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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

February 2015

Vol. 25, Issue 2

cover story

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no putting out this bluegrass fire

Bluegrass music has opened doors, offered entertaining opportunities and introduced other talented musicians to Allen fire captain Chris Plumlee. It has also proved to be a significant tie to his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;past, present and future.

feature

Sam Presser Punts, Passes and Kicks His Way to Victory

Eleven-year-old Sam Presser of Allen won the North Texas/Oklahoma NFL Punt, Pass and Kick State Championship and finished fifth in the nation overall.

special sections

KIDS KORNER

Valentine Crafts

35 CALENDAR 50 PET PAGE

Olivia

44 20

22 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

gardening

10 MMA returns to Allen Event

19 Freddie King

30 Lessons from an Irish garden

20 Food for Thought Café

travel

Dr. Flowers Rivera

32 Best ski resorts for families

Notes from the Midnight Driver

Center

12 AHS Orchestra alumnus returns 14

Smile! You’re on park security cameras!

15 Allen Railroad History/Sam Bass Day Celebration

Artist Sara Stahl

Destination Anywhere

education 24

Scholarships help Collin College students shape the future

Eagles Score 4th State Championship

24 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

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32 contributing writers Alexa Acosta Chelsey Aprill Deborah Dove Tom Keener Kathy Litinas Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson Simon Valentin

Allen Image © 2015 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year.

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage.com.

civic forum

MMA returns to Allen Event Center by Jeff MUES

Allen Event Center is pleased to announce the return of MMA (mixed martial arts) with Legacy Fighting Championship 38 set to take place on February 13. It will be the fourth Legacy Fighting Championship event hosted at the arena. For the uninitiated, MMA is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, in an octagon-shaped ring. Originally promoted as a competition with the intention of finding the most effectiveÂ martial artsÂ for real unarmed combat situations, the sport began to gain popularity as an entertainment form in the early 1990s, popularized by the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The sport continued to grow, reaching a level of popularity, if not exceeding that of boxing, which has slipped a bit in terms of

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popularity and television viewership since the 1980s. Founded in 2006, the Houstonbased Legacy Fighting Championship brand of MMA has capitalized on increased interest in the sport, landing a television deal with Mark Cuban’s AXS-TV network. Internationally broadcast, 40 million homes in North America have the opportunity to look in on fights, including those which have been hosted at Allen Event Center. The best way, of course, to view the sport is in person, especially at Allen Event Center where there’s not a bad seat in the house. With tickets starting at just $25, Legacy Fighting Championship 38 is a must-attend for anyone with an interest in MMA, as well as those who enjoy combat sports such as boxing or wrestling, but are looking for something new. Those who give it a try are in for quite an evening with a fight card featuring some of the top fighters in the sport. After a lengthy run with the UFC, Anthony Njokuani (16-9) headlines the list of fighters. Making his Legacy FC debut facing fellow lightweight, Thomas Gifford (8-6), Njokuani is a three-time “Knockout of the Night” winner who is known for a crowd-pleasing fighting style that’s heavy on striking. Gifford, who is twelve years younger than Njokuani, is poised to compete and possibly knock off the favorite as he comes into the fight with considerable momentum from a second-round knockout of Wade Johnson at Legacy FC 34 in August. Njokuani-Gifford sets up as just one of many great fights on a fight card which will also include a co-feature bantamweight bout between Jason Sampson (11-1) and Joseph Sandoval (7-4). Sampson will make his Legacy FC debut as well, after a three-fight run in Bellator, where he won one fight a year in 2012, 2013 and 2014 (his lone bouts during those years). In addition to those two muchanticipated bouts, eight others have

been confirmed to appear on the Legacy Fighting Championship 38 fight card: • Caio Machado (5-1) vs. Steven Peterson (11-4) at bantamweight; • Evan Martinez (4-0) vs. Augusto Mendes (3-0) at bantamweight; • Charles Byrd (6-3) vs. Evan Thompson (5-1) at middleweight; • Saul Elizondo (6-4) vs. Eli Tamez (8-0) at bantamweight; • Andrew Parker (5-0) vs. Victor Reyna (5-1) at welterweight;

• Mark Delarosa (2-0) vs. Keeton Gorton at bantamweight; • Tristam Grimley (5-4) vs. George Pacurariu (6-3) at 135 pounds; • Miles Johns (1-1) vs. Levi Mowles (1-0) at bantamweight. Tickets: 800.745.3000; ticketmaster. com or Allen Event Center Box Office, 200 E. Stacy Road, in Allen. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

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AHS Orchestra alumnus returns by Kathy LITINAS

The Allen Philharmonic is pleased to welcome musicians, Glen McDaniel, Alex McDonald, Joseph Kuipers, Grace Kang Wollett, Rachel Li McDonald, Scott Sheffler and Chloe Trevor to the concert stage on Sunday, February 22. This chamber concert event, in partnership with the Marinus Ensemble, takes place in the Civic Auditorium of the Allen Public Library at 7 p.m. Glen McDaniel, alumnus of Allen High School, has been presented as a recitalist and chamber musician across the U.S. and Europe and has worked with such renowned artists as Vadim Gluzman, John Kimura Parker, William Preucil, Philippe Quint, Kenneth Slowik and Arnold Steinhardt. Most notably, Glen was privileged to perform under the baton of the Glen McDaniel illustrious violinist Itzhak Perlman in a gala concert in Houston. Recently, Glen has enjoyed an eclectic performance schedule as an orchestral musician as well as a touring musician with the Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe. Glen has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Miles Davis Hall at the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Sydney Opera House. In December of 2011, he had the privilege to join Ms. Monáe in Oslo, Norway, for the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Glen began his violin studies in Dallas under the tutelage of Arkady Fomin, and continued his education at Rice as a student of Kenneth Goldsmith. Further studies

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continued at the University of Maryland under the guidance of David Salness. David DeVoto, Director of Orchestras for Allen ISD, reflected on his working relationship with Mr. McDaniel, a member of the orchestra at Allen High School… In the early days of the Allen High School orchestra program, Glen was an invaluable part of our future success. When I arrived in 2002, students were starting to enroll into orchestra at Allen High School. We had about 30 to 40 students in the class—all with different levels of playing ability. Glen was one of the most talented musicians, as he had studied violin privately and performed with youth orchestras in the Dallas area. He was a great role model for me to use for the other students to understand what a high level of student musicianship could be. The Marinus Ensemble will perform Glen McDaniel’s arrangements of Franz Schubert’s “Der Mueller Und Der Bach,” Sam Smith’s “Latch” and Hozier’s “Take Me to Church.” Additional programming includes Franz Schubert’s “Quintet in A, op. 114,” “Trout,” and Robert Schuman’s “Piano Quintet in E-flat, op. 44.” In selecting these works, ensemble member Alex McDonald stated, “I always feel that the romantic spirit is what is at the heart of our very best music—the sounds and feelings of love for nature and each other, and no one does this better than Schubert and Schumann.”

Since his orchestral debut at age 11, pianist Alex McDonald has soloed with the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Mexico, the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Utah Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has performed across the U.S. as well as in Israel, Canada, Japan and South Korea. Cellist Joseph Kuipers made his solo debut in his native Minnesota performing the Elgar Concerto at the age of 16. Joseph completed his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and then studied for five years in Germany and Switzerland. Dedicated to the music of our time, he has worked extensively with composers who include Robert Cogan, Heinz Holliger and Helmut Lachemann. Joseph is the co-artistic director of the Marinus Project, an international collective of chamber musicians dedicated to the tradition of classical music in our time. Grace Kang Wollett, violin, is engaged in an active teaching and performing career. As a member of Trio Venia that made its debut at the Banff Music Festival in 2010, this group has made its home in New York City performing in halls, cultural centers and medical facilities. Locally, Grace is a member of the first violin section of the Dallas Opera Orchestra. Rachel Li McDonald, violist, made her debut chamber performance at the age of 17 through the “From the Top Live from Carnegie” broadcast on PBS. She recently performed as part of Rice University’s Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall conducted by Larry Rachleff. Scott Sheffler is a classical freelance double bass player in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. A musician with over twenty years of experience, Scott is the principal bass of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and performs in other area orchestras that include the Dallas Opera, Las Colinas Symphony and the Arlington Symphony. Scott started playing bass at the age of 11 and completed his

undergraduate studies in Bass Performance at SMU and earned his Masters and Artist Diploma at Yale. Chloé Trevor, violin, was the grand prize winner at the 2006 Lynn Harrell Competition, the 2005 Lennox Competition, the 2003 Dallas Symphonic Festival Competition and the 2000 Collin County Young Artists Competition. She has been a featured violinist in the Music in the Mountains Festival in Colorado, at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and with

the Missouri Symphony Orchestra. She was also chosen to perform on the nationally syndicated “From the Top” radio program. For tickets and information, please call our office at 972.359.0656 or visit our website www.allenphilharmonic. org. Come be inspired and entertained; we cannot wait to share great music with you. v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO Board of Directors.

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Smile! You’re on park security cameras! Allen invests in security technology to curb costly vandalism by Chelsey APRILL

Celebration Park may be known for its colorful splash pad and whimsical architecture, but inside the park’s concession and restroom facilities, maintenance crews often find something far from playful. “We’ve seen skylights shattered, toilets cracked with a sledgehammer, doors ripped from restroom stalls. Someone even poured concrete mix down the toilets,” recounts Brian Bristow, assistant director of Allen’s parks and recreation department. “This is not graffiti. This is pure, unabashed, out-to-damage vandalism.” And taxpayers are footing the bill. The city spends thousands of dollars each time vandals smash urinals or torch toilet paper dispensers. Restrooms must be locked until repairs are finished, leaving visitors without proper facilities for a week or more. Frustrated, Bristow and parks superintendent Zach Francis began lobbying for a solution—specifically, security cameras to be placed strategically throughout the park. “I’ve seen little to no vandalism at facilities with security cameras,” notes Francis. When he joined the department in 2011, cameras were already operating at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and The Edge @ Allen Station Park. Bristow agrees the cameras have helped. “Police are able to identify areas of vulnerability and, in some cases, find suspects,” he explains. Bristow says cameras can also prevent damage, with even the boldest vandals turning bashful when there’s a camera involved. It was enough to convince the Community Development Corporation

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(CDC), which allotted $250,000 in sales tax revenue to beef up park security. Allen City Council approved an installation and maintenance contract with Dallas-based Securadyne in December. By spring, eighteen cameras will feed video to a secure server inside Allen City Hall. The Celebration Park project required less than two-thirds of the CDC budget, leaving the city nearly $100,000 to spend on security projects at other parks. Though most visitors will appreciate the safety measures, Bristow offers reassurance to the few who may feel uneasy about those cameras. He stresses the feeds will be reviewed by select staff or police only if there is an issue. ”We’re not paying anyone to sit in front of a row of monitors and watch people.” Francis believes the cameras will curb vandalism, but he also foresees another, potentially valuable use. With cameras monitoring play areas and parking lots, he says police could have instant leads should the unthinkable happen. “It’s a crowded area. Not every parent stands next to their kid at all times, especially in the splash pad. This adds an extra layer of security.” The cameras may also alleviate stress on Francis’ maintenance crews, who must be pulled from other jobs each time vandals strike. The added work is frustrating and disheartening—but, Francis hopes, only temporary. “To see people disrespecting city property like this; it’s sad. It has to stop.”v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Railroad History

Sam Bass Day Celebration

Allen was founded by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) in 1874. An exhibit from the H&TC archives on some of Allen’s train history is on display through February, at the Allen Heritage Center/Depot. The exhibit will culminate in the Sam Bass Day Celebration on February 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the depot, which is located at 100 East Main. The Allen Heritage Guild is working with the Friends of the Library and Allen Reads this year. The 2015 ALLen Reads book is Orphan Train by Christine Baker Kline, and there will be a small exhibit in the depot about orphan trains. This year ’s Sam Bass Day Art Contest is based on the ALLen Reads book for elementary students, Matchbox Diaries by Paul Fleishman. Students are asked to make a representation of their lives through art. The rules are posted on the Allen Heritage Guild website, www.allenheritage.org, and at each Allen ISD campus. Entrants to the art contest must register online. There will be a panel discussion, led by Burton Gilliam, about people’s favorite film and TV cowboys from their childhood. The discussion will begin at 11 a.m., and at noon, a cow

boy lunch of beans and cornbread will be served. Family activities also begin at noon. Come dressed as your favorite childhood cowboy film or TV star and enter the contest that starts at 12:30 p.m. Allen High School drama students will re-enact the famous Sam Bass robbery at 12:45 and 1:45 p.m., and the awards ceremony for the Sam Bass Day Art Contest will be held at 2:30 p.m.

Several activities are planned including: ring the Ebenezer Allen steam train bell; dress up to ride a train in the 1800’s; shovel coal into a train engine; fill the tender with water from a water tower; send a message on a telegraph; rope a steer; play horseshoes; ride a mini train; watch blacksmiths at work; make a work of art using train stamps; and take your picture as part of the Sam Bass gang. Come to the depot and bring the family to learn more about Allen’s train history. v

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library

Freddie King by Tom KEENER

Texas cannonball Freddie King electrified the world with his music. Eric Clapton and Leon Russell cited Freddie’s music as a career influence. Listen to a reunion of the legendary Freddie King band at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 6, at the Allen Public Library. All band members played with Freddie during his remarkable career. The band includes Lewis Stephens, Andrew Jr. Boy Jones, Sugar Boy Myers, Deacon Jones, Freddie’s brother Benny Turner and his daughter Wanda King. Born in Gilmer, Texas, on September

3, 1934, Freddie grew up listening to country music and blues rooted in Mississippi. While a teen, Freddie moved with his family to Chicago where he met music legends Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Little Walter and many more.

Freddie participated in marathon recording sessions with Sonny Thompson. Their first 45-rpm release was “Have You Ever Loved A Woman” and “Hide Away” in 1960. Both songs were big hits on the R&B charts, but “Hide Away” took off across America like a rocket. This blues song scoring a hit on the pop chart was an inaugural event. Young whites and blacks were captivated by Freddie’s unique blues style. More of his albums were sold during this period (1961-63) than any other blues artist including B.B. King. Freddie and his wife were Texans in both blood and soul and they chose to move to Dallas. Freddie performed on the Chitlin’ Circuit for a few years, but soon, huge rock concerts became more appealing and profitable. Freddie performed for the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969 and Led Zeppelin stopped what it was doing to watch him work his magic. He eventually traveled all over America and Europe. Dying suddenly in 1976 at the age of 42, Freddie’s cause of death has often been attributed to poor diet and stress, both related to his almost nonstop concert travels. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. Call 214.509.4911 for v more information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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MARKET PLACE

A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

The Allen Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Dr. Flowers Rivera Food For Thought Market and Café will demonstrate easy one-pot meals for your home crockpot at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 18, at the Allen Public Library’s meeting room. Participants will learn how to assemble an easy, yet healthy, one-pot meal, try a sample tasting, and one lucky attendee will win a full one-pot meal along with a crockpot. Call 214.509.4905 to register. Sponsored by Adult Services, this program is free, but limited to 25 patrons age 18 or older. Since July 1, 2013, Food for Thought’s, Jennifer, Kathy and Lewis Bell have been serving “blue ribbonworthy” food in the Allen Public Library, with an emphasis on acknowledging food preferences, allergies and likes or dislikes. Daughter Jennifer and mother Kathy do catering as well as operating the café 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday. With advance notice, diners can have delicious food packaged to go or “take & bake” entrees will be waiting for pick up. Since the Allen Civic Auditorium and Allen Library meeting rooms are for hire nearby, Food for Thought Market & Café is ready to provide for your event needs. v

Mindful Meditation

Discover a Healthier You presents Mindful Meditation at 12 p.m., Thursday, February 12, in the library’s second floor program room. Over 30 years of research on the benefits of mindfulness meditation have shown a boost in working memory, reduced stress/anxiety, improved focus, less emotional reactivity, more cognitive flexibility and improvements in overall well-being. Join us for this one-time session as Dr. Susie Wolbe who encourages students, parents and educators to lead a more balanced life with attention given to their personal needs, including positive self-image, resiliency, and integrity. This free program is offered to patrons age 18 or older. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214.509.4913. v

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Award-winning poet Dr. Flowers Rivera will read from her works and discuss current trends in African-American literature at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 12, at the Allen Public Library. Her debut poetry collection Troubling Accents (July 2013) received a nomination from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters and was selected by the Texas Association of Authors as its 2014 Poetry Book of the Year. Rivera’s second collection, Heathen, has been selected by poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller as the winner of the 2014 Naomi Madgett Poetry Award. A form of revisionist mythology, Heathen explores myths through the lens of race, gender and southern culture. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. A native of Mississippi, Dr. Rivera completed a Ph.D. in English, specializing in African-American literature and creative writing, from Binghamton University and an M.A. in English at Hollins University. As a Collin College English professor, she garnered a prestigious Leo Love Scholarship Award that was associated with the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference in New Mexico. Rivera’s poetry and fiction have been published nationally. Her short story “The Iron Bars” won the 1999 Peregrine Prize, and Rivera was a finalist in 2002 for both the Naomi Long Madgett Award and the Akron Poetry Prize and a two-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize. v

Notes from the Midnight Driver Meet Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Notes from the Midnight Driver, at 7:30 p.m. February 19, at the Allen Public Library. This critically-acclaimed book tells the story of an angry young man in an emotional crisis who is assigned community service to assist an elderly man. Eventually, the two resolve their pasts and their differences in humorous, entertaining and transformative ways. Sponsored by ALLen Reads, this program is free. Through a careful negotiation of expectations and without too much interference, a senior citizen can offer a unique relationship to a young adult. This special relationship is the basis for Notes from the Midnight Driver. While teaching eighth grade English, Sonnenblick was confronted with students demonstrating serious behavioral issues. So, he made them write “apologies.” This practice gave him the idea of writing about a “teen who does something really dumb, thinks it’s funny and refuses to apologize until he learns a lesson about taking responsibility.” At the same time, Sonnenblick’s grandfather was showing symptoms of dementia. “I wanted to write him as a character—not as the weak, doddering oldster he was becoming, but as the fierce, proud lion he had been,” he notes. “Those two forces—the irresponsible, self-serving teen, and the fierce, proud old man who knows he is beginning to slip—collide to make the book.” v

Artist Sara Stahl In 1998, Sara’s Stahl’s mother Lori took a daunting train ride on a freezing night to a Russian orphanage to adopt her child. Sara is now a college student majoring in psychology at Kenyon College in Ohio and has painted a number of images that depict her adoption, childhood and struggles with being an adopted child. To augment Orphan Train author Christina Baker Kline’s visit in April, Sara’s art work will be displayed in the library’s gallery during February and March. Meet Sara at a reception 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1, in the library’s meeting room. The gallery is open during normal business hours. Sara notes, “Through my artwork, I’ve attempted to illustrate my story as a young adopted child, facilitated by pictures, memories and stories shared by my adoptive mother. One huge question that adopted children have is “What if?’ My concentration has been a therapeutic process. I am no longer ashamed of my past, but now embrace it.” v

All films are on Tuesdays, free and begin at 7 p.m. Call 214.509.4905 for information.

February 3—Pirates of the Caribbean-Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), starring Johnny Depp, Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom. Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate “Captain” Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack’s former pirate allies, who are now undead. February 10—The Goonies (1985) starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin and Kerri Green. In order to save their home from foreclosure, a group of misfits set out to find a pirate’s ancient treasure. February 17—Jurassic Park (1993) starring Richard Attenborough, Sam Neill and Laura Dern. A theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok.

February 24—Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) starring Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr and François Truffaut Drefus. After an encounter with U.F.O.s, a line worker feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area. v The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

feature

Sam Presser Punts, Passes and Kicks his way to victory by Simon VALENTIN

The eleven-year-old kid with skinny legs and intense eyes focused solely on the football just feet away. Nothing distracted him. Not the intimidating monument to the game that is Cowboys Stadium, not the people in the stands and not the dozens of competitors on the field with him. Sam Presser took one final breath and launched himself toward the pigskin, gave the ball a precision kick, and sent it downfield as straight and true as a Boy Scout walking an old woman across the street.

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When all was said and done, he placed fifth overall in the NFL’s 2014 Punt, Pass and Kick competition, beating thousands of kids. But the contest wasn’t as cutthroat as you might think. “We cheered each other on, we didn’t want to see anyone mess up. You only get one chance—one punt, one pass, one kick.” His one kick was the best in the nation. No one his age did better. (He’d already won the Texas Punt, Pass and Kick State Championship, the first student from his school to achieve that.) Those were noteworthy feats considering his football experience is limited to neighborhood pick up games—the Dr. T.E. Boon Elementary sixth grader had never suited up or played organized football. “My P.E. teacher said I was doing so well at soccer he wanted to see how I’d do in Punt, Pass and Kick,” Sam said. “Kids with a soccer background do better at punting and kicking and what separated Sam was his kick off the tee,” Boon Elementary Physical Education teacher Billy Tanskley said. Sam has excelled at soccer since he was six. For the last four years he’s had the experience of stepdad Keith Wiseman to hone his skills. (Wiseman went to Duke University on a soccer scholarship and coaches dozens of kids.) “Sam’s a fantastic athlete,” Keith said. “He excels at soccer, he’s a striker. He’s a fantastic baseball and tennis player, but he’s also a fantastic kid.” That may be what is even more impressive about this young man. “Sam is a natural leader, he’s a member of our student body leadership organization,” Boon Elementary principal Tammie James said. “He works hard academically, he’s kind, he treats others well.” Sam’s fan club has a pretty extensive membership and they can’t say enough about him. “I’ve known him four years,” Boon Elementary teacher Michelle Cline said. “He’s so positive in all he does, has a smile on his face wherever he is. He is an awesome, awesome kid.”

Michelle has always been impressed how Sam helps others. One instance in particular stands out. “Another student suffered something horrific and Sam came to me and said ‘I think I know how that feels and I think I can help her.’” Sam was in second grade and drew on an experience no kid should go through. “His dad was on a business trip in Washington, D.C.,” Denise Presser Wiseman said. “He fell and hit his head; he was in a coma for six months and passed away.” Denise was left alone to raise Sam and his two older sisters, Carly and Jenna. She could have let the tragedy overwhelm her, instead she rallied around her kids. “Their mom has done a great job keeping the family close, you can tell they’re loved,” Principal James said. “She is a great advocate for them.” If you meet Denise, you’ll see what Principal James is talking about. She is a fasttalking, no nonsense force of nature, a transplanted New Yorker who is always in her kids’ corners. When her husband William passed away, she knew what had to be done. “I realized I could raise the kids, I wasn’t sure if I’d remarry,” she recalled. “But it was important for me to surround my family with good men. For Sam it was coaches.” Aware of the family’s situation the coaches took Sam under their wings and stressed strong values. His baseball coach taught him to pray before and after games, to be gracious if you lose and humble if you win. His stepdad taught him to always work on improving his skills and that it’s not always about winning. Denise smiles when she sees the person he’s becoming. “He’s a nice kid who works hard,” she said. “As a mom, I’m super proud.” He, in turn, thinks the world of his mother. “I’m thankful for my mom because of her encouraging attitude, she doesn’t care whether I win or lose and that makes me feel really good about myself,” Sam said. Denise is always on the sidelines cheering for her son, and even when she’s yelling loud enough to make Sam blush, he loves it. He’s also grateful for all his stepdad has done. “My stepdad and I share the passion for soccer, he tries his hardest to make it fun. It encourages me to play,” Sam said. “He opened up, came into my life, and it’s been wonderful.” When Ryan McGrail, State Chairman for Dallas Cowboys Punt, Pass and Kick, heard about Sam, he researched his scores and said he missed being in the top

four nationally by a hair, he was impressed by how well the non-football playing Allenite did. Then he learned about how well folks spoke of him. “It’s encouraging that anyone his age reaches out to others the way he does,” Ryan said. “The program is open to all kids, including those having rough times and would benefit from having someone like Sam reach out to them.” Though he’d never really thought about playing football before, his strong showing in Punt, Pass, Kick has Sam thinking differently. “It might be cool someday to be on that field kicking field goals for the Cowboys!” he said. “But mom is from New York so she’d rather me play for the Giants…” Well here’s hoping we’ll hear her screaming loud enough to make you blush while you’re wearing the blue and silver and she’s wearing…well, whatever it is a Giants’ fan wears. v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen. A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

kids korner

Valentine Crafts By Deborah DOVE

Egg Carton Lollipop Flowers

Egg cartons Lollipops Acrylic paint Tape if needed Mini muffin pan liners (2-4 per flower) Paint the cardboard egg cartons inside and out, using “flower” colors such as yellow, pink, red, purple and light blue. When dry, cut each cup out and trim. Cut slits in egg carton and fold downward to create petals. Fold mini muffin liners in half. Use a toothpick to carefully poke a hole in the liner, going through all layers, about 3/4-inch from the pointed tip. Carefully poke the lollipop stick into the hole in one of the folded liners. Repeat three more times, using four liners for each flower. Grownups should carefully poke a hole in the bottom of the egg cup. Insert the lollipop stick through the hole, bringing the egg cup flower as far up as it will go. They should stay in place on their own, but secure with tape if needed.

Salt Dough Valentine Heart Necklaces

1 c. salt Acrylic paint 2 c. flour Glossy acrylic sealer 1 c. water Ribbon Mix ingredients together. Roll dough out and cut out heart shapes with heart-shaped cookie cutters. Poke a hole in the top with a toothpick. Bake on a cookie sheet one to two hours at 200º until hearts are dry. Paint with acrylic paint. Add designs, initials, dots, etc. for interest. When the paint is dry, spray with several coats of glossy acrylic sealer. Thread 25” lengths of skinny ribbon through hole and tie to make necklaces. Use extra dough to cut out hearts without the hole and attach magnets at the back.

No Sew Heart Pillow

2 pieces of felt (use different colors such as white and red) Small amount of stuffing Paper and scissors Draw a heart on an 8x11 sheet of paper to use as a template. Stack both sheets of felt on top of each other and using the template, cut out hearts from felt. Keeping the sheets on top of each other, cut strips approximately 1/4-inch wide around the edge of both hearts. Tie the edges together, creating knots. When you are about 75% finished tying the two hearts together, stuff with stuffing. Finish tying edges. Embellish with jewels, glitter, buttons, etc.

Jeweled Milk Bottle Sun Catchers

Plastic milk cartons (empty & clean) Scissors Hole punch Glue stick Jewel stickers, sequins and glitter Ribbon Cut out a flat rectangular side of the milk carton. Draw heart shapes onto the flat plastic and cut out. Using a hole-punch, make a hole at

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the top to attach a ribbon for hanging. Cover one side of the heart with glue. Stick on jewels, sequins, glitter, etc. Once dry, thread ribbon through the top and hang in the window.

Borax Crystal Hearts (a science experiment and craft project)

Red and/or white pipe cleaners Yarn Popsicle or craft sticks Borax Glass jars Ribbon Twist red or white pipe cleaners into heart shapes. Attach each pipe cleaner shape onto a popsicle stick with some yarn (this is how your shapes will hang into the borax solution). Fill jars (one per heart) with hot boiling water and add about 1/3 cup of borax into it. Stir to dissolve. Add food coloring if desired to create colored crystals. Place hanging shapes in the jar solutions and let set overnight. In the morning, crystals will have formed all around your pipe cleaner. Remove hearts and place on paper towels to dry. Cut each shape off of the Popsicle stick and attach thin ribbon and bakers twine onto the top of each shape on the yarn to hang. Trim off excess yarn and add a pretty ribbon bow at the top of each heart or shape.

Chocolate Playdough (makes a fun preschool Valentine’s Day activity)

1-1/2 c. flour 2 Tbs. vegetable oil 1/2 c. cocoa powder 1 c. salt 2 c. water 2 Tbs. cream of tartar Add all ingredients to a medium-large saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a soft ball in the middle of the pan (about 5 minutes). Using your spatula, scoop the playdough onto wax paper and allow to cool. Knead the playdough a couple times until it’s smooth and glossy. Form into shapes, decorate with beads and buttons, and use empty chocolate boxes to put the ‘chocolates’ into.

Valentine Treats For Your Sweet

• Frost a cake and cover with conversation hearts. • Make bubbly, pink love potion with pink lemonade, raspberry sherbet and Sprite. Serve with red Twizzlers for straws. • Draw a path of hearts down the sidewalk. • Give your favorite (little) Valentine a year of dates. Give coupons to spend one-on-one time together doing special things such as a movie night, going out for ice cream, etc. • Make pink hot chocolate—In a saucepan over low heat, melt one 12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips with one 12-oz. can of evaporated milk. Once melted, add 3/4-cup whole milk and heat through. Remove from heat and add drops of red food coloring until you get it to the color you like! Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows, plus a few fun sprinkles for the top!

education

Scholarships help Collin College students shape the future by Alexa ACOSTA

L to R: Milton (standing) and Mary Kate (seated) Buschbom along with Zachary Wiese and Chinatu Ogbonna

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As a child, Zachary Wiese had a fascination with nutrition and health. His young mind wanted to know the science behind the way things worked, and he could be found reading nutrition labels or researching different exercises. At the age of 16, Wiese’s interest heightened when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Inspired by his mother, he decided to help improve the lives of others in similar circumstances and began his journey at Collin College to ultimately earn a biomedical engineering degree. A Nebraska native who moved 11 times before sowing roots in Plano, Wiese became accustomed to adapting to new situations. He still remembers feeling frustrated and powerless as he drove his mother to Houston for her routine cancer treatments. However, with his mother in remission, Wiese channeled his determination to help others by focusing on the education and activities that would get him steps closer to his altruistic destination. While at Collin College, Wiese has been able to work with a variety of different students and professors who have empowered him to take on challenging group projects and accomplish important tasks in a classroom setting. He wishes to transition this unique set of skills to his future career and lead teams to design prosthetics that will allow people to feel again. Wiese was awarded the Mary Kate and Milton Buschbom Annual Scholarship for his passion and leadership while at Collin College. “The experiences and opportunities I’ve had in working with professors

have made me a more confident speaker and truly shaped me as a leader,” Wiese said. “Collin College has improved my confidence and my ability to think critically about complicated engineering and physics problems.” Having earned degrees in the hard sciences, scholarship sponsors Mary Kate and Milton Buschbom understood the importance of education and were interested in giving back to the community by focusing on higher education. Mary Kate worked for Emerson as a Systems Analyst for 20 years, and Milton worked for 31 years at Texas Instruments (TI). “While working at Texas Instruments, I was a little disappointed with the quality of students’ education when coming into the workforce,” Milton said. “The education system was simply not keeping up with the demands of the industry.” After speaking to students and professors at Collin College and other local universities, the Buschboms

received unanimous feedback that beginning one’s education at Collin College was truly an advantage over others who attend four-year insti tutions straight out of high school because of the individualized attention students received from professors. Since then, Mary Kate and Milton have been working with the Collin College Foundation to help provide opportunities for students. “The smaller classrooms and the professors’ commitment to each student really set Collin College apart,” Milton said. “And if this institution is willing to play such an important role in students’ lives by making their journey easier and more affordable, I want to be a part of it, too.”

Earning financial support

Chinatu Ogbonna, a past recipient of the Mary Kate and Milton Buschbom Annual Scholarship, also understands

the importance of education. Having recently immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria, Ogbonna began studying at Collin College while planning to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering and, ultimately, a Ph.D. in a related field. As a child, Ogbonna was always an explorer and eager to figure out simple malfunctions in appliances around the house, such as generators and disk players. However, her dreams of transforming this innate curiosity into a successful career could not be accomplished without adequate financial support. “Although a part-time job would be beneficial, for me, working and going to school at the same time is nearly impossible because I have younger ones to take care of,” said Ogbonna. “I am so greatful for Collin College and this scholarship for taking their act of benevolence. Now I can focus on my education and still support my family comfortably.”

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Achieving greater impact Interested in the development of different types of prosthetics, such as limbs and artificial organs, Wiese is also grateful for the Buschboms’ commitment to his success and their support to students much like himself and Ogbonna. “More than any amount of money, I am grateful for the support I have received from the Buschboms and Collin College,” Wiese said. “I know my intentions are genuine, but it is very encouraging to know that my dreams and aspirations make sense to someone other than myself. I cannot wait to give back to the community that has given so much to me.” As a retired TI employee, Milton is able to achieve a greater impact through the matching program that the global technology powerhouse provides through the TI Foundation. “The TI Foundation offers a

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matching program for education and the arts of up to $10,000 a year,” Buschbom said. “By making sure we get our donation matched by the foundation, we are basically able to double the number of scholarships we provide. That’s how we stretch our giving.” Currently, college debt for students is at an all-time high, and more than 70 percent of students are working full time or part time. Many students work multiple jobs. While Collin College has the lowest tuition in the state of Texas, many of the nearly 52,000 students who attend Collin College need assistance to further their higher education. “A college education can have such a tremendous impact on a person’s life,” said District Interim President Dr. Colleen Smith. “Paying for college is a real concern for many students. In fact, more than 28,500 students requested assistance last year, and they desperately need our help to open the door to higher

education. By raising money and making scholarships available to those who need it most, Collin College ensures access to excellent education, outstanding professors and state-ofthe-art facilities.” “We hope scholarships like these will enable students to be successful contributors to the community and the industry,” said Buschbom. “We love seeing students bloom!” Helping students pay for college, Collin College will host the “Back to 1985” themed Stetson and Stiletto Standoff trivia night, which raises money for student scholarships, on Saturday, February 21, at the college’s Spring Creek campus library, in Plano. Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit www.collin.edu/ v foundation. Alexa Acosta is a public relations intern at Collin College.

Photos: Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

MARKET PLACE

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Eagles Score 4th State The Allen Eagles won their fourth Texas UIL 6A Division 1 Football Championship on December 20, with a 47-16 victory over Cypress Ranch High School. The game was played at AT&T Stadium before a crowd of more than 52,000 fans. The 2014 championship is Allen’s third consecutive state title in the largest Texas division and fourth overall. Senior quarterback Kyler Murray was named the game’s top offensive player and Dallas George was the game’s top defensive player. Murray completed his high school career with an unprecedented 43-0 record and three state championships. Murray was recently named as the 2014 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year and also earned the prestigious Tom Landry Award for his academic and athletic performance. He has announced plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall.

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Football Championship Throughout the six-game playoff run, the Eagles football team ran a gauntlet of the top Texas football programs andÂ three nationally-ranked teams including DeSoto, Arlington Martin, Euless Trinity and Dallas Skyline High Schools. Congratulations to theÂ players, head coach Tom Westerberg and his staff including: Cory Cain, Mike Carter, Jon Cockroft, Jeff Fleener, Dean Garza, Ty Henderson, Chris Moseley, Royce Reynolds, Scott Stewart and JD Walker.

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gardening

Lessons from an Irish Garden

by Dawn Bluemel OLDFIELD

“Apprentice yourself to nature.There is not a day that will pass without her opening a new and wondrous world of experience to learn from and enjoy.” –Richard W. Langer

Gertrude Jekyll once said “a garden is a grand teacher.” For this horticultural enthusiast a trip to Ireland this past summer would not have been complete without visiting some of the grandest gardens in the world. Every garden is a classroom with lessons to teach. And, for this gardener, even when you are on vacation school is in session! The 47 acres of stunning gardens at Powerscourt are perhaps a lesson in patience. Pathways lead to hidden treasures to explore, including a rose garden and the impressive terraced Italian gardens that required the muscle of 100 men and over twelve years to build. Somehow investing a couple weekends to complete a DIY project doesn’t seem so laborious after all! On the West coast of Ireland, Ashford Castle is a sanctuary. The castle encompasses 350 acres of formal gardens and forests set on the shores of Lough Corrib. The grandeur of the accommodations is befitting of the castle it is, yet its extensive gardens brought a feeling of home and peace. A reminder to always appreciate the sanctum home provides. Strolling along the verdant grounds of Ashford, paths diverge on gardens of unexpected delight. The walled

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garden with a harmonious mix of roses, perennials and annuals bursting with color overflowed their beds in the company of herbs and vegetables in the nearby potager garden. The beauty and tranquility of the gardens can be attributed to the expert care of Mr. Martin Slattery. The head gardener for Ashford holds a National Higher Diploma in Commercial and Amenity Horticulture. His company is responsible for the overall upkeep and maintenance of the castle grounds, and he is involved in the design plans for all of the gardens. As a certified Master Gardener, I know essential gardening practices, but confess I don’t always follow them. Mr. Slattery’s enthusiasm for gardening is contagious, and he is an amazing source of knowledge and ideas—reminding that proper planning and planting now can mean the difference in your garden’s success or failure down the road. There is much to learn from his practical advice, which spans 4,500 miles and works for the grandest of castle gardens to the smallest of home landscapes. Surprisingly, there are many similarities between Collin County, Texas, and County Mayo, Ireland.

gardening Horticulturalists worldwide rely on plant classification zone maps to aid in determining which plants will grow in a particular region based on their cold and heat tolerance. Mr. Slattery says, “The planting zone is 8b here in the west of Ireland, very similar to your home planting classification (Collin County is zone 8a), but with possibly milder local weather and definitely more rainfall.”

Keeping Soil Healthy

One of the biggest challenges in a garden is soil structure improvement. Mr. Slattery says, “Amend your soil [it is your plants’ home]. We also have ‘limy soil’, the term used here in Ireland to describe our local clay soil with an alkaline ph. Clay soil needs amending to help plants take in the nutrients and water they need to grow. Incorporate organic soil amendments, and also apply mulch to planted areas for soil structure improvement, water conservation and weed control.”

Say No to Weeds

“Have a zero tolerance approach to weeds,” Mr. Slattery says firmly. “Regular weed control is essential as they compete with plants for valuable nutrients and water. Keeping your garden free of weeds can be a battle, but if you are persistent you will prevail. One year’s seeding is nine year’s weeding as they say.”

Tip-Top Turf

Chore that it may be, mowing your lawn properly has a big impact on its overall appearance and health. “We try to keep the grounds looking their best with regular mowing and edge trimming [twice a week at the height of growing season]. Too often people let their lawn get straggly between mowing, but properly mowed turf tends to be healthier with deeper roots and less weed problems,” Mr. Slattery shares.

Choose the Right Plants

The gardens at Ashford Castle contain an interesting and diverse collection of plants. Mr. Slattery advises,

“When planning a garden keep in mind the cold and heat a plant can take, but also consider that variables such as sun, shade, wind and moisture play a role. Roses add colour and fragrance to any garden and are good to incorporate into your planting scheme. Trying to provide year-round color is a challenge, but can be achieved by planting a combination of complimenting perennials and annuals.” Some reliable perennials and annuals that happily grow in both Texas and Ireland include: rudebeckia, heuchera, echinacea, catmint, lilies, gaillardia, daisies, salvia, begonia, petunia, marigold and astilbe. For texture add lamb’s ear, dusty miller and flowering cabbage or kale.

Personal Touches

Architectural elements are important to garden design. Mr. Slattery shares, “Incorporating a fountain, statue or a few accent pieces add a focal point and charm to a garden. Include hidden spaces or a ‘garden within a garden’ to create a personal feeling to them.” Mr. Slattery’s lesson plans for a beautiful landscape are easy to follow and will earn your lawn and gardens an A+ from your HOA. He concludes, “Most importantly enjoy your garden and gardening. You create a garden not just for aesthetics, but for the joy and pleasure it brings to people. The end result is a very welcoming place to be.” v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

travel

Best ski resorts for families by Deborah DOVE

It’s been said that the family that plays together stays together. Ski resorts, with a wide variety of wintery activities for every skill level and interest, from skiing to sledding, are the perfect place for families to play. While many ski resorts hit their peak mid-winter, spring skiing is also an option and is typically cheaper, less busy, sunnier and happily coincides with spring break for many families. Following are a handful of the best ski destinations for families, no matter when you go.

Taos Ski Valley

This alpine ski resort is located about eleven hours from Dallas near the charming southwestern town of Taos known for its galleries, museum, historical sites and the Taos Pueblos. Taos Ski Valley has it all— powdery snow, over 100 trails for varying degrees of experience and the highest-rated ski school in North America, not to mention a laid-back charm and friendliness the more commercialized resorts lack. Many say the skiing in Taos is more difficult with steeper mountain runs than other ski resorts, but there are plenty of trails for beginner and intermediate skiers as well. When you’re not skiing or taking in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain from a chair lift, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy. Enchanted Forest, a full-service cross country ski area, offers stunning mountain vistas and meandering forest trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, or you can take a two-hour guided snowmobile tour to the majestic peaks and ridges above Taos Ski Valley. For $15, guests can rent a tube and enjoy unlimited tube rides down Strawberry Hill, or you can rent snowshoes and hike off the beaten path. German lodges, Swiss chalets and a cozy Frenchowned hotel reflect the European influence on the area. Although there’s lodging in nearby Taos, stay on the mountain if possible, where you can relax in an outdoor hot tub under the stars, warm up by a crackling fireplace, enjoy spa treatments and dine at numerous restaurants. For more information, visit www.taosskivalley.com.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Taos Ski Valley 32

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This beautiful resort offers the convenience of a modern ski resort with the feel of a quaint Alpine village. There are three distinct mountains that offer runs for all abilities, from gentle, manicured slopes to World Cup runs. The areas for kids are plentiful and large, and there’s a sizeable area right at the base that includes a short gondola installed just for kids (mom and dad can ride it too) called Buckaroo. New this season is a unique combination lift with a series

Beaver Creek of six-passenger chairs alternating with 10-person gondola cabins. The gondola cabins are especially helpful for beginners and kids in ski-school since the gondola cars are easier to load and unload. For kids who pass the tests at the bottom, some of the mellowest, longest green runs in the west reside at the top of the front mountain. And at 3 p.m. every after noon, chefs serve warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies to hungry skiers. The village also offers numerous off-mountain activities with shopping, restaurants, spas, and in the center of it all, an outdoor ice skating rink. There’s also a tubing hill easily accessed by the Buckaroo gondola. Geared toward families, Beaver Creek hosts tons of activities including light shows; a maze of tunnels, burrows and slides; parades; and a glow-stick ski-down set to music followed by a fireworks finale every Thursday. This year, the resort also offers private family ski instruction tailored to the needs of each individual family member, in addition to traditional ski school. The resort offers a variety of lodging including hotels, condos and vacation homes, as well as numerous restaurants. For more information on planning your trip, visit www. beavercreek.com.

Angel Fire, New Mexico

Consistently rated as one of the top family ski resorts in the southern Rockies and one of the few ski resorts

that’s within driving distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (about 625 miles), Angel Fire is perfect for beginners. It’s small, friendly and uncrowded, with beginner and intermediate trails making up over

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Angel Fire half of the mountain terrain, although there are plenty of expert trails for more experienced skiers. With 79 runs, three terrain parks for snowboarding, thirty acres of treed trails for skiing and a lighted beginner and inter mediate slope for nighttime skiing and snowboarding, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun. The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and experience levels, and also offers over 15 km of cross-country ski trails. Of course there’s more to do at Angel Fire Resort than just ski. Go tubing on Polar Coaster, a 900-footlong, three-lane tubing hill (including night tubing on select nights), or buy an inexpensive all-day sledding pass for kids 12 and under. Within the resort, the lodge offers an après atmosphere with a pool, free Wi-Fi and convenient access to the base of the ski slopes. There are also numerous dining options within the resort, from fine dining at Elements with a view of Wheeler Peak, the tallest peak in New Mexico, to a wide variety of slopeside casual grills and pubs. Condos and homes are also available to rent. For more information, visit www. angelfireresort.com.

and Canyons Resort—all within minutes of each other. That means skiing on a combined 9,326 acres of arguably the best snow in the country, over 400 runs and 58 lifts. The terrain is easygoing and wide, and the highspeed lifts get guests around smoothly and quickly. In addition to skiing, visitors can snowboard, enjoy a horsedrawn sleigh ride with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, take a guided snowmobile tour, snowshoe, cross-country ski or ice skate. Kids of all ages will enjoy the seven-lane

tubing hill at Gorgoza Park with lifts that take you back to the top, as well as mini-snowmobile rides for kids and Fort Frosty, complete with a tube carousel for the littlest guests. Park City is a mecca of activity throughout the winter with concerts, live theater, Olympic sporting events and the renowned Sundance Film Festival, and is home to over 100 restaurants and bars, including the world’s only ski-in distillery serving handcrafted whiskeys and vodkas. You can also take a hot-air balloon ride over Park City and the Watach Mountains, shop, visit art galleries, unwind at the spa and dine at a multitude of restaurants, both in town and on the slopes. Guests can also experience what it was like at the Olympics at Utah Olympic Park, the site of the 2002 Olympics, with a free museum and the opportunity to take a thrilling ride down a real bobsled track with a professional bobsled driver. Lodging is as varied as the activities in Park City, with a variety of hotels, vacation rentals, condos and lodges. Visit www.visitparkcity.com v for more information. Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Park City, Utah

Park City offers three world-class resorts in one town—Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort

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Park City

calendar

FEBRUARY 6-22 Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Theatre presents Nothing Serious, Feb. 6 & 7, 12-14 @ 8 pm, Feb. 8 & 15 @ 3 pm, 1206. E. Main, Ste. 105, Allen.Enjoy this collection of ten comedies, going from Antarctica and Disneyland to the Garden of Eden and inside the womb, as Rich Orloff creates theatrical worlds that are both imaginative and hilarious. For more info: http://www. allenscommunitytheatre.net. 12 Allen Early Childhood PTA Seminar on Building SelfEsteem in Kids by Debby Romick of Brain Centers Plano, 9:30-11:30 am, First Christian Church, 1207 Twin Creeks Drive, Allen. Debby Romick graduated from the University of Texas, Austin with a degree in Elementary and Special Education and has accumulated over 25 years in education. Childcare during meeting: contact nursery@ aecpta.com. Food and drinks provided. For more info: www.aecpta.com 15 Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival, 12:304 pm, parade at 2 pm, Mitchell Park located one block west of Downtown McKinney. Patterned after the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, Krewe of Barkus will feature a parade, vendor booths, interactive activities and more. For more info: www.mckinneytexas. org. 28 Towne Lake Trout Derby, 8 am-noon, Towne Lake East Pavilion, 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy., McKinney. Cost: Kids 16 and under free. Adults $3 and must possess a Freshwater Fishing License. All participants must provide own pole and bait. Prizes for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish and a Casting Contest. For more info: www.mckinneytexas. org. A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center

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

6-8 Collin County Home & Garden Show 13 Legacy Fighting Championship 38

14 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 15 Dallas Sidekicks vs Brownsville Barracudas

16 Allen Americans vs Quad City Mallards 18 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 21 Dallas Sidekicks vs Monterrey Flash 22 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 27 Texas Revolution Home Opener

28 Allen Americans vs Brampton Beast 7

7 & 21

Parks and Recreation Events

Duck Derby. Join us in the lazy river at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Purchase your ‘Racing Duck’ from the Natatorium, decorate it to your liking and submit your duck to the Natatorium by Friday, Feb. 6. Come back to race your duck against the best Allen has to offer on Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. Winners will be determined by fastest duck and also the best decorated duck! Great to Skate. The Allen Community Ice Rink invites the community to come try ice skating for free! During a 30-minute group lesson, skaters will learn the basics of ice skating such as skating forward and backward, falling safely, dips and stopping. After the class skaters can practice their new skills during a special 90-minute open skate. Pre-registration is required. Saturday Night Rec N Roll. A fun and safe social program for students, 3rd-6th grade. Gym games, music, dancing, dodge ball, pool, theme nights, table tennis, contests, prizes. Supervision provided and concessions available. An ID card (annual $5 fee) is required to participate. Walk up admission, $10 at the door. Valentine Card Making. Your child will have fun and learn the gift of giving through making Valentine’s Day cards at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Instructors will help and give ideas for homemade creations that will delight parents, grandparents, friends and even pets! SNAP Dance, Recreation Hall. SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun Valentine’s theme and snacks. Register early, fee increases to $15 at 5 pm Wednesday prior to each dance. For info, contact Dana Gillespie at Dgillespie@ cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Programs

Story Times run through April 23. Baby & Me—For pre-walkers with adult, Thur., 10:15 am Fun Ones—For 1 year-olds with an adult, Mon., Tues. & Wed., 10:15 am. Family Together Time—For ages 2-6 years and their family Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am.

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All By Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently, Wed., 11:15 am. Pajama Story Time—For children 2-6 years and their family, Tues. & Thurs., 7 pm. Winter Reading Club for children/teens ends Jan. 11. Children 0-11: Read 5 books and return your reading log to get a free book! Teens 12-18: Read 3 titles for a free book! 1

Adults

Cultural Awareness: South Korea, 2 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. In conjunction with the Adult Winter Reading Program, “Destination Anywhere”, come learn more about different cultures of the world. Food, music, and a short presentation about Korean culture will be offered. The library’s Adult Services librarian Susan Wedding and her mom, Mrs. Clem, share their culture with us! Ages 18+, Register online or call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905. Noontime Pageturners, noon, Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonneblick. Bring lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! A relaxed environment to share the joy of reading. Planning for College, 2:30-4:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. In this short seminar, learn tips and tricks to make college planning run more smoothly. A small panel will each present their perspective of the planning process. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Presented by Carrie Brazeal from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, call 214.509.4905. Walk-ins welcome as space permits.

Travel Tips with Jane Bennett, 2 pm, 2nd floor program room. In conjunction with the library’s Winter Reading Program, “Destination Anywhere,” Jane Bennett will present information and tips on international journeys. Learn how to make your vacation less stressful and more fun with tips on booking, travel agents, packing and more! Free; call 214.509.4905 or email abraid@cityofallen.org to register. 10 Golfing for a Lifetime! Dr. Chris Phillips, Chiropractor with HealthSource will share strategies on how to better yourself to improve your game, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Learn how posture, muscles and spine can affect the game and can cause preventable injury on the golf course. Find out how you can stay healthy and golf for a lifetime! Age 18+; free. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214.509.4913. Walk-ins welcome as space permits. 11 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project. Valentine Button Bracelets. Create your own button bracelet, 10-11:30 am in the adult 2nd floor program room. We supply bracelet chains, red, white and pink buttons, jump rings, clasps and pliers. Bring unique or special buttons or charms. Free program for young adults/adults ages 16+. Registration is limited to 15. Please call 214.509.4905 for more information or to register. Register online starting January 21 at www.allenlibrary.org.

12 Trivia Night, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Test your knowledge in literature, history, science and more! Ages 18+. Limit teams to 4 members. Free; register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214.506.4905 or 214.506.4913. Contact Emily Plagens at eplagens@cityofallen.org. 14 Become an E-Reader Expert! 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Totally confused about how to download e-books? In this come and go program, learn the easiest way to download library e-books to your device, and some tips to make your reading experience better. Nooks, Android tablets, iPads and Kindles will be covered. Free; call 214.509.4905 or email abraid@cityofallen.org to register. 17 Adult Anime Interest Group Valentine After-Party, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. The first four episodes of Your Lie in April are featured. Fun Valentine treats and hot chocolate. Learn more about Your Lie in April at yourlieinapril.com. Ages 18+. Register online or call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905. 18 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Come join us in a discussion of the 2015 ALLen Reads selection, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Registration required. Register online or contact the Reference Desk, 214.509.4905. 26 Twisted Threads Fiber Craft Circle— Morning Edition, 10:30 am, 2nd floor adult program room. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! So,

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bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters.

Connemara Conservancy Connemara Meadow Preserve 1

Bird Walk at Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. Wearing long pants, closedtoed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent is reccommended. 22 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

HEARD MUSEUM

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. 1-15 Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and 8 new life-size animatronic, dinosaurs on Heard Museum nature trails. Gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly. com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork. com. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org.

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MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www. creekwoodumc.org. Every Monday-Sunday Allen AA meets, 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. Every Monday Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. First and Third Monday Singles Mingle 60+, 5:30 pm, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. A group for single men and women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 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 or www. aauwplanocollin.org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 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. Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150,” 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Janeen Chattaway@ janeen03j@yahoo. com.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. First Nighter African Violet Society, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of their growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478 or www. beautifulviolets.org. NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees are invited. Fourth Monday Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Every Tuesday 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585.

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Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Every Tuesday & Thursday Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S Greenville. Offers strength & hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. First and Third Tuesday Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needlework projects, learn techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@ bptmn.org. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, SMU in Plano, 5236 Tennyson Parkway. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Third Tuesday

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support &

resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo. com/group/autismparentsupport. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Stacie Durham with the McKinney Fire Department will speak about the McKinney Citizens Fire Academy. They are taking applications for the academy that will begin in March. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.. Every Wednesday Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com/ McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess. org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. First Wednesday Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:301:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig. org. Allen Heritage Guild, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org.

Collin County Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ ag.tamu.edu. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www. mopsofhope.com. Second Wednesday VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Third Wednesday Greater Collin County Kennel Club, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Every Thursday

Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free

Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor. Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 77:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 6843 W. Main. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost. ws. Bible Study, 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.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle & Stacy Furniture.

B U S I N E S S C A R D S Allen Image | December 2014

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco. org. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 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. North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am, various locations For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Second Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic, 6-8 pm, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. Legal assistance for civil matters for low income individuals in partnership with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. Food & fellowship provided. For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or ww. lanwt.org. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Third Thursday Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. First Friday Italian Lovers of North Dallas, 7 pm, Italian Villa, 121 N Greenville Ave, Ste B, Allen. Do you like Italy? Many bilingual ItalianAmericans meet here every month to chat in Italian and find new friends. For more info: email ITALOVERS@tx.rr.com. First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491. First Saturday Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www. vfwpost2150.org. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Second Saturday Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teaches children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Third Saturday Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. No charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Musicians 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Fourth Saturday American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano. For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www. planoasg.org. Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org. Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville, Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

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

For Your Health

A l l e n I m a g e | Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

With its rise in popularity today, bluegrass music has opened doors, offered entertaining opportunities and introduced other talented musicians to Allen fire captain Chris Plumlee. It has also proved to be a significant tie to his family—past, present and future. A 17-year veteran of the Allen Fire Department, Chris decided to teach himself how to play the banjo when he was 30. Today, he performs regularly with the local bluegrass group The Quibble Brothers and also supports the next generation of bluegrass artists. Growing up in Garland, Chris credits an uncle, Captain Ron Cooper with the Plano Fire Department, for his decision to be a firefighter by the time he graduated from high school. “He was always talking about how he loved his job and couldn’t think of doing anything better with his life, and I remembered that growing up,” Chris recalls. So after graduation, Chris took a job in a warehouse to earn the money needed to go to fire academy. After receiving his certifications, Chris was hired by the Allen Fire Department. He was promoted to captain threeand-a-half years ago and is currently assigned to Station 3 on Bethany Road in southeast Allen. He and his wife, Lisa, moved to Anna 10 years ago and have three children they are homeschooling— Nicholas, 10, Cody, 9 and Lyla, 5. Admitting he was wary that he could learn how to play his first instrument well as an adult, Chris explains, “I know a lot of people who play music and are really good at it, and they all started when they were little!” Determined not allow that concern to stand in his way, then the

next hump Chris had to get over was deciding what instrument to try. “At first I thought maybe I could learn to play the guitar, but everyone knows how to play the guitar. So I thought maybe I wanted a more unique instrument. So I thought about the banjo, knowing nothing about banjos!” In his research on this instrument, Chris started listening to bluegrass music. “I thought it was neat,” he declares. “I was already into country music and bluegrass wasn’t too different from country. And I thought the banjo sounded really cool!” Chris recollected a family trip made years earlier to Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. “They had all this music b er seeing the banjo and I remem player and thought it was a neatsounding instrument.” Once the instrument was decided on, Chris then had to find one that fit his needs and budget. “It’s hard to get a decent banjo by just walking into a store and buying it,” he notes. “I did a little research and bought one from a place that sells pretty good beginner banjos.” He emphasizes, “Banjos are expensive so you want to do your research.” A newlywed at the time, Chris sold his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to pay off some bills and used the remainder of the cash to buy his banjo. And Chris practiced what he was passionate about—bluegrass music. Being self-taught, Chris opted to study the styles of his favorite bluegrass masters—Earl Scruggs and Ralph Stanley. “I pretty much learned it on my own,” he shrugs. “I didn’t take any lessons so I made a lot of mistakes trying to learn it.” Only later did Chris have the opportunity to take lessons,

but was turned away after the second lesson because the instructor felt they weren’t needed. “He told me to just keep doing what I was doing, so that’s what I did,” Chris concludes. In those early years, Chris would often devote several hours a day to learning how to play. “But I didn’t have kids back then, and that’s a huge factor,” he observes with a laugh. Today, Chris finds that with his busy schedule sometimes finding even 30 minutes to practice can be challenging, but he does try to play daily. Comparing learning music to mastering a new language, Chris points out, “To be fluent, you have to practice all the time.” So once he became proficient on the banjo, he transferred those skills to the guitar and fiddle—a process he describes as simply “a matter of mechanics, learning how my fingers needed to move.” Today, he considers the fiddle to be his second best instrument, with the guitar taking third place. Once he learned the fiddle, he also gained a little skill on the mandolin. “The fiddle and the mandolin are tuned identically. The string scale is exactly the same, so even though I don’t play the mandolin, I can pick it up and mess around with it a little bit because I know the fiddle,” he clarifies. “I’m not proficient by any means, but I can teach someone how to play it.” For his personal use, Chris owns one each of a banjo, fiddle and guitar. Although he would like to learn more instruments, he opted to stop with these three because he felt the time needed to study one more instrument would “dilute” the precious time he has to practice now. The one instrument Chris has learned to use that took him most by

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surprise was his voice, and that came about only through necessity. In an attempt to get a bluegrass jam organized, Chris promoted his event on a variety of forums and got a better

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response than he had hoped for. “But when we all met, we looked at each other and asked, ‘Who’s gonna sing?!’ And everyone answered, ‘Not me!’” he recalls with a grin. “So I thought, oh

man, I organized this jam, so now I’m going to have to sing.” “I wasn’t too bad!” he continues. “And the voice is like any instrument. The more you use it, the better you get at it.” Today, in addition to his own three children, Chris has 12 youth students to whom he is teaching bluegrass music on banjo, fiddle, guitar or mandolin twice a month. Chris’s three children each decided to learn a different instrument than their father. Nicholas opted for the guitar, Cody chose the dobro and Lyla recently was given a child-sized fiddle that she is now learning to play. Chris came into music instruction as a way of contributing to a home school co-op his family belonged to at the time. “To be part of the co-op, each parent had to teach something,” he explains. “So I thought, hey, I could teach some instruments and music. I started with one student on the guitar and it snowballed from there.” Just through word of mouth,

others learned that he offered lessons in bluegrass music and his list of students blossomed. In addition, he organized his students into two groups—Growing on Bluegrass, a beginner ’s band comprised of 9-12-year-olds that both Nicholas and Cody belong to—and First Class Bluegrass, a teen-advanced band. Both groups have performed for special events around the area. The more experienced group has racked up a number of shows for affairs as diverse as chili cook-offs and church programs. Growing on Bluegrass’ most popular tune is “I Saw the Light,” and First Class Bluegrass shines with an old Ralph Stanley instrumental “Clinch Mountain Backstep.” Chris points out that the teen group recently performed for a fundraiser at Snug on the Square in McKinney “completely by themselves!” Comparing this accomplishment to pushing the baby bird out of the nest to fly, he boasts, “It was really neat that they were able to do that on their own, which has been my goal from the beginning.” Chris notes with pride that some of his students have the talent to consider going pro one day, but for now, he says, “They are doing it for fun.” Although for years Chris also played just “for fun,” he was often asked to join a group in need of a banjo player. At the time he was not only working for the Allen Fire Department, but also taught paramedic classes at Brookhaven College. His full schedule simply did not allow the time needed to be a member of a professional group with the requisite rehearsals and rigid performance dates. So Chris played when and where he could. He participated in a number of bluegrass jams around the area and occasionally played his guitar, and even his banjo at times, for church programs. But a few years ago, he slowly started inching his way down that slippery slope of going pro. At first, he was just filling in when banjo players in local groups could not make gigs. Then about a year ago, The Quibble

Brothers manager and mandolin player, Patrick Bouldin, invited Chris to join in at an impromptu jam at guitarist Richard Gilbert’s home. “He didn’t tell me that it was really an audition for the band,” Chris asserts. “And a few days later he called me up and said, ‘Do you want to join our band?’” After discussing details further with Patrick, Chris realized that this offer to play with a professional group was something he could do. Previously, the greatest deterrent

was his job interfering with group practices. “Patrick is really smart about how he manages things,” Chris points out. “We record digitally and then most of the time we don‘t have to meet to practice, we just practice along with the recordings. When we do get together, we pretty much already have the music hammered out and are just fine tuning things at that point.” In addition to providing new opportunities and audiences to perform for, playing with The Quibble Brothers

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Growing on Bluegrass—l to r: Gabriel Cawthan, Cody Plumlee, Anabelle Graham, Chris Plumlee and Nicolas Plumlee offers the added bonus of getting paid for his talents. Chris smiles and adds, “And this makes it easier for my wife to say, ‘Okay, go practice.’” Because The Quibble Brothers usually only have a few performances a month, Chris has found that balancing his work schedule has not been too complicated. “I have a lot of vacation days saved up and if I can’t use vacation days for any reason, I can get someone to sub for me,” he explains. “This job is really flexible so most of the time I can get off.” The group’s recent gigs have run the gamut from festivals, clubs like Dallas icon Poor David’s Pub, fundraisers, corporate events at locations such as the Nasher Sculpture Center, and even a wedding at the Dallas Arboretum. Referring to the latter, Chris shakes his head. “Weddings are stressful because you feel like things need to be perfect because their expectation is pretty high. But that went really well and it was probably the best we ever sounded.” Although bluegrass is a primary focus for The Quibble Brothers, the group also plays more standard

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country and swing fare as well as music that stretches the genres as well as their fingers. For Chris, some of the more challenging songs have been adaptations of Beatles tunes and those from southern rock groups such as The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. “This is not music you usually play on the banjo,” Chris insists. “That being said, joining this band has really pushed me on the

banjo. So goal-wise, I want to become more accomplished from playing all the non-traditional stuff that we do.” Chris relishes how these out-ofthe-box songs test him, but his favorite songs to play are still the standard bluegrass fare like “Little Maggie” and “Mountain Dew,” or even the popular gospel tune “I Saw the Light.” Chris gets pensive after naming the latter song and then adds, “It was written by Hank Williams, Sr., which is ironic because he drank himself to death. But I love the song and when you go to a jam, everyone knows it.” As far as his future in bluegrass music, the musician Chris recognizes that The Quibble Brothers schedule has offered him the ideal opportunities to play without interfering with his career with the Allen Fire Department and sees a long-time relationship with the group. For the father Chris, encouraging his children as well as his students to develop their musical skills is a priority. Because of his close family ties, Chris was both surprised and delighted to learn several years after he took up the banjo that he is a direct descendant of an East Texas banjo player. “My dad has this picture of my great-greatgrandpa and he’s holding a banjo!” Chris shares. “And then my dad told me a funny story about him.” Chris continues with a wry grin,

The Quibble Brothers—l to r: Richard Gilbert, Chris Plumlee, Patrick Bouldin and Drew Phelps “The head of his banjo had busted and back then it was hard to get even strings for your instruments. So when the family’s cat died, he took the cat’s skin and used it for the head of his banjo!” He adds that doing this back then would not be the stretch it would be considered today since the heads of all early banjos were made from animal hides.

Lamenting that he never had the chance to meet his musical predecessor, he was also delighted to learn that banjo music ran through the family history. “It was like this latent, dormant talent in my blood!” he smiles, then adds that he is grateful though that banjo supplies can now be ordered online. If you missed the Quibble Brother’s recent performance at the Allen Public

Library and want to hear some of their tunes, go to the group’s website www.quibblebrothers.com. Chris also advises bluegrass newcomers to check out bluegrass festivals and notes that one of the most popular in the area is the Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival hosted in Farmers Branch in October. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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pet page

“Olivia” Olivia is approximately 2 to 3 years old and weighs 47 pounds. She is a basset mix girl who would make the perfect dog for a family of any shape or size! She came into LHS in pretty bad shape, but with lots of love and care, she has recovered and is ready for her furever home! Olivia is housebroken, gets along with all other dogs, LOVES kids, loves to play, but most importantly, she LOVES to snuggle! Olivia will make a great companion for just about any home!

She is neutered, up to date on vaccines and is currently being treated for heartworms, which she will thankfully be rid of soon! If you would like to meet Olivia, please fill out an online application at http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ adoption-application/ and her foster mom will get in touch with you.

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