Allen Image February 2017

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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

February 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 2

features

34 swimming with the sharks

Allen resident, Melanie Disbrow, owner and founder of Milk Snob, recently appeared on ABC’s popular inventor/entrepreneur reality TV show, Shark Tank.

46 unlikely treasures at orly

The Old Red Lumber Yard in McKinney (ORLY), was once an honest-to-goodness lumberyard, now it is home to a plethera of unlikely treasures.

special sections

18 CALENDAR 40 KIDS KORNER

Nature Preserves & Gardens

50 PET PAGE

Izzy

46 50

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

looking back

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38 Mustang Horses and Collin

Gardening Help for “Texas Transplants”

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Allen 5-Star Competition

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heARTs for Art Benefit and Silent Auction

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Allen Railroad History/Sam Bass Day Celebration

“20 Under 20” Juried Art Exhibit at Blue House Too

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Kiwanis Flag Program

Allen Symphony Chorus

African-American Gospel

U.S. Army’s Only Female Buffalo Soldier

Allen Community Band

What I Believe

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Ella Fitzgerald is 100

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

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30 Love and Chocolate—A Sweet Duo

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26 Barbara Peavy

Dreaming of Different Circumstances

cooking

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publisher/editor

education 42

27 Chocolate Extravaganza!

County

42 contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Heather Darrow Deborah Dove

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

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Tom Keener Simon Valentin

on the cover

Allen Image © 2017 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area.

(pg. 34)

Melanie Disbrow

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.

civic forum

Gardening Help for “Texas Transplants”

by Chelsey APRILL

We hail from India and Indiana, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore. Some of us “got here as soon as we could;” others came kicking and screaming. We landed in the Lone Star State by following a better job or bigger scholarship, a girl or a grandkid. But most of us share one thing in common: We have no idea how to grow things here.

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“I’ve seen people waste a lot of time, effort and money trying to garden in North Texas,” says Gail Donaldson, a trained horticulturalist and water conservation manager for the City of Allen. “It can be a very different experience than in other parts of the country.”

Even the greenest of thumbs find themselves warring against unpredictable weather patterns, tripledigit temperatures and challenging soil. When tomatoes split or bulbs won’t bloom, the instinct is to “throw water on the problem,” draining natural resources and driving up utility bills. (And, Donaldson notes, it’s not just the new-to-Texas who do it.) So in 2007, she created the Sustainable Landscape Series, a series of free classes offered each spring to help locals with their landscapes.

“You don’t need to water every day to have a thriving lawn or flower bed,” says Donaldson. “Even in our worst drought, we saw that educated gardeners experienced success.”

Now in its tenth year, the Sustainable Landscape Series has helped hundreds of students demystify soil preparation, plant choice and watering needs. Topics range from rainwater collection to sprinkler timing to proper tree care. The most popular, a class on tomatoes, attracted more than 100 students. Most run 90 minutes, but Donaldson is planning something new for 2017: a half-day class specifically for Collin County newcomers.

“People are moving to Allen from all over the country—even other parts of the world,” says Donaldson. “They can become easily frustrated when their favorite plants don’t respond the same way in Texas as they did in New York or Michigan.”

The Newcomers Class will feature a variety of speakers and information booths to provide a crash course in North Texas gardening. Donaldson plans to emphasize proper soil preparation, successful plant choice, and the unique nature of Allen’s water supply. The class will be held from

8:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 11.

As with every class in the Sustainable Landscape Series, attendees must RSVP to guarantee a seat.

The seminars are also posted on YouTube.com/AllenCityTV, attracting more than 10,000 views from around the world. The videos offer a convenient way to catch up on missed lessons, review helpful material, or share advice from experts.

Donaldson also encourages new residents to browse the city’s research

gardens planted along the north courtyard at Allen Public Library.

Featuring drought-tolerant species, they prove Lone Star gardens can offer splendid color and variety to Texas natives and transplants alike.

The Sustainable Landscape Series runs February through May. Visit CityofAllen.org/WaterEducation to browse classes and enroll. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist at the City of Allen.

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Allen 5-Star Competition

by Matt COBB

Eight teams will compete in five unique challenges, all in one afternoon, during a first-of-its-kind competition for young adults in Allen.

The Allen 5-Star Competition, for ages 21 and older, will give teams of five to six participants the opportunity to compete in archery, canoe battleship, chair volleyball, dodgeball and fowling from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 18, at multiple Allen Parks and Recreation facilities.

“Consisting of a diverse set of events that employ a wide range of skills, this is truly an exciting team competition,” said Joey Ramos, athletic program supervisor

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for Allen Parks and Recreation. “This is also an opportunity to get out and be active while getting to experience a variety of Allen’s recreation facilities.”

For each challenge, teams will compete against each other in a single-elimination tournament, Ramos said.

Teams will receive points for how they place in each challenge, and the team with the most points at the end will be declared the winner.

The competition will include a combination of familiar events, such as archery and dodgeball, with several less traditional challenges.

Chair volleyball follows similar rules as volleyball but uses an inflatable ball and requires participants to remain seated in chairs throughout the duration of the game, Ramos said. Each match consists of four players and lasts for 10 minutes, and the team with the most points at the end of the match advances until there is one chair volleyball champion team.

Another challenge, fowling, puts a spin on the tailgate game of beanbag toss, Ramos said. Bowling pins will be arranged on a platform, and players will try to knock them down using a football from 48 feet away.

The final competition, canoe battleship, involves trying to sink your opponents’ canoes by filling them with water, Ramos said. Taking place in the competition pool at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, teams will take turns using buckets to toss water into canoes until they are completely submerged.

The events will be held at Allen Senior Recreation Center, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center.

Prizes will be awarded to the top placing teams.

“Allen offers a range of activities for young adults, such as adult athletic leagues, but we wanted to provide a different type of activity for those who can’t commit to participating in a full sport season,” Ramos said. “Here’s a chance to be active, spend time with friends and get to experience what the Allen Parks and Recreation department has to offer.”

Registration is currently open for the Allen 5-Star Competition, and there is a $75 entry fee per team. To sign up, please contact Joey Ramos with Allen Parks and Recreation at 214.509.4741 or jramos@cityofallen. org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

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heARTs for Art Benefit and Silent Auction Celebrate art, community and a healthier future with us on Sunday, February 12, 2:30-6:30 p.m., at Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd.

Want to get an early start on your Valentine’s celebration this year? How about a fun family-friendly afternoon that supports the arts and helps to build a future where “other kids don’t get sick?”

It’s time again for the annual Samantha Schmidt heARTs for Art

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Benefit and Silent Auction! HeARTs for ART is a non-profit that brings awareness to, and raises funds for, pediatric leukemia research at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth—a fun event for a great cause!

Come on out and enjoy live entertainment, art, art activities and classes, face painting and silent auction. You will not want to miss the display of artwork from Scott Johnson Middle School (McKinney ISD) art classes.

Each year we feature other leukemia warriors in our Hero Wall by displaying their story and artwork.

If you know a child that has been affected by leukemia, we’d love to honor their story through our Hero Display!

Your event tickets ($10 adult/$5 student) include delicious concessions, all activities and live entertainment.

Don’t miss our Featured Performers—Sarah Copus, an awardwinning harpist and vocalist, at 2:15 p.m.; Allen Community Band— ACB Jazz, at 3 p.m.; Cameron Slate, a talented vocalist from McKinney, at 4 p.m.; and Allen Civic Ballet— Continuing the Classic Tradition, at 6 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate your love of the arts, family, and a future without cancer. Follow us on Facebook for more event details and to learn more about this cause at www.facebook.com/hearts4art, or visit www.hearts-for-art.org. v

Snippets Allen Railroad History/Sam Bass Day Celebration Celebrations will be held on February 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Allen Heritage Center/Depot, 100 East Main, to commemorate Allen being founded by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) in 1874. At 11:15 a.m., historian Warren Johnson tells the story of Sam Bass, then at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Allen High School drama students will re-enact the famous Sam Bass robbery.

Several family-friendly activities are planned—dress up in old clothes to pretend to ride a train in the 1800’s; ring the Ebenezer Allen steam train bell; shovel coal into a train engine; fill the tender with water from a water tower; watch blacksmiths at work; and take your picture as part of the Sam Bass gang. There will also be a costume contest where prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed cowboy/outlaw. There is a $5 entry fee.

“20 Under 20” Juried Art Exhibit at Blue House Too The Allen Arts Alliance is proud to present the 2nd Annual “20 under 20” Juried Art Exhibit showcasing 20 emerging artists under the age of 20. The exhibit will be on display at the Allen Arts Alliance Blue House Too Artspace in Watters Creek from January 13 through February 11.

Carter Blood Care will also be on hand with a mobile bus for much-needed blood donations.

The Arts Alliance received submissions of original artwork from 85 emerging young artists under the age of 20 from throughout Collin County. The 208 submissions have been reviewed by a jury panel and the 50 selected pieces were unveiled at an opening reception on January 12.

The event is free, but donations for the continuing development of historic programming are welcome. Come to the depot and bring the family to learn more about Allen’s train history.

Call 972-727-2772 for more information. v

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At the opening artists’ reception, the first, second and third place prize winners were announced.

The cash prizes were funded this year through the Allen Arts Alliance partnership with Kendra Scott/Kendra Gives Back. v

Snippets Kiwanis Flag Program Here comes a National Holiday weekend and suddenly your street (or the one around the block) is lined with flags.

Who puts them out and picks them up?

The Kiwanis Club of Allen. Club volunteers store them at their homes and put them out for the seven major flag holidays throughout the year—Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot’s Day (9/11) and Veterans Day. This is a subscription service provided by Kiwanis and the income raised provides for our many projects benefiting the children of Allen. Many are helped by your generosity—dictionaries are purchased and delivered to our grade school kids, the Angel League baseball program for special needs kids is funded, Allen Community Outreach receives donations, scholarships are given to deserving college-bound kids, etc.

So how do you get one? Go online to www.allenkiwanis.org and click on the flag program. Fill out the form and pay online. This initial fee of $50 includes the cost of the flag, the pole and the sleeve in the ground. The annual subscription renewal is $45.

The Kiwanis Club of Allen is a local chapter of Kiwanis International, dedicated to “Changing the World One Child and One Community at a Time.”

Weekly meetings are at noon and held at Café del Rio. Come join us for lunch or visit us at www.allenkiwanis.org. v

Allen Symphony Chorus Save the date for “Road Trip: A Musical U.S. Tour,” presented by the Allen Symphony Chorus under the direction of Rusty King, as part of their casual concert cycle. The chorus, accompanied by piano, bass, drums and guitars, will feature selections with city names in the titles and will be performed by choir, soloists, duets and trios. Some of the selections included will be, “Route 66,” “I Got a Girl in Kalamazoo,” “New York, New York,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “I’ve Been Everywhere, Man.” The concert will be held on February 10, at 7 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Avenue, in Allen. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. They can be purchased online at www.allenphilharmonic.org and they will also be available at the door the night of the concert. v Allen Image | February 2017

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calendar

february

Allen Event Center

events

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.

11/13 Note-Ably North Texas Women’s Chorus looking for experienced singers!

Auditioning for 2017 Sweet Adelines International Regional Competition, Sat., Feb. 11, 1-2 pm or Mon., Feb. 13, 7 pm, Blue House Too, Watters Creek, Allen.

For more info: go to nntchorus.org to register for audition.

12 Samantha Schmidt HeARTs for Art Benefit and Silent Auction, 2:306:30 pm, AHS Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd., Allen. An afternoon full of a silent auction, musicians, ballet, crafts, activities, food, and MORE in memory and honor of Samantha Schmidt who bravely fought leukemia at age 11 and wanted to raise funds “so other kids don’t get sick.” All proceeds benefit Cook Children’s Medical Center and their continuing leukemia research. Adults $10, children $5, children under 4 free.

For more info: hearts-for-art.org.

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CITY OF ALLEN

2 Allen Americans v. Tulsa Oilers 3 Allen Americans v. Tulsa Oilers 4

Dallas Sidekicks v. Tacoma Stars

10-12 8th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show 15 Allen Americans v. Indy Fuel 17 Allen Americans v. Indy Fuel 18 Allen Americans v. Rapid City Rush 19 Allen Americans v. Rapid City Rush 24 Texas Revolution v. Texas Stealth 25 Dallas Sidekicks v. Ontario Fury

parks and rec events For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org.

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It’s Great to Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 4-6 pm. Come try ice skating for free! During a 30-minute group lesson, skaters will learn the basics of ice skating. After the class, skaters can practice their new skills during a 90-minute open skate. Preregistration is required. Age: 4+ Cost: Free.

10 SNAP Dance (Valentine’s Theme), Allen Senior Rec Center, 7-10 pm. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Valentine’s! Register early, fee increases to $15 at 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more info, contact Lisa Potvin at

lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Age: 18+.

Cost: $10.

11 Duck Derby, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 10 am-noon. 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 5 pm on Friday, Feb. 10.

Race is on Saturday morning in the lazy river, awards will be given to the fastest and best decorated ducks.

Age: 1-12 Cost: $5 (Duck Decorating Contest only); $8 (Duck Decorating Contest and Derby Race).

11 Saturday Night Rec ‘N’ Roll, Joe Farmer & Recreation Center, 7-11 pm. Students in 3rd–6th 25 grade enjoy music, dodgeball, gym games, theme nights, prizes and more! Supervision provided and concessions available. An SNRNR membership (onetime, annual $5 fee) is required. For more information, call 214.509.4750. Age: 8-13 Cost: $8 pre-registered/$10 at the door.

12 Valentine’s Open Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 1-3 pm. Come join the ACIR for their Valentine’s Open Skate. Entry will be buy-one, getone free, so you and your date can have a fun-filled day. Age: All ages Cost: $5 entry/$3 skate rental.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services The winter/spring storytime session starts Monday, January 23.

Baby and Me—Pre-walkers w/caregiver, Thur., 10:15 am.

Fun Ones & Twos—1 & 2 year-olds w/caregiver, Mon., Tue. & Thur., 10:15 am.

Together Time—3-5 year-olds w/caregiver. Mon., Tue. & Thur., 11:15 am.

All By Myself—4-5 year-olds without a caregiver. Wed., 11:15 am

Pajama Story Time—3-5 year-olds & family. Tue. & Thur., 6:30 pm.

Winter Reading Club—through January 15.Attention children and teens! Earn free prizes this winter by reading 5 books or 5 hours. Pick up your reading log at the Library starting Monday, Dec. 5. The last day to pick up prizes is Sunday, January 15.

Events for familes/children/ tweens For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend.

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Chinese New Year Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. All ages. Celebrate the Year of the Rooster during our Chinese New Year story time highlighting Chinese culture, songs and rhymes in Mandarin and fun stories. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by adult.

TEENS 9 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. Join us as we watch anime, eat Japanese snacks and have fun!

20 Hamilton Party, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 12-18. Celebrate the musical phenomenon about the first Secretary of Treasury!

Prepare to defend your honor in a nerf duel along with other fun activities.

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.

1 Noontime Pageturners, 12 pm. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Bring lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion of this year’s

ALLen Reads book selection! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading.

8 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. Do you knit? Or crochet? Twisted Threads is a social group for any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters. Ages 16+.

15 DIY@APL—Create Your Own Greeting Cards, 10 am. Create greeting cards and gift tags for a variety of occasions using fun paper crafting supplies, including doilies, ribbon, twine, stamps and inks. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16+.

15 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm. Come join us in a discussion of this year’s ALLen Reads book selection Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Copies are available to borrow from a cart by the Information Desk.

6 Art in Action! 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 7-12. Create your own work of art using fun techniques!

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Happy Birthday, Laura Ingalls Wilder! 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 7-12. The heroine from the popular Little House on the Prairie books is turning 150! Join us as we wish Laura Ingalls Wilder a happy birthday with crafts, games and more!

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Decorate A Valentine! 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5 and up. Decorate one special valentine for someone you care about and decorate another to be distributed to residents of local living centers. All supplies will be provided by the Library.

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

10 Valentine Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 2 and up with their families.

Enjoy a family story time that celebrates love and friendship. This story time will be presented twice, at 10:30 and 11 am to allow more families to attend this event.

11 Family Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, Children’s Program Room. All ages. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts during this fun story time for the whole family. Each month features one of our favorite storybook characters or authors! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by adult.

14 Homeschool Nonfiction Club, 1:30-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Recommended for ages 8-10, all ages welcome. Join us each month as we share a nonfiction story together and create a project based on what we’ve learned. After our project, homeschool families can enjoy some social time.

18 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5+ with an adult. Bring your parents and create amazing structures with Lego blocks at the library! This month’s theme is food.

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

21 How-To Draw, 4-4:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5-8. Learn new techniques and create a new character every month!

27 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 0-3 with an adult. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations.

25 Family Game Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. All ages. Have fun playing games with friends and family while gaining problem-solving skills and increasing creativity. All games are provided.

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

28 American Girl Club, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 7-12. This month we’re celebrating Mardi Gras with Marie-Grace and Cecile!

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21 Let’s Talk Dewey: ALLen Reads, 7 pm.

Nonfiction readers! Join us as we discuss 2017’s ALLen Reads book selection Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Copies are available to borrow from a cart by the Information Desk.

CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.2changeu.org.

Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate.

For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main.

For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org.

Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main.

Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance.

For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org.

ALLen Reads meets the second Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org.

Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview.

RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com.

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome.

For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$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. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

American Association of University Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women.

For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460.

Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures 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. req.

For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Collin County Aggie Moms, meets third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com.

Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.

For more info: archaeology@netzero.net.

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Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano.

For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com.

Collin County Libertarian Party meets every second Wednesday, most often at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen.

For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com.

Collin County Master Gardeners tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations 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 owners in the Dallas area.

For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday each 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, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits.

For more info: 972.398.3478.

Friends of the Allen Public Library meets the third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. for more info, www.allenfriends.org Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the third 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 & 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 May10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education.

For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, second Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers.

Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee.

For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/.

McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets 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 third Tuesday, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: Jim Anderson, a Dallas Historian gives presentation on historic preservation in Dallas, how it wa as created and became the catalyst for today’s successful downtown.

For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies.

For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement— bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer.

For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.

NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month at 1:30 pm at the Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets 2nd Tue. each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join us.

For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs.

For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney.

For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome.

For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets third 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 in Dallas area.

For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com.

Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116.

For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.

Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B202.

For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano.

Single parent support group. Low cost childcare.

For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily. org.

Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney.

Social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together.

Various social activities.

For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835.

The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets each Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen.

For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425.

United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate.

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

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.

For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas.

For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

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. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share.

For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus meets Monday at 7 pm. New director, Richard Light! Visit us at Blue House Too, Watters Creek, 934 Market St., across from DSW Shoes. Guests always welcome. Women of Allen and surrounding area invited. Looking for experienced singers. Auditioning Sat., Feb. 11, 1-2 pm or Mon., Feb. 13, 7 pm., Blue House Too, Watters Creek, Allen.

For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www.nntchorus. org.

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CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville.

For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Common Threads of Allen, meets first and third Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc.

For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville.

Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm.

For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets the third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets everyTuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics.

More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help.

For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events.

For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family and 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.

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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, 6:158 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.

For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events.

For more info: www.texashealth.org.

The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome.

For more info: 469.854.9593.

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

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture.

The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday of each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited to our First Saturday Coffee and Donuts.

For times and directions: eaa1246.org.

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. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities.

For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons.

For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free).

For more info: 972.547.7491.

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

For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am.

For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org.

Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc.

For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com.

Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First Class FREE, email Lolo@ fit4mom.com” For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:3011:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free.

For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/ TrueBlueDanceCrew.

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/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney.

For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations req.

For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

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

For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc.

For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

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

For more info: 972.727.8241.

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:3011:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano.

For more info: 214.762.0037.

mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum

Open 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main Street, Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, historic photo collages and DVD programs on Allen history.

For more info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, monthly alternating first Saturday and the first Sunday, 8-10 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages.

For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM 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!

An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers. org.

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

For more info: 972.562.5566.

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.

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.

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Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets fourth Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402.

Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games.

For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney.

This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month.

For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers.

For more info: 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 1st and 3rd Tues. 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, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen.

For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle, Allen.

For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com.

Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets every third Wednesday at 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome.

For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month.

For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net.

Fairview Rotary Club, meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview.

For more info: 214.893.5360.

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.

Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets every 4th Thursday, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen.

For more information contact Jason Beckett,Jason.beckett.1@ gmail.com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/ CouncilSite/?CNO=13044.

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, 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.

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For Your Health

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library

The Library presents…

by Tom KEENER

African-American Gospel U.S. Army’s Only Female Buffalo Soldier Enjoy the enthusiasm and inspiration of AfricanAmerican gospel music with blues and gospel artist Sugar Boy Myers and his Praise Band at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 12, at the library. Walter Jackson will provide vocal accompaniment. Arrive early to view rare archival footage of gospel icons such as Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Five Blind Boys of Alabama and more.

Donte Ford will discuss the origins and history of African-American gospel music. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, he is also a dynamic drummer, pianist and organist.

Sugar Boy Myers takes the stage to lay down highenergy gospel music. Sugar Boy played for the Freddie King band and accompanied Eric Clapton, Leon Russell and other iconic legends.

Keyboardist Lewis Fluellen is a former member of T-Bone and Ovid and has played with Percy Sledge and The Drifters.

Other band members include Kevin Von on bass guitar and Sammy Honey on guitar. v

RosieLeetta “Lee” Reed portrays Cathay Williams, the first documented African-American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army and the only woman to serve in the U.S. Army as a man. She shares this amazing story at 3 p.m., Saturday, February 25, at the library.

Born in Missouri to a free man of color and a slave woman, Williams was legally a slave. At age 17, she was impressed into the eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel William Benton.

Williams enlisted in the U.S. Regular Army on November 15, 1866, posing as a man. She was discharged from the Army by her commanding officer on October 14, 1868, when it was discovered she was a woman.

RosieLeetta “Lee” Reed is president of the Texas Buffalo Association, dedicated to preserving Texas history and the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. A founding member of the Lakeside Riders, she participates in rodeos, parades, and honor guards and continues to educate people about the history and heritage of cowboys and cowgirls of color.

Reed specializes in presentations about Cathay Williams as well as Stage Coach Mary Fields, the first African-American woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service. v

Allen Community Band The Allen Community Band presents a midwinter concert 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 24, at the Allen Public

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Library Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Dr. A free event, the doors open at 7 p.m.

Chocolate Extravaganza!

Food for Thought Market and Café presents Chocolate Extravaganza! at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, in the 1st floor meeting room of the Allen Public Library. Chocolate treats and chocolate tastings will be offered. The Chocolate Extravaganza is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s month with a loved one, shake off the winter blahs and enjoy delightful treats.

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Well, at the Allen Public Library, you can “educate yourself” on how to figure out exactly what is inside that delectable chocolate you just picked from the box. Join Food for Thought Market and Café and the Allen Public Library as they uncover the mysteries of chocolate and present a program on the percentages of chocolate in confections—from dark to milk and white.

Grab your golden ticket (and some scrumptious chocolate) and join us in the world of all things chocolate. Ages 12+. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913, or check AllenLibrary.org. v

What I Believe Are you curious about the spiritual belief systems of others?

Plan to attend the “What I Believe,” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 16, at the library.

In Allen’s 2017 ALLen Reads book, Brown Girl Dreaming, the last chapter is titled “What I Believe.” An excerpt from that book: “I believe that there is good in each of us No matter who we are or what we believe in.

I believe in the words of my grandfather.

I believe in the city and the South The past and the present.

I believe in Black people and White people coming together.”

Three clerics will represent their religion and briefly present their thoughts. A question and answer session will follow.

Imam Abdur Rahman Bashir received his initial religious training from University of Islamic Sciences in Karachi Pakistan and then the Institute of Islamic Education in UK where he completed the remainder of eight years of education in Pastor Gordon Illausky Islamic theology and jurisprudence. He is currently Imam of Islamic Assoc. of Allen.

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor attended Jewish Theological Seminary Rabbinical School. A rabbi at Congregation Beth Torah in Dallas, and later at Congregation Beth El Binah in Richardson, he is rabbi/chaplain/counselor for local organizations and programs, including the Plano Police Department. Rabbi Leynor teaches at Collin College and Methodist Community Nursing Program.

Pastor Gordon Illausky has served at the Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Allen since 2006. Passionate about preaching God’s Word and the Sacraments of the Church, he reaches out to the community by serving as chaplain and in other endeavors. A talented musician, he is a vocalist and pianist who has performed in multiple theater, operatic and musical venues. v

A popular bumper sticker declares, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” This concert will afford an opportunity to express that gratitude. Under the direction of Craig Logan, this Allen Community Band (ACB) event will honor area educators, past and present.

Themes from “Movies and Musicals” will be featured.

Selections include songs from the Star Wars series, various Hollywood hits, and of course Broadway musicals.

As part of honoring educators, Craig Logan will conduct the pasodoble “Gallito,” scored and edited for

American Wind Band by Roy J. Weger. “The Hounds of Spring,” which is a musical setting of the poem of the same name by Algernon Charles Swinburne, will help begin the transition from winter into spring.

Established in 2013, the Allen Community Band consists of 72 members from Allen and surrounding communities. All members have band experience and enjoy performing music on a regular basis. ACB has an open instrumentation policy and all skill levels are invited to join. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information.

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Ella Fitzgerald is 100

by Tom KEENER

Celebrate the centennial of the birth of Ella Fitzgerald at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 17, at the library.

This free tribute to the “First Lady in Song” will be led by Andrew Griffith and will feature selections sung by Dallas vocalist Leena Conquest.

Accompaniment will be provided by Roger Boykin on keyboard and Jonathan Fisher on acoustic bass.

One of the greatest female jazz singers in the U.S., Ella dazzled her fans for more than half a century.

Garnering 13 Grammy awards, she sold over 40 million albums. Singing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and even imitating orchestral instruments, Ella partnered with iconic jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespie.

Raised in meager circumstances, her first major break was performing for a week with the Tiny Bradshaw band at the Harlem Opera House. In 1938, at the age of 21, Ella recorded a playful version of the nursery rhyme, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” The album sold

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one million copies, hit number one and stayed on the pop charts for 17 weeks.

Ella was now a national sensation.

Ella collaborated with producer and manager Norman Granz on the “Jazz at the Philharmonic” tour.

Under Norman’s management, Ella worked with Louis Armstrong on several albums and began producing her infamous songbook series. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded Ella the National Medal of Arts. It was one of her most prized moments.

Performing as Ella, Leena is a recording artist steeped in the jazz tradition. Her voice and presence has an ability to transcend from classic to modern jazz. A Texas native, her recordings include “Raining on the Moon,” “Cornmeal Dance” and “I Plan to Stay a Believer.” She has worked with a host of jazz luminaries including trumpeter Doc Cheatham, pianist Mal Waldron and vibesman Roy Ayers. Her duo CD Dave Burrell Plays His Songs featuring Leena Conquest (Tracce), revisits Burrells’s classic compositions.

Bandleader Andrew Griffith played with the University of North Texas Jazz Repertory Ensemble and the 3 O’Clock Lab Band, Wynton Marsalis, Red Rodney, Doc Cheatham, Houston Person, Bucky Pizzarelli and numerous others. In 2004, Andrew was recipient of the Sammons Jazz Artist of the Year Award. Andrew has recorded with Marchel Ivery, Joey DeFrancesco, James Gilyard, Sandra Kaye, Simone Jackson-Rodgers, Roger Boykin, Curt Bradshaw, Gregory Slavin, The Texas Gypsies and others.

Roger Boykin has contributed to the Texas music scene for several decades, as a jazz musician, educator, radio announcer, composer, arranger, author and publisher of print music and songs. Performing in 1986 with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Roger wrote a jazz-oriented, orchestral piece called “Patience” on a commission from the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. With another commission from the Dallas Wind Symphony, he wrote “Freedmen’s Town Flourish,” performed at the Meyerson Symphony Hall.

Bassist Jonathan Fisher is a graduate of the University of North Texas Jazz Studies Program in Denton. Traveling to Paris, France, for studies with modern bass virtuoso and pedagogue François Rabbath, Jonathan’s approach to the bass is one of optimal ergonomic positioning and balance. Passionate about jazz, bass and music, Jonathan played with revered members of the national jazz and music scene such as Wynton Marsalis, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Bernadette Peters and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

cooking

LYve and Chocolate A Sweet Duo

by Deborah DOVE

It’s no surprise that chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. After all, people are more passionate about chocolate than just about any other food group, and science has proven that chocolate contains a variety of chemicals that make us feel good by boosting our endorphins (those feel-good hormones) and serotonin levels that help us to feel relaxed. In fact, chocolate has a history as a love food dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs.

However, chocolate didn’t become a part of Valentine’s Day until 1861 when Richard Cadbury, whose British family manufactured drinking chocolate, invented “eating chocolates,” which he packaged in heart-shaped boxes decorated with cupids and rosebuds that people could use to save such mementos as love letters after the chocolates were eaten.

The commercialization of Valentine’s Day flourished at the turn of the century, which happily coincided with chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey creating the Hershey kiss.

Chocolate cemented its role as a Valentine’s Day staple when Clara Stover started wrapping chocolate candies in

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her Denver kitchen in 1923 with her husband, later opening several factories and selling their Russell Stover Valentine’s chocolates in heart-shaped boxes to department stores across the Midwest, and eventually the world.

Today, chocolate remains a popular and tasty symbol of love on Valentine’s Day. While you can buy a box of chocolates for your sweetheart, you can also add romance to your Valentine’s Day by making a delicious homemade dessert to end an intimate meal, giving a sweet homemade treat to your Valentine, or simply making them a special cup of coffee served in bed in the morning or at the end of the day with some romantic latte-art. (See http://www. wikihow.com/Make-Latte-Art for a quick how-to.)

You can also pour chocolate syrup on top of foam and then start decorating with a pin. Taking a pin, cut small circles out of the chocolate, using one continuous motion.

This will create chocolate waves. Some of the best gifts are from the heart (and the kitchen), so why not make a homemade chocolate treat for your Valentine with one of the following sweet recipes.

Easy Decadent Truffles

Triple Chocolate Cabernet Cookies

1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened 3 c. confectioners’ sugar, sifted 3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until well blended. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla until no streaks remain.

Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Shape into 1-inch balls.

Roll truffles in ground walnuts (or any ground nuts), cocoa, coconut, confectioners’ sugar, candy sprinkles, etc. To flavor truffles with liqueurs or other flavorings, omit vanilla. Divide truffle mixture into thirds. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur (almond, coffee, orange) to each mixture; mix well.

1-1/4 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 c. Special Dark cocoa powder 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 3/4 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed 1 egg 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 c. cabernet wine 8 oz. Ghirardelli 60% Cacao bittersweet chocolate chips 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda.

Stir and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla and wine. Once combined, gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix well after each addition. Fold in chocolate chips and spoon out a rounded tablespoon onto a prepared baking pan.

Bake in a preheated 375º oven for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped baker’s chocolate 4 oz. quality bittersweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped baker’s chocolate 1 c. heavy cream 1/2 c. milk 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, cubed 2 Tbs. light corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/8 tsp. salt Dippers—strawberries, bananas, cubed pound cake and/or angel food cake, pretzels, marshmallows, graham crackers, Oreos Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add all of the ingredients and stir slowly. Cover and cook on low for approximately one hour, stirring occasionally. (Fondue is ready when chocolate is completely melted and smooth after whisking). Turn slow cooker to warm and serve with assorted dippers.

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Molten Lava Cake 1 stick butter 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate 2 oz. semisweet chocolate 1-1/4 c. powdered sugar 2 whole eggs 3 egg yolks 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. all-purpose flour Preheat the oven to 425Âş. Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place on a baking sheet. Microwave the butter, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate in a large bowl on high until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Whisk until the chocolate is also melted. Stir in the sugar until well blended.

Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, then add the vanilla. Stir in the flour. Divide the mixture among the custard cups.

Bake until the sides are firm and the centers are soft, about 13 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Invert on individual plates while warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Spiked Coffee Kiss

Easy Fudge 3 c. semisweet chocolate chips 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 c. butter 1 c. chopped walnuts (optional) Line an 8x8 glass dish with aluminum foil and coat with butter. Place chocolate chips, milk and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on medium for 3-5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melting, stirring once or twice. Stir in nuts. Pour into baking dish and refrigerate until set.

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1 c. prepared coffee 3/4 oz. chocolate liqueur 3/4 oz. orange brandy Splash of coffee liqueur Whipped cream Chocolate syrup Unwrapped Hersey’s kiss In a mug, combine the chocolate liqueur, brandy and coffee liqueur. Fill the mug the rest of the way with coffee and stir gently. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a Hersey kiss. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

MARKET PLACE

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feature

by Deborah DOVE “When you have a big goal, you have to try every path to get to that goal,” says Allen entrepreneur Melanie Disbrow.

For the owner and founder of Milk Snob, a company that is quickly gaining a following for its innovative multifunctional car seat and nursing cover for infants, one of those paths was an appearance on ABC’s popular inventor/entrepreneur reality TV show, Shark Tank. On the episode, which aired November 11 of 2016, Disbrow pitched her product to the Shark Tank team of millionaires and billionaires who look for investment opportunities.

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After Disbrow revealed that her product had earned $1.2 million in sales in the 18 months since its inception solely through social media marketing, three of the Shark Tank investors jumped to make her an offer, with several exceeding the amount she was asking for. She ultimately accepted $150,000 in exchange for ten percent equity in her business from Lori Greiner, known as the Queen of QVC for her product marketing expertise.

“I knew this was a big opportunity, but I also knew we were building something good. I didn’t want to give away my company. You can get starstruck and forget the value of

your company and how hard you’ve worked,” Disbrow says of why she took Lori’s offer over another that offered more money for a larger interest in her company. “I didn’t need money. I needed (Lori’s) guidance. I wanted the best for my company.” She added that Lori had been her first choice because “she’s a product person.”

According to Disbrow, the Shark Tank star has been invaluable in bringing Milk Snob together with the right people such as bloggers and high-end stores that want to carry the Milk Snob cover. Greiner has also provided invaluable feedback on product packaging. “She has the knowledge and knows what works and what doesn’t,” says Disbrow.

But despite the obvious benefits that appearing on Shark Tank has provided, Milk Snob was already well on its way to being a success, thanks to Melanie’s own focus and innate business sense. Originally from Germany, Disbrow met and married her husband Gabriel, a U.S. soldier stationed in Germany, when she was nineteen. They moved to the States in 2006 and while Gabriel went to college, Melanie worked as a professional newborn photographer.

When she couldn’t find the accessories she wanted for her photoshoots—little pants or organiclooking headbands that weren’t pink with a giant bow—she made her own, learning how to crochet by watching YouTube videos. “I’m not a professional sewer or knitter,” she says with a laugh. “But I have a creative eye.”

Before long, a photographer friend used one of Disbrow’s crocheted headbands in a photo that became widely published, and the hype for Disbrow’s products started, along with her growing dream to create products for the modern family.

She soon quit her photography business and focused on making and marketing headbands, onesies, bibs, nursing kimonos and other baby items. The turning point came when

she moved to Texas from Michigan, and she saw moms covering their baby’s car seats with thick, minky blankets that would blow off with a gust of wind. She knew there had to be a better option.

Melanie was already making and selling a nursing kimono that was constructed with a lightweight, breathable fabric, so she made it into a car seat cover that could fit snugly around a car seat while still allowing parents to easily peek in to check on their baby. She added a little length to it so it could also be used as a nursing cover, used a modern black and white striped fabric that would become Milk Snob’s trademark look, and sewed an initial batch of 500 in her house, posting them for sale on Instagram.

People went crazy for the

I knew this was a big opportunity, but I also knew we were building something good.

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ingenious covers, and she sold out instantly. Soon she had to elicit help from her husband to help with business operations and her sister-inlaw, Ann, to help with customer service, and before long she had hired a team to help with order fulfillment and had perfected a pattern for the cover and was outsourcing the actual production (although all of Milk Snob’s products are made in Dallas).

Disbrow knew from the beginning the importance of branding, and as soon as she came up with the business name Milk Snob— because all babies are snobs about preferring breast milk—she immediately claimed the name and began focusing on building her brand.

“When I came up with the name, I knew it would be big,” says Disbrow. She remembers with a laugh that when she told her husband the name, he said, “That’s a good name.

Don’t tell anybody.” She immediately looked it up on Go Daddy and bought the domain name. “You have to a have a focus,” she adds.

Disbrow’s focus was building a lifestyle brand with organic and beautiful, but practical, products for birth to toddler-aged children. Not a fan of the traditional baby blue and pink fabrics, Melanie bought custommade bold prints that are manufactured in California for the covers that include the trademark black and white stripe as well as other fresh and contemporary prints. Along the way, Disbrow made important, but often-overlooked, decisions that helped build her brand.

“Branding is important,” she says. “When someone starts a business, those investments are scary, but necessary.” For Disbrow, whose intuitive business acumen is startling for someone without an MBA, that meant applying for a patent for where Milk Snob’s classic black and white label is placed and another for the adjustable opening on the Milk Snob cover that lets wearers cinch it so it looks like you’re wearing a shirt.

She also focused her marketing on social media with amazing success.

Melanie Disbrow on her way to the Post Office.

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“You have to stay true to yourself and post content that adds value so customers feel connected to the brand,” she advises.

But undoubtedly, Milk Snob’s biggest break came when Disbrow appeared on Shark Tank. Always a fan of the show, Melanie found out Shark Tank was interviewing contestants in Dallas and decided to apply.

“I knew I couldn’t pay for air time and exposure like that,” Disbrow says. “I said, okay, I’m going to do it.”

However, nerves took over, and four days later she was saying “I’m not going to do it.”

With her husband’s support (he went with her to the audition), Melanie ultimately decided to go for it.

“I decided to push myself and see how far I could go,” she says. “I used to say ‘It seems impossible until it’s done.’ Then it was just a quote, but now it’s meaningful.”

On the day of the audition, Disbrow and husband Gabe went to their son’s baseball game and then to the audition. “There was great energy there,” Disbrow remembers.

“Everyone has a dream.”

Operating on pure adrenaline, she had exactly one minute to tell them about her product, and a few weeks later, she got the call that she had made it to the next round.

Melanie and Gabe flew to California in early June, and Disbrow had the chance to pitch the Milk Snob cover on the show.

“It was very stressful, but it was an awesome experience,” Disbrow recalls, adding that the vibe of the show is extremely positive and friendly. “You go in there, and that’s your one shot.”

She ended up with an offer from the investor that she wanted, and walked out with a handshake deal that would take her company to the next level.

“It was surreal,” she says of the moments after appearing on the show.

“We went to dinner and looked at each other and said, ‘We just did

this.’” She adds that appearing on the show not only changed how she sees the show now when she watches it (“it’s totally different after being behind the scenes”), but also how she sees obstacles. “You think things are impossible, but it’s all in your mind.”

The new year will bring exciting changes for Milk Snob, as they introduce new products such as a baby swaddle wrap made from bamboo cotton in the same prints as the Milk Snob covers in the spring, with more in the pipeline, although Disbrow likes to focus on one product at a time.

“I learned as a photographer that you have to focus on one thing to be good at it,” Disbrow says. “When you know everything there is to know, then you can move on.”

The business will be moving to a bigger space—a 4,000-square-foot warehouse fulfillment center in Plano—to accommodate the growing demands of a burgeoning business, although she’ll keep the downtown

Allen storefront as a retail space and office. Disbrow will also be taking Milk Snob on the road, doing some pop-up shops in different states to meet moms and get them excited about Milk Snob’s innovative products.

And thanks to Milk Snob’s alliance with Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner, Milk Snob will soon be

available in retail and big box stores everywhere. The Milk Snob cover was also the winner of the 2016 National Parenting Product Awards.

“I have a big vision. My goal is when you say Milk Snob, people know what you’re talking about.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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looking back

Mustang Horses and Collin County

by Tom KEENER

First of a three part series.

Imagine what North Texas would have looked like around 1800, when King Charles IV reigned over our then Spanish-owned prairie unscarred by plow or road. Now visualize a robust band of 80 mustang horses galloping across this tall-grass land at lightning speed, a common sight here at that time.

Mustang horses are an important part of the Texas legacy. An early explorer observed that mustang horses were abundant here and declared that with “proud faces, their manes flowed with the wind while tails were briskly raised, a beautiful sight to behold.” Texas folklore historian J. Frank Dobie quotes a

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cowboy as observing “A white man will ride the mustang until he is played out: a Mexican will take him and ride him another day until he thinks he is played out; the Comanche will mount him and ride him to where he is going.”

Mustang horses played a pivotal role in Texas and American history and folklore, and their legacy is an enduring part of the local landscape.

Ford Motors named a car for the magnificent animal that once roamed on the American plains. Southern Methodist University’s mascot is the Mustang. The Ritz Theatre in McKinney featured Hollywood westerns that were noted for mustang horses. Philip Nolan possibly

traversed Collin County during his daring raids into Spanish Texas to capture mustangs for eager buyers in Louisiana and Mississippi.

A mustang emblem adorns the athletic t-shirts at Pete Ford Middle School in Allen. Mustang Creek (the waterway that begins north of Main Street near Reed Park, traversing the Wash Ford homestead and connects to Cottonwood Creek) is named for the horse that once grazed in Allen, long before the arrival of Anglo pioneers.

Naming mascots, cars and tributaries for the mustang horse is symbolic of their importance to American history, liberty and unbridled energy.

Free-roaming horses became

extinct in North America by the end of the last ice age, probably 12,000 years ago. Fossils indicate that the species was a smaller version of today’s horse. Much has been written on equestrian history in Europe, the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, but this series will share the heritage and legacy of the mustangs in this region.

In 1493, Spanish ships sailing under Christopher Columbus carried mustangs to the islands in the West Indies. Horses were packed like sardines for most of the voyage.

Cortes’s conquistadores rode mustangs while conquering Central and South America. With few predators, the horse population of the Americas grew at exponential rates.

In 1601, the Spanish conquistador Juan de OĂąate y Salazar carried mustangs to the area now known as New Mexico. A horse was unknown to the Native Americans, but they quickly demonstrated astute, if not superior, riding skills. Native American tribes readily recognized the value of these horses for buffalo hunting and transportation. Raiding Spanish settlements for horses ensued. Climbing adobe walls, avoiding sentries and guard dogs, horses were successfully taken without the slightest hint of intrusion.

If Native Americans had possessed the Sharps, Winchester and Colt, the history of the American West might have evolved differently.

As soon as the mustangs were captured, Native Americans exhaled their breath into their nostrils, a tradition that began with the buffalo and other animals. Exhaling into the nostrils had a spiritual dimension, two souls becoming united. Being accustomed to the scent of the rider might have been another reason for this ritual.

Tell me your story. Call Tom Keener at 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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kids korner

Valentines for the Little DIYer

by Deborah DOVE Homemade valentines are both fun to make and receive. Go to www. picmonkey.com to easily create your own personalized printable tags.

Recycled Heart-Shaped Crayons Unwrap crayons and break into small pieces. You can also chop with a knife (an adult job) or let your child pound them into smaller pieces with a rolling pin or small hammer. Fill silicone heart molds with crayons pieces. You can use lots of colors or just several complementary colors such as red and pink. Put in an oven preheated to 230º and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and pop out of molds. Attach each heart to cardstock printed with a Valentine message such as “You Color My World” or “Color Your Heart Out.”

Heart Sewn Card Draw a heart on a piece of white cardstock with a pencil. Punch holes with a pin around the design and then erase the remaining marks. Punch a hole in the middle. Thread a needle with red thread and tie a knot in the end. Bring thread up through the bottom hole from the outside back. Pull thread through the center. Repeat, working your way around the edge until the heart is complete. Tie off behind the card.

Elmer’s Classic Glitter Glue 6 oz. bottle red glitter glue 1/4 c. water 1 tsp. Borax 3/4 c. warm water (6) 2 oz. disposable containers Pour the entire bottle of glue into a large plastic bowl. Add water and mix together. In a separate bowl, mix together warm water and Borax. Pour Borax mixture into the glue bowl. Mix the glue and Borax mixture together and once it comes together in a clump, knead and remove it from the watery mixture. Continue kneading until it is rubbery. Then, divide it in into six small storage containers.

Use Valentine-themed washi tape to tape the containers closed.

Print out “Have a Gooed Valentines” label (free at http://www. thegunnysack.com/valentines-day-glitter-goo-recipe/) and attach to top with a glue dot.

Matchbox Valentine Containers Buy small matchboxes and empty them. Cut a piece of paper 2” high (or the height of your matchbox) and about 4” long (enough to wrap all the way around), using a bit of tape to secure it on the back. Add a heart cut-out or a band of paper in a contrasting color to the front. Fill with small candies.

Kool-Aid Valentines Tape a crazy straw to a pack of Kool-Aid and add a tag that says “I think you’re Kool, Valentine.”

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Shaving Cream Valentines Shaving cream Food coloring Photo frame cards Duct tape Small resealable plastic bags Fill one of the resealable plastic bags with a few drops of food coloring (one to two colors) and some shaving cream. Push the shaving cream down to the bottom and squeeze as much air out as you can before sealing the bag. Let your kids smoosh it around until you get the desired color effect. Duct tape both ends of the bag to prevent spilling. Slip the shaving cream bag into the photo opening and secure. Add a message inside of the card.

Love Bug Fruit Cups Dole Pineapple in Sugar Free Strawberry Gel Fruit Cups (you can also use individual pink applesauce containers or red fruit cups) Pipe cleaners 1.3” pom poms (to be glued to pipe cleaners for antenna) 1.2” pom poms (for the nose) Googly eyes Pink foam hearts Cut pipe cleaners in half and glue pom poms to the ends. Turn the fruit cup upside down and glue googly eyes and a pom pom to the front to create a face. Glue two hearts onto the bottom of the fruit cup so that the tops of the hearts are sticking out to create feet. Glue the antenna to the back so that they stick up off the top.

Homemade Playdough and Cookie Cutter 1 c. flour 1 c. water 1 Tbs. cream of tartar 1/2 c. salt 1 Tbs. oil Food coloring Additional scents and/or glitter (optional) Mix all ingredients together (a kid job). Stir it continually over medium-low heat until it forms a ball (a grown-up job). Take it off the heat and turn onto parchment paper or wax paper. Once it cools you can knead it a bit until it’s mixed fully and soft.

Divide into eight equal portions. Place each portion in a clear treat bag with a heart-shaped (or other shape) cookie cutter. Tie with ribbon and add a tag.

Peppermint Foot Scrub This makes a perfect teacher gift 1/4 c. coconut oil 1/2 -3/4 tsp. sea salt 4 Tbs. peppermint extract or peppermint oil Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.

Put in small glass jars.

Printables: Check out over 50 cute, unique and free Valentine card printables at http://www.popsugar.com/moms/DIYPrintable-School-Valentine-Day-Cards-Kids-21692388. v

education

Dreaming of Different Circumstances Single Mother Sets Example

by Heather DARROW

A few short years ago, Vashtai Kekich was at a crossroads. A single mother without a job, she faced the daunting task of finding a way to provide for herself and her toddler, Reese. The obstacles that lay in her path seemed insurmountable. But, Kekich dared to dream. She didn’t want to settle for an occupation that barely met her needs. She imagined a world in which she would set an example for her daughter.

She put on a brave face, held her breath and sat down in a college classroom. Like waves crashing against a pristine beach, surges of knowledge permeated Kekich’s mind and changed her life.

Now, four years later she has a corporate job, holds an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree and is a master’s degree candidate.

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Baby Steps While two-year-old Reese began to explore the world, her mother began to expand her knowledge base and flourish. Kekich’s confidence skyrocketed when she was invited to join Collin College’s Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. She and fellow students learned about the North Texas water crisis and a bill to fix it, and they decided to help educate the public. Spearheading a water symposium, they gathered more than 600 signatures of support.

Before she graduated with an associate degree from Collin College, magna cum laude, Kekich was awarded a Collin College Emerging Scholar award, received a PTK scholarship and was inducted into the National Honor Society Texas Hall of Honor. The PTK Honors in Action water project provided Kekich with a slew of university opportunities including Cornell, Brown, Yale, Southern Methodist University and the University of Pennsylvania. Her PTK project helped her acquire several scholarships at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she earned a

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bachelor of arts degree in communication studies with honors.

Today, Kekich embraces a leadership philosophy she gleaned when she began her education.

“At Collin, I learned that first you serve, and then you lead by example.

Value your community because you are part of a team. Empower those around you, so everyone will gain and succeed. Give direction, but serve with great integrity. A servant leader is truly concerned with everyone on the team and all you affect. I try to live this way now. Wherever I go, I want to learn and grow, but I also want to contribute, to do something that matters,” she said.

Kekich’s first job after earning her bachelor’s degree was at The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute where she worked with philanthropists and celebrities, like Emmitt Smith, and joined the fight for mental health legislation. She also worked for The Arc of Dallas, a

nonprofit organization for individuals with disabilities. Today, Kekich is a content specialist for Axiometrics, a real estate research and analysis company, where she not only writes content for multiple mediums, but also helps manage all PR efforts. She is also close to earning a master of public affairs degree at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Full Circle Kekich’s journey is coming full circle. Recently, she was invited to speak to PTK students. At the event, a former student told Kekich’s mother a story.

“He looked across the table and said, ‘I owe all of this to your daughter because she convinced me to join PTK. I am now attending The University of Texas at Dallas, and I am planning to go to medical school.’ It was never my intention to be a leader. I was just showing belief in others as others showed belief in me,” Kekich said.

Born in gratitude for all that others did and continue to do for her, Kekich’s ultimate goal is to become a professor and effect that same

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transformation in as many people as she can. With policy, nonprofit and corporate experience she will have many examples to share with her future students.

“The end goal for me is to teach.

I’ll give back while also leading a generation of people to be able to do what I was able to do,” she said.

Kekich is still a dreamer, but her dreams have broader horizons. Where once she hoped to simply put food on the table, now she works to improve the community. If you ask this mother what gives her the energy to study until the wee hours of the night, she will show you a picture of six-yearold Reese.

“As my dreams continue to evolve, until I take my last breath, Reese will always remain in the center of them all,” Kekich said with conviction.

For more information about Collin College, visit www.Collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College.

Photos by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

MARKET PLACE

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feature

Unlikely Treasures at

ORLY

by Simon VALENTIN

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The twin windows had to be a half-century old. Their latches were rusted in place and their frames were painted a shade of flaking periwinkle probably meant to make the rundown house they came from look a little less haunted.

The Allen wife who bought them at the urging of friends had Pinterest envy, visions of upcycling old architecture into wall décor with touching quotes etched into the glass.

Her husband saw more things to step around in the garage, grumbling every time he drove up and saw the spooky windows glaring back at him.

Sites like Etsy and Pinterest, mixed with a veritable smorgasbord of home improvement shows crowding TV, had drawn her in, and she, like more and more folks, treasures what used to be someone’s trash. If you want to experience this phenomenon, take a walk through ORLY, the Old Red Lumber Yard in McKinney, the third weekend of the month.

Decades ago, when the United States was caught up in World War II, this spot was an honest-to-goodness lumberyard, buzz saws ripping through timber, producing lumber for the growth in this part of Texas.

But stalls that once housed twoby-fours and sheets of cedar wood are now home to vendors with some offbeat goods that might leave you scratching your head if you don’t have a creative vision.

For instance, in one crowded corner a stack of old table legs leaned against some wooden lockers that were flanked by a pile of old wrought iron hinges. Separately they’re rubbish. If you’re skilled and combine them, you’ve got a leggy storage chest with vintage hinges and a $250 price tag.

Even ORLY owner Brian Kidwell is amazed by what sells.

“Katie Williams from Flea Market Floozy brings in a trailer filled with the worst looking kind of junk, but people gravitate to it,” he said.

Her trailer overflows with beaten

up barn wood, broken tables, old doors and windows, looking like something headed for the landfill.

“These things used to be hauled out of the barn and get tossed on the burn pile,” Kidwell said. “Now it’s raw material to make desks or headboards, coat racks or art, they’re repurposed and given new life.”

Katie grins when talking about her junk-to-gems livelihood. “This is fun, I enjoy picking, discovering unique items, meeting with the customers,” she said. “Sometimes they really surprise me.”

Like the couple that fell in love with one of her more unusual finds.

“They bought the fenders and hood to a tractor—seriously, a tractor. Funny thing is, they don’t know what they’ll do with them, they just wanted them.”

The thrill of the hunt, finding an unusual piece hidden in the country somewhere, is the compulsion that drives Katie, sometimes leaving her ambivalent to everything else. In fact, chasing the reusable rubbish rush was the origin of her stall’s name.

She was with a friend looking for

treasures when a handsome gentleman walked by them.

“He was really nice looking, and I wasn’t paying attention. My friend poked me in the ribs and said ‘Quit junking and look at that guy!’”

She wouldn’t, so her friend dubbed her a floozy for the hunt and the name Flea Market Floozy was born.

There may have been more to the story, but the interview came to a hard stop when she spied someone eyeballing her vintage, fully-functioning U.S. postage stamp dispensing machine.

Another customer, her arms overflowing with what can technically be described as stuff, wore a “won the lottery” grin.

“This stuff is AWESOME!” said Stephanie Brummer. “I love to pick and find treasures, I love to dig.”

Her latest discovery—a butcher block table from an old general store!

“We all come here because there’s so much stuff, you don’t know what you’re going to see,” Stephanie said.

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an antique key’s throw from ORLY. “People who come here are a different breed, just like the sellers,” said Jeannette, proprietor of Key-Jay antiques. “The customers are fantastic, the sellers are good people, creative thinkers, outside-of-the-box people.”

And even among those folks, Jeannette is unique. “I travel across the country looking for old keys and locks,” she said.

“I’ll find pieces that are a hundred years old and combine them with gears from watches and make jewelry.”

Jeannette said there are plenty of people intrigued by her work. “They’re drawn to keys and my pieces, they tell me it’s the power of protection,” she said. “Keys and locks were designed to lock up precious items and guard our family… people connect with that.”

Her clients apparently feel an immediate, intimate connection to her, often approaching, pulling up their shirts and saying, “I want one just like this” as they point to a tattoo of a key. In addition to thousands of keys and countless gears, Jeannette’s place, which sits across the street from ORLY, houses everything from religious items to hats from the 1800s and whiskey and rye bottles from last century. It’s that kind of eclectic inventory that helps set Key Jay and other nearby shops apart.

Back at ORLY, vendor Linda Harris rearranged items in the stall she calls “Rusty Pearls.”

“We have customers who own old homes who come to ORLY and find pieces to restore their house. They want to remove that new door and replace it with an old one,” said Linda. “I have a customer in Greenville who has a 1910 house and she gets furniture from me that is from that time.”

Though it’s a business, Linda said it’s not a fortune maker. “I love doing this,” she said. “I don’t make much profit, which bothers me sometimes, but it makes me warm and fuzzy when someone says ‘I can’t believe I can buy something like this, I’ve never been able to afford it before.’”

Sometimes, in order to afford “it,” people who come to ORLY take part in the ancient haggling tradition—customers fighting for bargains, vendors looking to get the strongest price they can.

At one stall, a woman picked up a slightly damaged stained glass window. She turned it over, examined it for the tiniest flaws, sniffed like she smelled a skunk, and in a disappointed voice asked “Is this your best price?” The vendor gave a nod. The woman harrumphed, put the piece down and walked away.

Not ten seconds later another shopper said, “Is this stained glass for sale?” Miss “I Smell a Skunk” turned on her heels and snapped, “That’s mine. I put it down while I was looking at other things.”

The game didn’t work for her that time. A customer/ competitor stepped in before the seller offered a price that Miss “I Smell a Skunk” would’ve bragged about.

The folks who come here learn this game young. A young school girl perused the items John Preston, a self-proclaimed purveyor of unique and eclectic items, brought. She was particularly interested in a small crystal juicer, the kind your grandma used to make OJ.

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“Excuse me sir,” she said in a small voice. “How much is this?”

John turned the juicer over in his hands. “That lemon squeezer is from the 1950’s, how about five bucks?”

The little girl spotted a nicer juicer that was twice the size, also from the 50’s. “Could I have that one for five dollars?” she asked, her long eyelashes sweeping over soft hazel eyes.

John smiled. “Sure,” he told the little bargain hunter. “Go make yourself some lemonade and sell it.”

The girl dug into her purse, gave him a crumpled five-dollar-bill, and a junker was born.

“I love the customers,” John said.

“As for vendors, everybody here is nice, nobody’s trying to get rich, it’s a great place to get out to once a month and enjoy life.”

That Allen wife who bought the windows is one of those shoppers that enjoys life perusing the stalls at ORLY. Unfortunately, once the excitement of the find faded, it took the urging of a

kind, wonderful, understanding husband to take the next step. I found a shop—I mean he, he found a shop that cleaned up (and hopefully blessed) the creepy windows. Then the store dressed them in phrases the couple wrangled over for weeks.

One window framed King Solomon’s wisdom from the Good Book, “Do not Let kindness and truth leave you…” - Proverbs 3:3.

The other window wore an expression conveyed countless times

around our planet and beyond. It was a phrase the Allen husband and father uttered to his daughter every night— the amen to her bedtime prayers—a wish that she “Live Long and Prosper.”

Suddenly, thanks to an Old Testament king and a 23rd century Vulcan, those fifty-year-old windows didn’t seem quite as creepy, and upcycling wasn’t such a bad idea after all. v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | February 2017

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pet page

“Izzy” Little Izzy is just a doll! She is about 7 years old and weighs just 6 pounds. She loves to hang out with her foster dad and the other resident doggies.

Izzy loves to nap and play with her toys. She does well with other small dogs, but can be a little bossy with the bigger dogs. We don’t know how she is with cats, but she can be cat tested if necessary. Given her small size, she would probably do best in a home with older, considerate kids.

Izzy is looking for her forever home. She would love to be in a home where her person is home most of the day and she can cuddle and nap on their lap.

Izzy is spayed, heartworm negative, microchipped and up to date on routine vaccinations. She is also potty trained.

If you are interested in meeting this precious, little girl, please fill out an application online: http://legacyhumanesociety. org/ adoptfoster/adoption- application/. v

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