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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

July 2016

Vol. 26, Issue 7

cover story

celtic harpist Sarah Copus began playing the harp when she was eight years old. She has performed with her mom and dad many times, has been on at least five albums and has a CD of lullabies on the music charts now, and she’s just getting started—she’s only twelve years old.

special sections

KIDS KORNER

Summer Reading

27 CALENDAR 43 PET PAGE North

38 18

43 4

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

Help Clear the Shelter

Garrett Wingfield Quintet

Allen Senior Reacreation Center Volunteer of the Year

Tejas Brothers

American Drive-In Movie Theater

The Music Man

Statesboro Revue

July Films

Lil’ Lambs

Heroes for Children

Stagecoaches

12 Community Builder Award

Take Time to Read

Masonic Awards

helping hands 16

A Letter to the Community

education 20 Everybody is Somebody 24

Triumphant Theatre Trifecta

15 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

24 contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Marjorie Burr Matt Cobb Heather Darrow

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

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Deborah Dove Tom Keener Keith A. Taylor Simon Valentin

Allen Image © 2016 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

civic forum

Help Clear the Shelter by Chelsey APRILL

Free adoption event makes room for renovations, Saturday, July 23

Allen Animal Shelter celebrated a record number of adoptions last year, finding homes for more than 500 cats, dogs, bunnies and birds. But this summer the staff faces a new challenge: clearing the shelter of every adoptable pet within a matter of hours. “Spring and summer are the busiest times for us,” says Allison Harper, animal control supervisor for the City of Allen. That’s one of the reasons Allen joined Clear the Shelters, a national effort offering free adoptions at hundreds of shelters from Connecticut to California. Allen will waive the $95 adoption fee for one day only on Saturday, July 23. An empty shelter isn’t just good for pets; it will also allow the City of Allen to proceed with planned updates inside the shelter. Allen City Council approved the $139,000 renovation in April. The makeover will begin just two days after Clear the Shelters. “We’re trying to make it a friendlier, more welcoming place,” says Harper. The lobby’s “park ranger” paint scheme, heavy on olive and khaki hues, will be replaced with a colorful mural designed by Sarah Savage, the winner of Allen Animal Shelter’s “Paint for Paws” contest. New flooring and fresh paint will extend throughout the shelter. Crews will also install a new sign along Bethany Drive to help bring additional awareness to the shelter’s location and mission. The shelter’s dog kennels will also get an upgrade. Currently dogs await adoption in cinderblock kennels faced with metal doors. When visitors step inside, they’re greeted to deafening rounds of barking. “It really echoes in here,” shouts Harper over the canine chorus. She’s excited about the new laminate kennels that offer both privacy and sound-proofing. Staggered windows mean dogs aren’t staring at each other, which can contribute to anxiety. The work is expected to take two weeks. Animals will be housed at the City of Plano Animal Shelter during the renovations, though staff will still be available to assist residents in Allen. Harper hopes a big turnout for Clear the Shelters will help ease the transition. “This is a good time to do your research, looking at different breeds and their different needs,” says Harper. “We want people to find pets that fit their lifestyle so they can provide a true, forever home.” Residents can learn more about adoptions and view available pets by visiting CityofAllen.org/AnimalShelter. Clear the Shelters will be July 23. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

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Allen Senior Recreation Center Volunteer of the Year by Matt COBB

Over the past decade, Darlene Zumo has earned a reputation at Allen Senior Recreation Center for her selfless volunteerism, stepping in where needed, whether it’s serving food at events or providing insight on committees. Zumo has been named the 2016 Allen Senior Recreation Center Volunteer of the Year and was officially recognized for her service in front of the Allen Parks & Recreation Board, receiving accolades and a certificate for the volunteer roles she has served. “Darlene is a person who would rather not count her volunteer hours or be the center of attention in any way,” said Travis Cunniff, supervisor of Allen

L to R: Denise Fenner, Darlene Zumo and Travis Cunniff

Senior Recreation Center. “Her true service heart is what drives her to put others first and offer help whenever and wherever there is a need.” Being named Volunteer of the Year was not something Zumo anticipated. “I was really surprised when I found out,” Zumo said. “I feel very honored to have been chosen—this is a blessing.” Having volunteered at the Allen Senior Recreation Center since 2006, Zumo’s resume includes a two-year term on the Senior Advisory Committee, getting certified to serve food for the facility and assisting at numerous events, such as special needs adapted programs for those

with disabilities. This year, Zumo created a volunteer position to assist with registration while AARP tax services were being offered at Allen Senior Recreation Center. In addition, Zumo has implemented a greeting card service that sends cards to Allen Senior Recreation Center members for special occasions and get-well encouragement when they are sick. “The cards are meant to let people know that others are thinking of them,” Zumo said. Zumo’s volunteer service extends beyond the Allen Senior Recreation Center. Allen Independent School District has presented Zumo with awards for her volunteer work at Reed Elementary School, as part of Allen Senior Recreation Center’s Read to Reed program, and Roundtree Elementary. A Texas native, Zumo spent years living out of state, but was glad to return in 2005, moving to Allen near family. Zumo said the Allen Senior Recreation Center helped her connect with the Allen community. “Allen Senior Recreation Center is a great place to meet people and learn about all that Allen has to offer,” Zumo said. “This is how I got plugged in locally and found out how I could be of service.” For more information about the Allen Senior Recreation Center, its programs and how to get involved, please visit AllenParks.org or call 214.509.4820. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen. Allen Image | July 2016

Snippets The Music Man The Wells Fargo Wagon is Comin’ to Allen as a part of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man, July 22 through July 29. First United Methodist Church Allen Summer Musicals brings this favorite musical to the stage with a cast that includes members of the Allen Symphony Orchestra, the Allen Civic Chorus and a few well known local actors and actresses from Allen’s Community Theatre. There’s trouble in River City when fast-talking traveling salesman “Professor” Harold Hill comes to town and convinces the parents to buy instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize using the “think system.” Chaos ensues as Hill’s credientials are questioned by the town officials. Hill plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen, and he inadvertently enriches the town with a love of music.

July Films All films are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Allen Public Library. Call 214.509.4905 for more information.

July 5—Miracle (2004), starring Patricia Clarkson, Kurt Russell and Noah Emmerich. Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the playerturned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. July 12—The Rookie (2002), starring Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths and Jay Hernandez. A Texas baseball coach makes the major league after agreeing to try out if his high school team made the playoffs. July 19—Remember the Titans (2000), starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton and Wood Harris. The true story of a newly appointed AfricanAmerican coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.

The production features an intergenerational cast from 7 to 70 years old and even 76 trombones! Performances will be at FUMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville Ave.

Performance times: Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m.; and Friday, July 29 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 (general); $12 (age 65+); and $10 (under 18). You may purchase tickets at the church office or online at www.daringproductions.org. v

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July 26—The Bad News Bears (1976), starring Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal and Vic Morrow. An aging, down-on-his-luck ex-minor leaguer coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California little league. v

Snippets

Lil’ La mbs The annual Lil’ Lambs Children’s Consignment Sale will be August 4-6 (tax free weekend) at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville Avenue in Allen. The sale features infant, children, tween and maternity clothing, toys and games, nursery items, children’s furniture and accessories. All items are individually inspected for cleanliness and condition. Public shopping times: Thursday 5-8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Most items will be half price on Saturday. Since its inception in 2002, Lil’ Lambs has benefited the causes of women, children and families in Collin County. All profits are donated to local charities. To date, over $150,000 has been donated to organizations such as AMA Food Pantry, Family Promise, Hope’s Door, Children and Community Health Center of McKinney, Allen Community Outreach, Samaritan Inn and others. Registration cost is $10 and is open now with no item limit or caps. Seller benefits include a 70/30 split for volunteers and 60/40 split for others plus early shopping privileges. Visit www.lil-lambs.net to register to sell or for more information. v

Heroes for Children Join us on Friday, June 17, noon-4 p.m., for the Heroes for Children Golf Tournament at TopGolf, 1500 Andrews Parkway in Allen. This annual golf tournament raises money for families with children battling cancer. Guests of all ages are invited to join Heroes for Children to sip drinks, savor tasty bites and participate in a chance to win awards, raffles and prizes during three hours of TopGolf play. Individual tickets are $120 for adults and $60 for children 17 and under. Sponsorships range from $500-$10,000. To sign up, purchase tickets or for more information about this event, please visit www. heroesforchildren.org/golf. Heroes for Children is a unique nonprofit organization that provides financial and social assistance to families with children battling cancer. Since 2005, Heroes for Children has helped alleviate families’ worries, giving them comfort and a brief respite from the everyday challenges of fighting cancer and caregiving. Since its inception, more than $5.5 million has been given to 4,500 families in need. To learn more about Heroes for Children, please visit http://www. heroesforchildren.org. v Allen Image | July 2016

Snippets

Community Builder Award

Take Time to Read

Annually, the Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435 awards the Community Builder Award to a non-Mason that has distinguished themselves through their devoted and continual service to the local community. This year’s recipient is Shelley George, Allen City Secretary for the past thirteen years. v Allen Masonic Lodge annually promotes the importance of parental-supervised reading to the students of participating Allen elementary schools. This year, twelve of the seventeen Allen elementary schools participated in the one-month long reading program, Take Time to Read. The students of Rountree Elementary are shown with their personalized certificates as well as with their tote bags they received for having completed the program and returning the Masonic calendars to their teachers indicating the number of minutes they devoted to reading during the month of March. v

Masonic Awards On May 7, Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435 had two community-oriented presentations. The first was the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding and dedicated public educator. This year’s award was presented to Dr. Lance Hindt, Superintendent of Allen Schools. The award is named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas who is considered to be the father of Texas Public Education.

L to R: Mirabeau B. Lamar Award winner, Dr. Lance Hindt, Superintendent of Allen Schools; Jerry McNair; Louise Master, President of Allen ISD Board of Trustees; Courtney Mentesana; Mia Truong; Kalen Sanderfer and Scott Hill, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.

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On the same occasion, four deserving seniors from Allen and Lovejoy High Schools—Courtney Mentesana, Mia Truong, Kalen Sanderfer and Bo Beidleman—were each awarded a $1500 Masonic scholarship. v

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | July 2016

library

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Garrett Wingfield Quintet Swing to the music of the Garrett Wingfield Quintet, a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 29, at the library. Fulfilling his interest in the intersection of performance and composition, Wingfield leads, plays with and composes for multiple ensembles that perform often around the Metroplex. Regularly playing original music, his quintet is currently paying tribute to the late Ornette Coleman with a re-imagined set of the musical pioneer’s compositions. As a composer, Garrett’s interests extend into saxophone quartet, wind band, orchestra and electronics. At recent national North American Saxophone Alliance conferences, he performed compositions incorporating electronics with improvising instrumentalists in order to cultivate innovations for interaction and hierarchies. At UNT, Garrett conducted the Four O’ Clock Lab Band and was a teaching fellow in the jazz arranging department. The other members of the quintet are Jordan Gheen on trumpet, Caleb Veazey on guitar, Miller Wrenn on bass, and Clint Dodson on drums. v

American Drive-in Movie Theatre Relive the excitement of the drive-in experience through a free documentary, rare photographs, lively stories and entertaining tales from Don Sanders, co-author of The American Drive-in Movie Theatre at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28, at the library. For those who recall watching movies under the stars, this program will evoke memories of packing schoolmates into a vehicle, including the trunk, to take advantage of $4 a car night. From the first theaters of the early 1930s to the successful venues

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Tejas Brothers Brewed in Texas for the whole world to savor, Tejas Brothers will perk up anyone with their electrifying free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 22, at the library. Tejas Brothers’ music is shots of honky-tonk country and rootsrockin’ blues, with a splash of Tex-Mex! While a myriad of music genres flourish in Texas, there’s something inherently Texan in this band’s Latinflavored music that is uniquely crafted with classic styles. The group’s debut CD, Tejas Brothers, was recognized as the 7th most played album for 2009 by the Americana Music Association. The group released their third CD, Live a Little More, in April of 2013. Their latest album, Live and Loose, was recorded at Tommy Alverson’s Family Gathering and released in October of 2014. The band includes co-founder, lead vocalist and songwriter Dave Perez, whose sizzling accordion skills never fail to bring the audience to their feet; James Shelton, pedal steel and vocals; Derek Groves on guitar/vocals; John Garza on bass/vocals; and Tim Crispin on drums. v

Statesboro Revue

Prepare for a distinctive free musical experience, Texas style, with Statesboro Revue at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 8, at the library. A highlight of the 2009 South by Southwest Conference and Festival in Austin, Statesboro Revue’s debut album, Different Kind of Light, was produced by Grammy Award-winning David Z at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studios. The group’s second CD, Ramble on Privilege Creek, was released in 2013 and garnered rave reviews. Their most recent CD, Jukehouse Revival, was released in 2015. “Undone,” a song inspired by the oilfield, is the new CD’s centerpiece. Joining Stewart is younger brother Garrett Mann, the lead guitar player who becomes galvanized when the song requires it. On bass guitar is Ben Bradshaw, providing support and foundation, all while blending melodic leads and energetic chords. Kris Schoen’s drumming drives the tunes and his slow grooves encourage a dancing experience. Statesboro Revue has played with the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Performing at the South Padre International Music Festival, Chisolm Trail Music Festival in Ft. Worth and at Whiskey River in Amarillo, Statesboro Revue has demonstrated a statewide appeal. v

of today, Don Sanders will tell the delightful history of the drive-in. Drive-ins dotted America’s landscape and were sometimes the only theater in town. Stunning artwork on the back of the screen captivated people’s attention as they drove by, such as the huge bear raising its paw that adorned the Circle Drive-in in Waco or the impressive short horn cow featured on Ft. Worth’s Cowtown Drive-in. Don produced a PBS documentary, Drive-in Movie Memories, starring John Bloom and Leonard Maltin, that will

Stagecoaches The Stagecoach Era proved to be a captivating period in American history. Western movie fans may recall the images of the 1939 movie Stagecoach with John Wayne and Andy Devine or the 1966 remake with Ann-Margret and Red Buttons. For Texas, the story of the Butterfield Overland stage is both mythical and legendary. A north-south stage operated by the Risher, Hall and Sawyer partnership traversed Allen and carried mail and passengers from Dallas to Sherman, following the route that is now Greenville Ave. and Jupiter Road. Between 1858-1861, passengers could connect to the Butterfield in Sherman and travel to St. Louis or San Francisco. Want to know more? Glen Sample Ely, Ph.D., will discuss his new book, The Texas Frontier and the Butterfield Overland Mail, 1858-1861, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7, at the library. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Ely earned his doctorate from TCU and has published journal articles in Southwestern Historical Quarterly and the New Mexico Historical Review. His book Where the West Begins: Debating Texas Identity was published by the Texas Tech University Press. v

be presented at the beginning of the program. This film documents the drive-in’s birth and development, its enormous popularity with audiences of all ages, its decline and comeback. It was featured in 35 film festivals, including selection as the opening night film at Telluride. With guest appearances on Good Morning America, CBS Morning News and the Today Show, Don Sanders observes, “Drive-ins are one of America’s greatest cultural icons!” Don Sanders also co-authored The Great American Drive-in in 2007 and Drive-in Movie Memories in 2000. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | July 2016

Garden

feature

Building a Community

The First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth Garden by Deborah DOVE A labyrinth—a path which leads, via a circuitous route, to the center of an intricate design and back out again—is an old tradition that is seeing a resurgence of popularity, particularly at churches. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is designed for ease of navigation, with only a single path in and out, and is impossible to get lost in. Set the labyrinth outdoors and incorporate a garden and you have the perfect setting to facilitate prayer, mediation and spiritual transformation. Several years ago, First Presbyterian Church of Allen’s Cary Reams had a visionary idea to create just such a labyrinth garden to fill the open area between First Presbyterian Church of Allen and Greenville Avenue. After researching various designs to use as a base pattern, Reams received some divine guidance that led him and his wife, a math teacher at Allen High School, to design a labyrinth using straight lines instead of arcs. The paths would be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and plant selections would be made with the following criteria: they would be

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Texas native or adapted-native, drought-tolerant, alkali soilfriendly and full-sun plants appropriate for our zone. In September of 2012, the church approved creating the labyrinth, and Cary and his daughter, Mary Grace, began laying out the design of the paths and inner gardens, planting crepe myrtles around the perimeter and roses in the center. In early spring of 2013, more church members got involved and the layout of the garden began to come to life. Church members of all ages dug the first two gardens—the large garden at the entrance and the one at the center. Members turned out to fill garden one with plants designed to attract butterflies. Church member Eric Smith and his father adopted garden six—a rock and cactus garden. The Mary Circle, a group of senior ladies who meet weekly to fellowship, pray and study the Bible, planted garden four, an herbaceous flowering garden. One summer day, as church member and long-time gardener Nieta Nunn was weeding the garden, two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints stopped by and asked if they could be a part of creating the garden. They soon became a big part of the garden effort as more of their church members joined in. Children from First Presbyterian’s Vacation Bible School planted watermelons, and the gardens were decorated with hay bales and pumpkins for the church’s Halloween Trunk-or-Treat. In the spring, Cub Scout Pack 630 adopted garden three, another butterfly garden. Boy Scout Dakota Bishop took on garden ten as his Eagle Scout project, designing an evergreen garden and leading a crew of scouts who dug and planted magnolias and Indian hawthorns. Slowly, Cary Reams’

dream was becoming a reality—a garden planted, maintained and enjoyed by the community. With the approach of Lent and Easter, the congregation decided to have the gardens marked with the Stations of the Cross for Holy Week. According to Reams, designating the gardens this way is what brought the inner gardens together. “Several ideas (had been) considered for naming the gardens—geographical names, names of biblical figures—but none of them felt right for the garden,” says Reams. “Finally, it occurred to me (guidance) to consider interpretations of the Stations of the Cross. A labyrinth is not a maze; a labyrinth has only the one path. The gardens could be set to a sequence permitting visitors to experience the Stations of the Cross sequentially.” Church member Eric Smith built sixteen cedar crosses with the names of each station written on ceramic tiles and attached to the crosses by the Mary Circle. A meditation walk in the garden was then incorporated as part of the church’s Holy Week schedule and has been held every Easter since 2013. Drainage was added and the gardens began to grow, attracting Monarch butterflies in the fall. The grass that made up the labyrinth’s pathways also grew (and grew!), necessitating a change from a grassy path to one made from decomposed granite. This new, more maintenance-free path was completed by Easter of 2015. As this garden has grown, so has community involvement. Youth from Judge Peyton’s court have performed community service in the garden, and Judge Peyton himself has shown up a few times, making presentations to the youth and providing jonquils for the garden. LDS members continue to weed, water and maintain the gardens, even during the hot summer months. The scout troop also continued to maintain their garden, often cleaning and weeding other gardens, and they built a bridge over the arroyo in the rose garden. Wildflower seeds were planted in garden thirteen, creating a show of color in May and June, and Boy Scout Sean McIntier designed and led the planting of garden twelve, an evergreen garden identifiable by the decomposed granite path in the shape of a cross with a tree planted at the center. A joint Easter egg hunt was held this Easter in the gardens for the children of First Presbyterian Church and the neighboring church, First United Methodist Church of Allen. As Nieta Nunn sums up, “The garden has brought together many people who probably would not have been working together, had it not been for the garden that they all cared about.” Although a garden is never really complete, Cary Reams’ vision has been substantially realized. The energy of the church members and volunteers who brought the labyrinth to life is now devoted to fine tuning—weeding, pruning, trimming, plant replacement and path maintenance. According to FPC’s Pastor Kelly, the Community Labyrinth Garden was dedicated on Saturday, May 21, to the Glory of God and for the enjoyment and use of Allen and surrounding communities. The garden is always available for reflection, prayer, meditation and those who need a place to dig in God’s earth. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | July 2016

helping hands

Ju ly 2016

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a life-c ha ng in g da y fo r m e a nd my kid s. A ye ar lat er a nd m a ny tri ps to th e pa nt ry fo r gro ce rie s, a nd a fe w ap po int m ents with th e ca se wo rk er th at he lpe d pa y my rent fo r on e mo nt h, go t m e en rolled in th e GED progra m a nd fin d a be tte r pa yin g job a nd I’m ba ck on my fe et. W e are liv in g lik e no rm al pe op le ag ai n. All be ca us e of AC O!” –Ta m my A. W hil e AC O’ s Crisi s M a na ge m ent Te a m is wo rk in g overt i m e to as se ss a nd co u ns el th e m a ny ne w a nd ret u rni ng fa mi lie s ne ed in g e m erg en cy as sista nc e ju st to re m ai n in th eir ho m es, fe ed th eir ch ild ren, ke ep clo th es on th eir ba ck s a nd th eir ut ilit ies tu rne d on, ou r Tra ns fo rm in g Li ve s Pr og ra m is wo rk in g with fa mi lie s wh o a re on a pa th to m ove out of po ve rty a nd on to se lfsu ffi cie ncy, but ne ed so m e gu id a nc e. W e cu rre nt ly ha ve m ore th a n 50 stu de nt s in th e GED progra m, wo rk in g to be tte r th eir ed u ca tio n so th ey ca n in cre as e th eir in co m e. Th e Tra ns fo rm in g Li ve s Prog ra m wo rk s with m ento rs, tuto rs a nd co u ns elo rs to he lp fa mi lie s with fin a ncia l lit era cy, job co u ns eli ng a nd pro fe ssi on al de ve lop m ent. Th e res ult s a re stron g a nd m ea su ra bl e. W e a re se ein g fa mi lie s lea ve th e progra m with co lle ge de gree s, sa vin gs a cc ou nt s, as first ti m e ho m eo wn ers, a nd a se ns e of prid e a nd a cc om pli sh m en t. “It sa ve d my life. I kn ow it so u nd s cli ché, but it’s tru e. W ith co ul d no t ha ve m oved pa st th out Tra ns fo rm in g Li ve s I e ob sta cle s I wa s fa cin g. No w, with th is de gree, I ha ve a a pp reciat ion of wh at th is m ea n ns to m e— it’s no t ju st a cre de nt ia l, it m ea ns every th in g be ca us e I ha d to wo rk so ha rd to get it. I ow e AC O a nd ho pe I ca n give ba ck wh at yo u’ve given to m e.” – Ja m es T. Th es e a re th e sto rie s we he a r. Th es e a re th e pe op le we m eet. Th es e a re yo u r ne igh bo rs. An d we ca n no t he lp th e m with out yo u r su pp ort . Tw enty ye a rs ag o we be ga n th e “Ch rist m as In Ju ly” Ca m pa ign as a re mi nd er to th is co m m u nit y th at th ere is a ne ed al l ye a r lon g. Every on e is re mi nd ed to give du rin g th e ho lid ay se as on, but du rin g th e su m m ert i m e wh ile so m a ny of us a re enjoy in g va ca tio ns a nd rel a xi ng with ou r fri en ds a nd fa mi ly, we fo rge t th os e wh o stru gg le to pa y th eir rent a nd hig h ele ctric bi or si m ply live with out ai r co nd lls iti on in g. Th ere a re hu ng ry ch ild ren at ho m e al on e th is su m m er. It’ s ea sy to fo rget th at th ere a re fa mi lie s in ou r ne igh bo rh oods th at a re si m ply on e pa yc he ck away fro m fin a ncia l di sa ste r. Do na tio ns m ad e th rou gh Ch rist m as In Ju ly a nd th rou gh out th e ye a r pre ve nt hu ng er a nd ho m ele ssn es s, a nd m ost of al l, pre ve nt ho pe les sn es s. Pl ea se GIVE WHERE YOU th is Ju ly a nd su pp ort th e Ch LIVE rist m as In Ju ly Ca m pa ign by vis iti ng us on on lin e at ou r se cu re we bs ite, ww w. a co ca res .org.

M a ny th a nk s, Gl en da M ay M a rjo rie Va ne sk a hia n Bu rr AC O Ex ec ut ive Di recto r De puty As sista nt Ex ec ut ive Di recto r Allen Image | July 2016

kids korner

Summer Reading by Deborah DOVE

Tips To Encourage Summer Reading

Half Price Books

• Join a summer reading club (see below) • Create a family reading challenge for siblings or a group of friends. Create a spreadsheet with a column for the weeks of summer and a row for each child. Kids write down the number of pages read and earn one point for each page, with bonus points for things like finishing a book or listening to an audiobook. At the end of each week, award prizes or provide a selection of prizes kids can “buy” with their points. Ideas include sleeping in late or staying up late, get-out-of-chore free cards, one iTunes song, extra computer or TV time, gift cards, going out for snow cones or ice cream, movie night, etc. Award a cash prize at the end of summer to the person with the most points and have a pizza to celebrate everyone’s reading success. • Start a book club with friends. Pick an age-appropriate book, and then get the kids to discuss it (over snacks of course) after everyone has read it. Or join a local book club for kids, such as the Mother-Daughter Book Club at Barnes and Noble at Creekwalk Village in Plano, where book-loving girls in grades 3 to 5 and their moms meet monthly, on fourth Wednesdays, to discuss books. The McKinney Public Library also hosts a motherdaughter book club at the John and Judy Gay Library on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. • Set aside reading time, maybe during the heat of the afternoon. • Let kids choose their own reading material. In the end, it doesn’t matter if they’re reading a graphic novel, a magazine, or a non-fiction book. The point is that they’re reading, and if it’s something that interests them and is pleasurable, they will continue to read and build on what they read. • Read to a dog. Studies show that reading to dogs provides a safe and friendly environment for kids to practice their reading skills, and kids who read to dogs read more fluently. Don’t have your own furry friend? Readers in kindergarten through 5th grade can share a book with a furry friend at the John and Judy Gay Library, 10:15-11:15 am, on the first Saturday of each month (limited tickets given out at 10 am).

This year’s Half Price Books summer reading program, “Feed Your Brain,” gives out free Half Price Books gift cards to kids who read for at least 300 minutes (15 minutes a day) during the months of June and July. High school kids can read one book and write a short review to receive Bookworm Bucks. Visit the Half Price Books store on 75 and Eldorado in McKinney for a reading log, or download it at http://b.hpb.com/fyb/.

Summer Reading Clubs

Allen Public Library

Barnes and Noble Go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/ summer-reading/_/N-rs9 and print out the Summer Reading Triathlon Challenge. Answer the questions and bring the completed reading journal to your local Barnes and Noble store (closest Barnes and Noble stores are at Stonebriar Mall and Creekwalk Village in Plano on the NW corner of 75 and 15th Street). Choose a free book from the list.

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Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge Is your child ready to become a reading superhero this summer? Register online at http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/ src-2016/kids, then read as many books as you can, log your minutes and win virtual prizes. Kids can also read about their favorite authors and enter sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes from Klutz. Program ends September 9.

Sylvan’s Learning Book Adventure This reading program runs all year. Kids can register at http:// www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx, search for books, read them offline and then go online to take a quiz on what they’ve read and earn prizes such as temporary tattoos, candy, magazines, CDS and books.

Chuck E. Cheese Download the Rewards Reading Calendar at http://www. chuckecheese.com/deals-offers/rewards-calendars. Kids can then record their reading for two weeks and earn ten free tokens when they bring the calendar to a participating Chuck E. Cheese location! Note: Child(ren) must be present to redeem their tokens. No more than one of any free token offer can be used per child, per day, and a food purchase is required (beverage does not count as food purchase).

Junie B. Summer Reading Program Sign up for the Junie B. Reading Program at www.juniebjones. com and get a fun printable that includes an official membership card, a reading log, funny Junie B. quotes, and activities such as a scrapbook page and adlibs to fill out. The website also has fun games and activities. “Join the Adventure” sponsored by the Allen Public Library. Come to the library, get a reading log and read your way toward some cool prizes. Choose to read 25 books, 25 hours or for 25 days (for at least 30 minutes per day; you do not have to read consecutively). Program runs through August 7. There’s also a Teen Summer Reading Program with cool prize packs to win. The Allen Public Library also hosts fun, free events for kids throughout the summer such as family movies, family game days and special programs such as a Critterman, Super Science and more. Visit www.cityofallen.org for more details. v

What if there was a place for preschool-aged children that offered quality fulltime childcare while preparing them for kindergarten, a program that provided strong, age-appropriate and interactive academics in a fun, nurturing and loving environment? Kindergarten Prep Child Care offers just such a place— a unique environment specifically designed for children ages three to five. According to Tammie Williams, the school’s founder, owner and executive director, the academic strength of the program starts at the top.

Williams holds an MBA and a master’s degree in Child Development, Director Rachelle Martinez has a master’s degree in Education, and all of the teachers either have a degree in education or are working towards that goal. To maximize an optimal learning environment, classes are small—14-16 children with two teachers per class, one who specializes in language arts and one who specializes in math and science. Furthermore, children stay in the same class for the entire school year, allowing teachers and students to form bonds and consistent relationships throughout the year which enhances the learning environment.

The school provides a balanced curriculum, carefully optimizing structured, academic time with non-structured play time to promote better learning. “Meet the Letter People” is the curriculum for the 3-year-old classes, a phonics based and interactive pre-reading curriculum that features fun puppets for each letter of the alphabet. The four-year-old curriculum, “Land of the Letter People,” takes the letter people and begins to make words, with more writing, reading, science and social studies. The transitional kindergarten curriculum, “Read, Write, and Listen” is a language arts based kindergarten level curriculum. “Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be,” says Williams. “It’s more rigorous.” But, she adds, preschool-aged children still need fun, hugs and love. While other academic preschool programs tend to be stiff and formal, “We’re good at balancing fun in a nurturing environment while helping children acquire the necessary skills to be successful in kindergarten. We take a higher academic standard and make it fun.” Kindergarten Prep Child Care is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which provides the highest standards of accreditation in the country. In addition to being the only NAEYC accredited school in Allen, Kindergarten Prep Child Care is the only concentrated program serving only 3-5 year olds. This unique approach allows the school to specialize in kindergarten readiness and to focus on the child’s development before they enter the public schools. And while you might find low teacher-student ratios, a strong academic program, highly-educated teachers, a nurturing environment or affordable fulltime childcare elsewhere, at Kindergarten Prep Child Care Center it’s all in one place. “That’s what makes us so amazing,” says Williams. “My passion is providing a quality place for families and teachers, and making sure everyone in the community can afford quality childcare.

Now enrolling for fall classes Classes start August 15

802 S. Alma Drive • Allen • 972.396.0099 kindergartenprepchildcare.com

education

Everybody is Somebody at Rountree Elementary School by Keith A. TAYLOR

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“Everybody is somebody at Rountree Elementary School.” These words ring as true today as they did 40 years ago when the doors opened at Allen ISD’s first modern elementary school. The motto has touched the lives of thousands of students and the lesson remains with many to this day. “On a daily basis, my teachers reinforced the life skills of good citizenship, responsibility and integrity as I learned academic content,” said Allen ISD Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Wilhelm. “The staff at Rountree was, and still is, dedicated to developing

the whole child and for that, I am eternally grateful.” She should know, but not because she is a gifted educator. She knows because she attended Rountree Elementary School. Students, teachers, staff and parents, past and present, recently gathered at the school to share their memories and celebrate the school’s anniversary. More than 300 people attended the community reception hosted by current Principal Melissa Pursifull. It featured the remembrances of a former teacher, the daughter of school namesake D.L. Rountree and

district officials as well as a proclamation by Allen Mayor Steve Terrell. Rountree Elementary School, named after long-time Allen ISD Superintendent D.L. Rountree, opened in 1976 as the school district’s first “new” elementary school. Allen ISD’s previous elementary school opened in 1910 and shared space with middle school and high school students over its history. The original school sat on the property of the current First Baptist Church of Allen. Carole Pierson was a second grade teacher—one of three—working for Allen ISD when the school was being planned and when it was opened. She said the new school was a huge improvement over the original building. “We didn’t complain about the lack of heat in the winter because we were grateful for what little heat we we could get,” she said of the old two-story building.

“In the summer, each room had a big water cooler,” she said. “It was so loud that I had to stop teaching and have the students do individual work whenever it came on. My clothes were damp by the end of the day.” With the distracting conditions, Mrs. Pierson said the district’s teachers jumped at the chance when asked to provide input for a new school. She and her colleagues visited area districts, came away with new ideas and provided their information to the school’s architect. “We asked for one electric plug on each wall and central air and heat,” she said. “We thought we were pretty bold to ask for that much.” The result, though, became a template for the district. “The architect produced a very simple, well-thought out plan that has proven to stand the test of time as the newer buildings still use this basic plan,” she said. “We were so pleased that our ideas had been supported by

the administration and the school board. I think that is one reason Rountree has always been a close family. We always enjoyed the strongest support from parents and the district.” Many credit that cohesion to the hard work of the school’s namesake. D.L. Rountree came to Allen in 1954 as the superintendent, and football coach. At the time Mr. Rountree came to Allen, the district was in disarray and close to a forced consolidation with another district by the state. One of Mr. Rountree’s first goals was to pass a bond election to fund the school system. Because of his hard work and determined spirit, the bond passed without a single dissenting vote. The cooperation generated by Mr. Rountree’s leadership between the community, school board, administration and teachers helped turn the tide of Allen’s entire school district. Enrollment increased steadily Allen Image | July 2016

Jennifer Wilhelm

and the first high school was built six years after he arrived. During his tenure, ending with his retirement in 1978, the district grew 15 times in size and the number of teachers increased from 15 to 90. Sheryl Rountree Terry has fond memories of her father’s dedication to Allen ISD and the time she spent in its schools. “He taught me to always treat others as I wanted to be treated,” the retired teacher said. “He lived by that standard. That was a lesson I carried throughout my educational career. You teach kids, not subject matter.” Mrs. Terry credits the town as well as her father for the growth and success of of the school district. “In the 24 years of my father’s career here, he was always blessed to have great people who shared his

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Carole Pierson

desire to strive for excellence,” she said. The community always supported the district’s growth. The community was prepared to do what was necessary to support the schools.” Despite his success in the growing district, Mr. Rountree did not think his name should be on the new school. “He really tried to discourage them (the school board) from doing that. He said ‘There are so many that deserve it more than I do.’ They insisted and voted to name the school D.L. Rountree,” Mrs. Terry said. “He was always puzzled and very honored by this recognition.” From a student perspective, Jennifer Wilhelm said the school and its staff provided her with the tools for a successful and useful life. “Like many people, some of my

Sheryl Rountree Terry

favorite memories occurred on the school playground,” she said. “Playing there, I learned the life lesson of determination and confidence while negotiating my way into playing the typically boys-only game of wall ball. I learned the life skill of establishing personal goals and the value of teamwork.” Good teachers also helped Mrs. Wilhelm prepare for success. Looking back, Mrs. Terry said the continued success of the school after 40 may be due to the lessons taught by Mr. Rountree. “He loved his job, his kids and the people with whom he worked. Everyone had value in his eyes. In return, they truly respected and loved him.” v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

classrooms; and centralized enrichment programs that include computers, Spanish, martial arts, music, dance and gymnastics.

Greenville Montessori School is all about preparing children to succeed in a Montessori-focused environment. Ownership of the school changed in late 2015, when Dolly Vishwanath and Sanjay Ambekar—a husband and wife team—purchased the school with the goal of providing a strong Montessori education with overall growth to help kids succeed in public school.

Communication is also key. The school utilizes himama.com for children ages six weeks to two years, allowing teachers to take pictures of children and send them to parents immediately so they can share in their child’s day. Monthly newsletters and weekly lesson plans help keep parents in the loop.

The school also strives to treat the children who attend like family. To this end, there are two on-site chefs who make breakfast, a hot lunch and an afternoon snack, using only fresh ingredients. “I wouldn’t want to give to other children anything I wouldn’t give to mine,” says Dolly. The school follows the traditional Montessori philosophy and new director, Ms. Jay Blench is Montessori-certified with 15 years of experience and a strong background in curriculum. Additionally, all of the teachers are either Montessori-certified or moving toward becoming certified. The school is also recognized by the International Montessori Society (they follow true natural Montessori teaching).

Greenville Montessori boasts a library and computer room; an indoor gym; a fully-equipped kitchen; a covered outdoor play area stocked with hula hoops, tricycles, soccer balls and several play structures; an aquarium; Procare child tracking; low student-teacher ratios; age-appropriate Montessori materials in all

Greenville Montessori offers programs for infants and pretoddlers (6 weeks to 24 months), toddlers (ages 2-3), primary (ages 3-5), kindergarten and lower elementary (ages 5 to third grade) and after school care for children ages 5-11. The school also provides summer programs for children 5-11 with continued academics, weekly themes with fun, in-house activities such as a petting zoo or splash day and field trips once a week. Sound like the perfect home away from home for your child? Come check out Greenville Montessori for yourself any time. An open house is planned for August 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where potential students and their families can tour the school, meet and talk with the teachers and ask questions about the curriculum. Registration fee is waived if signing up at open house,. For more information, contact director Ms. Jay Blench or visit our website. You can also follow Greenville Montessori on Facebook.

550 Trinity Drive • Allen • 214.383.5093 www.greenvillemontessorischool.com

Akron Watson

Triumphant Theatre Trifecta by Heather DARROW

Collin Alumni inducted into Hall of Fame

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The aptly named Living Legends conference room was full of anticipation. Red-faced theatre students walked back to their seats, certificates in hand, flushed with the after effect of applause and public acknowledgement of a job well done. Finally, the time arrived for a trifecta of academic immortalization. Cory Boulieris, James Chandler and Akron Watson were named to Collin College’s theatre Hall of Fame. The trio offered their aspiring protégés inspirational comments, flecked with hard-won words of wisdom.

A lot can happen in a year According to Watson’s mother, Theresa, her son gave himself one year to make it in New York. Even when this young actor lost his father, he pressed on, and today he is performing in the 2016 Tonynominated, Broadway musical The Color Purple. The year has been filled with extensive hours of arduous work, rich adventures and spikes of brushes with the rich and famous. As an

ensemble member, Watson sings and dances with Jennifer Hudson on a daily basis. He revels in the memory of the day when Oprah, a producer of the show, sang with the actors and thanked them for bringing the production to life. Spike Lee signed his shoe, and Steven Spielberg, who directed the movie with the same moniker as the musical, complimented the cast. “I want to thank Collin College professors Shannon Kearns Simmons, Gail Cronauer and Brad Baker for teaching me. I walked into a program where people were dedicated to doing the work, and that was highly influential. For me, doing the work has made all the difference. I’m still working; it’s still working,” Watson said.

Managing life’s stages Sub-assistant stage manager for the 2016 Tony-nominated, Broadway hit She Loves Me, Boulieris also recently worked as the script production assistant for the Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet. According to her Collin College professors, Boulieris worked in every

Cory Boulieris

Allen Image | July 2016

aspect of the department, from the box office to the Black Box Theatre. “I must first thank my parents. I said, ‘I want to do theater,’ and they didn’t laugh at me. They said, ‘Let’s make this happen for you.’” Boulieris’ favorite quote is “I am a part of all that I have met,” from Ulysses by Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson. “I have consistently found this statement to be true. My time at Collin had such a great impact on shaping me as a person and artist. I am very grateful. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame and placed into the same category/level of recognition as those who have come before me is a real honor.” Images of Boulieris and the other two newly inducted members of the Hall of Fame will grace the theatre hallway. Like the 40 who were inducted before them, these fresh faces will be seen by those who aspire to follow in their footsteps. A humble Boulieris proffers that

while Collin College helped shape her ideals, the most important advice she can offer is to simply be yourself. “Be a wellrounded human being. Do anything that makes you interesting. Be the person that, after people have worked with you for 80 hours, they still want to go out with you. You are the only you that will ever be you, so own that.”

Give it the old college try

James Chandler

The fact that he was afraid of heights did not stop Chandler from donning a tuxedo and descending from the top of the John Anthony Theatre. A well-known, local, professional actor, director, teacher, costumer and improvisational performer, Chandler is currently performing in Spamalot at the Casa Mañana Theater in Fort Worth. Chandler shares Watson’s work ethic and concurs that Collin College was instrumental in instilling a relentless drive into his daily endeavors. “Never stop working and learning—that I definitely got from Collin. With a phenomenal theatre program, there is an amazing caliber of work here. It was never a question of whether or not to attend Collin. The artistry you learn here is amazing,” Chandler said. Chandler worked on The Musical Adventure of Flat Stanley and Avenue Q

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with director Michael Serrecchia, who played Frank in the original cast of A Chorus Line. In New York, he performed in Heaven Can Wait and The Road to Ruin, two new shows directed by Patricia Birch, choreographer of Grease. Chandler advises people to trust in themselves and pursue their passions. “It may be scary, but without risk there is no reward. Don’t short change yourself. You may have to work for those opportunities, but they are out there if you want them,” he said with conviction. Chandler says he met Boulieris while attending Collin College. She was a stage manager in one of the shows in which he performed. He was not at all surprised about her success on Broadway. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College.

pet page

“North” North is a seven-year-old, seven-pound Chihuahua mix looking for her forever home. North lost an eye in an accident, but it doesn’t seem to bother her. She is the sweetest little snuggle buddy you will ever meet! North gets along with other dogs and loves all people. She likes to be picked up and cuddled and will be your BFF in your lap as long as you will let her. North is housetrained and doesn’t need much exercise.

She was treated for heartworms when she arrived in our program, but they are completely gone now. She has been spayed, microchipped and is up-todate on all her shots.

All she needs now is you! We do not have a facility to house the dogs in our program. They are all kept in foster homes until they are adopted. Therefore, if you are looking for a great companion, please consider this love bug. If you are interested in adopting from LHS, you have to complete an online application at http://www. legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptionapplication/ and we will contact you ASAP about the status of your application. v Allen Image | July 2016

Beyond PB&J— Scrumptious Sandwiches by Deborah DOVE

The advent of spring and summer means warm weather, picnics, days at the lake and impromptu gatherings of family and friends. And really, why bother cooking when you can make a sandwich that’s just as impressive, tasty and filling as a multi-course meal. Sandwiches are incredibly diverse, from the bread used to the fillings inside, which can be hot or cold and include an almost endless variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables and sauces. Sandwiches can also be cold or grilled, made ahead or fresh. The sandwich as we know it is the namesake of John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who is reputed to have invented the concept, and the sandwich has become such a mainstay of the American diet and food culture that The Wall Street Journal described it as Britain’s “biggest contribution to gastronomy.” There’s even a national

Basil Mozzarella Grilled Cheese 3 Tbs. basil pesto ½ c. mozzarella cheese 4 slices of focaccia bread 4 tomato slices 1 Tbs. butter Divide 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly on 4 slices of bread. Add mozzarella cheese and tomato slices. Grill sandwich until bread is crispy and cheese is evenly melted. I used our griddle at 350º.

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sandwich day—November 3 (if you were wondering). Just about every country has their own version of the sandwich, and even the various regions of the U.S. lay claim to their own sandwich inventions, from the Philadelphia cheesesteak or hoagie to Louisiana’s Po’ Boy to a hot brown in Kentucky. In April, the New York Times featured an article titled “A Field Guide to the American Sandwich,” in which it attempted to create a taxonomy for this popular staple of the American diet. Ultimately, the sandwich was classified into five groups—sandwiches made on Kaiser or “hard” rolls, sandwiches made on soft buns, sandwiches made on long hero or sub rolls, sandwiches made on sliced bread and “singulars,” which are those creations on bread that fall outside these other groups, but are still vital to the sandwich landscape, like the muffaletta.

Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwiches 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1 c. mayonnaise 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1-1/2 c. chopped celery 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained 1/4 c. finely chopped green onions 1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper Croissants, rolls or buns Cream together cream cheese and mayonnaise. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve on croissants, rolls or buns.

Turkey Gobbler

1/4 c. whipped cream cheese 1/4 c. whole-berry cranberry sauce 4 c. mixed greens or torn romaine 1 loaf focaccia or ciabatta, halved lengthwise and toasted 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced 1 lb. sliced turkey 8 strips cooked bacon Mix the cream cheese and the cranberry until uniformly pink. Lay the lettuce across the bottom half of the bread. Top with the avocado, turkey and bacon. Spread the cranberry cream cheese across the top part of the bread, top the sandwich, and cut into individual servings. v

Philadelphia Style Italian Hoagie 1 Tbs. red wine vinegar 1/2 Tbs. dried oregano 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 long Italian hoagie rolls 1/4 lb. prosciutto 1/4 lb. capicola 1/4 lb. genoa salami 1/4 lb. hot soprassata salami 1/4 lb. sharp provolone cheese, thinly sliced 1 large tomato, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1/4 c. iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded 1/4 c. hot cherry pepper hoagie spread Slice the rolls lengthwise, cutting only half way through. Remove the thick, fluffy dough center of the bread and discard it. Set rolls aside. In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar and oregano; slowly add in the oil, whisking as you pour to emulsify the mixture. Drizzle a small amount of the oil/vinegar mixture on the rolls, then layer the cheese and meats. Top with the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, then peppers. Drizzle with additional oil/vinegar, cut in half and serve!

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Hot Ham and Cheese Croissants 2 1 1 4 8 1

Tbs. Dijon mustard Tbs. honey Tbs. brown sugar croissants, split slices Swiss cheese lb. deli ham Mix the mustard, honey and brown sugar together. Spread the honey mustard mixture on each side of the four split croissants. Place a slice of Swiss on each half of the croissants. Top the bottom half of each croissant with however much ham you like. Place two halves back together. Wrap in foil. Place in fridge for later or place in a 350º preheated oven for 10-15 minute.

Slimmed Down Shrimp Po’ Boy (from my favorite recipe blog, Skinnytaste) Herbed buttermilk slaw: 1 Tbs. Greek yogurt 1 Tbs. low fat buttermilk 1 Tbs. light mayonnaise 1 Tbs, shallot, finely minced 1 tsp. fresh chives, finely minced 1 tsp. fresh parsley, finely minced 1 small garlic clove, crushed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3/4 c. thinly sliced red cabbage (about 1/4 of a small head) 1-1/2 c. thinly sliced green cabbage (about 1/4 of a small head) 1/2 c. pre-shredded carrots For the shrimp: 6 oz. large peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed 1/4 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. sugar 1 med. clove garlic 3/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1/2 tsp. olive oil 7.5 oz. (about 3/4 loaf) French baguette, multi-grain or whole grain In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise, shallot, chives, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the red and green cabbage and carrots, mixing to evenly coat. Set aside. In another medium bowl, combine the shrimp, cumin, sugar, garlic and Old Bay. Gently toss, evenly coating the shrimp. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then shrimp and cook until shrimp are opaque and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. While shrimp are resting, slice the baguette into 3 even pieces, then slice each of the 3 pieces in half horizontally. Remove the inner soft part of the bread, leaving the outer crust. Toast in toaster oven (or broil in the oven) until desired crispness. Top each sandwich with 2 ounces of shrimp and 2/3 cup slaw. Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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calendar

july EVENTS, ETC. Watters Creek - Concerts by the Creek Patriotic Salute—Allen Philharmonic Winds. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor events will be cancelled or rescheduled. For the most up-to-date information on events, visit the Watters Creek website at http://www.watterscreek.com.

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. 8 Twenty One Pilots 10 Halsey 16-17 Allen Gun Show 31 Meghan Trainor

Parks and Recreation For more info about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 8 SNAP Dance (Patriotic Theme) Recreation Hall. SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Patriotic! Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wed. prior to each dance. For details, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Age 18+. Cost: $10. 9-10 Men’s Softball Tournament, Ford Park Softball Fields. ASA-modified men’s softball tournament! There will be a 15-player limit per roster. Three games guaranteed. Late registration fees will be added when registering after June 27. Learn more at AllenParks.org. Age 17+. Cost: $225. 11-16 Missoula Children’s Theater, Allen Public Library Auditorium. This camp provides kids of all ages the chance to put on a theater production from start to finish. This year, Missoula Children’s Theater will present two camps: Pinocchio during July and Peter and Wendy in August (8/8-8/13). All registrants will receive a part and rehearsal times will vary. Learn more at AllenParks.org. Age: Entering 1st-12th Grade. Cost: $75. 14 Blacklight Zumba Party, Joe Farmer Recreation Center Gym.Wear your favorite neons and get ready to light up the night! Learn Latin-based moves to all your favorite songs in this high-intensity cardio party all under the blacklights. All fitness levels are welcome; pre-registration ends at 6 pm on 7/14. Learn more at AllenParks.org. Age 4+. Cost: $5 pre-register/$7 at the door. 15 Jaws Night @ the Nat! We’ll be staying open late so grab friends, swimsuit and towel and join us from 8:30 pm to midnight for a great movie experience. Tubes, noodles and concessions are available for an additional cost. Age: 13+. Cost: $6. Allen Image | July 2016

16 Community Garage Sale, Joe Farmer Recreation Center Parking Lot. Make some extra money selling the items you were thinking of throwing away at this communitywide garage sale. Become a vendor by registering today. Each space is 17’x10’ and vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. Browsing is free to the public. Learn more at AllenParks.org. Age 17+. Cost: $20 one space/$35 two spaces/$50 three spaces. 31 Youth Group Night at the Natatorium, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Enjoy an evening of swimming, diving, floating on the Lazy River and socializing with other youth groups. Fee includes a meal (hot dog, chips and a drink). Coordinators/chaperones are FREE but must register. Learn more at AllenParks.org. Age 7-17. Cost: $7.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services Summer story times run through July 28. Weekly story times held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required. For more information, call 214.509.4906. Fall story times will resume Monday, September 12. Baby and Me—For pre-walkers w/caregiver, Thur., 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos—For 1 & 2 year-olds w/ caregiver, Mon. & Tue., 10:15 am Together Time—For 3-5 year-olds w/caregiver. Mon., Tue. & Thur., 11:15 am; Wed., 10:15 am All By Myself—For 4-5 year-olds without a caregiver. Wed., 11:15 am

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Pajama Story Time—For 3-5 year-olds & family. Tue. & Thur., 6:30 pm (Note the new start time!) For more information about events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend.Tickets are handed out 30 minutes before the program. 18 Circus Chickendog, 2:30 & 3:45 pm, Civic Auditorium. Ages 5+. Featuring six dogs, one parrot, juggling, unicycling and more. Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before each show. 25 Mark Shelton’s Strike, Scrape & Shake Show, 2:30 & 3:45 pm, Civic Auditorium. Ages 5+. Witness this one-man high energy percussion show! Tickets handed out 30 minutes before each show.

Special Events Children 1 Happy Birthday, USA! 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 3+ with an adult. Celebrate America’s 240th year with crafts, games and cake! 1 Roald Dahl Day, 3-4 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5+ with an adult. Get ready for The BFG movie with a party in honor of our favorite Roald Dahl stories! 5 Family Game Day, 3:30-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. All ages with an adult. Strengthen family bonds and build critical skills with games for all ages from pre-readers to adults. 7 Drive-In Movie, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 3+ with adult. Make and decorate your own car, then sit back and

watch a movie. Supplies provided. Limited to 80 participants. 8 Sensory Play Day,10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 0-3 with adult. Relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 11 Candyland Olympics, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Library. Ages 5+. Take a trip through Candyland and try out some Olympicsinspired games! 12 Unbelievably True! 2-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5-8. Hear a fascinating true-life story, then create a cool craft project. 15 Octonaut Ocean Party! 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 3+ with adult. Explore the world of sea creatures with games and crafts! 21 Sew Exciting! 2-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 3+ with an adult. Fun sewing projects for all. 22 Nursery Rhyme Olympics, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 2+ with adult. Are you as nimble as Jack? 26 Shark Week Celebration. 3-4 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5+. Are you the CHOMPION of FIN-tastic facts? Find out at our party for all things shark! 29 Preschool Campout, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 3+ with an adult. Join us for s’more fun as we celebrate the great outdoors! 29 Disney Villains, 2-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5-8. Enjoy crafts and games featuring Disney Villains!

Special Events Tweens & Teens 14 Popcorn Creations, 2-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 7-12. Try your hand at creating delicious popcorn. Limit 40. 19 KEVA Contraptions, 2-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 9-12. Create a path for the Keva ball with ramps, funnels, jumps and more. Limit 30.

TEENS 8 Black Light Party, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 12-18. Wear neon and have some glow-in-the-dark fun! Snacks, games, etc! 14 Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Ages 12-18. An evening of anime, Japanese snacks and more! 15 Geek TV: Sherlock, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 12-18. Celebrate Christmas in July with your favorite detective. 22 Delicious Reads, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 12-18. Get a taste of some great teen books as we sample a variety of favorites, play book-themed games, and eat novel treats. Limited to 30. 28 Spa Day, 2-3:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. Ages 9-18. Create your own spa essentials! Limit 60.

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room unless otherwise indicated. All events are free, and there is no registration unless noted. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913. 9

Super Awesome Puzzle Tournament, 2:30 p.m. Have a way with words or numbers? Compete individually against fellow puzzle lovers to win fantastic prizes! Sudoku or Crossword Puzzles. Scoring will be based on speed and accuracy.

13 Keep Calm and Read On! 12 pm, Get the buzz about new titles from our Penguin Random House rep. He’ll bring “Keep Calm and Read On” tote bags. 13 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. Do you knit? Or crochet? If so, Twisted Threads is for you! All skill levels are welcome! Meets monthly, 2nd Wednesday of the month! 14 Discover a Healthier You—Zumba and Fitness Dance! 1 pm. Dance your worries away and get a great workout. Water and comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. 16 Mandalas and More with Cher Kaufmann, 2:30 pm, learn to transform simple shapes into beautiful designs and discover the meditative pleasures of drawing and coloring with Cher Kaufmann. No drawing experience necessary. Ages 12+, under 12 welcome with an adult. 17 Talking History, 2 pm. Join us for a onehour historical lecture presented by a faculty member from a local university. Topic TBA. 19 Let’s Talk Dewey: New Nonfiction, 7 pm. Nonfiction readers! Choose-your-ownnonfiction book club. We pick the topic, you Allen Image | July 2016

pick the book! For July, we’re reading any new nonfiction book. You’re welcome to join the discussion even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book. 20 DIY@APL – Polymer Clay Beads, 10 am. Design your own beads using polymer clay. Use your one-of-a-kind creations as the focus of a necklace or bracelet. upplies provided. Ages 16+. 20 Fire Extinguisher Simulator, 1:303:30 pm, 1st Floor Meeting Room. Learn about fire safety, and see if you have what it takes to put out a fire using AFD’s fire extinguisher simulator! 21 Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) 3 pm, 1st Floor Meeting Room. Over 300 dogs were matched with companions last year. Find out what it takes to be a puppy raiser with CCI. 26 Crochet 101, 2:30 pm. Learn basics of crochet with Susan Jackson. Supplies provided. Ages 16+. 26 Armchair Travelers Visit Brazil, 7 pm. Come explore the world, without ever leaving Texas! Travel to Brazil with us! Join Michelle Johnson as she shares stories and photos from her time in Brazil. Brazilian snacks will be available to sample. 27 Game Day, 2:30 pm. Exercise your mind with some family-friendly board games and classic card games. Refreshments will be served. Ages 12+; under 12 welcome with an adult.

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CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday every month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets second Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. required. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets the third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com.

Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets every second Wednesday, most often at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@ gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeners tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu. edu. Collin County Republican Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday every month, in the Plano/ North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, meets the third Thursday each month, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, President. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, second Thursday of each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic & speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. Allen Image | July 2016

McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday of each month at 1:30 pm at the Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets the second Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, SMU in Plano, 5236 Tennyson Pkwy., Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

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Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.

Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 nonmems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Join us for book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC. com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus meets Monday at 7 pm starting June 6. New director, Richard Light! Visit us at Blue House Too, Watters Creek, 934 Market St., across from DSW Shoes. Guests always welcome. Women of Allen and surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org.

CRAFTS

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

HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets the third Tuesday each month, support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/ group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen. org.

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American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

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

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family and friends, meets the third Monday of every month, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Cancer Support Ministry, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 710 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days & locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com.

Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. All proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org.

McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St.

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Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation. com. Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:3011:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/ TrueBlueDanceCrew.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta. com.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out & more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum

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

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

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

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

SENIORS

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets fourth Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, meets every Friday, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Nonmembers, Allen residents $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. Classic 55+ Game Night, first and third Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship & games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

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Singles Mingle 60+, meets irst and third Monday each month, 5:30 pm, Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. Single men & women 60+ in who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle, Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com/ Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net.

Fairview Rotary Club, meets every Friday, 11:45 am, Texas Land and Cattle, 131 E. Stay Road, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. Knights of Columbus, meets the third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets the second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday every month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets the second Saturday every month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

For Your Health

Allen Image | July 2016

Perfect Pitchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Celtic Style

by Simon VALENTIN

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t draws you in as soon as you cross the threshold of the Celt Pub. It’s not the sight of well-worn wooden floors, the smell of deepfried eggs or the thunk of a Sunday morning ale on a thick tabletop. What hooks you is a soft, jarringly angelic voice cascading down a steep, narrow stairwell. Those who venture up the creaky steps discover a young lady with chestnut hair and coffee colored eyes sitting in the north corner of the pub. Twelve-year-old Sarah Copus is tucked behind a harp that dwarfs her, gently plucking strings and singing in a voice so ethereal people stop midsentence to listen. Sarah’s mouth barely moves when she sings, looking more like she’s taking gentle breaths as she tells tales of the sea or lost loves, casually reaching notes others wish they could. When she finishes, there is no prima donna behavior, no milking the crowd for applause; she plays the harp, sings again, this time background vocals for other members of the Celtic group Innisfall. Though she’s done plenty of performances with her mom and dad, has been on at least five albums and has a CD of lullabies on the music charts now, she loves being part of Innisfall, a group of kids whose lives revolve around music. Ireland Harber is a vocalist and plays Irish whistles, Grace Kennedy plays flute and vocals, Clio Cadence does vocal, plays fiddle, ukulele, cajon and drums and Nathan Kennedy is an award winning Irish fiddler. None of them are older than fourteen.

“I love playing with them; they’re like my brother and sisters,” Sarah said. Much of what they sing is in Gaelic, a challenging language. “Gaelic sounds like you coughed up a hairball and you’re choking,” Ireland Harber joked as one of the kid’s dads shook his head no and shouted “Retraction!” “It can be confusing,” Gracie Kennedy interjected. “There are random letters, random dots, little slashes everywhere, three counting systems—one for people, one for addresses and numbers and another for animals and objects.” Sarah steps in and changes the direction of the interview. “Gaelic is not easy to learn, but it’s beautiful,” she said. “And when the audience is really excited, you can feel the energy add to your song.” “I love the way you connect with people,” Clio Cadence said. “It’s like when you’re at the top of a roller coaster you get an adrenaline rush.” The brief interview wraps when the kids are hustled back to their mics for the next set.

As they walk by, Dr. Dean Beachem of McKinney says hello. He knows each one and can’t say enough about them. “I love Irish music, I grew up with it, been drawn to them since the first time I heard them. They’re amazing; they actually take Gaelic lessons,” he said. “And Sarah has a CD out that is ranked highly worldwide. It’s mind blowing.” As the kids sing, Sarah’s dad stands at a hightop table, fingers flying across the screen of his iPad, which he’s using as a handheld audio board. Her mom Pamela sits alongside him, head nodding in rhythm with the song. They met in college in the early 90s and formed the group, 2002, not long after. Since then, they’ve released more than 20 albums—11 hit the Billboard charts in a genre that would become known as New Age. Sitting in a beautiful sound studio, Randy said the label tweaks them a bit. “The phrase came from the 60s, 70s and it carries negative images for some people,” Randy states,

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adjusting the faders on the console. “But in the music industry, it’s just a marketing term.” A quick scan of the category finds artists ranging from Dadawa—a Chinese singer/songwriter—to flamenco guitarist Oscar Lopez. Somewhere in between is 2002 and, like it or not, they’re known as the “First Family of New Age Music.” Their sound is lush, like the soundtrack of a film filled with sweeping vistas, and has been described by reviewers as elegant, graceful and celestial. Michael Diamond, a musician and journalist, has written about them for decades. “Randy and Pam are incredibly talented musicians, well loved and well respected in the music community,” Michael commented. “Now Sarah is a rising star. I’m beyond impressed with her talents; it’s incredible what she’s achieved so far, though considering her gene pool, it isn’t surprising.”

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Sarah is featured on 2002’s latest release called Celtic Fairy Lullaby, a soothing compilation of a dozen songs from around the world. She not only sang in Gaelic, Welsh and English on the CD, she also helped arrange vocals—impressive for an artist at any age, much less a preteen. Her voice evokes the same description from most people who hear her—angelic, ethereal, haunting. That unique sound was the starting point for Celtic Fairy Lullaby. “We did something different,” Randy explained. “Instead of recording instruments first and letting her sing to them, we laid down her tracks and built the album around them.” Randy said this is difficult for some singers because they can’t remain in pitch without the guidance of a music bed. Not an issue for Sarah. “She has a rare gift of perfect pitch,” he enthused. “She starts in exactly the right key and stays there the entire song. I was floored the first time she did.”

Though Celtic Fairy Lullaby showcases Sarah’s voice, the album also highlights her wonderful harp playing, which she took up when she was eight years old. To her, the instrument isn’t just polished maple dressed up with 36 strings. Her harp’s name is Hermione, has a life of her own and has quite an effect on Sarah. “When I play, the wood rests right on my heart, the low strings vibrate right into my heart!” she noted. “My music carries me away, I love it so much I get lost in it...” It’s wonderful to hear a twelveyear-old speak with so much passion about something, but at one time Randy and Pamela were afraid they wouldn’t hear Sarah speak again at all. “I had pneumonia when I was almost two. One of my lungs filled with fluid and I had to have lung surgery,” Sarah remembered. “She was in intensive care for eight days. They put a camera in one side of her rib cage and inserted a tube in the other side to drain her lung,” Pamela recalled with a shiver. “The pneumonia came out of nowhere,” Randy explained, still bewildered by its rapid onset. “She went from having a slight fever to having lung surgery seven days later.” She’d contracted an antibiotic resistant strain and the medication she took to knock it out was “toxic, like nuclear waste,” Randy said. Things got scary, sleepless days and nights were spent in intensive care, holding Sarah’s hand, singing to her, trying to ease her pain. Things got so bad doctors eventually gave the toddler morphine. ”We didn’t know whether we’d get to keep her or not…” Randy continued as his voice trailed off. After what seemed like forever, Sarah’s little body responded and fought the pneumonia, but although she seemed healthy, Pamela and Randy were cautious. “Her immune system had been destroyed, and we kept her away from

other children for about two years,” Randy said. Once she recovered, nothing could stop her. He recalled when three-year-old Sarah made an interesting pronouncement. “We were at lunch and she looked at us and said ‘I‘m a sing-writer, I was sent to help you,’” he remembered. “We were like, ‘Okay, that’s different.’” Sarah kept true to her word, plopping herself in front of a

microphone when she was four and recording a Christmas carol. She was giving opinions on song arrangements by the time she was eight. “When she first gave input about arrangements, it was...odd, to have a child saying how things work best,” Randy said. “But we’ve learned she’s usually right.” Sarah helped her parents with their previous CD, Trail of Dreams, and her input stretched all the way to the video she was featured in for the

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song “Sky.” It was filmed in the Metroplex and called for lights, camera and helicopter. Though the experience sounds glamorous and a bit Hollywood, the reality was far different. “It was a hot Texas day, so we pulled her around in a wagon so she wouldn’t get dirty and sweaty in her beautiful white dress,” Randy laughed.

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The shots near a small stream in the woods required some of that filmmaking magic to create. “We set up cameras and sound, and she had to smile, sing and spin around barefoot in this nasty creek with dead fish in it. It was kind of gross,” Randy emphasized. “I had fun. I got to pretend I was a princess. It was interesting,” she said.

“When the helicopter was buzzing over me I knew it would look pretty and angelic, but at the time it was just over head going ‘RRRRRRRRR!’” The finished piece shows Sarah running through a green meadow, splashing in a sparkling stream, holding butterflies and singing in a verdant green forest. The entire experience fed her dream of becoming an actress and getting involved in filmmaking on a much deeper level. (She and her friends already make short films they post for each other on YouTube.) One of Sarah’s other loves is ice dancing. Her coach, Nicholas Hart, said the sport is demanding, combining the technical difficulties of figure skating, dancing and mirroring a partner ’s every move. “Learning to ice dance can be like close quarters combat,” Nicholas commented. “It’s easy for it to turn into a wrestling match that degenerates into a catastrophe. People weren’t meant to scoot around on knife-shoes.” But Sarah makes scooting around on knife-shoes look like a stroll. “I

love skating, ice dancing. It allows me to express myself. The ice is my happy place,” she said enthusiastically. “I feel like I’m flying, going faster than I could ever walk.” It’s also one of the places she gets to be a kid, and it’s not unusual to see her and a friend lace up their skates, grab their dolls, strap tiny skates on them and spend the afternoon playing at the rink. But, in spite of being a kid in so many ways, she acknowledges her unique situation. “For me it’s natural to say, ‘Oh, I have to go to the recording studio now,’ and other kids are like ‘the what?!’” she offered. “My life is very different from anyone I know. Last year I had 94 performances, but I want to do this. I love performing, singing, playing,” she said excitedly. She can devote so much time to music because Pamela homeschools her three days a week. For Sarah, hours of practicing piano, harp, violin, Irish whistle, even ukulele, rising early to play morning gigs and staying up late for evening performances, is all worth it when she sees an audience react. A recent hospital performance for low birth weight kids left her beaming. “It was amazing playing for these children. They were getting up and dancing across the stage, and it was so sweet,” she said. “It was a lot of positive energy, and watching them made me smile.” In the sound studio, mom and dad sit at the mixer while Sarah is on the other side of soundproof glass, behind the mic, warbling a few warmup verses. Though she seems like a “Super Kid,” she has ups and downs like everyone else, and her dad wants parents to know, in one way or another, all kids are Super Kids. “Trust that your children have something extraordinary in them,” he commented. “Keep them safe, discipline them, do all the things a parent should do, but also foster an

environment that lets your child reach their potential.” Then nodding toward Sarah, now at a computer looking at a musical arrangement with her doll nearby, he

stated, “This is what can happen when you give children the freedom to become who they’re meant to be.” v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

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