Allen Image March 2016

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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

March 2016

Vol. 26, Issue 3

cover story

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pinning her goals down

At 15, Allen High School sophomore and champion wrestler Alex Liles has already amassed a sizable collection of medals and trophies as well as some significant bragging rights. And, she has only just begun.

feature

20 everything’s coming up roses

The Allen High School Escadrille took the trip of a lifetime to Pasadena, California, to march in the Rose Bowl Tournament of Roses Parade.

special sections

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KIDS KORNER Spring Break Day-Tripping

33 PET PAGE

Chase

36 CALENDAR 44 20

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

education

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See lights? Pull to the right!

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Knights Templar

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Allen Railroad Days Exhibit

Sam Houston

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Pirouettes for Pets

18 Celtic Night at the Library

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Sow Much Fun

Book of Kells

15 Coffeehouse Concerts

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Ragas in Symphony

Mama and Her Boys

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Spring Festival/Easter Egg Hunt

helping hands

Junior Cotillion

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Watch D.O.G.S. Bring Role Models into Allen Schools

30 LEADing the Pride at Collin College

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The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools

Southern Flight

What Success Looks Like

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34 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

contributing writers Chelsey Aprill

office administrator

Marjorie Burr

Carrie McCormick

Vicki Deerman

Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year.

Kirk Dickey

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Deborah Dove

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.

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

Tom Keener

cover photo Larry Fleming

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Allen Image Š 2016 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area.

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Peggy Helmick-Richardson Keith A. Taylor

civic forum

See lights? Pull to the right!

by Chelsey APRILL

Allen Fire Department pleads with drivers to yield for emergency vehicles

How To Respond To Emergency Vehicles Tips from the Allen Fire Department • When you see lights, pull to the right.

• If you’re already in the right lane, allow other drivers to pull in front of you.

• If you’re stuck at a traffic light when an emergency vehicle appears behind you, wait for the light to turn green. As soon as it does, pull to the right.

• If you see an emergency vehicle approaching in the opposite direction, slow to a stop and keep intersections clear until the vehicle has passed you.

• When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, slow down and move over one lane.

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If you want to get around Allen in record time, call shotgun on a ride with Greg Fenn. As a driver/ operator/engineer for the Allen Fire Department, Fenn can maneuver 19-ton ladder trucks with the deftness of a speed skater.

“It’s a huge responsibility being a driver,” says Fenn. “If I don’t get there, the firefighters don’t get there.”

But, even with the benefits of lights and sirens, Fenn faces the same obstacle nearly every time he climbs behind the wheel—other drivers won’t get out of his way.

“It’s perplexing,” says Linda Greenidge, Allen Fire Department Public Education Coordinator. “I don’t know if they’re distracted or startled. But I suspect most drivers simply don’t know what to do.”

What to do is simple: if you see emergency lights in your rearview mirror, pull to the right to let them pass. It’s Texas law, but perhaps not

common knowledge to everyone on the road.

“Allen has a melting pot of drivers,” says Greenidge. “We all learned to drive in different states, even different countries. Laws and customs are different everywhere.”

That’s why she’s on a mission to educate. She’s teaming up with Allen City Television on a new video project called “KidDubs.” The mash-up of kid narrators and adult actors tells the story of firefighters responding to a call.

“Move over, crazy driver,” a pintsized narrator yells in one clip. “It’s a mer-gency!”

Education efforts may help drivers who find themselves confused or panicked at the sight of emergency lights. But Fenn sees his share of selfish and obnoxious drivers, too. Firefighters are frequently harassed for blocking lanes or backing up traffic, even as they deliver CPR or pull someone to safety. They also work in fear of distracted drivers, whose eyes are glued to a screen instead of the road.

“I’ve had an engine hit before. The car wound up wedged between the fire truck and the guardrail,” says Fenn, shaking his head. “Just because you’re passing a wreck doesn’t mean you have to put it on YouTube.”

Greenidge agrees. “People do very strange things to avoid being five minutes late,” she muses, thinking of drivers who zip into the shoulder to get around stopped traffic, or dart in front of a fire truck to catch a green light. “In emergencies, seconds count.”

Those seconds could be the difference between life and death for the grandmother having a heart attack or child trapped in a burning house.

Greenidge urges drivers to react with compassion when they encounter lights and sirens.

“You never know where those trucks are going,” says Greenidge.

“They could be headed to help your v parent or child or best friend.”

Chelsey Aprill is a Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | March 2016

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Allen Railroad Days Exhibit

The Allen Heritage Guild presents a free modular model train exhibit March 12-13 and 19-20, at the Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main. Over 100

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models of freight, passenger and work trains drawn by steam and diesel engines, representing various railroads including Southern Pacific, Rock Island and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe will be featured. The trains travel through scenic vistas, bridges and towns. The Allen train depot, a typical Houston and Texas Central station is represented in miniature, as it appeared in 1942 before it was destroyed by fire.

This year’s train show is dedicated to the “Texas Special.” A streamlined name train, it was inaugurated in the late 1940s and survived until the early 1960s. A joint venture of the Frisco, the St. Louis, San Francisco RR and the Katy, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas RRs, it ran from St. Louis to San Antonio in 21 hours. The Lionel version will be on display at the depot.

A traveling exhibit of the DallasFort Worth O Scale Model Railroad Club, this is a 38-foot modular display.

Roy Durrell will feature his N-scale layout. Look for the Walmart and McDonalds, which he built. Jack Rettig will have his HO-scale running on many tracks. They are both members of the Allen Senior Recreation Center.

Also the Lionel Modular Group will present their beautiful O-gauge and standard-gauge trains running on an 8’ X 16’ setup. These are highly collectible and the members of this club are extremely proud to show them. Some of their trains are over 60 years old and still operational.

O-scale trains are built to a ratio of 1:48—a 40-foot boxcar is about 12 inches long. HO Scale is approximately half the size of O scale and N is about 30% smaller than HO. Model train experts will be available during the exhibit for free appraisals and identification will be given. Visit your closet and attic and bring your trains for a free appraisal or to sell!

For the youngsters, there will be wooden railways that they can operate.

Videos of steam and diesel operations during the 1950s and 1960s will run throughout the show and there will be a presentation on Allen’s colorful railroad history during the program.

Exhibit hours are Saturdays, March 12 and 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sundays March 13 and 20, 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Stan Schwartz at ss124@sbcglobal.net. v

Pirouettes for Pets Allen Civic Ballet is showing off its tutus for collars, tying up its ribbons for leashes, and pinning perfect ballet buns for some soft furry friends in need.

“Having pets has been one of the great joys of my life,” says Stefanie Best, Artistic Director for Allen Civic Ballet. “They give so much uncon­ ditional love, companionship and comfort. We hope our event reminds people of what a blessing pet ownership can be.”

Share in the love of animals by joining these talented dancers at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 13 in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium as they present their second annual Pirouettes for Pets benefiting the Allen Animal Shelter. This free performance will feature swans, fairies and princesses from some of everyone’s favorite ballets—Swan Lake, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty—and is presented in an effort to raise awareness for animal adoption and responsible pet ownership. The pirouetting production will culminate with “Stupid Ballerina Tricks” and the audience crowning a pointe-shoed winner as their favorite!

But the real winners will be the

adorable animals the Allen Animal Shelter will have available onsite for adoption. The shelter will also gladly accept donations needed to care for the animals they temporarily house such as leashes, non-clumping cat litter, cleaning supplies, unopened bags of food and more. Visit CityofAllen.org/ AllenAnimalShelter for a complete list of items needed.

“We want to encourage everyone

to support the Allen Animal Shelter,” says Best. “Adopting a pet or donating much needed items to help care for these animals while they are waiting to find good homes is one of the best ways we can give back for all our pets have given us.”

For more information about the Pirouetts for Pets event, visit AllenCivicBallet.org or CityofAllen. v org/PirouettesForPets.

Allen Image | March 2016

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Sow Much Fun—The Garden Show Mark your calendar! The Garden Show, presented

by The Collin County Master Gardeners Association, is an annual exhibition of horticulture held at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney. There is no better place to be inspired and learn more about North Texas gardening and Earth-Kind® gardening principles from some of the state’s top horticulture experts. The Garden Show will take place on March 19 and 20.

The fun-filled, twoday event features vetted vendors offering garden wares ranging from the whimsical to the practical, and engaging educational programs for adults and children. Collin County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer ideas for successful gardening experiences.

Demonstrations will run throughout the show on a variety of gardening topics that include vegetable gardening, herbs, container gardening, rainwater harvesting and more.

The Garden Show will feature two outstanding keynote speakers for the sixth annual event.

Saturday will feature author Chris Wiesinger— The Southern Bulb Hunter.

And, noted horticulturalist and publisher Neil Sperry will close the show on Sunday with A Year Filled with Color: Getting the Most from your Annuals and Perennials. You won’t want to miss entertaining and informative presentations offered throughout the weekend by the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers; Steve Huddleston, senior horticulturalist at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens; viticulturist Justin Scheiner; rose expert Claude Graves; and Collin County Master Gardeners.

The International Award Winning Earth-Kind®

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Perennial Research and Demonstration Gardens will be featured along with the Earth-Kind® potager and vegetable, vineyard and Crape Myrtle gardens. It’s a great place to learn about the best plants for our area and learn how to incorporate them into your own gardens.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Collin County Master Gardeners are working to determine which perennials and other types of plants will survive North Texas difficult soils and climate extremes without the use of fertilizer, pesticides and excessive irrigation. Spring finds the demonstration beds coming alive with new growth and color, giving residents a firsthand look at what will grow well in North Texas.

The Collin County Master Gardeners Association is an educational service organization of volunteers who are trained in horticulture, landscaping, soil improvement, water conservation and many other topics important to Collin County gardeners, residents and businesses.

The CCMGA volunteer program is administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, through the Horticulture Agent in Collin County and the Texas A&M University System.

The Garden Show is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Hours are: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free!

All proceeds will benefit the Assistance League of Greater Collin County. Visit www.ccmgatx.org/ TheGardenShow, or call 972.548.4232 for up-to-date information. u

Snippets

Coffeehouse Concerts The Allen Depot Coffeehouse Concerts presents Peyton Beene and Twice As Far on Saturday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Allen Heritage Center Museum, 100 E. Main St. in Allen. Sponsored by Like Minded Friends, the Allen Depot Coffeehouse offers an old-fashioned coffeehouse atmosphere where audiences can listen to music by local musicians while savoring coffee, tea and homemade desserts. Suggested donation is $5.

Peyton Beene is a local singer/songwriter from McKinney. Fourteen years of classical voice lessons and a childhood spent listening to country music have come together to create her unique sound. Peyton’s writing is inspired by classic country greats such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, as well as modern day Texas country artists including Zane Williams and Randy Rogers.

Look for her first EP coming in May! Named after a racehorse, Twice As Far has fun whenever possible, playing what they call eclectic folk music. Judi Altstatt Allen brings her deep Arkansas roots in traditional folk to the duo.

She also adds eclectic spice to the mix with ceramic flute, tin whistle and clarinet. Jeannie Clark Fisher began her career as a singer/ songwriter in Red Bank, New Jersey, where she opened for Bruce Springsteen in his early days. Along with their renditions of traditional folk and original songs, Twice As Far loves to throw in a few country and rock covers…just for the fun of it! v

Ragas in Symphony Allen Performing Arts Center will accommodate about 120 artists onstage on March 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Under the auspices of Santana Dharma Foundation, in association with Raag Rhythm, Ragas in Symphony is presenting a choral and orchestral exploration of the ragas of India.

“The new Allen ISD performing Arts Center, with state-of-the-art technical systems and a seating capacity of about 1500, is a perfect venue for this thrilling performance where the stage can accommodate so many artists at once,” Madhumathi Vysaraju a volunteer enthused.

Ragas in Symphony will be performed by the 50-member choral team, several dancers of Indian origin and a 50-member orchestra of young high school musicians from Dallas—Raag Rhythm.

Further details and admission tickets for this thrilling event can be obtained from http://www.sdfglobal.org or http:// www.raag-rhythym.org. v Allen Image | March 2016

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Snippets Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt

Junior Cotillion Manners are alive and well in our Allen youth. Kids today need exposure to etiquette and social lessons now more than ever, says Laura Walsh, Director of the Allen, McKinney and Prosper Chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions. The Junior Cotillion program is designed for sixth-eighth grade students and includes lessons in character educations, dining etiquette, ballroom dance and modern manners. The Junior Cotillion season begins in September and concludes with the Grand Spring Ball in March.

Sandra Hodgson of Allen is glad her daughter, Rylee, participated in the program. “Junior Cotillion was a beautiful experience for our daughter, Rylee.

Understanding how to behave in elegant and formal social settings is still important for young people to learn.”

The Parents’ Reception on Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club will kick off registration for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. Please contact Director, Laura Walsh, at laura.walsh@nljc.com for additional information.

Creekwood United Methodist Church is once again hosting a Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt. Families will have the chance to spend a morning together celebrating the arrival of spring and participating in many traditional festival activities, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 26. There will be four traditional Easter egg hunts: 9:30 a.m. for preschoolers; 10 a.m. for K through 1st graders; 10:30 a.m. for 2nd and 3rd graders; and 11 a.m. for 4th and 5th graders.

In addition to visits with the Easter Bunny, participants will enjoy a petting zoo, a bounce house, balloon artists, face painting, hayrides and more.

“Easter is such a joyful time for the church,” said senior pastor, David Lessner. “We enjoy sharing the celebration of the resurrection with the community and are blessed to have the facilities and committed volunteers to host this fun family event.”

Creekwood UMC will host three Easter services on Sunday, March 27—9 a.m. Traditional Easter service; 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Creekwood UMC is located at 261 Country Club Road, Allen (corner of Stacy and Country Club). For more information, please call 214.229.7555 or visit www.creekwoodumc.org. v

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A Pre-Cotillion program will be added this year for the Allen, McKinney and Prosper Chapters for rising firstfourth grade students. Classes will be hosted in June at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club. Registration for the Pre-Cotillion program will open on March 15. www. nljcallenmckinneyprosper.com. v

library

The Library presents…

by Tom KEENER

Knights Templar

Sam Houston

What was the Knights Templar? What is its legacy?

Learn more about this order from the Middle Ages from Kevin Main at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 31, at the library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free.

A military order that began circa 1129, the Knights Templar remained active until the first part of the fourteenth century. At dawn on Friday, October 13, 1307 (possibly the origin of the Friday the thirteenth superstition), French King Philip IV ordered the arrest and execution of the Knights Templar Grand Master Jacque de Molay and scores of other leading knights.

Main observes, “Between their incomparable rise to social, political and financial power, and their swift, dramatic and unequivocal fall from that power, the history of the Knights Templar is replete with mystery, controversy and conspiracy. Their legacy has shaped our understanding of chivalry, fueled the causes of revolution and liberty, inspired both heretics and those who oppose heresy and even influenced the methods of modern banking. Everyone who encounters the story of the Knights Templar is affected by that story, and the success of recent novels and films demonstrates that their mystique lives on in the popular imagination.”

Kevin K. Main is an author and lecturer on the subjects of history, philosophy and religious symbolism, particularly that of Ancient Greece and Europe during the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Enlightenment period. Founder of the Conference of the Middle Chamber, a quarterly conference of Masonic Education hosted by the North Texas Masonic Historical Museum and Library, Main currently serves as a principal instructor for the Dallas Scottish Rite University Symposium. v

Meet Sam Houston, one of the legendary figures in Texas history, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24, at the library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free.

A hero of our state’s battle for independence from Mexico, Houston served as president of the Republic of Texas, governor of the State of Texas (as well as Tennessee) and U.S. senator for the State of Texas. President John F. Kennedy even included a chapter on Sam Houston in his Pulitzer Award-winning Profiles In Courage.

Today, another Texan and namesake of Sam Houston presents, The Lion of Texas—A Conversation with Sam Houston, a two-act one-man play that allows the audience to step into the home of Sam Houston and “feel” the very substance and nature of the famous Texas legend.

As a young man, the modern Sam Houston saw Hal Holbrook perform his legendary role in Mark Twain Tonight and believed that, while Mark Twain was certainly an interesting subject, a presentation about the beloved General Sam would be something that would touch the hearts and souls of people everywhere.

Filled with observations about Texas and Texans, The Lion of Texas has a generous dose of humor, interesting anecdotes and stories about General Sam, and even includes his observations and attitudes about the Texas of today.

Mr. Houston is also the author of one of the hottest selling new books in Texas, Texas Chili for the Soul...Who the Heck Needs Chicken Soup?, a collection of short stories based on unique Texas expressions that reveal a life lesson. When not writing or acting, the Gainesville resident enjoys sports, traveling and spending time with his family. v Allen Image | March 2016

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Celtic Night at the Library Lift your spirits and celebrate life with The Irish Rogues at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 11, at the library. Formed by John Hodgins, an accordionist from County Offaly, the band has entertained crowds at pubs and festivals with the infectious style, good humor and raw energy of the Irish pub tradition. Today, The Irish Rogues appears regularly at Dallas’s renowned Trinity Hall, and members have been featured performers at the annual North Texas Irish Festival since its inception in 1982.

Playing a rich collection of favorite sing-a-longs and ballads with brilliant instrumentals that include fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, tenor banjo, mandolin, five string banjo and accordion, the group’s three-part harmonies reflect the beauty of the music while retaining that rough edge of the Irish pub. The current members of the Irish Rogues are Earnie Taft, David Sparks and Steve Harrison.

Dallas Highland Dancers will join The Irish Rogues and take the stage with rocket-speed legs and feet. Dance director Fiona Robertson Alpaugh is an active member of the Daughters of Caledonia and the current secretary of the Scottish Society of Dallas.

Texas-born with Irish roots, Steve Harrison blends southern soul with the timeless joy of Irish music. He plays guitar, hammered dulcimer, accordion, banjo, bouzouki and whatever else the music demands.

Earnie Taft has been an active veteran of the Texas folk music scene for almost fifty years. He was a founding member of Fort Worth’s Saltlick, an eclectic group that haunted the Fort Worth Stockyards and the White Elephant Saloon for over twenty years.

He joined the Irish Rogues, Dallas’ Premiere Irish Pub Band in 1993, where he continues to perform today.

David Sparks began his musical career on trumpet, but learned the guitar as he became interested in folk music. As a founding member of the Blarney Brothers, he devoted 14 years performing at pubs and festivals nationally, including the famous Milwaukee Irish Festival. v

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in grand green fashion by learning about the deeper meaning of Ireland’s most valued treasure. The Book of Kells is the oldest and most lavishly decorated of a series of gospel manuscripts produced between the sixth and ninth centuries. The 13th century historian Giraldus Cambrensis said the work was “not of men, but of angels.” Join Dr. Donna Cozort as she discusses the universal meaning of the symbols in the Book of Kells at 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 17, at the library. The free program is sponsored by Bach to Books.

More than a religious manuscript, the age and design of the Book of Kells allows a glimpse into the art and style of ancient Ireland. Since 1661, it has been kept in the Library of Trinity College in Dublin.

While searching for meaning in the healing arts, Dr. Cozort traveled to the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland, where she studied and lived for six years. She is a member of the International Association of Jungian Analysts and lectured on trauma in the most recent International Congress held in Copenhagen, Denmark. A registered nurse and practicing psychologist, Dr. Cozort is the author of Out of the Whirlwind: PTSD and the Archetype of Job: The Journey of a Traumatized Combat Nurse to Meet the Divine.

Travel across the Atlantic and back over 1200 years with Dr. Cozort and learn more about the symbolism in the Book of Kells. v

Southern Flight

Prepare to rock Texas-style with the Southern Flight Band at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 18, at the library. Southern Flight Band combines the best of rock-n-roll, rock-a-billy, country and southern rock. This free program is sponsored by ALLen Reads.

Covering a wide variety of music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, Southern Flight has performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas and outdoor festivals for the cities of Rowlett and Duncanville. Their original music includes “Lights Go Down in Heaven,” “Light Years from Home,” “My Sweet Choir” and their ballad “Right Next to Me.”

Formed in Garland in 1999, the original band was comprised of Don and Marcus Shell, brothers who sang and played guitars. Current members of the band are Don and Marcus on lead guitars and vocals, Julio Ramirez on keyboards and vocals, Chuck Peterson on bass and vocals and Danny Hansard on drums.

A family-oriented program, parents are encouraged to bring children to enjoy a highenergy musical experience from Southern Flight. Bandleader Don Shell states, “The whole family can enjoy a night with us to dance and sing. We are looking forward to performing at the Allen Public Library on March 18. This will be a free concert for your whole family that you truly do not want to miss!” v

Mama and her Boys Ever savored the aroma of sizzling fajitas arriving at your table or enjoyed digging into a platter of cheesy nachos? Are you aware that these, and many of our other favorite Tex Mex dishes, originated at a famed restaurant in the Dallas area?

A fascinating documentary on the culinary odyssey of the Cuellar family and their famed El Chico restaurants will be featured at the library at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 22. Following this, John and Gilbert Jr. Cuellar and Carmen Summers will be on hand to share more family tales and answer questions from the audience. This is your opportunity to learn more about state treasures like tamales, guacamole, salsa and enchiladas.

In 1913, the Cuellar family picked cotton and worked as cow hands on a Kaufman, Texas, ranch. In the 1920s, Mama Cuellar, a mother of 12 who needed additional income, set up a booth at the Kaufman County Fair to sell her delectable dishes. She earned more money during that weekend than the family had earned for the entire year. Not long after, she opened a café in Kaufman.

In 1940, the Cuellar Brothers moved to Dallas to open an El Chico restaurant in the Oak Lawn area. By 1950, five restaurants were thriving. Then in 1961, another was added to the fold when Angus Wynne Jr. opened the Six Flags Amusement Park in Arlington and invited them to open a restaurant in the Mexico section. By 1968, a publicly held corporation was created. Mama’s grandson John Cuellar notes, “That is when I knew we made it big time.”

In one generation, the Cuellar’s moved from the Texas cotton fields to a royal palace to the White House. Mama’s granddaughter, Carmen Summers, observes, “Our success is attributed to hard work and our family working together as a cohesive unit.”

John Cuellar laughs, “Dallas is the origin of the semiconductor chip and taco chip.” 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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feature

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

by Deborah DOVE

In December, the Allen High School Escadrille took the trip of a lifetime, traveling to Pasadena, California, to march in the Rose Bowl Tournament of Roses Parade.

Of course, the largest marching band in the nation is bound to turn heads, and the group of students participating in the parade—the Escadrille is made up of 777 students, including the marching band, color guard and Tallenettes drill team—generated excitement and compliments throughout the week long trip.

“They didn’t know what hit them,” Allen High School band director Blane Hinton says with a smile.

“Everywhere we went, the iPhones came out.”

This enthusiasm from everyone they met struck parent and chaperone Kim White, whose daughter Erin is on the drum line, as well. “One of the things that stands out the most to me is how excited and enthusiastic people from all over the country were to get to see the Escadrille in person. As a parent, of course, I was excited and proud to see my child out there representing our community, but it was even more exciting to see and talk to people from all over the country that were just as enthusiastic to see them as we were! To watch people at Disneyland taking pictures and videos and even selfies with our kids... It was really something special.”

Hinton started the extensive application process to enter the Allen band in the parade a year-and-a-half prior to the actual parade date. He submitted reference letters from key people such as a composer from Pasadena that the band has worked with, and he staged

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a mock parade with the the band marching down Rivercrest Boulevard while a crowd of spectators cheered them on and a drone flew overhead. In Pasadena, he learned that everyone on the parade selection committee had gathered around to watch the video he’d submitted along with the application.

“We went all out,” Hinton says.

His efforts paid off. In July of 2014, Hinton was notified that out of hundreds of applications, the Allen High School Escadrille had been invited to march in the parade, one of only thirteen high school bands and only eighteen bands total.

Then the real work began—the massive preparations required to transport over seven hundred kids and 93,240 pounds of luggage to California just weeks after performing at a post-season game in Waco on December 11.

Masterpiece Tours was hired to coordinate travel arrangements, and two full charter flights, seven regular flights and fifteen charter busses were booked to get the students and chaperones to and around California. The biggest difficulty was transporting the uniforms, instruments, equipment and luggage. In the end, two tractor-trailers were filled to capacity, one stacked six feet high with uniforms.

Fundraising efforts began, and with a huge outpouring of support from the City of Allen, administration and parents, the students raised $135,000—enough to subsidize $190 of each student’s total cost of $1,600 to make the trip. In one day alone, the Escadrille raised $10,000 running a free car wash, and they set a national sales record with their Mattress Palooza fundraiser, earning a profit of $25,500. From a performance perspective, the Escadrille rehearsed their traditional show more than usual and practiced parade marching throughout the fall, focusing on the 104-degree turn at parade corner.

When December 28 arrived, the Allen Escadrille was poised to take Pasadena by storm. The weeklong itinerary included Band Fest (an exhibition put on by participating bands with ticket sales benefitting a California charity), a day at Disneyland and marching in the parade there, and outings to the Santa Monica Pier, Knott’s Berry Farm and Medieval Times. The week culminated in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Hinton paints an unforgettable picture of fifteen busses pulling up to a huge space the tour company had reserved for the students on Santa Monica Pier and eight hundred teenagers rushing toward the Pacific Ocean to dip their toes in as native Californians watched in awe.

At Band Fest, where the Allen band performed both its UIL field show and traditional show, a woman started crying when the Allen Eagle band took the stage because she’d never seen a band quite like them before.

Hinton’s phone lit up with media requests and a variety of news stations and shows featured stories on the band, including NPR Marketplace, KLIF, Channel 8, Channel 4, Univision and more. And while waiting to march at Disneyland, the band met a Disney employee in the entertainment department who was a graduate of Allen High School class of 1994—and a former Escadrille member—wearing his 1990 escadrille shirt!

Marching in the Rose Parade itself was an unforgettable experience for everyone, despite the

students having to wake up at 2 a.m. to get to the parade grounds in time for the 8:05 a.m. start. The Escadrille, the first high school band in the parade, was placed twelfth in the lineup and was later named the “Fourth Best Moment” of the Rose Bowl parade by the Los Angeles Times.

“It surpassed all of our expectations,” Hinton says.

For the kids, every moment of the trip was a memory in the making. “One of the most memorable moments was our night at Disneyland,” says junior Courtney Cobb, a French horn player. “When we marched through the gate in California Adventure, I realized that I am one of the few people who can say they have marched through Disneyland. It reminded me of how privileged I’ve been to be involved with such a unique ensemble.”

For sophomore Tallenette Gilly Emerson, the most memorable part of the trip was turning the first corner on the parade route and seeing all the people in the stands and the cameras. “I was really excited that I was there,” she says.

While taking almost 800 teenagers halfway across the country sounds like a potential nightmare, Hinton says it was a piece of cake.

“It was so well organized down to the last detail,” Hinton says. “And I can’t say enough about the kids. Our children are absolutely fantastic. They are respectful of each other and used to traveling in such a large group.”

Of course, just like every event undertaken by the Escadrille, it takes a village to make it all happen.

“We could not have made the trip without the thousands of volunteer hours from our Escadrille parents, support from the Allen ISD administration, and the commitment the kids showed from July 28 during those hot summer rehearsals through the last step of the seven-mile Rose Parade on January 1, 2016,” says Hinton. “It was a memory that will last a lifetime. We can all check that one off our bucket list.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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SUCCESS Looks Like helping hands

What

by Marjorie Vaneskahian BURR Allen Community Outreach is a local agency serving families in crisis in northeast Collin County. Some say that by looking at Collin County there is little need, no poverty and no struggling families. ACO’s numbers tell a different story.

In 2015, phone calls and walk-ins requesting assistance totaled 13,936.

More than 8000 local residents walked through ACO’s doors last year—all needing assistance, whether it was for food, clothing, financial help with rent and utilities or other crisis services.

Over 3,700 families came to the ACO Food Pantry, where 537,335 pounds of food was distributed—the equivalent of almost 4,500 grocery carts filled with food.

Programs providing summer food for hungry kids doubled last year and almost 200 more children were in need of new school supplies in the fall and food and toys during the holidays.

Thanks to 4,429 ACO volunteers who worked almost 39,000 volunteer hours, families were assisted and

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programs were provided. However, it wasn’t just volunteer hours that made it possible, it was also more than 1500 donors in 2015 that contributed funds and goods to meet the need.

Every day we see despair, failure and fear in the faces of single moms unable to feed their children, parents unable to pay their mortgage due to job loss, and senior citizens facing unforeseen financial crisis due to medical bills.

But most days we also see success.

It may be hard to recognize for many, but just ask ACO caseworkers and they can tell you our success stories.

“I am so excited when I hear a client say they no longer need our services,” says ACO Director of Programs, Claire Borchert.

In January, *Debbie told Claire that she would not need assistance from ACO this year. After three years of support from the agency, in the form of food and clothing for her three children, new school supplies and backpacks for the kids and even toys

at Christmas, Debbie graduated from college and had gained full-time employment.

“I could have never gotten through school without the support I received at ACO. They even allowed me to use their computer lab for my school work because I didn’t have a computer at home,” Debbie said.

Debbie is an Allen resident.

“There are no homeless people in our area.” We hear that often.

However, homeless individuals, and even families, come through ACO’s doors each month. A few of those are some of the best success stories. In 2015, two of those assisted at ACO were homeless men, in separate cases. *Gus lived in his van and moved it nightly to different parking lots to stay under the radar. He managed to get by with the help of local churches and assistance from ACO with gas gift cards, clothing and blankets, and food from the pantry that didn’t need cooking or refrigeration. “Gus called and I hardly recognized his voice

because he was so happy!” said Borchert. “He couldn’t wait to tell me that he had found full-time employment and his new employer was putting him in a hotel until he could find permanent housing. Better news came a few weeks later when Gus was promoted and his company was moving him to Florida.”

A long time homeless veteran, *Scott had been coming to ACO for the past few years for help. Scott lived in his car while working as a part-time substitute teacher and photographer.

Over the years ACO helped Scott with car repair costs, clothing, household items like toothpaste and deodorant, and let him come weekly to the food pantry since he didn’t have storage for a month’s worth of food at a time.

Every time Scott came to ACO he made sure we knew how appreciative he was for our help. As an amateur photographer, he took beautiful landscape photos and donated several pieces of his work for an ACO fundraiser as his way of giving back.

“Scott now has an apartment!” says Borchert with a proud smile. He had found a full time job, rented an apartment and even had purchased his own furniture from the ACO Resale Shop to furnish it. “Scott is a real success story!”

Perhaps the best success story of last year was *Chloe. She’s six and lives in Branch. Branch is a small, lowincome community just over the Lake Lavon bridge, a few miles east of Allen. Each month the ACO Food Pantry takes the mobile pantry truck to Branch with any produce and meat we have in excess at the pantry about to expire; and the ACO Resale Store takes extra clothing items. Families line up at the Branch Fire Department and wait in line to get donations of food and sort through boxes of clothes for their children.

Chloe came skipping through the parking lot ahead of her mother after having selected some clothing items that were in a plastic bag. She was swinging the bag over her head,

shouting that this was her “best day ever!” One of the ACO volunteers stopped her, amused at her enthusiasm, and asked why it was such a good day?

Chloe said, “This is the first time I’ve ever got to go clothes shopping! Look at all that I got!” What was simply a small bag of used tops, skirts, a dress and a coat to the volunteers, was a successful shopping day to Chloe.

What does success look like at Allen Community Outreach? It looks like a sense of pride on the face of a homeless man as he describes his new apartment to our staff. Success is the hug that the single mom gives us when she’s saying thanks for believing in her that she could pull herself and her children out of poverty if she just had a little help like she had received at ACO. Success is the bright, happy smile on the face of a little girl who only got “new” clothes when a donation truck pulled into her community.

Success also looks like a community who continues to provide an agency like Allen Community Outreach with donations of food, clothing, household items and funds to operate and prevent hunger and homelessness. Thank you for making Allen Community Outreach a success in the eyes of the thousands of local residents that face crisis situations each year. Food and gently-used household items are accepted Monday

through Saturday at 801 E. Main Street in Allen and financial gifts may be made online at www.acocares.org. *Debbie, Gus, Stan and Chloe’s names v have been changed.

Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr is the Deputy Asst. Executive Director of ACO.

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kids korner

by Deborah DOVE With five days of no carpools, homework or after school activities, Spring Break is the perfect time to getaway for the day. Check out one of these family-friendly destinations that’s the perfect driving distance for an unforgettable day trip.

Gainesville Frank Buck Zoo This little gem of a zoo is perfect for a day trip with small children. Located in Gainesville, about an hour from Allen, it’s small enough to be intimate and provide an up-close look at the animals, but big enough to have a good selection of exhibits (over 130 animals). An approximately one-mile path around the small zoo gives visitors a glimpse at everything from coyotes and kangaroos to zebras and cheetahs. One of the highlights of this small zoo is feeding the goats and the giraffes. When you’re finished, the shaded playground adjacent to the zoo is perfect for a picnic and playing. The zoo is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and costs $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 1-12. Visit www.frankbuckzoo.com for more information.

Glen Rose Dinosaur Valley State Park About a two-hour drive southwest of Allen lies one of the Metroplex’s best kept secrets. This 1523-acre state park is beautiful, with rolling hills, lots of trees and access to the Paluxy River, which is perfect for swimming, wading and skipping rocks. But the big draw for kids is the dinosaur tracks—theropods and sauropods frequented the ancient seashore over 113 million years ago, and their tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park are some of the best-preserved tracks in the world. Tube-like viewfinders are installed to help visitors locate the prints, but since they’re located in the river bed, visibility is dependent upon how high the river is. There’s also a 70-foot Brontosaurus and 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex model located just inside the park entrance.

Admission to the park is $7 for adults and free for kids. Nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a cool 9.5mile scenic drive through 2,700 acres of wooded hills and African-like savannahs. Visitors can drive at their leisure, stopping to observe more than 25 species of animals, many of which will come right up to your window and eat out of your hand. Weekday prices are $21.95/adults and $15.95/ kids.

Athens New York, Texas Zipline Experience the thrill of a lifetime on this guided adventure tour with six zip lines covering thirty miles of breathtaking East Texas scenery. Located in New York, just fifteen

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minutes from Athens (and about an hour from Dallas), the adventure starts with “ground school” where you’ll practice on a cable close to the ground to learn the braking system.

From there, you’ll zip through a canopy of trees on the longest zipline that is more than 940 feet long and over 100 feet above the ground. There are two small hikes between the last two platforms that will give you a view of the beautiful natural surroundings of the Pineywoods.

Each zipline tour lasts about an hour-and-a-half and is suitable for everyone ages five and older. Reservations are required; the cost of a six-line tour is $60. Nearby Athens offers the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, a fishery with exhibits that include 300,000 gallons of native Texas fish, a daily dive show and an alligator exhibit. Also nearby is the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, a self-guided drive through the hills of the 300-acre wildlife park with over two dozen exotic and endangered species that live in an open habitat.

Dublin Dublin Bottling Works Two hours southwest of Dallas lies Dublin, the small town that’s home to one of the world’s oldest soft drink bottling plants which bottled Dr Pepper up until 2011 and still bottles other delicious sodas. Tours of the Dublin Bottling Works take visitors through the historic and still-operating bottling line and even more memorabilia. The tour ends at Old Doc’s Soda Shop, a restored soda fountain where you can enjoy an old-fashioned soda made right before your eyes, a sandwich and an ice cream treat. Across the street is the W.P. Kloster Museum, one of the largest collections in the world of all things classic soda, with an emphasis on Dr Pepper memorabilia. With spring break the week before St. Patrick’s Day, visitors to the “Irish Capital of Texas” can celebrate St. Patty’s day March 10-14, with a parade (Saturday only), carnival, rodeo events, kid’s activities, entertainment, a car show and more.

Turner Falls Just a short two-hour drive from Allen lies Turner Falls, a beautiful park nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma, and the perfect place to spend a sunny spring day. The 77-foot waterfall is the largest in the state (it looks beautiful lit at night), and visitors can swim or wade in the natural swimming areas, hike, and explore three natural caves, geological formations, and a Rock Castle. Parks rates are $4/person for anyone six and older. u

MARKET PLACE

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education

Watch D.O.G.S. Bring Role Models Into Allen Elementary Schools

by Keith A. TAYLOR

Marion Elementary Principal Johnna Walker with Watch D.O.G.S. Kevin Cameron and Dr. Alan Coffman.

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You may come across a watchdog walking the halls of Allen ISD schools, but not the snarling canine type.

Instead, these watchdogs offer friendly smiles and helpful hands each day.

For more than seven years, Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) have been patrolling the campus, assisting in classrooms, monitoring cafeterias and more.

“Basically, we do what we’re told,” said a laughing Jake Podewis, a Lindsey elementary dad and Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer. “We’re really here to serve the school. We help set things up. We decorated the gym for Veterans Day. We even delivered presents to classrooms at Christmastime—kind of like a mini-Fed Ex.” It may sound as if the dads are little more than classroom assistants, but Lindsey Principal Rachel Kaiser said the Watch D.O.G.S. provide much more.

“At the elementary level, most of the teachers are women and a lot of moms volunteer at the schools,” she said. “Watch D.O.G.S. provides a purpose for dads to come to the school.”

Across town at James Marion Elementary, volunteer Kevin Cameron completely agreed.

“The first of the two main goals of Watch D.O.G.S. is to provide positive male role models for the school,” he said. “By participating, dads can see first hand how the teachers interact with their students. It is good for dads to have an appreciation for just what teachers do on a daily basis. That’s one of the biggest benefits of the program.”

The program is a welcome addition

Lindsey Elementary Principal Rachel Kaiser with Watch D.O.G.S. Coordinator Jake Podewis.

to any school because of all the services the dads provide, according to Marion Principal Johnna Walker.

“They do it all,” she said “From the playground to the cafeteria, they have become a very important part of the school.”

The Watch D.O.G.S program started at an Arkansas school in 1998 and has expanded to more than 4,700 schools across the country. Currently, there are more than 1,200 programs in Texas schools alone. All 17 Allen ISD elementary schools participate. Allen schools first started participating in 2009 when Marion and Story Elementary Schools started the program. The program is an initiative of the National Center for Fathering in conjunction with the Department of Education.

Mrs. Kaiser said the school works with the volunteers to make sure the day is as productive as possible while being a special day for the dads and their children.

“We give them a daily schedule that outlines where we need them and at what time,” she said. “We personalize it for the dad so they spend a portion of the day in their child’s class. They also spend lunch, recess and specials with their child.”

Most Allen ISD schools have enough Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers to have at least one dad on campus every day of the school year.

“Because of scheduling, some­ times we may have two on campus on a single day, but that’s rare.

However, we don’t volunteer on testing days,” Cameron said. “They don’t need the distraction.”

Volunteer Dr. Alan Hoffman, the father of a fourth grader, explained that when a Watch D.O.G.S. attends school, it usually represents a special day for the dad—and the student.

“The kids are really excited about having their dad on campus,” he said.

“First, they get to be on the televised announcements in the morning. The dad usually does something special during the school days, like reading a book to the class. It makes the kids proud to have their dad as the center of attention.”

Besides appearing on the morning announcements, most schools feature a prominent “Wall of Honor” to recognize the volunteers. At the end of the day, a photo is taken of the Watch D.O.G.S. and their children for display

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ad reads lunteer Aws Alah Watch D.O.G.S. vo y. tar at Marion Elemen to kindergartners

Watch D.O.G.S. da d Douglas Cumm ings helps a Marion El ementary student.

ember Casey Watch D.O.G.S. M hter Carman at Pacuzzi with daug y.

Lindsey Elementar

on the wall. With all the attention they receive, the Watch D.O.G.S. also find themselves as minor celebrities.

“Especially with kindergartners, it seems like they have a high-five contest with the Watch D.O.G.S.,” Cameron said. “The contest seems to be who can high-five the hardest.”

Older kids like the competition that the dads bring to the gym and recess. “There’s nothing better than beating one of the Watch D.O.G.S. in a game,” Coffman said.

Besides the fun and games, the Watch D.O.G.S. also add a little peace of mind to the campus staff. As a matter of fact, the second goal of the organization is to “provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.”

“We’re kind of like pseudosecurity,” Cameron said. “We keep an eye out for people in the halls, making sure they have badges. We walk the perimeter of the campus every hour during the school day. We provide another set of eyes that allows the teachers concentrate on their job.”

Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Kaiser agree that the Watch D.O.G.S. program has been a great benefit to the schools.

“The program draws in dads from all walks of life and all kinds of careers,” Walker said. “They’re not all dads, either. We’ve had granddads and uncles participate. Watch D.O.G.S. provides a great lesson in the diversity of the family and community.”

Podewis said the program ultimately sends a memorable message about the importance of education.

“It’s important for kids to see role models involved in education,” he said. “Having dads there validates the importance of school and the program reinforces the idea that dads are there to help.

“For dads, it’s a great way to connect with their kids in the place where they spend most of their day. v What could be better than that?”

Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

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MARKET PLACE

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LEADing the Pride at Collin College Program Uses Fun to Teach About Leadership

by Kirk DICKEY

Students participate in the boat races at the Leading the Pride Leadership Camp, a signature event of the LEAD program at Collin College.

The water roiled as the two teams rounded the final turn, their “boats” propelled by students panting with effort. Teammates and vanquished competitors at the sides of the pool yelled encouragement as the threeperson crews fought to hold their crafts together and cross the finish line first.

Comprised of pool noodles, beach balls, plastic tarps, water wings,

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bungie cords, kite string and a few other lighter-than-water items picked out by game organizers, the boats were designed by teams of six or seven people in less than an hour. Some teams had focused on a streamlined design for speed and others on maximum buoyancy.

No matter the design, being pulled around a pool as fast as two swimmers

could drag them tended to cause structural problems and by the final race, the boats were being held together as much by good will as bungie cords.

Roars of triumph and wails of loss went up as the teams crossed the finish line—their boats mostly intact and everyone smiling or laughing at the challenge.

From a distance it might look like a group of children goofing off in a pool. It was more than that, however.

The students had confronted a problem, worked together to solve it and relied on each other to get the best result possible. A race in a pool is relatively low stakes as far as teamwork and leadership goes, sure, but both were needed to keep their team afloat.

The game was just one of more than a dozen played at the Leading the Pride Leadership Camp at the Prothro Center on Lake Texoma in August, all with the purpose of reinforcing leadership and teamwork ideals in fun ways. The one-day camp is a center­ p iece event for LEAD (Leadership Empowerment and Development), a co-curricular program at Collin College designed to teach students the properties of good leadership and allow them to develop those skills in ways that entertain as well as educate.

LEAD activities include the camp, various student-led leadership work­ shops, a ropes course team building exercise, Strengths Quest leadership potential assessments, field trips to watch government bodies in action and Leadership in the Movies, a program that takes popular films and examines the way characters demonstrate leadership, both good and bad. These experiential and interactive events draw students who might otherwise be turned off by a series of drowsiness-inducing lectures on leadership traits.

“Our students are here for such a short time, and during that time, we want to give them as many opportunities as we can to engage in leadership development,” Dr. Terry Hockenbrough, the director of the Center for Scholarly and Civic Engagement which oversees LEAD, said. “It changes them. It makes them better for whatever lies before them.”

Hockenbrough said there are dozens of instances where the program brought students out of their shell and

they began to see themselves as potential leaders. That was the case for Jacob Schorr, a second-year student at Collin College.

Schorr said he only went to his first LEAD seminar because a professor offered him extra credit to attend. Soon, though, he saw how participation in the program could be a real benefit. By the time last year ’s camp rolled around, he was fully invested. He and other students were brought in to help plan the camp,

which revolved around a Lord of the Rings theme.

“That was one of the most challenging and amazing things I’ve ever done, trying to figure out what we are going to do for camp, how we are going to run activities, how to coordinate the talks and things like that,” Schorr said. “(The program administrators) believe in teaching leadership by doing as well as teaching.

Having a chance to be hands-on with it was great.”

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Experiences like that have made a mark on Schorr, who now calls positive leadership “the most necessary part of society.”

“It’s a different way of looking at things and it changes the way you relate to people,” he said. “You realize it is not about bossing somebody around. It is about understanding the people you are working with and how to get the best out of them. It is about figuring out how to help them reach their full potential.”

Designing a fun environment to learn leadership concepts, apply those concepts through interaction, and develop new skills is an integral part of the program, according to Dr. Hockenbrough.

“Our goal is to provide a positive learning environment for all of our students and part of that is making the program student friendly,” she said.

Within that structure, students are exposed to a holistic program approach to leadership training that includes leadership character and integrity, effective leadership characteristics, leadership abilities and skills, and leadership styles. Students learn as much from each other as they do from faculty and staff.

“Students make connections with other students and the college community,” Dr. Hockenbrough said.

“They learn leadership concepts that they may have never known about and are given an opportunity to apply those concepts through the different events and projects.. Students are

Jacob Schorr

empowered as people with creativity and are inspired with the hope that they have something to offer.”

To learn more about the LEAD

program and its events or about the Center for Scholarly and Civic Engagement, visit http://www.collin. edu/academics/csce/ .

This article is the first of a twopart series exploring the leadership training opportunities at Collin College. The next article will focus on the college’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI), which brings an academic focus to leader­ ship education. v Kirk Dickey is a public relations writer with Collin College.

Photos by Nick Young, Collin College photographer

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pet page

“Chase” Chase was found as a stray and ended up at the shelter where an LHS volunteer came and rescued him. He is about two years old and loves people, going on walks, playing with toys and lying in laps! He gets along with everyone he meets—both dogs and people. He is a quick learner. He is house trained, knows how to sit, lie down and go into his crate.

He has been neutered, microchipped and has had all age-appropriate vaccinations.

Chase needs a warm bed to sleep in and a family to love and snuggle with him. Could you be Chase’s family?

If you are interested in adopting this sweet and loving guy, complete an online application at http://www. legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptionapplication.html and his foster family will get in touch with you. v Allen Image | March 2016

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The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Ten Years of Raising funds to Impact Education

by Vicki DEERMAN

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The 10th annual Denim and Diamonds Gala and Auction will be held Saturday, April 9, at Southfork Ranch. The gala’s Title Sponsor is Dr. Rick Burg and family. Dr. Burg is a Fairview resident and an orthopedic spine and neck surgeon with OrthoTexas. The entire community is invited to attend this annual event.

There should be over 700 guests for dinner, music, silent and live auctions.

Donations for the silent and live auctions are currently being sought along with sponsorships for the event.

There is a new Family Legacy sponsorship opportunity this year.

Businesses and families can also advertise in the auction program. The chair for Denim and Diamonds is Alicia Pool and the co-chair is Andrea Paranteau. All past Denim and Diamond chairs are being honored for their tremendous service to the Foundation.

For more information, see the Foundation website at www. foundationforlovejoyschools.org.

The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools’ mission is to involve the community in generating funds to enhance education in the Lovejoy ISD. To date, 1.8 million dollars has been granted to the Lovejoy ISD through classroom grants and professional development. Dollars are generated through an annual appeal campaign each fall and the Denim and Diamonds Gala and Auction in the spring.

Intermediate School. The grant has made it possible for the students to access a wider selection of resources to reinforce their learning and to develop their technology fluency by using the technological tools required in the 21st century workplace. The computer grant ensures that all students have the mindset to integrate technology into their future, as well as their present.”

– Eva Logan

“Fourth graders at Hart are very excited about their classroom Bluebonnet libraries. Having a dedicated, complete set of high quality books across many genres has created enthusiasm, wider reading, and more conversations and critical thinking about the books.”

- Cindi Duran Vicki Deerman is the Executive Director for the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools

“The fourth graders at Puster Elementary are swiftly becoming tech experts thanks to a generous grant of $73,560 grant for the purchase of 60 Macbook Airs by the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.

Already students are participating in multimedia and collaborative learning opportunities with their new technology.”

– Courtney Claborn “The Foundation for Lovejoy grant has made a strong impact in the STEM program at Sloan Creek Allen Image | March 2016

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calendar

march 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.

9 Allen Americans vs Missouri Mavericks 12 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 13 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 16 Allen Americans vs Missouri Mavericks 18 Allen Americans vs Alaska Aces 20 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 26 Allen Americans vs Missouri Mavericks 27 Allen Americans vs Missouri Mavericks

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services Weekly story times are held in the Children’s Program Room. Story times are free and no registration is required.

For more information, call 214.509.4906.

Baby and Me—For pre-walkers with a caregiver.

Thursdays at 10:15 am Fun Ones & Twos—For 1 & 2 year-olds with a caregiver. Mondays & Tuesdays at 10:15 am Together Time—For 3-5 year-olds with a caregiver.

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am; Wednesdays at 10:15 am

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All By Myself—For 4-5 year-olds without a caregiver.

Wednesdays at 11:15 am Pajama Story Time—For 3-5 year-olds & family.

Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:30 pm (Note the new start time!)

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.

Family Movie Matinee—2-3:30 p.m., March 7; 2-3:30 p.m., March 8; 2-3:30 p.m., March 9, Civic Auditorium, ages 3+. Free family movie on the big screen. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9.

8 Perot Museum Tech Truck, 2-4 pm, ages 10+.

The Perot Museum is visiting the Allen Public Library! Get hands-on experience in STEAM topics.

10 Crafternoon, 2:30-4 pm, Children’s Program Room, ages 3+ with an adult, create your own artistic masterpieces during this come-and-go program. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9.

10 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room, ages 12-18, join us as we watch anime, eat Japanese snacks and have fun!

12 Family Lego Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room, ages 5+ with their families. Bring your parents and create with Legos at the library! Caregivers must stay with children under age 9.

14 American Girl Club, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room, ages 7-12, celebrate your favorite American Girl with crafts, snacks and more!

18 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room, ages 0-3 with adult, join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play.

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

2 Noontime Pageturners, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, 12-1 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.

Your Perfect Trip Now! Part 2: How to Stay Safe on Your Dream Vacation, 7-8:30 pm. So you’ve planned your perfect trip, but how do you prepare for those just in case situations? In part two of this informational program you will learn things like: the best type of payment forms to carry and where on your person to carry it, purchasing traveler’s insurance, and much more.

These simple tips could make the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a living nightmare.

3 Trivia Night @ Nine Band Brewing Co., 6 pm, off site at Nine Band Brewing Co., 9 Prestige Circle, Allen. Team up with your friends to compete for first place at Allen’s own brewery— test your knowledge of beer, literature, history, science and more! The tap room has draft beer for purchase; the library will not be providing alcohol. Age 21+.

5 Learn to Knit, 2:30-4 pm. Learn the basics of knitting. Start a small project and learn how to cast on, how to bind off, and the knit stitch.

Supplies are limited. For best selection, please bring a pair of bamboo needles (size 13 or larger) and a skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn, ages 12+.

7 ArtSparks! Texas Art, 1-2:30 pm, presented by the Allen Arts Alliance. Learn about Texas art, from cowboys to modern artists, in conjunction with this year’s ALLen Reads selection of Texas Eats by Robb Walsh. You’ll also get to create your own artwork inspired by Texas art. All materials will be supplied; no art experience necessary.

Adults and teens age 16+.

9 Mandala and Mocktails, 2:30 pm, come enjoy an afternoon of coloring and conversation.

Refreshing mocktails and other sweet treats will be served. For ages 16+.

Twisted Threads-A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. Do you knit? Or crochet? Or make spectacular things with thread and yarn? If so, Twisted Threads is for you! Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters.

10 Discover a Healthier You-T’ai Chi, presented

by Carole Booth, 1-2 pm. Learn how T’ai Chi can help you to gain balance, on all levels of your being. Join us for a sample class and learn some basic T’ai Chi moves. Comfortable clothes and shoes recommended.

15 Let’s Talk Dewey: Texas Eats by Robb Walsh, 7-8 pm. We pick the topic—you pick the book!

For March, to tie in with ALLen Reads, we’ve chosen Texas Eats by Robb Walsh. Or you may pick any book about Texas cooking, in the nonfiction section under 641.59764 (ask a reference librarian for help). You will get to share your book with the group and hear about other books on the topic. You’re welcome to join the discussion even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book.

16 DIY@APL-Terra Cotta Pots, 10-11:30 am, get ready for spring by decorating a small terra cotta pot with paint, glitter and more! All supplies will be provided.

17 Talking History, 7 pm. Join us for a one-hour historical lecture related to the history of the Indian subcontinent with Dr. Rachel Ball-Phillips of Southern Methodist University.

29 Armchair Travelers Visit Sri Lanka, 7 pm.

Come explore the world without ever leaving Texas! Join world traveler Matt Morgan as he shares stories, pictures and videos from his travels through Sri Lanka. Journey through the Cultural Triangle, home to several ancient monuments, explore the picturesque city of Galle, on the southern coast, and end your tour in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. Sri Lankan snacks will be available to sample.

30 Crochet 101, 6:30 p.m., learn the basics of crochet with Susan Jackson. Create coasters out of cotton yarn from a foundation chain and single crochet stitch! All supplies provided. 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 second and fourth Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process.

For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

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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 first Wednesday every month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main.

For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org.

Allen Retired Educators, meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview.

RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com.

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome.

For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 nonmembers 1st visit free.

For more info: 972.727.5585.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets second Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women.

For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460.

Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch.

For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org.

Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children.

Studying Luke. Reg. required.

For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Collin County Aggie Moms, meets the third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit between Frankford & Campbell.

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 Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday of every month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. 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 their owners in the Dallas area.

For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday every month, in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas.

For more info: www.bigd56ers.com.

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Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome.

For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ ericsson.com.

First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of growth habits.

For more info: 972.398.3478.

Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen.

For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas.

For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, meets the third Thursday each month, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education.

For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, President.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, the second Thursday of each month, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee.

For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/.

McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney.

For more information: 972.814.4190.

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets the third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Join us February 16 for Making Democracy Work, presented

by The League of Women Voters of Collin County.

Information about the importance of being a voter.

For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 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 and schools through prayer.

For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.

SNARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets the second Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas. Program— Your Personal WOW Factor. Guests welcome.

For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

North Dallas Newcomers, meets the first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs.

For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets the 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 of every month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 East Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome.

For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Road, Plano. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano.

For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com.

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano.

For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area.

For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com.

Reasonable Faith Discussion Group. This group studies current issues on how the culture challenges Christianity. Meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm B1116.

For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com.

Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter. Local and national teachers, authors and speakers who address current topics about building an evidence-based case for Christian worldview. 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. Free. Low cost childcare.

For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily. org.

The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/general public.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen.

For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425.

United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Join us for book discussion & refreshments.

Book selections determined at January meeting. We encourage women of all faiths to participate.

For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.

For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas.

For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues.

Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Musicians ages 15-100. Bring snacks to share.

For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, meets every Thursday, 7 pm, Blue House Too (blue & white stripe awning) 934 Market St., Allen. Guests always welcome at our rehearsals! Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.

For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www.nntchorus. org.

CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville.

For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Common Threads of Allen, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market CafĂŠ, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, make friends.

For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm.

For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

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

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends & family of alcoholics.

For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

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 offers support groups, medical information and events.

For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, meets the third Monday of every month, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney.

For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984.

Cancer Support Ministry, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101.

For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241.

Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen.

For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com.

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Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary.

For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.

For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events.

For more info: www.texashealth.org.

The Shores AA Group, meets every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone 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. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor.

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HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture.

Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.

For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Upcoming dates - 1/16, 1/30. Minimum donation $5. All proceeds donated to local charities.

For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

McKinney Chess Club, meets 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.

McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking.

For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters.

For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am.

For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www. planopacers.org.

MOM’S CLUBS

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

For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney.

For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets the second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required.

For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out & more.

For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc.

Monthly bus. meeting.

For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare is provided.

For more info: 972.727.8241.

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano.

For more info: 214.762.0037.

MUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum Open 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main Street athe railroad tracks, Allen. We are preserving the history of Allen. We have 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 between the first Saturday and the First Sunday, 8-10 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closedtoed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM Dinosaurs Live! Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along nature trails at the 9th annual Dinosaurs Live!

See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller friendly. Thru Feb. 21.

For more info: heardmuseum.org.

2nd Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques.

3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling.

Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! This is an introduction to journaling techniques through hands-on activities and is designed for individuals that have no journaling or artistic experience; those with journaling experience are welcome as well. If weather cooperates, this talk will also include an outdoor component.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

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

For more info: 972.562.5566.

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566.

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.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566.

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SENIORS

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

For more info: 214.509.4820.

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

Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, meets every Friday, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Non-members, Allen residents $3.

For more info: 214.509.4820.

Classic 55+ Game Night, first and third Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship & games.

Open to community, no res. required.

For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

Singles Mingle 60+, meets the first and third Monday each month, 5:30 pm, Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. Single men & women 60+ in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people.

For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers.

For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

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SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

Allen Lions Club, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen.

For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982.

Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 E. Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen.

For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary. com/ Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month.

For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net.

Knights of Columbus, meets the third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen.

For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano.

Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested.

For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets the second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney.

Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm.

For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday every month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney.

For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org.

VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen.

For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www. vfw2195.org.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teaches children to serve their community, meets the second Saturday every month.

For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

For Your Health

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by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

cover story This Allen dynamo credits her wrestling brother, Rick Moreno, who died in 2013 at age 17, for her own motivation to succeed on the mat. Rick had been an 8th grade state champion as well as a USA national champion.

Alex began wrestling when she was 10 years old and a student at Bolin Elementary. Already involved in other sports, when she went to watch Rick wrestle with Best Trained, a wrestling club in Allen, she immediately declared she wanted her chance on the mat as well.

“After that first practice, I went to my mom and said that I wanted to join,” she recalls. “So they went to the coaches and signed me up.”

A wrester himself at the University of North Texas in the 1990s, her father Eric laughs, “We said to give her a week and she’ll probably quit. We figured by then it would be out of her system.”

Along with the physical demands of the sport, her parents assumed that being the only girl in the group would eventually become tiresome as well.

Not only was Alex undeterred by being the sole female maverick in the local group, she didn’t mind when she was the only girl competing in tournaments, including those on the state level.

“What benefitted her most is the fact that she wrestled all guys at the beginning, and she continues to practice with the best of Texas wrestling, which is Allen High School Wrestling,” her mother Jessica emphasizes.

Best of Texas is not hyperbole when it comes to describing the Allen High School wrestling team. These athletes have racked up six consecutive UIL state championships and earned the title of Texas Dual State Champions for the past seven years.

In addition to being the owner as well as one of the coaches for Best Trained, Jerry Best has coached the Allen High School wrestling team for the past 14 years. First wrestling at age 6, he was a four-time undefeated state champion in Oklahoma. He competed at Oklahoma State and then Central

Oklahoma University, where he was a three-time NCAA national champion.

Prior to coming to Allen, he coached in Tahlequah and Midwest City, Oklahoma, and at Grand Prairie and Newman Smith High Schools in North Texas.

Currently, Alex is the only active female participant at Best Trained.

On the Allen High School team, there are now three other female members—Dzana Balick, Daisy Vazquez and Sierra Brown Ton who was a state qualifier last year, but is temporarily out of contention because of a recent injury.

Featured in the Ancient Olympics of Greece and returning with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the then strictly-male sport of wrestling offered medals in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman events in a variety of weights. Women’s wrestling is a newcomer, with the first medals awarded at the Olympics in 2004.

Here, women compete only in the Freestyle category and in only four weight divisions, compared to the ten weight divisions in Men’s Freestyle.

United World Wrestling, the international governing body for amateur wrestling including the Olympics and Wrestling World

Championships, is based in Switzerland. Until recently the organization went by its acronym FILA from its earlier French name. USA Wrestling governs the freestyle and Greco-Roman amateur wrestling competitions and officially represents the U.S. in the Olympics.

Texas’ University Interscholastic League (UIL) provides guidance for public school wrestling in the state and dictates that the only style used in official competitions is a folkstyle or scholastic form, a modified version of the freestyle. In addition, boys and girls do not compete against each other. But in Texas, UIL wrestling does not begin until high school.

So prior to her freshman year, Alex was often the only female at youth competitions which meant she wrestled—and usually defeated—the boys. Jessica notes that USA events allow girls to compete with boys until 16 years of age, and Alex responds with a grin, “”So I have another year!”

And even when girls’ matches were available, Alex often opted to compete with the boys as well. “In a lot of tournaments when she was younger, she would wrestle in three different divisions,” Jessica recalls.

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“Both girls and guys, and often she would then go up and wrestle the older guys—and winning all three on the same day!”

Alex explains, “I like wrestling guys more. I’ve wrestled guys since I was little so I’m more comfortable wrestling them. And technique and strength-wise, I am up to a guy’s level. So it’s better being with people at my strength.”

Although Alex can boast countless occasions where she walked away with first place medals at events where all other competitors were boys, she is discovering now that as boys her age are physically maturing, they are also gaining strength.

Jessica recalls, “She entered a Greco tournament and then didn’t want to do it because the guys’ at this age…”

“They’re very strong!” Alex says.

“She looked at me and said, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this.’ And I said, ‘You’ve already entered it so lets go ahead and see what happens.’”

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“Well, she won in great fashion,” Jessica continues.

“She just de­­ molished the guy and then said, ‘Okay, I’m done.’

And I said, ‘Let’s go on and see if you can get first place in the tournament,’ so she went ahead and did it.”

“And I took first,” Alex grins.

“And one guy was huge and she threw him three times!”

Jessica concludes proudly.

One of her more memorable training experi­ ences was attending a J Robinson 28-day intensive training camp in

Minnesota for wrestlers between the ages of 14 and 18. Of the 386 campers, she was the only girl.

“I remember when I first got there, right after we were done eating, they were like ‘Okay, mile run time!’ and I was ‘What?!’ Alex laughs. “But I won the Navy Seal Challenge that was swimming, running, sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups—and all together in one day.”

Although it proved to be an excellent experience for her, Alex admits to crying in the showers after first arriving there because the camp was “getting rough.” She now says she would like to go again if she could find the time. “I was a top finisher, but I worked out a lot because I like competing with people. I’m very competitive!” she declares.

Eric notes that most of the guys Alex defeats end up becoming friends with her. “And at every tournament she goes to, the little girl wrestlers come and ask for pictures with her. It’s really neat to watch.”

“I love being able to say I make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Alex nods. “I love wrestling and

inspiring them to be wrestlers. It’s great knowing girls are joining USA Wrestling because of you.”

“And there’s been a real spike in women’s and girl’s wrestling in the past five or six years,” Eric points out.

“When we go to tournaments now, there are tons of girls. Back when I wrestled, you would never see a girl on the mat.”

As an example how the sport for females has grown, Eric names the Reno Worlds Girl Championships, in Reno, Nevada, where Alex took top prize in her category for the past two years as well as Most Outstanding Wrestler designation the second year.

Jessica mentions the 2016 Tulsa Nationals for Girls tournament in January, where again Alex placed first.

Long a respected host for boy wrestlers, this was the first year the tournament offered a division for girls.

Alex is also a three-time Body Bar Woman’s National winner, hosted her first year in Florida and the last two years in Las Colinas. When competitors

are old enough, this event serves as the United World Wrestling Cadet and Junior World Team trials—the same event that won Alex a spot on the US Cadet World Team when she was 14.

At 15, Alex competed on the Cadet World Team for the United States this past summer. After working out at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she won the silver medal in the Pan American games. This past August she went on

to the World Championships for Female Wrestling Cadets in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she placed eighth.

Eric points out that because of her weight when winning the Nationals, Alex was required to weigh the same when competing at the Pan American and World competitions. “So she dieted down to 123 pounds, which she’ll never see again,” he notes. “She doesn’t perform as well at that weight as she does at 130.”

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Alex asserts that losing weight for a competition also gives her an edge.

“The more you go down, the more strength you have against other opponents,” she explains. Then she

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adds with a laugh, “And then you get to eat after the tournament.”

Now Alex is competing at the 128 weight class for UIL and 132 pounds for USA. Eric states, “She always has

to be on a diet because she has to weigh in every other weekend.

Wrestlers are constantly watching their weight, but they work out six hours a day or more.”

Alex notes that over the fall and winter, she works out twice a day and workouts last for two to two-and-ahalf hours, and in the spring, workouts increase to three times each day. She describes the typical morning workout as a 30-minute run, stretching and drilling on “what we need to work on or fix for upcoming tournaments.” She notes that her practice at the high school is often followed by another workout at a local gym.

“When you add the tournaments in, a lot of times she’s pretty much at it seven days a week!” Jessica exclaims.

Alex hopes to see her far-reaching skills and compelling competitiveness translate into achieving another wresting dream of hers—vying in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She has to wait until then because Olympic regulations deem that women wrestlers cannot be under the age of 18.

“She is a resilient and hardworking girl and she wrestles with a lot of heart,” emphasizes Jerry Best. “She sets her goals and does everything she can to reach them. She is one of five

kids that we’ve coached that have qualified for the world championships.”

Alex’s Allen High School predecessors for the world champion­ ships are Oliver Pierce, Jack Bass, Ophir Bernstein and Bo Nickal, who is currently ranked number one in the U.S. Coach Best considers Freestyle to be Alex’s strongest form. “She has great take-down leg attacks, great defense and some throws to mix in,” he explains.

In 2013, Alex was waylaid for eight months because of a cracked labrum and torn rotator cuff and the required surgery to repair it. Despite her injury and physical restrictions, during that period Alex still attended practices and assisted the coaches. “You could tell that when she was unable to perform, she was not Alex,” Jessica asserts.

“And it was the first year I was invited to the OTC (Olympic Training Camp) and it was the day before I was supposed to leave for it!” Alex continues. “I was crying ‘I have to go for my brother!’ But they said I couldn’t go because I had to have surgery.”

“When the doctor released her after eight months, she was ready!”

Jessica grins.

Ten-year-old twins Laylla and Liem Liles have both tried their hand at wrestling, but for now only Laylla is interested in following in her sister’s footsteps. Liem has opted for baseball and gymnastics as his sports of choice.

“Everyone has wrestled at some point,” Eric notes. “Whether they stick with it or not is up to them, but it’s a good base to learn athleticism.”

Recalling her plans made with her late brother Rick, Alex explains, “Me and him were supposed to win together last year because that was his senior year and my first year to go to state. We were supposed to go together and win state as brother and sister— but I did it for him, and I’ll do it all four years just for him because that’s what he would do!”

Once she graduates from Allen High School, Alex plans on going to college on a wrestling scholarship.

Noting that these are not easy to come

by in the U.S., she has added Canadian colleges to her list of potential schools.

“One of the Canadian coaches talked to us last year and he wanted us to

come to Edmonton to check out the possibility of her going there to school,” Eric states. “But she still has a lot of time to see what comes her way.”

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In order to keep up with the demands of her wrestling schedule along with her classroom requirements, Alex tries to get all of her assignments completed while still at school, during the breaks between practices and classes. Her favorite classes are math and American Sign Language.

For right now, this 15-year-old phenom has narrowed down her career options to just a few fields—either go into sports medicine or follow in Coach Best’s footsteps and coach wrestling and teach special education.

Her love of working with special education students began when she was in elementary school and volunteered to assist with the special education students when she was in her own classes for her dyslexia.

Because Rick also had dyslexia, their older sister Taylor Darnell, currently living in Colorado, recently started the Rick Anthony Athletic Foundation (RAAF) to assist student athletes with learning disabilities. The family actively promotes and volunteers for this non-profit. “Last year we gave a girl who wrestled the money for her books for college,” Alex

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proudly announces. Taylor also recently published Where Are You, Brother?, a children’s picture book dealing with the loss of a sibling.

In her rare moments of spare time, Alex prefers playing number games like Sudoku or watching movies on her phone. Current favorites are the television series The Arrow and an assortment of sports movies.

Because on school days she often doesn’t get home until 9 p.m., Alex carries a lot of high protein snacks with her to get through the day along with meals to eat before her 4 and 6 p.m. practices. And her foods of choice? “I eat turkey and chicken breasts, peanut butter—I love peanut butter!, eggs, sausage and fruits. A lot of protein!” Alex recounts.

She also confesses to battling a love of carbohydrates.

Because Jessica works from home and can adjust her schedule to accommodate Alex’s travel demands, she is the one who usually accompanies her to matches, particularly those far from home. She adds that the UIL folkstyle wrestling activities are hosted in the fall and winter and USA freestyle

and Greco-Roman competitions are in the spring and summer. “So Alex wrestles year round,” she concludes.

“There is no down time other than Christmas break.”

Alex laughs, “I like going onto the mat not knowing anything, but for months before I go, she looks everything up and gets worried sick!”

Rolling her eyes, Jessica nods in agreement and confesses that a number of the family’s early videos of Alex wrestling can’t be watched “because all you heard was my screaming.” She also acknowledges that even though she has forced herself to tone down her audible enthusiasm, she is still too nervous to handle a video camera.

Although she has a long list of personal dreams to achieve, Alex also aspires to help other girls succeed in her favorite sport. She especially hopes to bring more girls into the Allen High School wrestling program. “I want them to understand that it’s not weird to be wrestling. It’s a fun sport and it helps you grow in both sportsmanship v and responsibility.”

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.