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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

January 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 1

feature

Homegrown talent

Allen High School junior Sydney Hardeman is a basketball player who plays for the Lady Eagles and is a Division One college recruit. She possesses a commitment to basketball that has defined her life since first grade.

special sections

20 CALENDAR 34 KIDS KORNER

Snow Inspired Cooking with Kids

57 sports korner 58 PET PAGE

Fiona

16 58

57 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

Style

10 Fitness for a New Year

education

Now in Session

14 Come Run with the Eagles! Community Builder Award

Winter Whites

36 Leap of Faith 40 Coach Best Builds a Wrestling Dynasty at AHS

library 28

Salt Creek Bluegrass

Health & Fitness

Music of the West African Kora

Coffee with the Chief

52 Chiropractic

Armchair Travelers Visit the Russian Far East

Health Professionals

Tips for Back Pain Prevention

A New Year-ish How-to Guide

Illustrator E.B. Lewis

30 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

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54 contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Heather Darrow

Deborah Dove

Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$30 per year.

Tom Keener

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Dr. Jane Perry

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.

Jennifer Slingerland-Ryan Keith A. Taylor

civic forum

Fitness for a New Year

by Matt COBB

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Looking back on 2016, you may see many personal accomplishments and a few missed opportunities, especially when it comes to exercise. Well, the new year is finally here, which means new chances to achieve health and fitness goals. To help accomplish your fitness resolutions, Allen Parks and Recreation is kicking off the new year with a membership drive and an eclectic variety of fitness classes, appealing to all ages and fitness levels. Throughout the month of January, the Allen community can take advantage of a membership drive for 20-percent off yearlong memberships at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and Allen’s other recreation facilities. “Allen Parks and Recreation encourages everyone to better themselves through active lifestyles,”

said Travis Cunniff, recreation services manager for Allen Parks and Recreation. “Offering 20-percent off yearlong memberships at our recreation facilities is our way of helping the Allen community make 2017 the healthiest year yet.” A diverse range of programs offered throughout the year at the recreation centers makes working out in a group setting fun. One example of the exciting fitness programs is Cario-Drumba at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Offered weekly, the Cario-Drumba class combines aerobic step, music and keeping tempo to achieve cardio fitness and relieve stress. For individuals looking to increase flexibility, another class Joe Farmer Recreation Center offers is Yoga For Every Body. Instructors help participants with modifications and gentle adjustments, which makes this

class a great opportunity for anyone, regardless of previous yoga experience. Fitness classes are also held at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. For an intense workout, Body Sculpt is a 60-minute, high energy class that works the upper and lower body with weights, resistance bands, steps and floor exercises. Pilates, offered twice-weekly at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, is a great complement to any fitness routine. The Pilates mat classes help develop long, lean muscles, while improving flexibility and increasing muscular strength. With a focus on enhanced breathing techniques, participants will benefit from core and stability training. “With input from members, Allen’s recreation facilities have developed a wide range of fitness programs that are meant to truly satisfy the community’s health and wellness needs,” Cunniff said. “From

core endurance classes to fencing, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re already in shape or just getting started, we’ve got a program for you.” For more information about fitness classes, please check out the

new Allen Parks and Recreation activities guide called “LIFE,” available online at AllenParks.org and at all of Allen’s recreation facilities. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | January 2017

Now in Session

Teen Court Returns to Allen by Chelsey APRILL

Today, you’ll find Hilary Blake prosecuting murder suspects and sex offenders, regularly meeting with police detectives and even the FBI. But, in the summer of 2000, Dallas County’s Assistant District Attorney was the “new kid” in Allen, preparing to start her freshman year of high school in a sea of unfamiliar faces. As her family unpacked, she started looking for ways to meet new friends. That’s when an ad for a program called “Teen Court” caught her eye. “It was the first thing I got

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involved in,’” says Blake. “Teen Court helped spark an interest in the law that has stayed with me throughout my life.” Operated by Allen Municipal Court, Teen Court gives qualifying juvenile offenders the opportunity to be tried by a jury of their peers— fellow teens. The defendant—who might have sprayed graffiti on a park bench, gotten caught with drug paraphernalia, or been pulled over for a traffic offense—is allowed to forego the typical court costs in exchange for

being represented, prosecuted and tried by teenage attorneys and jurors. Those found guilty are sentenced to community service, while teenage volunteers gain unique insight into the justice system. “It’s a great introduction to public speaking and learning to think on your feet,” says Blake. “Not only did I learn what happens with the law, it helped me build confidence in myself.” Teen Court took a hiatus in 2015 following staff changes in municipal

court. However, the program will resume in January led by juvenile case coordinator Gabriel Castro. “I think of it as positive peer pressure,” says Castro. “And as we’ve seen through the years, it works.” The program is voluntary, but its success rate is impressive. Defendants who are tried in Teen Court are significantly less likely to get in trouble again than those who go through the adult system. “In a traditional case, the parents often wind up paying their child’s court fees and fines. And that gives the teen little incentive to stay out of trouble,” says retired Municipal Court Judge Linda Hopper. “But, with community service, the teen bears full responsibility for his or her punishment.” It also makes an impact on teenage volunteers, who attend specialized training and take turns filling the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney and jurors. Trials take place on a weeknight, once or twice per month, with trained staff on hand to assist with questions or problems. “Watching the consequences of someone else’s mistakes helped me avoid getting in trouble myself,” says Blake. “You’d often hear someone say ‘It was my friend’s idea!’ I quickly learned that the people you hang out with shape your life.” Blake says her involvement in Teen Court also provided great fodder for college applications and scholarship essays. Today she continues advocating for Teen Court and programs like it. “It’s a great opportunity for firsttime offenders to learn from their

mistakes without a conviction on their records,” says Blake. “Any interested teens should definitely apply to become a volunteer juror or teen attorney; you never know where it will take you!” Teen Court is now accepting

applications for student volunteers, ages 13-18. Students are not required to live in Allen. Visit CityofAllen.org/ TeenCourt to apply. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | January 2017

Snippets

Come Run with the Eagles! The 9th Annual Allen Eagle Run is set for Saturday, February 25, with more than 3,400 expected to participate in either the Fun Run or the 5K event. The Eagle Run, which is hosted by the Foundation For Allen Schools and the Allen Council of PTAs, is a fundraiser that supports classroom grants, student scholarships, teacher scholarships and activities on Allen ISD campuses.

Community Builder Award The Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435 presented the 20162017 prestigious Masonic Community Builder Award to Glenda May on November 8, at the Allen Masonic Lodge.

Registration is now open for the 2017 Eagle Run at www.AllenEagleRun.org and is a discounted price of $20 per person through February 3; there is no processing fee for online registrations. Registration cost increases to $25 after February 4. The start and finish lines for both runs are located on the east side of Allen Eagle Stadium and course maps, along with more details, are available on the website. Participants will receive a colored t-shirt along with samples and coupons in their runner ’s packets; medals are awarded for the top three

“The Community Builder Award is really to represent our appreciation for someone in our community that’s done some amazing things, and they have done it for more than a handful of weeks,” Worshipful Gary Rock said.

finishers in each age category. The Allen Eagle Run also includes a vendor area, demonstrations by various health and fitness experts, snacks and refreshments for participants. Anyone interested in being a part of the Allen Eagle Run as a sponsor or a vendor should contact info@AllenEagleRun.org. v

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Glenda May has served with dedication and compassion for twenty-one years as the Executive Director of Allen Community Outreach (ACO). In Glenda’s first year as Executive Director, ACO assisted 1,200 individuals with a staff of two full-time and two part-time employees. Last year Allen Community Outreach assisted 4,486 individuals with a staff of 58 full time employees. Because of Glenda May’s tireless efforts and leadership, the lives of many local families are made better every day. Glenda retired at the end of December 2016. v

feature

Homegrown Talent by Deborah DOVE

Every once in a while, raw talent, hard work, passion and character come together to create a player that is at the top of their sport, both physically and mentally. Such is the case with Allen High School junior Sydney Hardeman, a basketball player whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Division One college recruit.

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oised, polite and mature beyond her sixteen years, Sydney possesses a commitment to basketball that has defined her life since first grade. Born and raised in Allen, Sydney tried several sports before discovering her passion for basketball, including t-ball, soccer, tennis and dance, but she didn’t love any of them. “Sydney either clicks with something or she doesn’t,” says her mom, Jamie Hardeman. Her father, John, concurs. “I remember saying to Jamie, ‘I don’t think she likes sports.’” Meanwhile, Sydney had been coming to her dad, who plays basketball himself, saying she wanted to play basketball, but somehow, most likely because of her age, it didn’t occur to him to put her in the sport. When it finally clicked with him that this was something she really wanted to try, he signed her up to play with the Mavericks, an all-boys YMCA team, because there were no girls teams for her age. She scored 32 points in the first game. John remembers saying, “I think she found her sport.” In second grade, Sydney was able to join a girl’s team, and played on teams with both the Allen Sports Association and the YMCA. But even at that point, her skill level and ability to score was far beyond that of other girls her age, and she typically put more points on the board than everyone else on either team. When her team played a team with another girl with similar skills, John approached that girl’s father, who was the coach, about forming a competitive team. The fathers agreed, and the United Ballers basketball team was born, complete with branding, a website, a logo and sponsors. During the United Baller’s first year, when Sydney was in third grade, the team traveled to different tournaments across the nation, racking up wins. The next year, the team

parents agreed to hire a paid staff coach and Sydney’s dad John stepped into a management role for the team. They never lost a game those first two years, ultimately winning three national championships—the Amateur Athletic Union Championship, the Mid America Youth Basketball Championship and the Prime Time Nationals. For Sydney, it was both fun and exciting. “I’m very competitive,” she says. “I liked playing the best of the best and seeing new places.” Early on, her parents saw her talent and encouraged it by enlisting a shooting coach when she was in second grade and adding a skills coach when she was in third grade to help her reach her potential. It was typical for her to shoot a minimum of 500 baskets per session with her training coach, James Brown, with whom she still trains, and whose focus is typically repetition and muscle memory. Later, she worked with trainers Keith Russell and Earl Rooks, who

added a physicality to her training and helped her develop different skills. While other kids might have gotten burned out with the almost daily schedule of training, practice and games, Sydney thrived on it. “It was always fun,” she remembers. “I found joy every time I stepped on to the court.” Sydney continued to play for the United Ballers through eighth grade, although she also played for her middle school team, the Curtis Cougars. Unfortunately, she struggled with intense knee pain due to Osgood-Schlatter, a condition common in young athletes that occurs when an adolescent’s bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons. She still played, but it was off and on over a four-year period, and only as the pain allowed. However, in her typical fashion, Sydney translated her struggles during those years into something positive she could use on the court. “I’m mentally tough,” she says. “I do understand that pain is temporary.” Allen Image | January 2017

By ninth grade, her growth plates had closed and she was stronger than ever, earning a starter position on the Allen High School varsity team as a freshman. Now a junior, she still plays for the Lady Eagles wearing the same jersey number—23—that she has been wearing since first grade in honor of her all-time favorite players, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. While she plays for the Allen Eagles during the winter basketball season, she also plays for Texas Elite during the spring and summer on a club team that travels to local and national tournaments. Playing for a club team also means more opportunities for scholarships, as the viewing period for recruiters is longer and the teams tend to be more competitive, allowing players to show off their skills. While she has chemistry with both teams she plays on, she has an incredible bond with her Allen teammates, many of whom she’s played with or known since those fourth grade days playing for the Ballers, including Haleigh Hill, Jada Peacock, Temi Alao, Nileyah Vaugn and Troi Lucas. Throughout her high school career, Sydney has continued to rack up the accolades. Her sophomore year, she was a First Team All-District player and also went to Colorado Springs to try out for the 17U National Team. Now a junior, she has been recognized as a candidate for MVP for her district, although the winner won’t be announced until the end of the season. Thanks to her amazing skill on the court, she is also a D1 recruit, meaning she is the highest-level college pick. Although she’s known as a shooter, Sydney has an amazing emotional IQ for understanding the game, and is also a combo

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guard—a player who combines the attributes of point guard (1), shooting guard (2) and small forward (3). At five-foot-eleven, she’s also got height on her side, and although she’s a natural shooter, she’s also a team player. “She makes everyone look good,” say her father, John. He adds that sometimes even her coach gets mad at her for passing the ball to someone else instead of taking the shot. “It has to do with decisionmaking and unselfishness,” Sydney says modestly. “It’s not one-on-five, it’s five-on-five. It takes the whole team to win.” Always somewhat serious, Sydney is incredibly focused on the court. “I don’t get rattled too much,” she says. “I know how to handle pressure.” “She has the same expression if her team is up by fifteen or down by fifteen,” comments her mother Jamie. “Some coaches think she’s not having fun or not passionate because she always looks so serious, but the passion is deep inside her.” College recruiters are having no trouble seeing Sydney’s passion for the game, or her amazing talent. Junior year means colleges can begin contacting players directly, although Sydney has been getting letters of interest from colleges for years and made her first unofficial school visit in eighth grade. She had eight home visits from college recruiters in September, some from ivy league schools, although she won’t sign until her senior year. While Sydney is an honor roll student and member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the recipient of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence, she and her parents know her best scholarship

opportunities lie in basketball. Noncommittal at this point about where she wants to attend college, she says the deciding factor will be where she feels most comfortable, and where the style of play and relationship with the coaches seem to be a good fit. Although she loves the game and can’t imagine basketball not being a part of her life, playing professional basketball isn’t very lucrative for women unless they go overseas to play in Italy or Spain. After playing in college, Sydney plans to pursue a career in sports medicine. In the meantime, she’s enjoying her third season with the Allen Eagles and the bond she shares with her teammates, and is looking forward to

the Allen Lady Eagle Hoopfest 2016, an annual tournament where different schools come to play in a bracket championship. For her dad, it’s gratifying to see her grow into her own in the place she started playing. “People expected to see her get to this place,” he says, adding that people who watched her play when she was younger always ask what she’s doing now. “She was brought up here, and she rose through the ranks.”

While Sydney is a typical teenage girl who loves Beyoncé, hanging out with her friends and shopping, basketball is, and always will be, her heart and soul. “I have built some of the best memories of my life playing with my teammates and traveling places,” she says. “Basketball will always hold a place in my heart.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | January 2017

calendar

january 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. 7 Allen Americans v. Indy Fuel 8 Allen Americans v. Indy Fuel 13 Allen Americans v. Wichita Thunder 14 Dallas Sidekicks v. Turlock Express 15 Allen Americans v. Missouri Mavericks 16 Allen Americans v. Missouri Mavericks 20 Allen Americans v. Wichita Thunder 21 Allen Americans v. Wichita Thunder 22 Dallas Sidekicks v. El Paso Coyotes

21 Dive-In Movie, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Grab your friends, swimsuit, noodle and towel and join us for a Dive-In Movie. While you and your friends swim and float in the pool, you’ll enjoy a great movie experience! Concessions, noodles and tubes are available for an additional cost. Time: 6:30-9 pm. Cost: $5 (3-17 years); $6 (18+ years). 27 Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting, Allen Senior Recreation Center. Join the Allen Senior Recreation Center at the annual meeting for both new and returning volunteers. Learn about new opportunities to serve at the Center and in the Allen community. We will have guest speakers, loads of fun, refreshments and door prizes. Open volunteer enrollment is available during January and February. Time: 10 am to noon. Cost: Free.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services The winter/spring storytime session starts Monday, January 23. Baby and Me—For pre-walkers w/caregiver, Thur., 10:15 am.

parks and rec events

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

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

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

13 SNAP Dance (Disco Theme), Allen Senior Recreation Center. SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Disco! Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Time: 7 pm to 10 pm. Age: 18 years+. Cost: $10.

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

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Pajama Story Time—For 3-5 year-olds & family. Tue. & Thur., 6:30 pm. Winter Reading Club—through January 15— Attention children and teens! Earn free prizes this winter by reading 5 books or 5 hours. Pick up your reading log at the Library starting Monday,

December 5. The last day to pick up prizes is Sunday, January 15.

Events for familes/children/ tweens For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. 9 Art in Action! 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 7-12. Create your own work of art using fun techniques! 14 Family Story Time, 10:30-11:15 am, Children’s Program Room. All ages. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and crafts for the whole family. Each month features one of our favorite storybook characters or authors! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 27 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. For ages 0-3 with an adult. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 17 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. For ages 5+ with an adult. Bring your parents and create amazing structures with Lego blocks at the library! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 25 To Space & Beyond, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. For age 5-8. Learn interesting information about our solar system through books, activities and crafts. 28 Family Game Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. For all ages. Have fun playing games with friends and family while gaining problem-solving skills and increasing your

creativity. All games are provided. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 30 Water Science, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 5-8. Explore the different states of water with hands-on experiments and fun activities.

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

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room unless otherwise indicated. All events are free, and there is no registration unless noted. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913. 10 Talking History—Weathered Blossoms: Women in the Pioneer West, 7 pm. Join Dr. Carole Lester of the University of Texas at Dallas for a discussion on the pioneer women of the American West. Learn about the crucial roles these women played in the development of the West, and how they dealt with the many hardships that they faced. Ages 16+; younger children welcome with an adult. 11 Noontime Pageturners—The Muralist by Barbara A. Shapiro, 12 pm. Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. Free; no registration. 11 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. Do you knit? Or crochet? Or make spectacular things with thread and yarn? Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! Bring your latest project and work on it in the company of others. Meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Free; no registration. Ages 16+ 12 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co, 6 pm, 9 Prestige Circle, Allen. Team up with your friends to compete for first place at Allen’s own brewery—test your knowledge of beer, literature, history, science and more! The tap room has draft beer for purchase; the library will not be providing alcohol. Age 21+. 17 Let’s Talk Dewey: Chinese New Year—Year of the Rooster, 7 pm. Nonfiction readers! Join us for our choose-your-own-nonfiction book club. We pick the topic—you pick the book. For January, the topic is Chinese New Year. It’s the Year of the Rooster, you may pick any book about China (check 951, 915, 641.5951) or Roosters/ Chickens (636.5). Feel free to ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book. 18 DIY@APL—Tea Towel Stenciling, 10 am. Create unique tea towels for National Hot Tea Month using stencils and stamps. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16+. 18 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm. Come join us in a discussion of The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. 25 Tea Tasting for National Hot Tea Month, 7 pm, 1st Floor Meeting Room. Join APL staff and Food for Thought Market and Café to experience the proper brewing and tasting of tea. This is an afternoon tea (sometimes called a low or high tea—served on low tables with light snacks). Traditionally served at 4 pm in Great Britain, our evening tea will include scones and other treats along with a variety of tea. Free tickets are available for the first 30 people. Two prize baskets of tea and goodies will be awarded.

Allen Image | January 2017

CLUBS 2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the second Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. American Association of University Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com.

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Collin County Libertarian Party meets every second Wednesday, most often at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeners tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday each month, in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Friends of the Allen Public Library meets the third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. for more info, www.allenfriends.org Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, meets the third Thursday each month, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, second Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190.

Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net.

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: Will Windham COO of Medical Center of McKinney will present an overview of services including women’s’ and children’s, cardiovascular, orthopedics, emergency and trauma services and services designed specifically for seniors. . For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

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.

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

Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement— bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday of each month at 1:30 pm at the Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets 2nd Tue. each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. Program: Julie Davis-Colan: “Getting the BEST of Ourselves and Others” All are welcome to join us. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets third Tueday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. Social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together. Various social activities. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen Image | January 2017

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets each Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus meets Monday at 7 pm. New director, Richard Light! Visit us at Blue House Too, Watters Creek, 934 Market St., across from DSW Shoes. Guests always welcome. Women of Allen and surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www.nntchorus. org.

CRAFTS Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets first and third Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets the third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/ group/autismparentsupport.

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Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family and friends, meets the third Monday of every month, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Cancer Support Ministry, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday of each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited to our First Saturday Coffee and Donuts. For times and directions: eaa1246.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. All proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First Class FREE, email Lolo@ fit4mom.com” For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:3011:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/ TrueBlueDanceCrew.

Allen Image | January 2017

MOM’S CLUBS Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers. org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

SENIORS

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

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.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

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

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:3011:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

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.

mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum

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

Connemara Meadow Preserve

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

HEARD MUSEUM 2nd Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru handson activities. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org.

Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets 1st and 3rd Tues. each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

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Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle, Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets every third Wednesday at 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome. For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Fairview Rotary Club, meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. Knights of Columbus, meets the third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets every 4th Thursday, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason Beckett,Jason. beckett.1@gmail.com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/ CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets the second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday every month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www. vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets the second Saturday every month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | January 2017

library

The Library presents… Salt Creek Bluegrass January usually brings ice cold temperatures, but the heat is on when Salt Creek Bluegrass Band performs its foot stompin’ music at 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 20, at the library, free.

On mandolin, Al Stenzel began his career as a classical musician, and as early as high school, he became enthralled with the sounds of bluegrass. Al’s mandolin chops and punctuating solos help to keep the band on a firm turf. A fiddle is a must in Texas music and Tommy Swan will not disappoint with his exciting solos exciting and back-up licks. Inspired by country and Texas swing, lead and harmony vocalist Terry Solomon also provides the lead with his bass. His creative vocal arrangements provide Salt Creek Bluegrass an old-fashioned, but progressive, style. The lively rolls coupled with a tasteful delivery of melodic runs from Mark Shaffer’s banjo gives Salt Creek a distinctive sound. Mike Carpenter adds smooth vocals along with a dynamic guitar with a Texas slant. His arrangements keep the Salt Creek repertoire fresh and progressive. v

by Tom KEENER

Music of the West African Kora Sean Gaskell will give a performance and educational demonstration on the Kora, a 21-stringed harp from West Africa, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 6, at the library. Featuring traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the Koras musical repertoire, he will also perform his own personal compositions. Native to the Mande peoples who live within the countries of Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau, Kora music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots (Gree-ohs). While the Kora is only 300 years old, some songs commonly played on the instrument can be traced back 800 years. Gaskell has studied extensively under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh of Brikama, The Gambia and Kane Mathis of Brooklyn, NY. Sean has compiled a CD, Somanda, which will be available at the concert. Tom Surowicz of the Minneapolis Star Tribune declared, “Need more proof that music is the greatest international language? Listen to how eloquently Sean Gaskell, a young fella from the grunge and coffee mecca of Seattle, plays the 21-string West African Kora, a gourd-bottomed harp that delivers both acres of melody and gently rippling rhythms.” v

Coffee with the Chief Share coffee with Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey at 3 p.m., Saturday, January 21, at the library. Chief Harvey will discuss challenges that confront Allen, the impact of national issues on local law enforcement and programs offered by the Allen Police Department. After this presentation, citizens can submit questions, express concerns and make suggestions. If the issue is confidential, the chief can arrange a private meeting afterward.

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Allen’s police chief since 2012, Chief Harvey leads a department of 126 sworn and 57 civilian staff. Committed to community policing and emphasizing citizen engagement and collaboration with other stakeholders to resolve neighborhood issues, Chief Harvey observes, “There is tremendous support here in Allen for our police, and I am proud to be part of the Allen team and serve the Allen community.” Prior to coming to Allen, Brian Harvey had a

Armchair Travelers visit The Russian Far East Travel to Russia’s Far East from the comfort of an Allen Public Library armchair at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 31. No passport is required. Visit Russian Orthodox churches, native Siberian dancers, abandoned Soviet military bases, a wealth of wildlife and much more. Sharon Hudgins will be the tour guide. This program features photographs taken during the two years when she lived, worked and traveled in East Russia. A former professor with the University of Maryland’s overseas programs, Sharon’s lifelong interest in Russia led her to accept a position with a new university education program in Siberia and the Russian Far East, where she was one of the first American women to work in that part of Russia shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Later, she returned to Russia as a lecturer on expedition ships to Siberia and for National Geographic Expeditions on Trans-Siberian Railroad tours. Sharon’s travel memoir, The Other Side of Russia: A Slice of Life in Siberia and the Russian Far East, was published by Texas A & M University Press in 2003. Her next book will be T-Bone Whacks and Caviar Snacks: Cooking with Two Texans in Siberia (forthcoming from University of North Texas Press). v

Illustrator E. B. Lewis Award-winning children’s illustrator E.B. Lewis kicks off this year’s ALLen Reads on Saturday, January 28, at the library. Drop by the library’s meeting room 12:301:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with the illustrator of Each Kindness and The Other Side and stay to hear him speak at 2 p.m., followed by a book signing—bring your own books, or the Friends of the Library will have books on hand to purchase. E.B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children, including Nikki Grimes’ Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman, Tolowa M. Mollel’s My Rows and Piles of Coins, Garvin Curtis’s Bat Boy and His Violin and Jacqueline Woodson’s The Other Side. During his four years at Temple University School of Art League, Lewis majored in graphic design and illustration and art education. Presently, Lewis teaches at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, continues to paint and illustrate, and is a member of The Society of Illustrators in New York City. When asked about his impressive ability to relate with children, Mr. Lewis explains, “The reason I am able to connect and inspire the youth of today is because of the struggles, fears and failures I experienced in my own childhood.” 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. distinguished 32-year career with the Dallas Police Department, with his last position being Deputy Chief of Police assigned to Homeland Security and Strategic Deployment Division. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University, Chief Harvey is also a graduate of the Southwestern Law Enforcement Command College and the Police Executive Forum Senior Management Institute for Police. He serves as liaison for the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund and Regional Director for the Texas Police Chief’s Association. Food For Thought Café will provide fresh coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. v Allen Image | January 2017

STYLE

WinterWhites After the merry chaos of the holidays, January always provides me with a breath of fresh air and a new principle of simplicity to begin the year ahead. Sequins and bright colors are stowed in my wardrobe and warm, casual basics become the ensemble of choice. January can feel gray at times, however. Blue skies are few and frosty temps keep us housebound sometimes for days. Typically I suggest color is the cure for anyone’s blues, but this time color isn’t the answer. This time I’m suggesting a fresh non-color to brighten up your winter days—white.

by Lauren PALMER

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To embrace winter whites with style, get started with a comfortable white sweater—loose enough to allow for layering on uber cold days, fitted enough to be appropriate for the office and not look sloppy. Find one with an interesting embellishment like a cozy cable knit, contrasting buttons or bell sleeves to add some pizzazz to what is ordinarily a basic staple. Your white sweater can become part of your everyday uniform. Overthe-knee flat boots and a snuggly scarf make the perfect ensemble for a casual winter day. For the office, pair your sweater with coordinating skinnies and an animal print heel or bootie. Animal print never really goes out of style. Add a touch of it here and there to bring a wild pop to whatever you’re wearing—even to work! Tote bags are the best accessory for the office. Large compartments hold laptops and other devices while the silhouette is sharp and professional. The horizontal stripe and a faux mink pom bag charm again bring a touch of playfulness to an otherwise subdued look.

Allen Image | January 2017

Out for cocktails on a Saturday night? Pair your white sweater with an asymmetrical pencil skirt, nude heel and moto jacket. Pencil skirts say sophistication; sweaters say warm and comfortable and the soft lavender suede of this jacket breaks up the monochromatic theme while adding a touch of edge. Accessorizing a big, thick sweater can sometimes feel tricky. Notice, the jewelry is simple and consistent with all three looks. A delicate horn necklace lays nicely on top of the sweater. It won’t get tangled and delicates won’t snag the knit. Hammered wire hoops are stylish and look fantastic on any face shape. They can be worn to the most casual or dressiest of events. Bright white, off white, eggshell, cream, ecru, oyster, parchment...give yourself permission to embrace winter whites this season. Take a cue from our favorite winter precipitation and embrace a snowy white sweater and ensemble to match. Throw that “no white” rule to the wind. You’ll look as fresh as new fallen snow. v

Lauren Palmer is the creator and publisher of the popular lifestyle blog, The Art of Living Beautifully. Photos: Corrie Barto Photography

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MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | January 2017

kids korner

Snow Inspired Cooking with Kids by Deborah DOVE When the weather outside is frightful and the kids are cooped up inside and bored, it’s the perfect time to get in the kitchen and whip up some snow-themed food and treats together. There’s “snow” better way to spend a wintery afternoon (and eating what you make is part of the fun). January 19 is National Popcorn Day, so celebrate by experimenting with seasonings, or make the Popcorn Snowman recipe below.

Snowflake Rolls 2-1/2 tsp. instant yeast 1 c. lukewarm water 3 c. all-purpose flour 1-1/4 tsp. salt 3 Tbs. sugar 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/4 c. nonfat dry milk 1/2 c. instant mashed potato flakes Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix and knead everything together—by hand, mixer or bread machine set on the dough cycle—until you’ve made a smooth dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl, and allow the dough to rise, at room temperature, until it’s nearly doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Rising may take longer, especially if you’ve kneaded by hand. Give it enough time to become quite puffy. While the dough is rising, lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans, or a 9” x 13” pan. Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly greased work surface. Divide it into 16 pieces. Shape each piece into a rough ball by pulling the dough into a very small knot at the bottom, then rolling it under the palm of your hand into a smooth ball. Place eight rolls in each of the round cake pans (or all 16 rolls in the 9” x 13” pan), spacing them evenly; they won’t touch one another. Cover the pan(s) with lightly greased plastic wrap, and allow the rolls to rise till they’re very puffy, about 1 hour. While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until they’re a deep golden brown on top and lighter on the sides, about 25 minutes. Remove the rolls from the oven and, after 2 or 3 minutes, carefully transfer them to a rack. They’ll be hot and delicate, so serve warm or at room temperature.

Snowy White Cocoa 1-1/2 Tbs. white-chocolate instant pudding mix 1 c. milk Whipped cream (optional) Crushed candy canes (optional) Mini marshmallows (optional)

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Combine pudding mix and milk in a microwaveable mug. Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds on high. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes and a few mini marshmallow snowballs.

Snowy Snack Mix 1 c. peanut butter 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter or margarine 12 oz. chocolate chips 1 large box Kellogg’s Crispix cereal 2 1/2 c. confectioners (powdered) sugar Combine peanut butter, margarine and chocolate chips in a 1-quart microwaveable bowl. Microwave uncovered on high for one minute; stir. Microwave for 30 seconds longer or until mixture is smooth. Pour mixture over Crispix that has been placed in a large bowl, coating well. Put confectioners sugar in a paper bag or 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag, and add the coated cereal. Shake well until cereal is well-coated with sugar. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Tortilla Snowflakes Show your child how to make a paper snowflake by folding and cutting parts before making this so they understand the premise 1 nine-inch soft tortilla per snowflake Butter for frying Confectioners (powdered) sugar Fold the tortilla in half, and then in half again. Give your child a clean pair of scissors and have them cut out shapes, so that when you open the tortilla it looks like a snowflake. Melt some butter in a frying pan and cook the tortilla for a couple of minutes on each side until it just starts to turn golden. Remove from pan and put onto a large tray or plate. Sprinkle powdered sugar over both sides until the “snowflake” is coated, then eat and enjoy!

Popcorn Snowman 2-1/2 qts. popped corn 1/4 c. butter 1 (10-oz.) pkg. marshmallows 1 tsp. vanilla Pop popcorn and set aside. Melt butter and marshmallows in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over popped popcorn and mix until well coated. With buttered hands, form into snowball shapes. Make one large ball for the bottom, one medium ball and a smaller ball for the head. Use candy for eyes, nose, mouth and buttons.

education

Leap of Faith Family Pours Future into Art

Julia and Josh Jalowiec

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by Heather DARROW

n many aspects it is impossible to separate Julia Jalowiec from her art. Like cast iron sinks broken into tortilla-chip-sized pieces, Julia was shattered by her cancer diagnosis. Likewise, the searing pain of chemotherapy is reminiscent of the extreme heat iron endures in a fiery furnace. But at the crucial point where the iridescent, yellowish-liquid iron is transformed into something new, Julia and the ubiquitous metal took divergent paths. For while iron is poured into a mold it does not select, Julia intentionally chose to forge an artistic future. “I was lying in bed when life changed for me. I was so sick from the chemo. I finished round 16, but it had ravaged my body. I decided that I was either going to lie there and die or I was going to do something to change the trajectory of my life. I decided to attend Collin College. I poured all of these experiences into art. It has been such a healing pool for me. It is my Zen place,” Julia said.

Bursting forth from the confines of a former life Many people staring uncertainty in the face would do everything they could to keep stability in other areas of their lives. However, Josh saw his wife’s attempt at an art education as an opportunity to spend as much time as possible with the love of his life. He decided to quit his corporate job and follow her lead to build a new,

promising future together. The decision was not easy, but the couple’s dedication paid off. They worked several part time jobs and received scholarships. “Collin College is a pretty rare place. Most four-year colleges don’t pour iron. The iron pour is like a show—melting iron glows like the center of the earth,” Julia said. “The iron pour sparked something in me. I want to share what I’ve learned and teach art. It is

Emily Jalowiec

Allen Image | January 2017

an incredible privilege to be able to attend college. Collin offers an amazing education,” Josh said. As a high school student, Josh was offered a scholarship to attend The Art Institute of Chicago, but he could not afford the remaining tuition. According to Julia, he did not create art again until he attended Collin College, where he learned how to weld. She says his sculptures are in demand, and he has a waiting list of clients. Featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Josh Julia and Josh Jalowiec showcased his work in the Cudahy Historical Society’s “Mile Posts” art show in Wisconsin. He plans to graduate from Collin in 2017 and earn a bachelor of fine arts degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Julia earned her associate degree from Collin College this summer and is currently pursuing a bachelor of fine arts degree at SMU. Enamored with the lines in people’s faces, she believes the bumps, bruises and scars of living are what make a person exquisitely beautiful. During her time at Collin, one of her iron pieces, “Nancy,” was selected by Leigh Arnold, assistant curator of the Nasher Sculpture Center, for a juried art show and was on display at the Amarillo Museum of Art. “The more lines in a person’s face, the more special they are. It speaks to my very being. I create casts of people who look like they have had Josiah Jalowiec a lot of life. I have had a lot of life.

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These are people I’d like to get to know,” she said.

Art runs in the family Julia and Josh’s four children, Josiah (21), Emily (19), Samuel (17) and Abby Lane (10), also love art. Sam creates videos and aspires to be the next Stephen Spielberg, while Abby Lane wants to build her own robot. An artist in his own right, Josiah sings and plays drums, piano, guitar, trombone and harmonica. He hopes to mix audio engineering with behavior analysis. He earned an associate degree from Collin College in 2016 and plans to transfer to The University of North Texas to earn masters and doctoral degrees in behavior analysis. “Sound and film can make an audience excited or squeamish. I want to take the extra step and create my own sound. At Collin, I learned how sound refracts and reflects and that it can be cylindrical. You can go from a booming to an airy sound just like that. It’s an art,” Josiah said. With a love of theater and plans to become a dental hygienist, Emily says Collin College feels like a second home. “I grew up in a homeschooling environment, and the college offered dual credit for us lucky homeschool students. When I am not at home, I am at Collin. All my professors show their love for their disciplines. I am very thankful for my experience so far,” Emily said.

The answer is yes Julia is still fighting cancer, but she and Josh are optimistic. They hope to own a studio and create art together in the near future. Josh says it was almost as if a switch was flipped the day Julia told him she had cancer. “You have to step up your game. I keep a hard check on negative feelings and emotions because she needs my positivity. You can go to a

very dark place when you think of death, and she doesn’t need that from me,” Josh said. Julia says she did not know what she was missing before the diagnosis. Today, she says she lives her life like the lead character in the movie Yes Man. “We just keep saying yes. We got to change everything. We got a redo,” she said, grinning. For more information about Collin College, visit Collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photos by Nick Young, Collin College photographer Allen Image | January 2017

by Keith A. TAYLOR

During the past 15 years, Allen wrestling coach Jerry Best has quietly built a sports dynasty unmatched by any program in the state of Texas. The Eagles have won the UIL 6A championship a remarkable seven years in a row and the state Dual Championship for the past eight. “Those winning streaks are records,” Best said. “No one else is even close.” So, how does a coach create such a dominating program in a highly competitive state? Coach Best has a simple answer.

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“The coaches work harder than any others in the state,” he said. “We get here at 6:30 every morning and go home around 9 every night. When we aren’t in the classroom teaching, most of our time is spent in wrestling and coaching kids. It takes that kind of

dedication to build a successful program.” The current season does not conclude until February, but it is likely Allen wrestlers will add another two championships in 2017. Best has good reasons for feeling optimistic.

“As long as we remain healthy and their (the wrestlers’) weights remain where they should be, we should have the best team we’ve ever had,” he said. “We have ten returning state qualifiers.” The Eagles not only are recordsetters in Texas, they are also competitive in events around the country. “We won the Jay Hancock Invitational in Yukon, Oklahoma, and the 64th Chuck West Invitational in Bristow, Oklahoma, last year,” Best said. “We also had kids wrestle at Preseason National in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in October and came away with one national champion and four other All-Americans.” With that kind of success, three of the top Allen wrestlers are optimistic about the team’s future, too. Evan Hackett, a senior and one of the team’s top competitors, credits Coach Best with helping him win the

L to R: Braedin Redlin, Evan Hackett and Noah Yeamans

state championship in his weight class last year. “When I came here, I was kind of mediocre,” he said. “After moving to Allen, I went from mediocre to fifth place to state champion in two years. Coach Best pushes you to work hard and be successful. He is a great motivator.” Evan started wrestling at his middle school in California after being bullied. “I wanted to look strong, so I began wrestling.” He said he was fortunate to move to Allen after his freshman year. “I would like to continue my wrestling career into college,” he said. Being part of Allen Wrestling gives him an advantage in landing a scholarship so he can study business and marketing. Sophomore Noah Yeamens is looking forward to making his mark on the varsity team. His father is a retired wrestling coach and he grew up in gyms. “We moved to Allen three years ago,” he said “My family was looking for good academics and having a great wrestling program is a plus. “I love the wrestling team. I love the competitiveness we have here,” Yeamens said. “Where I came from, you had to push yourself to work hard. In Allen, if you don’t push yourself, your teammates make you work. “Coach Best is the same way,” he said. “He is probably the best coach I’ve ever had. He will do anything for you.” Braeden Redlin began wrestling in the second grade while attending school in McKinney because he thought it would be like what he saw on TV. “The first time I went to the gym, I was looking for the ring and folding chairs,” he said. “I thought professional wrestling was real.” Regardless, he loved the sport and now the junior has the opportunity to be a three-time state champion. “My goal is to win state again this year,” he said. Allen Image | January 2017

He also considers himself fortunate to be a part of Coach Best’s wrestling program. “Being an Eagle wrestler is a lot of fun,” he said. “I love to practice and compete with my friends. Coach Best is awesome. He expects the best out of everyone and and that’s the way he treats you. If you don’t do your best, he lets you know.” Braeden also plans to continue wrestling in college. Based on the success of former Eagle wrestlers Braeden, Yeamans and Hackett have a good chance at the next level. “Several have gone on to college and have been very successful,” Coach Best said. “Ophir Bernstein just graduated from Brown University after a great career there. He was a four-time NCAA tournament qualifier and All-American. (Ophir is now an assistant wrestling coach at Brown). “Oliver Pierce is at Arizona State and he has been a national qualifier for them and should qualify again during his senior year,” he added. “Bo Nickal had a great freshman year at Penn State where he was a NCAA finalist. I’m sure he will be on the varsity again and qualify for the

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NCAA tournament. Our athletes have had quite a bit of success after leaving here.” Coach Best was a top wrestler in college on a NCAA Division II championship team at the University of Central Oklahoma. After graduation, he moved to Texas with his wife, Kerry, and became a special education teacher. Allen ISD Athletic Director Steve

Williams hired Coach Best to take over the high school team in 2001. In the classroom, he taught resource math to special education students. However, a change in curriculum led him to a new role in special education. “I teach partners PE,” he said. “It’s a program where we mix regular education students with special education kids. The classroom students act as helpers and enablers. “I love partners PE. I love working with the kids,” he said. “It’s a great program we started at the high school a couple of years ago and it has really taken off.” Although Coach Best is proud of the achievements of his students and team, he said the wrestling team’s success is the work of many people coming together for a common goal. “Our coaches really work together,” he said. “We have the community behind us. Our parents are behind us and Athletic Director Steve Williams gives his full support. Our success is truly a team effort and I’m proud of the hard work and dedication of our athletes.” v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image | January 2017

Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA 915B W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 200 • Allen 972.727.1200 • www.2thboy.com

Delivering reasonable, rational dentistry to the northern suburbs for 27 years, Ross Miller has found his niche: patients who are swayed not by gimmicks or coupons, but by a desire for an honest assessment of their dental needs. Let’s face it, most dentists have the tools to communicate with a patient using intraoral cameras and digital xrays, but not all dentists take the time to use these tools effectively. Dr. Miller and his staff pride themselves on listening to patients and not rushing them through a process designed to extract as much cash as possible. If treatment is required, we approach the problem with a combination of technology, compassion and conservatism. Taking time and moving slowly in the immediate patient environment keeps us from being the fastest operators in town, but makes for a much less stressful experience for all. Cerec CAD/CAM restorations can be fabricated on site, cutting down time and visits, and TV monitors in every room help to pass the time during treatment. Dr. Miller is a lifelong resident of the Dallas area. Having grown up in Richardson, he graduated from JJ Pearce High School, Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Dentistry. He opened his practice in Plano in 1989 and moved it to Allen in 2007. Please visit our website at www.2thboy.com to learn more. Also check us out on Facebook!

Craig Ranch OB-GYN 7900 Henneman Way, Suite 100 • McKinney • 214.544.6600 • www.craigranchobgyn.com Conveniently located off of the Sam Rayburn Tollway between Alma and Custer, Craig Ranch OB-GYN provides OB-GYN services to the north Collin County area including Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney. We offer complete obstetrical care with management of both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies and perform deliveries at several of the local hospitals including Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Baylor Medical Center at McKinney. Midwife services are also available. We are one of the leaders in all of Texas for in-office procedures such as endometrial ablation and Essure for permanent sterilization. For the convenience of our patients, we have added in-office mammograms, making us the first and only OB-GYN group in the area to do this. We accept Medicaid. Please call for a consultation.

Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes, DDS, MS 604 S. Watters Road • Suite 150 • Allen • 972.390.1100 • www.AllenOrthodontist.com Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes and her team have been specializing in creating healthy and beautiful smiles for patients of all ages since 1999. They provide their patients and their families with the highest quality of orthodontic treatment in a friendly and professional environment. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes uses the latest technologies and involves other specialists, as needed, to customize unique treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. They focus on patient education and personalized care while emphasizing comprehensive, preventative and interceptive therapy. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M University with summa cum laude honors. She was the valedictorian of her dental class at Baylor College of Dentistry and went on to complete her orthodontic residency and master’s degree at the world-renowned program of Baylor with top honors. She is also certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes is active in her community and numerous national and local organizations.

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North Dallas Plastic Surgery/Dr. Todd Pollock 1105 Central Expwy. N., Suite 2310 • Allen • 8305 Walnut Hill Ln., Suite 210 • Dallas 214.363.2575 • www.drpollock.com

North Dallas Plastic Surgery provides a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the North Texas area. Our offices are conveniently located in both Dallas and Allen. Cosmetic procedures include facial rejuvenation (facelift, browlift, eyelid surgery), breast surgery (breast augmentation, lifts and reduction) and body contouring (liposuction, tummy tuck, thigh and arm lifts). Dr. Todd Pollock is nationally recognized for the development of the Drain-free Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). North Dallas Plastic Surgery offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat changes related to facial aging. Our approach is individualized and it employs current techniques to minimize incisions and downtime. Our medical treatments include Botox, Restylane, Radiasse and Juvederm; all of which are administered by a physician. Dr. Pollock is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. All consultations include a comprehensive evaluation and face-to-face discussion with the surgeon. Our educational website, www.drpollock. com, reflects our professional, caring and ethical philosophy—“Beauty begins with knowledge.”

Allen Family Dental 1420 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 170 • Allen • 469.342.6644 • www.allenfamilydentist.com At Allen Family Dental, our top priority is providing high-quality, professional, and friendly dental care for you and your family. Our focus is to create a comfortable dental experience for everyone, which begins with our warm, welcoming office atmosphere and continues with our patient-centered approach to providing treatment. Dr. Torrens-Parker and Dr. Lina Lizardi have over 30 years of combined experience. Many patients come to our office with previous negative experiences and the dentists and staff are committed to spending the extra time helping patients feel comfortable and understand their treatment options. Whether you are due for your 6 month cleaning or long overdue, call us to schedule your next visit.

The Rinnovare Institute 1105 N. Central Expwy., Bldg. 2, Suite 2310 • Allen • 214.271.4600 The Rinnovare Institute is a new functional medicine center in Allen, specializing in personalized gynecological care and functional medicine for women. We offer traditional and naturopathic alternatives for common gynecological problems. The practice of functional medicine focuses on patient-centered care, and modifiable lifestyle factors. Rather than simply treating disease, we seek to identify the cause of the disease based on biochemical individuality and environmental factors. We specialize in treatment of fatigue, immune and inflammatory disorders, hormone imbalance, poor libido, menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, infertility, gut dysfunction and detoxification, as well as skin, hair and weight abnormalities. We offer extended visits, allowing adequate time to get to the root cause of problems, and enabling the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. The Rinnovare Institute was created by Julia Liaci M.D., M.P.H., IFMCP, a board Certified OB/Gyn and IFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Allen Image | January 2017

Orangetheory Fitness 945 W. Stacy Road • Allen • 972.521.3700 • orangetheoryfitness.com Orangetheory Fitness’ one hour, total body workout will have you excited, motivated and breaking through those workout plateaus like no other fitness program you have ever experienced. Orangetheory Fitness has been featured in The New York Times as the effective new workout that has its participants burning up to 900 calories in a single 60-minute class. Backed by the science of post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), our heart-rate-monitored training is designed to keep members in their target zones, stimulate metabolism and increase energy for up to 36 hours after your workout! Orangetheory focuses on three main components during a workout—treadmill training, rowing and weight block exercises that are switched up, sped up, or lengthened to keep your body guessing and evolving throughout the whole workout. Get all the benefits of a personal trainer in an energetic group setting.

Luxe Medical Spa/Dr. Sherryl Shipes 1328 W. McDermott, Suite 222 • Allen • 580.579.7406 • www.luxemedicalspa.com Luxe Med Spa specializes in providing clients with expert consultation and care for optimal results— in a safe, hygienic and relaxing environment. The spa offers Botox, dermal fillers and medical facial aesthetics including: Xeomin, the Juvederm series, Kybella (double chin treatment), Belotero Balance, Restylane, SculpSure noninvasive laser lipolysis, Pelleve and Pellefirm radio frequency skin tightening, EvoForte hair removal and skin pigment treatments. Since the early 2000s, Dr. Shipes has been a leading physician and advocate in the category of age-reversing aesthetics. Dr. Sherryl is trained as a cosmetic surgeon and accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. She is uniquely qualified as an American Board of Family Medicine Board Certified Medical Doctor and as a Master Aesthetician with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to perform expert restorative techniques that are appropriate and proportional.

Bethany Heights Dental 1208 E. Bethany Drive, Suite 7 • Allen • 972.390.8500 • www.bethanyheights.com Dr. Carla Spann earned her Dental degree from the Texas A & M College of Dentistry in Dallas. Before attending dental school, she graduated from Duke University in 1992 with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering. She has completed numerous continuing education courses and incorporates all aspects of patients’ oral health, nutrition and medical systemic conditions in her practice philosophy. With a compassionate and conservative approach to dentistry, she believes that patient education is paramount to success in resolving and preventing oral health issues. She is particularly skilled in helping fearful patients relax during their dental care and is certified to provide sedation for these patients when necessary. She is a long time Allen resident. Her children attend Lucas Christian Academy and the family worships at One Community Church in Plano.

Allen Chiropractic/Dr. Jane Perry 1506 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 260 • Allen • 972.727.1106 • drjaneperry.com Looking to optimize your health? Chiropractic is an effective alternative to drugs or surgery and is a proactive approach to achieving high levels of wellness. The activator method of adjusting the spine is the most conservative and successful way to treat musculo-skeletal issues and more. Chiropractic also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system allowing the body to function better and heal faster. The key to this is choosing an experienced chiropractor. Allen Chiropractic’s methods are state-of-the-art techniques that allow for gentle, pain free adjusting. Dr. Perry’s 30 years of serving the community gives her keen insight into many issues. She is Advanced Proficiency Rated in Activator Methods and Certified in Impulse IQ chiropractic instrument adjusting. Using these unique methods allow her to target areas of the spine to treat underlying causes of pain. Dr. Perry invites you to come in and give chiropractic a try.

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Allen Pediatric Dentistry Jessie Hunter, DDS • Karen Coe, DDS 201 North Alma Drive, Suite 100 • Allen • 972.727.0737 • www.allenpediatricdentistry.com Allen Pediatric Dentistry is proud to serve the children and families of Allen, Plano, Frisco and the surrounding areas. Our dentists are committed to providing a kid-friendly atmosphere that makes all of our patients feel welcome and excited about visiting the dentist! Making sure your children visit the dentist consistently is important to ensure they have a happy and healthy smile for their entire lives. Our dental services for kids encompass everything necessary from regular cleanings and preventative care to restorations and emergency care. We specialize in sedation dentistry so our dental team is always available to tend to your child’s unique needs. Our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They are experts in the growth and development of the oral structures of infants, children and adolescents and are specially trained in behavior management and sedation techniques for apprehensive or special needs patients. Dr. Jessie Hunter was raised in Oklahoma, did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and received her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. Jessie earned her Pediatric Certificate from Louisiana State University. She lives in Frisco with her husband, Brandon, and their three children. Dr. Karen Coe grew up in Venezuela and speaks fluent Spanishis the newest addition to our team. She completed her Pediatric Dental residency program in Massachusetts with the Lutheran Medical Center of New York. She lives in McKinney with her husband, Josh, and their daughters, Kamila and Klarisa. “Our office is committed to making every visit a fun and positive, yet educational, visit for the children.” The office provides its young patients plenty of fun with a video arcade for their enjoyment before and after their appointment. The doctors and staff provide the highest quality of dentistry through continuing education on new procedures, products and equipment.

Spine Team Texas Allen / Richardson / Rockwall • 972.772.9600 • Alliance / Bedford / Southlake • 817.442.9300 • SpineTeamTexas.com Spine Team Texas specializes in the treatment of back and neck problems. Through its in-depth knowledge and team approach, Spine Team Texas is dedicated to treating patients conservatively through education, physical therapy, non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive spine surgery. The philosophy of Spine Team Texas is to treat with an emphasis on non-surgical treatment whenever possible and consider surgical intervention as a last resort when non-surgical measures have failed to provide long-term relief. This philosophy is supported in the fact that only 8-10% of Spine Team Texas new patients receive surgical intervention; that means most patients are treated successfully through non-surgical options. The team consists of physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, specializing in non-surgical spine care; spine surgeons trained in minimally invasive techniques; spine pain anesthesiologists focused on chronic pain; spine-focused physical therapists and on-site registered nurses.

Allen Dental Center, PC 300 West Boyd • Allen • 972.727.3941 • www.allendentist.com Allen Dental Center is a family and cosmetic dental practice that offers state-of-the-art dental services. Patients enjoy receiving regular check-ups with as much quality and care as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, root canals or cosmetic dentistry services. Whether it is a smile makeover or restorative work, we offer sedation dentistry for those apprehensive about dental treatment. Bringing over 65 years of combined experience to Allen, Dr. Jeff Williams, Dr. Steve Williams and Dr. Brad Wyatt provide a special brand of quality care. “The people who come to see me are more than just patients,” says Dr. Jeff Williams. “For me, practicing dentistry has always been about connecting with the patient,” adds Dr. Steve Williams. Allen Dental Center strives to consistently provide a superior level of treatment and comfort with state-of-the-art dental products and services at affordable prices. Call for an appointment today and see how Allen Dental Center is helping to make Allen more beautiful, one smile at a time. Allen Image | January 2017

Vision Source Fairview 1546 E. Stacy Road, Suite100 • Allen • 214.383.5400 • www.visionsource-fairview.com Vision Source! Fairview provides advanced eye healthcare with personal attention from caring doctors. We also provide advanced technology like the digital Optomap imaging system to see the inside of your eye. Dr. Carey Patrick and Dr. Lauren Windham are Board Certified Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists. Along with comprehensive eye exams, they care for eye infections, injuries, allergies, cornea dystrophies, dry eye syndrome, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. We offer special programs like CRT—Corneal Refractive Therapy—that reshapes the eyes, without surgery, to see without daytime glasses or contacts. Enjoy specific services for sports vision, custom contact lens designs and pediatric health and vision development evaluations. Vision Source! offers a variety of glasses, sunwear and quality contact lenses at prices to fit every family’s budget.

Creekview Orthodontics 1780 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 100 • Allen • 214.547.0001 At Creekview Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Ghosh, Dr. Trent Lofgren and their team strongly believe in preventive care with a conservative treatment philosophy. In addition to practice experience, both doctors have taught orthodontics at the university level—Dr. Ghosh full-time for many years. While creating beautiful smiles is their goal for each patient, the most satisfying part of orthodontics is the relationships created with patients and their families. Orthodontics provides beautiful smiles that improve self-esteem while contributing to overall health. Other benefits include better function, ease of cleaning and greater longevity of teeth. Since newer materials—like tooth-colored “invisible” braces and special alloyed wires—have made treatment more cosmetically appealing and comfortable and have shortened treatment time, more adults are accepting orthodontic treatment as well.

I Choose Change PLLC 1514 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 310 • Allen • 214.547.1318 Jennifer Slingerland Ryan knows a thing or two about kids and families. First, she knows they are joyous, exhilarating, loving and so darn fun. Second, she knows they suck your life dry and make you weep like a baby. By day she’s a psychotherapist, by night she’s a mom and wife. She claims to love therapizing couples, educating parents, reading dystopian fiction and sleeping in her free time (read: she never sleeps), and she’s written a highly inappropriate book that no teen should ever read, but all of her couples should. Jennifer has spent over 10 years in private practice working with individuals, couples and parents who are faced with kid-drama, mama-drama and family-drama, and she claims that although some stories make a grown woman cry, she loves it.

Allen Ophthalmology 400 N. Allen Drive, Suite 108 • Allen • 972.727.7477 • www.heritageeyecenter.com Heritage Eye Center • 1501 N. Redbud Blvd. • McKinney • 972.548.0771  Allen’s premier ophthalmology center is in the expert hands of Dr. James Norbury who provides state-of-the-art treatment while maintaining the personalized service of a small town practice. An avid hockey fan, Dr. Norbury was recently selected to be the team ophthalmologist for the Allen Americans, caring for team players and attending to any game injuries. By partnering with his associates at Heritage Eye and Surgery Center—Drs. Rudolf Churner, Sanjay Patel, Joe Constable, Grant Gilliland (oculoplastics), Henry Choi (retina) and Santosh Patel (retina)—he can ensure quality care in all facets of eye care. For patients who require surgery, the Heritage Surgery Center team specializes in the treatment of cataracts offering Crystalens and ReSTOR lens implants, as well as LASIK, laser treatments for a variety of eye conditions and oculoplastic surgery. For the best sight of your life, make an appointment with Dr. Norbury.

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health & fitness

The Top Five Running Foot Injuries by Jaryl KORPINEN

Running is a great way to stay healthy and fit and is a popular sport in Allen with all the great trails and parks. Without proper precaution, injuries can occur which can then sideline you for months.

Plantar Fasciitis What it is: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel bone to the toes. This tissue can become inflamed for many reasons, most commonly from irritation by placing too much stress (excessive running) on the bottom of the foot. Prevent by: Stretching both before and after every run. Proper stretching is gentle and should not be painful.

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Wearing supportive running shoes that are appropriate for your foot type, as well as shoe inserts, can also be effective. Make sure to not overtrain, gradually increasing how long or far you run. Tips for treatment: Immediate treatÂments should include icing the area to help with inflammation, stretching and taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory (OTC) medication. If symptoms continue, a foot and ankle specialist can administer cortisone injections, night splints, custom orthotics and/or a pulse treatment using sonic waves to heal the tissue.

Achilles Tendonitis What it is: An ailment that

accounts for a large number of running injuries, Achilles tendonitis is an irritation or inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the lower calf that attaches to the back of the heel. The condition is often caused by lack of flexibility, overuse or faulty foot mechanics. Prevent by: Stretching regularly. Shoe inserts such as heel cups/lifts and arch supports may also help to correct faulty foot mechanics that can lead to this injury. They can also take tension of the Achilles tendon when running. Tips for treatment: Ice and OTC anti-inflammatory medications can be taken in the short term. Resting the injured foot is vital for quick recovery.

Morton’s Neuroma What it is: Morton’s neuroma is often described by runners as a burning, stinging pain in the forefoot (commonly in the second, third and fourth toes). Other symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot and a feeling of “pins and needles” and numbness in the toes. Runners who wear tightfitting footwear often experience this condition. A true neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve, although entrapment of the nerve will give the same symptoms. Prevent by: Wearing proper running shoes that fit well and have a roomy toe box, and do not lace shoes too tightly in the forefoot. Runners should wear shoes that feature adequate forefoot cushioning. Tips for treatment: A physician may administer a cortisone injection to provide relief for a Morton’s neuroma and recommend a wider pair of running footwear. Custom orthotics can help decrease the nerve entrap ment. A new, in-office radiofrequency is available that numbs the nerve. Occasionally, surgical decompression of the neuroma is necessary.

commonly experienced as a shooting pain felt near the front or sides of one or both tibia bones (the shins). Prevent by: Performing stretches such as toe raises and shin stretches, and replacing running footwear often. Icing after running is helpful as well. Tips for treatment: Shin splints can be treated immediately with ice and anti-inflammatory medications. A podiatrist may also recommend a physical therapy program, as well as prescription orthotic inserts to cure and prevent further injury. An x-ray is

always recommended to rule out a stress fracture. Running is a great sport, but it can be hard on your feet. If you are just taking up running or it has been a while, make sure you get your feet and gait analyzed to get the proper running shoes. Warming up, stretching, icing, and finding the right shoe can decrease the chance of a foot or ankle injury. v Jaryl G. Korpinen, DPM, practices at Premier Foot and Ankle in Plano.

Stress Fracture What it is: Stress fractures in the lower limbs are common among athletes in general, and are commonly caused by repetitive forces on these areas. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling that grows worse over time. Stress fractures can occur over a period of days, weeks, or months. Prevent by: Modifying running equipment/training regimens. Replace running shoes on a regular basis (about every 400-500 miles), and see a physician when pain is first noticed. Tips for treatment: Treatments may include complete rest and icing, immobilization using casting or bracing of the affected area.

Shin Splints What it is: Also referred to as “tibial stress syndrome,” shin splints affect runners of all ages and are Allen Image | January 2017

“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.” – Benjamin Franklin

Tips for Back Pain Prevention Over 100 million people in the United States suffer from common pain conditions, and chronic pain is the primary cause of adult disability in the U.S. The majority of these pain conditions are felt in the back or legs. There are a variety of treatment options available for chronic spine pain that range from medications to surgical interventions. But ideally, the best thing that you can do is to avoid back pain in the first place. You can start by adopting a few changes to your lifestyle. To help, here are a few steps for back pain prevention.

Stop Smoking Smoking accelerates deterioration of your spine and impairs healing. Smoking can slow and prevent recovery from an injury by robbing the spine of proper blood flow.

Sit With Good Posture Sitting with poor posture can promote damage to the discs in your

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spine. Sit in a chair with good lumbar support and ALWAYS keep your hips and back against the chair back. Your computer monitor should be directly in front of you and just below eye level. Keyboards should be at elbow height with your wrists straight.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting Sitting for longer than one hour without getting up to walk around increases the pressure throughout your spine. Try standing up from your desk every hour to walk around briefly. You may consider setting a timer as a reminder to move around.

Get Plenty Of Sleep While sleeping, your spine has the chance to relax and rejuvenate. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a body pillow between your arms and knees are the preferred positions to sleep in. We do not recommend sleeping on your stomach

or on a waterbed. There is no study to say if a firm or soft mattress is better for the spine. It is best to test a mattress out and find one that is the most comfortable for you.

Maintain A Reasonable Weight A normal body mass index (BMI) is 19-25. A body mass index over 30 can put undue strain on your lumbar spine, knees and hips. For every pound someone loses, you take 5 pounds of force off each knee and hip. Losing 10 pounds equals 50 pounds of relief off each knee and hip. Look on your instruction sheet or ask the medical assistant at your next appointment what your body mass index is. Aim for a BMI of 19-25.

Exercise On A Regular Basis Exercise helps promote blood flow and healing to the spine.

Focusing on strengthening your abdominal and back muscles will improve your spine stability making injury less likely. Discuss your current exercise routine with your physical therapist so they can modify what you are doing to lessen injury to the spine and improve strength.

Exercises To Avoid • Leg press at the gym. This has a high risk of causing a disc herniation. • Avoid an incline on the treadmill. This can increase the strain on joints in your lumbar spine. • Avoid dead lifts, sweeps and squats with a bar behind your neck

Exercises To Do • Stretch hamstrings, gluts and pectoralis muscles daily. • Crunches on a stability ball.

of the spine when lifting. Remember to get as close as possible to the object you are lifting. Bend with your knees not your back, and never twist your torso while lifting or holding an object. Move as one unit. Use two people if the object exceeds your limits. To avoid injury to your neck and shoulders, never reach behind your car seat to pick something up.

Lift Properly

Prevention is key!

Men are more likely to herniate discs than women, but proper lifting is important for both groups. Injuries often occur with bending or twisting

Discuss your current exercise routine with your physician and physical therapist to make sure you are doing all the right things. Use

caution when getting into fad exercise classes, like boot camps or CrossFit. Applying these tips will help prevent back pain in the first place and enable you to live a fuller, healthier life! v Article submitted by Spine Team Texas’ Allen clinic.

Allen Image | January 2017

A New Year-ish How-To Guide by Jennifer Slingerland-RYAN

The New Year provides a great opportunity to press the reset button on your life. January is a loaded month, full of anticipation and “musts” for many of us and many people use the New Year as a time to start fresh.

Choose your resolution Seems simple, but if you’re looking for real change in the New Year, you’ll need these steps to choosing a resolution. Be very specific about which changes you’re working toward. Don’t be scared off by the word “change.” It’s best to put yourself in the driver’s seat rather than sit back and just let life happen.

Start small You must ask yourself two important questions to be successful with any new endeavor: 1) What’s the simplest thing you could do? 2) What could you do today? With any new change, we put too much pressure on ourselves to do something great at the get-go. Don’t compare your goals with others, and don’t judge yourself. Your goals are yours, no matter how big or small. Starting small—and starting today—gets you moving.

Hold yourself accountable The truth is, no one will be as committed or care about your life goals as much as you. Sure, they might support you and will cheer you on. But, it’s human nature to focus on our own goals and ambitions first and think of others after we’re done thinking of ourselves. Therefore, hold yourself accountable.

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Take a step back Our stint here on planet Earth is small. When you gain a sense of this universal perspective, you realize that in the grand scheme of life, our small obstacles really don’t matter much. Do you choose to make your obstacles small or big? The answer to that question could very well determine your levels of happiness and success.

Reassess Give yourself permission to tweak and adjust your goal. You aren’t giving up, you’re merely reassessing the goal you’ve set for yourself and adjusting it when necessary.

“Just be” For many, January is an incredible time of “just doing,” so this step—to “just be”—requires a little faith. Doing something (anything) without any sense of the end result will spin you into a frenzy. You’ll be completely drained, and you’ll give up on any goal you create for yourself. Your goal here is simplicity. No need to get yourself into a whirlwind over change. No need to pull your hair out thinking about what to change, how to change, when to start and, of course, what to do when you have a misstep. The great thing about each day—including the first of January—is that it provides new opportunities to choose differently. We can choose in this moment. And, now in this moment. And, now in this moment… v Jennifer Slingerland Ryan, M.Ed., LPC-S is the founder and director of I Choose Change in Allen.

sportS KORNER

Pink the Park

Recreation Tournament Champions & Runners-up 950 E. Main • Allen • 972.727.9565

www.allensports.org 8U Winner: Texas Raiders (Forney); Runner-up: Lady Frogs (Frisco)

12U Winner: Lady Outlaws (Keller); Runner-up: Pink Lightning (Allen)

10U Winner: Heartbreakers (Allen); Runner-up: Extreme (Plano)

14U Winner: Intensity (Plano/Allen); Runner-up: Cheetahs (Allen)

10U Recreation Baseball Champs: Giants

5th Grade Volleyball Tournament Champs: Ace Angels

D2 Tackle Football Champs: Wildcats

D1 NFL Flag Football Champs: Texans Allen Image | January 2017

pet page

“Fiona” They say, “Eyes are the windows to the soul.” Fiona’s eyes speak volumes. They say, “I’ve been abused. I’ve been hurt and neglected, but I still have hope. Hope that someone will give me a second chance at a wonderful, new life.” Fiona is a precious one-year-old, 25-pound pocket pittie/shepherd mix who is longing to find her perfect forever home. She was picked up as a stray in a small, rural town where it appears her previous owners cut off her ears with scissors. Despite her previous abuse, she is sweet, very affectionate and has a heart of gold. Fiona loves to play with dogs of all shapes and sizes. She loves kids and ignores cats. She also loves walks, car rides and toys. She is active and would be a great jogging partner! Fiona is house and crate trained, is very smart and learns routines quickly. She is spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccinations. If you would like to meet this incredible survivor, please complete an application online and her foster mom will be in touch: http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ foster-application/.

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