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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

July 2014

Vol. 24, Issue 7

cover story

Fairview’s man of note Johnny Pate, music writer, arranger and upright bass player, recently celebrated his 90th birthday at his home in Heritage Ranch. He has provided arrangements for many of the jazz and R&B greats and now he is sharing his love of music with friends and neighbors.

feature

local chef takes on the “grocery games” Trevor Ball comes from a long line of chefs and his family owns and runs Elke’s Market Café in Allen. He appeared on Allen City Television’s show, Inspector Skillet, and now he’ll be cooking on Guy’s Grocery Games.

special sections

20 KIDS KORNER

Summertime Bucket List

PET PAGE

Didi

34 CALENDAR 50 people seen

42 18

20 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

helping hands

10 Water conservation is vital

The best of western swing

12 Celebrating 25 years

Death Watch Beetle

Travel

Literary Elements film series

July is Parks and Recreation

Hope begins with YOU!

32 A river runs through it

17 Artist Kelly Bartlett

Month

14 Kiwanis Scholarship Awards 2014

Recycling Tips

Christ the Servant Concert

Series

Texas Superstars

education

ASA Volleyball

22 Allen ISD retirees reflect on changes

Professor, mentor, friend

22 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

32 contributing writers Stacy Cooper Deborah Dove Katie Gassensmith Melanie Hess

advertising sales Liz DeBoe Sue Hardesty

cover photo Larry Fleming

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Tom Keener Jeff Mues Peggy Helmick-Richardson Kathleen Vaught

Allen Image ÂŠ 2014 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 issueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$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

Water conservation is vital by Kathleen VAUGHT

If it seems like we have been in drought conditions for years now— that’s because we have been. The extreme drought we continue to face in the North Texas region is more than two years old. The last time Lake Lavon—our water reservoir for all of our water needs—was considered full was in June of 2012. And Lavon had only recently recovered from the previous drought the year before. The watershed for Lake Lavon is located north and east of the Allen city limits—our run-off goes to Lake Ray Hubbard. Even if we get an unexpected deluge of rainfall, it would take more than 11 inches over a three-day span to create the run-off necessary to completely refill Lake Lavon; conserving water will remain a necessity. “Following outdoor watering restrictions makes a great cons ervation

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impact because it addresses the highest water usage,” said Gail Donaldson, Water Conservation Manager for the City of Allen. “There are several areas where we can focus our attention to help do our part to protect our water supply.” One of the most effective ways to conserve water indoors and out is to repair the hidden and not-so-hidden water wasters—plumbing and irrigation leaks. Did you know that it’s possible for a leaky toilet flapper to waste thousands of gallons per month if not detected or repaired? One broken sprinkler head on your outdoor irrigation system can have the capacity to waste nearly 25,000 gallons over six months. And what you might think is a tiny drip from a faucet actually adds up over time. Whether undetected because the leak is not easily visible or

just left unrepaired, water wasters like these in an average home may account for anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of lost water each year. The City of Allen implemented the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan several years ago to help protect this most precious resource. Staged watering restrictions are in place to reduce consumption in the area of the most overall water usage—outdoor irrigation. By following the plan’s watering guidelines and restrictions, we protect the overall water supply. Watering restrictions protect the same water we use to drink, clean, cook and for sanitation. The restrictions also protect our firefighting capabilities. “It is difficult to predict how much water will be needed to fight a fire,” said Allen Fire Chief Bill Hawley. “And

with the increased fire risk associated with summer—lightning, barbecues and other outdoor activities—it is vital to conserve every drop possible.” In addition to following the city’s watering restrictions, watering lawns and landscapes wisely under those restrictions can go a long way towards making our conservation goals. “Making sure to only water when the plants or grass really need it will help conserve,” explained Donaldson. “If we get rain, residents do not need to water even if it is their scheduled day. The ground can only hold so much water at a time—overwatering does not get stored in the roots. It creates run-off.” Our run-off does not go to our watershed. Wise use of automated irrigation systems also includes keeping it in manual mode during times of drought and restrictions. Turning the system off except on your assigned watering day prevents watering during mandatory restrictions and times of rainfall.

Together, all of these conservation methods help ensure we have enough water to get through the current drought and beyond. To get the latest update on current watering restrictions, visit http://

CityOfAllen.org/WaterConservation. You can also report water violations by calling 214.509.3111. v Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | July 2014

Celebrating

There are many things that make Allen family friendly and one of them is the Allen Early Childhood PTA. They are celebrating their 25th Anniversary of serving families of children from birth through kindergarten. AECPTA is a network of families dedicated to promoting the welfare of children through parent education programs, community service and organized family activities. Currently, the group boasts a membership of 59 families who gather for monthly meetings, playgroups, field trips, craft circles, member parties, adult socials and more. AECPTA hosts many activities on an annual basis including an Allen ISD bus tour of elementary schools, tours of the Central Fire Station and the Kindergarten Readiness program for Allen ISD. The group’s calendar has activities for almost every day of the month to help parents and children explore all that Collin County has to offer. Meredith Valenta has been an active part of the group since she and

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years

her first daughter joined in 1999. She is still actively participating with her five-year-old—her fourth child through the group. “My favorite part has been the playgroups. It’s been fun to see my older girls reconnect in high school with some of the same friends they used to play with when they were preschoolers.”

by Katie GASSENSMITH They host activities for babies and kids, and also for adults. Moms in the group—working and stay-athome—enjoy moms’ night out, cooking club and lots of support for doing the fulfilling, yet challenging, job of raising children. “I feel very fortunate to have found such a supportive and diverse group of moms and families for myself and my daughters to spend our time with,” says current AECPTA president, Sarah Hauser. Allen is home to many new families, and while the area has a lot to offer, moving to a new place can feel lonely at first. Joining AECPTA helps new families form a diverse network of friends and provides enriching activities for their children. If you are looking for some new friends for yourself or your kids, you should check them out! For information on joining, go to www. aecpta.com. v Katie Gassensmith is a member of AECPTA.

by Jeff MUES

July is Parks and Recreation Month Soaring temperatures, the sound of children laughing, water splashing and the smell of hot dogs on the grill can only mean one thing—schools have let out and summer is here and in full swing. July means FUN and plenty of it, as homework, single file lines and backpacks are already a distant memory for our youth. With the wide availability of summer camps, sports, classes and activities good for both mind and body, Allen Parks and Recreation offers many options for young people. Adults too have many recreational choices in Allen. No matter our age, we all love to play and can reap the benefits of exercise. In case you are in need of timely reasoning to focus on those benefits, Allen Parks and Recreation is joining the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell in declaring the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month. This year, we are embracing NRPA’s theme—Out Is In—aiming to improve your outlook and encouraging you to get involved in the community through parks and recreation. Parks and Recreation Month is a fantastic time to recognize many of the entities and offerings, which enhance quality of life in Allen—both of the outdoor and indoor variety. In the last two decades Allen has upgraded its recreation amenities substantially, going from a community without a single recreation center and less than 600 acres of parks to one that boasts more than 1200 acres of parks, more than 40 miles of hiking and nature trails,

five recreation facilities and a newly-renovated municipal golf venue unlike anything else in North Texas. Nontraditional recreation facilities such as a wakeboard park and an indoor soccer facility have also opened thanks to the department’s pursuit of innovative public/private partnerships. In recognition of those efforts, Allen Parks and Recreation is pleased to report that it has been named a finalist for the second consecutive year for the National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The Gold Medal Awards program is the most prestigious in the industry as it honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program and professional development. Allen Parks and Recreation will learn whether they have earned the top honor at the NRPA Congress in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October. No matter the outcome of that decision this fall, we can all be winners by making it a point to take advantage of our parks and recreational opportunities. Check out AllenParks.org today to learn how you can get become active, involved and energized within your community. Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

Allen Image | July 2014

Snippets

Kiwanis Scholarship Awards 2014 The Kiwanis Club of Allen recently presented their annual scholarship awards. Key Club Immediate Past President, Eric Yan and Key Club member and Angel League Mentor, Hallie Larson, were recognized for their scholastic achievement and volunteer work within the community. Both have been accepted to major universities and both are interested in pursuing a medical career.

Christ the Servant Concert Series On Sunday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m., Benjamin Kolodziej, Dean of the Dallas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will accompany the original 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera.

The Kiwanis Club of Allen presents these awards annually to deserving college bound seniors who are members of the Key Club and have demonstrated scholastic achievement, leadership and service to the community. The Kiwanis Club of Allen is a local chapter of Kiwanis International, dedicated to “Changing the World One Child & One Community at a Time.” Weekly meetings are held at noon and at the Café del Rio, in Allen. Come join us for lunch—visitors are welcome. Or visit www.allenkiwanis.org

The film will be accompanied on Christ the Servant’s pipe organ, utilizing some of its rarely heard MIDI capabilities. Popcorn and beverages will be offered. Admission is free, however a free will offering is accepted at the door. For more information call 972.727.3191

ASA Volleyball

Front L to R: Stephanie Fawcett, Haley Gaskill, Lunden Evans, Madoka Weldon; Back L to R: Head Coach Iris Miranda, Adrian Prince, Jenna Sturgeon, Liana Guillemaud, Bailey Hebert, Natalie Bennett, Amberlynn Beck, Asst. Coach Megan Hoffmann

Providing youth sports in Allen since 1976, the Allen Sports Association identified the need for a highly competitive youth volleyball club. In 2009, ASA Club Max was created with one team and it has steadily grown in size and stature within the North Texas Region. In one of the largest and most competitive regions in the U.S., the Club Max has produced top-ten teams in three of its five years and top-20 teams in every year of its existence.

This year, for the first time, Club Max had two teams earn a spot in the pinnacle of USA Volleyball—the Girl’s Junior National Championships. Club Max 13 National and 15 CoJo families will travel to Minneapolis to compete for a national championship. To learn more about the teams and how you can help defray travel expenses, please go to www.ASAClubMax.org. v

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Front L to R: Madison Dollarhide, Katherine Kabel, Haley Massingill, Grace Shehadah; Back L to R: Asst. Coach Desiree Georges, Ashley Ladd, Ashley Bauchert, Hannah Hasko, Madison Feagley, Alyssa Braddom, Natalie Kilpatrick, Head Coach Cory Jones

library

The best of western swing by Tom KEENER

Outlaw Jessie Del and Miss Devon

Mikki Daniel and Hailey Sandoz

Saddle up for an evening of the best of western swing at Allen Public Library, Friday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Mikki Daniel and Hailey Sandoz will open the evening’s entertainment. A true Texas cowgirl, Mikki has lived all her life on a small ranch northeast of Fort Worth. This singersongwriter has delighted audiences at the Cowtown Opry in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The National Cowboy Symposium, State Fair of Texas and Fort Worth Stock Show. Hailey Sandoz is a regular at the North Texas Irish Festival and the Texas Scottish Festival and joined Nickelville Road for the Wylie Jubilee Bluegrass on Ballard. In 2012, Hailey was featured on CBS Channel 11 for her amazing ability to play the fiddle while simultaneously dancing, a feat few can accomplish. Miss Devon and Outlaw Jessie Del—the current Western Music Association Duo/Group of the Year, and two-time winners of the Western Music Association’s Harmony Duo competition—then take the stage. Miss Devon holds a Grammy certificate for her participation as the singing, yodeling voice of Jessie on the Walt Disney CD Woody’s Roundup, featuring Riders in the Sky, inspired by the characters of Toy Story 2. She has performed all across the U.S., including at the renowned Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, Pixar Studios in Emeryville, California, and Bass Hall in Ft. Worth with Riders In the Sky and Michael Martin Murphy. It’s been said that when Outlaw Jessie Dell joins Miss Devon on the stage, “things get to be more fun than puttin’ socks on a rooster.” Miss Devon explains that Jessie got his name because, “It’s plumb illegal what he does with Milk Cow Blues!” Jessie’s fine tenor-to-baritone vocals added to some swingy saxophone rides and combined with his ability to assume over a dozen different personalities and a little sleight of hand, provides entertaining comic relief. Accompanying Jessie and Miss Devon are Ricky Boen and Chuckwagon Chuck. A Texas swing fiddler, Ricky is a member of the Sons of the Pioneers at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, Missouri. Despite his shy onstage appeal and simple style, Chuckwagon Chuck coaxes his campfire harmonica to provide the perfect complement to Miss Devon and the Outlaw’s swingy style. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for v more information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image | July 2014

The Allen Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Traumatized by starvation and the encroachment of Soviet troops in the east, postwar Europe was in crisis. Allen resident David Huntley will discuss his novel Death Watch Beetle, a historical post-WWII spy thriller with this grim scenario as the backdrop, at the Allen Public Library at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24. The plot, taking place during the 1954-55 Cold War, concerns a local man in England caught up in intrigue. The novel is based upon historical events as well as first-person observations. A survivor of the London blitz, Mr. Huntly’s wife, Sophie, endured the Nazi occupation of France. He has dedicated the book to surviving WWII veterans who fought to save Europe. A French association honored two of the veterans at the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion in June 2014. Death Watch Beetle was credited for their discovery of these veterans in time for the ceremony. “David Huntley’s novel Death Watch Beetle is an engaging, factually accurate story that drops you deep into the world of espionage and intrigue. If you love fast-paced thrillers, get this book, sit down and be prepared not to do anything else until the last page is turned,” declares Mike Baker, former CIA operations officer and contributor to Fox News on security topics. The book will be available for purchase at the end of the program and David will sign each purchased copy. David donates $1 of every book sold at designated book signing events to the Daughters of WWII, a charity that sponsors WWII veterans to return to Normandy. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. v

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Literary elements film series All films are free and begin on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Call 214-509-4905 for information. July 1—Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmations (1961), based on the book by Dodie Smith. When a litter of dalmatian puppies are abducted by the minions of Cruella De Vil, the parents must find them before she uses them for a diabolical fashion statement. July 8—In Search of the Castaways (1962), starring Hayley Mills, Maurice Chevalier and George Sanders. Based on the book by Jules Verne, a scientist and the two children of a lost sea captain battle the odds as they circle the earth along the 37th parallel per instructions in a bottled note from the captain. July 15—The Sword in the Stone (1963). Based on the book by T.H. White, the wizard Merlin teaches a young boy who is destined to be King Arthur. The songs in the film were written and composed by the Sherman Brothers, who later wrote music for other Disney films like Mary Poppins.

July 22—The Fox and the Hound, (1981), based on the book by Daniel P. Mannix. Two childhood friends find themselves forced to become enemies. The iconic voices of Mickey Rooney, Pearl Bailey, Sandy Duncan and Pat Buttram augment this film classic. July 29—Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), based on the book The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. Three pets escape from a California ranch to find their owners in San Francisco. v

Artist Kelly Bartlett

Allen Public Library recently installed “In the Flow” in the children’s area. Towering above the aquarium, the acrylic panels in this piece utilize transparent glass paint for a stained glass effect that can be viewed from both sides. Designed by local artist Kelly Bartlett, “In The Flow” features flowing shapes that suggest water waves as well as the shapes of fish. During June, the library’s gallery will present Kelly’s preliminary sketches, computer mock-ups, practice pieces of painted plexi, photos of the work in progress and examples of the materials. Kelly notes, “I hope that the library’s patrons will find the piece to be meditative with a calming effect. I’m happy that the circles worked well in the piece, because much of my current mandala artwork is circular in structure.” A member of the visionary group “The Art of Beingness,” she is a regular exhibitor at the Gallery at Midtown in Dallas. v

Recycling tips “Most people think they know all about how to recycle, but the most common comment after a program is, “I didn’t know that!” declares Kathy Keller-Mielke, an Education Specialist for the City of Allen. “And, this is from adults who consider themselves savvy recyclers.” Learn more about recycling at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, in the library’s adult program room. “I’ve always believed that understanding the WHY and HOW of something adds value to a person’s motivation, that it’s not just about doing the right thing.” Serving as a recycling coordinator for fifteen years in Pennsylvania, Kathy brought an abundance of knowledge and experience to Texas where she first worked as an educator for Fort Worth’s environmental department prior to becoming the Recycling and Trash Educator for the City of Allen in 2007.

Common misconceptions and valuable tips on recycling for even the savviest of recyclers will be offered. Call 214.509.4905 for more information. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. v

Texas Superstars

Are you interested in planning a garden? Learning how to improve your soil? Or what ground cover, plants, shrubs and trees are designated Texas Ssuperstars by Texas A&M? Learn about successful gardening in Collin County from Master Gardener, Penny LeBlanc, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 14, in the adult program room, 2nd floor. Many of the Texas Superstars attract birds and butterflies, require less water and thrive in our area. For the past three years, Penny LeBlanc was the Youth Education Coordinator for the Collin County Master Gardeners. She assisted schools in evaluating existing gardens or explaining how to establish a school garden. Penny specializes in butterfly gardens, vermicomposting and organic practices. This free program is sponsored by Adult Services. Contact Victoria Swadley, 214.509.4915 for more information. v The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image | July 2014

feature

LOCAL CHEF takes on by Deborah DOVE

Allen has a new celebrity in town as local chef Trevor Ball hits the air as a contestant on Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network on June 29. Set in an actual grocery store, each episode features four talented chefs who “compete against one another in three cooking challenges that will require them to navigate the aisles against real-life shopping challenges,” according to the show’s host, Guy Fieri. Each chef has to work and shop within a budget to create a meal for four people with a given theme, with each round being judged by a rotating panel of three judges plus Guy Fieri. One contestant is eliminated after each round until there is one chef left. That chef competes in the final challenge—a shopping spree to get ten ingredients in two minutes, with each item obtained worth $2,000, and the potential to win up to $20,000.

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Trevor Ball is no stranger to the rigors of shopping and cooking for a discriminating crowd. He comes from a long line of chefs—19 generations to be exact. His family owns and runs the iconic Kuby’s Sausage House in Dallas and Elke’s Market Café in Allen, and he grew up in the business, helping his mom in the kitchen, before attending culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado. After culinary school, he returned to the Dallas area where he helped with the family business and made his television debut on Allen City Television’s show, Inspector Skillet, where he and Environmental Services Manager Joey Allette showed viewers how to prepare simple and delicious meals while providing tips for safe food handling. Several years later, he found himself stuck following the death of a friend. A restaurant that he’d helped open was not living up to his expectations and it caused him to feel like he was compromising his standards. “I’d lost my shadow,” Trevor says. “I needed to shake things up.” Inspired by memories of summers spent with an uncle working on his oyster farm in San Francisco and his love of the ocean and beach, Trevor set his sights on California and moved to Los Angeles. He worked at a restaurant called The Curious Palate, shopping the local farmers markets for fresh produce that he used for that day’s special, and cooking for movie stars in their own neighborhood where they were simply another customer. The availability and emphasis on fresh and locally-sourced food resonated with Ball. He became a localvore for two years, eating only food grown or produced in a 100-mile radius. He also helped open The Farmhouse Kitchen on Venice Boardwalk, a

the

“Grocery Games”

restaurant that boasted farm-to-table organic and holistic food that appealed to the vegan, raw and local food crowds. Ultimately, a girl brought him back to Texas four years later. However, a mere week after returning from California, Trevor got the call inviting him to be a contestant on the Grocery Games show and he found himself back on a plane to California (the show is filmed in Santa Rosa, California). “Guy was awesome,” he says of the show’s host. “He pulled us aside and said, ‘This is for you. I want you to have fun.’” Although Trevor says the two days of filming was intense, it was a great experience. Grouped with a private chef from LA who is originally from the Phillipines, a chef for the Speed Channel and a local chef from a San Francisco chicken and waffle place, Trevor made new friends and great connections. “After cooking, the other chefs and I would go out for drinks,” he says. Although he can’t disclose the details (or the outcome) of the show, he did share several of the challenges. For Meals in the Middle, the chefs were only allowed to shop the middle aisles to make their vegan feast, definitely a challenge for a chef like Trevor Ball who values local, fresh produce! The chefs then had to prove they could master Surf and Turf, but on a budget. Trevor hopes that the show will give him exposure for his next adventure in life, although he has faith that the stars will line up. “The universe always has a way of working itself out with me,” he says with a laugh. He is currently back in Dallas, helping to open a new late night community beer garden and grill in Uptown called Scotch and Sausage that will serve sausage supplied by his family’s business, along with whisky and scotch. He would love to develop a television show based on the Sizzle Reel he filmed and put on You Tube called “The Ranch Chef” that landed him the Grocery Games gig. Although the short video shows him visiting and cooking at the Game Creek Ranch in Glen Rose, he’d love to expand on that and travel to ranches around the world to cook, “kind of like a Texas Anthony Bourdain.”

“I’d love to go out on the boat with the Tuna Wranglers and cook for them,” he says. “That’s a different kind of ranch. Or hang out and cook with the guachos in Argentina.” Regardless of what the future holds, Trevor Ball will be doing it his way, which usually involves wearing jeans and a bandana instead of a chef coat and hat. “I’m the new generation of chef,” he says. “I’m creating it the way I want it.” For Trevor, that also means supporting local businesses, advocating healthy but hearty eating and improving his customer’s quality of life through what they eat. “I love showing people there’s still frontier out there. Food is the perfect way to show that.” On the night his Grocery Games episode premiers, Trevor Ball will be surrounded by family and friends at a watching party at his parent’s house. After that, the sky’s the limit for this local chef. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | July 2014

kids korner

Summertime Bucket List by Deborah DOVE

Dozens of ideas guaranteed to make your summer memorable.

Go to a drive-in movie—check out the Galaxy Drive-in in Ennis, the Coyote Drive-in in Fort Worth or the Brazos Drive-in in Granbury. Play water balloon baseball Camp out in the backyard and make S’mores or play flashlight tag Go ice skating—Allen Community Ice Rink offers open skate times throughout the summer. Turn an appliance box into a playhouse Tour a local fire station—Call 214.509.4407 (two weeks prior) to schedule a tour of an Allen fire station, or schedule a Safe & Sound Walk Around Tour at Frisco’s Fire Safety Town, an interactive minitown that teaches fire and bicycle safety. Sign up for a summer reading program—Pick up a reading log at the Allen Public Library and log in five hours of reading before August 3 to win a book, coupons and prizes. Half Price Books also offers a summer program (read 300 minutes and receive a gift card) as does Barnes and Noble (read eight books and earn a free book). Conduct Jedi training—Make light sabers by a cutting a pool noodle in half with a serrated knife and decorating one end with duct tape to make the handle, then practice your jedi skills. Stargaze—The free app “Skyview” lets you point your iPhone, iPad or iPod at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, etc. Also, check out the biggest full moon of the year on August 10. See fireworks—Check out July fireworks at Addison’s Kaboom Town (July 3 beginning at 5), Frisco Freedom Fest at Frisco Square on the 4th and McKinney’s Red, White, & Boom starting at 7 p.m. on the 4th (fireworks at 9:30) at Craig Ranch soccer complex. Eat a snow,cone—Our top snow cone stand picks are the stand on Main near the Lowery Freshman Center and the pirate shaped stand at El Dorado and Ridge Road in McKinney. Organize a neighborhood kickball tournament Go to a summer concert—Catch Concerts by the Creek at Watters Creek every Saturday evening from 7-10 through October. Mom and Dad can enjoy the music while kids play on the green and at the new children’s play area. Ride a train—Park at the DART rail station in Plano (either the Parker station or downtown Plano) and take the train to the Dallas Zoo or to downtown Dallas to visit the Dallas World Aquarium, the John F. Kennedy Memorial and the West End. Or park your car at the West Village in Uptown and ride the free McKinney Avenue Trolley to Klyde Warren Park for playtime and picnic, then hop back on the trolley and ride back to your car. Trace your shadow with chalk at different parts of the day Go to a baseball game—Cheer on the Frisco Roughriders at the Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco or the Texas Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington.

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Tye-Dye a Shirt with Sharpies—Place a cup(s) between the front and back of a t-shirt and wrap a rubber band around it. Draw designs on the circle(s) of fabric stretched across the cup with various colored Sharpie markers. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the center of each circle. Dry shirts in the dryer on high for 20 minutes to set the colors. Train for a 5K—Check out www.c25k.com for a nine-week training program. Make slime—In a container, mix 1-1/2 cups warm water, 2 cups of Elmer’s glue and a few drops of food coloring. In a different container, mix 1-1/4 cups warm water and 3 teaspoons of Borax. Mix Borax mixture into glue mixture and let stand for a few minutes before playing with it. Store in an airtight container. Write to a pen pal—Safety is key, so find a pen pal for your child through safe channels. Contact your church or family members, or check out websites such as Student Letter Exchange. Buy ice cream from an ice cream truck or make your own popsicles Grow an herb garden LEGO challenge—Build a creation with Legos and have the other person try to guess what it is Prepare and eat food from a different country—Try homemade pretzels (Germany), crepes (France), fried rice (Asia), salsa or quesadillas (Mexico), pizza (Italy) and chicken curry (India). Learn about the country’s culture and create a passport with a stamp for each country you “visit.” Play a board game or do a jigsaw puzzle with friends or family Play Messy Twister (outside)—Squirt shaving cream on each colored dot and tint with food coloring for a messy, fun game of twister. Have a Disney or Pixar movie marathon Make puppets with paper bags or old socks, and then have a puppet show Read a chapter book as a family—Try Harry Potter, Charlotte’s Web, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Phantom Tollbooth, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, The Lightning Thief, Little House on the Prairie or A Wrinkle in Time. Catch a dollar movie—Allen and Plano Cinemark Theaters offer kid classics for $1/show on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. Pick blueberries—Pick your own blueberries (and blackberries) at Blueberry Hills Farms in Edom or Texas A&M Commerce’s Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm. A bit further away, Majestic Farms offers pick your own blackberries, peaches and plums. Always call ahead to check open times and availability. Have a Pajama Day—Have a pillow fight, build a fort with blankets and pillows, watch movies and eat breakfast for dinner.

education

Allen ISD retirees reflect on changes by Keith A TAYLOR

James Whitby, Richard Stark and Carole Jernigan can operate an opaque projector, thread a movie and sync a filmstrip. While those skills are no longer needed, they also know how to teach children. It was for that one special skill that all three were recently recognized among Allen ISD’s 43 retirees for 2014. With a combined 110 years of experience, three retiring Allen ISD teachers have seen changes in the times, techniques and technology of education, but one thing remained constant throughout their careers—an un wavering commitment to their students. Whitby, Stark and Jernigan closed their careers in front of the classrooms when the final bell rang on June 6. Looking back on their careers, each had their own unique perspective on how education has changed and how students have evolved.

From Home Economics to Consumer Sciences Allen High School teacher Carole Jernigan graduated from the Mississippi State College for Women in 1967 with a degree in home economics education and received a job offer from a school in Duck Hill, Mississippi. “I was offered a contract for $1,800… a year,” she said laughing. “I did not think that was suitable for all the hard work I had put in to graduate.” Later, while working as a receptionist at the college, a recruiter from Missouri came to visit. She had

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Carole Jernigan an interview and moved to a small town there where she worked for three years and married. “The principal performed the ceremony,” she said. “I had to move the wedding up an hour so everyone could get to the state championship basketball game. So, teaching has been in my blood from the beginning.” In 1985, her husband was transferred to the Dallas area and they found a home in Plano. Jernigan immediately began looking for a job. “I interviewed in Plano (at Plano ISD), but they told me their home economics teachers loved their jobs and never left. Then he told me about

this little town up the road and maybe I should try up there.” She didn’t know what to expect, but she was soon educated about the benefits of working in Allen. “I walked into an office and told the receptionist that I was interested in teaching home economics,” she said. “Well, this gentleman stood from behind his desk and said, ‘Let me tell you a little bit about Allen.’” That man turned out to be elementary school namesake David Olson who was curriculum director at the time. “He made it sound so great,” she said. She started substituting for

the district, which eventually led to a full-time job. “I’ve been here for 29 years.” She no longer teaches home economics, she now teaches family and consumer sciences as well as job preparation skills. Once her students were almost exclusively female. Now, she has as many boys as girls. “I teach career education now. This is about running a business, acquiring the skills to become a manager,” she said. “It’s not cooking and sewing any more. There have been a lot of changes, but good changes. We teach skills with a lifetime warranty.” She said that her students have changed considerably through the years. “Students today are just more knowledgeable about everything than they were 47 years ago,” she said. “The technology in the school district has opened up a new world to everyone.”

Trading the Pulpit for the Smart Board

Richard Stark

Richard Stark, a math teacher at AHS, is retiring after 20 years of teaching, 15 in Allen ISD. However, it’s not his first retirement. “I was a pastor for 22 years,” he said. Stark graduated from Baylor in 1968 with a degree in political science and math as well as a teaching certificate. However, he also was drafted into the U.S. Air Force and served a three-year stint. Upon returning to the civilian world, he was called to the ministry and ended up attending seminary at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. He was ordained a United Methodist minister and served congre gations around the Dallas area for 22 years. However, circumstances even tually led him to the classroom, his original intended profession. “I continued as a part-time pastor for another 11 years as well as fulltime teacher,” he said. Over the years, Stark said students Allen Image | July 2014

L to R: Louise Master, James Whitby and Superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt haven’t changed that much, but every thing around them has transformed. “The biggest difference between now and when I was in school is technology,” he said. “Students carry around technology. They have it with them everywhere. That changes how teachers interact with students. You have to deal with it and not let it be a distraction.” Although he says he is “not a high-tech person, but a good math person,” he does find classroom technology helpful. “The Smart Board is the primary element of my presentations in 2014,” he said. Opinions and direction on how to teach have ebbed and flowed over the years, he said. “The students themselves are much like students in the 1970s. They laugh at the same kinds of jokes and talk about the same things. They just communicate in very different ways.”

Taking Flight Growing up in Philadelphia, James Whitby fell in love with aviation. He took his first flying lesson as a teenager

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and in 1968, he won his pilot license and then purchased his first plane in 1972. While flying, he also managed a 44-year career of teaching, nine years at the Dillard Special Achievement Center in Allen. Whitby earned an undergraduate degree in zoology and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. He taught for 31 years in the District of Columbia Public School System. After retiring from the D.C. system, he worked for four more years with the Prince Georges’ County Public Schools in Maryland. While at Prince Georges, he developed a curriculum incorporating aviation into his science and technology classes. Aviation also brought Whitby to Allen in a roundabout way. After retiring from teaching in Maryland, he was looking to enjoy his flying hobby more. However, airspace restrictions around Washington and the east coast after 9-11 made flying difficult. He looked over his aviation maps, pulled up the Internet and narrowed his focus to North Texas. His reasons were simple—there were far fewer flying restrictions and an abundance

of aviation facilities. “And, I could not believe how inexpensive housing was in the area,” he said. He and his wife finally settled on Fairview, and he brought his experience to the Dillard Center. Whitby’s aviation experience keeps him up to date with the latest technology. However, he considers technology’s promise as something of a double-edged sword. “Technology has in many ways enhanced the way that we teach and support the students but, at the same time, it has brought to our doors a number of negative forces and distractions,” he said. He enjoyed the challenge of working at the Dillard center and believes all students are capable of accomp lishment with the right guidance. One thing all three retirees agreed upon was that working with children was what drew them into the profession. The students and faculty in Allen thank them and all of the 2014 retirees and wish them well in retirement. v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

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Allen Image | July 2014

Professor, mentor, friend: A story of education, health and personal investment

Reworking her evening routine to include a collegelevel nutrition course was the first step in a journey that would ultimately redirect Michelle Johnson’s career path from corporate America to dietetics. When Johnson, a nontraditional student with a full-time marketing and sales job, learned about Adjunct Collin College Professor Cindy Kleckner ’s extensive background as a registered dietitian, she made it a point to speak with her after class. “That was the start of my career change from business into nutrition,” Johnson said. Around the same time, the company Johnson worked for went through a period of restructuring. Knowing her true passions Michelle Johnson laid elsewhere, she decided graduate school. This meant leaving the semester would be her catalyst for the business world and enrolling as a starting fresh. full-time student. “Nutrition and fitness have “It’s never too late to be happy or always been a passion of mine and pursue your dreams,” Johnson I was thoroughly impressed with explained, “so I continued on my the education that I received at journey to achieve my dream of Collin College,” Johnson said. “I becoming a registered dietitian. I started with nutrition and then worked as a personal trainer in the continued with Chemistry I and II and evenings and a nanny on nights and Organic Chemistry.” weekends, but my full-time day job After completing her prerequi became school.” sites and spending ample time Since she already held a bachelor’s working with Kleckner, Johnson degree in business, Johnson was only committed to an even grander leap—

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Photo: Lynn Howlett

by Melanie HESS

required to complete the prerequisite courses for a master ’s in nutrition. Although she’d completed fewer related courses than many of her peers, upon entering the program, Johnson found herself fully equipped for the rigorous Master ’s of Clinical Nutrition material. “My professors in my courses at Collin College had helped me not only complete the classes but really understand them,” Johnson said. “I was very well prepared, sometimes more prepared than students coming from nutrition programs at four-year institutions.”

Mentorship and experience

Throughout graduate school at UT Southwestern, Johnson continued to gain hands-on experience at Kleckner ’s side. Kleckner, who has more than 32 years of industry experience and currently works at Cooper Fitness Center at Craig Ranch and as a nutrition consultant, exposed Johnson to a wide range of opportunities. “Cindy’s a connecter,” Johnson said. “She always wanted to help me in any way she could. I would volunteer at Cooper Clinic cooking demonstrations, shadow Cindy at corporate wellness appointments,

work at health fairs, provide nutrition counseling with her guidance and present healthy eating and education sessions to all ages.” Kleckner said nutritionists, as a collective group, value mentoring and she tries to take any interested student under her wing. She encourages them to get their feet wet in an introduction course to really understand the science of nutrition. “It’s a great field to pursue if you’re interested in helping people,” Kleckner said. “You can work with professional athletes, in a hospital with doctors, home health, culinary, food service management or even nutrition communication. Within our profession there’s no limit to what you can do.”

While Kleckner has served as a mentor on numerous occasions, she acknowledges her relationship with Johnson is special. “Because she was a second-career student with maturity and refined skills in public speaking, Michelle could navigate any circumstance,” Kleckner said. “I tried to give her as many experiences as I could. Rather than just shadowing me, I was able to let her help lead group classes, develop educational materials and work in nutrition counseling.” These valuable applications allowed Johnson to practice what she was studying. As Kleckner mentored Johnson professionally, a deeper relationship grew as well. “We formed such a close friend ship,” Kleckner said. “Michelle became part of our family.” That closeness made parting hard when Johnson returned to her hometown of Portland, Oregon, following graduation in August 2013. “I did love Texas,” Johnson emphasized. “And, if it weren’t for a natural breaking point for me to get back to my family, I definitely would have stayed.”

Photo: Nick Young, Collin College

Something deeper

Cindy Kleckner

Starting her new career Johnson laughed as she recalled Kleckner having connections every where, even Oregon. After passing her registration exam, Johnson, now a registered and licensed dietitian, started working at Salem Hospital as an inpatient clinical dietitian. Although she enjoyed her position, it was only part time so she continued pursuing other positions as well. Recently, Johnson transitioned to a full-time role with Coram Health Care as an infusion dietitian. In this role, she works with patients going home from the hospital who require long-term support.

“It’s actually the area I enjoy the most because I feel like I have the most impact,” Johnson said. “I wanted to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives; I wanted to educate and help people, so nutrition was a natural fit. There’s nothing more amazing than waking up each day knowing you get to work in the area you are passionate about and get paid for doing it!” For more information about nutrition, food or health related courses and programs at Collin College, visit http://www.collin.edu/ academics/programs/index.html. v Melanie Hess is a public relations associate at Collin College.

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helping hands

Hope begins with YOU! by Stacy COOPER

Felicia’s Story: “In early 2012, I went from being able to provide for my family to literally scraping pennies just to make ends meet. My neighbor referred me to ACO and when I went into the office, I was in such distress. My morale was low. I had always prided myself on being independent and capable of providing for my family and when the loss of my job occurred, I was at my wits end. Here I am, a single mother of two and a full-time nursing student with no income. I swallowed my pride and did the best thing for my family and applied for assistance. When I applied with ACO all I was expecting was help with rent but, to my surprise, they assisted me with food, clothing and toiletries—the basic essential life needs I wasn’t able to afford. I was also surprised to learn that ACO had a computer lab. I can’t tell you how many days I spent in the lab working on homework assignments and taking on-line tests. ACO went above and beyond my expectations; they even helped with my son’s school supplies and provided both my boys with a Christmas I wouldn’t have been able to provide. I am very thankful for everyone who is part of ACO, from staff to volunteers. Thanks for all your help, y’all were truly a Godsend. I am proud to say I graduated as a LVN in August 2013. Without ACO and their assistance I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my dream.”

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It’s hard to believe it’s been 19 years since Allen Community Outreach kicked off its annual campaign to remind us that giving is a year round need. “Christmas In July” is here again, and the Give Where You Live theme helps us remember that 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 annual campaign. The slide from security to uncertainty happens faster than you think. Every day here at ACO we have folks walk through our doors that never thought they would be here. We tell you their stories to help you understand that these are real people. We change names for privacy reasons. It is embarrassing to admit you need help. It’s hard for many to believe that more than 5% of our population need help—someone just like Felicia. ACO exists to help transform lives by providing essential human and social services in our communities. You will receive your “Christmas In July” mailer soon, along with a remittance envelop. Please consider making a donation by returning the envelope,

or making a donation online. ACO needs your financial donations to provide assistance to our friends who find themselves in financial crisis. Your donation provides hope for these families when they need it most. These are people who live in our community. These are families that are working hard, but their paychecks do not provide for all that is needed. Zip codes don’t matter, neighborhoods don’t protect from insecurity, and the stress is overwhelming. The face of poverty in our suburban community is not what you might picture. Our neighbors in need still live in their homes, but may be days away from having their utilities disconnected. They have cars, but the upkeep is too costly. Their children play alongside your children, but their children left this morning to go play with no breakfast, and they don’t know if dinner will be available when they get home. As most of our residents get caught up in the travel, camps and enjoyment of summer, it brings tears to our clients’ eyes because of the uncertainty of being able to provide those same memories for their children. Thankfully, most of us will never know how it feels to go a day without food or see the look of hunger on our child’s face. Allen Community Outreach is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. When you receive your “Christmas In July” packet in the mail, know that your donation makes a difference and is vital to the services ACO will be able to provide to our neighbors in need. Allen Community Outreach is the only local human service agency in our com munity, and your donations are the reason that ACO can help a family remain in their home. For more information about Allen Community Outreach, visit www. acocares.org or contact us at 801 East Main Street, Allen Texas 75013, 972727-9131. The following businesses are supporting this year’s Christmas in July campaign with a portion of their proceeds. Full details are available on

the mailer, or on the ACO website. Please thank them for their support when you are visiting them throughout the month of July: Mondays—all day Yogurtville is donating 10% of receipts dropped in the basket at the register and Silver Thai is donating 10% of dinner sales; Tuesdays—Two Rows Classic Grill is donating 10% of lunch sales and La Finca Chiquita is donating 15% of dinner sales; Wednesdays—Mio Nonno Wood Fire Pasta and Grill is

donating 10% of lunch sales and Pluckers Wing Bar is donating 10% of sales from 5-7 p.m.; Thursdays— Raising Cane’s Chicken is donating 15% of lunch sales and Savour is donating 10% of dinner sales; Fridays—Elke’s Market Café is donating 10% of lunch sales; Every day in July—The ACO Resale Shop is accepting donations at the register. v Stacy Cooper is the director of development at Allen Community Outreach.

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pet page

“Didi” Didi is a Labrador/boxer mix that was abandoned and is now looking for his forever home. He is about 1-1/2 years old and weighs 45 pounds. Didi’s brother, Frankie, is also available for adoption.

He is such a sweet and playful boy, but he also likes to take naps. He loves sniffing the yard and playing with his toys and his brother. He sleeps in his crate at night, is potty trained and knows basic commands. Didi is very well socialized with kids and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Didi is looking for his forever home! He has been neutered, kept current on vaccinations, microchipped, current on heart worm preventive and is heartworm negative. If you would like to adopt this sweet boy, please complete an online application today at www. CollinCountyHumaneSociety.org.

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travel

A river runs through it by Deborah Dove

Ask any Hill Country local their favorite summer hangout and “The River” will most likely be their answer. Both the Comal and Guadalupe rivers run through the historic, Germanic town of New Braunfels, and “floating the river” is a well-loved pastime that is as old as the city itself. The addition of the world’s first waterpark along the tree-lined stretch of the spring-fed Comal River in the 1970’s sealed the town’s popularity as one of Texas’ top summer vacation destinations and with good reason. You won’t find a more fun place in Texas to spend a hot summer day.

Floating the River “Floating the river” refers to the time-honored tradition of floating down the Guadalupe on an inner tube provided by one of the many tube outfitters. There are several places to tube on the river, including the Horseshoe, a fun, hour-long loop float on the upper Guadalupe. Downriver is the Tube Chute, featuring several hundred yards of thrilling rapids, while the river area around Gruene features several sets of small rapids, which are arguably one of the best places to float when river levels are

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low and a wild rapid ride when levels are high. Choose the Horseshoe and Chute combination for a fun 4- to 6-hour day trip, although you can expect to paddle a lot and/or walk a bit when river levels are low. Floaters can rent inner tubes or rafts at a variety of outfitters for $15-$20 (Rockin’ R is one of the best), and tubes with bottoms are best. Visitors can also just swim in the river, and there are several areas with rope-swings over the water. Sundays and weekdays are best for families with kids. While tubing on the Guadalupe is still a lot of fun, crowds of partying college students on the weekends and low river levels have many eschewing the Guadalupe in favor of the cleaner, calmer Comal River. The Comal River is the world’s shortest river and flows a leisurely two and a half miles from Comal Springs in Landa Park to its junction with the Guadalupe. Many families prefer this easy, slow river, which remains a constant and refreshing 70-72 degrees, making it the perfect cure for the late-summer Texas heat. A less intensive float than the Guadalupe, there are still three thrilling rapid chutes and a float trip

takes about two to three hours. Texas Tubes, located right on the shoreline of the Comal, rents tubes with or without bottoms for $15, and will pick you up at the end of the float and shuttle you back to your car.

Schlitterbahn Schlitterbahn combines the fun of the river with the thrill of a waterpark with several distinctly different areas and more water rides than you can imagine. Voted the number one waterpark in the world for 16 consecutive years, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels covers over 70 acres with more than 40 attractions. The original part of the park, Schlitterbahn West, is lined with oak trees that provide plenty of shade, uses the spring-fed water of the Comal and features eight tube chutes, some which end in the Comal River. There is also a lazy river, numerous body slides and several activity and kiddie pools. The newer areas of the park have the latest and greatest waterpark technology with boogie boarding, uphill water coasters, the six-story Master Blaster, wave pools, raft slides, speed slides, body slides and more. Although there are plenty of

places within the park to purchase food and drinks, outside food and coolers are allowed (no alcohol or glass containers). Schlitterbahn also offers a loadable money card so you don’t have to carry cash around.

Lodging and Dining New Braunfels offers a variety of lodging options, including traditional hotels, bed and breakfast inns, cottages, resorts and campgrounds. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time at Schlitterbahn, the waterpark offers onsite lodging just steps away from the action with the River Bend Cabin, Treehaus Suite, Schlitterstein Studio Loft, or a vacation home or hotel room. Rates include waterpark admission, early ride times before the park opens on select popular rides and night activities such as movies, family volleyball and s’mores by the campfire. The Lamb’s Rest Inn overlooking the Guadalupe is perfect for a romantic getaway for two, while the Gruene Cottages or Gruene Homestead Inn offer cottages that are perfect for families. The nearby historic town of

Gruene (pronounced “green”) boasts two of the best restaurants around. The Gristmill Restaurant features a heavily-shaded, tiered outdoor patio overlooking the Guadalupe and serves a variety of steak, chicken, ribs, fish, burgers and salads. The Gruene River Grill, housed in a renovated barn/ mill, also overlooks the river and offers signature dishes such as Crispy Shrimp Won Tons, Hawaiian Style Ribs, PanSeared Redfish, Balsamic Ribeye and a New Braunfels version of the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. The Alpine Haus Restaurant, located in a 164-year-old historic building in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, offers arguably the best authentic German fare this side of the Atlantic. And, be sure and stop by Naegelin’s Bakery, Texas’ oldest bakery that has been in operation since 1868.

Other Area Attractions In addition to the rivers and Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels offers a wealth of things to do. Not limited to just great dining, the Gruene Historic District offers great antique and

specialty shopping, wine tasting and the Gruene Dance Hall—Texas’ oldest and most continuously operating famous dance hall. Wakeboard or water ski at Texas Ski Ranch cable park, or go boating, fishing or parasailing on nearby Canyon Lake. Landa Park, where the Comal River begins, is a designated arboretum with a free 1.25 walking trail and a miniature train that chugs around the beautiful 51-acre park. New Braunfels is also close to the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest caverns in Texas, where visitors can explore an amazing underground world filled with stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, chandeliers and soda straws. There’s also gem and fossil mining, a ropes challenge course with four zip lines, and a few miles away, the Bracken Bat Flight, where millions of free-tail bats fly out of Bracken Cave each night. And, just up the road is Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a drive-through safari covering 400 acres and featuring over 500 animals. For more information, visit www. innewbraunfels.com. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image | July 2014

calendar

JULY

Addison Kaboom Town!® 2014, 5 pm-midnight, Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive. The 30-minute fireworks show is choreographed to music and a live radio simulcast on 100.3 JACK FM. Great food, live music and the Addison Airport Air Show featuring the Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover. For information, visit www.addisontexas.net/events/KaboomTown.

Red, White and BOOM! 10 am, parade & classic car show, 1-5 pm, downtown McKinney. Entertainment and family activities, 7 pm, fireworks, 9:45 pm, McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch. Country music singer/songwriter Zane Williams will be on stage. WRR will provide ‘Sounds of America’ on a live simulcast during the fireworks on Classical 101.1. All activities free and open to the public. For details, call 972.547.7480. Fourth of July Celebration at Watters Creek, 6-10 pm, 970 Garden Park Dr., Allen. Free, open to the public. Festivities include free trolley rides, 6-9 p.m.; live music from country band Good N Gone, 7-10 pm; and a fourminute firework show on The Green at 9:30 pm. Visit www.watterscreek. com for additional information.

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McKinney Repertory Theatre presents Snow White, 7:30 pm, Fri. & Sat., 2:30 pm, Sat. & Sun., McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee. Set in the Enchanted Kingdom Mall, this modern take of the classic fairy tale features an evil queen, a walking, talking magic mirror and seven geniuses from the Computer Cottage. For tickets and more information, please call 214.544.4630.

Allen City Golf Championship, 7201 Chase Oaks Boulevard, Plano, thru the 13th. 36-hole, stroke format tournament. You must be an Allen resident with a current handicap to participate. Entry fee, $150 (includes green/cart fees, Titleist Cap and a sleeve of Pro V1 golf balls. Food and beverage will be served after Sunday’s round. Low gross score will be Allen City Champion! For details, call 214.509.GOLF (4653) or visit WattersCreekGolf.com.

Christ the Servant Concert Series, 7:30 pm, 821 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Benjamin Kolodziej will accompany the original 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera. Free, however a donation wll be accepted at the door. Call 972.727.3191 for more details.

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center

Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com. 18 Legacy FC 22—MMA Garcia vs. Jackson 7

answer questions. 19 Community Garage Sale, 7 am-noon, Joe Farmer Rec. Center. A variety of treasures at bargain prices. Make extra money selling items you were thinking of throwing away. Become a vendor by registering today. Space is 17’ x 10’. Vendors must bring tables and chairs. For information call 214.509.4750.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Programs

Parks and Recreation Events

Camp S.T.A.R. Come and spend the summer at the award-winning Camp S.T.A.R. Each week offers a new adventure at Joe Farmer Recreation Center! Call 214.509.4750 for more information. 7 Allen Fishing Camp, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Anglers of all ages learn to fish! Learn how to fish with a variety of bait and soft plastic lures. 8 First Tee of Greater Dallas. Students provided an opportunity to develop through golf & character education including a core set of life enhancing values such as honesty, respect and perseverance. 10 Family Night at The Edge Skate Park. Children between the ages of 1-15 years old can skate, scoot or bike without the presence of the older kids. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent to gain entrance to the park. 11 SNAP Dance, 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Special needs adapted program! Live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and photo. Email tharben@cityofallen. org or call 214.509.4707. Family Night at Ford Pool. The pool will stay open late and dinner will be provided so that you can enjoy the evening as a family. Early registration available at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. 12 Walk with a Doc, 9-10 am, Allen Station Park. Free, non-profit program for anyone interested in taking steps for their health. Enjoy a walk in the park. Physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals from your community will provide support and

Baby & Me—For pre-walkers w/adult Thur., 10:15 am Fun Ones—For 1 year-olds with adult, Mon., Tues. & Wed., 10:15 am Family Together Time—For children 2-6 years and their family Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am All By Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently, Wed., 11:15 am. Limited to 40. Tickets handed out 15 min. before story time. Pajama Story Time—For children 2-6 years and their family, Tues. & Thurs., 7 pm.

All programs in the Children’s Program Room unless otherwise noted.

Budding Artists, 3- 4 pm. For ages 5-8. Replicate the work of famous artists. 8 Fizz Boom Science! 3-4 pm, Ages 5-8. Explore STEAM thru games and experiments. 10 Lego Kids Club, 4-5 pm. Ages 5-8. Build themed Lego creations! Limited to 30. Tickets available 30 min. before program. 10,17 Mommy Craft, 2-3 pm. Children of all ages & 24 Make something with stuff you already have! 11 Royal Prep with Sofia the First, 10:30-11:30 am. All ages. Learn how to be the best princess! 14 Life-Sized Candyland, 2-4 pm. All ages. Travel thru life-sized version of Candyland! 16 Braid-a-pallooza! 2-3 pm. All ages. Learn to make cool hair braids.

18 Sensory Play Day, 10:30--11:30 am. Ages 0-3 with adult. Fun sensory experiences. Crafternoon, 2:30-4 pm. All ages. Create at this comeand-go program. 19 ABCs of Yoga, 10-10:30 am. All ages. Build literacy skills and coordination! Lego Family Day, 2-3 pm. For ages 5 & up with family. Limited to 75. Tickets available 30 min. before program. Family Game Day, 4-5:30 pm. All ages. Fun games for pre-readers on up! 22 Color and Create, 3-4 pm. Ages 2 & up with adult. Color, trace and create! 25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Party, 10:30- 11:30 am. Ages 5 & up with adult. Practice your ninja turtle skills with Shredder!

Auditorium Programs

Recommended for ages 5+ West African Drumming, 2:30 & 3:45 pm. A hands-on drumming experience! Tickets handed out 30 min. before show. 21 Predators from the Sky, 2:30 & 3:45 pm. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center brings birds of different species and sizes. Tickets handed out 30 min. before show. 28 Family Movie: The Lego Movie, 2 pm. Rated PG. 100 minutes long.Tickets handed out 30 min. before show. Crafts available before the show in the meeting room. 7

Tween Programs

Held in the Children’s Program Room unless otherwise noted. 2 Homemade Candy! 4-5 pm. Make your own delicious candy to take home and share! 9 World Records, 4-5 pm. Can you break a world record? 23 One Direction Party, 4-5 pm. Are you a Directioner? Celebrate your favorite band!

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24 Lego Tween Club, 4-5 pm. Build themed Lego creations! Limited to 30. Tickets available 30 min. before program. 29 Meet the Artist, 4-5 pm. Louise Nevelson. Replicate the work of famous artists. 30 T-shirt Art, 4-5 pm. Bring a clean white shirt to tie-dye or a darker color for bleach art!

Tween & Teen Programs

All programs are for ages 9-18 in the Upstairs Program Room unless noted otherwise. 1 Hack a Hardcover, 2-3:30 pm. Transform a book into a mini-messenger bag or purse. 12 Mythbusters, 2-3:30 pm. Decide for yourself if these myths are busted! 16 Adventure Time Party! 4-5 pm. Do you know what time it is? 18 Doctor Who, 2-3:30 pm. Celebrate your favorite Time Lord with crafts and more! 26 Cookie Decorating War, 2-3:30 pm. Design your own tasty treat!

Teen Programs

All programs are for ages 12-18 in the Upstairs Program Room unless noted otherwise. 8 Spend Some Time at 221B. 2-3:30 pm. Celebrate Sherlock with us! 11 Anime Con, 1:30-4:30 pm. It’s an anime extravaganza! Cosplay! Prizes! Pocky! Earn kawaii buttons for every activity you attend! 12 SAT/ACT Practice Test, 8:30 am-1 pm. Ages 14 & up who want to practice test-taking skills. Free PSAT & SAT/ACT Combo practice tests. Register! Bring: Two #2 pencils, calculator, water and a snack. Meeting Room across from the Library cafe. 15 Finger Knitting, 2:30-4:30 pm. Teens and adults ages 12 & up. Try your hand at knitting without the sticks! 22 Nerf Wars, 2-3:30 pm. Create your fortress and battle! 25 Summer Holidays at Hogwarts, 2-3:30 pm. Love Harry Potter? Join us to get your fix! 29 Pixel Art, 2-3:30 pm. Create cool designs and characters out of blocks of color! 9

Adults

Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project. Listen Up! Audio Book Month, 12-1 pm, 2nd floor program room. We’ll share our favorite titles and narrators. Door prizes and a chance to win a free audio book! Feel free to bring your lunch. 10 “Discover a Healthier You,” Dr. Chris Phillips, Chiropractor, 12-1 pm, 2nd floor program room. Find out how stress can impact your body and overall health. Free lunch. Age 18+. Register online at www. allenlibrary.org, or call 214-509-4913. Limited to 25. For info, contact Debbie Vavra, dvavra@cityofallen.org. Trivia Night, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Test your knowledge in literature, history, science and more! Ages 18+. Limit teams to 4 members. Free; register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214-5064905 or 214-506-4913. Contact Emily Plagens at eplagens@cityofallen.org 15 Finger Knitting, 2:30-4:30 pm. Teens and adults ages 12 & up. Try your hand at knitting without the sticks! 17 Secrets of Mt. Trashmore, 3-4 pm, 2nd floor adult program room. Find out what happens to your garbage in this 3-D model of a working landfill. Adults and children ages 8+, free. No registration. For more info: Debbie Vavra, dvavra@cityofallen.org, 214509-4913. Talking History—Does History Repeat Itself? Napoleon and Hitler: Comparisons and Contrasts, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. Dr. Michael

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Leggiere of UNT. Registration required, online or contact reference desk, 214-509-4905. Texas in the Past, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. See examples of local fossils, and if you’ve found fossils, bring them. Diane Brownlee, Heard Museum in McKinney. Ages 16+ with adult. Registration required online or contact reference desk, 214-509-4905. Book Talk. Come share your favorite books, 7:30-8:30, second floor program room. Adults 18+. Free; no registration. For info contact Emily Plagens at eplagens@cityofallen.org or 214-509-4905. Armchair Travelers.Visit South American Ports, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. Marla Wood shares stories, pictures and anecdotes from her travels. South American snacks served. Registration is required, online or contact reference desk, 214-509-4905. Family Fun Frames, 10-11:30 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. Bring your 4x6 photo and a family member or a “like family” friend. Ages 16+. Supplies and frames provided. Participants must register on-line or call 214.509.4905. Explore the Museums of Collin County, 7 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. Free. Carole Lowe of the Collin County Historical Society will discuss the museums within Collin County. Registration is required, online or contact reference desk, 214-509-4905.

Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve 5 Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. 27 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

Heard Museum

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. 6 Ropes Course Adventure Day, 1-4 pm. Participate in a ropes course program and zip line. Individuals or groups may come out to the course and get a chance to experience our challenging ropes course! Preregistration required. 11 Youth Ropes Course Adventure Day, 10 am-2 pm. Kids age 7-14 get a chance to experience the ropes course and zip line. Meet at the ropes course.

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. 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. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972.727.0011 or www.kidspediatricdentistry. com. MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly.com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of preschoolers. Each month has fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-athome moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www.creekwoodumc.org. Every Monday-Sunday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Every Monday Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org. 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 #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. First and Third Monday Singles Mingle 60+, 5:30 pm, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. A group for single men and women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/gen. public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm. Various locations and service projects monthly. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers. org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150”, 1710 N. Church Street, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. American Association of University Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www. aauwplanocollin.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Jerri Caldronia@ jlcaldronia@suddenlink.net. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.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.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees are invited. 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, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. 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. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Every Tuesday & Thursday Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S Greenville. Offers strength & hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

Allen Image | July 2014

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 Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. First and Third Tuesday Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd., Fairview. Share needle-work projects, learn new techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, Collin College, 4800 Preston Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors and their guests are welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org.

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Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Third Tuesday Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. 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. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.. Every Wednesday 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, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy,Allen. For more info: Daniel Dodd, 972.571.7527. McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. First Wednesday Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Allen Heritage Guild, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig.org. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www.mopsofhope.com. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www. vfw2195.org. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle & Stacy Furniture. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Bible Study, 9:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 6843 W. Main. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:308:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco.org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Second 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 meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am., locations vary. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Third Thursday 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. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net. Allen Image | July 2014

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. 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. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, HeardCraig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), non-denominational support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

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First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491. First Saturday Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teach children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Third Saturday Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. No charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org.

Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr., Allen. Musicians 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Fourth Saturday 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 #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville, Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We do encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

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

For Your Health

Allen Image | July 2014

Photo: Larry Fleming

by Peggy HELMICK-RICHARDSON

Photos: Hal Bryan

cover story Johnny has quite a tale to share. Like all good stories, his has fascinating characters who contribute to his adventures and a delightful musical score to accompany it. Born and reared in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Johnny was raised by a single mother who worked as a housecleaner to provide for her two sons. During his school years, Johnny had a limited exposure to music. He shrugs, “Around fifth or sixth grade, a tuba was thrust in my hands, but I really wasn’t interested.” This instrument was quickly abandoned. In junior and senior high school he found a musical niche he enjoyed— singing in the choir. “My mother always loved music but was never formally trained,” Johnny recollects. “A family my mother worked for gave us an old upright piano. I would tinker with the piano, but at that time I didn’t realize I had an ear for music. I would pick out tunes on it but nothing formal.” Johnny discovered his musical calling at the most unlikely of places—a U.S. Army training camp. By the time Johnny had graduated from high school in 1942, the United States had entered World War II. He was drafted soon after and sent to Camp Wheeler in Georgia for basic training. “There was a piano at the service club and some of the guys would ask me to play since I knew a couple of tunes,” he recalls. The manager of the club heard Johnny and asked him to be part of the floor show at the occasional dances hosted there. Here, members of the camp’s official band heard him play. The next morning he was ordered to report to the officers’ mess hall where he was greeted by officer who asked him to play the piano. When finished, Johnny admitted that he played by ear. The officer then asked if he played any other instruments and Johnny recalled his oh-so-brief exposure to the tuba. The officer explained that the permanently stationed Camp Wheeler

band was missing a tuba player. “He said, ‘If you are really proficient enough on the tuba, that might take you off the drill field and keep you from getting shipped to Europe and getting shot at.’” Johnny continues. “Well, that sounded pretty good to me so I was sent to Sgt. Harris who was in charge of the band. I said give me the tuba and give me a book and I’m sure I can brush up on it.” During the band’s morning rehearsals, the newest member of the 218th AGF (Army Ground Forces) Band would pack up his tuba and head to the latrine—a distance close enough so he could hear the musicians but far enough away that he wouldn’t disturb them. “I took the book and the tuba and followed along,” he remembers. “The talent I didn’t realize I had began to surface and I caught on quick.” Performing for parades, formal concerts and assorted military functions at Camp Wheeler, the band also provided two separate dance bands for the soldiers’ entertainment. This exposed Johnny to a wide variety of music and performance experiences. Upon learning that one of the dance bands did not have an upright bass player, Johnny recognized another opportunity. “When you are 19 years old and eager, you gobble up things!” Johnny grins. “So it wasn’t too long before I was pretty proficient on the upright bass.” Soon those men arranging the band’s tunes caught Johnny’s attention. “I would look over their shoulder and think ‘I could do that!’ But at that time I didn’t know all that was involved… all the transposition that has to take place when you are arranging. Fortunately, being in the band, we had a lot of spare time on our hands and I took advantage of that.” The Army then decided the band should travel to Europe to entertain the troops and required the members to take basic training at Fort Benning since they would be sent to war zones. While there, Johnny met and married his first wife who moved in with his

mother in Chicago Heights when the band shipped out to Europe. When Johnny was discharged from the Army in 1946, the first thing he did was head back to his hometown to be with his mother, wife and new son. “But I still had this music bug in my head!” he admits. “I was determined that I was going to be a musician.” So following a brief visit, he left his family in Chicago Heights and headed to New York City to live with an aunt and uncle while trying to find work “where things were happening!” A fellow Army band buddy soon hooked him up with a two-week stint at Club Harlem in Atlantic City, a venue that featured a show band, chorus line and floor show with vaudeville acts. Johnny was booked to play bass in a quartet at the bar in the front of the club. When that gig ended, the director of the show band brought Johnny on board to play bass for the rest of the summer. When the summer tourist season ended, the entire Club Harlem show performed at New York City’s legendary Apollo Theater for a week. When the show moved to Chicago, Johnny was reunited with this family. He decided to stay put and not travel to the group’s next destination. He soon became reacquainted with the Chicago music scene and began taking jobs whenever and wherever he could find them. And he continued writing and arranging music for bands. Soon another opportunity arose that Johnny couldn’t turn down— playing with the famed New Orleans jazz trumpeter Red Allen’s band, that included trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, in a tour of towns in the northern Midwest. Johnny confesses that although he enjoyed working with these legends, it wasn’t the style of music he wanted to play or write. “One of my main idols was Dizzy Gillespie; that was the music I was interested in,” he explains. “At that time, they called it bebop. The music Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker were playing was what I wanted to do.” By the time Johnny was 25, he and Allen Image | July 2014

his wife had three children—sons John Jr. and Donald and daughter Yvonne— and taking care of them on musician’s wages was proving to be a challenge. He was enrolled in Chicago’s Midwestern Conservancy from 1951 to 1953, but family financial obligations deterred his dreams of earning a degree. Johnny quickly realized that arranging music rather than playing gigs not only allowed him to stay home, but also afforded him a bigger paycheck. During these years, Johnny had an assortment of jobs including playing bass for jazz violinists Stuff Smith and Eddie South or at Chicago’s Blue Note with jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. He also filled in when Duke Ellington’s regular bass player took ill for several weeks. A previously unknown recording of Duke Ellington was released a few years ago on a double CD called Duke Ellington, Live at the Blue Note that includes Johnny playing a solo on the song “Satin Doll.”

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While still playing bass around town, Johnny also began pro viding arrangem ents for Chicago’s popular Club DeLisa house band, which was led by jazz drummer Red Saunders. He started offering his arrange ments for free to Red and soon was arranging and orchestrating the formal show numbers that changed every four weeks. In 1958, the Johnny Pate Quintet’s “Swinging Shepherd Blues” made the Top 20 on the R&B charts. Around this time, the record industry also started booming and Chicago was soon boasting several prominent labels. “There was a lot of

recording going on because soul music or R&B had begun to get pretty big,” Johnny states. Each studio provided Johnny with more opportunities for playing the bass. “Sometimes I would be in one studio in the morning and have to be in another studio in the afternoon,” he recalls with a grin. But it was his arranging talents that quickly elevated Johnny in the recording world, primarily in the R&B world. One of his first hit songs he worked on was “The Monkey Time” written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by Major Lance on the Okeh label. He went on to do more arrangements for Mayfield and his group, The Impressions. Among the singles Johnny worked with Mayfield on include “Amen,” “It’s All Right” and “People Get Ready.” He later arranged and orchestrated Mayfield’s music for the hit movie Superfly. Recognizing his talents, ABC Paramount contracted with Johnny to work with them exclusively. Another Chicago bass player, John Levy—who had moved to New York and became a manager for jazz artists such as pianist George Shearing and

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guitarist Wes Montgomery— threw Johnny a ringer. Wes wanted him to arrange and conduct his next album. “Well, here I am!” Johnny recalls, shaking his head. “Wes Montgomery and my first love is jazz. And I just made a deal with ABC!” Sympathetic to the situation, ABC gave Johnny the okay to work on Montgomery’s project and in 1964 Movin’ Wes was released on the Verve label. The popularity of Movin’ Wes gained him even greater attention in the jazz world and he was still tied to the contract with ABC Paramount. But the contract also provided him some very special opportunities, such as producing the blues icon B.B. King’s Live at the Regal, ranked 141 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. After the contract with ABC Paramount ended, Johnny was picked up by the jazzoriented Verve Records and he moved to New York City. This gave him the chance to work with jazz greats like Stan Getz, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell. When Shaft in Africa, the third and final in the series of Shaft movies with Richard Roundtree, was being made, Johnny was asked to compose the score for the film. He went on to compose scores for several other movies including Brother on the Run and Bucktown. By this time, Johnny and his wife had parted company so he leapt at the opportunity to move to California and compose the score for the new Shaft television series. Although the show only lasted one year, more freelance jobs on the west coast came his way. One unique assignment was to produce Minnie

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Riperton’s final and post mortem studio album Love Lives Forever with her husband Richard Rudolph for Capitol Records. “They approached me and said we have all these tracks, and a lot of them are totally un f inished. We were wondering if there is anything you might do to salvage some of this,” he recalls. To accomplish this challenge he started by stripping away everything from the earlier recordings except Minnie’s original vocals. “The only thing I wanted on the tracks was Minnie’s voice, then I built everything around her voice.” As word got around about the project, Minnie’s friends and fellow artists asked to be a part of it. Among the recording stars contributing to the album were Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack and George Benson. While living in California, Johnny married his wife Carolyn and in 1976, their son Brett was born. “We decided we didn’t want to bring him up in California and I was ready to retire, so we moved to Las Vegas in 1982,” he states. “But I don’t like goodbyes.” Whenever I leave, I just ease away. So when we left California quietly, people didn’t know I was gone.” Only a handful of friends knew that Johnny had retired to Las Vegas. One of those friends was another Las Vegas resident Joe Williams, a jazz vocalist best known for his years performing with the Count Basie Orchestra. “Joe and I had become friends in Chicago,” Johnny explains. “He was the male singer when I was at Club DeLisa when Count Basie first

heard him. When I said I was retired, Joe said, ‘Bull, you can’t retire!’ So whenever Joe would have to do a date with a symphony he would call me to conduct. He kept me doing something musically and he kept me writing.” Johnny continued writing, arranging and conducting for Joe until his death in 1999. For nine years, Johnny also hosted a weekly jazz program “Mellow Moods of Jazz” for radio station KUNV. And later, at the urging of John Levy’s wife, Devra, Johnny created a website called “Pate’s Place” in 2008 that offers audio shows featuring a number of musical greats he has worked with over the years. Famed jazz deejay and concert producer Alan Grant convinced Johnny to participate in a few concerts with his summer Jazz in the Park programs in Las Vegas that would feature his songs and arrangements. He was asked to conduct a UNLV student jazz concert, and again he happily agreed. In the audience for that concert was Kenneth Hanlon, director of the Arnold Shaw Popular Music Research Center at UNLV. He approached Johnny about the school hosting a concert, and a resulting CD featured Johnny’s songs and some of the jazz stars he had worked with over the years. Johnny laughs, “I said, ‘You’ve gotta be crazy. Half of these folks I haven’t spoken with in years and years!’” In 2003, the Arnold Shaw Popular Music Research Center hosted and then released the recording of this concert in honor of Johnny’s 80th birthday. It featured the UNLV Jazz Ensemble and an esteemed list of jazz greats: Phil Woods, Marlena Shaw, James Moody. Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter, Harvey Mason, Monty Alexander and Shirley Horn. Johnny and Carolyn opted to move to Heritage Ranch in Fairview eight years ago when son Brett was transferred with his job to North Texas. Here Johnny closed the door on his music career—but not on his love for

the music. He often shared his passion for jazz with Fairview friend and neighbor Hal Bryan, so at Carolyn’s urging, Johnny recently approached the manager of the Heritage Ranch Club House about hosting an occasional Jazz Listeners group. “We started in November with seven or eight people, then at Christmas I think there were 20 who showed up,” Johnny smiles. “So, we did another show in February and about 35 people showed up. So now

they’re asking when are we going to do another one.” Despite his determination to retire, the siren song keeps calling him back. Some of his work has been rediscovered by a new generation of singers and musicians. He recently discovered that several young jazz singers have recorded “Yes I Know When I’ve Had It” and “Someone You’ve Loved,” tunes he wrote for Shirley Horne that were recorded in the 60s.

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Johnny had a bigger surprise when he learned that rap artist Jay-Z had used his opening number from Shaft in Africa for his single “Show Me What You Got,” as well as several other songs on his album Kingdom Come. Other rappers who have used his tunes from Shaft in Africa include Sean Combs (Puff Daddy), Ghostface Killah and Rick Ross. Above the

computer in Johnny’s office hangs a photo of him and Jay-Z taken when the two met for the first time when the rap star was in Dallas for a concert. One of Johnny’s latest interests is the Lovejoy High School Jazz Band. Hearing the group perform at a Heritage Ranch club function two years ago, Johnny felt drawn to support the students and director Diana Williams. “I’ve taken them arrangements, and if I hear something I think they would really be good at playing, I take that to them,” he explains. “The thing I’ve stressed to her is that I don’t want to bug her.” The music director at Lovejoy’s Willow Springs Middle School, as well as the Jazz Band director for the last two years, Diana is thrilled at the opportunity to work with Johnny. “He is our biggest supporter!” she declares. “For me, he is a great avenue to ask questions about style and intent of the music. He listens to the kids, and I’ll ask him for feedback. And for Christmas he wrote a medley, and they got a kick out of playing it for him.” Diana sums up the privilege her students have in working with this jazz icon now inspiring a new generation of jazz fans. ”Its great for our kids to be able to hear his stories because he’s like a walking history v book in the world of jazz.” Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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