bricks in this free afterschool building event. 22 Sesame Street Party, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 3 and up. Celebrate the popular children’s TV program series and your favorite muppet friends with crafts, games and cookies. 23 Family Game Day, 10:30-11:30 am, all ages. Gain problem-solving skills and increase creativity. Games for all ages from pre-readers to adults. All games provided. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Allen Image | December 2017

28 Get Slimed with Polymers!, 3-4 pm, ages 8-12 only. Learn about states of matter and how molecules are formed and conduct experiments with different polymers.

TEENS (AGES 12-18) 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. Ages listed are firm. Around Teen’Scape in December. We are making Post-It note art. Pick up your supplies when you visit Teen’scape during December and make your own creation on the small scale. Your art will be featured in Teen’scape. 14 Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, in the Upstairs Program Room. Come enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts! 22 Cookies & Crafts, 3-4 pm, ages 12-18. Enjoy making crafts while eating cookies courtesy of Food for Thought Cafe.

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

Food for Thought: Holiday Cookie Exchange, 3 pm, 1st floor meeting room. Please bring three dozen of your favorite cookies—everyone will get a variety of cookies to take home. Get in the holiday spirit with Wassail, Christmas music, stories and more! Please email your cookie recipe beforehand to fftcafe@yahoo.com. If you can’t email it in time, please bring a printed copy. Ages 16+; younger children welcome with an adult. Noontime Pageturners Book Club, Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen, 12-1 pm. Join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. New members welcome.

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

12 Let’s Talk Dewey: Free Choice, 7-8 pm, nonfiction readers, join us for our choose-your-own-nonfiction book club. We pick the topic—you pick the book. For December, choose any nonfiction you’d like to read. Feel free to ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t read a book. 13 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:308:30 pm. A social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Work on your latest project in the company of other crafters. Ages 18+; no childcare provided. 14 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co., 6-8 pm, off-site at Nine Band Brewing Co., 9 Prestige Circle, Allen. Team up with your friends to test your knowledge of beer, literature, history, science and more! Please keep teams to six or fewer members. The library will not be providing 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 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 Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com.

Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets 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 Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. 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 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.

Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:308:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. For more info: Jerry or Carla, 972.837.6558 or pony100k@icloud.com. 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 each month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004.

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 Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments noon, speaker 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 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 & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-PreschoolPTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190.

Allen Image | December 2017

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. 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 Central Expy N #501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

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/news. 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, 6:158 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.

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

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. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. For more info: www.cchba.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

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.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:3011:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

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 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 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.

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.

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

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. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com, email Lolo@fit4mom.com. 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. 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..

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 Image | December 2017

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 Native Plant Society, meets 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 fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

Singles Mingle 60+, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. This group provides a social forum for active men and women singles who 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, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), 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, Fairview Town Center, 311 Town Place, Fairview (formerly Wyland’s Ocean Blue restaurant). $1 member/$5 nonmember 1st visit free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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

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.

SENIORS

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.

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. 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.

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

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 non-members. 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 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, 7pm, 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. Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets 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. Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc. org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason at jason.beckett.1@gmail. com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/ CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary 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. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195. org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | December 2017

STYLE

Holiday Style by Natasha MOSER

Is your schedule stacked with holiday parties, date nights and dinners this season and not a flattering outfit in sight? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry we have you covered with three ideas that are sure to put a sparkle in your eye.

The holidays are all about enjoying yourself and relaxing with friends and family. Unwind with a glass of wine in a burgundy and white sweater with fun zipper details from Dear John. Paired with burgundy knit pants and brown leather ankle boots from Not Rated with zipper and lace details, this outfit is as comfortable as it is stylish. Complete the look with a long beaded necklace and fringe tan leather cross body purse.

B Everyone has the little black dress at home, but what about a romper? Mandy is ready for wherever the evening takes her in a stunning black floral romper from Blu Pepper, black and silver bar necklace and tear-drop hoop earrings from Chavez for Charity. She has just enough room for the essentials in her light mauve clutch from Joy Susan that also has a wrist strap hidden inside. Mandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own knee high black suede boots complete the look.

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

Allen Image | December 2017

Have fun this holiday season with your wardrobe and don’t forget to relax and take time to enjoy yourself.

Do you have a Christmas dinner downtown or a New Year’s Eve party with friends? Mandy is dressed to impress in the Miss Me black and sequin cocktail dress with an open back. She completes the look in a fabulous faux fur cream coat from Noelle, a gold and rhinestone cuff and strappy gold heels—the model’s own.

Thank you to Distinctively Hers at 110 West Virginia Street in McKinney for providing the looks. Thank you to Morgan Marlin, our hair stylist and makeup artist, for the shoot at Skylight Salon, 112 North Tennessee Street, Suite B in McKinney. Thank you to Lone Star Wine Cellars at 103 East Virginia Street in McKinney for the perfect location. Thank you to model, Mandy Carrasco with Meraki Talent Agency, Dallas. v Photos: Amber Starling Photography Contributing Writer and Stylist Natasha Moser

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

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | December 2017

PET PAGE

“Bailey Boo” Bailey Boo is a 2- to 3-year-old, 60-pound, spayed female shepherd mix that was rescued from a local shelter where she was a staff and volunteer favorite. She’s a gentle, calm girl who’s as sweet as her name (think Irish cream).

This affectionate lady prefers attention to treats; she sits at your feet and gives you her paw, asking to be petted and with her soft fur she’s a pleasure to pet. Bailey really liked the children she met at a recent adoption event. She gets along well with other dogs (large and small) and likes to romp and play tug with her canine BFF (another large female). Bailey Boo loves to chase squirrels in the backyard. She’s crate trained, house broken, walks politely on a loose leash, rides nicely in the car and is quiet (except when she’s chasing squirrels!). She doesn’t live with cats, but she isn’t particularly interested in neighborhood cats on our walks. This wonderful, easy girl would be a great “first dog” and will make a terrific companion for a lucky person or family. Bailey Boo is vaccinated, heartworm negative and ready for her forever family. Please visit www. legacyhumanesociety.org to apply to adopt this sweetheart. v

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

FINANCE

’Tis the Season for Giving by Steven J. DAWSON

No matter what traditions you hold around the holiday season, there is one we can all share: The importance of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. Charitable giving can be one of the most satisfying aspects of a financial plan—and it may even have a feel-good impact on your year-end tax liability. Some charities, however, devote too many resources to marketing campaigns and exorbitant overhead and not enough to the cause. So, how do you know if a charity is doing right by your donation? Forbes.com reports that charitable giving grew 4.9% in 2013, with digital donations making up 6.4% of the overall amount. And, with households giving an average of 1.9% of their after-tax income each year, according to an annual report conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, it can be important to make sure your dollars are used effectively to make a difference. Before you open your wallet or spend one of your weekends volunteering this holiday season, check out the websites below for a look at the inner workings of your favorite charities: Guidestar.org contains records from 1.8 million nonprofits registered with the IRS, with access to each organization’s Form 990, a document

that details nonprofits’ income, spending, mission and executive salaries.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance generates free reviews of more than 1,300 charities every two years. Local BBB websites provide evaluations on an additional 10,000. CharityNavigator.org provides ratings (four stars being the highest) on the charities it follows, based on financial health, accountability and transparency. Of the three websites listed here, this is widely recognized as the easiest to navigate and understand.

Of course, the best way to get to know how a charity works is to spend time with it. By volunteering, you will be privy to an insider’s view of the organization’s people, practices and impact—and feel confident that your money and time can truly make a difference. Consider taking the kids with you and creating a family charitable tradition you can pass down through the generations. You may see firsthand the value and effectiveness of your charitable gift at work. v Steven Dawson is an Allen resident, a CFP®, educator, national speaker and president of Dawson Private Wealth. Any information provided in this article has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Raymond James Financial Services and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision. Any information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation.

Allen Image | December 2017

FEATURE

Crime Minister taking on Sloane Gunman

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s How We Roll! by Simon VALENTIN

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

The chattering crowd at Thunderbird Roller Rink was a crazy collection of ages and incomesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;teens in fast food uniforms sitting next to fiveyear-olds, standing next to matrons shouldering handbags that cost as much as a car payment.

ans intermittently watched as roller derby newbie, Crime Minister, a fiery-eyedredhead not much taller than your average eighth-grader, scored points zipping past opponents. One obstacle rolled between her and a final point, twelve-year roller derby veteran, Sloane Gunman. In a sport averaging three-year careers, Sloane was legendary. The crowd’s attention switched from popcorn and chit-chat to the David and Goliath confrontation on wheels in front of them. Sloane Gunman whipped around and started skating backward, blocking the lane with six-feet-two-inches of obstinence. Tuning out the roaring crowd, other skaters yelling, even the sound of her own skates, five-foot-one Crime Minister went into her zone. “I get tunnel vision really, really bad,” she said. That night, a roller derby giant eclipsed the light-at-the-end-of-thetunnel-vision. “I put my head down and skated hard, right into her—dead center. I couldn’t go left or right because she’d knock me out of bounds.” Her attack barely rocked Sloane. “It was like hitting a wall,” she said. “My mom said I looked like a gnat banging my tiny body off her.” The newbie kept hammering away at the former basketball player turned roller derby queen. Though she can’t tell you how she did it, Crime Minister got past Sloane Gunman. As she scored, a police siren pierced the roller rink and the crowd shrieked their approval. “I love hearing that siren, they play it whenever I do something good,” the crime scene investigator said with a proud grin. That’s right. Crime Minister is the alter ego of twenty-seven-year-old Jordan Richardson, the daughter of police officers, a former dispatcher for

Jordan Richardson Allen Police Department and now a McKinney Police Department Crime Scene Investigator. “When I tell people I’m a crime scene investigator, its immediate surprise, and they ask ‘how do you deal with seeing horrible stuff?’” Her answer usually drops more jaws. “I say ‘well, I’m a Christian. I’m married to a youth pastor and when times get tough I play roller derby and hit people.’” Before delving further into what makes Jordan and other derby ladies tick, lets have a quick roller derby lesson. The sport started in the 1800s as a rolling endurance competition, morphing in the 1930s to include elbowing and slamming opponents into the rails. By the time roller derby hit its peak in the 1970s with televised bouts on banked tracks, most folks saw it as a cousin to big time wrestling, with accusations of staged fights and scripted victories. In this millennium, the game is finding resurgence on flat tracks, mostly at neighborhood rinks. Those

right hooks and elbows to the face are a thing of the past. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association adheres to a strict set of rules that highlight athletic prowess, making derby a sport and not a train wreck in a roller rink. Like any sport, there are nuances, but here are the basics. Two teams of five women roller skate counterclockwise. Each team has four blockers and one jammer. The jammer’s job is to get past blockers, also known as a pack, getting a point for each opponent passed. Blockers don’t like that and moves like cannonballs, hip checks and the Philly Wall make things rough on a jammer. “I remember one really hard hit my first season that knocked me flat on my back, right in front of my husband, Steven,” Jordan said. “I was there, looking at the ceiling, saw him and said ‘Hi!’” Even though it knocked the wind out of her, she got up quick so Steven would know she was okay. “If I’d have seen that hit when she first started, I would have lost my Allen Image | December 2017

what to think,” Chase said. “I mean she’s always been this soft, loving girl, not an ounce of aggression in her,” he said. “She’s not 250 pounds with a mohawk, not what I thought was derby built, but it’s cool to see this side come out, I’m proud of her.” Crystal, who enjoys playing as a jammer, explains that her desire to out-skate the pack wasn’t a harum-scarum thought. “I sat for six years watching pictures on Facebook of a league in California and it looked like fun,” she said. “When we got here I figured I’d try it. As a mom, you have to have something for yourself.” She spent months Crystal Beauregard practicing, spending up to ten hours a week at mind. She got laid out, but she’d won The Edge Skate Park in Allen and Most Valuable Player several times Thunderbird rink. She worked on and I knew she could handle it,” said everything from cross-overs to hipthe man who teaches the bible to kids. whips and had an extensive collection But, being a man of God doesn’t of bruises to prove it. At bouts she’d mean being milquetoast. wear full roller gear, but wasn’t “I was surprised! She didn’t even skate before this, but she has my support. When she’s out there I want her to tear up that track getting through the pack.” That reaction is common from folks whose significant others lace up and hit the hardwood. The Beauregards are California transplants who came to Allen for work and a great school district. The family looks like they walked off the set of a Hallmark TV movie—broad shouldered and handsome Chase, willowy and elegant Crystal and all American kids, Hudson and Freyja. They’d been here less than a year when Crystal said she wanted to take a shot at roller derby. Corky Cronin “I said ‘ooookay,’ not knowing

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

allowed to play, instead she’d explain the game to new fans. She didn’t even have a cool name. Like all newbies who hadn’t taken final assessments, she wouldn’t get a name until she passed. She’d simply be known as ‘fresh meat.’ At six-feet-tall Crystal towers over blockers, but instead of brawn, the model-thin mom relies on grace, speed and a well-placed boney shoulder to pass through the pack. “It’s ninety-percent strategy, the rest is endurance and guts,” she said. When Crystal’s final assessments arrived, she was ready. She got to the rink early, geared up and, channeling her nervous energy, skated the strongest she ever had. Testing went better then she’d imagined…until the final five minutes. “Two girls knocked me right on my tail,” she recalls with a grimace. “I thought I’d broken something.” After a round of X-rays the doctor diagnosed a severely bruised tailbone. “He told me no skating for four weeks.” She told him: “That won’t happen. I‘ll skate, but won’t take hard hits.” Why keep rolling when the doc says don’t? Corky Cronin, a well-loved, often feared coach tells us why. Sitting in

Corky Cronin and Jordan Richardson the bar and grill at Thunderbird Lanes, the sound of a dozen wanna’ be derby queens racing around the track beside us, the flaxen-haired fifty-year-old uses her injury as an example. “Early in my career I broke my arm, had to have a plate put in with seven screws. I was out for four weeks,” she said. “The day they released me to skate I was back, I couldn’t wait...” According to Corky, the reasons the injured rush back includes more than the physical and mental challenges of the rolling rumble on the rink. It’s emotional. “This is our tribe, we support one another. Push one another,” Corky said. “A lot of roller derby is strong women coming together and making each other stronger—becoming family. A support system in all areas.” Sounds like an answer you’d hear sitting on the couch across from a therapist. Which makes sense, since the skater known as Corkscrew Yu, is a family therapist. “When you see success on the track, you see it in other areas of life. It gives you confidence,” Corky the therapist said. Crystal understands that. “These

are some of the most empowering, humble and strong women I know,” she said. “Whatever you need to talk about, skating, mom life, they’re encouraging and helpful.”

It’s a good thing she sees eye-toeye with Coach Cronin because, despite the bruised tailbone, Crystal passed her assessments and now rolls with Corky’s team as Killing Smalls, a nod to her daughter’s favorite movie—Sandlot. Though derby is tough, the skaters don’t want to scare anyone off. “We’re very family friendly, kids ten and under are free,” said CSI Jordan. “The DJ keeps the music clean, they even tell you to be careful choosing your name. We’re rough and tumble, but family friendly.” So bring the family down and check out a bout. Maybe mom will go all roller derby and you can help her pick her name after she aces assessments. Is she a picture taker? How about Mamarazzi. Does she hate slow drivers? How about Move It or Lose It. The possibilities are endless… v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | December 2017

TRAVEL

Weekend in Vegas by Deborah DOVE

Bigger than life, glitzy and glamorous, Las Vegas is like nowhere else on Earth. Nicknamed Sin City for its gambling, clubs, on-the-go wedding chapels and 24-hour liquor sales, Las Vegas offers so much more than just gambling (although that’s reason enough to go). Amazing shows? Check. Food by award-winning chefs and sumptuous buffets? Check. Roller coasters? Check. Machine gun shooting ranges? Yep. Ziplines? You got it. Helicopter tours? Numerous ones. Free attractions? Lots of them. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girls (or guys)

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

trip or you’re going with the family, Las Vegas is a vacation destination like no other. Here’s the lowdown on how to hit the highpoints in a weekend.

Day One On your way into town (the Strip is just two miles from the airport), be sure to stop and take a picture in front of the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign located just south of Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Speaking of the Strip, it’s the best place to stay if you want to be immersed in the culture of Las Vegas and sample all the various casinos. We stayed at the Paris, because it was my first trip to Vegas and it’s centrally located to all the attractions, but each hotel has its own unique vibe. In fact, one of my favorite things to do in Vegas was seeing all the hotels—each one was like stepping into another world. Get a taste of Italy at The Venetian, complete with gondola rides (go in the evening if you’re looking for romance), view the Strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a romantic breakfast al fresco at Mon Ami Gabi French restaurant at Paris, or ride the roller coaster that plunges riders through the middle of the casino at New York New York. And, no trip to Las Vegas is complete without watching the iconic fountains “dance” to music along the shores of the lake in front of the Bellagio at the center of the Las Vegas Strip. While you’re there, dip inside to stroll the conservatory and

botanical gardens. Other free shows on the Strip include a big-top show at Circus Circus, an erupting volcano at the Mirage, a Mardi Gras show at Rio and a pirate ship battle in front of Treasure Island. After you’ve spent the afternoon exploring the hotels and trying your luck at the slot machines or tables, enjoy a creative cocktail at the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan—

aptly named because it’s like being inside a chandelier draped in dazzling lights. Enjoy dinner at any one of the restaurants owned by world-class chefs such as Gordon Ramsay’s steakhouse in Paris, Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand or Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at Caesar’s Palace. When night falls, take in the mesmerizing panoramic city lights

Allen Image | October 2017

hike, climb and picnic. If adventure is more your thing, check out Machine Guns Vegas, a gun range where you can experience shooting machine guns, assault rifles and famous weapons from movies and video games. In the evening, splurge on one of the hundreds of over-the-top shows Vegas is known for. Choose from various Cirque de Soleil shows, concert headliners like Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Elton John; magic, comedy and hypnosis shows; and big productions like Blue Man Group and La Reve. If nightlife is more your thing, Vegas is known for its nightclubs, from Pure, the nightclub at Caesar’s palace with a view of the strip which is owned in part by Celine Dion, Shaquille O’Neal, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, to XS Nightclub, an elegant club inspired by the curves of the human body that surrounds Encore’s sparkling pool and regularly features popular DJs such as the Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, David Guetta and Major Lazer.

Day Three and skyline that Vegas is known for. There are numerous ways to see the city. Helicopter tours fly over the strip, offering a unique way to see the lights. The High Roller at the LINQ— the biggest observation wheel in the world at 550-feet in the air—offers panoramic views of the skyline, complete with an open bar. The Eiffel Tower at Paris is a decent way to see the city as well, and as a bonus, if you time it right, you’ll have an amazing view of the fountains at the Bellagio. Head over to Fremont Street in old downtown Las Vegas for the Fremont Street Experience. Here you’ll find the well-known Viva Vision canopy ceiling that’s a constantly moving play of colors and

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

light, as well as a slot machineinspired zip line that travels under the canopy. There are also street performers and interesting attractions such as the shark tank at the Gold Nugget (you can even ride in a clear waterslide alongside the sharks) and the downtown container park with shops restaurants and bars in giant shipping containers.

Day Two Spend the day exploring further afield. Tour the Hoover Dam (either on its own or as part of a Grand Canyon tour, although plan all day for the latter), or rent a car and drive out to Red Rock Canyon, where you can see 3000-foot-high red rock formations,

Vegas is notorious for its food as much as for its entertainment, so indulge in one of the many buffets for breakfast or brunch. A few of the best Strip hotel buffets include the Bellagio, Paris (the French-themed food, including a crepe bar, is served in the Vegas version of a French village, complete with cobblestone walkways, old-fashioned lamp posts and faux store and home fronts), and the global fare at Rio (which is also the best buffet for kids, with mac and cheese, burgers and make-your-own milkshakes). Before you head back to reality, spend the afternoon recovering poolside, which, like everything else in Sin City, means extravagance. Catch some rays at your own hotel pool or visit one of the five pools at the Bellagio or the seven at Caesars Palace with stately columns, statues

Holiday Events

and swim-up black jack. The fully covered, climate-controlled pool at the Cosmopolitan lets visitors don their bikinis in the dead of winter, while the Mandalay Bay Beach offers a wave pool, sandy beach, lazy river,

poolside casino, and an adults-only top-optional enclave. The cream of the crop, however, is the 55,000-squarefoot oasis at the Encore that has palm trees, top DJs, a gaming pit, and daybeds perched in the water.

During the month of December, the Cosmopolitan transforms its fourth-floor outdoor pool into an ice-skating rink complete with snow flurries and sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores over an open fire pit. Holiday visitors can also see the festive cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory festooned with half a million lights, watch seasonal tunes at the Bellagio fountains and stroll through a holiday display at the conservatory at the Bellagio, featuring twinkling lights, snow-flocked trees, more than 28,000 poinsettias, families of arctic animals and a 42-foot White Fir holiday tree. For more information, visit www. lasvegastourism.com. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | December 2017

KIDS KORNER

Lighting Up the Holiday Season By Deborah DOVE

The best places to see holiday lights this season Public Events Frisco’s Christmas in the Square, the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas, returns for its 13th year this Christmas with over 175,000 lights set to music. Walk under the wonderland of lights in the square for free or see them from an open-air, horse-drawn carriage for $6 per person (Friday-Sunday only). Enjoy snow flurries every fifteen minutes on Fridays and Saturdays or skate on the outdoor ice skating rink ($12/person with skates). Visit www.friscosquare.com for more information. Hailed as one of the “South’s Best Holiday Experiences” by Southern Living magazine, the 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum outdoor exhibit returns through January 8. Enjoy a three-quarter mile walk through a winter wonderland with a collection of 25-foottall, three-dimensional glass gazebos extravagantly decorated and featuring costumed characters, animals and music. The Arboretum is also open at night for special lighted holiday showings. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org for more information. Enchant, The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze & Market, makes its debut in Texas this holiday season at the Globe Life Park in Arlington through December 31. Navigate the world’s largest outdoor Christmas light maze (can you find all nine reindeer?), visit Santa in his golden palace and experience a taste of Central Park on the outdoor ice skating pond. Other must-sees include the tallest Christmas tree in North Texas (great for photo ops), the Enchant Christmas Market with over 100 shopping vendors and food trucks, nightly live music and entertainment and a kids’ mini maze. Tickets are available at www.enchantchristmas.com. The Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is a one-of-a-kind, drive through holiday light park at the largest speedway in Texas. Be sure and visit Santa at Santa’s Village in a garage on the inside track at the end of drive and ride the miniature train. Cost is $25/ car. Visit www.giftoflights.com for tickets and more information.

the lights and holiday décor along a half mile nature trail at Holidays at the Heard Museum. Take a photo with Father Christmas and Mother Nature and enjoy family-friendly entertainment. Visit www.heardmuseum.org for tickets. Walk under 1.1 million twinkling lights at the Shops at Legacy and check out the 65-foot Christmas tree located in front of the Marriot, which with 100,000 lights—three times the amount of lights as the Rockefeller tree in New York City. Free.

Neighborhoods Woodsboro Court in Lexington at Twin Creeks, Allen—Exchange at Ridgeview This street has large lots with a few spectacular holiday displays, including 1715 and 1844 San Jacinto Drive, but all of Twin Creeks is worth a drive through. Village of Eldorado, McKinney—Eldorado at Country Club Historically a good neighborhood for seeing lights, with many of the streets coordinating to present a theme such as cartoon characters, Santa and nativity scenes. Tucker Hill, McKinney—Off Hwy 380, between N. Custer Rd. and Lake Forest Dr. Lots of lights and decorations make this neighborhood—which has a small-town feel—a great place to drive or walk through. Deerfield, Plano—Off Legacy Dr. between Ohio and Preston Rd. Hands-down the best neighborhood for Christmas lights display in Collin County with over 75 percent of the homes participating, you can see the lights by driving, parking and walking, by limo, Segway tour or carriage ride. Don’t miss the clubhouse, with its reindeer and 14-foot Christmas tree. Go early (before 7 pm) to beat the traffic.

Single Homes These homes put on a great show last year.

Watters Creek is decorated for the season with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, trees wrapped in lights and a 30-foot tree with 145,000 lights synchronized to holiday music nightly. On weekends, visitors can enjoy free carriage rides.

Spectacular Lights Display and Decorations:

This holiday season, Holiday Sights and Sounds will run through December 24, with Christmas lights synchronized to music every fifteen minutes on the big Christmas tree in The Grove at the Village of Allen. Free.

In Plano—1101 Stone Trail Drive (inspired by Clark Griswold) and 2708 Westridge Drive (featured on Good Morning America).

The annual holiday tree outside of Macy’s at Fairview Town Center returns this year, with a light show synchronized to holiday music. Visit www.fairviewtowncenter.com for more holiday events. Free.

Lights Set to Music in Allen

On December 15-16 from 6:30-9:30 pm, bundle up the kids and see

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

In Allen—1106 Country Lane, 507 Creekside Drive, 1104 Krum Court, 740 Monticello Circle, 706 Pulitzer Lane and 1522 Rustic Trail. In Lucas—1900 Rock Ridge Road.

In McKinney—5912 White Pine Drive, (also, nearby 3405 Loblolly Lane with characters and a carousel) 1227 Concho Drive, 1520 Harvest Run, 2010 Hopewell Drive and 1623 Pecan Creek Lane. v

EDUCATION

Past and Present Collide: Alumna Forges New Future

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

by Heather DARROW

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

Mara Pitcher is a survivor. Born four months before her father’s death, she learned resilience at a young age. Unlike her peers, she did not bond with her dad during vacations or sporting events. Instead, she held the teddy bear he bought her and gazed at the framed image of her father holding her on the day of her birth. Pitcher celebrated her father’s birthday and holidays with visits to the cemetery, and she grew to love this man through her mother’s stories. “It was definitely hard. I was forced to grow up fast. I was a more serious kid who was very aware of those big picture things,” she said. Years later, Pitcher married her high school sweetheart, Patrick, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She put her night classes on hold while she worked, encouraging him to continue his education. In a horrible twist of fate, Pitcher found herself in her mother’s predicament—she was a young widow. She accepted Patrick’s college degree posthumously. “2009 was my bad year. I lost my husband, my job and my cat. It was like a bad country song. Support groups are geared toward the elderly and parents. There wasn’t a spot for me; however, I had an advantage over my mom. I joined online cancer spouse and widow forums,” Pitcher said. In the midst of the heartbreak Pitcher’s life began to take a turn for the better. She made lifelong online friends including a widower from Texas who invited her to visit. “I fell in love with this area. There are lots of jobs. I packed up my car and said, ‘I am just going to try it.’”

tutoring, research librarians, leadership training, and the career and writing centers. She participated

in community service via service learning classes and collaborated on Dr. Dallie Clark’s exhibit “The Letter

Hitting the Ground Running Moving to North Texas and attending Collin College changed Pitcher’s life. She took advantage of numerous college resources including Allen Image | December 2017

as Art in the Digital Age.” She also took an academic coop class which led to writing a Collin County Historical Commission grant for the Heritage Association of Frisco Inc., which was funded by the Collin County Commissioner’s Office and led to a City of Frisco Municipal Volunteer Program Silver Star Award. Pitcher took honors classes, served as an officer for the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Mu Tau honor society, was named to the All Texas Academic Team, inducted into the National Society of Collegiate

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

Scholars, named a Collin College Emerging Scholar and received the Collin College Foundation Brett Adams Engaged Faculty Scholarship. She earned a Collin College associate of arts degree, received the Collin College Lebrecht-Hites Scholarship and the Southern Methodist University (SMU) North Texas Community College Scholarship. “Professor Brett Adams taught my very first class at Collin College,” said Pitcher. “He became my mentor and helped me think about applying to universities. Collin has many advantages like small classroom sizes, connections to professors and affordable classes.” After leaving Collin College, Pitcher received the SMU Henry S. Jacobus Junior Paper Prize in History. “All history majors have to write an intensive paper their junior year. It is 25 pages of original primary research. Collin must have prepared me well if I could write the best paper at SMU my first semester there,” she stated. Pitcher also received the SMU Abroad Scholarship, and this summer she traveled to England and Italy where she had the opportunity to

finally meet an online widow friend and see Churchill’s war rooms. “To see the pin holes they used to mark where the forces were was amazing. This is the room where he made all his decisions,” she said with awe. While England took her breath away, the most profound experience for Pitcher occurred in Italy. “My father was raised by Italian immigrants. When I saw Michelangelo’s Pietà in person it brought tears to my eyes because every Christmas we put my father’s beloved Pietà statue on the mantle,” she said.

Forging a Promising Future History may be the lens through which Pitcher views the world, but love is the predominant theme weaving through the moments of her life. She fell in love with Texas and the widower that extended her the invitation to visit years ago. Today, she is engaged, and in less than a year she will earn a bachelor’s degree that aligns her experiences with a larger purpose. “As a widow, I feel like a historian for Patrick. I carry on his memory. My mom was the historian for my dad. It is comforting to place yourself in a huge timeline of the whole experience; there are so many stories to explore.” Pitcher hopes others will consider going to college so they can create a new storyline for their lives. “Keep showing up. Make the extra effort. I know it is exhausting. When you can do it, give that 110 percent even if you don’t believe in yourself and you will surprise yourself. It is hard work. There is no short cut, but it is worth it,” she said. For more information about classes at Collin College visit https:// www.collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College.

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Allen Image | December 2017

FEATURE

FAIRY Tale Collection

by Deborah DOVE

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

hen you’ve collected something for thirty years and that collection fills an entire room in your house (not to mention the boxes stored in the closet), it’s more of an obsession, a fact Stefanie Best readily admits to. “It’s a manifestation of my OCD personality,” she says with a laugh. Stefanie has been collecting everything Snow White since 1987, and her extensive and amazing collection now includes everything Snow White-themed you can imagine (and some that you can’t)—figurines, snow globes, music boxes, dolls of all shapes and sizes (including Barbie as Snow White), pictures, electric tooth brushes, watches, collectible plates, bedding, cologne, fashion wear, custom-made blinds and even a box of cereal. “I’m trained to see the color scheme,” she half-jokes. Why a Snow White collection? Stefanie can’t quite put her finger on why she started the collection, but she has always felt an affinity with the first Disney Princess. Stefanie fondly remembers seeing the movie at the theater when she was five. It was her first Disney movie and Walt Disney Studios’ first full length animated movie, which at the time was dubbed “Disney’s folly” as everyone predicted it would be a costly failure. Instead, it was a huge success, becoming the year’s highest grossing film and the cornerstone of the Disney animation empire we now know. Stefanie loved everything about the movie—the artistry of it, the soft watercolor look, the operatic way it was written, and the way the dialogue flows to music and back again. “It’s a window on a different time,” says Best, who admits to a love for old movies and the Golden Age of Hollywood and was a movie critic and reviewer during college. Stefanie Best obtained her undergraduate degree in English and

Journalism and considered going to law school until she discovered her passion for dance, ultimately earning a masters degree in ballet from the University of Houston. “I decided if I was going to throw my life away on art, I’d go all in,” she laughs. She performed with the Dallas Opera before opening the Allen Conservatory of Dance in Allen in 1995, a ballet studio focusing on classic ballet and contemporary dance. Teaching ballet to girls ages four to adulthood and choreographing numerous productions for the Allen Civic Ballet (some of them featuring princesses) has given her a unique perspective, and perhaps made her appreciate the character of Snow White even more. “Disney characters like Elsa are so unattainable,” she says. “Girls compare themselves to these princesses and come up short.” Snow

White, on the other hand—a princess with black hair, brown eyes, a realistic figure and a childish voice—is much more relatable to young girls. Best herself has always felt a personal kinship with the character of Snow White. “I love animals,” says Stefanie. “I don’t eat them and I don’t wear them. So I found her rapport with animals endearing.” With a sly smile, she adds, “I also admired her ability to get animals to do housework. When I ask my cats to do the laundry, they keep mixing up the whites and the colors.” Although she doesn’t know exactly why she started her collection, Stefanie vividly remembers the first piece she bought. It was in 1987—the fiftieth anniversary of the movie—and Stefanie saw a Snow White figurine in a store window during a trip to San Francisco that stimulated that nostalgic feeling she remembered

Allen Image | December 2017

from her childhood. She had to have it. Later during that same trip, she stumbled across her first Disney store and the rest is history. “I had never seen a Disney store before,” she says. “There were even more options. I wanted more things!” And so began the collection that would grow over the next thirty years, ultimately occupying an entire room in her Allen home, complete with custom blinds embellished with Snow White’s face and a bed decked out in Snow White linens and scattered with plush dwarfs. Since then, she has purchased numerous pieces herself and been given many more by others, and each piece of her collection tells a story. Many of the items in her collection have been added or have come to her in unique and interesting ways. A number of pieces have come

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

from Disney theme parks. Stefanie is a huge fan of Disney parks—she describes it as her dream vacation— and she and her husband try to go every year as their anniversary gift to themselves. “There are no problems there,” she explains. “Everything is beautiful. Everything tastes good.” Stefanie adds something to her collection every time she visits a park. Even when she found herself in Paris for a day visiting her mother, who was a chemist with the Peace Corps, she hopped on the Metro and went to Euro Disney Park (now Disneyland Paris). That sparked her craze for European Snow White collectibles. “I gobbled up the Euro version,” she says. In fact, many pieces in her collection come from all over the

world. She has Snow White matryoshka dolls (wooden nesting dolls) and a Snow White Faberge egg from Russia. She has Snow White books written in Farsi and Snow White books in Japanese that came from a Japanese pen pal she connected with while working at the City Desk of the now defunct Dallas Times Herald newspaper. On her honeymoon in Cancun, she was at an outdoor market in the middle of nowhere near some Mayan ruins where she found a white, carved Snow White figure to add to her collection. On another trip—this time visiting ancient European ruins with her husband in Italy—she purchased a Snow White doll that was so big she had to carry it home on the plane to avoid the three-hundred-dollar shipping charge. “It became a modern day treasure hunt for me and my friends,” she says. She says that adding to her collection allows her friends the joy of finding that perfect gift. In fact, it became a challenge for her husband and friends to find Snow White items she didn’t have and buy them for her. “It’s touching,” she says, and she associates many of the pieces in her collection with a certain person or a special moment in her life. One friend gave her a beautiful hand drawn picture of Snow White. For their twentieth wedding anniversary, her husband bought her a Lenox collectible figurine of Snow White in a white dress. Another friend made her a Snow White costume when she was twentyfive. She purchased a wig to go with it, and often dressed up in it, joking that when she died she wanted to be buried in a glass coffin wearing it. After she turned forty, she put the costume away, thinking it unseemly, but brought it out a few years ago and wore it to the Allen Philharmonic’s Hauntcert. “I got pulled into a lot of pictures,” says Best, who, even in her fifties, is a dead-ringer for the princess and could still easily fit into the costume.

Some of her more unique (and potentially valuable) pieces include a picture that is signed by the girl who voiced Snow White in the original film and publicity stills she bought at a shop in Hollywood. Her favorite piece from her collection is a giant Snow White figure she purchased at Epcot. Why? “I don’t know. It’s big,” she laughs. As her collection has grown, Stefanie has become more discerning about what she adds to it. “It has to be unusual or particularly beautiful,” she says. “At one point, I thought I could own everything. Now I realize that’s not possible.” However, if she could add just one more thing, at the top of her wish list is one of the original cels from the movie—the transparent sheets on which objects were drawn or painted for the traditional hand-drawn animation like Snow White. Despite her immense, diverse and undoubtedly valuable collection,

Stefanie Best has never looked into how much some of her pieces are worth. “It would be too tempting,” she says, referring to both the temptation to sell something and the

temptation to buy more. “As long as it gives me pleasure, I will keep it and tend it like a garden.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | December 2017