Allen Image June 2013 by Allen Image

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In this issue

June 2013

Vol. 23, Issue 6

cover story

56 Game for a great book?

Allen resident, Jim Dent, former sports writer, sportscaster and currently a best selling author, has already had one of his books— The Junction Boys: How Ten Days in Hell with Bear Bryant Forged a Championship Team—made into a movie and plans are underway to make a movie from another of his books—Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature 24 A one-wheeled champion

Unicycling is something that started as a summertime hobby for Julia Belk. Less than five years later, she’s a world champion in the sport. by Nicole Bywater

special sections

17 pet page Snoopy

22 kids korner

Your ultimate summer guide by Deborah Dove

38 business seen

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Fresh Coat Painters Savour Tasting Room & Social Club Secure On-Site Shredding by Nicole Bywater

46 calendar

contents departments civic forum 10

Allen USA by Jeff Mues

Fight the Bite by Kathleen Vaught

22nd Annual Collin Classic Bike Rally

publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Sue Hardesty Kris Jones

Christ the Servant Concert Series

16 Superheroes

Allen Image

Strikes Against Cancer

contributing writers Nicole Bywater Vicki Deerman

library

Deborah Dove

by Tom Keener

Melanie Hess

The Buddy League

Tom Keener

Roy Rogers’ daughter rides back to Allen

Jeff Mues

Majestik One

In honor of Juneteenth

education 28

CTE facility at AHS

Peggy Helmick-Richardson Keith A. Taylor Kathleen Vaught

cover photo Larry Fleming

by Keith A. Taylor

Students see potential for global impact by Melanie Hess

Foundation for Lovejoy Schools grants $275,000 by Vicki Deerman

cooking 40

Hooked on seafood by Deborah Dove

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living green 44

Making every drop count by Deborah Dove

Allen Image © 2013 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage. com.

civic forum

Allen USA A star-studded entertainment lineup will again lead up to one of the largest fireworks displays in North Texas on Saturday, June 30, at the Market Street Allen USA Celebration presented by Texas Health Allen. Radio Disney LIVE! will be back this year with Dylan Riley Snyder, star of the Disney XD hit comedy series Kickin It. The incredibly popular, and always spectacular, super group Emerald City Band, will be a major highlight of the evening. Just before the fireworks light up the night sky, headliner Dennis DeYoung will rock all of Celebration Park, performing the music of the band STYX. Radio Disney LIVE! act Dylan Riley Snyder is an extremely talented young performer. Just 16 years old, he has already built quite the reputation for his acting, singing and dancing abilities, starring as Young Tarzan in the 2006 Broadway musical, Tarzan, as Timmy in the 2009 feature film Life During Wartime and as Milton on Disney XDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; It. Certainly, audiences are in for a real treat when Dylan takes the stage at the Market Street Allen USA Celebration. Emerald City Band burst onto the North Texas music scene in 1983 and

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never looked back. The 13-piece, 3-horn section super group offers an electrifying combination of high energy dance songs from the past with the hits of today. They have performed for a former President and shared the stage with the likes of Martina McBride, Michael McDonald, Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake and Mariah Carey. Needless to say, they will be up for the challenge of performing for the masses in Allen when they take the main stage of the Market Street Allen USA Celebration. Dennis DeYoung is a founding member of STYX and the lead singer and writer on seven of the band’s eight Top Ten Hits. His live concert, featuring a six-piece band showcases many of STYX’s Greatest Hits during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s—including “Lady”, “Babe”, “Too Much Time on My Hands”, “Come Sail Away”, “Best of Times” and “Mr. Roboto.” Dallas Morning News Music Critic Mario Tarradell described Dennis DeYoung’s performance as “big, bold and confident… brimming with strong melodies, wailing electric guitars, thick drums and lyrics… DeYoung’s voice remains intact as a piercing instrument destined for the centerstage microphone.” Of course, the Market Street Allen USA Celebration is about so much more than all the great music. For starters, as well as for dessert, food is a huge part of the event! A number of concessionaires will be on site selling all of your favorite festival foods, drinks and snacks. The Kids Zone hosts a multitude of inflatables, interactive games and crafts for children to enjoy and the Community Stage provides fun and exciting entertainment by some of Allen’s young talents including the Heidi Zettl Band, The Indecision and the Kassy Levels Band. Blues artist Joey Love also will perform, giving audiences a taste of what they can expect at The Allen City Blues Festival on July 27. Of course, for many the main

attraction is the fireworks. Pyrotecnico, an award-winning international producer of special events and fireworks exhibits, will produce what has come to be regarded as one of America’s premier fireworks displays, all “choreographed” to music handselected to enhance the experience. Thanks to dozens of volunteers and sponsors within the Allen community, and especially the contributions of title sponsor Market Street and presenting sponsor Texas

Health Allen, the Market Street Allen USA Celebration continues to be Allen’s most significant community event, and best of all, it remains as it has always been, completely free! To learn more about the Market Street Allen USA celebration presented by Texas Health Allen, visit www. v AllenUsa.org. Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

Allen Image x June 2013

Fight the bite by Kathleen Vaught

Now that summer is in full swing, the City of Allen wants to help its residents “Fight the Bite!” The City’s Environmental Health Division continues its ongoing mosquito control activities to help reduce the risks associated with the West Nile virus. In working with Collin County Health Care Services and surrounding munici palities throughout mosquito season,

enhanced response efforts such as mosquito trapping and testing and larvicide treatment in areas of stagnant water are well under way. Mosquito trapping identifies species in order to isolate possible mosquito populations testing positive for the West Nile virus. Focused monitoring and treatment will occur in areas that surround positive traps.

In addition, proactive efforts will continue to include larvicide treatment of stagnant swimming pools and selected natural areas including creeks and detention ponds along with code enforcement response related to reports of standing water. The city encourages its residents to report areas of stagnant water by calling 214.509.4160. Even with enhanced response efforts, residents are reminded that the most effective way to avoid mosquitoborne illnesses is to follow the 5 D’s to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and breeding. • Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood—old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters are mosquito-breeding sites. Change out pet water daily and keep swimming pools treated. • DEET—Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide). Be sure to read label instructions. Spray clothing with repellent as well as exposed skin. • Dress in light-colored long sleeves and long pants when you are outside. • Dusk and dawn are when infected mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors or minimize outdoor activities. • Doors and windows should remain closed and screens kept in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. For more information regarding Allen’s mosquito control efforts as well as links to the Collin County website to learn more about West Nile virus and precautions, visit www.CityOfAllen. org/Mosquito-Control. v Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

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100% ammonia and paraben free permanent hair color—making it safe for clients who may be pregnant or undergoing cancer treatment. Laura also teaches color classes for Keune Hair cosmetics and relies on her expertise as an educator to train the stylists she hires. She also goes to classes herself to stay current on trends and practices. “This has been something I have dreamed of doing my whole life,” says Laura on finally opening her own salon after 30 years in the business. “I wanted to give my clients a place to go where they would feel good, with good design and fair prices.”

alking into the Laura Mac Salon is like walking into a warm and inviting home. Hand-scraped wood floors and wood-stained, custom-built hair stations that look like fine furniture are offset by taupe walls, thick, glossy white crown-molding and an ornate, arched glass and black wrought iron door. Tall ceilings lend an airy feel to the space, while complimentary beverages and shampoo massages pamper clients. Warm lighting that mimics natural light illuminates the homey space, allowing stylists to cut hair more accurately and hair color to be rendered realistically. Even the shampoo bowls are designed to take stress off of the neck. Although the salon has the feel of a cozy retreat where clients can escape from reality for a time, it is owner Laura McCullock’s skill in hair design and color that has customers, many of whom have been clients for years, flocking to the new salon she designed with her clients’ ultimate comfort in mind. In addition to providing clients with full service hair care and facial waxing, Laura Mac Salon offers So Pure Organic Color— Laura Mac Salon has serviced our whole family for years. Laura and Jess make a top notch team. From Laura’s expertise in color and her knowledge of cut trends, to Jess’s excellent service and sense of style, you walk out feeling completely satisfied. Perfect! Absolutely perfect! I’ve Absolutely the best! been searching for three years Sherry Schaffer, Allen and Laura Mac Salon is everything I’ve been looking for. Her services have been Thanks Laura, you’re the best. I have been great and her skills are excellent. I’m so exited to a customer for years. Best haircut I have ever had. You treat customers the way they have finally found her. should be treated. Laura Mac Salon is Jeannie Dorris, Plano awesome! Jim Cox, Allen

The opening of her new salon has, in many ways, seemed like destiny for the talented hair stylist. Although Laura had entertained opening her own salon before, the timing had never been right. There were several moves, including a twoyear stint in her native France, and sons to put through college. When her oldest son graduated last May, she felt the time was finally right to expand her career. The night the contract on the space for her salon was finalized—the same day she passed the exam to become a Keune educator—Laura saw a huge, comet-like shooting star streak across the sky. “I know I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “This is my passion, making people feel good about themselves. Please take advantage of the following specials for new customers and you will know why Laura Mac customers are so loyal.

— Free haircut with any color service, $50 value. — Free customized hair treatment with haircut & style, $25 value. — Free men’s color with haircut, $30 value. — $100 off Brazilian blowout.

Snippets Christ the Servant 22nd Annual Concert Series Collin Classic Bike rally

Cyclists of all levels, from novice to professional, are invited to come out on Saturday, June 8, for the 22nd Annual Collin Classic! Cyclists can choose from four different distances for the ride, ranging from 20 to 65 miles. There’s also a Family Fun Ride of four miles. The event has a great rural route and well-stocked break points. The Collin Classic begins at 8 a.m. at McKinney North High School. Registration and more information are available at www.CollinClassic.org. Not riding? Families and kids are also welcome to come out to the free Collin Classic Family Fun Fest from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., also located at McKinney North High School. Features include kite flying, a giant sand box, chalk art, extreme sports zone and a tricycle triathlon. Food trucks will be on hand as well.

All proceeds from the Collin Classic benefit City House—a Collin County-based non-profit facility that shelters at-risk kids due to abuse, neglect or homelessness. This year, City House is celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping kids. v

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Christ the Servant Concert Series is pleased to present two very exciting concerts. First, on Tuesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m., the organ duo Ablaze! will present an organ concert. Joshua Lindgren and Zach Busch, from Minneapolis, have put together a program entitled “The Holy Trinity: Theme and Variations” that will no doubt put Christ the Servant’s Schudi organ through its paces. A reception will follow the concert. On Sunday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m., Benjamin Kolodziej, Dean of the Dallas Chapter of American Guild of Organists, will accompany the Buster Keaton film, The General. The film is based on the historical event in Georgia in 1862 in which Union soldiers comman deered a Southern locomotive—The General—with the hopes of driving it north, disrupting rail supply lines along the way. Orson Welles has commented that it was, “…the greatest comedy ever made, the greatest Civil War film ever made and perhaps the greatest film ever made.” Popcorn and beverages will be offered. All events are free and open to the public. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is located at 821 S. Greenville Avenue in Allen. For more information visit www. christtheservant.com. v

At the Law Offices of Dana C. Palmer, they believe that divorce doesn’t have to be so hard.

spouse trying to extract as much money as possible from the other, then no one ‘wins.’

“What we try to do is get people through a divorce in the healthiest way possible so that everyone can move on to the next chapter in their lives, in the best way possible,” says Dana, creator of the Soft Divorce® brand. “We don’t define success by the other party’s failure. Instead, our goal is for our client, their children and even their soon-to-be-ex-spouse, to be as healthy as possible after the divorce.”

“I’m the type of person who is always looking for a better way to do something—and when I find that better way, I feel compelled to share it with others,” Dana explains. “That’s why I’m now sharing the Soft Divorce® program worldwide.”

A better way to divorce

Dana C. Palmer

It’s a concept that Dana created after focusing his law firm in McKinney on family law in 2011. “I opened the firm in 2006, practicing a wide variety of cases. I soon realized that family law cases provided me with the biggest opportunity to help people and that’s when I decided to narrow my focus,” Dana says. Quickly, he saw that when divorce is approached as a battle, with each

Soft Divorce® is a concept and framework of best practices in family law and divorce procedures that aim to keep divorces civil, family-oriented, healthy and as painfree and stress-free as possible. “I believe in Soft Divorce® because it’s better than a ‘hard divorce.’” Dana says. “At the end of the day, former spouses will always be parents together, and they need to have the best possible relationship with one another, as well as with their kids. A Soft Divorce® allows for that.”

Happier healthier results Of course, the firm’s approach doesn’t mean that they’ll simply ‘lie down’ and take whatever the other party’s attorney is offering. “There are times that we have to, and we do, ‘play hard-ball,’” Dana says. “We go into court knowing that we’ve taken the high road, but we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the healthy result we’re after.” When prospective clients first hear about the firm’s Soft Divorce brand, Dana says, they’re often relieved to discover that there’s a healthier way to go through the divorce process. “You always see on TV and hear about divorces where people end up hating each other and losing so much,” he says. “We show people a different and better way.” To schedule a free one-hour consultation, please visit our website.

Snippets Strikes Against Cancer All films are free and begin at 7 p.m. at Allen Publc Library on Tuesdays, 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4905 for more information.

On the weekend of May 3-5, Strikes Against Cancer hosted 383 teams for its 3rd Annual Strikes Against Cancer charity baseball tournament where they count strikes to raise money for cancer research. This was their most successful tournament to date! There were 764 games played, 80,000 strikes were thrown and the Inaugural Lisa “Momma” Cox Spirit Award was given to the Texas Elite from Azle, for exhibiting the most cancer spirit. The weekend was kicked off with Opening Ceremonies and the ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by fouryear-old Bryce, a leukemia survivor from McKinney. The Rough Riders 9U baseball team raised money on their own and presented a check to Strikes Against Cancer for $3000.

June 4—Iron Man (2008), starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges. When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil. June 11—Iron Man 2 (2010), starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle. Tony Stark has declared himself Iron Man and declared world peace… or so he thinks. He soon realizes that not only is there a mad man out to kill him with his own technology, but there’s something more—he is dying. June 18—Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell and Tommy Lee Jones. After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending USA ideals. June 25—Avengers (2012), starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson. Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. v

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While the tournament may have come to a close, donations can still be made by clicking the Donate NOW button on the Strikes For Cancer website at www.strikesagainstcancer.org or by sponsoring a player or team through Actifield. You can “Count On” them to raise money for cancer research. Can they “Count On” YOU? v

pet page

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snoopyâ&#x20AC;? Snoopy is a ten-month-old male shepherd mix that is available for adoption. He has a brown and white short coat and will weigh approximately 50 pounds when he is full grown.

Snoopy is looking for his forever home He is a sweet boy with lots of puppy love to give. He loves to cuddle with his humans and is content simply lying in your arms. However, he also loves to run and play and has lots of energy after a good nap. Snoopy gets along great with dogs, cats and people of all sizes and always wants to be where the action is.

He is crate-trained and housebroken. He is also neutered, microchipped and up to date on all his vaccinations. All he is waiting for now is his forever home! If you would like to add a new member to your family, Snoopy is waiting for you. Just fill out an application on our website today at http://www. collincountyhumanesociety.org/ adoption-application.html. Allen Image x June 2013

library

by Tom Keener

The Buddy League, an inspiring film about a baseball team for special needs children, will be shown at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. The Buddy League documents the baseball league founded for children with physical or mental impairments. League founder Heather Miller‘s son, Ben, began having seizures at three months old. Following several surgeries, he continued to experience seizures and endured partial right side paralysis and speech impairment. Ben played in regular baseball leagues with his brothers, but the time came when the leagues could no longer make modifications for Ben to play. Thus, Heather organized The Buddy League. The film follows several players and their families and introduces the audience to a world not known by many—a life full of hospital visits and constant monitoring. Children at play provide the most powerful imagery. Every player hits and makes their own way around the bases with the assistance of peer volunteers, known as buddies. It is on the field where you can appreciate that these players are not unlike other children and where they are welcome to play freely with others and truly experience the innocence of childhood games. Directed by brothers Michael and TJ Maher, the film was originally intended to be a short promotional piece for the league to raise funds. After meeting with league officials, players and families, the Maher brothers decided to transition the promotional piece into a full-length film. The directors collaborated with nationally acclaimed artist Jeff Rogers

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to create original artwork for the film, as well as local musicians to create the soundtrack. Longtime friend and musician Dillon Chevalier provided the music. Chevalier was also instrumental in introducing director Michael Maher to musicians Nicholas Altobelli, Dylan Sneed and Bravo Max!, all of whom contributed their talents. Baseball fanatic and musician Will Johnson and his band Centro-matic helped the film gain much attention when their new single, “Only in My Double Mind”, was used in the film’s first trailer. Bravo Max! will also provide musical entertainment with their eclectic, undefinable mix of rock, blues and accordion for this Allen Public Library showing of The Buddy League. Please call 214.509.4911 for v further information. Tom Keener si the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Roy Rogers’ daughter rides back to Allen by Tom Keener

Cheryl Rogers, daughter of film, television and rodeo icons Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, returns to the Allen Public Library 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, to present a newly released documentary on her famed father. Cheryl will also discuss the legendary Roy Roger ’s life that for most Americans embodied the spirit of the American West—horsemanship, honesty, courage and romance. Viewing this film is a unique opportunity for Allen Public Library patrons because copyright issues require a Roy Rogers family member to be present when shown. Cheryl serves on the Advisory Board of the Western Music Association

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and appeared in the History Channel’s When Cowboys Were King. Cheryl is the author of two books— All-American Cowboy Grill, which she co-wrote with Ken Beck and Jim Clark— features grilling recipes from “reel and real” cowboys and her auto biography Cowboy Princess: Life with My Parents Roy Rogers and Dale Evans tells the story of America’s most famous cowboy and cowgirl. Accompanying Cheryl will be Brown Jug Reynolds to discuss his colorful career as a child actor and his role as Trigger ’s rider. As an adult, he trained Shadowfax for the Lord of the Ring film series. Brown Jug appeared with Roy Rogers and Dale in The Yellow Rose of Texas (1944) and Song of Arizona (1946). He also appeared with Gene Autry in The Last Round-up (1947) and Robert Mitchum in The Red Pony (1949). His most memorable role was as Little Beaver in the Red Ryder film series. Brown Jug will bring his original Red Ryder BB Gun, which is the basis of the plot in A Christmas Story (1983). Buck Helton and The Twin Fiddles will provide Roy Rogers and Dale Evans music. Buck is a singer, songwriter, yodeler extraordinaire and voice-over artist. He also hosts and produces the Internet radio show Cowboy Campmeeting, which is webcast on TwangtownUSA.com, and writes

the “Golden Nuggets” column for The Western Way magazine. Buck has distributed ten albums. He also coordinates the largest online Western music and poetry group on Facebook. The Twin Fiddles, comprised of twin sisters Megan and Leah Bynum, have performed for the Allen Public Library’s bluegrass concert and at Willie Nelson’s Church in Abbott, Texas. Because they are classically trained, their fiddling has a unique, synergistic resonance with a classical touch. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Free tickets will be issued v at 7 p.m. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Majestik One by Tom Keener Dr. James Denito discusses his exciting new novel Majestik One at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free.

challenges inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. However, his career took an unexpected twist after he suffered a neck injury. On a visit to his chiropractor for pain relief from the injury he visited with another patient holding a paralyzed dachshund in the waiting room. He soon discovered that the patient was not the person but the disabled dog that started walking within a week after treatment! Thus, Dr. Denito began taking courses that

led him to a career path that allowed him to treat both dogs and people. He declares, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Healing the planet, healing humanity through healing of the soul and the body are my mission. I hope my novel gives people a sense of confidence that solutions can be discovered.â&#x20AC;? For further information, please v call 214.509.4911. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Majestik One tells the tale of the remnants of the human race, living and collaborating in space hotels that have become their only safe haven. Humans must find another place to live and an experiment that was initiated thousands of years earlier by intelligent beings on Earth offers the only hope for survival. Destiny and purpose of life are themes that confront the reader as they discover the outcome of this imaginative science fiction novel. Healing the body and soul is Dr. James Denitoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission. At an early age, he suffered a traumatic reaction to an immunization that caused near blindness in one eye. Possessing a strong desire to heal people, his visual Allen Image x June 2013

In honor of Juneteenth by Tom Keener On June 19, 1865, over two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, Union Brigadier General Gordon Granger read General Orders No. 3 in Galveston, Texas: — The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, “all slaves are free”. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. — In earier times Juneteenth was

often referred to as “the day when the slavin’ days were over.” As former slaves migrated to Louisiana, Oklahoma and other states, Juneteenth became an important celebration outside Texas. In honor of this significant historical event, Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott will present “When Peace Comes: The

Significance of Juneteenth” at Allen Public Library, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 300 N. Allen Drive. Her program traces the history of Juneteenth events from the late nineteenth century freedmen colony’s and settlements’ celebrations to present events. In Collin County, early Juneteenth celebrations included picnics where a hog was slaughtered and participants played games while it was roasting. A post-doctoral fellow at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Garrett-Scott received her Ph.D. in American History from the University of Texas at Austin. “Juneteenth is important to me because it reminds me of the indomitable spirit to believe in something even though everything around you tells you something to the contrary: to believe in freedom and justice in the midst of unfreedom and injustice,” notes Dr. Garrett-Scott. Shennete, her husband, Vincent, and their children reside in Allen. Malcolm is an Allen High School graduate, Dominique is a senior at AHS and Malik is a sophomore at AHS. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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team, with each member able to overlap and fill in for one another as needed so that we’re always available to meet our client’s needs.” The team applies their integrity and unrivaled attention to everyone they work with, something made evident by its many long-term and multi-generational clients; they are equally eager to help first-time homebuyers. “We know what it’s like to buy that first time home,” Nan says. “It can be daunting, and we’re committed to making it an understandable process.”

Realtors® Nan Riederer and Christine Hogan know that when they help a client buy or sell a home, they’re not just conducting a transaction–they assist that person or family to live out a dream. “I don’t think of it as just selling real estate,” Nan explains. “What we do is match families to homes.” No one does this better than the Riederer & Hogan Group. Nan and Christine, along with their two licensed assistants, Keelie Cristales and Kym Sanders, make up the Riederer & Hogan Group, a consistently top-performing team within Ebby Halliday Realtors. Nan and Christine are both licensed Realtors® and Brokers with decades of experience, including a combined 19 years in Collin County real estate. “The most important thing we do is put our clients first,” Christine says. “We have a great

Whether providing real estate services for home, farm, ranch or commercial properties, the Riederer & Hogan Group ensures its clients reap the full benefit of their multi-faceted expertise and commitment to customer service. “We try to think outside of the box,” Christine says. “Meeting our clients’ needs requires more than pulling properties off the listing services. We use every resource we have, which creates a specialized and individualized partnership with our clients.” “We love the fact that so many of the people we work with become customers for life,” Nan adds. “It’s really the people that make this industry so worthwhile. I wake up every morning happy and grateful that I have job that I’m passionate about.” Being active in the community is a priority with the Riederer & Hogan Group. Christine is involved in Leadership McKinney with the Chamber of Commerce. Both she and Nan are supporters of their churches as well as many other charities, including Collin County’s only homeless shelter, The Samaritan Inn.

6051 Virginia Parkway, #100, McKinney RHGroup@ebby.com

feature

A one-wheeled Lovejoy High student Julia Belk loves the challenge of unicycling by Nicole Bywater Unicycling is something that started as a summertime hobby for Julia Belk. Less than five years later, she’s a world champion in the sport. “Over the summer between seventh and eighth grade, my friend and I were just looking for something to do,” says Julia, now 17 and a senior at Lovejoy High School. “We saw some unicycling videos on YouTube and thought it would be fun to try. So we both bought unicycles and learned to ride together. He basically stopped when that summer ended, but I kept on riding.” Julia says that it took her a few days to get the hang of cycling on one wheel before she learned to ride about 15 feet consistently. But as she learned how to balance, she gained more control and quickly began learning new skills. Some of her first tricks were riding one-footed and riding backwards—and the tricks just continued from there. “I’m still learning new tricks all the time,” she says. “I love that this is such a new sport. It’s exciting to be on the cutting edge

of something like this, where new stuff is being developed all the time.

Different styles While unicycling might be something people expect to see only at a circus or parade, recent advances in the strength and durability of bicycle (and consequently unicycle) parts have allowed it to transition from being an entertainment activity to a competitive sport and hobby. The sport is governed by the International Unicycling Federation, which was created in 1980. The most established form of extreme unicycling is known as freestyle and consists of tricks and moves derived from different ways of riding the unicycle and linking these moves into one long flowing series. Once she got into the unicycling, Julia says she found her niche in the styles known as flatland and street. She rides nearly every day on the patio of her family’s home in Lucas, or more often (especially now that she has her driver’s license) at the concrete skate area of the Edge Visitor Center in Allen. “When I first started riding at the skate park, I got some looks that said, ‘What is that?’ and ‘Why is she here?’ but then I’d start riding and people could see that it’s sort of legitimate,” Julia recalls. “And now they’re pretty used to me being there.” Flatland is a relatively new form of unicycling and Julia likes that this particular style is still developing. It follows the same rules and has similar tricks to freestyle, just without the performance element. Street riders use a combination of objects found in urban settings—ledges, handrails, stairs—to perform a wide variety of tricks. “There are a lot of the same tricks you’d see in BMX riding and skateboarding,” Julia explains. “Basically, anything you can do on a bike, you can do on a unicycle,” she adds. “So there’s mountain unicycling and trials unicycling, where you jump on obstacles. You also have people who do long-distance or touring unicycling, and they get going pretty fast and use really big wheels.”

A world traveler Every two years, the International Unicycling Federation hosts a world championship competition known as Unicon for all the styles of unicycling. Last summer, Julia was named the Female Flatland World Champion at Unicon 16 in Brixen, Italy. The 2014 Unicon is set for Montreal, Canada. Julia is

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champion also happy to be part of the flatland rulebook committee for next year’s competition. “There were some issues with the rules that came up at this past year’s Unicon that I noticed, so I started making some unofficial contributions to the rulebook,” Julia explains. “After that, they invited me to be part of the official committee that’s made up of about 20 people from all over the world. It’s nice to be part of making the sport ‘by riders, for the riders.’” Julia’s unicycle is black and trimmed in hot pink with a nubby 20” wheel on a 19” rim. When she travels overseas, Julia has to take the bike apart and pack the pieces in her suitcase. “Taking it all apart and then assembling it back together takes a while, but I’ve gotten used to it,” Julia says. “And I love getting to meet, in person, all the people that I talk to online and we watch each other’s YouTube videos.” Her most difficult trick and ‘signature’ move is the 720 uni-spin, which is basically two 360-degree revolutions done at one time. “I was the first female to land it back in 2011, which was a pretty big thing to me,” Julia says. “There were a couple of girls that had been doing 540s for a while, but the full 720 was sort of a barrier that had been in place.”

Champion of the sport Even before discovering unicycling, Julia says she was always athletic. “I basically played all the sports when I was younger—softball, basketball, and I played soccer for 10 years. “I had sort of done soccer for so long that I think I just grew away from it; I needed a new challenge.” She admits that her parents, Ellen and Nathan, were surprised when she said she was tired of soccer. “They were a little skeptical at first when I told them I wanted to quit soccer and start riding this one-wheeled bicycle everywhere,” Julia says. “But they’ve warmed up to it and now are supportive.” Julia attended her first competition in 2009. She com peted the following year at the North American Unicycling Championships in Berkley, California, and earned first place in women’s street unicycling. At the next year’s champion ships in Madison, Wisconsin, she took first place in both women’s flatland and women’s street. At the Extreme Unicycling Championships in Cologne, Germany, Julia was named the top Women’s Flatland rider in both 2011 and 2012. She is also president and co-founder of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Unicycle Club, which includes about 150 members ranging from 7 to 70 years old.

Last October, Julia was featured on the Nickelodeon game show Figure It Out, which challenges young celebrity contestants to guess other youths’ unusual interests. She won two prizes for stumping the panel for two rounds before they guessed her talent and it was revealed—“World champion break-dancer on one wheel.” “I don’t know that I’ll be as involved in the sport once I start college, but it’s something I know I’ll keep doing because it’s fun and such great exercise.” v Nicole Bywater is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image x June 2013

kids korner

Your ultimate summer guide The best things to do in the Metroplex this summer! By Deborah Dove Get Wet Pack a picnic or snack and spend a few hours playing for free in the spray fountains at Celebration Park or the Village at Fairview (next to the Purple Cow). Enjoy water park features for a fraction of the cost at a local pool. The indoor leisure pool at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium in Allen offers a lazy river, winding flume slide and interactive play structure for $5 for adults/$4 for kids over 3. The Tom Muehlenbeck Center in Plano has a huge outdoor pool with a play structure for toddlers, water volleyball, fountains and three water slides, plus an indoor pool with a lazy river, winding flume slide, diving board and drop slide for the brave of heart, all for a steal of a deal at $6 for ages 16+ and $3 for kids ages 3-15. Spend a fun-filled water day at Hawaiian Falls in the Colony or Garland, with a wave pool, continuous river, lots of body slides and inner tube water slides, an interactive water play structure with slides, ropes, pulley, ladders and dumping buckets, and a handful of thrill rides. If you buy your tickets online, admission is only $21.99 for guests 48” and taller, and $19.99 for guests under 48”. Go old school at Burger Lake in Fort Worth, a one-acre spring fed lake with sandy beaches, big shade trees, picnic tables and charcoal grills, six diving boards, a 20-foot slide and a 25-foot trapeze. Cost is $12 for everyone 7+ ($5 for children ages 1-6).

Tour a Factory Find out what rolling in the money looks like, literally, on a 45-minute free tour that walks visitors through the process of printing paper money from an enclosed walkway suspended above the production floor at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth. Fun highlights include treasure hunt cards for kids to find things throughout the museum, a microscope where kids can look at bills up close and see hidden details, and the opportunity to purchase a sheet of uncut bills in the gift shop. Visit www.moneyfactory.gov/fortworthtxtours for more information. Assemble ten of your favorite kiddoes ages 5-12 and register for Panera Bread’s Baker in Training Program, an hour and a half “class” that gives kids a behind the scenes tour of the bakery, a baker’s hat to color, a cookie to decorate and their very own baguette to stretch, score, bake and take home. Classes are $15 per child and are scheduled between 2 and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Register online at www. panerabread.com.

Paint a Masterpiece Sign up for a themed summer workshop at Color Me Mine in Frisco, where kids ages 6-13 will learn different ceramic painting techniques and paint their own ceramic piece each day to take home. Sign up for the week ($160) or a day ($40), with kid-friendly themes such as tie-dye, garden inspired, zoo animals and Christmas in July. Visit www.frisco. colormemine.com for more information. You can also just drop in at both Color Me Mine and Walls of Clay in McKinney and choose from a

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variety of plates, cups, bowls, banks, figurines and more to paint. Costs vary depending on the piece selected. Sign up for Family Day at Let’s Art Party in Plano, where for $20 per person (recommended for ages 6+), artists-to-be can learn how to paint a pre-determined picture with step by step instructions (the entire class paints the same picture). Visit the calendar page at www.letsartparty. com for upcoming dates and pictures. Painting with a Twist, with locations in Frisco and McKinney, also offers Family Days ($35/person) for young artists ages 7+ to create a masterpiece, as well as special days for teens/tweens.

Drive a Racecar Let your budding Mario Andretti or Danica Patrick take a turn on the indoor go-kart track at Pole Position Raceway in Frisco, suitable for drivers 48” or taller. Visit www.polepositionraceway.com for race pricing. Speedzone Dallas offers a go-kart racetrack for kids under 54” tall, a twisty, double-elevated go-kart track for the whole family, head to head dragster racing, drift style racing and a track for high-torque turbo cars. There’s also a vertical looping coaster, bowling, miniature golf and an arcade. Visit www.speedzone.com for pricing. Adventure Landing, on Coit Road just south of the George Bush Tollway, is perfect for families, with a twisting quarter-mile go-kart track, miniature golf, laser tag and bumper boats.

Visit a Farm Encourage your kids to play outside the old-fashioned way at summer camp at Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. Weekly sessions last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and give kids the chance to experience what life was like on a farm 100 years ago. During Creek Camp, kids trek down to the creek to explore plant and animal life, fish with a cane pole and play water games. Pioneer camp lets kids experience old-fashioned fun such as cow chip tossing, badminton, watermelon seed spitting contests, outdoor cooking lessons, a walk in the creek and helping care for the farm’s sheep, chickens, goats, donkeys and more. Visit www. heritagefarmstead.org. Kids can be a farmer for the day at Homestead Farms in Keller, where they join in on daily chores, watch a milking demonstration, bottle feed baby goats, gather eggs and more. Register for the two-hour camp ($25/ child) at www.heritage-farms.net. Take a 45-minute tour of Lavon Farms, a working dairy farm in Plano, with milking demonstrations, up-close encounters with the cows and calves and raw milk for sale in the farm store. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for kids. Visit www.lavonfarms.com. Pick your own blueberries during June and July at Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom, Texas. They provide the buckets, and you only pay for what you pick. Stop in at the country store when you’re finished for a glass of blueberry lemonade. Visit www.blueberryhillfarms.com.

education

CTE Facility at AHS by Keith A. Taylor

An Allen High School animation student works on a drawing. There is a place in Allen where you can shop and have a bite to eat— it’s not a mall. You can watch a televised news production—it’s not a TV station. Animators use powerful computers to create cutting-edge graphics—it’s not a motion picture studio. It’s not a college, university or a business incubator, either. It’s Allen High School. All of that—and much more—happens every day in the school’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) Center. “We want our students to have every opportunity for success after leaving high school,” said AHS Executive Principal Steve Payne. “The CTE can give students a jumpstart on a career that will last a lifetime.” The center, located on the west end of the high school campus, covers 79,000 square feet adjacent to the new Performing Arts Center. The most noticeable facilities are located on the first floor and include Blú, a restaurant staffed by culinary and hospitality students; the Eagle Edge store,

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operated by business students; and a television studio where audio-visual students produce a daily news program. However, other state-of-theart teaching classrooms and clinics are located throughout the CTE wing. The CTE is composed of eight departments focused on providing their students the training and

education that can land them a job upon graduation or give them an edge in pursuing higher education. Every department offers basic classes intended to make sure the student has chosen his or her correct career path. Additionally, the CTE offers “practicum” classes that provide task-specific training or internships. The CTE also offers professionspecific certifications in areas ranging from hospital rotation to computer coding. Many CTE courses also offer dual credit with Collin College. For example, several network engineering classes count as credit for both high school graduation and advanced study at the college. Since the center provides several career and professional pathways for students, it’s easiest to review the facility by department.

Agriculture Science The agriculture education depart ment offers most courses expected from a traditional program—agribusiness, livestock production and agricultural mechanics. Besides the basics of

AHS culinary students prepare chicken in the school’s commercial kitchen.

agriculture, agriculture economics and farming, hands-on skills such as design and fabrication, woodworking mechanics and metal w orking are taught. FFA students also raise livestock in a district barn east of Allen. Classroom clinics provide students with the opportunity to learn about small animal management, veterinary medical applications and veterinary technology. Natural resources and wildlife, fish and ecology classes also are offered.

hard, but when the students are done, they know for sure if they have chosen the right path.”

Communications and Media/ Yearbook and Newspaper Communications students operate the high school’s television studio, produce a daily news show and operate the animated scoreboard in Eagle Stadium. Besides audio-visual production classes, com m unications students have the opportunity to learn the latest in animation technology,

commercial photography, interior design and graphic design. Students learn journal ism, page design and photography through the production of an award-winning newspaper, The Eagle Angle and year book, “The Eagle.” Both publications are student-driven with teachers providing guidance and oversight. “We’re proud that we provide services to students, parents and administrators that are student-led and student-produced,” said Dusty

Human Services Science This department includes a wide variety of professional training. Culinary students use the SkillsUSA curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association and operate the Blú Bistro with hospitality students. The department also offers a unique interior design course for potential decorators. Besides restau rant management, hospitality classes also introduce students to hotel management campus classes and offsite internships. “We encourage our students to follow their pathways of interest and to be involved outside the classroom,” said Marsha Canup, an education and training teacher. “They leave here with knowledge and skills they could not have experienced only in the classroom.”

Business Science This department is responsible for running the Eagle Edge store. Along with drinks and snacks, the store stocks sportswear and t-shirts designed by students. As part of a problems and solutions class, students have responsi bility for making sure the store runs efficiently, courteously and profitably. Other classes include business information management, business law, advertising, entrepreneurship, accounting, banking and finance. Students in the department can graduate straight into jobs with certifications in Microsoft Office. “We try to expose our students to as many options as possible,” said Kathy Warman, a business and accounting teacher. “Our classes can be Allen Image x June 2013

District Offers Advice to Student, Parents

Health Sciences students practice emergency medical technician (EMT) skills in class. Parrish, an audio-visual instructor. “We also want all of our students involved in what we do.”

percent of our students reach the practicum level and move on to careers or college courses in medicine.”

Computer Science

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

In Computer Science, students are immersed in learning the ins and outs of software development and database management. As they progress, they become eligible for certifications in computer languages such as C++ and C#. They also have opportunities to earn college credits and participate in internships with area companies. “Our graduates really have an advantage whether they enter the work force or attend college,” said computer science instructor Bryan Baker. “It’s amazing to see how advanced these kids are in developing sophisticated software.”

Health Sciences Health Science students receive real-world training to help prepare them for careers in medicine. Training can result in a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license, the opportunity to test for a state Pharmacy Technician certification and train for basic EMT certification. Advanced students train in the school’s 10-bed health science classroom and assist in the care of patients in an area nursing home. Students also have the opportunity to “shadow” health professionals in fields they are interested in pursuing. “Health care services are not for everybody,” said Nancy Vol, a nursing instructor at the high school, “however, our attrition rate is very low. About 90

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The high school’s STEM program offers engineering, computer-assisted drafting, electronics, architecture, robotics and computer networking. Additionally, several classes offer dual credits with Collin College. Instructor Freda Williams serves on the faculty of Collin College and teaches engineering, electronics and networking classes for the high school. “In our networking classes, we use curricula developed by Cisco and students can receive network certifi cation or PC technology certification,” Williams said. “Those are true job skills valued in the business world.”

Students learn computer-assisted drafting.

Although CTE is meant to serve as many students as possible, some popular courses are competitive and require applications and administration reviews for entrance. To help parents and students with decisions that can have a long-range effect on the pupil’s adult life, the district offers information and assistance beginning in middle school. Eighth-grade students and their parents are introduced to the CTE paths in a district-wide meeting held in the spring of each year. Introductory courses at Lowery Freshman Center help students decide if a CTE pathway is appropriate. No matter which path is chosen, district administrators agree their ultimate goal is to graduate students equipped with the tools for success. “Not every student is going to choose to go to college,” Payne said. “Our state-of-the-art CTE Center offers students options for careers whether or not they decide to choose higher education. These kids study and work hard. Based on the feedback we’ve received from our business partners, area employers and college educators, v we are on the right track.” Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

partial plate or complete dentures were the only options for massive or total tooth loss. But these can cause complications such as slippage, sores in the mouth from ill fit, increased salivation and difficulty chewing. Today, with All-on-4 Dental Implants, the dentist inserts four titanium implants into a patient’s jawbone, where the original tooth root would have been. Dentures can be immediately placed on these implants, giving the function and look of new teeth the same day with cost effective long-term maintenance. Are you facing total or massive tooth loss and wondering what the best solution is? Are you or your spouse missing out on a good night’s sleep because of snoring? Do you have flaws in your teeth you wish could be corrected? The staff at Allen Family Dental can help with all of these problems, and more. Dr. Lina Lizardi, DDS, focuses on general and cosmetic dentistry and has trained with the renowned Pankey Institute. Dr. Marisol Chaves-Trautmann is a Prosthodontist and Implant Restorative Dentist. Both doctors have more than 15 years of experience helping patients feel better about their teeth.

All-on-4 Dental Implants One of the most transformative procedures provided at Allen Family Dental is All-on-4 Dental Implants. In the past,

“This is a great solution, especially for people who find themselves deciding whether they should try to save their teeth or replace them,” Dr. Chaves-Trautmann explains. “The results are really quite amazing. I’ve seen patients who have been suffering—and the day after having the implants added, they’re like a completely different person because they can talk and chew like they have always wanted.”

Making lives better Lives (and marriages!) can be improved thanks to custom night guards that can reduce or eliminate snoring and sleep apnea. “If someone’s not sleeping well, that can cause a lot of other health issues and personal problems,” Dr. Lizardi says. “There’s no reason someone should have to sleep on the couch just because they or their partner snores.” Another popular procedure at Allen Family Dental, which can have a profound effect on a patient’s life, is dental veneers. These strong, durable coverings are placed on the front of the teeth, providing a smooth, natural-looking surface. Veneers can be used to lighten front teeth that have a natural discoloration that can’t be whitened by bleaching. They’re also used to reshape teeth that are chipped or worn, or to correct uneven spacing. “Being able to change a person’s smile and then see the amazing effect that has on their confidence and self-esteem is very rewarding,” Dr. Lizardi explains. “Even when I’m doing a simple procedure, but one that eliminates a patient’s pain, I’m reminded of why I got into this field—to help people.”

1420 W. Exchange Parkway, Suite 170, Allen

469.342.6644 www.facebook.com/AllenFamilyDental

Students see potential for global impact by Melanie Hess Searching for a new career, Ed Robinson had two major criteria, an in-demand industry and fairly analytical work. Finally finding a job that piqued his interests—geospatial technology— Robinson was faced with one major obstacle. His former career as an elementary school teacher required entirely different skills and certifications, leaving Robinson unqualified for the position he desired. Aware he had a lot to learn before entering the field, Robinson started researching geospatial information science (GIS) education and stumbled upon the new geospatial program at Collin College, a concentration that saw its first graduates this May. After learning the U.S. Department of Labor has named GIS as one of the fastest growing specialties and discovering its analytical nature, Robinson jumped right in.

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Although the profession had been identified as in demand, colleges were not educating enough students in the industry to go into the jobs they expect to have, creating an ideal market for job seekers. George Jackson, professor of GIS at Collin College, believes the reason fewer individuals have pursued GIS in the past is due in part to the lack of general understanding of what GIS is. “It’s basically a way of presenting data where location is important,” Jackson said. He gives the following con versation as a basic example: “A hurricane wiped out a major U.S. city!” “ Which city?” “Well, that’d be New Orleans.” “How much of it was destroyed?” “A bunch of it.” “Can you show me on a map?” “And that’s what we do in GIS.

We take that data, and we show them on a map,” Jackson said. Still at the start of his GIS education, Robinson articulates its purpose well. “It’s a marriage of attractive maps and data, so we can make better decisions,” Robinson said. “We use maps and data to make decisions for healthcare, for building communities, for developing infrastructure, for strategic planning. You name it, we can be involved with it.” Students a few semesters further along in the program than Robinson comment that they enjoy the applicability of their classroom work to what they will soon be doing in a workplace setting. An individual just entering the GIS field will likely begin as a GIS intern or technician and then become an analyst. “This individual will have the

ability to solve problems for government or business or whoever their employer is,” Jackson said. “What areas of New Orleans were damaged by the hurricane, and can you rank those areas based on which areas need the most help? “That’s analysis. I can go look at some information, I can analyze the data and I can present the data.” Several advanced Collin College students had the unique opportunity to experience exactly what this position looks like with the Collin County Government GIS Department last semester. Two Collin College GIS advisory board members, Tim Nolan and Bret Fenster, allowed select Collin College students to shadow them for a day. “The day I went to the Collin County GIS was a wonderful day,” Akram Amen said. Amen said there were two parts to his day at Collin County GIS. The first involved a meeting that provided him with a solid understanding of how the analysts schedule their work and how they divide the projects between the cities and the county. Second, Amen and his classmate worked on a task with Bret Fenster, Collin County GIS analyst and GIS program advisory board member. “I put them to work on our Historical Asset Inventory, a project driven by the Collin County Historical Commission. Our GIS department contributes by mapping historical sites for display on our interactive map,” Fenster said. “We do a lot of paper maps for various departments and we’re currently designing paper maps for the next election, but we like to share our interactive map portals with everyone in the county and beyond. We are updating our data constantly.” “The specific job we did that day was Elm Grove Cemetery,” Amen said. “We found out there were two different locations. One was correct, and one was not. We worked together to correct the data that caused the error.” It was the first time he was able to Allen Image x June 2013

do some real work in GIS and it gave him an oppor tunity to apply skills he learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios. Much like working in the industry day in and day out, Jackson said GIS research can also serve as applicable to the everyday life of a city. “My personal research is about the Dallas urban heat island,” Jackson said. “Sitting inside the city center of most cities, where all the tall buildings are, is a heat pocket that never dissipates. The downtown area of most cities is Akram Amen significantly hotter than doesn’t have a heat island, Jackson the surrounding area, that’s called a explained. The concrete and asphalt heat island.” absorb heat and tall buildings create a In comparison to other major canyon where the air gets stuck. While cities, many people believe Dallas

a heat island does exist in Dallas, it is much less severe than in other metropolitan areas. “We don’t have that much here because the city has been aware of the heat island for a long time and looked at the way they space out the buildings so we don’t create that urban canyon,” Jackson said. It’s these types of geospatial issues Jackson hopes to address with his students, so that when they enter the workforce they are prepared to account for how to set up structures and spacing to create more ideal environments. Robinson chose the GIS certificate option and plans to immediately enter the workforce. Many other students pursue their associates in GIS as a terminal degree or as a foundation for their bachelor’s degree. Either way, the jobs are there, the training is here and it serves a meaningful purpose many people aren’t even aware of. “Whether its malaria clinics in Africa, tracking wildlife across Asia or planning daycare centers in Plano, it all comes down to maps and data,” v Robinson said. Melanie Hess is a public relations associate for Collin College.

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Top Four Questions About Divorce

s a family lawyer, I have met with hundreds of clients seeking a divorce. Here are general answers to their top questions; this list neither constitutes nor is intended to be legal advice.

1. How much is this going to cost? Answer: The choice is yours—I have seen clients with similar cases spend anywhere from $2,500 to well over $40,000 just for attorney fees and court costs. While you cannot control your spouse’s choices, you can ensure that you entrust your case to an attorney who will work for a reasonable fee and in a reasonable timeframe. Always ask for full information about their retainer policy, fee structure and billing practices before hiring any attorney. And if you walk into a firm with a beautiful skyline view, gorgeous furniture and armies of attentive staffers, you better enjoy them… because you are the one paying for all of that.

2. How long is this going to take? Answer: Divorce can take as little as 60 days or more than a full year. You are in the driver’s seat, but the other side may drag it out. There also might be strategic reasons that you intentionally delay the process (i.e. you might be in the middle of liquidating a major

asset or there could be a simultaneous criminal proceeding whose ruling will affect your case).

3. This should be simple. Do I really need a lawyer? Answer: There are no simple cases (unless you are willing to lose everything). Many attorneys advertise “flat fee” divorces, but you get what you pay for. Even if you were a fellow family lawyer, I would advise hiring an attorney. Would you operate on your own arm if it were broken? The forms at the courthouse are adequate for you to represent yourself, but it can be much more expensive to pay an attorney to mop up the spills of a bad pro se case than to simply hire a competent family lawyer in the first place.

4. Do I have to go to court? Answer: To avoid court, both parties need to take reasonable positions and settle through mediation or collaborative law—which will save them both a lot of stress, time and money. But if either party is looking at the process as a way to “get back” at the other spouse, or if either party is crazy (especially over money), you are destined to be sitting in the hot seat of the witness box.

To receive a free 10-minute phone consultation with an attorney, mention this ad when you call the number below.

Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Grants $275,000 By Vicki Deerman

April 29 was a fun day for the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools’ Board of Directors. It started at 8 a.m. at Lovejoy Elementary School, where several current directors were joined by advisory council directors and a few other donors to parade through the halls and announce the winners of the 2013-2014 grants. It is always great to see the surprised and excited looks on the teachers’ and students’ faces. The students do not always understand exactly what’s going on and teachers will explain “remember a few days ago when we got to open up owl pellets? This is so we can do that again next year.” The students cheer! The small children think the fake checks being presented are real. “Is that ten thousand or ten million?” one student asked.

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After surprising the Lovejoy Elementary teachers with checks for Science Enrichment and MacBooks for

fourth grade, the Grant Patrol was off to Hart Elementary. The Hart fourth grade teachers were all called out into the hallway for the MacBook award. The children couldn’t remain in their seats and crowded around the doorway to see what all of the excitement was about. The grant will provide fourth grade students throughout the district access to tools that foster collaboration, creation and communication in an equitable way. The third stop was Lovejoy High School where three grants were awarded— iPads for Math, iPads for ninth grade science and a Metallic Rain Curtain for the performing arts. The teachers were excited to receive

these grants so that they can offer new learning opportunities for their students. It is also in recognition of their efforts by their peers. The Grant Patrol then visited Puster Elementary. The grants to this school were a little different from the other two elementary schools. Puster Elementary already had the MacBooks that Hart and Lovejoy Elementary schools were granted this year. However, Lisa Hempkins, the Spanish teacher at Puster Elementary, requested a grant for a class set of MacBooks to “provide a language lab with endless possibilities and opportunities.” The Spanish departments at Hart and Lovejoy Elementary schools already have that technology. These grants make the available technology equitable across the district. Another grant at Puster Elementary was awarded to first year teacher Ryan Rohlmeier for two MacBook learning labs for Sloan Creek Intermediate School. Mr. Rohlmeir teaches fifth grade and next year all Lovejoy fifth and sixth graders will be at Sloan Creek Intermediate School. This $52,000 grant will impact all fifth grade students. At Sloan Creek Middle School grants were awarded for the new Willow Springs Middle School. Grants were given to seventh grade social studies, seventh and eighth grade ELA, seventh and eighth grade math, and seventh and eighth fine arts. Leigh Bellows, one of the grant writers for the seventh and eighth grade ELA program stated, “Your timing is perfect! We begin our lesson planning for next year soon. Now that we know we have these laptops coming, we’ll be able to offer students so much more. Thank you so much!!” The last stop was the Lovejoy School district’s administration building where the grant for Learning @ Lovejoy was presented to Stacy Dillon. The foundation has supported professional development for the Lovejoy teacher through Learning @

Lovejoy since it began. Learning @ Lovejoy is not only attended by Lovejoy teachers but also by teachers from school districts around the area. (See website for more information). The foundation board of directors knows how fortunate they are to be able to see the fruits of the labor and generosity of so many in our community. Many have given of their time and support throughout the year to raise the funds available to grant. It is truly a community coming together

to provide a better future for Lovejoy students and students from other districts whose teachers come to Lovejoy for professional development. The details of all of these grants and grants from all previous years, which total $1,118,000, may be found on the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools’ website at www. foundationforlovejoyschools.org. Vicki Deerman is the executive director of the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.

Allen Image x June 2013

business seen by Nicole Bywater

Fresh Coat Painters

Darrell Hale, owner of the local Fresh Coat Painters, knows how important it is to provide quality customer service. “I grew up in a small town in Arkansas where you had to have good customer service skills to be a success,” he says. “That mentality, combined with my experience at West Point and in the military, have really shaped who I am as a businessperson today.” Darrell, and his wife Marie, opened their Fresh Coat Painters franchise last July, providing residential and light commercial services in Allen, East Plano and McKinney. “Our customers can be certain that we’re going to be around for the long haul to honor their warranty and provide services for the future,” Darrell says. “We also provide a 3-3-3 guarantee. What that means is that we guarantee to setup an appointment in three minutes (through our 24/7 appointment line), meet within three days and have work started within three weeks. Their crew has over 15 years of experience and can handle everything from siding and drywall repairs to wallpaper removal and surface retexturing. They can also provide specialty painting techniques as well as deck and stained concrete finishes. “I love that every job is different because every customer has their own personal tastes,” Darrell says. “It’s our job to work with them to figure out what those tastes are and how to best bring their vision to life.” For a free quote or more information, call 469.342.3687, visit freshcoatallen.com or email dhale@ freshcoatpainters.com.

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Savour Tasting Room & Social Club

Secure On-Site Shredding

Ernie Ianace, executive chef and founder of the Savour Tasting Room and Social Club, has traveled the world, and brings the best dishes from that experience to Allen. “I especially loved the Tapas bars in Spain and I wanted to bring that concept here, but with a broader appeal to the menu,” Ernie explains. “So I took my favorite dishes from around the world and rounded that out with some American classics.” The dishes featured as “Share Plates” include seafood favorites, Artisan flatbreads, Tuscan pastas and vegetables, American classics, Spanish street tacos and much more to tantalize the taste buds. In addition to these share plates, which are brought out to the table continuously throughout the meal, Savour offers a great selection of burgers and sliders, hearty salads and a variety of savory entrees. Centrally located across the Green in Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm in Allen, Savour is open for dinner all week and brunch and lunch on the weekends. It offers the perfect opportunity for brunch with the family, a late night date for drinks and desserts or a relaxing dinner. Live entertainment is offered following the performances presented by Watters Creek on Friday and Saturday evenings. Great family specials include half-price burgers and salads on Tuesdays and a $6 kids menu available daily. Savour Tasting Room and Social Club is located at 968 Village Green Drive in Allen. For more information, visit savourtastingclub.com or call 214.383.7979.

People can protect themselves—and businesses can protect both their employees and their clients—from the destructive crime of identify theft, with Secure On-Site Shredding. The company provides shredding services to large corporations as well as small businesses, on a customized schedule or as-needed basis. “Dumpster diving is a legal practice and you’d be surprised what people can find in your trash,” says owner Kathryn Shrum, a 20-year Allen resident. “You can watch the whole shredding process being done through the cameras inside our trucks and be sure that your information is being disposed of securely.” The business operates three trucks in the DFW Metroplex and all shredded materials are then recycled. Individuals or businesses looking to shred in smaller quantities can attend their Saturday Shred, 9 a.m. to noon, in the Stacy Furniture parking lot at 111 Central Expressway North. Cost is $10 per box. Kathryn began her business in 2003, because she saw a need for a convenient, secure shredding services. Although she has a great crew, Kathryn is very proud of her woman-owned business and can get hands-on when necessary. “I do have my CDL, so I’ll drive the trucks when I need to,” she says. “And there have been times when it’s the end of the day and a customer calls asking for a pickup, and I’ve driven the truck out to make that customer happy.” For a quote or information, call 214.509.0134 or visit www. secureonsiteshredding.com.

IN THE PAST to get a sleep study diagnosis, you had to visit your primary care physician, who would refer you to an ENT, who might suggest surgery or a sleep specialist, who would then, refer you for an “in lab” study. After all that, you would be turned to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device to use at night. The CPAP basically blows air down your throat to splint your airway open, in hopes of reducing snoring. Many find this mask difficult or impossible to tolerate, but now a com pletely new approach has entered the sleep study arena. Simple Sleep Services, located at 6101 Chapel Hill, near Willow Bend Mall, has taken this process and made it more convenient and comfortable than other sleep studies, by streamlining and making it easier on the patient. At Simple Sleep Services, the testing is done in the comfort of your own home by wearing a soft headband with a small

recording device. You take it home and sleep in your own bed. Then simply bring it back to the office and the medical director, a board-certified sleep physician, interprets the test results and contacts you with a diagnosis. The therapy and devices have been around for a while, but Simple Sleep Services is the first to streamline the process, making it an all around easier experience for the patient. In 2006, the American Association of Sleep Medicine recommended the oral device Simple Sleep Services provides as a first line therapy for snoring, mild and moderate sleep apnea and second line therapy for severe sleep apnea when patients fail or refuse a CPAP mask. Frisco residents Michael and Lesa Swimelar, decided years ago the best way to get rest was to sleep in separate rooms. Michael’s loud snoring had become such a disturbance he eventually retreated to the guest room without even being asked.

The couple knew about sleep studies and the CPAP mask, but knew this was not an option. “There was no way in the world I was going to wear a mask”, Michael said. Then they learned how Simple Sleep Services is changing the way sleep issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea, are being diagnosed and treated. “When I realized there were alternatives, I checked it out. I wanted to get my life and wife back.” The charming staff, spa like atmosphere, and innovative treatment made it an easy decision. “I was most impressed by how they included me in the process. They didn’t just want Michael’s feedback on his progress. They treated the problem as a family one”, said Lesa. Michael’s diagnosis was not apnea, but rather a bad case of snoring corrected with the oral appliance from Simple Sleep Services. For Bobby Barajas, however, it wasn’t just loud snoring, but he also suffered from sleep apnea. He woke several times in the night, and was lethargic during the day. “It has been an unbelievable experience from the first night I started using the sleep device. I had more energy during the day and a better attitude.” If you are wondering if this is an affordable solution, the answer is absolutely. Simple Sleep Services works with all private insurance companies including Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and others. They are a Medicare approved facility and accept Medicare for their services. Simple Sleep Services also offers affordable and convenient payment options including interest free financing. All major medical insurance accepted including United, Blue Cross, Aetna and Cigna Whether you’re looking to restore harmony in the bedroom or worried about sleep apnea, Simple Sleep Services is the streamlined solution for diagnosis and treatment. To read more success stories or set up your consultation, visit www. simplesleepservices.com or call 469685-1700. A good night’s sleep shouldn’t be work. It’s Simple.

cooking

Hooked on seafood

by Debbie Dove

We hear it time and again—fish is lower in saturated fat, total fat and calories than comparable cuts of red meat or poultry, and it’s the best dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids which are thought to help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and strokes. Yet Americans eat only 15 pounds of fish per person per year, although we eat twice that in restaurants, which suggests that perhaps we simply don’t know how to cook fish properly or lack a repertoire of good, “go to” seafood recipes. I don’t cook fish that often myself, although I will enthusiastically order it at every meal when I’m at the beach. Grilled snapper, crab cakes and fried shrimp seem to taste better when you’re eating them at a table over the same waters where they were (hopefully) recently caught. However, I recently learned that although you can buy perfectly tasty fish at the grocery store year round that has been frozen, summer is the best (and

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cheapest) time to buy fresh seafood. Mid-summer is the best time to find Wild Pacific King salmon, the premier, largest and most full-flavored species of salmon, and milder tasting sockeye and Coho salmon are also plentiful during the summer. Summer is also peak season for crab, mussels, oysters, Oregon Pink shrimp, halibut, Pacific albacore tuna and rainbow trout. In order to take advantage of the freshness and savings inherent to buying seafood in season (and to add some healthy meals to my repertoire), I have culled some of the season’s best and tastiest seafood recipes. When buying fresh seafood, follow these guidelines. Look for fillets or steaks that are firm and bright looking, with no dark spots or discoloration. If it smells fishy at all, it is past its prime and shouldn’t be purchased, and if you aren’t going to cook it within a day or two, it should be frozen.

Opt for wild caught fish instead of farmed when possible as farmed fish are likely to contain more fat, calories, toxins, anti biotics and artificial dyes than their wild-caught counterparts.

Coconut Shrimp with Marmalade Dipping Sauce 1 lb. (about 24) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 c. + 1 Tbs. of shredded sweetened coconut 1/2 c. + 1 Tbs. panko bread crumbs 2 Tbs. flour 1 egg Salt Non-stick cooking spray Marmalade Dipping Sauce 1/2 c. orange marmalade 2 tsp. mustard 1 tsp. prepared horseradish Mix marmalade, mustard and horseradish in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Preheat oven to 425º. Spray a non-stick cookie sheet with cooking spray. Combine coconut and panko bread crumbs in a bowl and

add a pinch of salt. Place the flour on a small plate. Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Lightly salt shrimp and dip first in flour, next the egg and then roll in the coconut/bread crumb mixture to coat. Lay the shrimp on the cookie sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn shrimp over and bake an additional 6-7 minutes or until done. Serve with marmalade dipping sauce.

Cornmeal Catfish with Corn Salsa (adapted from Cook This, Not That) 1 c. cornmeal 1/8 tsp. red pepper 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 4-6 catfish fillets (6 oz. each) Corn Salsa 1 (15 oz.) can sweet corn, drained 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained 1 red pepper, finely diced Approximately 14 cilantro sprigs, finely chopped

1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced Juice of one lime (about 2 Tbs.) Combine corn, black beans, pepper and cilantro in a large bowl and mix well. Gently mix in the avocado and lime juice. Set aside. Pour cornmeal onto a plate and season with red and black pepper and salt. Dredge the catfish fillets in the cornmeal until coated. Heat 3 teaspoons of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and lightly smoking, add the catfish and cook 4-5 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden. Top with corn salsa and serve.

Blackened Fish Tacos 1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro 2 Tbs. lime juice 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 Tbs. paprika 1 Tbs. brown sugar 1/4 tsp. onion powder 2 tsp. dried oregano 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

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1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 4-6 (6 oz.) fillets of firm white fish such as tilapia, halibut or cod 1 Tbs. canola oil 8 corn tortillas Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 1 c. thinly sliced onion 1 avocado, peeled and thinly sliced 1 lime, cut into wedges Combine first four ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, cumin and cayenne. Rub the spice mixture over fish, coating both sides. Heat the canola oil over high heat in a cast-iron skillet or pan. When the oil is lightly smoking, add the fish and cook, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook an addition 1-2 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Top each tortilla

with fish, a small handful of Monterey Jack cheese, sliced onion, jalapeno yogurt sauce, avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Grilled Salmon 1-1/2 lbs. salmon fillets 1/3 c. soy sauce 1/3 c. brown sugar 1/3 c. water 1/4 c. olive oil Lemon pepper, salt and garlic powder to taste Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, salt and garlic powder. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place salmon fillets in a large, resealable gallon sized zip lock bag and pour mixture over the fillets. Seal and turn several times to coat. Place in refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Lightly oil the grill grate and preheat grill. Discard marinade and place salmonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;skin side downâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;on the grill grate. Cook for seven minutes. Turn so that skin side is up and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. *Salmon can also be cooked by baking in the oven at 450Âş for 12 minutes, then broil for an additional five minutes. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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ining in

Allen Image x June 2013

llen

living green

Making every drop count By Deborah Dove

Although 75% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only 1% of it is available for people to use—the rest is salt water, inaccessible underground or frozen in polar icecaps and glaciers. For Allen and the surrounding communities that are served by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), useable water has become even more scarce thanks to population growth, lack of significant rain in the watershed area and our inability to use water from Lake Texoma (which previously accounted for a significant 28% of our water supply) due to the infestation of zebra mussels. Although the NTMWD is working on the construction of a water transmission line that will feed directly to the water treatment plant in Wylie, allowing the district to once again use water from Lake Texoma, it won’t be completed until 2014, and even

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then, will only result in 4% more water because the flow rate will be slower. “We are in a continuous drought,” says Gail Donaldson, Water Conservation Manager with the City of Allen. “This is going to become the new norm.” Unfortunately, we are approaching the driest part of the year and the NTMWD has already voted to implement Stage 3 water restrictions beginning June 1, with the goal of reducing water usage by 10%. According to the City of Allen, the city’s summer water consumption is 3.75 times its winter consumption rate due to increased landscape irrigation. To make matters worse, the water levels at Lake Lavon, which account for the majority of Allen’s potable water, were at the same level in April of this year that they were in August of 2011, which turned out to be one of the worst drought periods in recent history. If Lake Lavon is this low at the start of summer, we can only imagine how much worse will it be in August. Sound dire? Yes, but according to Donaldson, if Allen residents can curb the amount of water wasted by overwatering and run-off from outdoor irrigation, we could easily reduce our water consumption by the required 10%. Landscape watering is the largest outdoor water use, accounting for 60% of our water usage, and half of that water is wasted before it even reaches your plants due to evaporation and run-off. Furthermore, every time water run-off goes down the storm drains and into our creeks, it ultimately flows back to Lake Ray Hubbard or the Trinity River, not Lake Lavon! Since these lakes provide water to Dallas, when we overwater our lawns, our potable water is going to Dallas instead of back into our own community. Since reducing our outdoor irrigation water waste is key to water conservation, following are some tips to reduce outdoor water use: • Check your sprinkler system for broken heads, and make sure all sprinkler heads are adjusted correctly to spray onto grass, not asphalt. • Using a stopwatch, test your sprinkler system to see how long it takes before run-off occurs, and set your cycle accordingly. If run-off starts to occur at three minutes into the cycle, set each zone for 3 minutes, and then repeat the cycle. Essentially, you want to water in increments to give the ground time to soak up the water, and then water again. If you water too long in one

increment, the ground reaches a saturation point and the water runs off into the storm drain. • Design your landscape with water efficient plants that are native to the area. • Harvest rainwater using a rain barrel, and then use it to water your plants on a dry day. The city offers a rebate of $25 for up to two rain barrels. • Turn off the automatic feature on your sprinkler system and only water when necessary. • Install a rain and freeze sensor on your existing irrigation system if it was installed prior to November of 2004. The city offers a $50 rebate for this installation. Of course, water waste occurs indoors too and changing a few habits can save you money and help ensure an adequate future water supply. The average person uses 100 gallons of water a day, enough to fill 1600 drinking glasses. This water use could easily be cut by as much as 30 percent if each American household took a few simple steps to use water more efficiently. Following are some ideas to reduce your water usage indoors: • Fix that leaky toilet. A leaky toilet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a month! To tell if your toilet is leaking, place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. • Turn the tap off. Since the average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons per minute, turning the tap off while brushing your teeth or doing dishes can save more than 10 gallons in five minutes. • Take a shower instead of a bath. A ten-minute shower uses 25 gallons of water, while a full tub uses fifty or

more. If you must take a bath, stop the drain immediately and adjust the temperature as you fill the tub rather than running the water until it gets warm to start filling the tub. • Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. When handwashing dishes, filling the sink instead of running water can save an average of 25 gallons. • If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, consider a high-efficiency model, which uses 35-55% less water. The city offers $75, $100 or $125 to residents that purchase qualifying water efficient clothes washers. Adjust washing machine water levels to match smaller loads. • Check for leaky faucets, which can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year if they leak at a rate of one drop per second. Not sure if you have a leak? Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. • Replace older, high-volume toilets with water-efficient, low-flow models. The city offers up to $100 rebates for water efficient toilet replacements. By working together now to increase our awareness and practicing ongoing water conservation efforts, we can help ensure that we have enough water for generations to come. For more information on Stage 3 water restrictions, water conservation tips and tools and rebate programs, visit the City of Allen’s water conservation page at www. cityofallen.org. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image x June 2013

calendar MAY

Allen Relay for Life, 6 pm-6 am, Allen Track Stadium, 300 Rivercrest Drive. Opening ceremony, 6 pm; luminaria ceremony, 10 pm; fight back ceremony, 12:45 am; pancake breakfast and much more. Join us to honor those affected by cancer and to raise money to fight this horrible disease. For more information, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site.

Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney, 7-10 pm. Enjoy an evening of art, music, food and spirits. Guests can explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and enjoy some of the area’s best eateries. Many places in Downtown McKinney will keep their doors open. For further details, visit www. mckinneytexas.org. Pure Movement Summer Kick-off Your Health Community Party, 11 am-2pm, Pure Movement Dance and Fitness, 1210 E. Main Street #160, Allen. All Allen/ Fairview/Lucas/McKinney/Parker community members are welcome. Because Health is Wealth! Visit www. Puremovementallen.com.

First Presbyterian Church of Allen will be offering Vacation Bible School (Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong for God), 9 am-noon, thru the 21st. For information, call the church office at 972.727.2551 or email: office@fpcallen.org.

JUNE

Dallas Summer Musicals presents Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical, Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, thru the 16th. A spectacular show that tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime. For details, visit www. dallassummermusicals.org or call 214.421.5678.

22nd Annual Collin Classic Bike Rally and Family Fun Fest, 8 am-4 pm, McKinney North High School, 2550 Wilmeth Road, McKinney. Choose from four distances for the ride. Also a 4-mile Family Fun Ride. Features kite-flying, a giant sand box, extreme sports zone, tricycle triathlon and food trucks. All proceeds benefit City House—a Collin County-based non-profit that shelters at-risk kids due to abuse, neglect or homelessness. Registration and more information are available at www. CollinClassic.org. Tucker Hill will open its doors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for “Courtyards, Concerts & Cars.” It will feature six resident courtyards on tour and model homes. A free car show and outdoor concert featuring Counterfeit Radio will be set up along Percy Drive and will take place simultaneously with the garden tour. Paid admission is only required for the Courtyard Garden Tour. Advanced, discounted tickets are $8 if purchased on-line through the McKinney Performing Arts Center website or at the Tucker Hill Development Office. Same day admission will be $10, cash or check only. There will be free hamburgers and hot dogs while supplies last; and concessions for drinks, chips and home-baked goodies. This is a rain-or-shine event! For more details, go to www.tuckerhilltx.com!

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Vacation Bible School presented by Faith Lutheran Church, 9 am-noon, 1701 E. Park Blvd., Plano, thru the 28th. “Tell it on the Mountain” is the theme and children age 3rd-6th grade will sing fun songs, do crazy crafts and learn all about Jesus, so that they can go tell everyone about Him! Visit www.faithplano.org or call 972.423.7447.

Market Street Allen USA Celebration presented by Texas Health Allen. Allen’s largest and most spectacular community event features entertainment from Radio Disney Live!, the Emerald City Band and headliner Dennis DeYoung, performing the music of the band, STYX! The Kids Zone hosts a multitude of fun things for children to enjoy and the Community Stage provides entertainment by some of Allen’s young talents including the Heidi Zettl Band, The Indecision and the Kassy Levels Band. Blues artist Joey Love also will perform. Of course, you can always count on one of the largest and most magnificent fireworks displays in North Texas lighting up the sky following the concert. Call 972.912.1097 or visit www.AllenParks.org for details.

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center Box Office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com. 1 Texas Revolution Football vs. Colorado Ice, 7 pm 15 Texas Revolution Football vs. Sioux Falls Storm, 7 pm

Parks and Recreation Events 3

Summer Sounds Concert: Vince Vance & The Valiants, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, Bethany Lakes Park. Country pop and rock & roll group hailing from New Orleans that has performed nearly 6,000 shows in 13 countries and 34 states, including two shows at the White House! Having recorded 11 albums and released 22 singles, the band was on top of the charts in the 80s and hasn’t let up since. Step Up To Health, 6-7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Program designated to highlight the many health/wellness programs offered by Allen Parks and Recreation through sports, recreation, and the arts. Bring your family and enjoy a variety of activities including obstacle courses, soccer dribbling, bounce house, and more! Free event. Summer Sounds Concert: Escape, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, Bethany Lakes Park. A musical tribute to Journey!

Veteran musicians bring a dynamic, high energy presentation that will have you singing along with the band to such rock staples as “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Wheel in the Sky” and “Any Way You Want It.” SNAP Dance, 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Special Needs Adapted Program! Dances feature live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and photo. For information, email tharben@cityofallen. org or call 214.509.4707. Allen Senior Recreation Center Father’s Day BBQ. Gentlemen, grab your favorite hat or ball cap and join the Allen Senior Recreation Center in celebrating Father’s Day with some BBQ, stories, memories and prizes for the most unique, oldest and craziest hats! Family Night at The Edge Skate Park. An opportunity for families with small children to have the skate park all to themselves without older kids. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent to gain entrance to the park. Family Night at Ford Pool. Come join us for Family Night at Ford Pool. It’s an evening of food, fun and family time. We keep the pool open late and take care of dinner so you can enjoy the evening as a family. Register early or at the door. Each guest will receive a concessions coupon. Allen Senior Recreation Center Quarterly Line Mixer, 7 pm. Wear your

boots and kick up your heels to the Country Western music of The Gold River Band. Dance the night away and enjoy light refreshments provided by Toyota of McKinney and beverages courtesy of McDermott Crossing. 17 Summer Sounds Concert: Kraig Parker, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, Bethany Lakes Park. A whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on as Kraig Parker brings Elvis tribute with a full Las Vegas style show band second to none. From Las Vegas to London, Parker has been astonishing crowds for more than 15 years with amazing performances and an uncanny likeness to Elvis in look, voice, moves and stage presence. 24 Summer Sounds Concert: Good Question Band, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, Bethany Lakes Park. The final concert in the series features a band with the classic style of great horn bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, The Commodores and Kool and The Gang. Two female vocalists, lead male vocals and an outstanding horn and rhythm section, the group delivers great music, energy and a huge “wall of sound”. For more info: 972.912.1097 or www. AllenParks.org.

Adult Athletic Leagues For more information, visit AllenParks.org or call the Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810 Softball—8 games + playoffs. Play begins June 3.

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Kickball—8 Games + playoffs. Play begins June 3. Flag Football—7 Game Season + playoffs. Play begins June 4. Men’s Basketball—8 games + single-elim. tournament. Play begins June 4. Ultimate Frisbee League—14 games + playoffs. Play begins June 6. Volleyball—8 Games + single-elim. tournament. Play begins June 3. Allen Community Ice Rink Ice Hockey Skating Beginner—T/Th/S, 6/10-8/02 (8 weeks). $88/8 weeks. 30-minute intro. class teaches basic hockey skating skills, includes skate rental. For info, ACIR at 972.912.1097 or stop by during CS hours. Introduction to Ice Skating—T/Th/S, 6/108/02 (8 weeks). $88/8 weeks. Weekly 30-min. intro class—basic skating skills, includes skate rental. Helmets recommended for skaters under 5. For more info, ACIR at 972.912.1097 or stop by during CS hours.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children Storytime Schedule Baby and Me—For pre-walkers with an adult. Tues. & Thurs., 10:15 am. Fun Ones—Age 1 year with an adult, Mon., 10:15 am & Wed., 10 am. Together Time—Ages 2 & 3 with an adult, Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am, Wed., 10:45 am.

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All by Myself—Ages 4 & 5, Wed., 11:30 am. Pajama Storytime—Ages 2-6 & family, Tues., 6:30 pm & Thurs., 7 pm.

Auditorium Programs Recommended for ages 3+ 17 Family Movie & Craft—Monsters, Inc., 2:30 pm. 24 Sci-Tech Discovery Center: Wow Show, 2:30 & 3:45 pm.Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before each show.

Events for Little Ones (ages 3+) 14 Flag Day Crafts, 3 pm. Stop by the library for some patriotic crafts! 15 Family Racetrack, 10:30 am. Kids, bring your parents and build your own racetrack! 22 ABCs of Yoga, 10:15 am. Parents, bring your child and exercise mind and body! 24 Crafternoon, 2:30 pm. 28 Sing-a-Long, 10:30 am. 29 Pinkalicious Party, 10:30 am. Join us for a super glamorous party!

Events for Younger Children (Ages 5-8) 18 Superhero School, 3:30 pm. Let your inner superhero out! 20 Magic Tree House Club, 4 pm. 25 Sand Art, 4 pm. Can’t go to the beach? Play in the sand at the library! 27 Magic Tree House Club, 4 pm.

Events for Older Children (ages 9-12) 5

beTWEEN the lines, 3 p.m. This

month’s genre is mysteries. Share your favorite books and enjoy some tasty treats. 12 39 Clues, 3 pm. Are you a Cahill at heart? Solve the clues, and claim your reward! 26 Upcycled Crafts, 3 pm. Come design new creations out of old stuff!

Events for Tweens & Teens (ages 9-18) 15 Superheroes, 2 pm. Celebrate the movie release of Man of Steel with superhero party. 19 When Zombies Attack, 3 pm. Come to the library and learn tips for blending in and surviving the zombie apocalypse! 22 Fancy-fy Your Flip-Flops, 2 pm. Bring a plain pair of flip-flops to bedazzle.

Events for Teens (ages 12-18) Summer Kick-Off Party, 2 pm. Join us for food and fun, then test your skills in our Minute-to-Win-It challenge! 13 Duct Tape Designs, 2pm. What will you create out of duct tape? Roses? Bow Ties? Wallets? The choice is up to you! 13 Duct Tape Designs Take 2, 6:30 pm. Show off your creative side with duct tape. 27 Spa Day, 2 pm. Create your own spa essentials to take home! T-Shirt Art, 6:30 pm. Bring a white shirt to sharpie tie-dye or a black shirt to do bleach art. (Or both!) 8

29 Nerf Wars! 2 pm. Create your fortress and battle it out!

Adults 5

Noontime Pageturners Book Club, noon, The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, Adult Program Room. Bring lunch and a friend and join a discussion! 11 2nd Tuesday Chess Night, 7-8:30 pm., 2nd floor program room. Age 16-adult. Open chess play for all skill levels in a fun, noncompetitive setting. Free. No reg. required. Newcomers welcome. Chess boards & pieces provided. For more info: Rebecca @ 214.509.4913. 18 Mom’s Night Out Bookclub, 7 pm, Adult Program Room. Moms come and join in a discussion of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan. Reg. required. Adult Summer Reading 10-Aug 4 “Marvelous” Summer Adventures. Age 18+ with a valid Allen Library card. Must complete 5 items to be eligible for Kindle drawing, at least 1 item for gift card drawings. All drawings take place August 5. Tote bags and book given upon turn in of reading log while supplies last. Call the Reference Desk for more information, 214-509-4905

Watters Creek Concerts by the Creek, 7 pm. 1 6 8 15 22

Gloria D’Arezzo—Smooth Jazz Domino Effect—Variety The Breakfast Band—80’s band Blaze of Glory—Bon Jovi tribute band White Noise—Classic Rock & 80’s

Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve 2

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closedtoed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. 8 Astronomy Walk, 9-11 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join Clyde Camp for an Astronomy walk. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot at 9 pm sharp and walk to the meadow the back way. For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org. 23 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org. Allen Image x June 2013

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of preschoolers. A new calendar each month with fun activities for all. Activities—play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta. com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days & locations vary. For more info: http://75002. TheHeartLinkNetwork.com. MOMS Club of Allen, New group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and local business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx. weekly.com or momsclubofallentx@gmail. com Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. 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. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www.creekwoodumc.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gentlyused toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972.727.0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

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Every Monday Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. For more info: 972-359-7383. Second Monday

McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm. Various locations and service projects monthly. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www. aauwplanocollin.org.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber members; $25 nonmembers/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. Third Monday Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. For more info: or RSVP: Jerri Caldronia@ jlcaldronia@suddenlink.net. Fourth Monday Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148. For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214.477.5183. Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/ $7 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www. al-anon.alateen.org. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. First and Third Tuesday Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, A Real Bookstore, 113 Praire Rd., Village at Fairview. Share needlework projects, learn new techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org.

Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. For more info: 214.509.4820. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am refreshments, 10 am program, Collin College Courtyard Center, 4800 Preston Park Blvd., Plano. Renowned educator, author, book reviewer Sharron Lucky speaks on how to develop our “multiple intelligences.” Guests are welcome! For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Third Tuesday Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expwy., Plano. For more info: www. planorepublicanwomen.com. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http:// health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Allen Image x June 2013

Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Our program for June will be hosting the McKinney Summer Musical Program for a short rendition of upcoming summer musical Fiddler on the Roof. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers. com. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber. com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert For more info: Gayle Harry 214.509.0787. Every Wednesday Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, Market Street, 985 W. Bethany Drive, Allen. For more info: Marlene Byndon, 816.456.6803. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. asrotary.org. McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. First Wednesday Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:301:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www. headcraig.org. Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano. For more info: 214-762-0037 or www. mopsofhope.com. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com.

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VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Every Thursday Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome. For more info: Sandy McNair, 214.548.5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture. Community Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Registration required. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www. namicco.org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter at the south entrance, second floor. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, Frisco Chamber, 6843 W. Main St. For more info: http://speakupfrisco. freetoasthost.ws. First Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am., Stonebriar Country Club, Frisco. Program by the Mary Notes who will entertain with a variety of songs. We love to have new members join the many fun activities that this group offers. Guests are welcome. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers. net. Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Second Thursday Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1.888.529.5277.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972.747.6036. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UM Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6, and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20. For more info: www.namicco.org. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood United Methodist Church, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free and babysitting available for nominal fee. A list of speakers is available on website. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup. com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Third Thursday Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch and fellowship. Speakers and entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education Room-Med.Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972.747.6036.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber. com. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. Meet new people. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Nonmember Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for

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moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to the community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@ hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491. First Saturday Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/ North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Third Saturday Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. There is no charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org. Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Fourth Saturday American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano. For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www.planoasg.org. Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www.planopacers.org. Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, 2 pm, First Methodist Church of Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Church Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We do encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: cynannrobinson@gmail.com.

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

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For Your Health

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cover story

In 1954, the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant was named head football coach for the Texas A&M Aggies. Disgruntled with many of the players he had to work with, that September Bryant held a 10-day football camp in Junction City, Texas, in the middle of both a severe drought and oppressive heat wave. Unable to keep up with the brutal regimen, the majority of the participants dropped out of the team and hightailed it out of Junction. The remaining handful comprised the team “Bear” Bryant deemed his favorite.

Over the years, memories of this endurance test faded—until Jim Dent resurrected the tale in 1999 with his popular book The Junction Boys: How Ten Days in Hell with Bear Bryant Forged a Championship Team. After the release of this New York Times bestseller, ESPN made a television movie based on the book in 2002 that, at the time, was the station’s most watched program ever. Holding up a copy of The Junction Boys, Jim declares, “This is my favorite book because it’s what saved my career!” Now with nine published books, and another soon-to-be-released title on its way, this Allen author’s writing career is on a breakaway run. Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Jim played football in high school. “I was a good football player and was on my way to the University of Arkansas to play when my dad talked me into forgetting football and going to SMU,” he recalls. “I wasn’t going to be a star, and my thinking was that if I couldn’t play, I wanted to be in sports writing. Forty-two years later and I’m still doing it. “I loved SMU and I still do,” he asserts. “And I wanted to get to Dallas and get into a big-time media market.” As a journalism student from 1971 to 1975, Jim wrote for the campus newspaper where he soon made a name for himself—one that sometimes elicited angry responses. “I broke a lot of stories that put SMU on probation, which led to the Pony Express problems and the ‘death penalty,’” he explains. Beginning in 1974, SMU’s football team racked up a Division 1 record of seven probations that eventually led to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) 1-year ban for the 1987 season. “The coaches were paying for fumbles, interceptions and touch downs,” he continues. “And there was a major scandal that the coaches had an

expense account that they were running up hundreds of thousands of dollars in bills across the street at the 6060 Hotel where the Cowboy offices and the Playboy Club were.” Jim admits with a wry grin, “When I was at SMU, they had a torchlight parade against me. “After I got out of SMU, the managing editor of the Dallas Times Herald, Will Jarrett, told me that if I would go out and get a little bit of experience he would hire me,” Jim recalls. After an eight-month stint with the Beaumont Enterprise, Jim went to work for the Dallas Times Herald covering high school sports. “When they hired me, I was 23, and Will Jarrett said, ‘You’re not going to be covering the Cowboys in a year, so just forget it!’” The prophecy proved false. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram soon lured Jim away with an offer to write about the Dallas Cowboys. Two years later, the Dallas Times Herald re-hired Jim to cover the Cowboys. Jim stayed with Dallas’s evening newspaper until a few months prior to the Belo Corporation’s purchase and immediate closing of the publication in 1991. “I was working at KRLD then and broke the story on the air that Sunday morning during a pre-game show,” he shakes his head. After working with the nationally syndicated KRLD Prime Sports Radio for four years, Jim tackled his first book, King of the Cowboys: The Life and Times of Jerry Jones. Released in 1995, Jim notes that King of the Cowboys sold out instantly. “But I could never find anybody who had read it!” he declares. “Jerry Jones bought all the books to take it off the market, but I really didn’t know this until about a year ago.” Jim acknowledges that the peculiar fate of his first book did have

Jim Dent will speak at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen. His books will be available at that time for purchase. For more information, call 214.509.4911. Allen Image x June 2013

Jim Dent with former Junction Boy Gene Stallings.

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one advantage. “It got my career off to a good start because it looked good that all my books were bought up!” he grins. Despite the King of the Cowboys’ being sold out, the publisher opted not to reprint. So for The Junction Boys, Jim chose to approach other publishers. Rejected by 23 before being accepted by St. Martin’s Press, Jim points out that the only reason this came to pass was because they wanted the autobiography You’re Out and You’re Ugly: Confessions of an Umpire with an Attitude that Jim co-wrote with Durwood Merrill. I got the lowest advance in history on The Junction Boys,” Jim sighs, “and it sold almost a half-million copies.” Savvy to the ways of book promotion, before the ink had even dried on the first edition of The Junction Boys Jim was scheduling appearances in College Station. “They showed up in droves for my book signings,” he recalls. “Word of mouth is really important in books,” he continues. “Once the first wave of books sold out in College Station, it took off nationally.” Jim emphasizes, “Modesty? Not in my profession! I go out of my way to try not to be overbearing, but when my book comes out, I’m knocking on your door.” He also admits that having friends in the media helps. “They’ve been my friends for years—and they like my books.” Jim is also one of those rare sorts who enjoys speaking to groups and has traveled across the state recounting tales from his books. Jim’s strategy for promoting The Junction Boys proved successful. “It got me recognition and out of my ’76 Caprice Classic!” he laughs. “When I got out of the newspaper business I went from a Volvo to the $2,000 Caprice Classic because I had to make sacrifices. But this book got me a new car.” The Junction Boys was followed by The Undefeated: The Oklahoma Sooners and the Greatest Winning Streak in College Football in 2001 and Monster of the Midway: Bronko Nagurski, the 1943

For MarketPlace Your Health

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Jim Dent interviewing Tom Landry at Cobowys training camp. Chicago Bears, and the Greatest Comeback Ever in 2003. Then in 2007, Twelve Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football, the book Jim considers his best, was released. It recounts the Depressionera story behind the winning cadre of scrappy boys comprising Fort Worth’s Masonic Home’s school football

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Jim Dent with Roger Staubach.

team—a team with tattered uniforms, only six leather helmets, and a hay truck for transportation to and from games around the state. Under the guidance of Coach Rusty Russell, these orphans’ grit and determination led to tying for the state championship in 1932 as well as gaining the admiration of a nation. “I got very lucky to have found

this story; I can’t believe no one had ever written it,” Jim recollects. “I was only half-way listening to an interview on ESPN, a story on a guy named Hardy Brown. They claimed he was the toughest man in football in the 1950s. He was done as a pro, and was in a mental institution about to die. Steve Sabol asks him, ‘Were you the toughest player you ever saw?’ And he said, ‘Positively, unless it was at the Home.’ “And I thought, oh my god, this guy came from an orphanage. So now I’m listening because this is the kind of story that I do. And then he talked about what a wonderful experience it was for him to go to the Masonic Home.” Living in Houston at that time, Jim woke up the next morning in his car parked in front of the Masonic Home in Fort Worth. To his dismay, he found the building surrounded by a six-foot tall fence topped with three strands of barbed wire and the home closed. But the muse of sports writers was on his side. Despite his misgivings, a guard at the Masonic Home’s entry called the school’s superintendent who just happened to be on campus, to inform her that a man claiming to be the author of The Junction Boys wished to visit with her. A few minutes later Jim found himself in the office of Dr. Diane Thornton, the superintendent, as well

For MarketPlace Your Health

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Jim Dent with Dale Hansen at the 1985 Cowboys training camp. as daughter of 1938 Mighty Mite team member Norman Strange. She quickly arranged an interview with her father—Jim’s first of many interviews as he untangled this tale of overcoming major obstacles. His investigation not only led him to the homes of some of the Mighty Mites or their family members but also friendships that continue to this day. Many of his accounts about the late Coach Russell were shared by his grandson Russ Morton who had been

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Jim Dent with Barry Switzer.

regaled with the stories as he was growing up. Jim found the Mighty Mite followup stories equally fascinating— accounts such as those of Miller Mosley, who worked alongside Einstein on the Manhattan Project and later became a physics professor at Texas Christian University. Another of the Mighty Mites, Leon Pickett, doggedly held on to life until he could see the story of his team in print. “Can you imagine how I felt when

I fell into this and started finding out the layers and layers of this story?” Jim declares. “It is thrilling when you get into a book like this and think, ‘Where in the world have they been?’” Soon rave reviews for Twelve Mighty Orphans began rolling in. The book also made a number of Texas schools’ required reading lists. In Allen, Twelve Mighty Orphans was on the Advanced Placement (AP) English III short list of approved books for the Summer Reading Requirements for several years. AP English III teacher Diana Austin recalls, “My husband is a voracious reader and he read the book and raved about it. So then I read it. The primary thrust of AP III is nonfiction and since this was about a place and people of local interest, it was a logical choice.” “[The student’s who read it] took great note of the Highland Park attitude toward the orphans and the injustice of the bias based on one’s circumstances,” the teacher adds. The movie rights to Twelve Mighty Orphans were sold to Mike and Matt Barr of Fairview in 2010. “We formed a company called 12 Productions LLC, with Matt and I, Ryan Ross and Russ Morton as the four main principals,” Mike notes “We are now in the process of showing it to some production companies and hope to start before Thanksgiving. A script has already been done but it may not be the one used; that depends on who produces it.”

Not one to rest on his literary laurels, Jim didn’t waste any time tackling his next project and in 2009 his Resurrection: The Miracle Season That Saved Notre Dame came out. In 2011, Jim had the distinction of releasing two new books—on the same day. At an extravaganza hosted in Lewisville, he celebrated his Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story and Super Bowl Texas Style. The latter is the only one of his last 10 books not published by St. Martin’s Press. Published by Tony Jones of Flower Mound, Jim wrote and edited Super Bowl Texas Style, covering the ins and outs, as well as the behind-the-scene stories, surrounding the Super Bowl XLV at Cowboy Stadium in 2011. Layne Murdoch provided the photography. Describing the artful book as the “blueprint” for the next Super Bowl to be hosted at Cowboy Stadium, Jim acknowledges that the host committee’s complete cooperation contributed to the quality of the book. Headed up by president and CEO Bill Lively, among the many well-known members of this esteemed group were

chairman Roger Staubach, vicechairman Troy Aikman, Clarice Tinsley, Tony Dorsett and Abner Hayes. Now the senior vice president for development with National Geographic, Bill notes that the host committee was established in 2008 and fully supported Jim’s efforts to record and report the activities surrounding the 2011 Super Bowl XLV. Despite the unpredicted problems that plagued that year’s Super Bowl— bad weather, a cab drivers’ strike and

insufficient seating, there was also much to praise. “We raised $27 million with $7 million in net revenue after expenses,” Bill recalls. “$5 million of this was allocated to local charities. We also had the first education program with about 44,000 kids performing about one-half million hours of community service. It was one of the most successful host committees that you can imagine!” He continues, “Jim gave a behind

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Darrell Royal, Jim Dent and screenwriter Angelo Pizzo. the scenes view of the host committee that was very accurate; and it’s a fun book to look at and remember what happened.” Acknowledging that he was already a of fan of Jim’s books prior to this project, Bill selects The Junction Boys as his favorite. “It was fun to work with Jim and he has intriguing ideas,” Bill concludes. Courage Beyond the Game tells of the University of Texas Longhorns’ star safety Freddie Steinmark. Dismissed by many universities for being too small, he made a name for himself during UT’s glory days when they defeated the University of Arkansas Razorbacks for the 1969 national championship. “Freddie was in great pain but he didn’t want to lose his position so he never came off the field,” Jim explains. “They found out after the game that he had osteosarcoma and he lost his leg. Nineteen days later he stood on the sideline at the TexasNotre Dame Cotton Bowl game. “Freddie died, and now at the University of Texas every player touches his photo as they go down the tunnel [of the Darrell K. Royal—Texas Memorial Stadium] and on to the field,” Jim

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concludes. “There are a lot of teams that do stuff like that—Notre Dame players touch a sign that says ‘Play like a champion today’ and Clemson players touch a rock. But this is the best one!” Plans are now underway to also make a movie from Courage Beyond the Game. “Tony did a great job on Super Bowl Texas Style,” Jim emphasizes. “We are business partners and friends, and he is also my partner in the movie Courage Beyond the Game. We had the screenplay written by Angelo Pizzo, who wrote Rudy and Hoosiers, and it is so good. We just have to address some technical problems, but by the start of summer we will probably attach a director. ” Jim’s newest book, The Kids Got It Right, recounts the story of Texas’ first segregated high school football team. In 1964 the Pennsylvania Big 33 AllStar team defeated the Texas Big 33 All-Star team, and the Texas coach, legendary quarterback Bobby Layne, was determined to turn the results around the following year. A vital part of Layne’s strategy was his historic decision to add African-American players to the

previously all-white team. As a result, team members Jerry LeVias and Bill Bradley roomed together the week they stayed in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the 1965 game. Recruited by SMU, LeVias also had the distinction of being the first African-American scholarship recipient in the Southwest Conference. A wide receiver, he went on to play two years with the Houston Oilers and four years with the San Diego Chargers. Bradley, who featured prominently in Courage Beyond the Game as a University of Texas teammate of Freddie Steinmark, went on to play eight years as a defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles and one year with the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim recounts that it was during a book signing for Courage Beyond the Game that Bradley first shared with him the story of the 1965 All-Star game and his continuing friendship with Jerry. The Kids Got It Right demanded to be told and will be released in August. Jim has already started on his next book, this one is about SMU’s Pony Express and the scandals of the late 70s and early 80s. Jim moved from Lake Conroe to Allen three years ago to work on Super Bowl Texas Style. Acknowledging that the community appealed to him, he adds, “I also decided to move to Allen because of Kathryn Shrum,” He and the long-time Allen resident have dated for several years. “I was told when I got into book writing that writing sports books wouldn’t work because 75 percent of the book buyers are women. And I said, ‘I’ll bet I can make it.’” Explaining why he has so many women readers, Jim concludes, “My books are more than just sports. They are stories about life and underdogs. They are about people coming of age. And all my books are character driven. I don’t write sports encyclopedias, I write books about people.” v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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