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r. Allen Gandy is a respected, board-certified orthodontist who has been in practice since 2003. He is one of few orthodontists in Texas offering in-office i-CAT 3-D imaging as a routine diagnostic tool for individualized treatment planning. This cutting edge 3-D treatment allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

“There’s a significant difference in the amount of information that we obtain from traditional 2-D x-rays compared to this advanced 3-D technology,” explains Dr. Gandy. “3-D imaging helps eliminate guesswork in many orthodontic situations. I can evaluate my patients’ growth and dental development accurately. “

The most advanced technology Dr. Gandy combines his expertise with sophisticated technology to achieve excellent orthodontic results. “We want to present many options to our patients and to provide them with the type of treatment they are looking for,” says Dr. Gandy. “If a patient does not want to be in braces for a long time, we offer treatment modalities that can get us to the finish line faster. If they wish for the braces not to show, we can utilize esthetic toothcolored braces or customized lingual braces, placed on the inside of the teeth (Incognito® System), or Invisalign® treatment. Our goal is to help our patients make an educated decision and to provide them with the best orthodontic treatment possible.”

The DAMON® Braces system is a state-ofthe-art, clinically proven method of treatment, which uses passive, self-ligating (tie-less) brackets that hold the wire with a sliding mechanism instead of traditional elastic rings. The wires slide freely through the slots with minimum friction, while the shape memory of the wire guides the movement of the teeth without tightening. In addition to the efficient DAMON® Braces system, Gandy Orthdontics offers Invisalign® treatment, Incognito® lingual braces and INSIGNIA™ system of customized orthodontic braces and wires.

A great family atmosphere “Our offices are not only state-of-the-art, but they’re also warm and caring places to be, for both children and adults,” comments Dr. Gandy. “Our friendly and dedicated team members are great at what they do. We have a fantastic team of professionals taking care of our patients.” The best thing about his job, Dr. Gandy says, is giving his patients a beautiful smile. “It’s very rewarding to see the results of my work. Orthodontics can really change peoples’ lives—from giving them greater confidence in their smile to improving the function of their bite. There are people who come to me and just don’t smile, but afterwards… they just can’t stop smiling.”

ALLEN/FAIRVIEW 431 Stacy Road, Suite 109

972.727.3900 Wylie 972.429.0300

Frisco 972.712.9300

Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

February 2016

Vol. 26, Issue 2

cover story

44 exploring the simple to the sublime Cher Kaufmann understands the significance of drawing designs and carefully selecting the perfect colors to fill in the spaces. Last year, Cher had two coloring books released and coloring books for grownups proved to be one of the most popular Christmas gifts this past season.

special sections

KIDS KORNER

Cowboy Up

35 PET PAGE Patrick

36 CALENDAR 44 44

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26 35

INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

cooking

10 February at the Allen Event

22 Mark Twain’s Jim

Center

Allen’s Annual Duck Derby

Art for Everyone

Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund

Allen Community Band

Texas Master Naturalists

Workers Progress Administration

24 Hungrytown

Mariachi Rosas Divinas

25 Vellamo

Soul Legend Bobby Patterson

education

20 Heroes

Allen Railroad History

Houston Baroque Concert

Bingo Night

The Boy Scout Band

28 Food for Thought

24 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

28 contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Nicole Bywater

Larry Fleming

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Kirk Dickey

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

Deborah Dove

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Tom Keener

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

Todd Rice

cover photo

Happy Chinese New Year

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

civic forum

February at the Allen Event Center by Todd RICE

Riverdance

Collin County Home & Garden Show Tackle your DIY projects this year during the 7th Annual Collin County Home and Garden Show at Allen Event Center February 12-14. This fun and festive show is sure to bring out the creative side in just about anyone at any age. The show provides products and services for any project including builders, contractors, materials, pools, decks, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape, kitchenware and much more. The show offers thousands of square feet and over 200 booths. On the concourse, you’ll find everything from sweets and jewelry to handcrafted

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items and even pet adoptions going on all weekend long. Parking is free and admission is free for children 16 years and younger. For more information, please visit AllenEventCenter.com.

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back for the 20th Anniversary World Tour. Riverdance returns to North America after a fouryear absence; set to perform at Allen Event Center February 19-21. The return of the show includes new costumes, lighting, projections and the addition of a brand new number, “Anna Livia,” featuring the female members of the Irish dance troupe in an acapella hard-shoe number. Riverdance—The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Dohert and directed by John McColgan. Multiple show times will be offered throughout the weekend and tickets are on sale now. For additional information, please visit AllenEventCenter.com. v Todd Rice is a Senior Marketing Coordinator for the City of Allen.

Take a “Quack” at Allen’s Annual Duck Derby by Chelsey APRILL Sounds of squealing, laughter and applause echo across the waves at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. The pool area is packed, but not a single person is in the water. Instead, they’re huddled on the tile, in bleachers and lawn chairs, eyes fixated on the meandering flow of the lazy river. “The Duck Derby is one of the most entertaining events we hold all year,” says Tim Dentler, director of the City of Allen’s parks and recreation department. “You never know what you’ll see.” Competitors can purchase racing ducks at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. But the real fun begins at home. Some use Sharpies to draw sports jerseys, bow ties or tattoos on their ducks. Others adorn the yellow fellows with tiny wigs, felt hats, feather boas or duct tape capes. “We’ve gotten ducks based on video games, movie characters and sports figures,” says Steve Nagy, a recreation specialist for the parks and recreation department. “It’s exciting seeing all of the entries from the families and kids.” But all that creativity has a cutoff. Ducks must be returned to Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium by Friday, February 5 for judging. The best-

decorated ducks receive prizes, but the true contest happens in the water. Ducks head to the starting line on Saturday morning. “The great thing about the Duck Derby is that literally anyone can win,” says Dentler. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re the most athletic person in the room. You stand a good chance of losing to a toddler.”

Think you have the fastest duck in Allen? Pick up your racing duck for $5 at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium front counter. The Duck Derby will be held Saturday, February 6, at 10 a.m. Learn more about parks and recreation events at AllenParks.org. v Chelsey Aprill is a Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | February 2016

Art for Everyone

Community input shapes the future of Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public art program

Oceano is located in the courtyard of Allen Public Library.

by Chelsey APRILL

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Inside a conference room at Allen City Hall, five citizens are deliberating the design of the city’s next public art project. Tile samples, architectural renderings and cardboard models line the wall. Three artists have just presented concepts via Skype for mosaic-covered columns as part of the redesigned Ford Pool. The group quickly picks two favorites, then falls silent. “Can we choose both?” jokes one of the members. Others laugh, but shake their heads. This process is part of Allen’s public art program, which commissions works for community display using bond funds approved by voters. The program has resulted in numerous installations, including works at Allen Public Library, Fire Station 5 and Cottonwood Creek Trail. “We have a highly-sophisticated community,” says Tim Dentler, director of Allen’s parks and recreation department. “They’re looking for these cultural elements.” Now a decade old, the public art master plan is getting an update. Parks and recreation department staff collected more than 200 surveys about

A is for Allen—a limestone, steel and glass structure in Exchange Parkway median. Allen Image | February 2016

Rail Ladder Fire is a repurposed sculpture located at Fire Station 5. design preferences, desired locations and goals for future art. They assembled focus groups from Allen High School and visited public art in other North Texas communities. “Each city does public art differently,” says Jennifer Robinson, who handles support services for Allen’s parks and recreation department. Some require each cityfunded project to feature a piece of public art. Others ask developers to install works in new neighborhoods and business complexes. “In some cases, the development community is volunteering to participate,” says Dentler. He points to a recent installation in Allen’s Cottonwood Crossing neighborhood, placed by developer Wynne/Jackson,

Inc. Some works, such as Monstrum Incarnata, were donated; the welded iron flower displayed outside Allen Senior Recreation Center was a gift from the Rodenbaugh family. However, most public art in Allen is funded by bonds approved by voters as part of a capital improvement program. This process allows residents to decide how the city spends money on facility upgrades, road projects, public safety improvements and more. Public art is allotted approximately 2% of the total bond amount, but voters approve the funding in a separate proposition. “It was decided in the first bond election to keep it separate,” says Dentler. “We wanted to make sure voters really wanted public art.” The first public art proposition

Current Drift, is on the Cottonwood Creek Trail Bridge.

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passed in 2006, giving the public art committee $1.3 million to spend on future art projects. Works like Rail Ladder Fire, A is for Allen and Oceano followed. The city’s next bond election is expected in 2016. If it passes, the updated public art master plan will help determine how the money is spent. “It gives us a roadmap,” says Dentler. “It’s a way to say, ‘We’ve done a lot of these, so let’s move in this direction.’” While surveys and focus groups can identify potential locations and types of work, beauty will always be in the eye of the beholder. Dentler says nearly every project has faced a few critical voices. “Art is there to stimulate discussion. Not everybody is going to like it,” he admits. “But art, to me, is about inspiring a feeling, an expression, or a conversation.” The city also invites residents to help choose artists and designs for future projects. Panels of citizens are assembled for each project to select artists and refine designs. “You can bark from the outside,” offers John Parchman, who joined the artist selection panel for the Ford Pool mosaic project. “But you can actually change things here.” After spirited debate—and a lot of scribbling on the room’s massive white board—the group reaches a consensus. Their recommendation will be presented to the public art committee, then to city council. Thousands of residents will view the chosen mural when Ford Pool reopens this summer. “These days, people spend a lot of time focused on their own lives and activities,” says Dentler. “Art redirects your attention toward the aesthetics of our community. That’s what I love about it.” To learn more about Allen’s public art, including how to join future artist selection panels, visit CityofAllen.org/ PublicArt. v Chelsey Aprill is a Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund Providing Peace of Mind to Allen’s Finest

Allen Police and Fire Golfing for Safetee! Tuesday, February 2, 6-10 p.m. at TopGolf in Allen. $10 per ticket

Police vs Fire Ice Hockey Game Saturday, February 27, at Allen Event Center

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The Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund (APSRF) is a foundation established to provide benefits to Allen police, firefighters and all public safety personnel who are injured in the line of duty. Although their medical expenses and salaries are usually covered through workman’s compensation and city benefits, a lengthy recovery period can result in severe financial difficulties. The Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund was instituted shortly after an Allen police officer was shot in 1993, during a routine traffic stop. His injuries were significant and required extensive medical care and physical therapy before he could resume his duties. It became necessary for his wife to leave her job to care for him as he recovered. This caused the family financial hardship and clearly the need for such a fund. The APSRF now continues as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, governed by a board of directors comprised of volunteers representing a diversity of Allen citizens and

public safety personnel. The board receives applications from those needing assistance. Although Allen has been fortunate to have very few injuries to our police and firefighter personnel, even minor injuries can result in financial difficulties. Donations are the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund’s primary source of income. The foundation raises funds on an ongoing basis through activities, events and mailings in Allen and the surrounding communities to ensure that emergency assistance is available when needed for those who selflessly protect and serve Allen. You may send donations to: Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 1995 Allen, TX 75013 Come support the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund at their upcoming events. Included in your Allen Americans ticket is free admission to the Fire & Ice game, which precedes it. All proceeds benefit the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund! v

Allen Community Band The Allen Community Band (ACB), under the direction of Mr. Craig Logan, kicks off its Spring Concert Series at 7:30 p.m., Monday, February 29, in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early as the ACB often performs to a full house. In keeping with their tradition of recognizing various groups and organizations that are important to the Allen community, the ACB will honor area educators, past and present, from all segments of the educational spectrum. The acclaimed bumper sticker reads, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” This will be an excellent opportunity to accomplish that task! Several educators will be featured in the selection “Concerto for Faculty and Band.” The musical theme for this concert is “Movies and Musicals” and will feature “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Theme from Star Wars,” “The Sound of Music,” a western medley of theme songs of the most famous television and movie westerns, “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Another Openin’, Another Show” and several more popular selections. A program highlight will feature the world premiere of “Ode to Saturday Night,” by John Swinson, conducted by Mr. Chris Xeros, founder of the Richardson Symphony, and who, along with Mr. Logan, co-founded the Allen Philharmonic in 1998. This composition, written for a western that

was never produced, was originally given to Mr. Xeros and the Richardson Symphony, but was never performed. Mr. Xeros passed it on to Mr. Logan who immediately began the process to have it scored for Wind Band by local arranger Ray Akin. Mr. Xeros serves as consultant to Mr. Logan and is associate conductor for the ACB. A 501c3 organization, Allen Community Band was founded in 2013

and is comprised of 65 members from Allen and surrounding communities. All have experience playing in band and enjoy performing band music on a regular basis. For more information, please contact Craig Logan at: CraigL@ allencommunityband.com. ACB’s website is www.allencommunityband. com and Facebook: www.facebook. v com/AllenCommunityBand.

Allen Image | February 2016

Texas Master Naturalists Ten years ago a handful of like-minded people interested in nature and the environment formed the Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for Collin County. The chapter is now more than 120 strong and has provided more than 80,000 volunteer hours to education, outreach and service for the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within Collin, Denton and Hunt counties. Add another 20,000 volunteer hours donated by those who completed the training and are working directly with a nature-as-their-priority organization they were introduced to through the chapter.

The Texas Master Naturalist program is under the auspices of Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Stated involvement for the organization is through conservation and restoration, community education and outreach and independent and group projects. The mission is simple, but far-reaching, in a state that stretches the state staff for environmental maintenance and education for our parks and open lands quite thinly. Master Naturalists act as the matching grant, so to speak, of the state’s portion of monies received in grants. Texas provides its match in the form of volunteer time donated by Texas Master Naturalists, a network of people who learn about Texas nature, teach

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others and work on habitat projects. The federal government values the group's time at $20.65 an hour. Blackland Prairie provides training yearly beginning in February to those interested in learning about the region and becoming certified master naturalists. After 40 hours of classroom training by well-known regional experts, members are prepared to provide education, outreach and services dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. “All of the ‘ologies’ are covered,” said Deborah Canterbury, president. “Our classes cover everything from ecology and geology to entomology and herpetology. Want to know about the native plants of this region and what is hardy? Want to learn about our changing weather or how to identify a tree in winter? We have it covered. We also provide a link to the places to volunteer that need the talents you have in whatever field you want. Sometimes people want to volunteer and work for the environment, but just do not know where to begin or who to contact. We provide that link.” Donna Cole, a founding member and the first president of Blackland Prairie likens the experience of becoming a master naturalist to science and summer camp for adults. “When I went to the initial meeting on ecology and heard again about the carbon cycle, plants and animals,

I remembered how much I love science. I am a nerd at heart for plants and nature and now I have an outlet for that,” Cole said. “An individual can make a difference. We are at the forefront of ecology. “The most exciting experience is now taking something I learned that so excited me and sharing it with others. To see someone else get excited about what I think is so cool, well, that is wonderful.” Current New Class Director LuAnne Ray has a rich background in environmental education and is focused on the education process itself as her volunteer service. “I feel I can reach the greatest audience by dedicating my volunteer time to the education committee. Every person who goes through the class goes out and spreads the word. My contribution grows exponentially,” she said. Naturalists not only volunteer time through onsite projects, but are also needed to present to organizations for children and adults that are interested in the environment. Many are trail guides, working with school districts and junior naturalists and municipal parks and recreation departments to advise about the benefits of development that keeps the natural environment in mind. Ray is excited about the trend she is seeing in the age makeup of the BPTMN classes. College-aged and young professionals are joining the ranks. “While older people are very important to our mission it is exciting to see younger people taking an interest,” she stated. “That means we are doing something right and that, through them, we will be able to develop lifetime contributions by people wanting to share their efforts and concerns to educate yet another generation.” Classes begin February 10, and pre-registration is required; they meet 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday until May 4. Participants are required to attend all classes (makeup options

available), participate in three field trips and complete 40 hours of volunteer service and an additional eight hours of advanced training for full state certification. Classes meet at the Heard Museum, 1 Science Place, McKinney, in the Science Center. The training covers topics such as geology of the Blackland Prairie, prairie plants, ecology, avian ecology,

herpetology, entomology, mammals, our weather and the study of water— with regional experts teaching individual classes. For detailed information and application packet: http://bptmn.org. You may also contact Maureen Metcalf, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension office, 972.548.4232 or email questions to: education@bptmn.org. u

Allen Image | February 2016

Snippets

Heroes

Superman, Hulk, Batman All great heroes. You can be a hero too, Just by being you. Doing good deeds, spreading joy Those are heroes’ actions, Not just beating crime. Everyone can be a hero, Just by being kind. In people’s hearts You’re a hero too! Children that battle leukemia are our heroes! “They fight so hard and we want to bring awareness to their stories and help fund a cure,” organizers of heARTs for ART say. The annual heARTs for ART event, named by Samantha Schmidt, benefits Cook Children’s AML Pediatric Leukemia Research, making a difference against childhood cancer so “other kids don’t get sick.” If you know a child that has gone through leukemia or is currently fighting, heARTs for Art would love to feature them in their HERO display. Please contact them at heartbenefit@gmail.com The public is invited to the 5th annual heARTs for Art Benefit and Silent Auction on Saturday February 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Allen High School PAC, 300 Rivercrest Blvd. in Allen. The afternoon will include music and dance performances, art activities, concessions and a silent auction. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door. For more information visit www.hearts-for-art.org. v

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Allen Railroad History and Sam Bass Day Celebration Allen was founded by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) in 1874, but Collin County was founded almost three decades before. Celebrate the 250th birthday of Collin McKinney for whom our county and our county seat is named. Long before the railroad came to Collin County (formerly Fannin County), an early pioneer was making a name for himself in this part of Texas. Collin McKinney was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Come learn about Collin McKinney and help celebrate his birthday! The celebrations will be held on February 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Allen Heritage Center/ Depot, which is located at 100 East Main. Come dressed as Collin McKinney your favorite childhood cowboy film or TV star. A group of “cowboys” will have a gunfight. Allen High School drama students will re-enact the famous Sam Bass robbery at 2:30 p.m. Several family-oriented activities are planned including: ring the Ebenezer Allen steam train bell; dress up in old clothes to ride a train in the 1800s; shovel coal into a train engine; fill the tender with water from a water tower; try to rope a cow; 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 and have a cupcake for Collin McKinney’s birthday. Call 972.727.2772 for more information. v

Snippets

Houston Baroque Concert On Sunday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m., Houston Baroque will perform a concert for organ and voice at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. Houston Baroque is “the new millennium’s first generation of artists, presenting fresh takes on old masters, performing vocal and instrumental chamber music of the Baroque.” Agnes Vojtko and Patrick Zelezik will perform six centuries of music for organ and voice, including works by Purcell, Rheinberger, Reger, Duruflé, Milhaud and Pärt. The concert will feature world premieres of works by Mark Buller and Patrick Zelezik. The concert is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. A $10 suggested donation will be accepted at the door. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is located at 821 South Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX. For more information, visit christtheservant.com v

Bingo Night

The Boy Scout Band

On February 6, the Allen Eagle Home Run Club will be hosting Bingo Night, which is traditionally our largest fundraising event of the year for the Allen High School baseball teams. The evening is open to the entire community and offers bingo games and prizes, door prizes, a silent auction, drawings, food and lots of fun for the whole family. Doors open at 6 p.m. and Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Join us at the Allen High School Cafeteria, 300 Rivercrest Boulevard in Allen. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-RunClub/440755780536?v=wall. v

In November 1920, Ritchie Robertson organized a Boy Scout Band, with nearly 40 boys participating. The band grew to a membership of over 400 before it was dissolved in 1949. Cub Scout Blake Clancy and his grandfather, Joe Seiling, will present the history of this Boy Scout Band at the Allen Public Library on February 7, at 2:30 p.m. Those attending will learn interesting facts about Ritchie Robertson and the Boy Scout Band such as the many places they performed and what they did. Many photographs of the band and scout uniforms will be on display. You will also briefly listen to a recording that the band made in 1926. The presentation is offered during the Boy Scouts of America’s 106th Anniversary Week. Come join us to learn a little bit of scouting history. For more information call Joe at 972.908.2817 or email: joeseiling. debbie@gmail.com. v Allen Image | February 2016

library

Mark Twain’s Jim by Tom KEENER

Learn the captivating story behind one of the most celebrated characters in American literary history—Jim— from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Gilded Age. Larry McCarty, a direct des cendant of Uncle Daniel (Dan’l), the man who inspired Mark Twain to create

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the unforgettable Jim, will speak at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 18, at the library. Mark Twain spent summers on his Uncle John A. Quarles’ farmstead in northeast Missouri. A slave there, Dan’l Quarles was identified by Twain in his autobiography: “I have not seen him for more than a half a century, and yet, spiritually, I have had his welcome company a good part of that time, and have staged him in books under his own name and as ‘Jim’ and carted him all around Hannibal, down the Mississippi on a raft, and even across the desert of the Sahara in a balloon.” McCarty traced his family line by intersecting the legacy of Mark Twain with his own family roots in Northeast Missouri. “The Quarles family and part of the Clemens family, even after emancipation, were together in California and Keokuk, Iowa,” he notes. McCarty, who lives in Grand Prairie, is the great-great-great-greatgrandson of Dan’l. McCarty’s genealogical quest began with Dan’l’s son, Harve Quarles, who was sold to one brother of John A. Quarles as a teenager, then to another, and eventually migrated with his owner to Texas, where the family put down

roots. This proved to be an exhaustive, in-depth research on the slave family twined with Twain’s that was inter family in his Missouri childhood. “Everyone knows of John A., they know of Samuel Clemens and Mark Twain, but there had not been an academic study of the black Quarles (family) on the farm until I started this study,” McCarty points out. “Quarles (were) separated by the bonds of slavery (and) reconnected after 150 years. Harve, who was sold and migrated to Texas, never knew of his family again. I have made the direct connection to Daniel, and now that family is whole. During his presentation, McCarty will share important navigational tools for African Americans to locate their ancestors. McCarty’s book Mark Twain’s Jim (Daniel Quarles), From the Shadows to a Monument will be published in 2016. A native Texan, Larry W. McCarty served our country in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Army and retired from IBM after 30 years. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for v additional information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Workers Progress Administration by Tom KEENER For Depression-weary and despondent Americans, the Workers Progress Administration (WPA) not only offered employment, but also the restoration of dignity. Through the efforts of authors, artists and construction workers, the American landscape was altered for the enjoyment of millions of people. Closer to home, the original Greenville Avenue (U.S. 75), the gymnasium (located where First Baptist Church stands today), The WPA Guide to Texas: The Federal Writers’ Project Guide to Texas and Texas artist Frank Klepper ’s mural that can be viewed at the Collin County Historical Museum in McKinney resulted from WPA funding. Learn more about the WPA from the State Historian of Texas Bill O’Neal at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 25, at the library. Currently serving his second term as State Historian of Texas, O’Neal has made a number of television appearances including documentaries on TBS, The History Channel, The Learning Channel, American Heroes Channel, CMT and A&E. A retired professor from Panola College in Carthage, Texas, he has also been

active as a part-time radio host on KGAS-AM and KGAS-FM in Carthage for more than three decades. The author of more than 40 books, including Sam Houston Slept Here: Guide to the Homes of Texas’ Chief Executives (2004) and Ghost Towns of the American West, O’Neal was presented the A. C. Greene Literary Award at the West Texas Book Festival in Abilene last September. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Wild West History Association, and in 2007, he was named True West Magazine’s Best Living NonFiction Writer. O’Neal notes, “The WPA was one of the most successful of the ‘Alphabet Soup’ agencies of the New Deal, providing employment for great numbers of Americans while covering America’s Depression landscape with new roads, schools, airports, gymnasiums, parks, as well as enriching culture with concerts, plays, guidebooks and murals.” This free program is sponsored by ALLen Reads. Call 214.509.4911 for v more details. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Allen Image | February 2016

The library presents…

by Tom KEENER

Hungrytown Enjoy folk tunes rearranged into a refreshing new style with Hungrytown at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 26, at the library. Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, known as the duo Hungrytown, have a reputation of performing music with gorgeous vocal harmonies and compositions that sound as timeless as any traditional song. Although based in Vermont, this popular folk duo has a trans-Atlantic following with tours in the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand. Hungrytown’s music has received extensive radio airplay worldwide and the pair have appeared on several television shows, including the Independent Film Channel’s hit series, Portlandia. The New York Music Daily declares their most recent CD Further West as one of the 50 Best Albums of 2015. This publication noted: “The most elegantly arranged and arguably best album by poignant Americana songstress Rebecca Hall and multi-instrumentalist Ken Anderson’s plaintive folk noir band. Hungrytown leaves you wanting more.” Hall released two solo albums, Sings! (1999) and Sunday Afternoon (2002), both produced by Anderson. They

released their first CD, Hungrytown, in 2008 and Any Forgotten Thing in 2011. Hall and Anderson met in New York City where they had already been performing regularly—Hall as a jazz singer and Anderson as a drummer for a variety of garage bands. Inspired by the grit and true-to-life experiences she heard in traditional folk ballads, Hall was inspired to write the lyrics that later became her first songs, aided by Anderson’s flair for musical arrangement. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. v

Mariachi Rosas Divinas Mariachi Rosas Divinas, an all-female mariachi group, will perform 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 11, at the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. This free program is sponsored by ALLen Reads. An all-female mariachi group is a rarity in the almost exclusively male world of mariachi. This musical form traces its roots to the indigenous tribes, Spanish colonialists and African slaves. It is an exciting and enchanting musical genre. Mariachi lyrics frequently describe country life, especially the plants and animals of a region. Imagery of animals such as roosters and chickens often are metaphors for human relationships. Having received classical and informal training, Mariachi Rosas Divinas will feature trumpets, violins, guitar, viheula and guitars. Instrumental and songs are combined with dance routines that symbolize the lyrics. The viheula is a lute instrument that provides a special ambience to mariachi music. The heartbeat of the modern Mariachi group is the Guitarron. This six-string bass instrument is tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, and the strings are often plucked in pairs to provide octaves. Popular Mariachi favorites will be performed,

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including “La Negra,” “Mariach Locs,” “Volver Volver,” “Besame Mucho,” “Cielito Lindo,” “Tu Solo Tu,” “Si Nos Dejan” and “Dulce Nina.” Founded in 2004 and directed by Tabitha Sanchez, Mariachi Rosas Divinas has performed at the Gaylord Texas Resort, Dallas Museum of Art, Amarillo Opera House and Dodge Chrysler Show Room at the State Fair of Texas. Ms. Sanchez states, “We concentrate heavily on the Maricahi style because that is what sets us apart from an orchestra or acoustic band.” v

Vellamo Delight in the haunting melodies and ballads, vocals and virtuosic guitar stylings of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala, the Finnish folk duo Vellamo, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 12, at the library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this event is free. In addition to performing in the Finnish, Celtic and Scandinavian folk traditions, they also compose memorable original songs. In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea. Based in Kokkola, on the western coast of Finland, Pia and Joni combine the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility, creating an exotic and magical acoustic experience. Raised in the arctic region of Lapland, Pia is Vellamo’s lead singer. Combining her love and vast knowledge of Finnish folk music with the western singer–songwriter tradition, her exquisite voice evokes creative expression. Originally from the Finnish port of Kokkola, Joni Tiala’s eclectic musical background includes writing and performing for theater, progressive and alternative rock, and Finnish and western folk. In addition to his work in Vellamo, Joni is an accomplished theater and session musician and founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band Moonwagon.

In early 2013, Vellamo released their first album, engineered and co-produced by Ken Anderson at his home studio Song Catcher Recording in Vermont. Vellamo released their second album in June 2014. This folk-rock gem contains beautiful arrangements of traditional songs from the Finnish and Scandinavian traditions. You can hear how surf rock guitars and hillbilly country style is blended with the Finnish tradition. Vellamo’s third album Koskenkylä featuring all original material, was released in October 2015. v

Soul Legend Bobby Patterson Legendary soul musician Bobby Patterson rips the stage at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 19, at the library. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. Once featured on National Public Radio, Patterson has been singing R&B and southern soul for over half a century. Releasing countless singles in the 60s and 70s, his original tunes have been covered by artists as diverse as Little Willie John, Albert King, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Jeff Tweedy. Having once performed at the Carousel Club, which was owned by the infamous Jack Ruby, Patterson now is a favorite at Austin’s South By Southwest, Damrosch Bandshell in New York City and at clubs throughout Texas. As a songwriter, he co-wrote “That’s What the Blues is All About” with Al King. Another of Patterson’s songs, “She Don’t Have to See You,” was recorded by Golden Smog for their 1995 album Down by the Old Mainstream. He recorded a live album at the Longhorn Ballroom in 2002 and released I Got More Soul in 2014. Commenting on this recent album, Patterson declares, “More soul than more soul. More means more.” Produced by Zach Ernst,

formerly with Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears and currently the Relatives’ guitarist, I Got More Soul is comprised of covers and songs inspired by Patterson’s witty radio punch lines. For years, he was a disc jockey at KKDA-AM, Soul 73 in Dallas where he was the voice for soul in Dallas. Patterson emphasizes, “Because, you know, a merry heart does good like a medicine. So I’d like for, you know, to open up your ears and take your medicine!”

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | February 2016

kids korner

Cowboy Up by Deborah DOVE It may be cold outside, but February is rodeo month in Texas. The last weekend in February marks the kickoff of the inaugural American Rodeo event at AT&T stadium on February 28—touted as the world’s largest and richest one-day rodeo event, and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo runs through February 6. Get in the mood with this round-up of all things cowboy for your little buccaneer.

Trail Mix

No cowboy outing is complete with trail mix. Make your own by combining any (or all) of the following: peanuts, cashews, Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, corn nuts, dried banana chips, raisins, chocolate chips and M&Ms. Or make s’mores trail mix with Golden Grahams cereal, marshmallows and chocolate chips.

American Rodeo

Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show

If you can’t make the rodeo, consider this recreation of a Wild West show featuring trick roping, trick shooting, animals and a singing cowboy. Saturdays at 2:30 and 4:30 pm, Cowtown Coliseum. Tickets are $15/adults and $8/children

Mother-Son Dance

If you want to go big, check out this ultimate rodeo event that brings underdogs, stars and legends to the same arena to compete for a payout of over $2 million in classic rodeo events such as roping, barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling and more. February 28, at 2 pm AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas. Tickets start at $20 (www.ticketmaster.com).

If you have a son in sixth grade or younger, dust off your boots and attend the Allen ISD Mother-Son Dance, a boot-scootin’ hoedown that’s lots of fun and a great opportunity for moms to spend one-on-one time with their sons. Saturday, February 20, from 7-9 pm, Allen HS cafeteria. Tickets are $35/couple and $10 per additional child. Buy tickets at www.allenisd.org/ communityed.

Fort Worth Stockyards

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Experience the sights and sounds of the Old West with a Stockyards Adventure Pass, available at the Fort Worth Stockyards Visitors Center. You’ll receive a Fort Worth bandana, a stockyards map, vouchers and a Stockyards Adventure sticker. Includes the twice-daily cattle drive through the Stockyards at 11:30 am and 4 pm, a cowboy-led walking tour through historic locations in the Stockyards and a 4x6 photo taken on the bull at Billy Bob’s Texas. The package also includes admission to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Stockyards Museum. If you don’t want to purchase the package, you can still watch the cattle drive for free and enjoy exploring the Stockyards on your own. Stockyards Visitor Center, 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets start at $21 and are available online at www. fortworth.com/stockyardsadventures/.

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Part of the Fort Worth Stockyards Adventure Pass, this museum can be toured on its own and honors the men and women of rodeo, with three hands-on exhibits that help kids learn about packing for the trail, branding and all about chuckwagons. There’s also a collection of bits, the 1933 Cadillac coupe owned by Amon Carter and a Chisolm Trail exhibit. Whether you tour the museum or not, be sure to visit the Jersey Lilly Old-Time Photo Parlor in the front lobby for your very own costumed OldWest sepia-toned photo (packages start at $27.95). MondayThursday, 9 am-5 pm; Saturday 10 am-7 pm; and Sunday 11 am-5 pm, 128 East Exchange, Fort Worth. Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for students and senior; and $3 for children ages 5-12 or $15 per family (two adults and up to four kids).

National Cowgirl Museum

One of the oldest stock shows in the U.S., this annual event features livestock auctions, exhibits, shopping and rodeo events. There’s also a Children’s Barnyard with baby animals such as day-old chicks, newborn calves, baby lambs and pigs; a petting zoo; live milking demonstrations; a walk-through agricultural exhibit; a magic show; and the Moos Brothers—the ambassadors of the Stock Show who make daily appearances. 8 am-10 pm through February 6, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth or visit www.fwssr.com for more info. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-16, and free for children 5 and under.

This small museum dedicated to honoring the women who helped shape the American West includes an interactive bronc ride that puts kids in an old-style rodeo, video clips of cowgirl rides, costumes, memorabilia and objects from famous champions including Annie Oakley’s traveling trunk, Gene Krieg Creed’s trick-riding saddle, and Charmayne James’s NFR Championship Barrel Racing saddle. Kids can also pose for their own movie poster and learn to saddle a model pony. TuesdaySaturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sundays 12-5 pm, Fort Worth Cultural District, 1720 Gendy Street, Fort Worth. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 4-12.

Stockyards Rodeo

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Held every Friday and Saturday night year round, this indoor rodeo is family friendly and tons of fun. In addition to the usual rodeo spectator events—bucking broncos, bull riding, roping demonstrations and rodeo clowns—there are Calf and Mutton scrambles for kids to participate in (kids chase a calf or sheep for a prize), 8 pm (doors open at 6:30), Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets are $17.50 for adults/$10 for children 12 and under. Box seats and VIP seats are $22.50.

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The Mesquite Rodeo runs every Saturday night July 2 through October 1 at 7:30 pm. This family-friendly rodeo opens with a laser show followed by all the traditional championship rodeo events. Come when the gates open at 6:30 pm for face-painting, cowboy autographs, a petting zoo and pony rides. There are also a few interactive events for kids such as the Mutton Bustin’ and the Dash-for-Cash. Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite or visit www.mesquiterodeo.com for ticket prices.

education

Food For Thought

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Be it sizzling fried chicken, a colorful salad, or a spicy taco, everyone has a definition of good food. And one professor’s quest of over five years to define good food for the next generation has led to more than 15,000 pounds of food being donated to those who need it.

Collin College professor Shiva Davanloo was teaching nutrition and wanted her students to think about food critically. “I wanted my students to carefully read nutrition labels on food and be able to define the meaning of good food for them,” Davanloo explained. “I wanted them to ask, ‘What is nutritious for me and for others?’” To get her students thinking, Davanloo started a service-learning

project that would involve them with local cities and residents. Service Learning at Collin College is servicebased experiential application of knowledge in real-world situations in which the service benefits the community. For the project, students started food drives in the towns that they lived in at locations ranging from daycares, churches, workplaces and even on Facebook. “The people who receive the food

are generally at a lower-level income, so the students had to take a social and economical view of food in addition to its nutritional value,” Davanloo said. “The students had to look at the shelf life of food, which foods would be the most filling and how calorie-dense foods were good options for people who might not know where their next meal is coming from.” For the first several years of the food drives, students partnered with

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Meals on Wheels and collected hundreds of boxes of donated food items. “I wasn’t sure of exactly how successful the food drives would be initially,” Davanloo said. “But in the first few years, I would store the boxes in my office and I was absolutely buried under them. The drives were an absolute success.” In the most recent years, Davanloo and her students have partnered with Frisco Family Services in food drives. Originally, Davanloo had been driving all of the food to the donation sites, but that ended last year. “Starting in 2014, we had such an overwhelming response, that I had to call Frisco Family Services and say, ‘There’s no way I can move all of this,’” Davanloo said. “Frisco Family Services sent a truck capable of transporting 5,000 pounds of food each semester. We completely filled those trucks for three semesters, resulting in more than 15,000 pounds of food donations.” The food drives counted toward the students’ grades, and they were required to write a paper about how they defined “good food.” But the lessons learned reached far beyond the classroom. “The students now really have a global perspective of what good food

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is and are raising awareness in their communities. One of my former students was a mother of three and when her kids heard about the project they set up a lemonade stand that asked for canned food donations. We’re really making an impact in the community,” Davanloo said.

For more information about service learning at Collin College, visit www.collin.edu/academics/ v servicelearning/. Holly Harvey is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photos courtesy of Shiva Davanloo.

MARKET PLACE

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cooking

Happy

Chinese New Year! Although the champagne glasses and noisemakers have been put away, there’s still another New Year to celebrate—the Chinese New Year, which marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and occurs this year on February 8. Celebrated in the Chinese culture by visits with family and friends, special meals, fireworks and giftgiving, the Chinese New Year is typically celebrated for fifteen days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. Occurring on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the New Year, the beautiful Lantern Festival features the release of thousands of paper lanterns, representing the letting go of your past self. While most Americans who aren’t of Chinese descent don’t celebrate Chinese New Year, many can still take a page from the some of the holiday’s traditions, such as cleaning house to sweep away the bad luck that has accumulated over the last year and make room for good luck to come, wearing red, honoring ancestors, resolving to let go of the past, watching a Chinese New Year parade with costumed dragon dancers and enjoying traditional Chinese food. Food enjoyed during traditional Chinese New Year celebrations include dumplings, Tang Yuan (balls made of rice flour), fish, spring rolls, noodles and tangerines (for good luck), but Chinese food is delicious—and typically healthy—any time of the year. Celebrate the Year of the Monkey by resolving to experience Chinese food more often in your day-to-day cooking. With the following tasty recipes, you’ll want to retire your favorite take-out number (at least occasionally) and cook in.

Stir-Fried Rice 2 c. cooked rice 3 Tbs. vegetable oil ½ c. chopped onion 2 eggs, beaten 1 c. frozen peas (or peas and carrots) 1 tsp. garlic powder 3-4 Tbs. soy sauce 1 green onion, chopped *1 c. of cooked chicken or shrimp, optional Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion; sauté one minute. Add eggs; scramble. Fold in shrimp or chicken (if desired), peas, garlic, rice and soy sauce and heat through. Top with green onion.

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Kung Pao Chicken 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks 2 Tbs. white wine 2 Tbs. soy sauce 2 Tbs. sesame oil 2 Tbs. cornstarch, dissolved in 2 Tbs. cold water 1 oz. hot chili paste 1 tsp. white vinegar 2 tsp. brown sugar 4 green onions, chopped 1/2 c. chopped green or red bell peppers 1 Tbs. chopped garlic 1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, drained 4 oz. chopped peanuts or cashews Combine 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon cornstarch/ water mixture and mix together. Place chicken pieces in a glass dish or bowl

and add marinade. Toss to coat. Cover dish and place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine remaining tablespoons of wine, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch/ water mixture with chili paste, vinegar and sugar. Mix together and add green onion, garlic, bell peppers, water chestnuts and peanuts. In a medium skillet, heat sauce slowly until it is aromatic. Meanwhile, remove chicken from marinade and sautĂŠ in a large skillet until meat is white and juices run clear. When sauce is aromatic, add sautĂŠed chicken to it and let simmer together until sauce thickens.

Lo Mein 1 3 2 2

8-oz. pkg. of spaghetti Tbs. soy sauce Tbs. teriyaki sauce Tbs. honey

1/4 tsp. ground ginger 2 Tbs. vegetable oil 3 stalks celery, sliced 2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks (or bought shredded carrots) 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced 1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced 2 green onion, sliced Bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse spaghetti with cold water to cool; drain. Whisk soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey and ground ginger together in a bowl. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, sweet onion, green pepper and green onion in the hot oil until slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes; add spaghetti and sauce mixture. Continue to cook, tossing to mix, until the noodles and sauce are hot, about 5 minutes more. Allen Image | February 2016

sauce, and continue to stir-fry for 3 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned on the outside. Stir in the hoisin and chili sauce and cook until the sauce lightly clings to the surface of the meat and vegetables. Garnish with the green onion tops. *Note: I usually remove the vegetables to a plate while I cook the beef, then combine them back in the pan before adding the sauce.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sweet and Spicy Beef 2 Tbs. soy sauce 2 tsp. cornstarch 12 oz. flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (put in the freezer for a few minutes for easier slicing) 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil 8 green onions, greens and whites separated, chopped 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 c. mushrooms, thinly sliced 4 c. green beans or sugar snap peas, ends removed

2 Tbs. hoisin sauce 1 Tbs. chili garlic sauce In a large shallow dish, stir together the soy sauce and cornstarch with a fork. Add the steak, toss to coat, and let sit for 10 minutes. Heat the oil in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the scallion whites and garlic and cook until fragrant, but not browned, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and green beans and stirfry for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula to keep the vegetables in constant motion. Add the beef, along with the soy

16 oz. ground chicken or turkey 1/2 c. water chestnuts, chopped fine 1/2 c. dried shiitake mushrooms 2 Tbs. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. dark soy sauce 1 tsp. oyster sauce 3 tsp. sesame oil 2 Tbs. rice wine or dry sherry 1 tsp. sugar Freshly ground pepper, to taste 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 12 iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed (careful not to break) 4 Tbs. diced scallions Steamed rice For the Spicy Hoisin Dipping Sauces: 8 Tbs. hoisin sauce 1 tsp. chili sauce 2 Tbs. warm water Place mushrooms in hot water to soften a few minutes. Remove stems and chop fine. Combine soy sauces, oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, rice wine, sugar and pepper in a bowl. Heat remaining sesame oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic; cook until golden, about 10 seconds. Add chicken mix ture; stir-fry until browned, breaking the chicken up as it cooks, about 4-5 minutes. To serve, spoon 1/4 cup of the chicken and rice into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with scallions and a spoon a little Spicy Hoisin Dipping v Sauce onto each one. Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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pet page

“Patrick”

Patrick is a 10-year-old, 8-pound Dachshund/ Miniature Pinscher mix. He is a very adorable, sweet boy who loves everyone. He’s a friendly, outgoing guy and has yet to meet a stranger! He is sure to melt your heart! He is potty trained, crated trained and gets along with all dogs, cats and kids of all sizes. He will be a great addition to a family with older kids. He also loves to cuddle and give kisses. He is neutered, current on vaccines, microchipped, heartworm negative and has had a dental. Patrick is one of our “diamond dogs” and he has a $75 adoption fee. If you would like to meet this precious, friendly boy, please complete an application: http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ adoption-application/. v Allen Image | February 2016

calendar

February 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. 5 Allen Americans vs Utah Grizzles 6 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 12-14 7th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show 19-21 Riverdance—the 20th Anniversary World Tour 25 Dallas Sidekicks vs Milwaukee Wave 26 Revolution vs Stealth 27 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 28 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder

Parks and Recreation Events For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 6

Duck Derby—Think you have the fastest duck in Allen? Purchase your ‘Racing Duck’ from the Natatorium, decorate it and return to the Natatorium for judging by Friday, February 5. The race will take place in the lazy

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river beginning at 10 a.m. and awards will be given to the fastest and best decorated ducks. 6

It’s Great to Skate—Learn to ice skate for free at the Allen Community ice Rink! 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. Class begins at 4 p.m. and after the class, skaters can practice their new skills during a 90 minute open skate. Preregistration is required.

6 Saturday Night Rec N Roll—A fun & and safe, social program offered by Joe 20 Farmer Recreation Center for students in grades 3-6—gym games, dancing, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, theme nights, contests and prizes. Supervision is provided and concessions are available. A ‘Party Pack’ includes $5 worth of concessions for $4 with your admission! An ID (annual $5 fee) required. 12 SNAP Dance (Valentine’s)—Special Needs and Adapted Program at Recreation Hall from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. 13 Valentines Open Skate—Head to the Allen Community Ice Rink for the Valentines Open Skate 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Entry—buy one/get one free, so you and your date can have a fun-filled evening.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services Weekly story times are held in the Children’s Program Room. Story times are free and no registration is required. For more information, call 214-509-4906. Baby and Me—For pre-walkers with a caregiver. Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Fun Ones & Twos—For 1 & 2 year-olds with a caregiver. Mondays & Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. Together Time—For 3-5 year-olds with a caregiver. Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.; Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. All By Myself—For 4-5 year-olds without a caregiver. Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. Pajama Story Time—For 3-5 year-olds & family. Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Note the new start time!) For more information about any of the events below, call 214-509-4906. All events are free and no preregistration is required to attend. 6

Palace Pets Valentine’s Tea, 10:3011:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room. For families with children. Make Valentine’s Day cards, sip pink tea, hear fun stories and dress for a fancy photo.

Family Game Day, 4-5:30 p.m., Children’s Program Room. For families with children of all ages. Strengthen strategic thinking skills and family bonds. We have games for all ages.

8 American Girl Club, 4-5 p.m., Children’s Program Room. For ages 7-12. Celebrate your favorite American Girl with crafts, snacks and more!

11 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd Floor Program Room. For ages 12-18. Join us as we watch anime, eat Japanese snacks and have fun! 12 Valentine’s Day Story Time, 10:3011:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room. For ages 3 and up with an adult. Celebrate the fun of Valentine’s Day early at the library. We’ll share lovey-dovey stories, songs and offer a fun holiday craft. 13 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room. For ages 5 and up with their families. Bring your parents and create with Legos at the library! 15 ALLen Reads Puppet Shows, noon2 p.m., Children’s Program Room. Ages 3 and up with adult. Fun, food-themed puppet shows in celebration of ALLen Reads Family Celebration Day. See live shows at noon, 12:30, 1 and 1:30 p.m. 16 Color Science, 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Children’s Program Room. Children 5-8. Explore the science related to colors and pigmentation with fun age appropriate activity stations. 19 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Children’s Program Room. Ages 0-3 with adult. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 21 Crafternoon, 2:30-4 p.m., Children’s Program Room. Ages 3 and up with adult. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9. 22 Science of Slime, 4-5 p.m., Children’s Program Room. Ages 7-12. Make gak and other sticky and slimy substances. 23 Homeschool Resource Meeting, 1:302:30 p.m., Children’s Program Room. For local homeschool students and families.

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room unless otherwise indicated. All events are free, and there is no registration unless noted. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913. 3

Noontime Pageturners, “Texas Eats” by Robb Walsh, noon-1 p.m. Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion!

Micro Macramé Beaded Bracelets, 2:30 p.m. Learn to make simple stylish bracelets using embroidery thread, beads and a simple knotting technique. All supplies are provided, but if you have special beads you’d like to incorporate, please feel free to bring them.

World’s Largest Boy Scout Band, 2:30 p.m. To kick off Scouting Anniversary Week. Eagle Scout and Boy Scout Band enthusiast Joe Seiling discusses the history of the world’s largest Boy Scout band.

10 Twisted Threads— A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 p.m. Do you knit? Or crochet? Or make spectacular things with thread and yarn? If so, Twisted Threads is for you! So, bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters. 11 Discover a Healthier You—Stay Young with Yoga! presented by Maya Crockett, Grateful Yoga, 1-2 p.m. Bring your friends and find out how to make yoga part of your daily routine to keep and achieve strength, vitality, balance and health.

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16 Let’s Talk Dewey: Presidential Memoirs, 7-8:30 p.m. Non-fiction readers, join us for the inaugural meeting of our choose-your-ownnon-fiction book club. We pick the topic, you pick the book! In honor of President’s Day, read any biography or memoir about a nonliving U.S. president. Books on the topic can be found in the non-fiction section under 973 or BIO. Each person will get a chance to share their book with the group and explore other books on the topic. 17 DIY@APL—Suncatchers, 10-11:30 a.m. Create beautiful suncatchers out of CDs and other materials you have at home. All supplies are provided. 17 Ladies Night Out, 7 p.m., 2nd floor program room. Join us in a discussion of this year’s ALLen Reads selection, “Texas Eats,” by Robb Walsh. Age 18+ 24 Your Perfect Trip Now! Part 1: How to Plan Your Perfect Vacation, 7-8:30 p.m. Part one of this two part informational program will teach you how to make the most of the time you have available and stretch your travel dollars farther so you can make your dream vacation a reality.

CLUBS 2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 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 Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets first Wednesday every month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild. org. Allen Retired Educators, meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets second Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. required. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets the third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit between Frankford & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday of every month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu. edu.\ Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and their owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday every month, in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, meets the third Thursday each month, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May except Dec., 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, President. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, the second Thursday of each month, 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/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets the third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Join us February 16 for Making Democracy Work, presented by The League of Women Voters of Collin County. Information about the importance of being a voter. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquar ters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children and schools through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net. SNARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets the second Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets the first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets the first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday of every month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 East Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Road, Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders. org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group. This group studies current issues on how the culture challenges Christianity. Meets every Tuesday, 11am12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter. Features local and national teachers, authors and speakers who address current topics about building an evidence-based case for Christian worldview. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday every month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Free. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Join us for book discussion & refreshments. Book selections determined at January meeting. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 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. W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfair viewchamber.com.

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ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Musicians ages 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC. com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, meets every Thursday, 7 pm, Blue House Too (blue & white stripe awning) 934 Market St., Allen. Guests always welcome at our rehearsals! Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org.

CRAFTS Allen Quiltersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

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Common Threads of Allen, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market CafĂŠ, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets the third Tuesday each month, provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups. yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, meets the third Monday of every month, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Cancer Support Ministry, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com.

Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, meets every MondayFriday, 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. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Upcoming dates - 1/16, 1/30. Minimum donation $5. All proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess Club, meets every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 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. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org.

MOM’S CLUBS Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Allen Image | February 2016

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets the second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out & more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. 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. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare is provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

MUSEUMS/preserves Connemara Meadow Preserve Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, monthly alternating between the first Saturday and the First Sunday, 8-10 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. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM Dinosaurs Live! Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along nature trails at the 9th annual Dinosaurs Live! See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller friendly. Thru Feb. 21. For more info: heardmuseum.org. 2nd Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! This is an introduction to journaling techniques through hands-on activities and is designed for individuals that have no journaling or artistic experience; those with journaling experience are welcome as well. If weather cooperates, this talk will also include an outdoor component.

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Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

SENIORS Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets fourth Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, meets every Friday, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Nonmembers, Allen residents $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. Classic 55+ Game Night, first and third Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship & games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Singles Mingle 60+, meets the first and third Monday each month, 5:30 pm, Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. Single men & women 60+ in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 E. Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com/ Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Knights of Columbus, meets the third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets the second Monday each month, 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. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday every month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teaches children to serve their community, meets the second Saturday every month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

For Your Health

Allen Image | February 2016

by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

cover story You may have re-discovered these thrills with a more mature appreciation if you were one of the lucky recipients of an adult coloring book over the holidays. Coloring books for grownups proved to be one of the most popular Christmas gifts this past season. Because of this growing respect for the simple pleasure of coloring, many fans are realizing this once youthful pastime is a valuable step on the path to both creative self-awareness and relaxation. Despite the childhood simplicity of this activity, the delight of putting pen to paper proves to have profound implications. The late psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung recognized the importance of the simple act of drawing a mandala. Noting that he drew one daily, he wrote, “A mandala is the psychological expression of the totality of the self.” Cher Kaufmann understands the significance of drawing designs and carefully selecting the perfect colors to fill in the spaces, but she wants to take it a step further by helping others gain that deeper understanding of what the process connects them to. Today, she is sharing this knowledge not only with her students in Allen but across the United States and even around the world. Last year, Cher had two coloring books released by Countryman Press, a division of W.W. Norton & Company: The Artful Mandala Coloring Book: Creative Designs for Fun and Meditation in July and The Ancient Alchemy Coloring Book: Celtic Knots, Mandalas and Sacred Symbols in November. For this year, Cher provides her fans the opportunity to elevate their creative skills to new levels with her third book, Mandalas and More: a Meditative Drawing and Coloring Book for Mind, Body and Spirit. This book also provides a lesson in patience since it is not scheduled for release until April 11. Each of these three books contain the cumulative knowledge Cher has gained over the years as an artist,

art teacher, photographer, massage therapist, and reiki master. Raised near Tucson, Arizona, Cher laughs about recently coming across a photo of her five-year-old optimistic and already artistic self, sitting outside at a table with a toy cash register hoping to sell pictures she had drawn. She went on to college to earn an associates degree in art, studying writing and photography as well. Soon after that, healing therapies called to her. When she and her husband Mark moved from Arizona to North Texas, she earned her massage therapy license and then reiki master certification, a method of Japanese hands-on healing. She went on to study face reading, Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine. When the couple moved to Allen 16 years ago, Cher set up a massage studio in their home and began hosting group classes, reiki circles and certifications. But a few years ago, Cher had to temporarily close the home studio because construction on her street left no place for clients to park. She decided to use this as an opportunity to repaint the room. When finished, in the center of the ceiling directly over the massage table, she had created a peaceful portal

to the heavens—a brilliant blue sky and fluffy white clouds surrounded by a round window adorned with simple yet striking designs. This artistic expression tugged at her and she felt the urge to take her life in a different direction—returning to her roots as an artist. Cher knew the value of trusting her intuition, and she would have the opportunity to incorporate the many valuable philosophies she learned in her healing career through a new medium. Cher began teaching others, most with no previous art experience, what she came to call “meditative drawing.” She not only taught one- or fourlesson private group classes in student’s homes, she also began an ongoing Thursday morning class at the Allen Senior Recreation Center for its members. She notes that the Allen Senior classes are in one-month blocks so beginners can join in at any time to first learn the basics, but her experienced students can work on new techniques that build on those fundamentals. “Sometimes we have a project we are working on and sometimes we have a theme, or sometimes we’ll switch gears and do something like draw with white pens

Allen Image | February 2016

on a black background,” she explains of the somewhat amorphous quality of the class. As word spread about her classes, requests for long-distance learning came in. She satisfied these demands by

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holding private classes for small out-ofstate groups via Facetime on iPads. Comparing learning to create art to learning how to ride a horse or ski, sew on a sewing machine or play a musical instrument, Cher points out,

“It all comes down to rhythm. When you get to that place where you completely relax into the rhythm, with whatever it is you are learning, then the experience is no longer something outside of you—it is you! “I think that’s what adults are finding in coloring,” she continues. “Not only are people reporting reduced anxiety and quieter minds, their coping mechanisms are changing because they know there is a quiet place that exists in them and they know how to find it. And when you are in a calm state, the blood pressure lowers and the internal rhythms of your body shifts. “Looking for patterns in textiles, jewelry, men’s ties, tissue boxes… It’s just looking for simple things.” the Allen artist continues. “And the moment you become more aware of that, you start looking at your world differently.” She explains, “The brain loves patterns and will seek them out; it’s the most efficient way it can work…. So when you are comfortable with a

pattern and the brain is not sending signals to your body that you have to be anxious about anything, then your creative side has greater access to work with you and your intuitive side can work with you.” Emphasizing that her students need to create “clean art,” Cher ’s classes are free of food and drink. “I want you to be in touch with just your pen and paper,” she explains. The lessons learned in Cher ’s classes transfer to the world as well. “I’m teaching people ‘Don’t grip your pen so hard; relax your body,’ but in life we face situations much like how we are gripping our pens. We are holding tight and don’t realize we are tense.” Cher also hopes to get some coloring groups set up and running. “I’d really like to get them started like with my one-day class—show them how to hold a colored pencil or marker or gel pen, because they are all held a little differently,” she explains. “I just like people going for the fun of it, strictly to get together and show each other. Once you start to color, you only need guidance every once in a while. There really is no right or wrong; there are some different ways you can do it, and that’s what I am teaching. But

coloring is about bringing something to life and you don’t need anyone else to do that, but it’s nice to be in a group when you explore it.” Cher notes that some people take their coloring books to work. “It is well known that if you have something difficult to solve, go do something else; change what you are thinking about. Pixar and Google are both known for the creative activities that can be done during work hours to keep creativity alive and accessible.”

She adds that coloring during lunch hours provides a way to disengage from the stress of the work day and return recharged and ready to face the afternoon. Her books came about in a serendipitous way, via a student who was traveling through the area and decided to join in a private drawing class. “She showed some of her drawings to an editor with a publishing company in New York,” Cher recalls. So the editor contacted her about a

Allen Image | February 2016

book on how to do meditative drawing, incorporating the Allen artist’s philosophy of looking at the world in different ways. But then the editor decided that

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this book needed to be put on hold. “Because there was such a big wave right now to reach adults and bringing pages to life through color, they asked if I’d be interested in doing a coloring book,” Cher explains. “So we created The Artful Mandala. This one was done in such a short period of time that they told me that if I wanted to submit drawings from my students for the book, we could do that.” As a result, 11 of Cher’s students from her Allen Senior Center and private classes, including one 16-yearold student, have some unique bragging rights. “Who knew that when they came into this class as something personal for themselves that they would now be reaching people on an international level!” she laughs. And demand for her book quickly took off, not only across the United States, but also as far away as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Poland, and Russia. Cher points out that one of the unique attributes of her two coloring books is that all the pictures are hand drawn—nothing is computer generated. “One of my biggest feedbacks is that as people are going through their coloring pages, they’re discovering the little anomalies or

human qualities in the art work, and that is what they’ve enjoyed. You can tell somebody drew this—that they put pen to paper to create it.” This personal touch, along with the single-sided pages printed on quality paper, led to large sales, so the editor approached Cher about putting out another coloring book before returning to the original proposed manuscript. One particularly poignant story Cher shares is how The Artful Mandala touched her mother-in-law’s life and created a new bond between the two women. Just prior to the release of the first coloring book, Cher’s father-in-law passed away and the Kaufmann family rallied to attend the funeral and then help her mother-in-law make the needed adjustments. Because she was out of state and her author’s copy had already been mailed to her Allen address, the publisher sent an additional book to where she was staying. “My mother-in-law was going through a lot; she was very busy and her days were filled. But the house got quiet at night and she needed something to keep her hands busy and her mind occupied,” Cher recounts. “Anybody who has gone through any major transition, whether it’s grief or a job change, getting married, moving to a new home…often there are times you need to find quiet moments or you’re not sure how to be in the quiet moments. So my mother-in-law started to color in it at night and soon realized this was fun.” Her mother–in-law soon had other friends in her retirement community interested in coloring, and they formed an interest group just to get together and color. “It stared with a just a few ladies and now it’s up to 25 ladies and they are about to move into a bigger room because they need more tables,” Cher grins. This group now meets for three hours once a week and is expanding from simply coloring to exploring the different coloring options. “By

bringing a page to life, they are bringing more life to their day. They are starting to see the patterns around their community and how the colors in the flowers intermingle. And that’s my thing—wanting people to look at their word differently!” In the U.S., Cher’s two coloring books are sold at a number of stores including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Costco and in airports via Hudson Booksellers, as well as on Amazon. With the release of the two coloring books, others in the area have become aware of her skills and insight. She has presented programs for a diverse group of organizations including Spirited Women that meets at Medical City of Plano, AquaFit of Plano, Grateful Yoga of Allen and Beach Mat Yoga in Richardson, A Foundation for Allen Schools Coloring Party and Fundraiser, a local bookstore and several programs for the Allen Public Library. “Cher is a fascinating person,” Debbie Vavra of the Allen Public Library emphasizes. “She did a class on meditative drawing and showed us how to look at patterns…. We started with simple designs and expanded on that. It was cool to see what people did; people who had never drawn before were really happy!” The library then had Cher return when the Artful Mandala was released. “People got to pick a page to color. It was all ages, from grandmothers to little children, men and women, and teenagers. And all the people had a great time!” Debbie recalls. Because patron response had been so positive, the library had Cher out again for a class on creative doodling this past spring. So Cher continues to reach out to a growing legion of new students and new artists who are now anxiously awaiting the release of her latest book that incorporates meditative drawing and coloring, building on her philosophy of seeing the world in new ways. The Allen artist concludes, “One of my teachers, Dr. Yuen, the Kung Fu

Grand Master, said, ‘Change always happens, it never not changes. It is our perception that doesn’t catch up at the same rate.’ That is something I held on to. It’s like planting a seed—you never know when it is going to take off and sprout and bloom.” But when that bloom does take

off, those crayons and colored pencils will be ready. For more information on Cher, her classes and books, go to her website at v www.artofcher.wordpress.com. Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

Allen Image | February 2016

business seen by Nicole BYWATER

Myers Park & Event Center

Allen’s Community Theatre

Barton Black, CPA

Rapidly becoming one of the last green spaces amid McKinney’s suburban development, Myers Park & Event Center provides a bucolic setting. Featuring the beautiful research gardens of the Collin County Master Gardeners, the park offers a sense of seclusion while remaining a wonderfully accessible rental venue. The 158-acre park includes a beautifully rustic 5,000-square-foot reception hall with full caterer’s kitchen and open space to serve any vision. The gazebo—with its lake and fountain backdrop, or the perennial garden—with its scenic view of the lake and hilly trees, are the perfect settings for an outdoor wedding. In addition to being a popular choice for weddings and holiday gatherings, Myers Park & Event Center offers a variety of entertainment options for birthday parties, family reunions, livestock and dog shows, cross country or obstacle course races, scouting, youth camping and much more. The park is also home to the Collin County Farm Museum and their unique hands-on workshops celebrating the county’s rural history. Where else can you take a class that teaches you how to drive a 1911 Ford Model T or learn to make cheese and soaps from scratch? Judy Florence, the park manager, reiterates, “Collin County used to be ‘way out in the country,’ with a lot of farm land that is quickly being replaced. Myers Park & Event Center is a great place for honoring our rural roots and remembering our history.” For more information visit www.myersinfo.com, call 972.548.4792 or email mpec@ collincountytx.gov. v

In 2010, theater enthusiasts LaMar and Gena Graham and their son, Darien, relocated from Alaska to Allen and were surprised to learn that the city lacked a local theatre. Seeing the need, the family posted flyers at the library and around town, inviting people interested in theatre to a meeting. Five people showed up, and that core group aligned with the Allen Arts Alliance to create (ACT) Allen’s Community Theatre. The organization has since grown from those humble beginnings to perform shows at The Harvest Church and the Allen Christian Church and, most recently, to their newest, larger facility on Main Street, which now has space for up to 100 patrons per show. ACT welcomes all community members who wish to participate, help or express themselves through theatre, both on and off stage. In addition, they offer year-round theater classes for children and adults and support a monthly Improv night known as The Dark Night Players. Now celebrating their 5th season, ACT’s current show is Crimes of the Heart, running January 29 to February 14. Upcoming performances for their season also include The Philadelphia Story, Blithe Spirit and The Wizard of Oz. Sampler tickets to three or more shows are available at a 10 percent discount. Allen’s Community Theatre is located at 1210 E. Main St., Ste. 300, in the southwest corner at Allen Heights, in Allen. For more information or tickets, visit allenscommunitytheatre.net. v

Barton Black offers full-service tax preparation with a personal touch. “Many of my clients have been with me for years and years. Some of these are former Allen residents that have stayed with me even after they’ve moved out of state,” Barton says. “I also get a lot of referrals, and that means a lot to me.” The reason for this loyalty lies in Barton’s ability to give individual attention to his clients— along with his dedication to helping them minimize their taxes. “I enjoy helping my clients get their tax situation straightened out when they’re not in compliance–if, for example, they’ve fallen behind or owe back taxes,” Barton says. “I also really like figuring out how to present someone’s information on their tax return in the best possible way, resulting in the lowest taxes possible. I aim at getting them every tax break possible, while still adhering to the tax laws.” Barton’s CPA firm focuses on small business and personal IRS taxes. While their services are most in demand during tax season, the firm is available year-round to advice clients on other financial topics that affect their tax liability. Barton has been a professionally licensed CPA and Allen resident for over 30 years. He is an active member of the Allen Chamber of Commerce and also enjoys volunteering through Allen Community Outreach, his church and The Gideon’s International. Barton Black’s office is located at 103 South Bonham Drive in Allen. For more information, call 972.727.2829 or visit www.7cpatax. com. v

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