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contents

July 2011

Vol. 21, Issue 7

cover story 44 Cris Gale, Allens Ocarina Diva Cris Gale is making a name for herself internationally because of her talents on the ocarina. She credits the Nintendo video game, “Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time,” as her source of inspiration to teach herself how to play. In April, Cris traveled to Budrio, Italy, where she performed at the International Ocarina Festival.

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature 22 Fairview’s Veteran’s Park Fairview’s Veteran’s Park sits just outside of the newly-built city hall. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the oft-forgotten Merchant Marines, are each represented by a carved limestone more than six feet tall and two feet wide. by Simon Valentin

special sections

20 kids korner Summer Boredom Busters by Deborah Dove

38 precious pets photo contest winners 41 pet page Aubrey

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42 calendar 63 people seen

contents departments civic forum 8

Parks & Recreation Month

Allen Masonic Lodge scholarships Denim & Diamonds Cowboy Coast Olympic stars travel to Allen by Jeff Mues

library 13

Barbara Peavy

graphic design Kevin Valdez

production assistant Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Jill Edelman

contributing writers

Tuskeegee Airman Calvin Spann

Heather Darrow

by Tom Keener

Deborah Dove

E-Flat Porch Band by Tom Keener

Tom Keener Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

education

Dr. Scott Rasnic

Heeding the call to serve others

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

by Heather Darrow

Simon Valentin

Surviving college—one professor’s advice by Dr. Scott Rasnic

Resale retail—fashion that makes cents

Give where you live! by Marjorie Vaneskahian

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cover photo

beauty/fashion

helping hands

Marjorie Vaneskahian

Larry Fleming

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

publisher/editor

by Jeff Mues

Allen Image

travel 34

Staying cool in Austin by Deborah Dove

Allen Image © 2011 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage. com.

civic forum

Parks & Recreation Month by Jeff Mues

of dodgeball played with foamcoated dodgeballs. All equipment supplied. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

7—Wii play at Allen Senior Recreation Center Join the Allen Senior Recreation Center for some cross-generational free Wii play, 10 a.m. to noon.

8—Open House at the Edge Visitor Center Video games, foosball, ping-pong and billiards all day with free admission to the Edge Visitor Center @ Allen Station Park.

8—Dance for Adults with Disabilities. Dance for Adults with Disabilities features live music, fun, snacks and a commemorative photo. For information or to get on email list, contact tharben@cityofallen.org.

11—Free Tai Chi

The month of July is Parks and Recreation Month in Allen. To help encourage Allen residents to get into the spirit, a special calendar has been developed with suggested activities. With more than 1,000 acres of parkland, 38 developed parks, 40 miles of hiking and biking trails in Allen and countless recreational opportunities, certainly Parks and Recreation Month is worthy of celebration. The culmination event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the entire family. To close the month, we will commemorate Parks and Recreation month with the inaugural Twilight Festival in the Park presented by Market Street, on Saturday, July 30. For more information about July Parks and Recreation events, visit www. allenparks.org.

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JULY CALENDAR 1-30—Family Golf Month—Hit the Links at Chase Oaks Golf Club Juniors, 14 and under, play free on Sawtooth Course with a paying adult. All day Monday-Friday; after 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call 214.409.4653.

1—Baby Boot Camp Bring the baby and come get fit for free at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

5—Lakeside Yoga Take a free yoga class in the Lakeside Club House at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

5-8—Dodgeball! Enjoy about 15 different versions

Take a free Tai Chi class in the Lakeside Club House at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

11-14—Rookies For the beginner athlete— basketball, soccer, t-ball and football in a fun, non-competitive environment. Also incorporates other fun games. Participant/coach ratio 6:1. Everyone receives a Tshirt. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

11-14—Volleyball High Intensity Camp For high school and junior high athletes looking to improve their level of play! Affordable and beneficial camps. Camp directed by Ed Garza, Austin College Head Volleyball Coach and staff. Camp T-shirt will be given to all

participants. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

and dinner is served. Register early or at the door. Each guest receives a coupon for concessions.

11-15—Allen Fishing Camp

Kids will learn about fishing tackle and techniques, lure making and conservation. Call 214.509.4750.

22—Free Glucose and Blood Pressure Screening

15—Pancake Breakfast

Join the Allen Senior Recreation Center, 8-9:30 a.m. for a pancake breakfast.

dodgeball, etc. Lots of exercise and fun. Participant/coach ratio 10:1. Everyone receives a T-shirt. Advance registration required. Call 214.509.4750.

Senior Select will be at Allen Senior Recreation Center, 11 a.m.-noon.

28—Challenge the Staff

22—Open House at the Edge Visitor Center

Free Video games, foosball, pingpong and billiards all day.

Kids vs. adults, 6-8 p.m., Visitor Center at the Edge @ Allen Station Park in foosball, billiards or pingpong. Winners receive a free item (valued at $1) and bragging rights.

15—Visitor Center at the Edge @ Allen Station Park Lock-In

25—Genealogy Club

30—Twilight Festival in the Park

Video game tournaments to dodgeball to movies, we’ll stay up all night! Concessions available and meals provided. Call 214.509.4760 for details.

15—Teen Dive In Movie

Join us at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, ages 10-17. Concessions available. Tubes and noodles available for rent.

15—Baby Boot Camp

Bring the baby and come get fit for free at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Call 214.509.4750.

Trace your roots and have some fun with the Allen Genealogy Club at Allen Senior Recreation Center at 1 p.m.

25-28—Allen Fishing Camp

Kids will learn about fishing tackle and techniques, lure making and conservation. Call 214.509.4750.

25-29—All Star Sports and Games Camp

Includes sports like basketball, soccer, football and other fun games—capture the flag, frisbee golf, ultimate frisbee, kickball,

Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month presented by Market Street at Joe Farmer Recreation Center and Bethany Lakes Park, starts at 5 p.m. with activities including face painting, bounce houses, balloon artists, arts and crafts, etc. When the sun goes down (about 8 p.m.) a family movie plays outdoors on a huge screen. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

16—Saturday Rec and Roll at Ford Pool

Summer fun at Ford Pool, 2-6 p.m. Same fun and games, only poolside with a DJ. Concessions available and onsite supervision provided. $7 pre-registration; $11 Party Pack ($5 of concessions for $4); $8 walkup day of event. Call 214.509.4790 for more information.

16—Community Garage Sale

Sell the items you were thinking of throwing away. Each space 17’ X 10’. Renters must provide their own tables and chairs. Online registration not available. For more information, call 214.509.4750

18-23—Missoula Children’s Theater Presents Cinderella

A touring theater program presents Cinderella. Week-long program provides kids the chance to learn about performing in a musical and about putting on a true theater production from start to finish.

22—Family Night at Ford Pool

An evening of food, fun and family time, 6-8 p.m. The pool’s open late A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

Snippets Allen Masonic Lodge scholarships Each year Allen Masonic Lodge #1435 holds various fundraisers to provide scholarships to graduating Allen/Lovejoy High School seniors (unfortunately, we received no applications from Lovejoy seniors). We are proud to present our 2011 Scholarships to Sarah Messer, Katie Newville, Taryn Haney and Tyler Bahman. Each received a $1500 scholarship. We offer our congratulations and best wishes to these outstanding young adults. We also want to thank Ms. Stephanie Helvey with the Allen High School Career and Development Office. Taryn Haney, with a GPA of 4.1, will be attending the University of Arkansas and majoring in Business. She was an Allen Varsity cheer captain, a member of the National Honor Society, and involved in Young Life, Allen Relay for Life, Rachel’s Challenge and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

L to R: Sarah Messer, Katie Newville, Tyler Bahman, Taryn Haney

Katie Newville, with a GPA of 3.9, will be attending TCU with a major in Broadcast Journalism. Katie was an Allen cheerleader, voted Allen’s Miss Football Sweetheart, spoke at the 2010 Teacher’s Convocation, and was involved with PALs, STAR Service Club, Relay for Life, South Dallas Bridge Builders and Mission Project. Sara Messer, with a GPA of 4.08, will be attending Texas A & M majoring in Visualization. Sara was editor-in-chief of the Allen High School yearbook, a member of the National Honor Society, active in photographers’ competitions and involved in Angel League for the Key Club and many mission trips. Tyler Bahnman, with a GPA of 3.97, will be attending the University of Dallas majoring in Economics. Tyler is a member of the National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, French Honor Society, the Allen marching band, and involved with Boy Scouts (he is an Eagle scout), Relay for Life and local middle school camps. v

Denim & Diamonds Cowboy Coast The Foundation For Lovejoy Schools held its fifth annual Denim & Diamonds Gala and Auction May 7, at Southfork Ranch with the theme—Cowboy Coast. The crowd of 730 guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, a silent and live auction and entertainment by Max Stalling. The “hot” live auction item this year was organized by the LISD Superintendent’s Leadership Council. It was a party for 100 people complete with a catered barbeque dinner from Eddie Dean and entertainment by Max Stalling. Other items in the live auction included a trip to San Diego with an excursion aboard the America’s Cup yacht and a trip to New York City with tickets to the U.S. Open Tennis finals. After the live auction, the winners of the Learning at Lovejoy raffle were drawn. Carmen Constanza was the first lucky winner and chose the golf cart; the Yamaha Waverunner went to Gene Pryor. The evening was a huge success, raising $175,000. The funds will be used to enhance the education of LISD students and provide professional development for teachers and staff. L to R: Mauri Roach, Shannon Droupy, Laura Barr, Jennifer Nelson

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A special thank you to the presenting sponsor, Pogue Construction, and our other wonderful sponsors. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the live, silent and online auctions. And last, but not least, a big thank you to our awesome volunteers who put in many hours to make Denim & Diamonds a rousing success.

Olympic stars travel to Allen by Jeff Mues

Six Olympic swimmers, representing 16 Olympic medals, surprised more than 300 swimmers during their regularly scheduled practice in Allen on May 28. The athletes interacted with the kids in the water delivering instruction, helping with relays and giving away swim gear. The Olympians in attendance were Matt Grevers, Ian Crocker, Garrett WeberGale, Maritza Correia, Christine Magnuson and Mel Stewart. “This was a wonderful

event for our swimmers,” said Brent Mitchell, Head Coach of Metroplex Aquatics. “We truly appreciate athletes taking time out of their hectic schedule to connect with kids and inspire them.” Not only did local swimmers get a rare opportunity to interact with the Olympians and watch them swim in person, they were also treated to free swim gear, including goggles, swim caps and hydro towels as part of SwimOutlet.com’s “Gold Medal Delivery” initiative. “We were very excited to have had this opportunity in Allen,” said Kenny Walsh, Center Supervisor for Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. “Metroplex Aquatics and the other local clubs have had such a positive influence in our community, so we’re very pleased to have helped facilitate a unique and memorable event for them.” For the City of Allen, it is the second time in less than a year hosting Olympic athletes. In October 2010, seven Olympic champions, highlighted by gold medal-winning gymnast, Nastia Liukin, and figure skating champion, Evan Lysacek, performed at the Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular at Allen Event Center. In total, the City of Allen has hosted athletes repre senting a staggering 24 Olympic medals in the last eight months. “Winning Olympic gold is sheer bliss,” said Mel Stewart, 3-time Olympic Medalist. “Only one thing rivals that feeling—working with kids, inspiring kids, and, when you can, surprising kids!” v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

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Tuskeegee Airman Calvin Spann

library

by Tom Keener

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Calvin Spann will speak at the Allen Public Library’s Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Drive, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14. He will discuss the rigorous training at the Tuskegee University Moton Airfield, aerial campaigns during World War II that included traversing the treacherous Alps and encountering the then newly-invented German weapon—the jet aircraft. Under the direction of Col. Benjamin Davis, Jr., 450 of the Tuskegee Airman—as the Tuskegee-trained pilots came to be known—flew World War II missions over North Africa and Europe in P-39, P-40, P-47 and P-50 aircraft. These men served in either the 99th Fighter Squadron or the 332nd Fighter Group. The first black West Point graduate, Col. Davis was one of the five who graduated from a class of originally 13 men in the first ninemonth training at Tuskegee. Col. Davis later earned the distinction of being the U.S. Air Force’s first African American general. Eventually, the 332nd Fighter Group consisted of four fighter squadrons—the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd. The 99th Fighter Squadron received two Presidential Unit Citations for their tactical air support and air combat in Italy in 1943 and 1944, and the 332nd Fighter Group earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their mission escorting bombers to Berlin in March of 1945. These brave airmen also distinguished themselves by achieving the singular distinction

of never losing an es corted bomber to enemy plane fire. Juanita Posey, Commander of Armistice Memorial Post 2195, declares, “As a young black woman from the South in the late 80s, my future opportunities were presented to me in minimal options. As a Naval JROTC student, my exposure of heroism in the face of racism was amplified with my introduction to the Tuskegee Airmen. Their sacrifice to prove that they were capable in spite of their skin color gives me the courage to do the same.” This is an exciting opportunity to hear an eyewitness to history’s personal accounts about World War II. Boy Scout Troop 328 will present the colors to open the program. After his talk, Mr. Spann will be available for questions and photographs. A reception with refreshments will follow. Calvin and his wife, Gwenelle, reside in Allen and give talks to schools and libraries on the role of Tuskegee Airmen. In 2009, President Obama invited them to his inauguration and they traveled to Washington D.C. to attend that historic event.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library Bach to Books, Allen Public Library’s Adult Services department and VFW Armistice Post 2195. No reservations are required. For information, call Tom Keener at 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

E-Flat Porch Band by Tom Keener

Do you recall when friends and neighbors sat on the porch and entertained themselves and each other by playing tunes on their own instruments and as well as household objects such as jugs and washboards? Do you long to relive those days or experience music without batteries or earbuds? Treat yourself to an evening with the E-Flat Porch Band at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. It’s sure to boost your spirits and energize the start of your weekend. Rudy Littrell and Duane Brown’s “porch music” is played on acoustic instruments and pays homage to our varied Texas musical roots. Their style is influenced by country blues, Texas folk music, jazz and swing standards, and Depression Era country songwriters. Guitar playing styles include finger picking and slide guitar. Other instruments include the acoustic bass, harmonica, cymbal and a drum-like instrument of their own design made out of a wooden soda pop box. This is a small band with a big sound—up to eight instruments will be heard simultaneously, along with harmonizing vocals. A self-proclaimed “recovering percussionist,” Rudy Littrell has the coordination to play four instruments at once—acoustic bass, harmonica, high hat and a wooden soda pop box. Duane Brown has been making music since he was a kid—strumming a broom and singing Roger Miller tunes for neighbors. He has since advanced to guitar and harmonica. “Rudy noticed that every time he hit an E-flat, the

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porch would resound to that,” said Brown’s wife and band publicist, Adah Leah Wolf. Thus, the E-Flat Porch Band became the duo’s name. The E-Flatters present an educational and entertaining introduction to folk music, enabling the audience to understand and appreciate the folk roots of today’s music. Through their original songs, they carry on a tradition of musical creativity at its finest. The E-Flat Porch Band has performed at folk and blues festivals throughout the Southwest, Texas Metal Arts Festival in Gruene, Folk Festival in Denton, Richardson’s Wildflower Festival, Texas Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville and Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

education

Heeding the call to serve others by Heather Darrow

When Elizabeth Long was three years old she knew she was going to be a doctor. She told her playmates, “You can be my nurse if you want, but I am going to be a surgeon.” By the time she was in high school, she became captivated with sociology. She believed she could help people faster if she graduated with a bachelor ’s degree and became a social worker— until she met Maria. Long passed Maria every day during her three-month stint in Romania as an English teacher. A gypsy and a beggar, Maria was shunned in her homeland. When Long first saw the gaping, black, infected wound on Maria’s leg, she tried to stop the drainage with napkins. Day after day passed and Maria’s wound grew worse. “On the day I was returning home I wanted to take her picture, but she wasn’t there. My heart sank. I wanted

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to help her. Where did she go? All people could tell me was that she was gone. I still do not know if she died or was in a hospital. At that moment, I decided I wanted to be a doctor and serve people that are forgotten.” Long decided to take all of her science as well as English and mathematics classes at Collin College while earning her bachelor ’s degree in social science at Thomas Edison State College. “I love to think and talk things out. You get to know the professors really well at Collin College. Another thing about Collin I really love is the student organizations.” Long enjoyed serving the community as a member of the Baptist Student Ministry and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She also served as a peer tutor and completed two undergraduate research Center for Advanced Studies in Mathematics and

Natural Sciences (CASMNS) projects. In addition, she was selected to complete research at the Texas A&M Commerce Research Experience for Undergraduates in chemistry (REU). “CASMNS is amazing. I worked on a project with mycobacterium ulcerans, a cousin of the mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy. In third world countries and tropical regions of the world, people get Buruli ulcers, skin ulcers. They have also identified three cases in the U.S. caused by the same bacterium. However, all of the cases have originated from undeveloped parts of the world. It is important to catch the disease early. You must have a good diagnostic tool.” According to Long, these pathogenic bacteria release a toxin called mycolactone. She worked with Collin College Chemistry Professor Dr. Fred Jury on a way to identify the presence of the bacteria before a wound

is prominent. They utilized fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance in their experiments and plan to test their compound in the future. Long was accepted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in July and is planning to become a surgeon. When she traveled for medical school interviews she enthusiastically explained the different undergraduate research projects she completed and inquired about research opportunities in medical school. Her love of research is so strong that she contemplated entering an M.D./Ph.D. program. She was pleased to learn that she will have the opportunity to perform research in medical school. As a science advocate, Long believes in supporting evidence. When others ask her why she chose to attend

Collin College, she offers both qualitative and quantitative answers. “I have to understand concepts. At one point, I visited with my biology professor, Dr. Rebecca Orr, three

different times to gain comprehension of a concept. She explained the idea differently each time until I got it. That availability is so huge.” At Collin College, chemistry students are required to take standardized, national American Chemical Society (ACS) exams as part of their coursework. “I scored in the 90th percentile across the nation on the ACS organic chemistry standardized test. I would not have scored that high if I had taken my organic chemistry classes at a university. When people question the quality of Collin College, I ask them what they scored on the ACS final,” Long said. Visit www.collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public information writer for Collin College. Photos by Nick Young, Collin College.

A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

Survivingcollege—oneprofessor’s advice by Dr. Scott Rasnic I’ll never forget my freshman year of college. It was at once joyous and terrifying. Fortunately, I not only survived, but managed to do quite well, despite the “deer in headlights” look I had for most of my freshman year. Flash forward a couple decades. I have now taught scores of college freshmen myself. While several things

have changed (in my day, Facebook would have been, well, a book), the basic skills needed to survive the freshman year of college really haven’t changed. If either you or someone you know is planning to enter college soon, knowing the following can hopefully help with the transition.

Time Management

Student Workload

One of the greatest joys of being a college student is the freedom regarding your own schedule. If you want all of your classes over by noon, that’s entirely possible. If you’re more of a night person and

want all evening classes, that’s doable as well. Keep in mind that you need to balance work, school and your outside life responsibly. When the sem ester begins, buy a calendar to plot out important dates and other deadlines so you can get a bird’s eye view of the semester.

One of the biggest mistakes first-year college students make is taking on a crippling workload. A full-time load for college courses is 12 hours per semester (3-4 classes). Since your first semester of college will set the tone for the rest of your college career, consider taking a minimal course load the first semester if you have to work or if you’re concerned about making good grades. A standard rule of thumb is to study 3 hours per every hour you are enrolled. If you take the minimum full-time load of 12 hours, you should budget for 36 hours of study per week. Being a successful college student is a full-time job.

Physical Health With all the emphasis upon academic success in college, it’s far too easy to neglect your physical health. Unless you’re a student-athlete, a sedentary

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life is pretty tempting. Unfortunately, an inactive lifestyle can have disastrous effects on not only your physical health, but your emotional and intellectual health as well. Find the time during the week to exercise, even if it’s only taking a walk. Most schools offer free exercise facilities to their students, so take advantage of all the opportunities available. And remember that what you eat affects all areas of your life, so take it easy on the junk food.

Major Matters Chances are you have some idea about what you want to study in college. Don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. After all, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to lock yourself into a course of study without having really considered all your options. If possible, gain some practical experience before you commit yourself to a major focused on a specific career. You may find out that you were attracted to the idea of a career more

don’t want to neglect other opportunities available to you as a college student. There are countless student organizations devoted to various careers, lifestyles, hobbies, etc. Find an organization and attend a few meetings. You’ll likely make new friends with people who share your interests. While classes are certainly important, college is more than just “making the grade”.

Personal Responsibility than the real career itself. College is the time to expand your horizons, to broaden your mind about ideas you have never considered. You never know. That history class you take because you “have” to do so might just change your life.

Getting Involved It’s all too easy to keep the blinders on once classes begin, and you find yourself overwhelmed with your studies. While it’s important to stay focused on your schoolwork, you

If I could communicate only one piece of advice for new college students, it would be this—you are responsible for your successes and failures. In high school, you were perhaps given chances to turn work in late or even

retake tests in order to bring your grades up. College is an entirely different world. Some professors accept late work, others don’t. Some have attendance policies, others don’t. However, one thing is certain…the burden for success falls upon you. It is your responsibility to understand each professor’s course policies and act accordingly. Don’t expect professors to coddle you. If you’re having trouble with a course, you need to seek out assistance. Don’t expect your pro fessors to review for your exams or give you second chances with missed assignments. The freedom you have in college means increased personal responsibility from you. v Dr. Scott Rasnic is Professor of English at Collin College.

A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

kids korner Sponsored by:

kids

“Dr. Lisi”

Elisabeth Rowold-Garciamendez, D.D.S., M.S., 335 N. Allen Drive • Allen • (972) 727-0011

Pediatric Dentistry

Hablo Español • Spreche Deutsch • www.kidspediatricdentistry.com

Summer Boredom Busters By Deborah Dove

Make homemade popsicles

Catch a summer flick for a buck

The possibilities are endless and easy enough for kids to make. Pour various popsicle fixings into 2” paper cups. Try juice, juice mixed with ice cream, lemonade, fruit and yogurt mashed together (use a potato masher or a blender), chocolate pudding (alone or mixed with miniature marshmallows) or softened ice cream mixed with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc. Add a popsicle or clean craft stick to each cup. If you want the stick to stay straight, cover cups with plastic wrap before inserting stick. Place cups in freezer for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. Remove from freezer. Run a little warm water around outside of cup, and then twist stick to remove popsicle (or tear away the paper cup).

Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse runs through the second week of August, so there’s still time to catch a movie for a dollar. The classic kid favorites start at 9 or 10 a.m. every Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the theater (Cinemark Allen, Plano at Legacy and McKinney all participate). Check out their website for the movie schedule and a coupon for a dollar off a kid’s snack pack.

Make water sponge bombs For each bomb, you will need 3-4 soft cello sponges (3x5) and zip ties. Cut each sponge in thirds length-wise. Group 8-9 strips together, mixing and matching colors as desired. Center a zip tie around all of the sponges and pull the tie through the hole as tight as possible. Cut off excess zip tie and separate sponge pieces to make a ball. Soak in water and throw at someone you love! These are great for the pool or place a bucket on the patio for a backyard battle.

Open a lemonade stand Put a festive tablecloth on a card table, buy some lemons and plastic cups, make a sign and get ready to make some extra money. For the tastiest, homemade lemonade, try the following recipe. Juice six lemons (roll on the counter before cutting in half). Combine in a pitcher with one cup of sugar and six cups of water. Chill and serve.

Float bottle tops down a man-made river This simple, but ingenious idea, comes courtesy of filthwizardry.com, a website chock full of fun and sometimes messy craft ideas for preschoolers. Take a roll of aluminum foil, lay it flat on the driveway, sidewalk or lawn and pinch up the sides to make walls. Place a hose with a trickle of water at one end. Once the water is about an inch deep, float bottle caps down the “river.” Save a variety of colorful tops (soda, milk, water, etc.) to race or craft a sailboat out of paper.

Gather the neighborhood kids together for a game of Ghost in the Graveyard To play this classic summer outdoor hide-and-seek game, choose a base (tree, front porch, light post, etc.), the perimeter of the hiding area and someone to be the ghost. Everyone except the ghost stands on the base and with eyes closed, counts “one o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock…, etc.” until they reach midnight while the ghost runs off and hides. Once the counters yell midnight, they all run off to look for the ghost. Whoever finds the ghosts yells, “Ghost in the graveyard!” while all the other players try to run back to base without being tagged by the ghost. Whoever is tagged becomes the next ghost.

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Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt Give everyone a list (words for readers/picture clues for non-readers) of at least 20 things you might find outdoors on a walk. Some examples might include a dandelion, an acorn, a feather, a smooth rock, a flower petal, a berry, a roly poly, a leaf an insect has chewed on, etc.

Celebrate the butterfly Start by making a multitude of little caterpillars by stringing 10-20 pony beads onto a pipe cleaner cut to the desired size. Leave 1/4” at the bottom and 1” at the top; curl ends so beads don’t fall off. Bend pipe cleaners slightly in the middle to resemble caterpillars. Then immerse yourselves among the Texas butterflies fluttering about at the Butterfly House and Garden at the Heard Natural Science Museum where you can see Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries, tigers and zebras. If you’re lucky, some might land on you—wear bright colors to increase the odds.

Make a bouquet of tissue paper flowers Stack 5-6 sheets of tissue paper (they can be all the same color, two alternating colors or all different colors) and cut out a square that is approximately 5”x7”. Starting along the longest side, fold the tissue paper stack accordion style. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of the paper, leaving a length for the stem. With scissors, round the edges of the paper. Spread paper lightly to resemble a butterfly. Carefully separate each layer, pulling upwards towards the center.

Make sun prints Let the kids engage in a mess-free art project, as well as learn about the power of the sun (and reinforce the need for sunscreen) with this project. Place colored construction paper outside in a sunny spot. Place collected items as desired on the paper to make a picture. Items to use might include coins, shells, bottle caps, sticks, craft sticks, etc. Leave in the sun at least one hour to allow time for the sun to fade the paper. Remove collected items from the paper to reveal your sun print.

Check out the brand new SEA LIFE Aquarium Opening July 1st at Grapevine Mills Mall, the two story, 45,000-squarefoot facility will feature a walk-through underwater tunnel, over 5,000 sea creatures and 30 displays of marine life, including starfish, seahorse, sharks, sea turtles, sharks octopus, sting rays and an interactive rock pool where kids can touch starfish, hold crabs and learn about limpets.

feature

Fairview Veterans Park by Simon Valentin It’s a simple stroll that takes no more than a couple hundred steps; a few minutes of your time if you walk the path lined by young trees without pausing. But, for those who choose to stop at the half-dozen Texas limestone monuments set between those saplings, it can become a much longer journey of reflection.

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Fairview’s Veteran’s Park sits just outside of the newlybuilt city hall. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the oft-forgotten Merchant Marines, are each represented by a carved limestone more than six feet tall and two feet wide. The park was officially dedicated last year in celebration of Veteran’s Day. The ceremony featured vintage military planes that flew overhead, a working Sherman tank on the blacktop, dignitaries such as Congressmen Sam Johnson and Ralph Hall at the podium, and a standing-room-only crowd to take it all in. But all you had to do was listen to the conversations around you to realize this was more than another veterans’ memorial in another Texas town. “I was in the Navy from 1961 to 1966,” said veteran Arthur Hood. “The older I get, the more it touches my heart to see our flag waving, to think about the freedom we have,” he said with a nod to the Stars and Stripes flying in front of Fairview City Hall. Another gentleman that some people in the area might recognize for the role he portrays locally as Father Christmas, spent twenty years—from 1972 to 1992—in the Air Force. Phillip Gabbert has seen attitudes swing wildly when it comes to service men and women. “This new park means a whole lot to me, it’s the thank you a lot of us never received,” he declared. “When I came back from Vietnam my

‘welcome home’ was to have a tomato thrown in my face; to be called ‘baby killer’.” More than three decades later the thought still chokes him up. But as he looks around Fairview’s Veteran’s Park, it seems to help salve some of those past attacks. “This will remind kids now that people in all services sacrificed so much so they can live freely,” he commented. Pete Eldridge was in the service from 1963 until 2002 when he retired from the reserves, and his concern is for kids as well. “There’s so much that has to be said to the younger generations about the sacrifices that had to be made for our country,” he said. “If we forget our history, what it took to make our nation what it is, we will lose ourselves, lose our country. We will become so much less than we are supposed to be.” Pete has traveled the globe and no matter where he’s been, though he’s found critics, they were in the minority. “I’ve been a lot of places around the world and every country I’ve been to, the people who were there, wanted to be here.” Bob Bragalone was also at the dedication with his family, in honor of his father. “My dad was a full colonel in the army—served twenty-six-years, and we lost him seven years ago in January,” he sighed. “Our family bought one of the stones they place here to honor my dad.” Bob’s sister, Pam Arceneau, wanted to honor her father as well as her father-in-law, a veteran of World War II. “Freedom is more precious than anything,” she stated. “Men and women have fought for it, died for it, and still do so today. Those of us who know the sacrifices first-hand treasure that gift of freedom. This park is a beautiful reminder of those who served. It has been beautifully done and we’re excited that it’s in our hometown.” The park’s designer, architect David Baldwin, says it’s gratifying to hear about this kind of reaction. “It makes me feel great,” he admitted. “I went to the ceremony and it was incredible for the little town of Fairview to have the attendance they did. It made me feel great that I could be part of designing the memorial.” He said the pathway was created to have something at both the beginning and end. On the east end is a pond, on the west end is a flagpole. (The pond collects runoff that is later used for irrigation, making this a ‘green’ memorial as well.) David’s company not only designed the memorial, but everything around Fairview’s new City Hall. He succeeded so well that city officials have told him they feel it’s a “building within a park.” “It was important to design something that was not only significant and long term for veterans, but something that would create civic pride as well,” he added. Ray Dunlap, Fairview Community Development Manager, has made his way around city hall’s grounds, has been down the veterans’ path a number of times, and

each time it stirs the same sentiments for him. “You realize that a price is paid for our freedom and it’s paid everyday,” he stated. “It’s a reminder that so many have served. When you go through there you think about what it takes to make our country what it is. It makes you proud to be an American.” It was a pretty amazing journey prompted by a simple stroll down a tree-lined pathway just outside of Fairview City Hall. The new Fairview City Hall, as well as the Veterans Memorial, are located at Stacy Road and State Highway 5, just east of the Village in Fairview. v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen. Photos: Larry Fleming Photography A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

beauty/fashion

Resale retail—

fashion that

makes cents! by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Everyone is scrimping and pinching their pennies in this economy, or knows someone who is. Fuel prices are going up daily, a cart-full of groceries costs more each week, and new clothes will cost you 10% more this year. It seems everything is going up except incomes. How do you afford an outfit for an important job interview, a friend’s wedding or family reunion that won’t max-out the budget? And, with back-to-school just around the corner the idea of clothes shopping seems downright daunting. While there is a plethora of shopping malls and popular department stores in Collin County, savvy shoppers know you can find a wealth of brand-name and designer clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories at greatly-reduced prices if you know where to look. Resale and consignment shops have wonderful selections that let clients dress like a millionaire without spending like one. Both consignment and resale shops sell gently-used merchandise. What is the distinction between them? Consignment shops typically accept items on a consignment basis. They display the items on behalf of the customer, and when the items sell, the owner then gets the money. On the other hand, most resale stores determine if they believe the item is something their customers are likely to purchase and they make the owner a cash offer on the spot. How much they pay depends on condition, brand name, style and current demand.

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With everyone looking for ways to make their dollars go further, Chuck Bell, owner of Clothes Mentor in Plano says, “Resale retail is booming. While other retailers are closing doors in the soft economy, resale shops are opening more locations around the area offering greater variety to cost-conscious shoppers.” His large, bright, well-organized store on Spring Creek Parkway looks like a chic boutique. Mannequins show-off pretty new spring fashions, while a friendly staff helps customers put together the perfect look. “Everything you’d need for a complete outfit is here,” Chuck says. “We specialize in the brands you know and love, carrying many of the same designers and styles as the major retailers, but at about 1/3 of the price they’d sell for new in the store! You might discover clothing and accessories from Chico’s, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, White House Black Market, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Coach, Brighton, 9 West, Apt. 9, Jessica Simpson and more.” “At Clothes Mentor we are very particular about what we accept. We are very selective.” Chuck explains, “Typically we look for things that are one to two years old to ensure we always have

current styles. We also inspect each item to be sure it is in good condition, freshly laundered and free of any stains, fading, holes, missing buttons or broken zippers. We also do our best to authenticate premium brands so there are no fakes. If I’m not 100% convinced it’s the real deal, it won’t be sold by us.”

“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani Chuck shares, “While there is no typical resale shopper, I think the common thread is that they all appreciate a good value. On any given day we’ll have over 9,000 items of clothing sizes 2 to 26 plus maternity, more than 700 pairs of shoes in sizes 5-11, and 200-plus handbags. Our customers know that inventory changes daily, so they need to stop by often. We offer a wish list, so if a customer has a specific need we can call them when it comes in.”

Chuck adds, “The average American sends about 70 pounds of clothing to the landfill each year! Resale shopping embraces recycling and the idea of going green. Hopefully in some small way we’re contributing to society.” No store embraces the idea of recycle, renew, repurpose, and redecorate more than the Allen Community Outreach Resale Shop on East Main Street. ACO has been committed to serving those in need since 1985. Operating solely on donations, the ACO Resale Shop has been an integral part of that program for the past 11 years by offering residents of Allen, Lucas, and Fairview a place to shop for necessities. “It’s more than that,” store manager Adele “Del” Herrod enthusiastically declares. “Resale rocks! All kinds of shoppers are wise to the benefits of resale. We’re open to the public and are a bargain shopper’s dream! For under $6 you can put together an entire outfit! Have a child going off to college? This is the perfect place to find furnishings for their dorm or apartment without breaking the bank. The best part is that all proceeds go to benefit vital ACO programs that help others. “Inventory changes daily, even hourly, as donations are always arriving,” Del says. “We’ve been blessed by the generosity of people in these tough economic times. In addition to the gentlyused merchandise we receive, a lot of the floor items are brand new! We get donations not just from our wonderful residents, but are blessed to be partnered with so many local retail businesses that are generous, too. As the seasons change, so will our store’s items. A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

“The beauty and fun of resale is that you never know what you’ll find!” Del proclaims. “It’s a treasure hunt every day! We have it all…clothing for children (sizes 2T and up) and adults, accessories, furniture, electronics, appliances (as long as they work), antiques, books and more. We have many savvy shoppers that come in three times a day—as soon as we open in the morning, noon and late afternoon—just to see what is new on the floor! They’re also wise to me and know that I may announce a “managers special” at any given time, on any given day.” And what she can’t sell, she recycles. Del says, “Nothing goes to waste. While we accept most anything people are kind enough to donate, we are selective on what we’ll re-sell. Items that are deemed not acceptable are recycled. ACO Resale Shop recycled over 219,000 pounds of shoes, textiles and other items in 2010! More importantly we are here to transform people’s lives. By shopping you are helping. You may not be able to donate money, items, or time, but by shopping you are helping make a difference.” Unlike a lot of resale shops, both Clothes Mentor and ACO Resale Shop have return policies. They both also observe tax-free weekend in August and have regular special discounts. Resale retail makes sense and cents! v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

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For MarketPlace Your Health

A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

helping hands

Give where you live! by Marjorie Vaneskahian

It’s what we’re all about…giving locally. And there’s no better time to give than this month, during Allen Community Outreach’s “Christmas In July” annual campaign. Each summer ACO holds this annual campaign to remind us all that giving is a year round need. This year ’s campaign message is “Give Where You Live!” While ACO receives some funds and grants from organizations such as TXU, CoServ and the Cities of Allen and Fairview, you are our major funder. Donations small and large come from our neighbors and friends here in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. And your donations of all sizes make a huge difference in the lives of many. The Kellogg Family (name changed) needed assistance. The family of four—mom, dad and two young daughters—were in a situation that left them with no money in the bank and no food in their pantry. Mrs. Kellogg said, “My husband was laid off from his job. My kids were hungry and there was no food in our house. We didn’t know where our next meal was coming from. Thanks to the ACO Food Pantry, they took away our fears and fed our family.” The Kelloggs are like many of us, living just a paycheck away from

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possible crisis. They may be your neighbors and friends and you don’t even know how desperate they are. The average family coming through ACO’s doors is a single mother with two children and an income in the poverty level. It’s hard for many of us to believe there is more than 5% of our local population who need help. Sherry (name changed) and her teenage daughter live alone with no family to lean on when times get hard. While Sherry is employed, her paycheck doesn’t cover all of her expenses. She’s what we call the “under-employed.” “I was desperate,” Sherry said. “I turned to ACO who took care of both of us.” Sherry took advantage of many of the services ACO offers. We helped her find additional part-time employment and assisted her financially with her rent and electric bill. Sherry shopped for food at the ACO Food Pantry and was able to get new school supplies for her daughter. She even shopped for clothes with a voucher at the ACO Resale Shop. There are many worthy causes

nationally and internationally. Sometimes we get so focused on the needs worldwide, we forget to focus on the needs of our own community. “Give Where You Live!” is a message to remember how vital it is to contribute to Allen Community Outreach so we may offer assistance and important services to families in our area. We need your donations to make it possible. And in addition to making a financial contribution you can support the campaign by patronizing supporting businesses. Restaurants and stores listed below are ACO’s community partners and we greatly appreciate their participation in “Christmas In July.” Market Street (Bethany Road at Highway 75 in the Watters Crossing Shopping Center) will accept your donations at the registers July 1-31. Mondays in July, eat at Mooyah Burgers (190 Stacy Road) and Bonnie Ruth’s (Watters Crossing Shopping Center at Bethany Road and Highway 75) and a percentage of your receipt will be donated to ACO. Tuesdays in July, visit Two

Rows Classic Grill (711 Central Expressway at Bethany Road) and a percentage of your receipt will be applied to a donation. Thursdays in July, at both Allen Chick-Fil-A locations (902 W. McDermott and 350 E. Stacy Road), a portion of ACO guest receipts will be donated to Christmas In July. Fridays in July, each lunch—11 a.m.-2 p.m.—at Elke’s Market Café (105 N. Greenville at Main Street) and a portion of the sales will be donated. Make sure you let them know you are there in support of ACO. Get creative in your fundraising! Your business or group can set a day to Give Where You Live! Choose a day to donate 1-10% percent or more of your sales to ACO, or have your church choose a Sunday in July and designate it as ACO Day for a portion of your offerings. Get the kids together and collect in your own neighborhood and make it a service project. Make a difference on your own and put the message on your email signature or Facebook page that you support Give Where You Live! for Christmas In July and mention www.acocares.org to get more information. Let me know how you are making a difference our community! Email me at Marjorie@acocares.org and tell me how you are helping and what ideas may benefit ACO. I want to hear! Give Where You Live! has a goal— $200,000. It’s attainable with your help, and it will make a huge impact on the services and assistance we can provide. We could reach this goal if… • 2000 people or groups donated $100; • 8000 gave $25; • every household in Allen, Fairview and Lucas donated $5-$10. ACO volunteers have set a goal of raising $15,000 as a group. Just think what your neighborhood homeowner ’s association, civic group or church could do. What a difference you could make! With your help we’ve changed the lives of The Kellogg Family as well as

Sherry and her daughter. Last year ACO was able to assist more than 1200 residents with rent and utilities. Almost 14,000 meals were delivered through the Meals-OnWheels & More program. Over 6700 people were given food at the ACO Food Pantry. ACO’s staff took 16,841 phone calls from families needing help. We made an impact on our community last year, and with your help we can do so this year as well. To donate, visit w w w. a c o c a r e s . o r g , return a contribution remittance envelope you may have recently received in the mail, tell your cashier at Market Street the amount you’d like to donate, or mail a check directly to Allen Community Outreach, 801 East

Main Street, Allen, TX 75002. Call our office for more information at 972.727.9131. v Marjorie Vaneskahian is the Director of Volunteer Services at ACO.

A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

travel

by Deborah Dove

ACVB Photo/Dan Herron

Austin is one of the few cities with an instantly recognizable motto that sums up the vibe of the city. “Keep Austin Weird” completely captures Austin’s nonchalant cool factor. However, keeping cool in Austin is more than just a state of mind. With numerous lakes, old-fashioned spring fed swimming holes and access to several rivers perfect for tubing, Austin is a great summer destination.

There are plenty of places to stay in Austin, including chain hotels both downtown and further out. For those looking for destination accommodations (i.e. a hotel your kids might never want to leave), check out the Hyatt Lost Pines. It’s a bit pricey, but a great place for families. It has an amazing pool with water slides and a lazy river, horseback riding and hiking through the adjacent McKinney Roughs Nature Park, kayaking and river floats on the Colorado River, plus rock climbing and a zip line. Complimentary bicycles and family-friendly activities, such as stargazing and evening campfires, add to the fun. There’s even a world-class spa and golf course for mom and dad. If yours is a romantic getaway, consider staying at the historic Driskill downtown on Sixth Street. Restored to its original opulence (the hotel was built in 1886), this visually stunning hotel features a magnificent columned lobby with marble floors and a stained glass dome.

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Whether you’re a University of Texas alumni or not, a tour of the campus is a must see. While kids will enjoy the peek at university life, they’re likely to love the glow-inthe-dark bowling and air hockey in the basement of the Student Union. Another must see—the spectacular view of the campus and downtown Austin from the observation deck of the 307-foot tall UT Austin tower, which lights up in orange when the Longhorns win. Tours begin on the hour and cost $6 per person. The State Capitol is just a short drive from the campus, so head there next for a little history. Impressive to look at from the outside with beautiful grounds surrounding it, the building is equally impressive on the inside, particularly the rotunda and the House and Senate chambers. Best of all, tours (both guided and self-guided) are free. Reminiscent of hidden Mickeys at Disney World, stars are everywhere at the Capitol, so challenge your kids to count how many they can find! Of course no visit to Austin is complete without a visit to the Congress Avenue bridge to watch the largest urban bat colony in North America take off at dusk to forage for food. You can watch from the bridge for free as the 1.5 million bats begin their nightly pilgrimage, or from aboard an electric paddlewheel boat. Capitol Cruises Austin offers the bat watching tours for $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

For an especially cool way to view this uniquely Austin attraction, kayak up Lady Bird Lake to where the bats emerge with tours by Live Love Paddle. Prices are $38.50 per person and tandem kayaks are available so kids (30 lbs. and up) can go along with mom or dad. Rumor has it the view of the downtown skyline from the water is just as impressive as the bats!

Since Austin is a town with three major lakes (Lake Travis, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake), spring fed pools and rivers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not difficult to find a place to cool off. Zilker Park, located in the downtown area on Lady Bird Lake is a perennial favorite with a botanical garden, miniature train, huge playground, a Nature Center with a fun Dino Dig area for kids, and more. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented in the park for enjoying the lake. However the crowning jewel of the park is Barton Springs Pool, a

three-acre pool fed from underground springs that keep the pool a cool 68 degrees year round. With crystal clear water even at depths of 16 feet, Barton Springs is the perfect place to spend a hot Texas summer afternoon. Families, especially those with younger kids, will also enjoy Deep Eddy, another swimming hole in Austin with a smoother bottom and a large wading area. The oldest swimming pool in Texas, Deep Eddy is fed with clear, cold water from a 35foot hand-dug well. Further off the beaten path, but well worth the drive, there is Hamilton Pool, a natural pool and grotto formed when an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. Today, a 45foot waterfall creates this unique swimming hole located about 30 miles south of downtown Austin. Only 75 cars are allowed in at a time, and you have to walk about a quarter of a mile from the parking area to the pool so plan accordingly.

Hyatt Lost Pines

A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

Although the shoreline around Lake Austin is largely privately owned, you can rent houses on the lake, many with kayaks, boat ramps and water trampolines to enjoy on the water. See www.vrbo.com for listings. Lady Bird Lake, on the other hand, has plenty

of public shoreline access including hike and bike trails that circle almost the entire lower two-thirds of the reservoir, a rowing dock on the south side of the lake (off Stratford Drive in Zilker Park) that offers kayaks, paddleboats and stand-up paddle boards for rent, as well as canoes and

kayaks available for rent in Zilker Park. Swimming and powerboats are not permitted in the lake. Lake Travis is northwest of Austin and is a gem of a lake—clear and emerald green with plenty of room for boating, skiing, fishing and swimming. Almost half a dozen companies offer ski boat, party barge, pontoon boat and jet ski rentals. Hippie Hollow, the only clothingoptional state-supported beach in Texas is located on Lake Travis, as is The Oasis, a restaurant on the lake with not-to-be-missed sunset views. To experience Lake Travis without a boat, check out the Shore Club Volente Beach, a family-style waterpark with sandy beachfront on Lake Travis, swimming pools for kids and adults only (with a swim up tiki bar), a restaurant and several water slides and rides. Daily admission is $19.99 per person over 42”.

The Guadalupe River runs throughout the hill country, providing a great opportunity for all levels of tubing near Austin. Hit the Guadalupe River State Park just north of Boerne for a 3-hour river float that crosses four rapids. Tubes are available to rent in the park and you’ll be transported by van upstream several miles so that you end up back at your car. Many outfitters in New Braunfels also offer inner tube rentals for folks wishing to tube the Guadalupe. College kids with coolers often “float the river,” and there are several large rapids on the Guadalupe—families with small children may prefer the shorter (usually about an hour) and more sedate float along the San Marcos River 30 miles south of Austin. The beautiful and clean spring fed river stays a constant 72 degrees, making it a delightful way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. The San Marcos Lions Club rents tubes with bottoms for $10 each. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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For MarketPlace Your Health

A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

All entries may be viewed at www.allenimage.com

pet page My name is Aubrey and I am a 7-month-old beagle/spaniel mix girl. I will weigh about 30 to 35 pounds when I am full-grown. I somehow ended up at a local shelter with a lot of bumps and bruises. That is when CCHS stepped in and my foster mom picked me up and took me to the vet, only to discover I had a broken pelvis and a broken leg that would require pins to fix. This was not a procedure the CCHS vet could do, so my foster mom found a wonderful vet at Justin Animal Hospital who could and would do the surgery for a rescue group—it was still going to be expensive but I had my surgery on January 27 and got to come home the very next day. Dr. Ingram did an FHO on my pelvis to prevent me from having any future problems, and he inserted a cross pin in my leg so it would mend correctly. I have had the pins in my leg removed and my foster mom did “physical therapy” with me. I have fully recovered and am now ready for a forever home!

“Aubrey”

Aubrey is looking for her forever home.

Photos: Teresa Berg

I would love to find a home with other animals as I love, love, love playing with all my foster dog and kitty friends now that I am feeling better. If you would like to meet me please fill out the on-line application at http://www. collincountyhumanesociety.org/ AdoptionApp.htm.

CCHS has gotten me the very best care but any donations to help with my vet care would be greatly appreciated! A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

calendar JULY

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Frisco Freedom Fest, Simpson Plaza at George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., 4 pm. Admission to Plaza activities is free including the Community Stage with homegrown soloists, bands and dancers. A fee for Children’s Expo activities and Taste of Frisco food and drinks. The night is topped off with the Fireworks Extravaganza. Kaboom Town 2011 at Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive in Addison, 5 pm to midnight. The nationally-recognized fireworks show is choreographed to music. Stay after the fireworks show for a free movie. Plus there is great food, live music and the spectacular Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover.

McKinney’s Red White & Boom 4th of July Celebration, Downtown McKinney—Hometown Parade, 10 am; Car Show, 1-5 pm. McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch—family activities & food 7-9:45 pm. Live music Center Stage, 8 pm; fireworks, 9:45 pm. For McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch information, call 972.547.7480. Plano All-American Fourth, Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., in Plano. Spectacular fireworks show choreographed to music simulcast on 97.5 KLAK. Free admission. For information call 972.941.7250 or visit planoparks.org.

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The Wiggles Big Birthday, 2:30 & 6:30 pm, at the Allen Event Center. The Fab Four from Down Under are back with this year’s most anticipated family event, launching their Big Birthday World Tour in Allen! Come along and “Sound Your Funky Horn,” “Clap Your Hands With Dorothy,” and do the “Hot Potato.” Visit www.alleneventcenter.com for details. Twilight Festival in the Park, 5 pm, Joe Farmer Recreation Center and Bethany Lakes Park, in Allen. Presented by Market Street. Activities include face painting, bounce houses, balloon artists, arts and crafts and more. Family movie plays outdoors at 8 pm. For more information visit www.allenparks.org.

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center The Wiggles Big Birthday, 2:30 and 6:30 pm launch their Big Birthday World Tour in Allen! 23/24 North Texas Gun & Knife Show. Catering to collectors, enthusiasts and aficionados of firearms, knives, ammunition, militaria and outdoor shooting sports. For more info: www.allenparks.org. 6

Adult Athletic League Registration Deadlines Men’s Softball Tournament, August 27. Cost, $175. 15 years+. Registration thru Aug. 22. ‘Line Drive’ Softball Tournament has a unique format that will give players the opportunity to work on placement hitting and defensive skills. Tournament format will be double elimination. Softball Registration: July 4-August 2, $345. Format: 8 Game season + playoffs. Play begins August 22. Ultimate Frisbee Registration: July 4-August 15, $265. Format: 14 Game Season +playoffs. Play begins August 25. Flag Football Registration: July 11-August 9, $350. Format: 7 Game season + play-offs. Play begins August 30. Soccer Registration: July 11-August 9, $515. Format: 8 Game season. Play begins August 30. Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Summer Reading Program Baby and Me—Tues., 10:15 am. (For pre-walkers with an adult) Fun Ones—Mon.,10:15 or 11:15 am & Tues., 6:30pm. (1 year-olds with an adult) Together Time—Wed., 10:15 am & Thurs., 10:15 am. (2 & 3 year-olds with adult) All By Myself—Wed., 11:15 pm. (4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently) Family Storytime—Tues., 11:15 am, Thurs., 11:15 am & Thurs., 7 pm. (Ages 2-6 and family) Partners in Rhyme—Tue., June 14-July 19, 2-2:45 pm. (Entering grades 1 & 2 in 2011). Each child paired with a teen volunteer to work on reading fundamentals. Summer Reading Club continues. For children of all ages. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org or stop by the library. Once you’ve read 25 titles or 6 hours visit the library by July 30 for a special prize. 6 Family Sing-a-Long, Ages 2-5. 9&23Music Together, 10:30 am Did you know that music plays a vital role in your child’s brain development? Come learn how to bring music into your child’s daily life. Ages 0-4. 11 James Wand, 2:30 & 345 pm. Auditorium. Discovery and magic. Free tickets for the first show will be given out at 2 pm; second show at 2:30pm. Arrive early as shows fill up and only those with a ticket may participate. 16 Crafternoon, 2 pm. Children and their parents or caregivers can join us for this come-and–go program to make brilliant works of art. Ages 3+. 20 Junior Detectives, 3 pm. Join us for an afternoon of cracking codes and discovering invisible ink. Ages 7-8. 20 Puppet Shows, 10:30 & 11:30 am, July 21, 10:30 A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

am, 11:30am & 7 pm. Free tickets given out 30 minutes before each show. Children’s Program Room. Sci-Tech Discovery Center, 2:30 pm & 3:45 pm, auditorium. Get ready for some science fun! Free tickets for the first show will be given out at 2 pm; second show at 2:30 pm. Arrive early as shows fill up and only those with a ticket may participate. Digging Pals, 3 pm. We’ll learn about the old west and other fun cowboy related activities. Ages 5-6. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org.

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Programs 11 14

beTweens

Learn new skills and hang out with other tweens (ages 8-11) at this weekly program. Join us for crafts, trivia and even robotics. 7 Soda Can Tab Jewelry, 3 pm 14 Harry Potter, 3 pm 21 Sharpie Tie Dye, 3 pm 28 Bristle Bots, 3 pm Register online starting July 1 at www.allenlibrary. org.

Teens (Ages 13-18) 2 7 9

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Movie+Games+Crafts, 2 pm, Meeting Room. Shrek 4Ever After with T-shorts as art craft. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part I, PG-13, 2 pm, Auditorium. Harry Potter Party, 2 pm, meeting room. We are having a party to celebrate the very last movie in the Harry Potter series, to talk about the books, play games, and try Harry Potter trivia. 500 Days of Summer (PG-13), 2pm, Auditorium. Talent Show Tryouts, 2 pm, meeting rm.

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Scavenger Hunt, 2 pm, Teen’scape. Talent Show, 2 pm, Auditorium. All ages are invited to be our audience. Mom’s Night Out: Book Club, Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, 7 pm, Board Room.Registration required. Mom’s Night Out Ice Cream Social & Tie-Dyed Tee Shirt Making, 7 pm, Meeting Room. Bring a solid, blank, t- shirt for you, your child or a gift! We provide all other materials. Reg. required. Armchair Travelers visit Italy with Julie Mangan, 7 pm. Register online or call 214-5094900.

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Night at the Museum (2006), starring Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke & Carla Gugino, 7 pm. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), starring Ben Stiller, Amy Adams & Robin Williams, 7 pm. National Treasure (2004), starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger & Justin Bartha, 7 pm. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), starring Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, and Diane Kruger, 7 pm.

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCY Connemara Meadow Preserve 3

Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm, 8-11 am, bring your binoculars, about 30+ species, 3 hours. All ages. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent are recommended. Habitat Walk with Rich Jaynes, 9-11 am, all ages. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent recommended.

Meadow Preserve Open House, 12-5 pm. RSVP@Connemaraconservancy.com.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214-509-4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214-509-4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry to be donated to children in the community. Plus receive a chance to win a prize. For more info: 972-727-0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www.planobicycle.org. MOMS Clubs McKinney/East, support group for stayat-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, baby sitting co-op, etc. Monthly business meeting. For more info: momsmckinneyeast@yahoo.com or www.momsclub.org; Texas Health Presbyterian offers a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Urban Explorers is a laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout the Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout. Chronic Hugs: Chronic Pain Support Group, Grace Community Church, 4501 Hedgecoxe, Plano. Call for times. For more info: Jackie Smith, 214-726-9060 or 214636-7461.

American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972-712-5711. Collin County Allergies in Courage, support group for those who are dealing with food allergies. Playgroup, quarterly meetings, Mom’s Night Out, activities. For more info: Amy at CollinAllergiesInCourage@ yahoo.com. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. Class for kids, one for a parent. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214-544-8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www.creekwoodumc. org. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Allen AA Welcoming those with a desire to stop drinking, 601 S. Greenville, 7 pm, M-F; 9 am Sat. For more info: Joe G. 214-564-9403 or Tina P. 214566-7581. Every Monday Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Atrium Building, 1333 W. McDermott #100, Allen. Guests welcome. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or henry@fortunefs.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972-583-8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214-497-4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. For more info: 972-359-7383. Second Monday American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www. aauwplanocc.org. McKinney Childcare Association, non-profit organization of state-listed, registered and licensed home childcare providers in McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www. mckinneychildcare.com. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972-442-5982. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972-712-3634. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 11 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75. For more info: Dale Howard, dalehoward2@sbcglobal. net. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972-382-3124 or www. collincountyaggiemoms.org. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, everyone welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.org. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, North Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972-540-4984. Fourth Monday Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972-390-7402. Plano Photography Club, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 7 pm. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214616-2460. Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148. For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214477-5183. Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, Dodie’s Place in the Villages of Allen (Stacy & Central). $1 member/$7 non-mem.. 1st visit free. For more info: 972-727-5585. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, First United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214-363-0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:30 am12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1-800-YEA-TOPS or www.tops.org. McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. A disciplined and structured approach to the compulsive eater or food addict. For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow.org. Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972-548-4232 or 972-424-1460. First Tuesday Collin County Event Professionals, networking

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group for wedding & special event professionals. For more info: Wendy Kidd, 214-542-1317 or www. collincountyeventpros.com. Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. First and Third Tuesday Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Nate’s Seafood, Stacy Road, Allen. For more info: kevin_carlson@sbcglobal.net. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214-509-4820. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, social; 10 am, meeting.Collin College, Courtyard Center, 4800 Preston Park Blvd, Plano. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org or Linda Frageman, lindafragemanpr.nfgp@yahoo.com. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: 972-542-1263. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www. planopacers.org. Second and Fourth Tuesday Allen High Noon Lions Club, 11:45 am-1 pm. Verona Restaurant (inside Stacy’s), 111 Central Expressway N. For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598. Third Tuesday Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Room-old library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen. For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health. groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info: 972-727-3090. Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1. For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art. For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566.

Every Wednesday 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 6:45-8:15 pm, Custer Rd United Methodist Church, Rm B11, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: info@2changeu.freetoasthost.us or www.2changeu.freetoasthost.us. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary.org. Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Dr., Allen. For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527. First Wednesday Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972-740-8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch and enjoy. For more info: 972-569-6909 or www.headcraig.org. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: 972-231-4190. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Second and Fourth Wednesday Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano. For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551. Mocha Moms of North Dallas, support group for stay-at-home moms of color, 10 am, at Douglass Com. Center, Plano. For more info: www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome. For more info: Sandy McNair, 214-548-5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214-509-0085 or www.namicco.org. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: 972-517-6473 or www.nntchorus.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central Expwy, parking lot between Chipotle and Stacey Furniture. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 7460 Warren Pkwy (NE corner Warren Pkwy & tollway), rm 110-114. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. First Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues. Fun & informative A l l e n I m A g e x J u l y 2 0 11

meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance. For more info: www.allenchamber.com North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept. thru June, 11 am, Prestonwood Country Club—The Hills, 6600 Columbine Way, Plano. Luncheon and an activity fair. All women in the North Dallas area. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St. For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Second Thursday Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-529-5277. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036. First and Third Thursday Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv, 102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail.com.

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Second and Fourth Thursday Allen High Noon Lions Club, Verona’s Italian Bistro (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expressway South For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598. Third Thursday Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Men of Business, networking and discussion of men’s issues for men of the Allen Fairview Chamber. Call for location. $20 member/$25 guest. RSVP required. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972-260-9330. Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469-569-3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you in any way we can. For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Room-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036.

Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. Meet new people and enjoy social activities. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). Beginning April 1. For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Non-member Allen resident $3. Non-Allen residents $24/ annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5. For more info: 214-509-4820. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972-727-8241. Second Friday Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities include play groups, field trips and educational opportunities, baby sitting co-op and more. Nursery reservations are available for children 6 mo.-5 yrs. For more info: www.aecpta.com. or information@ aecpta.com.

Second & Fourth Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Enjoy snacks, fellowship and games (dominoes, Skip Bo and other table games). Event is open to the entire community, no reservations are required. For more info: 972-727-8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Fourth Friday and Second Saturday USA Dance, promotes the joys and benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing. Free lesson at 7:30, open dancing until 10:30 pm at McKinney Performing Arts Center. For more info: http://www.usadancenct.org. Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: Mike, 972-530-6712 or www. bigd56ers.com. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community. For more info: 972-396-8010. Fourth Saturday The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America, 10:30 am, North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. Garden talks and programs by local experts are open to the public. For more info: Beth DiGioia, 972-658-6852 or www. northtexashsa.org. American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano For more info: Jane Johnson, 972-841-6854 or www. planoasg.org. Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www. planopacers.org. Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday “The Health Report” with Dr. Michelle Miller, Ph.D, monthly public service health talk show KXEZ-FM 92.1, 9:05 am and KHYI 95.3, 10 am. Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Room 1. For more info: Cindi Brannum, 972-954-7185.

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

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

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For Your Health

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Looking for proof that video games and social networking sites have professional and artistic benefits? Have you always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have years to devote to the necessary lessons or the money to spend on a quality instrument? Do you admire talent, determination and beautiful music?

cover story Allen’s Cris Gale is making a name for herself internationally because of her talents on the ocarina. She credits the Nintendo video game, “Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time,” as her source of inspiration to teach herself how to play a musical instrument still relatively unknown in the U.S. Postings of her ocarina per formances of a diverse selection of music on YouTube and Facebook, along with taking first place in an international video ocarina competition, has now led to Cris’ recognition by ocarina masters from around the world. In April, Cris and her husband and business manager, Jon Toney, traveled to Budrio, Italy, where she performed at the International Ocarina Festival. Now she anxiously awaits the release of her first solo album as well as her own innovative style of ocarina. An ancient wind instrument, the ocarina can be traced back over 10,000 years to China, India and Central and South America. It was the simple western hemisphere versions made of clay and often shaped like birds or animals that found their way to 16th century European courts when Cortes sent Aztec musicians and dancers throughout Europe to perform. Limited to a few notes, this early ocarina, which in Italian means “little goose,” was viewed by Europeans as nothing but a musical toy. Then in the 19th century, Guiseppe Donati, a baker from Budrio, Italy, created, what is now considered, the first “classical” ocarina with accurate notes and greater and more versatile range. He took on apprentices and the popularity of Donati’s modern ocarina began to spread across Europe and then Asia. The ocarina was given little attention in the U.S. until Nintendo introduced its video game, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” in 1998. That year, Cris was a student at Plano East High School and loved playing video games in her spare time.

Her only prior experience with music was playing the flute in her middle school band. “I always thought the ocarina was just made up for the game,” Cris shrugs. “But, then I went on line and learned that it was a real instrument.” While on vacation with her parents, she found her first ocarina in a music shop. Grimacing, Cris recalls “torturing” her parents with what proved to be a toy rather than the instrument she hoped for. Not letting that first disappoint ment deter her, Cris went back to the Internet and began searching for quality ocarinas. This led her to Issaquah, Washington, potter Anita Feng, who makes earthenware ocarinas, and Cris soon had an instrument that was as fun to play as it was to listen to. “I learned as many songs as I could,” she recalls, “but its range was very limited. It was a 10-hole ocarina and it played a range of one octave plus two. So there were only a certain number of songs that I could play on it.” She also points out that while having a beautiful sound, this ocarina was not concert tuned, which prevented her from playing along with other instruments. “I found an ocarina maker in Japan, Kenji Ogawa,” Cris notes. “What really attracted me to his ocarinas was that they were concert tuned. He ended up being a real influence on my playing. He has several beautiful CDs of classical music and I spent many hours listening to his playing to get my own playing to improve. I played his instruments for five years.” Cris still considered the ocarina nothing more than a hobby when she and Jon married in 2004. Admitting to being “very self-conscious,” She significantly reduced her practicing for fear of disturbing the neighbors in their new apartment. Her muse was not willing to be idle for long. The following year, new oppor

tunities started to open up. Cris began to connect with a growing community of online ocarina players from around the world. In addition, STL Ocarinas opened in St. Louis, Missouri, and for the first time, ample choices of concertquality ocarinas were available to American players. In particular, Cris was curious about two-chambered ocarinas, which extends the musical range to over two octaves. “When I first found out that STL was selling these, I was intrigued,” she states. Her collection of ocarinas slowly began to grow. The couple then moved into their Allen home in 2008. This provided Cris not only a place to play her ocarinas any time she wished, but also a room to begin recording videos for her own YouTube channel. In 2009, Cris won an international ocarina competition sponsored by STL Ocarina that propelled her from hobbyist to professional. A division of the St. Louis School of Music, STL Ocarina is under the unlikely direction of Dennis Yeh, a concert violist and teacher with a doctoral of musical arts in violin performance. “One of our goals is to increase the ocarina’s functionality,” he explains. “I want to use it for serious music. And the ocarina is not as complicated to play as other types of instruments.” Dennis points out that most ocarina players in the U.S. today were introduced to the instrument through “The Legend of Zelda” video game and STL Ocarina is now gearing up for another rise in popularity with Nintendo’s recent release of a new 3-D version of the game. Although Dennis currently knows of only one full-time professional ocarina player in the U.S., Heather Scott, who serves as STL Ocarina’s spokesperson, he notes that a number of career ocarina players can be found in Asia and Europe. “We hope that one day the ocarina will be as popular in the United States and that our company A l l e n I m a g e x J u l y 2 0 11

can play a role,” Dennis declares. Cris’s entry for STL Ocarina’s International Star Search contest excited Dennis because she artfully demonstrated the advantages of the ocarina that his company has been promoting. “I’m amazed by her talent. Cris is probably one of the best players that I’ve heard, and she did it all by herself. She didn’t study with a teacher or have formal training,” he emphasizes. “Very few ocarina players are as diverse as Cris.” Tempering Dennis’s enthusiasm with her own modesty, Cris shrugs. “I decided I might as well try for it. I figured I had as good a chance as anybody.” At the conclusion of STL Ocarina’s

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Star Search contest, Cris’s submission of her performance of Bach’s “Little Fugue” led to her handily winning out over 130 qualified contestants from 17 countries. One of the prizes was a

recording contract with STL Ocarina for a solo CD. A release is planned in a few months. Prior to her winning this contest, Cris had little public performance experience. She played the ocarina for several friends’ weddings, as well as helped out friend and ocarina maker, Fred Harris, for two seasons at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie. “Part of that job was performing for passers-by, so I had plenty of experience playing all kind of music for anybody who would listen,” she grins. And although the STL Ocarina CD is her first solo recording, she did play for a meditation CD a friend had made a few years earlier. Most of Cris’s ocarina performances are for her YouTube channel which was set up with Jon providing technical sound, video and computer support. Taping sessions are worked around the couple’s day jobs—Jon is Dilastone Group’s technical support manager for the western hemisphere and Cris works as a barista for Starbucks in Plano. Jon points out that even though having a recording studio in their home has its merits, it also involves some inconvenience. Because the room is not completely soundproof, they occasion ally have to contend with loud cars or

HomePlace

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lawn equipment. Grimacing, Cris adds that the greatest sacrifice while recording is giving up heating and air conditioning because of the background hum the equipment creates.

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The hard work and sacrifice continues to pay off. This past April Cris and Jon traveled to the tiny Italian town of Budrio because Cris had been invited

to perform at the annual International Ocarina Festival. “In Budrio, they are very proud of their tradition,” Cris points out. “When the Ocarina Festival happens, a lot of shopkeepers display ocarinas in their windows and there is a sign about the festival on every corner. And there is a museum in Budrio that has ocarinas from all the important makers since they were invented there.” Cris credits social networking resources such as Facebook and YouTube for her friendships with other ocarina players from around the world that led to this opportunity. “I was friends with quite a few of the musicians from Italy who were putting the festival together and they invited me to come and be a part of it,” she explains. “As a guest of the municipality, we were put up in a flat above their library,” Jon adds. The couple’s only expenses for the trip were airfare and meals, plus the assortment of new ocarinas that Cris brought back for her collection. While there, Cris joined with other ocarina players busking on street corners in Budrio and Bologna to promote the festival. She laughs, “Somebody put down a couple of Euros when I was busking in Bologna.” For her formal performances at the festival, Cris played a solo in the sanctuary of Chiesa di Sant’Agata and in Budrio’s concert hall, Teatro Consorziale. In addition, she performed an ocarina duet with David Ramos, another ocarina player from San Antonio, at the festival’s opening ceremony hosted at Budrio’s Torri dell’Acqua. Cris notes, “I had never met David before—we had to go to the other side of the world to meet! And we were the only ocarina players from the U.S.” While in Italy, Cris and Jon also took a one-day trip to Venice that included a gondola ride in the town’s famous canals. Cris relied on what little Italian she learned from a phrase book purchased specifically for the

trip. “If you just made an effort to communicate, they were tickled to death,” she continues. “They have a lot of pride in their culture and enjoy meeting people.” After having such a wonderful time at this festival, the couple now hope to make the 2012 festival that will be hosted in South Korea. Cris has already been invited by the organizers to perform for this event as well. As Cris’s skill on the ocarina has grown, and her knowledge of how to utilize the different types of ocarinas increased, so has the number of ocarinas she owns. Today, she estimates her collection to be around 175. Many of her more artfully-designed ocarinas are showcased in glass cabinets or on shelves, and others are stored carefully in padded cases designed to carry the fragile pottery instruments. As she lovingly picks up an ocarina, Cris reminisces on how she came to own it, describes the kind of tone it has, or tells of the artist who crafted it. One small ocarina in the shape of bird was made by a French artist who sold his wares at the Budrio festival. An array of whimsical, yet well-tuned, ocarinas includes a whale, ladybug, straw berry and horse. Holding up one, Cris points out, “This one was made by a friend in Japan. It’s shaped like Totoro from the animated movie My Neighbor Totoro.” And not all of Cris’s ocarinas are made of clay. She also

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has a few wooden ocarinas made by Colorado and North Carolina artists, and even a few quality plastic ones. Among her antique ocarinas is one made over 100 years ago by one of Dinati’s apprentices. An Old Glory brand ocarina, called a Jugarina because it is in the shape of an old jug, was made and sold in the U.S. during the early twentieth century. And of course, Cris now has a number of two- and three–chambered ocarinas like the ones that caught her interest years earlier. Modern ocarinas now come with greater versatility, range and tonal quality than their ancient predecessors. The most prevalent styles of ocarinas are the small, lightweight pendant that generally has four to six holes and the larger transverse with ten to twelve holes. Ocarinas also vary in their pitch range. The tiny ocarinas provide a high soprano pitch, and generally, as the size increases, the pitch lowers from alto, tenor to bass. Cris points out that a beginning ocarina player can get a quality instrument for between $50 and $80, with premium concert grade instruments ranging from $100 to $500, with prices going up for more artfully crafted instruments. The Peruvian style ocarinas are

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usually poorly tuned and not a good choice for anyone interested in playing music. “I’ve never heard anyone play one well,” Cris warns. For anyone interested in learning to play an ocarina, Cris points out that there are a number of issues to consider before purchasing an instrument. “For young children I think pendant ocarinas are a good place to start because even though the fingering system is not linear, you only need a few fingers to cover the holde. So it is easier for them to play these ocarinas.” She continues, “For an older person I would recommend a 10 or 12–hole transverse ocarina, the ones known as sweet potatoes.” As Cris became more familiar with the different shapes, styles and playing idiosyncrasies of each ocarina, she also started to experiment with creating what would be for her an ideal, easyto-play ocarina. “A few years ago I was dabbling around with clay and came up with a design that had an interesting look,” she notes. “And what makes it really cool is that it plays two octaves.” Fascinated with her design, STL Ocarina agreed to make and sell the instrument Cris named the Aria. “It is

pushing the limits of what an ocarina can do,” Cris continues. “When you try to get an extra low and high note, it is difficult to get the pitch stable. It is a very delicate process, but they are getting there; I am happy with the way it sounds.” After going through several proto-

types from the manufacturer to come up with exactly what Cris had intended, Dennis Yeh predicts her Aria will be for sale in their online store in a few more months. STL Ocarina’s website is www.stlocarina.com. Want to hear and see Cris perform live? She will be presenting a concert at

the Allen Public Library at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 12. To keep up with her latest musical postings and release of her CD and the Aria, go to her YouTube channel www.cris.tv or her website www.ocarinadiva.com. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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