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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

June 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 6

FEATURES

DANCING HER WAY TO SUCCESS

Allen’s Madison Hicks has a long history of conquering the odds when following her dreams. From being accepted to Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts to a coveted, and nearly impossible, acceptance to Julliard.

EAT. SKATE. SLEEP. REPEAT.

When the Liu family moved to Texas they wanted to try a sport the whole family would enjoy. They chose ice skating, and years later they are all still involved—four of them skating competively and one proudly beaming from the stands.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

20 CALENDAR 27 PRECIOUS PET PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS 38 KIDS KORNER

Beyond the Water Park

PET PAGE

Nico

46 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM

LIBRARY

LOOKING BACK

DFW’s Biggest Fourth of July Summer Party!

Dizzy Dean

July 4th with the ACB Jazz Band

The Buzz Is Back!

Islamic Art

Mosaic Project Makes a Splash

Regina Merson is Today’s Mujer

Cellist Belle Ra

The Lone Star String Band

Volunteers Honored

Gator and Mudcat

Porch Fest!

Flag Day Celebration

What to Do When Stopped?

Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale

A Walk in the Park 2017

FINANCE

Letters in Literature

EDUCATION 40

Collin College Graduate Represents U.S. in International Competition

Let’s Face It: You Need a Will

31 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maggie Tindall

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming

ON THE COVER Liu Family

Mustang Horses and Collin County

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40 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Heather Darrow Steven J. Dawson Deborah Dove Tom Keener

Allen Image © 2017 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

CIVIC FORUM

DFW’s Biggest Fourth of July Summer Party! Allen is kicking off the Independence Day festivities early by throwing Dallas-Fort Worth’s biggest summer party, featuring live music by the Metroplex’s best party bands, fun activities including a Cowboy football combine challenge for a chance to meet a current NFL player, and an unforgettable fireworks display that’s choreographed to popular music to excite and entertain all ages. Keeping the tradition of being “First to the Fourth,” the 2017 Market Street Allen USA Celebration presented by Texas Health-Allen will once again occur on the last Saturday in June, with this year’s annual event beginning at 4 p.m. on June 24, at Celebration Park in Allen. “Market Street Allen USA Celebration is an exciting, family-friendly event for all ages, and it’s free to attend,” said Tim Dentler, Director of the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re throwing the biggest party in North Texas with performances of your favorite songs, exciting activities and an appearance from Cowboy wide receiver Cole Beasley.” To create a fun and exciting atmosphere, three of the top DFW party bands will perform a diverse variety of music that will get the crowd on their feet, dancing and celebrating the holiday. Opening will be Lone Star Attitude, which performs a catalog of Texas and Americana music, including rock, country and blues, from bands such as ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, George Straight and The Eagles. Following will be Le Freak, bringing hits of the 70s while priding themselves on being the greatest disco band in the world. Headlining the evening will be Emerald City, voted the best live party band in Dallas and the United States, rocking out with all of your favorite Top 40 songs and more! When it comes to fun games and activities, new to this year’s event is the “Are You as Tough as a Cowboy?” Combine Challenge powered by Michael Johnson Performance. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in variations of NFL combine drills, such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, standing broad jump and pro-agility shuttle. The winners per age group will meet Dallas wide receiver

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Cole Beasley. As a bonus, beat at least two of Beasley’s own combine stats with the best combined results and win a $500 gift card to Market Street. Registration is $5 per individual and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit AllenParks.org/ Cowboy. Those who register by June 13 will receive a t-shirt. Also, returning this year will be the popular Military Zone, Sports Zone and Jurassic Zone by Billings Productions (The Dinosaur Company), which includes lifelike, animatronic dinosaurs that move and produce sounds. This year’s food vendors will offer more than just your typical fair food with a diverse range of options that will delight all tastes. Wrapping up the evening will be North Texas’ most exciting fireworks display set to the tunes of popular contemporary and patriotic music. Though the fireworks can be seen in the sky for miles, the show also includes ground effects, which

can only be experienced from Celebration Park. Market Street Allen USA Celebration is a free community event by the City of Allen coordinated by Allen Parks and Recreation in

cooperation with the Allen Parks Foundation. For more information, please visit AllenUSA.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | June 2017

The

Buzz

The annual One Mission Buzz Off for Kids with Cancer returns this year with a local venue! On Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m., Rod’s Barbershop in Allen, will host the fourth annual North Texas Buzz Off! Partnering with Studio J, Rod’s Barbershop will once again be “buzzing” heads to support Children’s Health and the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders. Funds raised by the “Buzz Off” have made a huge impact in the lives of children fighting cancer at the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Medical Center, raising almost $300,000 for Texas alone! Register to be a “Buzzee” and buzz on June 11. The “Buzzees” are all ages, boys and girls, women and men alike and buzz for a variety of reasons. To join the fun and “buzz” this year, sign up by visiting Studio J., Rod’s Barbershop, or register online at: http://www.onemissionbuzzoff. org/NoTXBuzz. Check us out at facebook: Buzz Off North Texas

What’s the Buzz about? It’s fun, it’s for a good cause and it’s open to all ages. The One Mission Buzz Off is a fun and unforgettable event where participants shave their heads in honor and support of kids with cancer—kids who don’t have a choice to lose their hair. Just like a walk or road race, participants raise money by asking family and friends to sponsor their participation.

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Is Back!

Why Buzz? Kids with cancer don’t just feel sick. They feel different from everyone else. By shaving your head, you can show them they are not alone and that others really do care. “It may not seem like the most difficult haircut to get right, but the buzz cut is the most powerful,” said Ashley

Haseotes, One Mission President/ Founder. “Every bald head at the Buzz Off for Kids with Cancer represents a brave person who stands in solidarity with thousands of children who battle cancer every day.“ For more information about One Mission, go to onemission.org. Help to make a difference to a child battling cancer! v

Mosaic Project Makes a Splash by Chelsey APRILL

One month before Ford Pool opened to the public, the site was a cacophony of activity. In the center of this sonic hurricane stood Joshua Winer, bagel in one hand and chisel in another, silently surveying his progress on the site’s architectural signature: a group of mosaic columns he’s dubbed Gone Swimmin’. “They’re like these flashes of figures you’d see if you’re underwater,” says Winer of the sandcolored columns. The six unique designs feature turquoise swimmers splashing in a band of pearlescent water. “You can identify with the bubbles, the blurs. You can imagine yourself in those poses.” Winer’s design was selected by Allen’s Public Art Committee in 2016 to add a touch of whimsy to the rebuilt Ford Pool. “I knew as soon as I saw the call to artists exactly what I wanted to do,” says Winer, who drew inspiration from a piece by Henri Matisse called “The Swimming Pool.” The work, created with cutouts, depicts abstract figures in water. “I have always loved that piece of art.” Winer also felt the mosaics should mimic the clean lines of the building. “It shouldn’t call too much attention to itself or knock people over,” Winer explains. “I call it ‘background art’ instead of ‘foreground art.’ Foreground art is something front-andcenter; background art is part of the environment. You enjoy it over a long period of time. You don’t get tired of it.” Once awarded the project, Winer got to work. He spent the first month looking at tile, eventually choosing a shimmering selection from Paris and Venice. Then he worked with his college-age son and niece to affix each

tile to 8-by-8-foot sheets of contractor plastic, traced with Winer’s design. “It would be far too much work for one person—and it would get very boring by yourself!” says Winer. The sheets—more than two dozen—were carefully labeled and stacked for storage. Winer hired two friends and fellow artists to help him transport the tiles to Allen in April. They performed the meticulous installation together over a 10-day period. The process, Winer joked, is a little like dental work. “You work with a lot of soft materials that become very hard. You use drills, both for mixing and for cleaning out the joint. And then there’s the whole challenge of fitting everything together,” says Winer. Winer studied painting at Yale, then architecture at Harvard. His first job was at an architecture firm, working on mural projects around

Boston. But mosaics always held a special place in his heart. “When I was young, I traveled to Italy and was stunned by the beautiful mosaics I saw in Ravenna,” recounts Winer. “It was like falling in love with a person.” Since then, he’s worked on over 60 mosaic projects at schools and religious buildings nationwide. The series at Ford Pool will be one of his largest. “I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces,” says Winer. “The facility is so lovely and the pool looks wonderful. I think [the mosaics] will be just one more thing to add to the experience.” Ford Pool is open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Find hours and admission fees at CityofAllen. org/FordPool. v Chelsey Aprill is a City of Allen Marketing Specialist.

Allen Image | June 2017

Cellist Belle Ra by Deborah DOVE

Although Allen High School senior Belle Ra started playing cello when she was eight years old, she didn’t fall truly fall in love with the instrument until she was in seventh grade. “My mother is a cello teacher and my father is a violin and cello teacher, so I was automatically put into the music world,” says Belle. “But, I wasn’t very good at it at first.” Then, after a performance in middle school, a member of the audience told Belle her playing had made him cry, and that changed everything. “I never knew that my music could have that kind of impact on someone,” she says. “I knew then that I wanted to perform.” Belle won the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (GDYO) Concerto Competition in eighth grade— competing against the best of the best orchestra students in the area—and there has been no stopping her since. In addition to the GDYO Concerto Competition, she has also won grand prizes in the TCU Haydn Cello Concerto Competition and the Ella and Roger Jo Adams Concerto competition, and has soloed with the GDYO at the Meyerson Symphony Center, TCU orchestra and the Allen Philharmonic. However, the crowning moment of her music career so far occurred in February, when she made first chair and performed as the first-place cellist at the 2017 Texas All State Symphony Orchestra competition, the first time in history that an Allen

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High School orchestra student received the number one ranking in Texas. The competition was stiff, with hundreds of students from each region competing in the All Region Orchestra auditions in October. Belle was one of only a few musicians who qualified to audition for All State, and two weeks later she turned in her audition tape, which earned her placement in the top group of cello competitors who would compete at the All State competition in San Antonio in February. In the midst of the state competition, Belle also had three college auditions. But, her hard work and dedication paid off. Not only did

she win first place at the state level, she was also offered full scholarships at all three colleges she auditioned for—the Eastman School of Music, Indiana Jacobs School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Belle hasn’t decided which college she will attend, but one thing is certain— music is definitely in her future. She hopes to one day join a professional orchestra as a cellist and teach at the college level. “I will never let go of cello,” she says. “My purpose is to make people happy and make people feel through my music.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Natalie Gregg is an Allen resident, entrepreneur and mother of two. She was named a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star every year since 2012, an honor reserved for less than 2.5 percent of practicing attorneys in the state of Texas. Natalie was also featured on the cover of the Texas Super Lawyers magazine last year. “I love solving problems and helping families transition through difficult times,” says Natalie. “My passion is finding a way to help my clients to achieve their goals with the least amount of collateral damage.” Natalie is the managing partner at The Law Office of Natalie Gregg, P.C., with a team of legal professionals— associate attorney, Jessica Perroni; senior paralegal, Amanda Farmer; and paralegal, Victoria Cernadas. Jessica Perroni, the firm’s senior associate, has years of experience handling a full range of family law matters including divorce, custody disputes, modifications and termination of parental rights. “I love to help people whose families are caught in the middle of troubling situations,” says Jessica. “My goal is to help our clients find their new normal and put the pieces of their lives back together.” The Law Office of Natalie Gregg, P.C. is a full-service family law firm, serving clients facing contested divorces, complex child custody cases, child support enforcement and modifications of previous orders. Collin County is a major focus area, as the firm’s Allen office is only ten minutes from the Collin County Courthouse. The Law Office of Natalie Gregg, P.C. treats their clients with a team approach. This approach enables Natalie, the associates and the paralegals to save their clients a significant amount of time and money while producing superior results for their entire family— especially their children. Natalie Gregg and her team combine a great sense of compassion with a dedication to delivering results for their clients. “The process of litigating these issues is sensitive, but it requires an aggressive approach in order to achieve our client’s goals,” says Natalie. The practice has years of advocacy for families in crisis and the team is a passionate champion for clients who are dedicated to protecting their most precious asset: their families.

“You can love your kids or hate your spouse, but you can’t do both.” Natalie Gregg states. Co-parenting is tough even on your best day but, it’s a win-win always. As one who has experienced divorce personally, Natalie Gregg’s approach to guiding clients through the process is informed by a practical and holistic approach. Natalie Gregg says, “We will walk you through this process and help you deal with your emotional journey. We deal with the transactional piece of dividing the estate and ensuring that your children have a custom tailored parenting plan.”

The firm’s website, www.NatalieGregg.com, includes a variety of articles, written by Natalie Gregg and her team, for those experiencing or considering divorce. These articles can be helpful regardless of which attorneys you plan to hire, and they include advice on how to minimize the costs and heartache of family law litigation. The Family Law Office of Natalie Gregg is located at 1420 West Exchange Parkway, Building C, Suite 190, in the heart of Allen. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the firm’s website, call 972.829.3923 or email Natalie@NatalieGregg.com.

Snippets Volunteers Honored During National Volunteer Month in April, Mustang Creek Estates of Allen honored two senior volunteers for their outstanding efforts working with residents at the community. Shorty Dillard and Roy Durell are having a big impact on assisted living and memory care residents through their regular volunteer efforts.

PorchFest! Mark your calendars for PorchFest—a unique live music festival hosted by Tucker Hill on Saturday, June 10. Live bands will be staged on at least six of Tucker Hill’s quaint front porches. Performances and all activities will begin at 5 p.m. The high-energy band, Moving Colors, will be closing out the evening with a concert-on-the-lawn beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding at dusk. Moving Colors is known for a wide variety of musical styles (oldies classics to today’s top hits!), inventive bucket percussion routines (think “Stomp!” but cooler!), unique artwork created right on stage, a guitarist who does handstands while he plays and big-voiced female vocalists! Attendees can peruse a pop-up artisan’s market with almost 20 vendors. The entire event is family friendly, open to the public and free of charge. Bring blankets or chairs to set up for the porch bands and the main stage concert.

Twice a month, Dillard brings his guitar to lead a singalong with residents, and Durell visits twice a month to provide entertainment in the form of ballroom dancing— whether he’s dancing with the residents or using his local contacts to provide professional entertainment. Mustang Creek Estates of Allen was proud to honor these volunteers with their 2017 Volunteer of the Year Awards and they celebrated their commitment with a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. Dillard started volunteering last summer and sings gospel songs and other familiar songs to the residents. Durell is a selftaught ballroom dancer and has shared his love of dancing with the residents. “We are so honored to have volunteers like Shorty and Roy interact with our residents,” said Angella Horton, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Allen. “They do so much for us that we wanted to honor their commitment to our community and show appreciation to them for the time, effort and planning each visit takes.” v

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Performance schedules, band bios and a map showing where porch bands will be located are available on www.TuckerHillTX.com. Signage will also be placed throughout the community. Up-to-date event information may also be found on the Tucker Hill Facebook (www.facebook.com/ TuckerHillTexas) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ TuckerHillTX) pages. Tucker Hill is located in McKinney, just north of Hwy. 380 between Ridge and Custer Roads. v

Snippets Flag Day Celebration The first celebration of the U.S. flag’s birthday was held in 1877. However, it is believed that the first annual recognition was in 1885 when schoolteacher BJ Cigrand organized a group of Wisconsin school children to observe June 14 as Flag Day. On June 17, the Allen Heritage Guild will host an oldfashioned celebration of the 240th birthday of Flag Day at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 St Mary Drive, from 2-4 p.m. Patriotic music will be played, homemade ice cream will be tasted, bikes will be decorated, watermelon seeds will fly and prizes will be awarded. People entering the ice cream contest will pay a $5 fee. Entries will be judged on flavor, consistency and uniqueness. Guests may try the different ice creams after the contest. Anyone can enter the bike, trike or wagon patriotic decorating contest for a $1 fee or tell of a good deed done that week. There will be a parade of the vehicles in the circle drive at the village. Everyone is invited to enter the watermelon seed-spitting contest that will conclude the day. The Wetsel and Lynge houses will be open for tours at intervals. Come join us for a fun, old-fashioned celebration of our nation’s anthem. v

What to Do When Stopped? Allen Police Department’s Jon Felty will discuss the uncomfortable circumstance when rotating red lights reflect in your rear view mirror, and what you should do when that happens, during a free program on Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the library. The necessity of this topic was determined at a recent Coffee with the Police Chief hosted at the library, when multiple citizens posed the question “What should we do when stopped?” Recognized for his ready smile when greeting Allen citizens at public meetings, Officer Felty is assigned to the Office of Chief of Police as the Sergeant of Community Relations and the Public Information Officer. He has twenty-one years of police service. He also serves in the Community Relations Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Citizens Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol, Volunteers in Policing and as a Crisis Negotiator. Sergeant Felty noted, “The Allen Police Department welcomes citizens asking ‘How we should best prepare when stopped by the police? What should a citizen expect when stopped by the police?’ It is a sharing of information that we all learn how to communicate best.” Sergeant Felty has taught Violence in the Workplace seminars for the Dallas Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service. Majoring in Law Enforcement at Marshall University (Huntington, WV 1978), Sergeant Felty also holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. v Allen Image | June 2017

Snippets Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale St Jude is partnering with several Allen churches again this year in sponsoring the Lil‘ Lambs Consignment Sale that will benefit area women’s and children’s charities. Last year, we helped the local charities of Family Promise, AMA Food Pantry, Children’s Advocacy Center and the Community Health Clinic of McKinney. Clean out your closets, garages and attics and become a “seller” for this year’s sale. We are currently open for sellers to register, so if you have goods to sell, go to www.lil-lambs.net and select August 2017 sale at St Jude. Make extra money for the start of school! v

Letters about Literature Avery Gann, a sophomore at Trinity Christian Academy (TCA), recently won third place in the Library of Congress’ Letters about Literature Competition. Gann’s letter discussed the challenges of living with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (congenital joint contractures) and scoliosis and how J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows helped her cope with those challenges. In her letter, Gann credits J.K. Rowling with giving her the courage to face her fears and embrace her differences, “This book shaped me into the person that I am. I am strong, confident, and quirky in my own special way. I have embraced my differences and used them to the benefit of myself and the people around me. There is a reason God called me to live this life. Just because I haven’t discovered it yet doesn’t mean that I should ever be ashamed.” v

A Walk in the Park 2017 The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will be hosting tours of the international award winning research and demonstration gardens at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney, on Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m.-noon. A Walk in the Park is an educational event for the entire family. It is a wonderful opportunity to come to the country, explore the great outdoors, and see the season’s star plants in full bloom. Learn about Earth-Kind ® gardening principles and see beautiful plants that survive and thrive without fertilizer, pesticides or excessive irrigation. Youth Education will offer fun, educational activities for children of all ages. Master Gardeners will be on hand to serve as tour guides in each garden, and an information booth will also be available to answer questions about gardening and CCMGA programs. Please join the Collin County Master Gardeners for “A Walk in the Park” on Saturday, June 10, at Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. For more information visit www.ccmgatx.org, or contact the CCMGA Information Center at 972.548.4232. Admission is free. v

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CALENDAR

JUNE EVENTS

McKinney Square Book Festival, 9 am-4 pm, McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee, McKinney. Over 45 authors, all genres, special programs and a performance by country music star, Billy Dawson. For more info: http://mckinney.bookfestival.network/. 3

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 Princeton High School Graduation 2 Texas Revolution v. Wichita Force 22 Lone Star 92.5 Summer Blood Drive

PARKS AND REC EVENTS For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 5

Summer Sounds Concert Series, Downtown Fever, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, 7 pm. Spend the evening with family and friends enjoying live music? All Summer Sounds concerts are free. All ages.

SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Rec Center, SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Luau! Register early, fee increases to $15 at 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more info, Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Time: 7-10 pm, ages 18+.

Dive-In Movie, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 8:3011 pm. Celebrate the end of the school year with a DiveIn Movie. Grab your friends, swimsuit and towel, and while you float in the pool, enjoy a great movie experience. Concessions, noodles and tubes available for additional cost. Attendees may bring their own tubes and noodles. Ages 3+. Cost: $5 (3-17)/$6 (18+).

9-11 Art Extravaganza, Joe Farmer Rec Center (Meeting Room A&B), 8 am-4 pm. Submit your art in this familyfriendly juried competition. Artwork will be displayed, free for the public to view! Limit 2 pieces of art per artist. Ages 5-18. Free. 12 Summer Sounds Concert Series, A Hard Night’s Day, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, 7 pm. Spend the evening with family and friends enjoying live music? Summer Sounds concerts are free. All ages. 18 Father’s Day at the Nat, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 1-5:45 pm. Dads get free admission with purchase of a child’s admission on Father’s Day. Ages 17+. 19 Step Up to Health Festival, Joe Farmer Rec Center Gym, 6-7:30 pm. In conjunction with Summer Sounds, fun for the whole family as you learn about health and wellness programs offered in Allen. Enjoy a variety of activities including vendor booths, arts and crafts, demos and more! All ages. Free. 19 Summer Sounds Concert Series, Jolie Holliday and Sonny Burgess, Joe Farmer Rec Center Amphitheater, 7 pm. pend the evening with family and friends enjoying live music? All Summer Sounds concerts are free. All ages. 24 Market Street Allen USA Celebration, Celebration Park, 4 pm. Featuring two stages and musical acts and one of the largest fireworks displays in North Texas. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and play structures in the Kids

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Zone, get creative in the Craft Tent or beat the heat at Celebration Park’s Spray Grounds. . All ages. Free.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Allen Public Library Summer Reading Club— Celebrating 50 Years! 1st Day of Summer Reading: Tuesday, May 30. 1st Day for Prizes: Monday, June 19. Last Day of Summer Reading: August 13. • Summer Reading Club is for all ages. • Pick up a reading log at the Library starting Tuesday, May 30 and start earning prizes. • See our print or online calendar for library events and activities for all ages. • Participate in our 50th Anniversary bookmark contest June 1-July 31. More details are available at: AllenLibrary.org/SummerReading Tuesdays—Family Movies. Recommended for ages 5 and up, in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. A free ticket is required to attend. Tickets are distributed at the Children’s Desk, 2 pm, the day of the movie showing on a first come, first served basis. Movies start at 2:30 pm. 6 Zootopia (PG, 108 minutes) 13 Secret Life of Pets (PG, 90 minutes) 20 Moana (PG, 113 minutes) 27 Despicable Me (PG, 95 minutes) Wednesdays—Weekly Shows for Elementary-aged Children. Recommended for ages 5& up, held in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium, 2:30 & 3:45 pm. Free tickets required to attend. Tickets are distributed at Children’s Desk on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the show, 30 minutes before the start time. 7

Magician Todd McKinney—enjoy magic tricks, illusion and sleight of hand with award winning comedy magician Todd McKinney.

14 Snake Encounters—experience a whirlwind of comedy and magic with live snakes from around the world presented by Daryl Sprout, noted Herpetological Humorist. 21 Slick Juggler—juggling, magic, unicycling and more! Guinness World Record holder David Slick brings a variety of entertaining tricks in his hilarious routine. 28 Zooniversity—walk on the wild side! See and learn about six live exotic animals in this educational and entertaining wildlife show.

YOUTH SERVICES Story Times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906. Baby and Me, for pre-walkers with a caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am Fun Ones & Twos, for 1 & 2 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am. Together Time, for 3-5 year-olds with a caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am. All By Myself, for 4-5 year-olds without a caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Pajama Time, for 3-5 year-olds with a caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required. 10 Family Cultural Festival, for all ages, 10-11:30 am, in the library courtyard, gallery and meeting room. Have fun playing games, making crafts and signing up for summer reading club during this celebration. 12 Minions Party, 2-3 pm, recommended for ages 5 & up. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Celebrate the new movie with minion games and crafts. Come-and-go event.

19 Happy Birthday, Garfield!, 2-3 p.m., recommended for ages 5 and up, in the Children’s Program Room. Garfield is having a birthday bash! Make your own comic strip and play games about Garfield, Odie and friends. This is part of our 50th Anniversary birthday series. 26 Brain Games, 2-3 pm, ages 5-8 only. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Test your skills with a scavenger hunt, I Spy and more! 27 How To Draw, 4-4:30 pm, ages 5-8 only. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Learn how to draw something new each month!

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN (AGES 0-5) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Limited programs require free tickets. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the program starts at the Children’s Desk. 16 Celebrate Eric Carle, ages 3-5 with an adult, 10:3011:30 am. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Explore the artistic styles of Eric Carle during this come-and-go event featuring fun art activities. 23 ABC 123 Concept Crafts, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 3-5 with adult. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Focusing on counting and letters for this craft party.

TWEENS (AGES 7-12) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Ages listed are firm. Limited programs require free tickets. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the program starts at the Children’s Desk. 15 Captain Underpants, 3-4 pm, ages 7-12 only. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Celebrate our favorite underwear-clad superhero with games and activities!

20 Graphic Novel Mod Podge Crafts, 4-5 pm, ages 7-12 only. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Create art using pages from your favorite graphic novels! 29 DIY Book Bags, 3-4 pm, ages 7-12 only. Held in the Children’s Program Room. Decorate a canvas book bag! All supplies provided. Limited to 30. Ticket required.

TEENS (AGES 12-18) 8

Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, in the 2nd floor Program Room. Enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts.

13 Minute to Win It!, 4-5:30 pm, in the Children’s Program Room. Race against the clock to complete challenges! Prizes awarded to winning team. Limited to 35. Ticket req. 22 Fandom Crafts, 3-4:30 p.m., in the Children’s Program Room. Use images, quotes and pictures to make awesome crafts based on fandom favorites like Dr. Who, Harry Potter, Supernatural, Miyazaki, Steven Universe, and lots more! Limited to 40. Ticket required. 30 Teen Anime Con, 6:30-10:30 p.m., enjoy an assortment of events including a cosplay contest in this after-hours event. Whether you’re new to anime or totally obsessed, there’s something for everyone. More details will be available soon on the Library’s website, including how to pre-register online at AllenLibrary.org/Teens/AnimeCon. A parental consent form is required to participate in this event.

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room, free with no registration and for ages 18+ unless otherwise indicated. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913, or check AllenLibrary.org. 3

Saturday Cinema—Psycho (R), 2-4 pm, Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous films. A psychotic motel owner obsesses over his late mother while becoming a suspect in a murder case involving one of his recent guests—a

pretty secretary who checked in after impulsively stealing $40,000. Snacks will be served. 7

Noontime Pageturners, Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart, noon-1 pm, bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading.

14 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:308:30 pm. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, leave the kids at home and continue working on your latest project in the company of other fiber crafters. Twisted Threads meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month. No childcare provided. 15 Get Healthy This Summer!—Effects of Sleep Deprivation. presented by Amber Allen, BA, RPSGT, RST. Program Coordinator of Polysomnographic Technology Program at Collin College, 1-2 pm, learn more about sleep and how not getting enough of it affects your body and mind. Ages 16+. 15 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co., 6-8 pm, off site at Nine Band Brewing Co., 9 Prestige Circle, Allen. Team up with your friends to compete and test your knowledge of beer, literature, history, science and more! Please keep teams to 6 or fewer members. The tap room has draft beer for purchase; the library will not be providing alcohol. Ages 21+ 20 Let’s Talk Dewey: World Cultures, 7-8 pm. Nonfiction readers, join us for our choose-your-ownnonfiction book club. We pick the topic, you pick the book. For June, the topic is world cultures—anything pertaining to another country’s history (930-999), travel (910s), food (641) or folklore (398). Ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend the discussion even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book.

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21 DIY@APL—Meditation Boxes, 10-11:30 am. Need to de-stress this summer? Take some time off and relax by making a meditation box. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16+. 21 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7-8 pm, come join us in a discussion of Wild by Cheryl Strayed. 22 Get Healthy This Summer!—Importance of Tracking Your Food & Exercise to Change Your Body Composition, presented by Susan Evans, M.S. Professor of PE at Collin College, 1-2 pm, learn to use apps such as MyFitnessPal, My Plate and FitBit. You’ll learn how to determine correct portion sizes with a food scale and samples. Ages 16+. 27 Armchair Travelers Visit Vietnam, 7-8:30 pm, explore the world without leaving Texas! Join Matt Morgan as he shares stories, pictures and videos from his travels through Vietnam—Vietnam’s capital city, the emerald waters and towering limestone islands of Halong Bay and much more! Vietnamese-inspired snacks will be served. Ages 16+; younger children welcome with an adult. 29 Get Healthy This Summer!—The Science behind Healthy Living, presented by Traci Ramsey, M.S. Professor of PE at Collin College, 1-2 pm. Discover the benefits of healthy eating, healthy exercise and making consistently healthy choices. Ages 16+.

CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

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Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month, in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478.

Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, 2nd Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers. Free lunch; babysitting avail. for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Program: McKinney Summer Musicals performers give a presentation of songs from Oklahoma. Tickets can be purchased online at mckinneysummermusicals.com. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@ verizon.net. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets second Tue. each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Prelude Clubhouse, a community center for adults living with a mental illness meets at Vintage Church on E. Lamar Street, McKinney. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm. For more information, please call 469-301-6639 or www. preludeclubhouse.org.

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Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church, Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org. Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month, Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. Social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together. Various social activities. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 Central Expy N # 501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Note-Ably North Texas Women’s Chorus—All Lady Singers—Get your A Cappella On! “Sweet! Harmony Voice Workshops” 7 pm, every Monday, April 17-May 26, Watters Creek, Blue House Too Gallery across from DSW Shoes. Participate in local performances at the end of workshop! Sign up today @ NNTchorus.org.

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CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@ verizon.net.

Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

HEALTH

McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health. groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle. org.

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings-days & locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. National Alliance of Mental Illness Collin County Support Groups meet every Thursday evening, 6:30-8 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church in the basement, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. For times and directions: eaa1246.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www.planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free, email Lolo@fit4mom.com. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:30-11:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/TrueBlueDanceCrew.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-athome moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), at 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations. For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com

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

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

HEARD MUSEUM Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org.

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820.

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

Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402.

Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@ hotmail.com.

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

SENIORS

Active Agers 55+ meets 2nd Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (Eldorado at Ridge). Pre-travel meeting monthly to allow members to plan activities that range from day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the opportunity to make new lasting friendships. For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net

Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quarterly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets 2nd Monday every other month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets 2nd Thursday every other month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Allen. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Breakfast, meets monthly at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 1790 N. Central Expwy., Allen, 8 am. $15 members/$20 non-members. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$5 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome. For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets the second Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Provides legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership withLegal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt.org. Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason Beckett,Jason.beckett.1@gmail. com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

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LIBRARY

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Dizzy Dean Baseball legend Dizzy Dean captivated three generations of fans with his impressive pitching abilities and later, his broadcasting skills. He first caught the attention of the American public by winning 30 games in the 1934 season while leading the infamous St. Louis Cardinals “Gashouse Gang.” At that time, America sorely needed a diversion from the Great Depression. Dizzy’s portrait adorned the front cover of Time magazine on April 15, 1935. After a career cut short by injury, Dizzy migrated into the radio and television broadcasting booth. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953. Listen to Bo Carter who tri-authored Dizzy: Dean of Baseball and My Podnah with journalist and former Dallas area media member Mark McDonald and the late Gene Kirby, the play-by-play voice for Army football for several seasons, in a free program, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 8, at the library. Bo Carter observes, “Of the many books written on Dizzy, none is told from such an intimate perspective, nor with the shared sense of playful mischief. Gene Kirby’s text and photo collection show why the pitcher was a baseball phenom, but more importantly, show why Dizzy remains an enduring legend.” Bo Carter served as student media adviser and adjunct mass communications instructor at the University of North

Texas, Texas Wesleyan University and Texas Woman’s University from 2009-15. He has also been a consultant and columnist with the National Football Foundation since Aug. 2006, after working with the Big 12 Conference for 10 years and the Texas Collegiate League in 2006. Arrive early and listen to former Cleveland Indians organist Bob Whiteman play old fashion baseball music. v

July 4th with the ACB Jazz Band Begin your Fourth of July holiday by enjoying the patriotic sounds of Allen’s own ACB Jazz at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 3, in a free concert at the library. Listen to songs from America’s past, such as “American Patrol,” “American Songbook,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “God Bless the USA,” as well as other great tunes of Americana. ACB Jazz is comprised of members from a variety of occupations; from college students, bankers, teachers and even some retired. Its parent organization is the Allen Community Concert Band, open to anyone who has an instrument and a willingness to dust it off and get their lips back into shape. Most of the jazz band players also play with the concert band. Under the direction of Keith Petersen, ACB Jazz is fast becoming well known throughout the Metroplex, playing classical big band tunes as well as jazz and more contemporary songs. v

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Islamic Art Discover the fascinating beauty of Islamic art from Samia Khan in a free program, 3 p.m., Saturday, June 17, at the library. During June, the library’s gallery will display examples of her work for viewing.

A multimedia artist and program director for the Islamic Art Revival Series, Samia’s art is heavily influenced by sights and sounds of the Middle East. This inspiration emanates from mixed fanciful and abstract architecture of modern cities, old forts, soaring minarets, domes, arches and intricate geometric designs. Raised in Saudi Arabia, Samia moved to Los Angeles in 1988. Now residing in Dallas, she received her diploma in Interior Designing from School of Décor Karachi, Pakistan, and was assisting artist and founder of School of Décor Aazar Zubi. Majoring in art, she received her degree from State University of New York at Brockport. Serving as president of an art gallery in the Arab American Oil Company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for three years and vice-president for two years, she also taught hand-built pottery, weaving and pysanky art. She was one of five artists sponsored by ARAMCO (Arab American Oil Company) whose art work was displayed in Singapore. The ongoing influence of many world cultures drives her multimedia expressionism, utilizing media such as charcoal, pottery, weaving, glass fusion, stained glass, woodcarving, calligraphy, collage, handmade paper, baskets, mono prints and pastels. v

Regina Merson is Today’s Mujer As a teenager, Regina Merson had two goals—to be a successful lawyer and a highly recognized makeup artist and consultant. Today she has succeeded at both endeavors and her cosmetic products are now revered internationally. Celebrate Latina beauty and hear about Regina’s success story at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, in a free program at the library. A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, this Yale grad and Dallas attorney refused to give up her obsessions with makeup. Donning formal business attire to meet with highpowered Dallas attorneys and clients, her professional countenance exemplified success while her bright red lips radiated Latina beauty and charm. Regina notes, “Beauty is never sacrificed in the Latina world. Even my 88-year-old grandmother never leaves the house without a full face of makeup. You don’t get your mail without it.” After years of researching her own line, Regina launched Reina Rebelde cosmetics. Celebrating Latinas’ unapologetically bold beauty style, she hopes her lines unite women from all Latin cultures—Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, Spain and more. She acknowledges the subtleties and nuances beneath the Latin umbrella. Regina embraces her powerful cultural duality by showing her gran belleza to the world. Blessed with many choices, she speaks English y algunas veces español. She loves being Latina and Americana. She equally celebrates the beauty of her Reina and fierceness and grit of her Rebelde. By embracing her duality, she understands the fuerza that the perfect shade of lipstick provides to a woman’s already dynamic life and how it powerfully transforms her mysterious beauty. v Allen Image | June 2017

The Lone Star String Band With fiddle, guitar, banjo and outstanding Texas-style mountain singing, The Lone Star String Band will perform old-time music in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 23, at the library. First recorded in the 1920s by record companies who did not have a name for the genre, old-time music was sometimes labeled “hillbilly” music. Its rich, varied sounds and lyrics were popular with the common folks. Once performed on porches on Saturday nights and at dances throughout America, old fiddle tunes and songs from the late 19th century and early 20th century will now resonate in the library’s auditorium. Old-time music is often confused with bluegrass, which came along in the 1940s and was made famous by Bill Monroe. The music the Lone Star String Band plays has deeper roots. On fiddle, Earnie “Pappy” Taft has been playing the “devil’s box” for many years. Also a member of the Irish Rogues, he frequently plays at The Celt and Trinity Hall. Dean Barber, aka “Ol’ DB,” plays clawhammer banjo

“because he does not know any better.” Often found wandering roads near his home in Farmers Branch, DB will pick up the guitar, too, when the rest of the band is not paying attention. A crooner par excellence, Travis “T. Ravis” Brink is described as “a cross between Vic Damone and Lefty Frizzell.” Travis also plays banjo and fiddle. v

Gator and Mudcat Describing “Blue Rock” as “a little bit Texas music and a little bit Louisiana music,” Dallas native “Mudcat” Michael Reames and Louisiana’s “Gator” Wayne Folse will share this genre mash-up at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, in a free concert at the library. On rhythm guitar, blues harp, percussion and lead vocal, Mudcat has played with the bands Alizon, Noise Inc, Paraphernalia and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band Liberation. Mudcat adds a harmonica to set a vibrant mood. Performing around his home state with bands like

Allen Fontenot, the Coasters, BlueRockers and Shaking Hands, Gator now plays daily with a Bourbon Street blues trio. Playing lead guitar, vocals, acoustic and electric, Gator will electrify the library’s stage. Their efforts have culminated in a new CD, Back in the Game, and CD release parties were held in both Dallas and New Orleans. Gator and Mudcat’s song, “Mother Earth,” can be seen on YouTube. Gator and Mudcat appeared on the Leslie Taylor Hare show in 2010 and performed at the Texas Musician’s Museum, Harrah’s Casino and Warren Sports Complex in Frisco. Joining Gator and Mudcat are Chad Ireland on drums, percussion and background vocal; Clay Burr on lead and rhythm guitar; Bill Brody on bass guitar and backup vocal; and Kirk Hampton on keyboards and backup vocal. v

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

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Allen Image | June 2017

FEATURE

her way to

Success by Deborah DOVE

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Allen’s Madison Hicks has a long history of conquering the odds when it comes to following her dreams.

From being accepted to Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts to a coveted and nearly impossible acceptance to Julliard. Of course luck has had nothing to do with her many accomplishments. As her many accolades attest, Madison is an extremely talented dancer and an incredibly humble and hard worker to boot.

Hicks, who has been dancing since she was three years old, found her passion early. “I tried volleyball and soccer, but I didn’t have a passion for anything but dance,” she says. “So I decided ‘I’ll just do dance.’” In middle school, after years of taking classes and dancing at two local studios, Madison realized she could have a career in dance. So, in eighth grade, she signed up to audition for Booker T. Washington, a performing arts high school in downtown Dallas. “It’s hard to get into if you don’t live in Dallas,” she explains. Students outside of Dallas were automatically wait-listed, so Madison didn’t find out she’d been accepted until a few weeks into the school year. By this time, she was attending Allen High School as a freshman, and when she heard she’d been accepted to Booker T., she originally turned it down. “I was torn between having the real high school experience or going to an arts school,” says Hicks. “And Allen is the real high school experience,” she adds with a laugh. However, three months later she regretted her decision and re-auditioned, and was accepted for her sophomore year. Hicks has no regrets. “If I hadn’t experienced real high school, I wouldn’t have appreciated an arts school as much.” For the next three years, Hicks drove to downtown Dallas, taking academic classes in the morning, followed by dance classes in the afternoon and dance rehearsals after school. Primarily a jazz dancer when she was younger, Madison transitioned to modern dance at Booker T. She also made the school’s highest level repertory company, performing in two big shows a year. Even Madison’s summers were filled with dance as she attended summer intensive programs such as the Cedar Lake Summer Intensive in New York. The summer before her sophomore year in high school, she attended the New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) summer intensive and at age fifteen, won the 2011 NYCDA National Teen Female Outstanding Dancer. Madison toured with NYCDA every weekend for the next year, assisting teachers with classes at regional conventions and performing at the end of each weekend. Her junior year of high school, Madison was the modern dance winner of the National YoungArts Foundation, which earned her a cash award and the opportunity to mentor, teach and perform as an alumnus, which she still does today. When Madison first began thinking about college, she didn’t seriously consider Julliard. “Julliard is the school no one talks about because it’s laughable,” Hicks says. “No one even puts it on their top five list of dream colleges. It’s impossible to get into, because they only take twelve girls and twelve boys (into the dance program).” Hicks didn’t get into Jullliard’s summer intensive program, and with the competition for those twelve college spots incredibly intense, she thought auditioning would be a waste of time. However, since the auditions were being held at Booker T. Washington, her mom convinced her to at least try out since she had nothing to lose. Allen Image | June 2017

“It was the longest audition of my life,” says Madison of the January 2014 audition. “We started out with a class of 100 people at 10 a.m., and afterwards, they cut half of the class.” Ballet, which is Madison’s weakness, was the first class, and she was amazed when she made the first cut. Next was a modern class, and the numbers were cut in half again, followed by a repertory class and another cut. The remaining hopefuls then performed a solo and more cuts were made, followed by an interview at the end for the finalists, although even that did not guarantee acceptance. In a rare decision by the prestigious Juilliard School that Lily Weiss, Booker T.’s dance department coordinator, compared to winning the Powerball lottery, four Booker T. students were accepted into the 2014 freshman dance class, including Madison Hicks. “We were all in ballet class together, and we all got the call at the same time,” remembers Hicks. “It was the most exciting thing ever.” The dancers, two girls and two boys, ran down to tell their teacher. When they emerged from class later, the entire school was lined up along the open balconies of the hallways cheering for them. “I’ll never forget that,” says Hicks. Now in her junior year at Julliard, Madison begins her day at 9 a.m. with class such as music theory, anatomy, or stage craft. Ballet is at 10:30 a.m., followed by a modern dance class at noon. After a break for lunch, students take electives such as partnering, acting, contemporary dance, dance history and choreography. Students end their day anywhere from 7-9:30 p.m., after dinner and three hours of rehearsals for Julliard’s big shows (they do one in December and one in March) and small student workshops.

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“We dance 24/7,” says Hicks. “It’s feels like a never-ending summer intensive for four years.” It’s clear, however, that she loves every second of it, and along the way she has discovered her passion for choreography. Julliard offers a class called Choreographers and Composers, which pairs a graduate level music student with a dance student, and together they create a ten-minute piece—with original music and choreography—that is performed by the dance class below. “It made me realize everything I wanted to do,” says Madison of her participation in the class. Her interest in choreography has always been there, but at Julliard it has grown and become more clear. In high school, when she had pieces choreographed on her, Madison always wanted to change them to suit her. “It’s a natural instinct,” says Hicks. “It takes a different mind, and I can be creative in a different way. I’m extremely bored when pieces are choreographed on me, but when I choreograph, I could stay forever,” she adds. Madison’s choreography, along with her dance skills, recently gained recognition when she won the prestigious Gene Kelly Legacy Award for a jazz piece that she choreographed and danced. Already a recipient of scholarships from Julliard and NYCDA that cover her tuition, the award will help cover her room and board expenses. Her talent for choreography will undoubtedly also provide her with the opportunity to work in the dance world for many years, particularly since dancing is so hard on the body. “Once I turned nineteen, my body went downhill,” Madison laughs. “College has been rough on my body. I’m grateful I have choreography.”

Madison’s dreams for the future after graduation include dancing with a contemporary company for a few years, and then starting her own dance company. One of the first steps toward that goal is hosting her own summer intensive—the Moving Forward Dance Project—at Pure Movement in Allen on May 19-21. The weekend intensive will cost $195 and will include classes in contemporary, modern, ballet, improv, partnering, as well as learning and performing two pieces per level at the end of the weekend. Madison, who is presenting the workshop with three other third-year Julliard students and two professional dancers, wants to provide aspiring dancers with the opportunity to work one-on-one with professionals, and show the dancers what life is like “beyond the bubble” in college and beyond. The rest of Madison’s summer will be busy with doing choreography for numerous studios in the Dallas area, teaching master classes, and possibly participating in Springboard Dans Montreal—a summer program that pairs dancers with renowned professional dance companies from around the world. Madison had the opportunity to attend the program last summer and was paired with the Batsheva Dance Company in Israel, an experience that she says was amazing and incredible. “It’s hard because I want to do so many things!” Hicks bubbles with passion and enthusiasm for her hopes and dreams in the dance world. All are steps toward her ultimate dream of starting her own company with several friends. She’s already considering places that are “arts driven but need a company.” Undoubtedly, having Julliard, along with a long list of accolades and awards on her resume, will undoubtedly open doors. It’s a lofty goal, but as Madison Hicks has proven time and again, dreams can come true. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image | June 2017

KIDS KORNER

Beyond the Water Park by Deborah DOVE There’s no better way to cool off in the summer than by getting wet, be it by splashing in the pool, swimming or boating at the lake, playing in the sprinkles, or simply having a water balloon fight. Here are few more unique ways and places to keep your cool this summer beyond the typical waterpark. Best of all, they’re all less than $20/person.

Dive-In Movie at the Natatorium

Apex Centre

110 E. Rivercrest, Allen Celebrate the end of school by watching a movie while you float and swim at the Nat. Cost is $5 per person. Concessions, noodles and tubes are available for an additional cost, or bring your own tube or noodle. Dive-In Movie is from 8:30-11 pm on June 9.

3003 Alma Road, McKinney McKinney’s newest city-owned water park has an indoor pool with a river channel, open flume water slide and children’s play structure. There’s an outdoor kiddie pool that’s zero to one-foot deep with a small slide and water features, and an outdoor leisure pool with a river channel, family slide, kiddie play structure, basketball hoop, two closed-flume water slides and two open-flume water slides. There’s also a competition pool and lanes for lap swimming. Coolers, outside food and nonalcoholic beverages can be brought in, but no glass containers. Day passes are $10 (youth and senior), $12 (adult) and $25 (family) for non-McKinney residents.

Tom Muehlenbeck Pool 5801 W. Parker Road, Plano This City of Plano-owned pool is one of the best deals in town. For $3/day (ages 3-15) and $6/day (ages 16+), you can spend the day at the pool with enough activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. Outdoors there are three water slides, a volleyball net, an interactive children’s play structure in the shallow water, fountains and plenty of room to splash around. The indoor pool (which is usually only open in the afternoon) boasts a lazy river and two more water slides, one with a drop into the deep end that will thrill older kids.

Hydrous Wake Park 580 North Cedar Drive, Allen or 280 E. Eldorado Pkwy., Little Elm Similar to snowboarding, but on water, you don a helmet, life vest and board, grab the handle bar and an overhead cable system will tow you down the straight ways of the 10-acre lake, around curves and, if you’re adventurous, over ramps. There’s also a smaller lake to practice on until you get the hang of it. Passes are $20 for one hour or $30 for two. Stay local (there’s one near Allen Station Park) or check out the Little Elm location, which is near the Towers Tap House patio, where parents can enjoy food, draft beers and great views of the cable park while the kids play.

Burger’s Lake 1200 Meandering Road, Fort Worth It’s a bit of a drive, but this old-school “swimming hole” (it’s really a spring-fed lake that’s filtered and treated) is one of my favorite summer spots in the Metroplex. Heavily treed with sandy beaches, tubes to float on, six diving boards, a floating pier, a 20-foot water slide and a 25-foot trapeze, it has an oldschool vibe that kids love. You can bring your own food and drinks in, but alcohol isn’t allowed. Cost is $15/person ($5 for kids 6 and under), and they are open daily from 9 am-7 pm.

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Legoland Discovery Center Grapevine Mills Mall, Grapevine In addition to being the ultimate indoor playground for all things Lego (three rides, a build and play zone, 4D cinema, models and more), this popular play zone now has an outdoor water playground. Pirate Beach features a pirate ship water play structure with fountains, dumping buckets, shooting water cannons and slides. Cost is included in Legoland admission, which starts at $15.95.

Swimming, Tubing and Water Skiing at Lake Lewisville If you don’t have your own boat or jet skis, there are several places on the lake that rent pontoon boats, jet skis, wave runners, ski boats and more. There are also several beaches if you just want to soak up some sun and swim. Little Elm Park beach, which is set back in a cove, is arguably the best and has a nice sandy beach plus a snack bar and grill. For a list of more beaches, visit http://www.lake-lewisville.org/swimming/

Splash Pads Galore Younger kids not quite ready for water parks will love these area splash pads with shooting fountains, dumping buckets, sprinklers, shooters and more. Best of all, they’re free. The closest ones are: Celebration Park (Angel Parkway); Klyde Warren Park (Woodall Rogers and St. Paul in downtown Dallas); the spray grounds at Frisco Commons (8000 McKinney Road, Frisco); plus seven in McKinney (visit mckinneyparks.org to find them all). Don’t forget about the fountains at the Village at Fairview. In addition to wet fun for the kids, the fountains dance to music at 7, 8 and 9 pm nightly. v

EDUCATION

Collin College Graduate Represents U.S. in International Competition

by Heather DARROW

Maite Palma is on a quest for happiness—not just for herself, but for students, colleagues and a group of fictitious neurosurgeons. 40

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This driven woman is competing against meeting planning students from around the world, and her journey to date includes a new career, an award and an all-expense-paid trip to Frankfurt, Germany. “Of course my husband is going to go with me. He was packed the minute I won,” said Palma, grinning from ear to ear. When she traveled with her Collin College classmates to Atlantic City for the IMEX-Meeting Professionals International (MPI)-MCI Future Leaders Forum’s International

University Challenge, Palma was determined to show meeting planning professionals that the contest’s theme “Connecting the Dots to Happiness” was a foregone conclusion if you travel to Iceland. Competitors were given a fictitious brief, which included creating a green conference to offer young neurosurgeons opportunities to hear the latest research and connect with colleagues from different countries. Palma’s proposal includes a healthy menu based on native

Icelandic food, a visit to the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic water and the use of electroencephalography (EEG) machines to record electrical activity of the brain. She even suggested using EEG devices during a performance of a deaf, female percussionist. “Evelyn Glennie plays with bare feet on the floor because that is how she feels the vibration. She wrote Good Vibrations: My Autobiography about her experiences. Showing how you can hear things, even if it is not traditional listening, and providing certain brain-healthy foods and measuring brain activity will show conference participants how little changes can make a big difference,” Palma said. The sole winner representing the United States, and the only community college representative, Palma will compete against five students from universities in other countries including Chiang Mai University, North West University, Skema Business School, Shanghai School of Business and Economics and Vistula University in a final competition in Germany this summer. Palma holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mass communication from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela, but when she moved to the U.S. she could not find a job, so she decided to go back to school. Palma earned an associate degree in Hospitality and Foodservice Management in May 2016 from Collin College. “I came to this country 16 years ago and became an American citizen. If someone would have told me that I would have the honor of representing the United States in another country I wouldn’t have believed it,” said Palma, who is an adjunct professor at the college and a guest services agent at the Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club. Palma says the college was invaluable in her career and contest success. After taking several classes from Karen Musa, Collin College

associate dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce programs, she learned that her professor was looking for deep, critical thinking rather than book answers. Innovative ideas became Palma’s norm which served her well in the recent competition. “Instead of creating a beautiful logo or set up I was trying to think outside the box. I chose Iceland because I read an article stating that Iceland was the third country on a ranking for most happy countries in the world. Iceland is known for sustainability in terms of geothermal energy and growing vegetables indoors. Diet, culture and sustainability make Iceland a different kind of society.” In addition to taking hotel and hospitality classes at the college, Palma participated in the Leadership Academy and became a student member of the college’s MPI chapter, the first MPI student chapter in Texas. These experiences opened doors for Palma. “If it wasn’t for Collin I probably wouldn’t have had the Frankfurt opportunity. Being part of Collin showed me there are no limits. It is all about you, and Collin has all the resources. Everything you need to be the next big thing, you can find at Collin College,” she said. For many, the results of an international competition might make or break a quest for happiness, but Palma says that is far from her experience. “I was lucky to have this opportunity to represent Collin and the U.S. Regardless of whether I win, I think this is more than amazing. In fact, I cannot think of a better accomplishment,” she said. For more information about Collin College, visit www.collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer. Allen Image | June 2017

Let’s Face It: You Need a Will by Steven J. DAWSON

According to a 2015 Rocket Lawyer estate-planning survey by Harris Poll, 64% of Americans don’t have a will. Of those without an estate plan, about 27% said there isn’t an urgent need for them to make one—and 15% said they don’t need one at all. Many people wonder if they really need a will. They may think that they don’t have enough assets to bother with a will. Over years while practicing as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I’ve seen that regardless of wealth or socioeconomic status, that is the average sentiment of people when it comes to estate planning. Based on that survey the number 1 reason people don’t have a will is because they haven’t gotten around to it yet, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. I would submit that one of the main reasons why many Americans don’t have an estate plan is because “nobody likes to talk about death” and many seem to believe that you only need a will or

formal estate plan if you have amassed huge amounts of wealth. So let’s discuss in detail:

What is an estate plan? An estate plan is a collection of documents that specify how you want your money and other assets distributed, making it easier for your loved ones to handle your affairs during a time of grief.

Who needs an estate plan? Nearly everyone does. If you’re young and single, you may need only a few relatively simple items, such as beneficiary designations and medical and financial powers of attorney. If you have children, you need a will to name a guardian. If you’ve been

married before and have since remarried and have children from the previous marriage or relationship, you need a will. If you have substantial wealth, you may need one or more trusts to help control how your assets are taxed, managed and distributed.

Where do I start? Hire a good estateplanning attorney. If you don’t already have an estate-planning attorney, ask your CFP™ or CPA for a recommendation. It’s important to interview attorneys to ensure that you feel comfortable with the professional you select to help you customize your estate plan. When my staff and I sit down with clients to review their estate planning needs, we draw a triangle on a blank sheet of paper and at each point we list, Church/Charity, Beneficiaries and Government. When one passes away, all of their assets will go to one of these three places. Having a sound estate plan ensures that you determine what happens with your assets. I believe the government has taken more than its fair share of my earnings through taxation during my life and I’m not interested in giving them any more than necessary at my death. So the only way to avoid that scenario is to take action and get a will. v Steven Dawson is an Allen resident, a CFP™, educator, national speaker and president of Dawson & Associates.

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MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | June 2017

LOOKING BACK

Mustang Horses and Collin County Second in a three-part series.

by Tom KEENER Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark set sail up the powerful Missouri river in 1804 in hopes of arriving at the Pacific Ocean. Shortly after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned their expedition to explore and map territory that had been purchased from France. Rather than discovering rivers cascading to the Pacific Ocean, the expedition encountered the towering Continental Divide and horses were sorely needed to complete the mission. Lewis and Clark purchased 29 mustangs from the Mandans. Later, in what is now Idaho, 30 more mustangs were purchased from the Snakes (Shoshones) who managed vast herds, many with Spanish brands. In the 200 years since mustangs were first introduced to the Americas by the Spaniards, these noble steeds were galloping throughout the western plains, including much of Texas.

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In 1777, Franciscan Fray Morfi kept a diary while traveling from Mexico City to San Antonio and wrote that mesteñas “are so numerous that they had no number.” Upon returning to Mexico in 1778, he witnessed the mesteñas intermixed with deer, wild turkey and antelope. He noted, “the wild horses were the most striking and the most beautiful.” In 1846, while Lt. Ulysses Grant (later President Grant) and his troops were in Texas preparing for the Mexican-American War, he observed, “As far as the eye could reach to our right, the herd extended. To the left, it extended equally. There was no estimating the animals in it; I have no idea that they could all have been coralled in the State of Rhode Island or Delaware, at one time.” Among the early Anglo settlers to Allen, pioneer R.B. “Bent” Whisenant discussed the presence of mustangs when his family immigrated here in

1850. Interviewed by George Pearis Brown circa 1930 (when he was 90), Bent recalled the Mustang School and the mustangs that once roamed through Allen. “These horses belonged to no one and anyone who could capture one— and they had to be captured, I tell you that—was the owner. This was a common mode of getting horses. After one was captured and “gentled,” so to speak, if it ever got loose again and with this wild herd, it was difficult to get it again. Sometimes the tame, gentle ones would get with the mustang bunch, and they were hard to catch again.” The log cabin Mustang School was located along Mustang Creek near the site where the Vaughan Elementary School now stands. Bent described the Mustang School, “It had long benches with no backs and no desks. We got water from a spring, on Mustang Branch, which runs into Cottonwood Creek. It probably took

its name from one of two things— mustang horses that run wild in that community and/or a man tried to “crease” a horse, but instead broke its neck. To crease a horse was to shoot him with a rifle ball in the neck, which would cause the horse to fall… It was a common thing then when a man found a mustang that he wanted and could not capture to use this method.” Thus, mustangs were a vibrant part of Allen’s history and Mustang Creek and Pete Ford Middle School Mustangs serve as vivid reminders of their prominence in Allen when Anglo settlers first arrived. In a future issue, learn about Philip Nolan’s expedition from Spanish Louisiana to Spanish Texas to capture mustangs. This expedition probably traversed Collin County. Tell me your story by calling 214.509.4911. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Allen Image | June 2017

FEATURE

Eat. Skate. Sleep. Repeat.

he athlete launches himself down the rink, his blades biting into the top layer of ice. Methodical to an extreme, he counts each stroke that propels him faster. When he ticks off that magic number in his mind, he shifts and skates backward, picking up more speed. His stomach roils a bit as he does a 180, whipping forward again, burying the buzz saw teeth of his toe pick in the ice, launching himself in the air into a pair of complete rotations. As gravity steals his airborne momentum he feels something isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite right, his angle of descent is off by a matter of degrees. When the 120-pound-teenagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right skate hits the ice, physics triple his weight, the razor sharp

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blade snaps off at the boot, he loses control and lands on his back, hitting hard enough to make a linebacker woozy. Lying on the bone-chilling, pockmarked ice, fifteen-yearold Alex Liu clenches his teeth, shakes his head, picks himself up and skates off on one foot. Welcome to the world of competitive figure skating. And this is just practice. Figure skating at its best combines explosive strength, grace, agility and endurance with routines that can include doing splits in mid-jump and spins that turn the skater into a one-hundred-rotations-aminute high speed blur. All done on a surface as hard as concrete wearing blades as sharp as straight razors. His older brother Christopher, younger sister Virginia,

and their mom, Christine, share the passion, each spending countless hours on the ice striving for perfection. “It’s a beautiful sport, you have to be graceful, athletic, strong,” says Christine. “When you jump and you’re up there, you’re floating. You’re free.” Virginia gives a gentle nod. “I like the feel of the ice when I’m moving, taking off into jumps, falling and trying again. It’s exciting when you land a jump,” the twelve-year-old says. “I feel like I’m floating in the clouds when I jump.” Sixteen-year-old Christopher agrees. “I’ve always had this sense of freedom; you have all this ice space; the limit is how big the rink is,” he says. “What you can do, can always keep getting bigger.” While most of us are sleeping deep and dreaming big, Allen’s first family of skating is on the ice by 6 a.m., bringing their dreams to life. Christine gives lessons to other children. Virginia and Alex practice for an hour and a half; Christopher for two hours. Then, school fills their days—all three bringing home high marks. Not long after the last school bell rings they’re back on the ice, practicing or helping younger kids in one of Allen Ice Rink’s skate schools. If a competition is on the horizon, they each skate twenty hours weekly; practicing routines hundreds of times; taking hundreds of falls; getting countless bruises; all in an effort to make the incredibly challenging appear natural as breathing. The morning we stop in, it’s a pre-competition day. There are 10 skaters on the ice, each one vying for a piece of frozen real estate. Today, Virginia, Alex and Christopher are dressed in black, looking like three dark comets shooting between seven other skaters. They read the ebb and flow of the other kids’ routines and find their spots—like they’re merging onto a busy freeway.

Alex does a camel spin—picture the letter T. At the center of the rink, Christopher launches into his double axel, rotates two and a half times in the air and lands with a solid crunch. On the far end of the rink Virginia does a double axel as well, but her movements are much more delicate, more ballet than brawn. “They’re a rare family. Hard working,” said Cambria Jones, Allen Ice Rink Program Supervisor and half the team that coaches the kids. “Christopher loves to put on a show,” she continues. “This past year everything is coming together—his training; his comfort on the ice has improved.” She says Alex’s style is different. “He’s a perfectionist; almost to his detriment. If we tell him he needs to polish a move, he’ll work on it over and over and over until it’s as perfect as he can get it.” As for Virginia? “She jumps like a gazelle—she has a lot of power and she has a competitor’s mind,” Cambria points out. “When she steps on the ice, I know nine times out of ten she’ll do exactly what she trained to do.” Being able to gracefully keep themselves upright on blades 3/16 of an inch thick on a surface as slick as, well, ice, isn’t enough to win competitions. “We weight train, we need a strong core,” Christine says. “Jumps and spins need upper body strength to snap faster to get more rotations in the air.” They also do speed and cardio training since a routine can be the equivalent of a full out sprint. The family has spent nearly a decade skating, competing and filling shelves at home with trophies. Christine started as an adult, never having been on a rink in her native Malaysia, or even later when they were in California. When the family moved to Texas, her husband, Lymon Liu, wanted to try a sport they’d all enjoy. “When we got on the ice, I was the only one that wasn’t falling,” he

Christopher Liu

Virginia Liu Allen Image | June 2017

Alexander Liu

recalls. “I had to carry Virginia and hold hands with my wife and kids. They were crawling along the wall,” Their initial uneasiness passed quickly. “In a few months I was the only one not on the ice,” Lymon says. Christine fell in love with the sport and spent day after day at the rink. Within three years she was a nationally ranked competitor “I’m so proud of them and have the utmost respect,” says Lymon. “When I see them skate, I feel I’m not working hard enough for them.” The cost of ice time, equipment, lessons and travel for everyone is daunting. In addition to Lymon’s job, Christine coaches six or seven days a week so the kids can do what they enjoy. But, she and Lymon aren’t the only ones sacrificing. “One of them came home and said ‘Mama, my friend got an iPhone. Can I have one?’” Christine remembers. “I asked ‘Do you want to skate or do you want that phone.

They cost the same. We invest more than that every month.” How about a trip to Disney, or going to China to visit Lymon’s family? Everyone voted for skating. Julianne Kos, the other half of the kids’ coaching team is amazed. “I’ve never seen anything like them, they’re talented and great athletes, but they’re also four completely different human beings working hard together. Its beautiful to watch.” When all the pieces come together, their performances can bring a crowd to its feet. But when something goes wrong…. “When we hit the ice, we have no protection, there’s no padding between us and the ice and it hurts, it hurts bad,” Christine says. Unfortunately, the memory of those falls can stick with you. “The biggest challenge is being mentally strong. You’re either on your feet or you’re on your bottom,” she adds. One of the students Christine is teaching to stay off her bottom is a talented skater named Presley. Her mother, Julie, spends hours at the Allen Ice Rink and knows the Lius well. “They all love the sport. How often do you find kids in a family who aren’t doing their own thing?” she asks. “They’re tight knit; they get along. Its not constant friction and they cheer each other on.” That camaraderie is especially helpful when one of the kids feels beaten down. “When I was learning to do my axel, I had horrible days. I actually quit,” Alex recalls. But, family support made it a short retirement. “I came back because I realized skating makes me happy. Being out there is terrifying and exhilarating.” When Christine watches her kids she feels the pain of each fall, the exhilaration of each success. “I’m their mom; I hurt when they do, but I know this is where they’re happiest, so this is where we’ll be.” v Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.

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MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | June 2017

PET PAGE

“Nico” “Nico”

Nico is a Miniature Pinscher/Lab/Chow mix. He even has DNA results to prove it. He is 3 years old and weighs about 60 lbs. Nico was found stray and had recently been attacked by another animal. Despite the best efforts to find his owners, no one was ever located. He is now in the LHS foster program awaiting a forever home to call his own. Nico loves to cuddle! When he is awake, he loves to play with other dogs or just just lie on his bed and observe his surroundings. He also does well with the household cat—in fact, they have even been caught grooming each other from time to time.

Nico is looking for his furever home. Could it be with you! He is very trusting and has been very tolerant of potentially stressful situations like meeting new people or even getting shots. Nico loves car rides and going for walks. He is very curious and is constantly looking for bunnies to chase. He does have separation anxiety, but fortunately, it is not as severe as most! Nico is house and crate trained. He is also trained to wait in his crate while his food is being prepared each morning. He even goes into his crate to nap periodically. Nico would do best in a home with other dogs or even a family that is looking for a very goofy lovable dog. If you would like to adopt this sweet boy please complete an online application at http://legacyhumanesociety.org/ adoptfoster/adoption-application/. v

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