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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE
February 2018
Vol. 28, Issue 2
features
44 Rising Star with a bullet
Justice Moore was a member of the ensemble of the Chicago production of Hamilton this past year, and is now in the second touring company of this 11 Tony Award-winning musical.
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The Old Coach. The Voice of the allen eagles
Everyone in Allen has heard of the Old Coach. He’s the voice of the Allen Eagles—the announcer who’s broadcast every Allen Eagle game for the last eight years—including four state championship titles.
special sections
16 CALENDAR 36
KIDS KORNER
A Month of Celebrations
42 PET PAGE
Vanilla
44 42
28 4
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum
library
Education
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6 Questions with Eric Matthews
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38 Interior Design Opens Doors for
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Allen Couple Finds Love in London
Allen Community Band Honors Educators
Living by the Golden Rule
Looking back
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heARTs for Art
25
Stagecoach Mary
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Allen Railroad History/Sam Bass Celebration
Negro League Baseball
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A Great Show for a Great Cause
Allen Kiwanis Club Flag Program
People in Need
The Turners
26 Fusion of Spirituals, Jazz and
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Gospel
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World War I Pioneer Units
15 Christ the Servant Concert
Travel
Kiwanis Wine Tasting Event
32 February Destinations
Home & Garden Show
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38 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
advertising sales Linda Ramirez
cover photo Larry Fleming
on the cover Justice Moore
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contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Kirk Dickey
48 Allen Image Š 2018 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:
Deborah Dove Tom Keener Peggy Helmick-Richardson
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
6 Questions with Eric Allen is attracting national attention for its innovative and citizen-focused approach to technology and was ranked 7th in the Center for Digital Government’s “Digital Cities Survey” last year. As part of a series interviewing key City of Allen staff members, see how I.T. Director Eric Matthews explains the new investments that are keeping residents informed, secure and connected.
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From making a hair appointment to ordering pizza, apps and online software are quickly replacing phone calls as the preferred customer service tool. What is Allen doing to keep up with these new demands?
Allen is committed to making interacting with local government easy and productive. We know people don’t always have time to come to City Hall, so our goal is to put services into their hands and on their screens. In addition to our MyAllen mobile app, which allows reporting a wide range of issues and getting city news and information, we have a new searchable document repository for government meetings and ordinances with more records in progress. We also will soon launch an online portal for purchasing building permits and scheduling inspections. Other online services include parks and rec class enrollment, online utility bill payments, open records requests, alarm permit registration, crime tip submissions and interactive maps. Our latest mapping app tells the story of public art across the city, including pictures and history, and can be used on mobile to help you see the public art nearby.
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With more services available online, cyber security is a huge concern. How does Allen protect its employees and citizens from data breaches and other threats? Allen invests not only in technical solutions like antivirus and firewalls, we also train our employees in Cybersecurity awareness. It’s said that an untrained workforce clicks on links in email phishing attacks about 16% of the time, but with training that can be cut to close to 1%. That’s why this year we provided in-person training to all city staff to help them be more aware of phishing and other cyber-attacks both on the job and at home.
Technology changes at lightning pace. How do you stay on top of new advancements while remaining fiscally responsible? Planning five years out is often impossible to do well in IT. Each month brings a new product, service or threat. While we need to remain agile, we also can’t chase each new fad while still maintaining the bottom line and protecting the investment of citizens’ tax dollars. My philosophy is to lean toward proven solutions that simplify an environment while keeping costs in mind. I also believe hiring, training and retaining a high-quality IT staff avoids bad decisions and improves long-term outcomes.
Matthews
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The City of Allen is committed to providing citizens with an open, transparent government. How does technology make this easier?
We’re moving toward the day when having to physically visit City Hall for information is no longer necessary. In several areas, such as open records requests, public meeting broadcasts, online access to ordinances, meeting minutes, building permit records, police reports, library books and recreation class sign-ups, Allen provides online access for our citizens. As the city chooses new software platforms, we do it with an eye toward citizen access and engagement. The city also provides a large amount of information about budget and spending online to help citizens understand how tax dollars are being spent.
What technological improvement are you most excited about implementing in the year ahead?
The city is nearly ready to go live with a new asset management system. You may not stop to think about how a community keeps up with managing over 26 square miles of infrastructure, but there’s a lot of knowledge on paper, in systems and in the experience of our city staff. This new asset management system will help the city organize, report and plan expenditures to efficiently replace roads, water lines and sewer lines for decades, and it will leverage the power of our mapping systems to put a geographic face on data for our employees, making management of the information easier than ever. For example, you will soon see employees fixing a water line, tapping a tablet to record and take pictures of the completed work so that planners can choose where to spend resources to improve infrastructure in future capital projects.
What innovations do you think will have the biggest impact on local governments in the next 5-7 years? I think AI, especially smart assistants, will improve citizen access to information in a variety of fields including local government. For example, University Park recently implemented an Alexa Skill that allows Amazon Echo users to ask for news and information about upcoming events at University Park. Chatbots are programs written to simulate real conversations. Cities could, at some point, build services for parks, utilities and general government that are able to intelligently provide information and perform transactions just through smart voice platforms. Another innovation will be expansion of mobile apps provided by cities to evolve into a onestop shop to transact and consume a very large amount of city information, from trash Eric Matthews day reminders to upcoming voting information, to paying for water and streaming and participating in town hall meetings. v Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen. Allen Image | February 2018
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Allen Couple Finds LOVE O in London by Matt COBB
Connie Holliday and Joe Jadlow were strangers when they left for London on a trip with Allen Senior Recreation Center (ASRC) a little over a year ago. Today, they are married. What started as a conversation on a bus ride to the airport led to an excursion in London, followed by a coffee date back in Allen and eventually a wedding.
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Allen Senior Recreation Center offers outings and trips throughout the year to local, regional, national and international destinations. In fall 2016, London trip-goers had gathered in the ASRC lobby, waiting for the bus to take them to DFW Airport. Being outgoing individuals, Connie and Joe first officially met by striking up a friendly
introduction while waiting for the bus to arrive. “Both Joe and I were on the trip as singles, and pretty much everyone else was partnered up, including the other singles, who all seemed to at least have a friend who they were with,” Connie said. “We were the only ones by ourselves. We were both excited about going on the trip and he started talking with me, and I’m a talker, so I started talking with him!” On the bus ride to the airport, Connie and Joe paired up and became travel buddies, talking the whole ride, where Joe learned that this was Connie’s first trip overseas. “We had seen each other around, and I knew her face slightly,” Joe said. “I guess you can say, I had met her from a distance before, but we really didn’t know each other before the London trip.” After arriving in London, Connie had made plans to go on as many of the trip’s excursions as possible to see all of the sights. Joe, who had been to London before, had not signed up for the excursions, but as fate would have it, he won a raffle for a free tour excursion to Windsor Castle, which happened to be the first of the London trip—one Connie would be attending as well.
“I think that tour excursion really helped because we spent the whole day together, not just riding on the bus,” Connie said. Later on the trip, Connie wanted to visit a real London pub and asked Joe to accompany her. The two found out they had a lot in common from their appreciation of plays, to music and movies, and even baseball (though, Connie is a Cubs fan while Joe roots for the Cardinals). At the end of the trip, upon arrival back at ASRC, Joe offered to give Connie a ride home. After helping with Connie’s bags and walking her to the door, Joe asked if Connie would be interested in getting coffee and looking at pictures from the trip. “Looking back, what’s funny to me is we did the same things and have the same pictures from the trip,” Connie said with a smile. “We went and got coffee, but didn’t really look at the pictures.” “I wanted her to tell me the names of some of the people in the pictures, since she remembers names better than I do,” Joe responded with a laugh. Joe and Connie continued to spend time together and get to know each other, never being short of conversation, saying they were quickly able to share things with each other like best friends. In 2017, Joe and Connie picked out a ring and got engaged, and on August 5 they walked down the aisle at Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen and got married. After the wedding, the two honeymooned in Boston, getting to attend a Cardinals and Red Sox game, enjoying a sport they both love and now get to share together. “To me, Joe is the kind of person I’ve always wanted, being such a gentleman, so compassionate, always listening closely and being kind,” Connie said. “I feel truly lucky.” For more information about how to get involved with Allen Senior Recreation Center and upcoming trips, please visit AllenParks. org/ASRC or call 214.509.4820. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen. Allen Image | February 2018
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Snippets heARTs for ART Want to make a difference in the fight against pediatric leukemia? Do you enjoy live music, good food and arts activities? Mark your calendar for February 25, for the 8th annual Samantha Schmidt heARTs for ART benefit and silent auction. So far, our community has raised over $90,000 in the fight against pediatric leukemia so that one day “other children do not get sick.” We are making a difference! This event will take place at the Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 2-6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Celtic Music Artist, Sarah Copus, an award winning and Billboard charting singer/songwriter and harpist. The entertainment headliner will be The Bodarks String Band “a genre-creating string band… that’s developed its own unique Americana music,” says Buddy Magazine. The Bodarks promise to provide “a porch-stompin,’ fiddle-sawin,’ bassspankin’ hootenanny. In addition to the live entertainment there will be art activities for all ages, face painting, concessions and a large silent auction. Our silent auction features pieces from talented local artists—you will not want to miss this! Doors open and the auction begins at 2 p.m.; Sarah Copus entertains at 2:30 p.m.; and The Bodarks String Band will perform at 4 p.m. The auction closes at 5:45 p.m. For more information please visit our website at: www.hearts-for-art.org. Tickets are available online and at the door. v
Allen Railroad History/Sam Bass Day Celebration Allen was founded by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) in 1874. Come help us celebrate Allen’s railroad heritage on February 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Allen Heritage Center/Depot located at 100 East Main. At 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Allen High School drama students will re-enact the famous Sam Bass saga, the first successful train robbery in Texas. Several family oriented activities are planned including a chance to dress up in old clothes to pretend to ride a train in the 1800s. You can also hear about the famous visitors who traveled through Allen—President Theodore Roosevelt and Doc Holliday. Join in the fun by ringing the Ebenezer Allen steam train bell, shoveling coal into a train engine or filling the tender with water from a water tower. Stop by and watch blacksmiths at work and while you’re there, take your picture as part of the Sam Bass gang. Come to the depot and bring the entire family to learn more about Allen’s train history. Refreshments will be served. The event is free, but donations for the continuing development of historic programming are welcome. For more information, please call 972.727.2772. v
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Darrell Hale—a candidate for Collin County Commissioner Precinct 3—has built his life around the conservative values he grew up with: his belief in God, personal and financial responsibility and strong family values. Growing up on a farm in Arkansas, Darrell learned his strong work ethic from his parents, getting up at five thirty in the morning to muck the horse stalls and feed the cows before going to football practice at 7:15 a.m., followed by school. Tragically, his father passed away his sophomore year of high school, and he watched his mom run their two family businesses—an ice cream store and a production machine shop that still manufactures firearms for Nighthawk Custom—and take a third job with the local school district to make ends meet. Knowing that paying for college was up to him, he studied hard to get good grades and graduated as valedictorian of his high school, which earned him eight scholarships. He ultimately chose to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with a degree in engineering. Coming from a long line of military veterans/patriots (“It’s in the blood, all the way back to the Revolutionary War,” he says), Darrell served in the military until
2006, finishing his military career as a captain. A job in the Telecom industry brought him to Collin County, where he persevered through the tumultuous ups and downs of the industry at the time, working for three different startups that ultimately fizzled out, as well as for AudioCodes and Samsung. Eventually, Hale started a Fresh Coat Painting franchise with his wife of 16 years, Marie. With the same tenacity and hard work that he applies to everything, he worked 60-hour weeks building the business, and over a five-year period he had made it a success. The company, which had started with zero sales, became the largest franchise in the organization. Hale hopes to bring what has made him effective in business—a fresh perspective, innovative ideas that improve efficiency and save money, business acumen, a strategic but conservative approach to finances, and most of all, honest hard work—and apply it to improving the Commissioners Court. Hale has approached his campaign with his characteristic commitment and diligence, knocking on over 6000 doors to date to talk to constituents and understand their issues and concerns. As of press time, Darrell Hale had earned the endorsements of the Collin County Conservative Republicans, the Collin County Association of Realtors, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and Grassroots McKinney. To learn more about Darrell Hale and his campaign, visit www.darrellhale.org or www.facebook.com/ votehale/.
Political advertising paid for by Friends of Darrell Hale.
Snippets A Great Show for a Great Cause
Allen Kiwanis Club Flag Program
Fusion Performance Company will hold its 8th annual benefit concert on February 17, at McFarlin Auditorium at SMU. The excitement begins at 6 p.m. with a compelling dance about the power of girls’ education.
When a National Holiday comes and suddenly your street is lined with flags, do you wonder who is responsible for such a well-coordinated effort to honor our country?
Fusion Performance has raised over $100,000 in eight years for local and worldwide charities. Fusion donates to Hagar International, Collin College, Plan USA: My City, My Voice, City House Homeless Shelter and Big Springs Ranch for Orphaned Children. Fusion members raise money by making homemade treats and crafts, selling old clothes and toys, babysitting, holding lemonade stands and asking companies for sponsorships. Our donations have made a difference in the lives of many children.
The Kiwanis Club of Allen is responsible and wants to expand the American Flag Program’s reach. Kiwanis Club volunteers install, deliver and remove the flags during seven major flag holidays throughout the year—Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. Residents don’t have to do a thing! This is an annual subscription service provided by Kiwanis which raises funds for the Allen Kiwanis Club’s many projects to support the children of Allen—dictionaries for every third grade student in Allen and Lovejoy ISDs, the Angel League baseball program for kids with special needs, college scholarships supported through the Key Club and many other projects to support the Allen Community Outreach.
Through dance and donations, we are making a positive impact on children through all of the organizations, but with more help we can make an even bigger difference. You can become part of this movement to improve lives by coming to the concert or donating online at https://21846.recitalticketing. com/r/?tid=975&sid=0&message=. v
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So, how do you get a flag in your yard? Go online to allenkiwanis.org/fundraisers/flag-program to register and pay online. The initial fee of $50 includes the cost of the flag, pole and material to set 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.” Join us for our weekly lunch meetings held each Thursday. For more information go to allenkiwanis.org. v
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Christ the Servant Concert Series On Sunday, February 4, at 7 p.m., The University Singers, from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, will perform a concert at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. The University Singers is the premiere touring choral ensemble at NSU and represents the most skilled singers on campus. This ensemble performs fine repertoire that spans from medieval times to present day, in a variety of genres and styles. They will be on tour in February 2018, culminating in a performance as prelude choir for the North Texas Metroplex Children’s Choir at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. They are under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Wall, who serves as the Chair of the Department of Music and the Director of Choral Studies. Admission is free, however donations to support the concert series will be accepted. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is located at 821 S. Greenville Avenue in Allen. Find us on Facebook or at christtheservant.com. v
Kiwanis Wine Tasting Event
Home & Garden Show One place. One weekend. All your projects solved. The 9th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show returns to the Allen Event Center, February 9-11. At this show, you can save time with everything for your home and garden under one roof. Save money with show-only discounts. Have fun with activities for the whole family and more. See thousands of square feet of stunning landscape displays and water features, get inspired for your own home and garden.
The Allen Kiwanis Club, along with Market Street Allen, are hosting the 2nd Annual Wine Tasting event on February 22, 5:30-8 p.m., at Blue House Too, 934 Watters Creek Blvd. This will provide an opportunity for you to taste some great wines from Washington State and view the work of local artists, courtesy of Allen Arts Alliance. The tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance online at allenkiwanis.org/fundraisers. Funds raised will benefit the Allen Kiwanis Foundation to fund programs to support the children of Allen. Join us for our weekly lunch meetings held each Thursday. For more information, go to allenkiwanis.org. v
Stroll the aisles and meet face-to-face with local landscape, outdoor living, contractors and remodeling professionals who can share their expertise and answer questions. And, meet Alison Victoria, star of DIY Network’s Kitchen Crashers and HGTV’s Windy City Flip. All at one amazing show. Tickets and information is available online at allenhomeandgardenshow.com. v Allen Image | February 2018
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calendar
february CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster. com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www. alleneventcenter.com. 1 Allen Americans vs Colorado Eagles 2 Allen Americans vs Colorado Eagles 3 Allen Community Ice Rink Great to Skate 9-11 Home & Garden Show 16 Allen Americans vs Utah Grizzlies 17 Allen Americans vs Utah Grizzlies 24 Allen Community Ice Rink Olympic Skate
parks and rec events For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 3 It’s Great to Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 4-5:30 pm. Receive 30 min. of instruction followed by 60-min. open skate. Pre-registration is required. For age 3+. Free. 9 SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Rec Center, 7-10 pm, ages 18+. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme
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and snacks. This month’s theme is Valentines! For info, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Cost: $10 Pre-reg./$15 at 5 pm on Wednesday prior to dance. 10 Duck Derby, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 10 a.m.-noon. Think you have the fastest duck in Allen? Purchase your “Racing Duck” from the Nat, decorate it and return it to the Nat for judging by 5 p.m. on Feb. 9. The races will be in the lazy river, and awards will be given to the fastest and best decorated ducks. Age 1-12. Cost is $5 (Duck Decorating Contest Only)/$8 (Duck Decorating and Derby Race). 10 Valentine’s Open Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 pm. Come join the ACIR for their Valentine’s Open Skate. Entry will be buy-one, get-one free, so you and your date can have a fun-filled day. Open to all ages! Cost is $5 entry/$3 skate rental. 14 Yap-entine’s Day, Bethany Lakes Park, 6-9 pm. Share Valentine’s Day with that special someone and your furry friend at Yap-entine’s Day! Enjoy a pet-friendly evening in the park including food, music, bark park and more! Ages 18+. Free.
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES Story Times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906.
Winter/Spring 2018 story times run Monday, Jan. 22 thru Thursday, April 26. Baby and Me, for pre-walkers with caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos, for 1 & 2 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am. Together Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am. All By Myself, for 4-5 year-olds without caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Pajama Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Homework Help, 4:30-6 pm, Wed. VolunTeens help in all subjects for K-6th grade students. Each child may spend 15 minutes working one-on-one with a VolunTeens.
Events for Families & Children For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required. Events are in the Children’s Program Room except where noted. 2 English/Arabic Story Time, 11-11:45 am. For all ages. Enjoy a story time in English with stories, rhymes and songs and learn some common words in Arabic. 3 Chinese Story Time, 10:30-11 am & 11-11:30 am, all ages. Limited to 100 per story time. Ticket required to attend. Free tickets are available at the Children’s Desk the day of the story time. Enjoy a story time in Mandarin Chinese with stories, rhymes and songs. Presented by DFW Chinese American Storytelling eGarden.
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Homeschool LED Valentine’s Day Cards, 1:30-2:30 pm, recommended for ages 8-12. Learn about circuits while creating unique seasonal greeting cards with LED lights. All supplies provided. Valentine’s Day Story Time, 10:30-11 am & 11:15-11:45 am, ages 2 and up. Enjoy a family-friendly story time with stories and songs about love and friendship. Limited to 80 per story time. Free ticket is required to attend. Tickets will be distributed at the Children’s Desk 30 minutes before the star t of the program. Lion Dance, 10-10:30 am, all ages in the Courtyard. Celebrate the upcoming lunar new year with a free performance by Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association. Winter Olympics Crafts, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-8. Create crafts inspired by the 2018 Winter Olympic games. Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 0-3 with caregivers. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 5 & up with families. Build STEM skills and create with LEGO! Children under the age of must be accompanied by an adult.
19 STEM Fair, 2-4 pm, ages 5 and up. Play with our new robotics equipment including LEGO WeDo robotics, LittleBits STEAM Kits, Blue-Bots, and more during our comeand-go science and technology event. This robotics program is sponsored by Vatsa and Shubha Ramanathan in memory of S. Ramanathan. 20 How to Draw, 4:30-5 pm, ages 5-8. Learn a new technique and create a new character every month! 21 Homeschool ArtSparks: American Flag in Art, 1:30-2:30 pm, ages 5 & up. Learn about the five senses in ar t with Ar tSparks, an art appreciation and visual literacy program by Allen Arts Alliance. Students will leave with their own works of ar t. 22 Build It: KEVA Contraptions, 4:305:30 pm, ages 7-12. Join us every other month for this program where we test our building, coding, and other skills. This month we are making structures with KEVA planks. 23 Music and Movement, 10:30-11 am, ages 2 and up with caregiver. Join us as we sing, dance and make music! Limited to 80. Free ticket, available 30 min. before story time at the Children’s Desk, is required to attend. 27 First Chapter Book Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-8. Have you read every Magic Tree House book? Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new series and enjoy a project inspired by what we read.
Teens (ages 12-18) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Ages listed are firm. 8 Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, in the Upstairs Program Room. Come enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts!
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ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room, free with no registration—ages 18+ unless otherwise indicated. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913, or check AllenLibrary.org. 1 Winter Health Series, 1-2 pm, Cool, Calm and Collected: Coping Under Pressure presented by Collin College professor, Michelle Pierce, M.S. Stress has long term health consequences if not managed properly and is optional when we change how we manage its attack on our mind, body and spirit. 7 Noontime Pageturners Book Club, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, 12-1 pm. Join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. New members welcome. 8 Winter Health Series, 3-4 pm, Food Serving Sizes, presented by Shiva Davanloo, Ph.D. Ever wondered how much meat or cereal is enough for you? What happens if you eat too much bread? How much should we eat? Learn more about managing your day-to-day food intake and which foods should be emphasized in your diet. 14 DIY@APL—Book Flowers, 11-11:30 am. Upcycle used books to create beautiful paper flowers. All supplies provided. Ages 16+. 14 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30-8:30 pm. A social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Work on your latest project with other crafters. Ages 18+; no childcare provided. 15 Winter Health Series, 3-4 pm,, Renewing Your Fitness Goals for 2018, presented by Collin College Physical Education professor, Traci Ramsey, M.S. Eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions are broken by the second week of February. Revisit your fitness goals based on SMART Principles, learn about community resources to suppor t your journey and offer techniques to help you keep your resolutions all year long. 20 Let’s Talk Dewey, 7-8 pm, Nonfiction readers! Join us for our choose-your-ownnonfiction book club. We pick the topic, you pick the book. For February, choose any book about happiness (look in 152.48 or 158). There’s also link to titles throughout the nonfiction area on the Library’s website, or feel free to ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t read a book. 21 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7-8:30 pm. Come join us in a discussion of The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson. 21 Coffee del Rey: Brewed for You!, 78:30 pm, 1st Floor Meeting Room. Coffee del Rey and Food for Thought Market and Café present a program about coffee! Learn more about the beans that make the world go ‘round. Sample different brews and learn more about coffee-making. Ages 16+, younger children welcome with an adult. 22 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co., 6-8 pm, off site at Nine Band Brewing Co., 9 Prestige Circle, Allen. Team up with your friends to compete on your knowledge of beer, literature, history, science and more! Keep teams to 6 or fewer. The Library will not provide alcohol. Ages 21+.
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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 par ticipate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area exper ts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig. org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:3011:30 am, Community Nor th Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com.
Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@ gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu. edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month in Plano/Nor th Dallas to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets the third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478.
Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Gaslighters Book Review Club meets the third Wednesday each month September thru May at Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments noon, speaker 1 pm. For more info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first & third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May, 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres.
McKinney Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. This month’s program: Judge Scott J. Becker speaks about a case featuresd on 48 Hours that was tried in his cour t. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans. com. Moms in Prayer, join prayer movement— bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited.
Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, 2nd Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/.
Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. For more info: Jerry or Carla, 972.837.6558 or pony100k@icloud.com.
McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 Nor th Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190.
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets second Tuesday each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.
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North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thurs. each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday each month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Prelude Clubhouse, a community center for adults living with a mental illness meets at Vintage Church on E. Lamar Street, McKinney. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm. For more information, please call 469.301.6639 or www.preludeclubhouse.org. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com.
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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 suppor t group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 Central Expy N #501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to par ticipate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.
Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.
ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com/news. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com.
CRAFTS
Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.
HEALTH
Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health. groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsuppor t. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.
Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Mar tial Ar ts, 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 Ar ts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.
McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www. planopacers.org.
American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System suppor t groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings. Days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork. com. National Alliance of Mental Illness Collin County Support Groups meet every Thursday evening, 6:30-8 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church in the basement, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. There is one suppor t group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.
HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. For more info: www.cchba.org. Allen Image | February 2018
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Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www. skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com, email Lolo@ fit4mom.com. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. For times and directions: eaa1246.org.
MOM’S CLUBS Allen Early Childhood PTA, suppor t for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets 2nd Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. 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, suppor t group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, par ties, babysitting co-op, etc. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), suppor t group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037. Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations. For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail. com.
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mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum Open 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main Street, Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, historic photo collages and DVD programs on Allen history. For more info: www.allenheritageguild.org.
Connemara Meadow Preserve Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 3-hour walk, monthly alternating first Saturday and first Sunday, 8 am, Oct thru Apr ; 7 am, May thru Sept., Alma and Tautm Rd., Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides; wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.
HEARD MUSEUM Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets four th Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.
SENIORS
Active Agers 55+ meets 2nd Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (Eldorado at Ridge). Pre-travel meeting monthly to plan activities from day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the oppor tunity to make new lasting friendships. For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@ sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net. Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820.
Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Singles Mingle 60+, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Provides a social forum for active men and women singles who enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), fellowship, speakers and enter tainers. For more info: jgarling@swbell.net.
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS allen/fairview chamber of commerce Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quar terly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets 2nd Monday every other month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Kelly’s at the Village at Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, Fairview Town Center, 311 Town Place, Fairview (formerly Wyland’s Ocean Blue restaurant). $1 member/$5 nonmember 1st visit free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, meets four th Tuesday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Allen. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce W.I.S.E. (Women in Suppor t of Enterprise), meets 2nd Thursday every other month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Breakfast, meets monthly at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 1790 N. Central Expwy., Allen, 8 am. $15 members/$20 non-members. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.
Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 Nor th Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome. For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299.
Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:GenBernadoDeGalvez@gmail.com. Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and four th Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets second Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Provides legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in par tnership with Legal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt. org. Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets four th Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason at jason. beckett.1@gmail.com, or visit us at https:// kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.
VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary at 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary at 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150. org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. For more info: 972.396.8010.
Please keep us informed of any local activities or events of general interest to our readers by fax to the Allen Image at 972.396.0807 or email to contact@ allenimage.com.
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library
The Library presents… by Tom KEENER
Allen Community Band Honors Educators The Allen Community Band (ACB), under the direction of Mr. Craig Logan, will present its free Midwinter Concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 23, in the library auditorium. The ACB will honor area educators, past and present, at this concert. You may have seen the bumper sticker that reads, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” This will be a superb time to do just that! Featured will be themes from “Movies and Musicals” and include many famous Disney songs, a medley made famous by “the Eagles” pop/rock band, various other Hollywood hits and, of course, Broadway musicals! As part of honoring educators, Mr. Chris Xeros, Associate Director of the ACB, will conduct “Marcho Poco” by Donald I. Moore. Dr. Moore was Director of Bands and Orchestras at J.L. Long Junior High in Dallas in the early 1940s when Mr. Xeros was a student there. Dr. Moore went on teach at Julliard School of Music before being named Director of Bands at Baylor University in 1948. Holding this position until 1969, he focused on teaching orchestration, composition and conducting. Mr. Xeros contributes much of his early love of orchestras and bands to the guidance provided by Dr. Moore. Mr. Xeros’ career as an educator and conductor are highly recognized throughout Texas and the Southwest. The ACB is proud to have him as part of their musical family. The band has an open instrumentation policy and all skill levels are invited to join. v
Living by the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is a tenet that is universally practiced by all faiths and religions, and The World Day of Prayer is a perfect time to celebrate the commonality between all human beings. Learn what the clerics of the Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists believe about the Golden Rule at 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, at the Allen Public Library. Each cleric will discuss how the Golden Rule is taught and practiced in their belief systems. A short period for questions and answers will follow. Friends of the Allen Public Library President Susan Jackson notes, “We hope this program will bring together a wide audience of all faiths and enhance our understanding of the beliefs of others. I sincerely hope it helps us to discover that although we all worship in different ways, we have much more in common.” Refreshments will be served after the program. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library. 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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Stagecoach Mary “Stagecoach Mary” Fields distinguished herself as the first African American woman star route mail carrier in the United States. Garnering a contract from the postal service, Stagecoach Mary served as an independent contractor to transport mail from Cascade, Montana, to surrounding areas. Protecting her cargo from thieves and bandits, she was the second woman in the United States to serve in that role. Born a slave, but freed in 1865, “Stagecoach Mary” smoked cigars, drank whiskey, cussed and carried a rifle and revolver. She met trains with mail, then drove her stagecoach over rocky, rough roads through frigid weather. Thieves were intimidated by her height and daunting demeanor. However, she was beloved by locals for her generosity and kindness towards children. Learn more about Stagecoach Mary from Lee Reed at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 10, at the library. 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. A recipient of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for “Outstanding Public Service Benefiting Communities,” Reed continues to educate people about the history and heritage of Cowboys and Cowgirls of Color. She is also the health and wellness coordinator of the Huff Wagon Train Project that serves students from California and Texas. In this program, participants are required to board mule-drawn wagons and retrace the route of gold rush adventurer William P. Huff. v
Negro League Baseball “What if….” histories stir the imagination, leaving people wondering how their lives could have been different if alternative decisions had been made. History and sports fans alike will find the “What if….” of the major leagues being integrated long before Jackie Robinson a fascinating option to consider. And how would 21 stars of the black baseball team era (Negro Leagues and independent black teams) like to be honored? At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 15, Bob May will discuss his acclaimed two-book series, The Best Season—The First Ninety Games (published July 2012) and The Best Season—The Challenging Finish (published August 2017) in a free program at the library. Honoring black baseball players through highly sophisticated game simulation and prodigious research, Bob’s books give startling statistics on how baseball could have been different had black players been allowed to participate in major league baseball during Satchel Paige its segregated era. Through sophisticated simulated baseball board games, the skills of the batter are pitted against the skills of the pitcher. “The purpose of this two-book series is to honor these twentyone players from the Negro Leagues on the field,” Bob explains. “They were all so passionate about playing baseball. It is important to me to have people read the books and share the joy of box seats behind the black ball stars dugout for 165+ games against 375 of the best major league ballplayers (1881-1987). Talk about it! I also believe the books honor all who have played black ball.” Bob May is an author, speaker and baseball historian. A popular speaker for civic groups, churches and educational institutions, Bob discusses his startling findings and honors Negro League legends. If you have a friend or family member who was in Negro League Baseball, bring us their story! v Allen Image | February 2018
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Donte Ford
Fusion of Spirituals, Jazz and Gospel by Tom KEENER Savor a free concert of the musical fusion of African-American spirituals, jazz and gospel with bandleader Donte Ford, Lawrence Mitchell-Matthews and the Sankofa Chorale at 3 p.m., Sunday, February 18, at the library. Using elements from each of these genres, the featured pieces will offer an international premiere of arrangements and compositions as well as familiar songs such as “Precious Lord” and “Oh Happy Day.” Aided by Movement Band, this performance will also include special guests gospel vocalist Sandra Finney, the legendary rhythm and blues drummer Sugar Boy Myers, and bass guitarist Andrew Jr. Boy Jones. Throughout the performance, dynamic solos will be offered by some of the rising stars of professional voice performance today.
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Sugar Boy Myers and Andrew Jr. Boy Jones toured with blues legend Freddie King when he was performing with Eric Clapton in Europe and the United States. Sandra Finney is a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park where she is a dedicated member and premier soloist of its music ministry. Minister Ford currently serves on music staff at First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park under the tutelage of John Mark Tatum, Minister of Music. He has returned to Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts and Perkins School of Theology to complete his Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Master of Divinity. Upon completion of those degrees, he looks forward to successfully completing his Ph.D. work in Sacred Music. Donte notes,
“It is my hope that patrons will gain a greater sense of the quality and respectability of this music alone with its relatable, evocative and unifying nature.” The executive director of Sankofa Chorale, Lawrence-Mitchell Matthews has graced the stage with orchestras (South Bend and The Chautauqua) and in operas (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It and Porgy and Bess) and competitions (Classical Singer, NATS, and The Thomas Wilkins Young Artist of Tomorrow) as a star performing—and winning—baritone in professional voice performance. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Please call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.
World War I Pioneer Units by Tom Keener
The primarily African American World War I Pioneer units lacked the formal training to be engineers, but were too qualified to be cooks or assigned to the laundry detail. Because they were different from other construction and labor units, they received combat training. This was necessary because they could be stationed anywhere, including the front lines. Dr. Christopher Bean will discuss the historic Pioneer Units, historic military units that served America with fortitude and courage, at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 25, at the library. While stationed in Europe, the Pioneer Infantry cleared passages and constructed roads and bridges. After the Armistice, tremendous effort was expended for America to exit the war. Thousands of Pioneer Infantry men of
the 813th, 815th and 816th were assigned the sobering task of collecting bodies and body parts from the battlefields of France as winter encroached and prepare them for burial. Collin County historian Kristin Spalding observes, “Collin County soldier Pvt. Jeff ‘Morgan’ Tucker of the 816th Pioneer Infantry lost his life to illness, a mere month after the Armistice, and joined the very men he helped to bury in the Argonne National Cemetery in France. Pvt. Tucker was reinterred at the historic Ross Cemetery in 1921, and finally, as of last month, his grave is no longer unmarked and he is receiving due credit for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.” Spalding also discovered other Collin County Pioneer soldiers buried
at the historic Ross Cemetery including: Pvt. Julian Lartigue, 815th (d 1943), Carl Oliver, 806th (d 1963) and Pvt. Solomon Oliver, 801st (d 1938) Dr. Bean is the author of Too Great a Burden to Bear: The Struggle and Failure of the Freedmen’s Bureau in Texas. Assistant Professor of History and Native American Studies at East Central University, Oklahoma, Dr. Bean completed his doctorate from the University of North Texas. He has written articles for several history journals and presented papers at history conferences. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image | February 2018
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feature
The Old Coach
The Voice of the Allen Eagles by Deborah DOVE
Everyone in Allen has heard of the Old Coach. He’s the voice of the Allen Eagles, the announcer who’s broadcast every Allen Eagle game for the last eight years—including four state championship titles and every high school game Kyler Murray has ever played.
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If, by some unfortunate chance, an Allen Eagle fan finds themselves unable to attend a game, the Old Coach is there, his smooth and easilyrecognizable voice making sure his listeners know the score and can envision every play. But, who is the man behind the voice of the Allen Eagles? I sat down with him to hear his inspirational and surprising story, which encompasses the football field, the broadcast booth, and most recently, the big screen. The Old Coach—affectionately called “Coach” by just about everyone he knows—is a man by the name of Carl Bailey who is, not surprisingly, a coach. A man with a strong faith, Carl grew up the adopted only child of a single mom in Henderson, a rural town in East Texas. Always active in sports growing up, he played both offense and defense for his high school football team. Thanks to his prowess on the field, he was afforded the opportunity to go to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he played college football and earned his bachelor’s degrees in history and physical education and his masters in secondary education. For Carl, becoming a football coach was the natural progression after playing the game for so long. “I was always organizing and putting together teams in college for intramurals or outside of school competitions and tournaments,” he says. He returned to his hometown to coach football and teach, and he remained there for twenty years, ultimately becoming a high school principal in a neighboring town. Due to their only daughter’s troubled late teenage years, Carl and his wife raised their grandson, Alec, from the time he was an infant. A combination of tough times, both personally and professionally, coupled with wanting to raise Alec in a bigger and more accepting place than his rural East Texas hometown, led Carl and his family to Allen. Here, he
coached for Plano and Frisco Independent School Districts as well as for St. Marks School, and taught at LeTourneau University for ten years. Although he didn’t start coaching with the goal of being a mentor, as he grew in his faith, he realized that part of his mission in life was building relationships and helping others. While coaching provided that opportunity, something greater awaited. He officially became “The Old Coach” in 1999, when he launched his website, Theoldcoach.com, as a ministry for Texas high school football coaches. At the time, the only online forum for coaches was filled with profanity and negativity. “God put it in my heart to make a website for coaches to network in a Christian-like atmosphere,” Carl says.
Although it wasn’t a Christian website per se, “The Old Coach” website provided a positive forum for Texas coaches to discuss coaching and network with each other. In a few years, it had become the most used website for coaches, and a place where they could get advice about everything from problems on the field to problems at home. The Old Coach was anonymous— no one, not even Carl’s friends, knew he was the man behind the website. Because of the anonymity, coaches (and occasionally even their wives) felt comfortable bearing their souls. “Everyone thought the Old Coach was this old, wise guy,” says Carl. For Carl, this was a sign he was on the right path. “My purpose, my mission, is to help people. It’s why I’m here.” Allen Image | February 2018
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David McNabb, a sportscaster and journalist with the Dallas Morning News who passed away last year, had helped jumpstart the website along with Dave Stephenson, the former president of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, and they became the face of the Old Coach website. Through his connections with these big names in the sports industry, Carl went on to start his own high school football magazine that was an extension of what he was doing on his website, run football camps and become the broadcast voice of the Allen Eagles. “As the Old Coach says, ‘It’s not who you know, it’s who you know who know somebody,’” Carl says. About eight years ago, Carl started broadcasting football games as a way to increase traffic to The Old Coach website. Ultimately, he narrowed his focus to Allen. Because he knew more people, it was easier to get sponsors, and he eventually partnered with TSRN to broadcast the games each week. Today, Allen Eagle
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fans near and far rely on the Old Coach to keep them up to date on every pass, play and win. “It provides an outlet for the community who can’t attend and brings us together as a community,” says Carl. In addition to broadcasting the game, the Old Coach network provides a channel for the band to be heard at halftime and for interviews with the coaches. This past year, Carl’s grandson, Alec, played on the JV 1 team for the Allen Eagles, which has given Carl an even greater appreciation for the Allen football program. “As a former coach and dad to an Allen player, I really appreciate what Coach Gamble does for the kids and the community,” Carl says. He also considers himself lucky to have had the privilege of calling the State Championship game as an announcer four times now. “Most people never get one,” he emphasizes. “Texas high school football is huge and it’s a tradition. I
have seen Allen lose three games in the past six years and win four state titles. During the eight years covering the Eagles the record was 112-6 . . . six losses in eight years. Unreal!” Now Allen Eagle fans can hear Carl’s voice elsewhere—on the big screen! Several years ago, Carl was at the gym when a friend mentioned that a buddy of his that looked like Carl had been hired as an actor on a cop show and they were looking for guys like him. Intrigued, Carl said, “Tell me how to do it.” Before long, he’d emailed a picture of himself and was booked as a featured extra on the NBC show Chase. One day on the set and he was hooked. “It was so much fun,” he says. That first acting job became a recurring role as a U.S. Marshal for seven episodes, prompting Carl to enroll in acting classes. “I applied my coaching philosophy to acting,” he says. “It takes practice to get better in anything you do.” However, in his classes, he was
hearing and seeing what to do, but not actually doing it. “I knew I had to get the reps in,” he says, always seeing things from a coaching perspective. He got an agent and did everything he could to get in front of the camera, honing his acting chops with each role. In seven years, he has been in nearly 100 film projects, including small independent films, short films, student films and several major motion pictures. He’s worked on the set of Django Unchained where he was hand-picked by Quentin Tarantino to be in a featured scene with Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio (one of his highlights from that job was when Tarantino shook his hand and said he did a great job), was an FBI agent in the movie Now You See Me, and was cast as the offensive coordinator in When the Game Stands Tall (“I got to act and be a football coach!”) Although working with some of the top A-list actors and directors was invaluable experience, Carl decided to advance his career by taking bigger roles in smaller movies. He’s applied the cornerstones from his football coaching background—determination,
dedication and discipline—to his new acting career with phenomenal results. In 2016, he won several best actor awards for his work as a sheriff in The Pineville Heist, and has traveled across the U.S. and Canada to act in movies. According to Carl, he’s typically cast as a law enforcement agent or, as in the upcoming motorcycle club movie, Jurica Road, the bad guy. However, even on the set of movies, he’s still “The Coach.”
“It’s my brand,” he says proudly, recalling the story of how one of his former students, upon seeing him in a movie, jumped up in the movie theater and yelled, “That’s my coach!” Even the actors and production crew on set refer to him as “the coach.” “Nothing happens by chance,” comments Carl. “Now, I don’t believe in fate, but we all have opportunities. It’s what you decide to do with them.” The Coach has definitely made the most of each opportunity that has been presented to him, whether it’s coaching, calling Allen Eagle games, acting in movies, proudly raising his two grandchildren, Alec and Aleigha, or connecting with people and mentoring them in a positive way. “I don’t proclaim to know all the answers, but I try to share my experiences to somehow help others,” he says. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.
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travel When is a casino more than poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and slot machines? When it’s Choctaw Casino & Resort, with a state-of-the-art concert venue, a full-service luxury spa and salon, 12 restaurants, a beautiful Oasis pool and entertainment options for the entire family. Although Choctaw began as Choctaw Bingo 30 years ago, today it’s a Vegas-inspired AAA Four-Diamond resort with over 776 beautifully appointed rooms and suites and a spacious gaming complex featuring 4,200 slot machines, 60 gaming tables and a private poker lounge with 30 tables.
Entertainment An extensive renovation in 2015 sealed Choctaw’s reputation as an entertainment mecca. The Grand Theater provides guests with an intimate, but sophisticated, venue to see their favorite artists—from big names to older throwback bands and comedians. The theater has an incredible sound system and raised seating, much like a typical concert-style setting, and the 3,000-seat venue is small enough to ensure that every seat is a good one. And, while you can see a concert anywhere, at Choctaw you have something more to do after the concert, like play poker or try your luck at the slot machines. The lineup for 2018 includes Rod Stewart on February 9, Slaughter and Great White on March 2, Chris Stapleton on March 17, Eric Church in August and many more.
The District The renovation also added an entertainment complex suitable for families. The District—which is similar to Main Event—features twenty bowling lanes, an arcade and a movie theater with four auditoriums attached to the casino. For the adults, Gilley’s offers a Southern-style atmosphere with free live music, a dance floor, a mechanical bull and two full-service bars. And, for everyone, the resort offers an assortment of dining options, including a high-end steakhouse, a noodle bar, buffet, Mexican cantina, café and a food court.
Spa After a night of music, dancing and gambling, the newlyrenovated spa—with nine opulent treatment rooms—is a great place to relax and unwind. The spa menu features a lavish assortment of services, including signature experiences, massages, facials, nail services and spa packages, as well as a salon and barber. Looking for romance? There are several packages just for couples, and the spa boasts two extravagant private couples’ suites, each with a whirlpool soaking tub for two and a couple’s rain shower. The Journey for Two experience includes thirty minutes in the private whirlpool tub followed by a ninety-minute couples massage, complete with hot stones and a foot treatment. Couples choosing the Rain Shower Cascade treatment indulge in the rain shower, followed by a 60-minute massage and body masks. There’s also a co-ed relaxation lounge and reflections waters/waterfall mineral bath. Registered guests have use of the spa facility, including the fitness center, lounge areas, steam and whirlpools and Reflection Waters for a daily resort fee of $8.
Shopping & Pool A selection of retail stores and the beautiful Oasis pool area, with six hot tubs and cabanas, round out the resort-like panache Choctaw Casino & Resort offers. Entertainment has never been so fun! Choctaw Casino & Resort is located approximately one hour north of Allen.
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Discover why they say everything is bigger (and better) in Texas at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Whether you’re soaking up views of beautiful Lake Grapevine or standing in awe of the 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and riverwalk, this one-of-a-kind resort will take your breath away.
beers, wine and cocktails along with scrumptious bar food to accompany your fun-filled night. Experience the San Antonio Riverwalk right there inside the hotel. Riverwalk Cantina replicates the famed landmark while serving delicious Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican cuisine. Socialize with friends in our open-air seating and relaxed atmosphere.
Rooms
Spa
Luxury awaits you in spacious accommodations offering stylish décor and modern amenities. You will awake refreshed on a pillow-top mattress dressed with crisp linens and fluffy pillows. Satisfy your hunger with a full menu of in-room dining options while viewing the latest films and shows on the hotel’s flat-panel TVs offering premium movie channels. Enjoy balconies with a stunning view of the indoor gardens when you book an atrium-facing room.
When it’s time to relax and unwind, soothe your mind, body and soul Relâche Spa & Salon. Relâche offers a series of luxurious treatments including rejuvenating massages, facials, hair and make-up services, manicures and pedicures. Here you will find 12 treatment rooms, two suites and luxurious amenities including steam rooms, saunas, an on-site lap pool and newly renovated fitness center.
Nightlife
Dining
When the stars come out, Glass Cactus Nightclub is the place to shine. Sip an exotic cocktail from one of four Texas-sized signature bars and enjoy tantalizing club cuisine. Dance to music’s hottest national and local acts; when the band is off-stage, get into the sounds of the hottest DJ’s on a 2000- square-foot dance floor, bathed in a million dollars of lights!
You’ll have many delectable fine and casual dining options during your time at Gaylord Texan. Savor the juiciest premium Black Angus Beef seared to perfection at Old Hickory Steakhouse. You can also delight in artisanal cheeses from around the world and pair your decadent meal with selections from the wine cellar. Transport yourself to Italy’s coast at the authentic Zeppole Coastal Italian. Zeppole boasts delectable Italian dishes including pastas, seafood and Italian wine. Enjoy dining with family amidst the refreshing outdoor courtyard setting. Watch the big game from a 52-foot flat-panel TV at Texan Station, offering a full-service dining room featuring a wide selection of draft
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Shopping Find Texas treasures just steps away from your room at one of the six retail shops inside the resort. Offering everything from unique souvenirs and exquisite jewelry to travel necessities and Western wear, you’re sure to find something to remind you of your Grapevine getaway.
kids korner
A Month of Celebrations by Deborah DOVE This year, February offers two occasions to celebrate—Valentine’s Day on the 14th and the Chinese New Year on February 16th. Whip up some sweet and easy Valentine treats, make a Chinese New Year craft, or Usher in the Year of the Dog at a local event.
Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Pretzels Pretzel twists Rolos Conversation hearts Waxed paper Preheat the oven to 250º. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Place pretzels on cookie sheet in a single layer and put a Rolo candy on each one. Bake for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from oven and gently press a conversation heart on top of the candy. Cool.
Love Mix 1 c. Quaker Whole Hearts oat cereal 1 c. mini marshmallows 1/2 c. Valentine M&M candies Combine all ingredients.
1 c. pretzel twists 1/2 c. peanuts
Cupid Floats Vanilla ice cream Strawberry soda Whipped cream Valentine sprinkles Maraschino cherries Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in a glass. Slowly add strawberry soda. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry (optional). Serve with a fun striped straw.
Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls Store bought cinnamon rolls Valentine sprinkles Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully unwind each roll into a long strip of dough, leaving center coiled. Coil the unrolled end of each strip in toward center, making two equal coils. Pull middle of strip down to make a point, forming a heart shape; pinch point. Place in pan, points toward center. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before removing to cooling rack. Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and garnish with sprinkles.
Mini Heart Cherry Pies 1 box refrigerated pie crust 11 oz. can cherry pie filling 1 egg 1 Tbs. milk White sparkling sugar Heart-shaped cookie cutter Preheat oven to 350º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Roll out pie crust on a floured surface. Using a 3 to 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut as many hearts as you can from the pie crust, rerolling scraps as needed. Place half of the cutout hearts on the baking sheet. Cut a small “x” in the center of the remaining hearts. In a separate bowl, mix together egg and milk to make an egg wash. Using the egg wash, wet the edges of the hearts
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on the baking sheet, and place a spoonful of pie filling in the center of each. Top each heart with one of the remaining hearts with the “x” cut in the center, pressing and crimping the edges to seal. Brush sealed pies with egg wash and dust with sparkling sugar. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until crust in browned. Cool.
Chinese New Year
Lion Dance at the Allen Public Library—300 N. Allen Dr., Allen Saturday, February 10, 10-10:30 am, free. Celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year with a lion dance by Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association in the library courtyard. Chinese New Year Festival at Klyde Warren Park— Ginsburg Family Great Lawn, 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas Saturday, February 17, 2-8 pm, free. The Crow Collection of Asian Art is preparing an amazing “paw-ty” to celebrate the Year of the Dog. This family-friendly event includes art activities, food, demonstrations, fireworks and the main stage filled with talented performers. Feel free to bring your dog for puppy portraits and pampering, or find a new friend at the new Zodiac Zoo dog rescue.
Chinese Lanterns Red card stock Gold glitter glue Scissors Gold pipe cleaner or rickrack Allow your child to paint the red card stock with the gold glitter glue, using a brush or their fingers. When the glue has dried, you can make Chinese lanterns with the paper. Make one or several to string across the room. To make the lantern, fold the paper in half lengthwise. Use a pair of scissors to cut lines along the fold. Be careful not to cut all the way across or the lantern will fall into pieces. You can draw lines for your child to follow or they can easily wing it, as the lines don’t have to be straight or evenly spaced out. Open the paper and roll the lantern so the two shorter sides meet and attach with sticky tape or a stapler. Add a pipe cleaner or rickrack handle.
Drum Paper plates Red and/or gold paint String Small bells Small wooden dowel, stick or chopstick Paint the backs of the paper plates red or gold. When dry, tape a wooden dowel to the inside of one of the plates. Tie bells on the string, and then tape the string to the sides of the plates. Using a stapler, attach the second plate on top, stapling where the strings are to help keep them secure. Decorate with stickers, etc. To use, rub the stick back and forth in your hand so the strings/bells hit the drum faces. v
education
Interior Design Opens Doors for People in Need by Kirk DICKEY
Lenora Kelson
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Surrounded by 20-somethings in a Residential Design II class at Collin College, with the prospect of starting a second career in her 40s, Lenora Kelson said she prayed for guidance on how to use the things she was learning. The short three-word reply was her answer. OK. The message could have been a bit more specific, but Kelson said the more she prayed on the subject, the more she noticed a pattern emerging. Her stepfather in New Orleans had suffered multiple strokes and was having trouble getting around his house, even with her mother’s assistance, because of doorways too narrow for his wheelchair. Kelson attended an American Society of Interior Designers student symposium where a designer outlined the steps she had taken to make her own home more disability-friendly. She saw first-hand how making a home more accessible could improve people’s lives when her husband suffered kidney failure and had trouble entering and exiting the bath after a two-week hospital stay. Kelson said her experiences kept bringing her back to the same realization. She was being directed to
“Share my love.” help the elderly and those living with physical disabilities. “I just wondered how many people with a disability are living this same struggle,” she said. The simple message, “Share my love,” when applied with patience and persistence over the next six years would result in Livable Arrangements, a non-profit organization founded in 2015 and dedicated to sharing God’s love by assisting the elderly and the those with physical disabilities by making their homes more accessible. By the end of 2017, the program had helped 10 families address their accessibility needs. Those renovations ranged from providing bath lifts and complete bathroom remodels to the installation of wheelchair ramps and
the widening of doors. Clients come to the organization with a need and Kelson uses her interior design training and knowledge of accessibility issues to find a solution. From there, a crew of volunteers attacks the problem, no matter where it is in the home. Livable Arrangements uses subcontractors— often donated labor from the Dallas chapter of the National Association for the Remodeling Industry—when her crew doesn’t have the skills for the task at hand, but otherwise completes the work on their own. “We do this with a small band of people,” she said. “In addition to our board of directors, we have a handful of volunteers. “Our goal in the next few months is to try and increase our volunteer
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Installers from Shower Doors of Dallas (on ends) stand with (from left) Livable Arrangements founder Lenora Kelson, client Charlotte Dixon and LA Board Member Delphia Fegans.
base. We don’t have nearly the amount of help we need to accomplish our mission.” Even with a small group of volunteers, the mission has touched several lives. Clients like Charlotte Dixon have major quality of life improvements because of Livable Arrangements. Despite having rheumatoid arthritis since childhood, Dixon said she was a very independent person for her whole life. That changed after a pair of surgeries to replace a hip and an elbow. That, along with the accompanying rehabilitation, left her without the income to finish remodeling work she had begun on her bathroom. Dixon’s family helped as best they could to take care of her
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personal needs, with her mother coming over to assist in Dixon’s showers. “My family members were more than eager to help, but at some point, you just wanted to regain your independence,” Dixon said. Dixon learned about Livable Arrangements while she was rehabbing her elbow. She said her experience was wonderful. The organization installed a modern shower with grab bars and an adjustable showerhead, making it possible for her to sit down to use the shower. Shower Doors of Dallas even donated glass doors for the project, making it as fashionable as it is functional. “The shower looks like one you’d find in one of the nicer hotels,” Dixon
said. “It is so beautiful. Each time I take a shower, I am so grateful.” Kelson said she would never have imagined working at, much less founding, a non-profit when she started at Collin College. Always a creative person, Kelson had already begun creating custom bedding and drapes inspired by remodeling shows on HGTV when she was laid off from work. She confesses to having dreams of being the next HGTV star when she came to Collin College to study architecture and interior design. It was a second attempt at postsecondary education and Kelson wanted to strike out on a new path. Collin was a good first step for her. “I loved my time at Collin,” she said. “I loved my instructors.”
One of those instructors, Professor Ali Kholdi remembers Kelson as a very responsible student. “I believe she was a straight A student all the way,” he said. Kholdi teaches green architecture and interior design theory, which trains students to create sustainable footprints for homes and businesses. “Our concept of green design is to create an environment for the client that is healthy from all sustainability points of view,” he said. Kholdi said that universal design of the kind Collin College teaches, if applied to construction codes, would eliminate the need for retrofits like the ones Kelson is doing because the needs of the disabled and elderly would have already been considered. Kholdi said he has not seen the work Kelson has done since founding Livable Arrangements, but he believes interior design work can definitely improve people’s lives. “An interior designer thinks about so many things that ordinary people won’t,” he said. “Any space that is designed by an interior designer is going to be a better place to live in.” That is one of Livable Arrangements’ main goals, and Kelson is just glad to have a way to use her talents and training to make people’s lives better and to share her faith. Her hope is that the organization will continue to grow and will be able to help more people in need. Learn more about Livable Arrangements at www. livablearrangements.org. Visit www. collin.edu and search “green architecture” for more information about the Collin College’s green interior design and architecture programs. v Kirk Dickey is a public relations writer for Collin College. Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer Allen Image | February 2018
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pet page
“Vanilla” Vanilla is a party in a package—hilarious and super fun. He takes a bit to warm up, but it is more than worth the wait! He is 6-year-old, 77-pound, yellow Lab/golden retriever mix. He is crate and house trained and ready to find a new home. Vanilla is a bit shy, but his loving personality absolutely shines bright! He loves following his people around the house and is a great walking companion. He is working on leash skills and watches his person for pace and direction. Vanilla loves wrestling and playing with his canine foster siblings and playing with his ball and stuffed toys. He also rides great in the car He has been neutered, microchipped and is up to date on all his vaccinations. He was treated for heartworms and is now on monthly preventative. All he needs now is a forever home to call his own! If Vanilla belongs at your place, please apply and his foster mom will be in touch. If you would like to meet this boy and give him the happy ending he deserves, please complete an online application: http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ adoption-application/. v
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MARKET PLACE
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feature
by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON
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J
ustice Moore not only has one bullet, but two. Plus, her bullets have historical, as well as artistic, significance! A member of the ensemble of the Chicago production of Hamilton this past year, and now in the second touring company of this 11 Tony Award-winning musical, Justice has the unique and enviable responsibility of portraying two bullets. As an added bonus for Justice, she received notice about making the cast of Chicago’s Hamilton on June 3, 2016—her 19th birthday, as well as the day she graduated from Allen High School. “So it was a really special day!” she grins. Born in San Antonio, Justice has lived with her family, parents Jonathan and Valerie, sister Jourdyn, and brothers Isiah and Jeremiah, in Allen since 1998. Of her unusual name, Justice notes that her and her siblings’ names are all derivations of names from the Bible as well as famous athletes. (A hint to where Justice’s name came from—check the first chapter of Acts in the New Testament and the roster of Major Baseball League outfielders and designated hitters.) A dance student since the fourth grade, Justice first took classes at the Academy of Dance Arts in Allen through middle school and then Next Step Dance in Frisco from her freshman through senior year. Over the years she learned ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and lyrical dance. Next Step Dance’s owner/ director Michelle Stafford recognized her potential almost immediately. “Her smile could light up a stage!” she explains. “You can’t take your eyes off of her. It sets her apart from any dancer I’ve worked with. And she can sing, which is a plus.” “She is a hard worker and very
talented,” Michelle continues. “God gave her all that she needed.” Justice’s talents were also recognized by Andy Blankenbuehler, not only a longtime friend of Michelle’s, but also a dancer, choreographer and director with three Tony Awards for best choreography and five nominations. His winning productions are Bandstand, In the Heights and Hamilton. Michelle explains that she first met Andy when she was a 15-yearold dance student in New York and he was a guest teacher at her studio. Still friends today, they often reconnect at national dance competitions. And at was at one of these events where Andy first saw Justice on stage. “Andy called me personally, wanting me to send him Justice’s head shot and resume because he knew Chicago’s Hamilton was opening up and he wanted her for that,” Michelle recalls. “He knew she would be a great addition.” Thrilled with her student’s success, Michelle joined Justice’s family at Chicago’s opening night of Hamilton “I’m excited and proud of Justice that she is able to achieve every dancer’s dream, and I’m happy to see her dance career continue on in success,” she adds. But, before Justice made the Hamilton cast she had to audition, competing against a large number of other talented hopefuls. The first tryouts for the Chicago production were December of 2015 in New York City. “I flew out and did dance auditions and vocal auditions and there were a bunch of cuts through that day,” Justice notes. “We then had callbacks, so I went back again to New York in February and did the whole process again—dance cuts, vocal cuts.” One particular significance of her surviving round after round of tryouts is that, despite her many Allen Image | February 2018
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years of formal dance training, Justice had never participated in a musical or even had vocal coaching of any kind. “I could always sing, but never really trained in it or knew the technicalities of it, that is until I got into Hamilton,” she shrugs. “And I fell in love with musical theater and singing, and it’s a whole other ball game!” After receiving the June notice of her acceptance into the cast of Hamilton as a member of the Ensemble, Justice had two months of summer vacation before heading to New York City for six weeks of rehearsals and then on to Chicago to perform. While in New York, Justice got to see the Broadway production of Hamilton for the first time. “My jaw was open the entire time and I was getting chills and I was getting tears,” she recalls. “I had never seen anything like it before and, wow, I’m about to be a part of this. I was grateful just watching the dancers and singers and actors up there and knowing I would be doing the same thing.” Justice describes being in the Ensemble as “we sing, we dance and we are all over the stage.” And she has a unique feature role in the show—the Bullet. She explains, “In the show people get shot, so my fingers resemble the bullet and carry it through space.” She also points out that the members of the Ensemble rarely stop moving, even when not on stage. “We do a lot of costume changes and they are so beautiful! They are by Paul
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Tazewell,” Justice enthuses. “Sometimes we are in corsets, and we have red coats that resemble the British army and we have blue coats that resemble the American army.” Well-acquainted with New York City from her many national competitions and auditions there, the then 19-year-old Justice was undaunted by the idea of living on her own, first in New York and then in Chicago. “Luckily, I was already a big city lover—I love skyscrapers and chaos in a way,” she asserts. “And Chicago is kind of a lesser version of New York, so I fit in and could get around very well.” Justice does confess to some distress at being so far from her family and missing her parents and siblings. “But, my cast was so amazing and
welcoming and friendly, and that let me form a second family basically. That’s why they call it the ‘Ham Fam,’ because you feel so welcome and accepted no matter what background. So everything turned out really great.” Hosted at the Private Bank (now CIBC) Theatre in Chicago that bills itself as Broadway in Chicago, Justice recalls her first time stepping on the stage for the first day of rehearsal “like a dream, like going to Disneyland!” “Then I remember when the seats were filled for the first time, when we had our first audience,” she continues. “The excited energy from that audience was like my dream has finally come true!” Justice was a member of Chicago’s Hamilton ensemble from August 2016 through October 2017. Although thrilled to be a member of
the Chicago cast, when offered the opportunity to portray her same role in the Phillip Tour of Hamilton for one year, Justice seized it. “I will be part of the second national tour of Hamilton and I am so excited about traveling,” she grins. “We are going to a bunch of places I’ve never been to— Charlotte, Costa Mesa, Ft. Lauderdale, Salt Lake City, Portland…. I want to see the world, travel, try new things and eat new things!” With the new production team, Justice explains, “We will set down in a city for three to six weeks and we get one day to fly out to the next city and do the show again.” With eight shows per week, primarily in the evenings, Justice looks forward to using some of her days to tour each city she is in. At the beginning of January, Justice flew to New York to join the cast of the Phillips Tour of Hamilton for six weeks of rehearsal—eight hours a day, six days a week. “That’s how long it takes to learn a show like this,” she emphasizes. “In that time we are learning vocal parts, harmonies, all the songs. This show is so complex that I am still learning different things about it and the choreography has so many different layers. So I will be learning more and more as I keep rehearsing.” Justice also recognizes the value of this challenging schedule. “I think because we are so well prepared before we step out onto the stage, we are ready to tell the story and perform. I’m excited to share what I have to give.” With a two-month break between the two productions, Justice returned to Allen with her cat, Bean, to spend time with her family and rest up before hitting the road again. In her spare time she enjoys longboarding, playing video games and watching movies, particularly superhero movies. “I’m a huge superhero fanatic; go DC!” she laughs. Another favorite pastime now is going to the dance studio “to just play around and make different dance videos.”
On her vacation, Justice also worked on her vocal skills with voice coaches Holly Watson of Fort Worth and Britney Holmes of Frisco. “They’ve been teaching me placement, chest voice, head voice, diaphragm exercises…,” she explains. A long-time member of Life Fellowship Church, Justice concludes, “My church life and faith is something that is super important to me. “I wouldn’t be at this point in my life if it wasn’t for God. I believe he has given me these gifts and talents and I’ve been called to share them. I use that platform to share what I believe and to encourage young performers. You can do it if you just train and put your mind to it.”
You can follow Justice’s new adventures with Hamilton while she tours the USA this year on Instagram (@justice_league97), Twitter (@justice_deion) and Facebook (@ JusticeMooreOfficial). v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.
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looking back
The Turners by Tom KEENER
Joycie Turner, her husband Homer, and their two children, Vince and Janna, moved to Allen in 1976. Mrs. McDermott and the Kermit Scot family who managed the McDermott ranch in Allen convinced the Turners that the Allen community offered tremendous educational opportunities for their children. Born in the piney woods of East Texas (Longview) to Willie and Ida Mae Anderson, Joycie graduated from high school at age 16. Inspired by her sister, an LVN at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and motivated by an earnest desire to help people heal, both physically and spiritually, Joycie enrolled at Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. Graduating in 1957 at the top of her class, Joycie scored the second highest rank on the Registered Nurse State Licensing Board exam for Obstetrics. Collin County Hospital (later the Collin Memorial Hospital) in McKinney offered Joycie a position as RN in their operating room in 1958. At the age of twenty, she became the first African-American RN to work in a Collin County operating room, a position she held for 40 years. Serving as a circulating and scrub nurse, she trained two generations of LVNs and orderlies to become scrub technicians, and was highly revered by her colleagues. Joycie recalls that during one of her first assignments, a patient rolled over sideways when he realized his operating nurse was black. She then asked the patient if his family was present and the patient indicated that there was no one in the waiting room. Joycie asked him if he wanted her to
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pray for him. They prayed together and his gleeful smile was apparent all the way to the operating room. Retired Allen dentist Dr. E.T. Boon recalled that as a new dentist to Allen, he was on an emergency call at the McKinney hospital and unfamiliar with their surgical protocol. Dr. Boon noted, “Joycie Joycie Turner taught me the proper procedures and helped launch my career and I deeply appreciated her kind efforts.” Joycie was married to the late Reverend Homer Turner who worked for Texas Instruments for 30 years. Giving birth to two children, but the mother of four, she has eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. When asked what she is most proud of in Allen, Joycie declares, “I’m proud that Allen supported the church that started in my home in 1993—they call me the founder. It has enriched the lives of several hundred members through the years and it is still in the process of building the Kingdom of God. [The name of the
church is Fellowship Christian Center Church.] Additionally, a scholarship program was started in my name and has awarded more than $100k to underserved high school seniors in Collin County over the last 12 years. And of course, I’m always proud of the Allen Eagles football team.” Joycie summarizes her feelings about Allen by noting, “Allen was the perfect place for me to live and raise my family.” In the May Allen Image, the next generation of Turners will be discussed. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.
Listen to Joycie, Vincent and Jana Turner discuss her nursing career, growing up in Allen and founding Fellowship Christian Center Church at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 11, at the historic St. Mary Baptist Church located in Allen’s Heritage Village, 402 E. St. Mary Drive. Call 972.727.2772 for more information.
For Your Health
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