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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

May 2015

Vol. 25, Issue 5

cover story

The mixed media of david baldwon

Whether it be on canvas, board or grass, using oil paint or rocks and flowers, David Baldwin manifests art. Most Allen residents are already familiar with the creations of David Baldwin, landscape architect. But there’s another side of David Baldwin’s artistic expression—oil painting.

special sections

KIDS KORNER

Unique Summer Camps

24 PET PAGE Conchal

32 CALENDAR 50 Business seen 40 20

32 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

Gardening

Kenneth Mark Hoover

30 Rose killer on the loose

11 Allen Arts Festival 2015

The Cypress Rangers

J. Erik Jonsson

Heroes in neon vests

Summer Sounds Concerts

14 Fete des Beaux Arts 2015

education

16 Meeting expectations

22 Ready, set, research

travel

Stamp Out Hunger

Masonic Ladge Awards

San Diego in seven days

19 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

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30 contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Nicole Bywater Deborah Dove Holly Harvey Tom Keener Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Allen Image ÂŠ 2015 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$30 per year.

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage.com.

civic forum

Heroes in neon vests Allen celebrates community services employees during Public Works Week by Chelsey APRILL

A platoon of men in reflective gear is peering into a hole on Edgewood Drive. Heavy machinery clogs the culde-sac. Mud is caked around the curb. A copper pipe has corroded, spilling countless gallons of water from a nick no bigger than a pencil. The men gesture with soil-streaked arms as sweat beads on their foreheads. One of the workers disappears into the dirt. Meet some of Allen’s community services employees: the teams of concrete-pouring, clog-finding, watertesting, pipe-repairing men (and some women) who allow you to enjoy the little luxuries of brushing your teeth or getting a green light. If Allen were a movie, community services would run special effects; if they do their jobs right, you might forget they exist. “A lot of our work is taken for granted,” admits Jimmy Knipp, assistant director of Allen’s community services department. “We don’t have great big fire trucks. A lot of our responses are at night. You don’t think about all the work that goes into your water before you turn on the faucet.”

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The work begins at one of Allen’s pump stations, which moves the water supplied from North Texas Municipal Water District into one of the city’s tanks or water towers. Water is sampled 90 times a month and checked for disinfectant levels around the clock. Dirk Heppel monitors it all from his control center inside the Stacy Road pump station. Each time you run a bath or fill the ice tray, you benefit from his work. Allen makes a point to honor these unsung heroes during Public Works Week, celebrated each May and enhanced this year with a special open house. It offers residents a rare look inside Allen’s municipal service center and a chance to meet the people who keep our city running. Visitors can also see some of the city’s technology at work—like the giant “shop vac” truck that sucks up everything from gravel to motor oil to the mud now smeared along Edgewood. You may also get the chance to observe the world’s grossest video game. On this lovely spring day, crew

leader Brent Griffin is crammed into the back of a service truck using a joystick to navigate a camera through the city sewers. He’s looking for cracks, clogs or potential leaks, but typically gets an eyeful of much more. (The monitor, unfortunately for Griffin, provides a crisp and full-color feed.) Cameras can narrow down the source of a problem, preventing excessive digging and wasted time. The city tries to visually inspect every pipe at least once every five years. “Our employees really take pride in their jobs,” notes Knipp as he drives me around town, pointing out new curbs and patched pavement. “And I think it shows in their work.” Public Works Week is May 17-23. Learn more about Allen’s community services, public safety and park and recreation departments during the city’s open house on May 16. Visit CityofAllen.org/OpenHouse more for details. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Arts Festival 2015 May means Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, college kids trickling home and summer knocking at the door. In Allen, May also brings the Allen Arts Festival, brought to the community by the Allen Arts Alliance. May 8, 9 and 10, this sixth annual arts festival will line the streets of the Watters Creek shopping center, so festival goers can not only enjoy the festival’s art and entertainment, but the shopping and restaurant venues of this popular, familyfriendly Allen destination. This year’s festival is the largest ever, with an expanded festival map and 84 artists from around Texas and the country bringing their tents to display and sell their artwork. From paintings to jewelry, pottery to woodwork, glassware, sculpture and photography, the artists’ styles range from traditional to contemporary, folk to whimsical—a variety of artwork that will appeal to a multitude of art lovers.

Art by Demaline

The festival also kicks off the opening of Blue House Too, a new arts space for Allen. Blue House Too will feature ongoing gallery exhibits, arts performance and special community events. For the arts festival weekend, the AISD Middle School Art Show is the feature exhibition at Blue House Too. The exhibit will be open to the public to view Allen’s young up-and-coming artists, plus the space will include art activities for the family. The weekend will be full of family-friendly activities including children’s art activities, artists’ demonstrations, music, dance and theatrical per formances and presentations from local arts groups. Observe a potter at work, take a picture with ballerinas, get a henna tattoo, dabble in pastels and other art forms, watch a hip hop flash mob, listen to AISD and LISD chorale groups, dance along to Irish music and jazz and more. Join the Allen Arts Alliance at Watters Creek for the Arts Festival and a weekend filled with the arts and family fun. v

Art by Bailey

A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

Summer Sounds Concerts by Jeff MUES

Join us for the 18th Annual Summer Sounds concert series set to kick off on Monday, May 25!

It’s beginning to feel like summer. Soon, it will be sounding like summer too as the 18th Annual Summer Sounds concert series is set to kick off on Monday, May 25. Taking place every Monday evening through June 22, leading up to the Market Street Allen USA Celebration (Saturday, June 27), the natural amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Recreation Center will feature a variety of different performers from pop to party to classic rock and blues. Thanks to the City of Allen and the Parks and Recreation Department, all Summer Sounds concerts are free, beginning at 7 p.m. with light con cessions available for purchase.

May 25 Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus Starting things off, the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus returns for its wonderful Memorial Day concert and

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tribute event. Not only will you delight in music from contemporary com posers, but there will be activities designed to honor our veterans and servicemen and women. As always, the event concludes with a patriotic fireworks show and traditional symphony etiquette applies.

June 1 Moving Colors On June 1, make way for Moving Colors, a top 40 cover band that promises to keep the party going, engaging all ages for an evening to remember. Known for inventive bucket percussion routines (think Stomp! but cooler) and on-stage acrobatics (guitarist handstands!), their show is not to be missed!

June 8 All Funk Radio Show Energetic, soulful and electrifying are among the adjectives that describe the one-of-a-kind, high-energy per

formances that the All Funk Radio Show is known for. The band plans to electrify the Joe Recreation Center amphitheater lawn with old school hits as well as new ones. With unparalleled showmanship as well as musicianship, the band has a way of loosening up an audience until everyone is overcome by the urge to get up and dance!

June 15 GoodnGone Combining modern country-rock guitar work with a touch of classic twang, GoodnGone brings their brand of rockin’ country to Allen. Performing a great mix of covers, “red dirt” artists such as the Randy Rogers Band and “new country” artists such as Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney, Goodngone is as good as it gets.

love with authenticity and a guitardriven sound that will have you rocking and rolling the night away.

Market Street Allen USA Celebration Of course, just as Summer Sounds wraps up, the Market Street Allen USA Celebration will be here, set for the last Saturday of June—June 27—as has become popular tradition. Featuring a headline performance from five-time

Grammy award winner, Michael McDonald, as well as one of the largest and most magnificent fireworks displays in North Texas, you can brace yourself for the biggest and best Allen USA event yet. For more information on all these great music concerts and other summer happenings, visit AllenParks.org. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

June 22 Exit 51 The final concert in the series features Exit 51, who specialize in classic rock and blues. Close your eyes for just a moment and don’t be surprised if the music transplants you to a tin-roofed, Southern juke-joint or biker bar. Exit 51 is the real deal, performing the songs you know and

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Fete des Beaux Arts 2015 by Kathy LITINAS

A noble prince…a cursed princess… an evil sorcerer…a wicked temptress… An evening’s journey into the enchanting world of ballet expressed through music and dance awaits you as the Allen Philharmonic and Allen Civic Ballet invite you to Fete des Beaux Arts 2015 on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m., in the Allen Performing Arts Center located at 300 Rivercrest Drive on the campus of Allen High School. This magical evening culminates in the dramatic and virtuosic “Black Swan Pas de Deux” from the Third Act of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake, danced by special guest artists San Francisco Ballet principal dancers Tiit Helimets and Frances Chung. Born in Viljandi, Estonia, Tiit Helimets made Estonian dance history when he danced the role of Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake at age 18. He became a principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet in 2005. His major

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roles include Albrecht in Tomasson’s Giselle, Nutcracker Prince and King of the Snow in Tomasson’s Nutcracker, Prince Desiré in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty, Prince Siegfried in Tomasson’s Swan Lake, Basilio in Tomasson/ Possokhov’s Don Quixote, Prince in Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid and Prince Gillaume in Wheeldon’s Cinderella. He created roles in Caniparoli’s Doublestop, Ibsen’s House and Tears and Wheeldon’s Ghosts. Chung has danced such major roles as Myrtha in Tomasson’s Giselle; Grand Pas de Deux Ballerina, Sugar Plum Fairy and Queen of the Snow in Tomasson’s Nutcracker; Enchanted Princess in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty; Kitri in Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote; Swanilda in Balanchine’s Coppélia; and Cinderella and Stepsister Clementine in Wheeldon’s Cinderella. She has created roles in many ballets, including Jenkins’ Thread, Kudelka’s The Ruins Proclaim the Building was Beautiful, McGregor ’s Borderlands, Scarlett’s Hummingbird, Welch’s Naked and Zanella’s Underskin. Allen Civic Ballet’s Artistic Director Stefanie Best says her company is thrilled to be sharing the stage with the guest artists. “It’s wonderful to collaborate with the Philharmonic in bringing artists of this caliber to Allen. We got such an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s ‘Fete’; we believe that word of mouth has really spread about this event.” Included in the evening’s per formance will be orchestral selections

from Swan Lake and ballet performances of “Waltz of the Hours” from Coppelia, as well as original choreographic works set to the music of Leroy Anderson, Duke Ellington and Alfred Schnittke. Nora Syrome, winner of the 2015 Krassovksa Legacy Award, will be dancing Swanilda’s Variation from Act III of Coppelia. Tickets are $20-$25 with additional discounts for students and group sales, and are available at www. allenphilharmonic.org or www. allencivicballet.org. Patrons will be able to purchase tickets for a postconcert reception featuring the guest artists located at Blue House Too immediately following the perform ance. Come join us, we can’t wait to share this evening with you! v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO Board of Directors.

Allen Family Dental is now celebrating five years of providing personalized care and treatment in the community. “Being able to change a person’s smile and then see the amazing effect that has on their confidence and self-esteem is very rewarding,” says practice owner Dr. Lina Lizardi. “I got into this field to help people and it has been wonderful to serve the people of Allen—friends, neighbors and family—over the last five years.” In addition to making sure patients are comfortable and relaxed while in the office, the staff at Allen Family Dental focuses on the following core values: • Providing quality, professional and friendly dental care • Understanding a patient’s dental needs • Presenting an honest diagnosis • Giving a thorough explanation about treatment • Creating a comfortable dental experience for the entire family With special touches such as a Nintendo Wii in the waiting area and massaging dental chairs with overhead TV monitors—this is the perfect environment for anyone looking for the finest and most advanced dental care. “Thanks to our digital X-ray and imaging equipment, patients are able to clearly see any problems they have and how treatment will work to correct them,” explains Dr. Lizardi. Dr. Lizardi has been practicing dentistry since 1995 and is highly skilled in general and cosmetic dentistry treatments. She earned her D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) from the University of Illinois at Chicago and also attended the University of Santo Tomas de Aquino in Colombia. Dr. Lizardi and her husband, Rafael, live in Allen with their children, Alex and Sofia. She is also involved in the Allen community, both at a personal and professional level. Dr. Geraldine Torrens-Parker joined the practice last year and was born and raised in Venezuela, where she received her D.D.S. in 2002. After practicing for one year as a general dentist, she continued her education at Columbia University in New York, where she completed a Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics to specialize in implant

restorations, crowns, veneers, dentures, etc. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Rafael, and two children, Juliana and Joaquin, and is an active member of the Allen community. Dental assistant Glenda Geiser, dental hygienists Monica Kuhn and Bhavika Gala, front desk/dental assistant Misty Kelley, and office manager Missy Goforth are passionate about helping people and further add to the family atmosphere of the office. “This practice is the fulfillment of my dream to provide high-quality dentistry to families in my community,” says Dr. Lizardi. “My staff and I want to treat your family as part of ours.” Services include: full-mouth rehabilitation, bonding, crowns and bridges, implants, dentures, nightguards, veneers and teeth whitening. Allen Family Dental accepts most insurance plans and also offers financing.

Allen Family Dental 1420 W. Exchange Parkway, Suite 170 Allen TX 75013

469.342.6644 www.facebook.com/AllenFamilyDental

Meeting expectations by Heather NEWMAN

On any given day the Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) staff works on a multitude of projects, from locating rooms at local hotels for an upcoming youth softball tournament to hosting site tours for meeting planners to updating web content with the newest restaurants and attractions. Marketing Allen as a destination for conventions, shopping, dining and entertainment is no small task in the competitive Dallas marketplace. But since the creation of the department in 2009, the ACVB has made a huge impact on positioning Allen as a destination of choice. In fact, according to a study by Dean Runyan Associates, spending on travel in Allen has increased from $40 million in 2002 to $151 million in 2013, and the number of people employed in tourism-related fields was at 1,420 in 2013, versus 450 in 2002. “Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek and The Village at Allen—we have a following as a great place to shop. Now we want to add a great place to meet…a great place to host an event to our resume,” said Karen Cromwell, ACVB director. The ACVB familiarizes meeting planners with Allen by hosting fun, invitational events, usually at Allen Event Center. Whether it’s cheering on the Allen Americans or rocking out at a Boston concert, they want meeting planners to experience a great time that they, in turn, can host in Allen. When not working with meeting planners here at home, the staff is

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traveling to tradeshows both near and far. Whether the tradeshow is here in the metroplex or across the country, the ACVB sales manager spends her time attending multiple six-minute consul tations with planners finding out what they need in a destination and sharing how Allen can meet these needs. They also work with a number of youth, collegiate and semi-pro sports groups that host tournaments and events here in Allen. These events take place in the school district and private sporting facilities, city parks and fields and at Allen Event Center. Like meetings, sporting events take detailed planning. Whether it is securing group rates at hotels, creating welcome signage or offering recommendations

for great places for groups to get some grub, the ACVB is meeting expectations. When the ACVB was founded, it was tasked with marketing Allen as a destination for conventions and tourism. Each May, they join the U.S. Tourism Association and other destination marketing organizations across the country to recognize National Tourism Week, which was created to call attention to the impact travel makes on our economy and quality of life both nationally and locally. This year National Tourism week is May 2-10. Find out more v online at visitAllenTexas.com. Heather Newman is a Convention & Visitors Bureau specialist.

Snippets Stamp Out Hunger Get ready for the 23rd annual Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive on Saturday, May 9. It’s the largest one-day food drive in America, and it’s made possible by thousands of letter carriers that volunteer their time to participate. Last year, letter carriers and dedicated volunteers helped collect almost 73 million pounds of non-perishable food, and this year they are looking to collect even more—with your help. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is very important to local programs and neighbors in need. In the spring, food supplies are typically lower. As schools let out for the summer, the need for additional food is greater since young students don’t have access to free or reduced breakfast and lunch programs. To donate, just place a box or can, or fill a grocery bag with healthy, non-perishable food and set it by your mailbox on May 9. The carrier will do the rest. The food is sorted and delivered to a local food bank or pantry where it is available for needy families. With more than 50 million people facing hunger every day in America, including nearly 17 million children, this drive is one way you can help those in your own community who need help. v

Masonic Lodge Awards On April 2, the Allen Masonic Lodge #1435 recognized Ruth Pringle as the recipient of the 2015 Allen Masonic Lodge Community Builder Award. Ruth Pringle has been a resident of Allen since the 1950s. She, along with a few others, founded the original Allen Public Library in 1967. She has also been involved in the multiple revisions and developments over the years, leading up to the new library the residents enjoy today. Ruth’s pioneering vision for education at all levels led her to starting and directing The Right to Read Program, Allen Literacy Program and Collin County Adult Literacy Program. For her selfless contribution, Ruth has distinguished herself through her service and dedication to the City of Allen and Collin County. Coach Tom Westerberg was awarded the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award for Excellence in Education. Allen High School Head Football Coach Tom Westerberg is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He is in his 14th year coaching in Allen and his 11th year as head coach. In this time span he has led the Allen Eagles to nine District Championships and four State Football Championships. His accomplishments go much farther than the successes on the gridiron. Coach Westerberg’s influence extends beyond the classroom, field, students and faculty. While the school district and the community have firmly placed their trust in his leadership and coaching abilities, it is his relentless focus on the overall education of the next generation for which the community is grateful. v A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

The Library presents…

by Tom Keener

Kenneth Mark Hoover

Combining mystery, dark fantasy and 19th century western landscape with clever prose, Kenneth Mark Hooper creates brilliant novels. His Haxan was published by CZP/Harper Collins in 2014, followed by Quaternity this year. Meet Kenneth and learn more

about his unique stories and characters at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at the library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, the program is free. Born in deep Louisiana sugar cane country but growing up in South Texas, Kenneth Mark Hoover now lives in Allen. Sixty of his stories and

articles have appeared in various print and online magazines including Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Fantastic Stories and Strange Horizons. Set in the rugged New Mexico Territory in 1874, Haxan comprises both gritty drama and mordant humor. Kenneth notes, “I would like the library audience to understand what the Old West was truly like, opposed to what we’ve been spoon-fed from Hollywood, and the inherent challenges a writer faces to bring that reality to the page without the usual tropes and clichés, and how it ultimately transforms you.” In addition to writing, Kenneth’s other passions include chess, amateur astronomy, Shotokan karate and politics. Listening to varying genres such as Tchaikovsky to Rob Zombie, he is also an opera fan. While he has worked as a surveyor, educator and salesman, his first love is, and always will be, writing. After the program, Kenneth’s books will be available for purchase and signing. v

The Cypress Rangers The Cypress Rangers offer an obscure chapter in the Civil War. Learn more about the experiences of these 85 Confederate Cavalrymen who were members of Company F of the Ninth Texas Cavalry at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7, at the library. James Henry Davis, author of The Cypress Rangers in the Civil War: The Experiences of 85 Confederate Cavalrymen from Texas, will discuss the history behind this relatively unknown group of Rebels. When they organized near Jefferson, Texas, on Valentine’s Day, 1861, Texas had not yet voted to secede, Robert E. Lee was an officer in the U.S.

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Army and Ulysses S. Grant was a horse harness salesman and not yet in the military. Participating in the Battles of Atlanta, Vicksburg, Nashville, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Indian Territory and many others, they captured 2,000 Union soldiers in the Holly Springs Raid and burned a Union gunboat while on patrol in Mississippi. They fought with Generals Earl Van Dorn, Nathan Bedford Forrest and John Bell Hood. Illustrations, letters and a map of the area of east Texas help explain the stories of these 85 soldiers. Historic sites are identified and list where the men fought, as well as

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

J Erik Jonsson The late Texas Instruments’s co-founder and former Dallas Mayor J. Erik Jonsson exemplified leadership in all endeavors. His legacy also includes the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, Dallas Public Library, Dallas’ first “Goals For Dallas” initiative, Dallas City Hall and hospitals and universities throughout Texas. Both friends and colleagues referred to this industry giant, civic leader and philanthropist as “Mr. J.” SMU Professor Emeritus Darwin Payne will discuss his recent book, No Small Dreams: J. Erik Jonsson—Texas Visionary, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, at the library. Vision and listening skills are the first requirements for leadership, and Jonsson possessed both qualities. Pursuing dreams requires overcoming obstacles and setbacks, and he experienced his share. Failure strengthened his resiliency. With his leadership skills evident at TI, Jonsson insisted on an egalitarian lunchroom with no separate executive quarters. He stood in the lunch line with the machinists, engineers and custodians alike. In this manner, he learned of the challenges that all

Governor John Connolly and J. Erik Jonsson employees faced and listened to their suggestions for improvement. Under Jonsson’s leadership, TI rose from an obscure company along Lemmon Avenue in Dallas to a highlyrecognized international corporation. Jonsson could have easily retired at this point in his life, but his outstanding leadership skills were sorely needed during the darkest hour of Dallas’ history. The days after the

Kennedy assassination, he became Mayor of Dallas, and through his leadership, a grand design for the Dallas area began. Jonsson was the first Dallas mayor to initiate a sincere dialogue between black and white members of the community in a forum known as “Block Partnership.” This resulted in improved bus service, streets, libraries and parks v in Dallas’ southern sector.

where further research may be done. The author, a research librarian and genealogist, includes a paragraph on each of the eighty-five men from personal interviews of descendants, federal, state and local records, books, periodicals and online sources. The book also features a photo of a reunion of the remaining men taken about 1900. With a masters of library science degree from Texas Woman’s University, James Henry Davis completed his internship at the Dallas Public Library’s Genealogy Department. A meticulous abstractor of detailed information, he listed all the men in the regiment, where each man joined, his age, his rank, whether killed, wounded or captured and other details about the men. v A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

kids korner

Unique Summer Camps By Deborah DOVE These are not your mother’s summer camps. Summer camp has evolved from arts and crafts and swimming lessons to camps that cater to the most diverse interests. Following is a sampling of some of the area’s most unique summer camp offerings.

Zombie Apocalypse Survival Camp—Joe Farmer Recreation Center amenity pavilion, www.cityofallen.org (parks and recreation) or 214.509.4705.

In case zombies attack, your child will be ready after learning important survival skills like archery, fishing, shelter building and outdoor cooking. Camps are from 9-5 daily the weeks of 6/15-6/19, 7/13-7/17 and 8/3-8/7 for ages 8-15. Cost is $150.

Summer on Stage with Allen Community Theatre—Allen Community Theatre, 1206 East Main, Ste. 105, Allen, www. allenscommunitytheatre.net.

Creative kids can bring their imagination to life as they create their own theatrical productions from writing scripts to creating sets, backgrounds, costumes, make-up and more under the direction of experienced theater professionals. At the end of each week-long camp, students will perform what they have created. Camps are June 8-12: Frozen Again; June 15-19: Time Traveler Tales; June 22-26: Medieval Mayhem; June 29-July 3: Face Off Frenzy; July 6-10: The Great Minion Escape; July 20-24: The Next Big Hero; July 27-31: Magic Mischief Managed; August 3-8: Fairy Tales with a Twist. For ages: 6-17. Cost is $185/week (full day from 8:30-4:30) or $100/week (half day).

Junior Police Academy—Allen High School, OFC J Adams @ Jason_adams@allenisd.org or 214.878.0782.

Middle and high school students can see what police work is all about with classroom instruction, hands-on activities and scenarios covering topics such as juvenile law, narcotics, K-9, crime scenes, DWI, S.W.A.T. and building searches. For 7th and 8th graders—June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, August 5-9 or August 12-16. For 9th12th graders—July 22-August 2. All camps are 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This activity is free.

Chicken Camp—Frazier Back Yard, 1451 Meandro Ria Ln., Fairview, contact Melodee Frazier at tonymelf@mac.com or 972.369.3737.

Kids will learn about all things chicken at this former teacher’s home-based camp geared toward providing a Christian environment to appreciate the outdoors and learn about and care for chickens. Other activities include games such as capture the chicken, egg races, and an egg toss, crafts and a short devotion, plus each camper will help prepare their own chicken/egg lunch each day. Camps are June 1-5, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for 1st-6th grade students. Cost is $150.

Plano Heritage Farmstead Museum—The Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th Street, Plano, www. heritagefarmstead.org or 972.881.0140.

At Creek Camp, campers will step back in time and learn what life was like 100 years ago as they take daily trips down to the creek to explore plant and animal life, conduct experiments, keep a journal and keep cool with water games and crafts. Pioneer Camp encourages kids to put away their electronic gadgets and experience good old-fashioned fun with chores such as caring for sheep, chickens, pigs, and mules; playing croquet, horseshoes, badminton and basketball with peach baskets; having sack races; and

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participating in a watermelon eatin’ contest. Campers will also receive hands-on, outdoor cooking lessons and cool off with water games. Creek Camps are June 22-26, July 20-24 and Aug. 3-7; Pioneer Camps are June 8-12 and July 6-10, for ages 6-12. Cost is $200/week.

Canyons of Frisco—7164 Technology Dr., Suite 202, Frisco, 214.872.2992 or www.canyonsclimbinggym.com.

Kids climbing the walls? Send them to camp at this rock climbing gym where they’ll learn rock climbing skills at their own pace (and get a fun workout to boot). Camps culminate with a pizza party each Friday and parents are invited to come see what their kids have learned. Week-long sessions from June 1 to Aug. 21, from 9 a.m.-noon, for ages 5-14. Cost is $200 (5 days) or $150 (3 days).

TWU Fashion Camp—TWU Denton Campus, Old Main Building, 4th floor, www.twu.edu/fashion/fashion-camp or email sdragoo@twu.edu.

Your fashionista will love this hands-on camp that includes sewing, fashion sketching, modeling, jewelry making, fashion design instruction, accessorizing, fashion show planning and more. Camp culminates with a fashion show and awards ceremony. Junior Fashion Camp (ages 10-13) are June 8-12 or July 27-31; Teen Fashion Camp (ages 13-18) are June 15-19 or July 13-17. Camps run MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $450.

Lone Star Circus Camp—Rogue Athletics, 4505 McEwen, Farmers Branch, www.lonestarcircus.org.

If your child has ever wanted to run away and join the circus, this is the camp for them. They’ll learn circus arts including aerial silks, aerial ring, trapeze, juggling, contortion, rolla bolla, trampoline, clowning and balancing. Camps are June 15-19, July 6-10 and July 20-24, from 9-noon, for ages 5-8. Cost is $50/day or $225/week.

Sea Camp at Texas A&M Galveston—Texas A&M, Galveston, www.tamug.edu/seacamp.

This week-long residential camp offers hands-on marine adventures for would-be oceanographers and marine biologists. Campers engage in activities such as collecting and examining oysters, dissecting fish and squid, touring a turtle facility, examining dolphin bones, research vessel excursions, fishing, dolphin excursions and working behind the scenes at Moody Gardens. They have week-long camps June through August, for ages 10-18. Cost is $875-$950

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Camp—AT&T Stadium, DCC Headquarters in Irving or Stafford Middle School in Frisco), www.dallascowboys.com.

Young dancers and cheerleaders will love the chance to learn dance routines and team spirit with members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Campers also receive authentic Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader pom-poms, two tickets to a Dallas Cowboys pre-season game at AT&T Stadium and the opportunity to participate during half-time at a Dallas Cowboys pre-season game. Camps are June 8-10, June 17-19, June 29-July 1, July 21-23 and July 15-17. Camp times are 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for ages 6-14. Cost is $275.

education

Ready… Set… Research by Holly HARVEY

Collecting data, analyzing samples and researching is usually what takes place in a cold, sterile lab. At the Cultivating Scholars Conference at Collin College, all the research and analyzation is presented in an accessible format that invites community members, staff and students to learn more about dozens of topics, ranging from insights into literature to microbiology projects. “This conference is a vehicle for students to understand the importance of research and of presenting research for future studies and personal growth,” said Cultivating Scholars Co-Director and Biology Professor Amy Helms. “The event simulates actual academic research conferences and gives students the opportunity to present their projects, field questions and defend their project.” To prepare for the conference, students spend months coming up with a topic, researching it and preparing to present. “For some students, this may be the deepest they’ve ever delved into scientific literature and research,” Helms explains. “For the conference, it’s not acceptable to just complete a project that any high school student could do. All students are expected to look at the latest developments and research and go from there to create the best project possible.” The conference hosts more than 300 attendees comprised of students, faculty and community residents that come to see the latest research. Students often

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take real-life examples from classes to work on. In the past, biology and microbiology students have presented on Alzheimer ’s disease and even con troversial subjects such as cloning, stem cells and biofuels. Engineering students have even brought prototypes of potential designs. In addition to painstakingly researching and creating projects, students must present their work. Professors and other students often will ask questions about a project or the research methodology. “A lot of students are very scared at first, but learning to present information and yourself is such a huge part of the academic process, as well as a life skill,” Helms said. “This prepares them for the real world. I know I wish I had more of this type of experience when I was in college.” To present their work, students create and design posters for their projects. Attendees are invited to walk around the conference center and stop at each table to ask questions and learn more about a project. In addition to student pre sentations, the conference also has a keynote speaker. This year ’s speaker is Texas-guitarist-turned-canceractivist Rhett Butler. Originally a musician, Butler became a patient advocate after his brother Ashley was diagnosed with cancer. “With our main speakers, we focus on someone who’s engaging and relatable,” Helms said. “Our speaker this year is inspiring, and I think people will hear him speak about going back to medical school and doing his own research and think, ‘Wow, he’s researching and working on things just like me. I can do this and I want to learn more. ’” For more information about the Collin College Cultivating Scholars Conference, visit http://www.collin. edu/cultivatingscholars/. Holly Harvey is a public relations writer at Collin College. A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

pet page

“Conchal” Meet Conchal! He was named after a beach in Costa Rica and he was born November 17, after his mama, a pregnant stray dog, wandered onto a rural property. The owners were never located and soon the mom gave birth to nine babies. Legacy Humane Society was contacted to take them into foster care. Conchal is currently in a foster home with two personal dogs, other foster dogs and a cat, and he gets along great with all of them. He is just a baby, so he will need a family with the time and patience to teach him how to be the best doggie he can be. He will weigh about 35 pounds when he is fully grown. The adoption fee includes his neutering, three sets of vaccinations, microchip, rabies and first dose of heartworm preventive. All he needs now is a forever home with a fenced yard to call his own. If you are interested in adopting Conchal please complete an online application today at: http://www.legacyhumanesociety.org/ adoption-application/.

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travel

San Diego in seven days By Deborah DOVE

As far as vacations go, it’s hard to beat San Diego, California. With beautiful beaches, marine life, a world class zoo, Sea World, hiking, quaint coastal towns to explore and a unique and relaxed vibe that’s pure California, there’s something for everyone. Perhaps best of all (at least for those of us who are used to the excruciating summer heat in Texas), the days are sunny and mild year round with cool and breezy nights. If you want to make the drive, Disneyland and LEGOLAND are less than two hours away, but there’s more than enough to see and do in San Diego. There are numerous hotels and condos to rent, each in a neighborhood with something different to offer, so where you choose to stay depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll need a car to get around, but everything is within a ten- to fifteen-mile radius and traffic is fairly light, although parking along the beach is often hard to find.

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Day One: Pacific Beach and Mission Beach

With so many beaches in San Diego, it’s hard to choose which ones to visit. We stayed on Pacific Beach, which is popular with surfers, college students and young professionals and has a “happening” nightlife scene and lots of restaurants. The Fat Fish Cantina, which was one of our favorite places for fish tacos and fresh Mexican food, is located on Pacific Beach. This is also the place to be if you want to surf (or learn how to); several surf shops are out on the beach daily offering lessons and equipment rental. The iconic and family-friendly Mission Beach is a short walk from Pacific Beach, or you can rent a bike and cruise along the wooden boardwalk and people watch. Be sure and ride the Big Dipper, the 73-foot wooden roller coaster located in Belmont Park—an amusement park on the beach. In the evening, build a bonfire on the beach (fire pits are free on most beaches on a first-come,

first-served basis) and watch the fireworks from SeaWorld during the summer months.

Day Two: Whale Watching

Be sure and book one of the many tours available to see gray whales,

and you don’t have to stay there to enjoy lunch (their Sunday brunch— complete with a chocolate fountain and ice sculptures—is not to be missed) or simply walk through the hotel where the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot was filmed, and where Frank Baum wrote much of the Wizard of Oz. Across the street from the hotel is the quaint downtown shopping district of Orange Avenue, with locally owned shops, high end boutiques and restaurants galore.

dolphins, sea lions, seals, sharks, and if you’re lucky, humpback whales. While December through April is the best time to see the gray whales that make the journey from Alaska to Baja California to give birth to their young, the largest group of blue whales in the world feed off the California coast during the summer months. You can often see the whales from the Birch Aquarium, Cabrillo National Monument or Torrey Pines State Reserve, but a whale-watching excursion by boat is the best and most memorable way to see the whales up close.

Day Four: La Jolla

Day Three: Coronado Island

Coronado Island, located just across the bridge from the San Diego Bay, is one of my favorite places in San Diego. The beaches are stunning with mild surf, white sand mixed with sparkling mica that makes it shimmer like gold and whole sand dollars by the dozens. Coronado

Beach, which is just steps away from the Hotel del Coronado, has an outcropping of huge rocks to climb and tide pools there teem with sea urchins, crabs and other sea life. The Hotel del Coronado itself is beautiful

Nicknamed the Jewel by the Sea, La Jolla is a beautiful town with picturesque beaches, sea caves, the Children’s Pool where you can get close to sea lions basking in the sun (don’t pet them!) and the Birch Aquarium. The sheltered, but breathtaking, La Jolla Cove was one of our favorite spots to soak up the sun and snorkel (you can see colorful garibaldi, yellowtail, rays and even

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the immense zoo in one day, so take advantage of the 35-minute, doubledecker bus guided tour when you need a breather. Or, try the aerial tram that transports you over the treetops from one end of the park to the other with spectacular birds-eye views of the zoo. The zoo is located in Balboa Park, an urban cultural park that is home to 15 major museums, performing arts venues and beautiful gardens. There’s also a 1910 carousel with European hand-carved animals (one of the only carousels that still offers a chance at the brass ring) and a miniature train.

Day Six: USS Midway leopard sharks in the calm, clear waters). My husband’s and teenage son’s favorite part of the entire vacation was a two-hour kayak tour of the sea cliffs and caves near La Jolla Cove. While you’re there, be sure and eat at George’s on the Cove, which offers excellent seafood with stunning ocean views.

This naval aviation museum allows visitors to experience life at sea aboard one of America’s longest-

Day Seven: Torrey Pines and Sunset Cliffs

Day Five: The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park

Ranked the second best zoo in world, the San Diego Zoo is nothing short of amazing with beautiful walking trails that link the numerous exhibits and a variety of animals from swimming polar bears to the renowned Giant Pandas (including a baby born in 2012). It’s difficult to see serving aircraft carriers, and explore more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 29 restored aircraft. There’s an audio tour, but my favorite part was talking to the veteran volunteers, many of whom served on the ship during its service. Near the USS Midway at the Port of San Diego, you can also see a 25-foot bronze sculpture depicting World War II’s most famous kiss between a sailor and a nurse.

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Although located within the city limits, Torrey Pines is one of the wildest stretches of land on the California coast, offering eight miles of hiking trails, guided nature walks and stunning views. Drive to the top and hike the beach trail, which ends on the beach. The truly adventurous can paraglide or hang glide over the sea cliffs of nearby La Jolla and Torrey Pines from the Torrey Pines Gliderport (anyone of any age can fly tandem for $175), while less bold travelers will enjoy watching the gliders and the ocean views. There’s no better way to end your San Diego vacation than by watching the sun set over the Pacific at Sunset Cliffs. Located near Ocean Beach, this picturesque park that stretches along the Pacific Ocean boasts carved coastal bluffs, arches and sea caves, waves crashing against the rocks below, glimpses of migrating whales and incomparable sunset views. For more information, visit www. sandiego.org. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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gardening

Rose killer on the loose by Dawn Bluemel OLDFIELD

“Join me, once again, as I slip on my gardening gloves and head to the rose garden. We’ve lots of work to do!” — Stephen Scanniello I eagerly ventured out to inspect and gently shape the many roses that call our garden home. I wasn’t worried. We’d had a casualty last year, but I’d been pretty vigilant about my patrol. Then, there it was…the tell tale signs the killer had struck again. The beautiful Belinda’s Dream was infected with Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). Sadly, that rose had to be removed to reduce risk of passing the virus to other roses in my yard or the neighbors. According to Dr. Greg Church, County Extension Agent for Horticulture, Collin County, “Rose Rosette Disease has spread rapidly through North Texas, having a negative effect on our ability to grow healthy roses. This viral disease requires effective, community-wide control strategies to eradicate the disease. RRD is a plant disease

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caused by a virus. This virus causes symptoms including witches’ broom, excessive thorns, leaf proliferation and malformation, excessive shoot growth and eventually plant death. The virus can cause any or all of these symptoms and the symptoms appear to vary by rose variety. Once an affected rose is properly diagnosed with this disease, the entire plant, including the roots, should be removed and disposed of according to local municipalities.” Claude Graves, ARS Master Rosarian, and President of the Collin County Rose Society is a man on a mission. The passionate rose grower is joining forces with scientists, Texas AgriLife Extension, master gardeners, rose and garden societies, landscape professionals and nurseries to spread the word and raise public awareness about this deadly disease that is destroying roses across North Texas at an alarming rate. Through the Rose Rosette Eradication Alliance, Claude hopes to demystify RRD and stop this plague. Claude says, “RRD has reached epidemic proportions in North Texas. RRD is a virus caused by the eriophyid mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus). Approximately the diameter of a human hair, the mite is so small it can’t be seen by the human eye. Unable to fly, the mite is transferred from rose to rose either by hitching a ride on insects or clothing, or blown about by the wind. We have a huge reservoir of infected roses planted in our commercial, municipal and private gardens. These infected roses spew their infected mites into the winds to blow across our county and infect new, clean roses in our cities.” How can something so small be so destructive? “The rose is host specific to the eriophyid mite,” Claude explains. “The mite feeds deep within the plant tissues, sucking out the juices and transferring a toxin (plus the virus) to the plant. This disease attacks the DNA of the rose, which causes ugly, mutant growth that will eventually kill the rose plant. The mite will die if it cannot feed on a live rose, so it will quickly flee from a dying rose plant looking for a new one. They are also very prolific. Reproduction is continuous with new generations emerging every 2-3 weeks.” So, what can we do? Claude states, “If we could

recycling RRD roses. Do NOT put RRD roses in the compost pile! Claude says, “Besides learning to recognize RRD symptoms and to act swiftly when signs first appear, homeowners need to understand the facts. There is too much false information being spread around.”

Myth #1

Only Knockout Roses ® get RRD.

Claude’s garden before RRD

False. Knockout Roses ® aren’t the cause of RRD, there are just so darn many of them! And, they’re planted too densely. All roses are susceptible to RRD. At this time there is no proven resistant rose variety.

Myth #2

You can prune out diseased stems.

False. That is totally wrong. You cannot just cut off the offending branch. You are leaving an infected plant that is a danger to the whole neighborhood. All infected rose plants must be destroyed!

Myth #3

You can’t plant anything in the soil where an infected rose was.

False. There is no contamination in the soil. The empty hole can be replanted immediately with a nonrose plant. The empty hole can be Claude’s garden after RRD replanted with a new, clean rose after a week. magically destroy every infected rose overnight, then one Dr. Church adds, “Currently Rose Rosette Disease is week later there would be no more mite or virus and we the worst we’ve ever seen in North Texas. Fortunately, in could start growing roses without worry again. As lovely 2015 we have had good response from the Texas landscape as that dream is, from a practical standpoint, we will never and nursery industry to address this problem. We need completely eliminate RRD. However, we must quickly and homeowners and businesses to support the effort and drastically reduce the number of infected rose plants to remove infected roses from the landscape in order to solve make it a more manageable situation. The only way to kill this problem for the future. It will take the entire the virus is to kill the infected rose plant. Note, I didn’t say community working together to enable us to safely grow kill all roses, just the infected ones. There are three simple roses in the future. Avid rose growers can still grow roses, steps to safely remove an RRD infected rose.” but we need to be diligent about monitoring and removing Bag It: First, put a trash bag or paper recycling bag over infected roses as soon as possible. The public is encouraged the rose (to prevent mites from escaping or jumping off). to visit http://ccmgatx.org/RRD for fact sheets and videos Dig It: Cut plant off at the ground, dig out the entire about RRD.” root system and put into the bag. Be vigilant and be sure to Claude concurs, “We need to work together to stop this remove any new growth from old roots. That new growth plague destroying our roses, so we can get on with the is infected with RRD. business of replanting our gardens with beautiful roses.” Trash It: Throw the bagged rose into the garbage bin. Or, recycle it, but be sure to check your city’s policy for Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

calendar

May

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Annual Gala, a lively evening topped with a concert by The Pointer Sisters. CACCC’s signature fundraising event and brings our community together in the fight against child abuse. Gala 2015 will feature silent and live auctions, entertainment and an exciting Lexus raffle. For information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase your tickets, please contact Special Events Manager Dana Packard at dpackard@caccollincounty.org or at 972.633.6602.

Courtyards, Concerts & Cars, 5-8 pm, Hwy. 380 between Ridge and Custer Roads, McKinney. This event will feature a free “old meets new” car show, a free outdoor concert featuring the classic rock sounds of Six of the Matter, and a tour of four Courtyard Gardens with $5 paid admission that benefits Community Lifeline, a local non-profit helping families in need. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to spread out on the grassy lawn and enjoy a picnic dinner (on us or bring your own). For details, visit www.tuckerhilltx.com. Fete des Beaux Arts presented by the Allen Philharmonic and Allen Civic Ballet, 7:30 pm, Allen Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Drive. Enjoy orchestral selections from Swan Lake and ballet performances with special guest artists Tiit Helimets and Frances Chung. For tickets and details, visit www.allenphilharmonic.org or www.allencivicballet.org.

Little Black Dress Girls Night Out presented by Texas Health, 7-11 pm, Courtyard Marriott, 210 E. Stacy Road, Allen. Silent auction, games, dress contest, raffle, dinner and open bar. Favorite black dress required! 100% of the proceeds benefit vital breast health for women in Allen and surrounding communities. For further details, visit TexasHealth.org/LittleBlackDress.

Allen Arts Festival, Watters Creek shopping center, through the 10th. 84 artists from around Texas and the country will display and sell their artwork— from paintings to jewelry, pottery to woodwork, glassware, sculpture and photography. A weekend of family-friendly activities including children’s activities, artists demonstrations, music, dance and theatrical performances. Email office@ allenartsalliance.org for additional information.

Bike the Bricks, 2:30 pm, Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St. Do you have a need for speed? Experience the heart-racing thrills as criterium racers from all over the nation battle it out on the bricks and tight turns of Historic Downtown. Bring the whole family to enjoy food, spirits and festivities at this free cycling event. For more information, visit www.mckinneytx.org.

Rock the Block 10K, 5K and Fun Run, 7:30- 11:00 am at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, Plano. Come out and run in memory of a loved one this Memorial Day weekend. Certified, scenic courses, at finish you will enjoy music, food and fun for the whole family! Benefits The Jim Utley Foundation, a local 501(c)3 helping kids live drug free. For details, visit http:// www.RockTheBlockTexas.com.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. It’s the largest one-day food drive in America, and it’s made possible by thousands of letter carriers that volunteer their time to participate. To donate, just place a box or can, or fill a grocery bag with healthy, non-perishable food and set it by your mailbox on May 9. The carrier will do the rest. The food is sorted and delivered to a local food bank or pantry. Visit https://about.usps.com/corporate-socialresponsibility/nalc-food-drive for more information.

Richardson’s Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, through the 17th, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. North Texas’ largest music event will bring a lineup of Grammy-award winning artists including Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Wynonna & The Big Noise, American rock legends Kansas and Everclear and prolific singer-song writers Susan Werner and Max Stalling. Visit www.wildflowerfestival.com or call 972.744.4580.

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Summer Sounds Concert Series, Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus Memorial Day Concert, 7 pm, amphitheater adjacent to Joe Farmer Rec Center, Allen. Delight in music from contemporary composers, and there will be activities designed to honor our veterans and servicemen and women. The event concludes with a patriotic fireworks show and traditional symphony etiquette applies. Visit www.allenparks.org for additional information.

May 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. 15 Collin College Graduation 16 Texas Revolution vs San Angelo Bandits 29 Texas Revolution vs New Mexico Stars 30 Lovejoy High School Graduation

Parks and Recreation Events

2/16 Saturday Night Rec n Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun, safe social program for 3rd-6th grade. Gym games, dancing, music, dodge ball, table tennis, contests and prizes. Supervision provided, concessions available. ID card (annual $5 fee) is required. Walk up admission $10 at the door! 2 Youth Fishing Derby, Bethany Lakes Park. Prizes awarded for the largest fish caught per age group and overall. All fishing skill levels are welcome! Check-in time is at 7:30 a.m. with fishing instruction by Willis Hudson and the McKinney Bass Club to follow at 7:45 a.m. For more information call the Joe Farmer Recreation Center at 214.509.4750. 8 “Just for the Health of It” Health and Wellness Fair, Allen Senior Rec Center, 9 am-noon. Over 40 vendors will provide info covering a variety of health related topics, screenings, goodies and prizes! 8 SNAP Dance at Recreation Hall. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Music, a fun

theme and snacks. fiesta theme! Register early, fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wed. prior to dance. Contact Dana Gillespie at Dgillespie@ cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707.

Mom’s Swap Meet. Joe Farmer Recreation Center invites all moms to do some shopping and make a little extra money by selling kids clothes, knickknacks and other items your family may have outgrown. There is a $20 fee if you wish to sell items and proceeds from sales are yours to keep. Browsing and purchasing is free and open to the public!

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Adults

Scrabble Tile Necklaces, 2-3:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Upcycle scrabble tiles, and paint, distress, decorate and glaze each tile for a unique and artistic pendant. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16+ Noontime Pageturners, noon, Book of Ages: the Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! A relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. DIY@APL—Woven Paper Bookmarks, 10-11:30 am, 2nd floor program room. Join us to make your own intricate-looking, but easyto-make, bookmarks. All materials will be supplied. Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project. Discover a Healthier You—Sit Straight!

Stand Tall! 12 pm-1 pm, 2nd floor program room. Traci Ramsey, Professor of Physical Education at Collin College, will share tips for great posture in the digital age of texting, typing and too much sitting. She’ll also lead us through techniques to improve our posture when sitting, standing and sleeping. Age 18+. Talking History—Caribbean Sugar: The World’s First Industrial Revolution? 7 pm, 2nd floor program room, Dr. John Garrigus of the University of Texas at Arlington will discuss how the sugar plantations of that time represented the cutting edge of 18th century manufacturing processes, and how they were different (and vastly more profitable) than the cotton and tobacco plantations in the U.S. No registration is required. Twisted Threads Fiber Craft Circle— Morning Edition, 10:30 am, 2nd floor program room. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your latest project and work on it with of other fiber crafters.

Watters Creek Concerts by the Creek

Each concert is from 7-10 pm and is free to the public. Visit www.watterscreek.com for a complete listing of concerts. 1 Gloria D’ Arezzo & Friends 2 Simone and Bossa Brazil 9 The Bodarks 16 The Free Loaders 23 Southern Couch Band 30 Counterfeit Radio

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Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve

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

Heard Museum

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org.

Night Hike, 9-10 pm, Explore the thrilling sights, smells, and sounds of night with Heard Trail Guides. Night hikers will be encouraged to sharpen their senses to be able to spot signs of animal life and learn more about the inhabitants of the Heard. Texas Heritage Festival, 10 am-3 pm. The festival will feature toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ Western music, local artisans, historical demonstrations, and interactive children’s activities like “cow patty” tossing! You can also rustle up some tasty Texas grub, say “Howdy” to our resident wildlife ambassadors, and explore the Native Texas Butterfly Garden.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

City of Allen offers a variety of affordable recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770. For more info: www.allenparks.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org.

MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly. com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork. com. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

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American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. 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. Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, 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. Every Monday-Sunday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Every Monday Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. First and Third Monday Singles Mingle 60+, 5:30 pm, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Single men & women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, 10:30 am, meets Sept.-May, except Dec., Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, President. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www. aauwplanocollin.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150,” 1710 N. Church 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. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Janeen Chattaway@ janeen03j@yahoo.com. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www. collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984.

First Nighter African Violet Society, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of their growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478 or www. beautifulviolets.org.

NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees are invited.

Fourth Monday

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

Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Every Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-mem. 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org.

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Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome.

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

Every Tuesday & Thursday

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength & hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org.

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

First Tuesday

Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

First and Third Tuesday

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982.

Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole

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Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needlework projects, learn techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@ bptmn.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, Collin College Courtyard Center, 4800 Preston Park Boulevard, Plano. Program: “Higher, Swifter, Stronger.” Neal Jeffrey, former quarterback Baylor University and San Diego Chargers, learned the meaning of overcoming obstacles early in life. A stutterer since childhood, Neal had to learn to, “get

through what he couldn’t get over.” Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

Third Tuesday McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.. Every Wednesday Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com/ McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. First Wednesday Allen Heritage Guild, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig.org. Collin County Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ ag.tamu.edu. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www.mopsofhope. com. Second Wednesday VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Third Wednesday Greater Collin County Kennel Club, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 6843 W. Main. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. A l l e n I m a g e | M ay 2 0 1 5

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco.org. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, McKinney. Entertainment by Mary Notes. RSVP to Jayne Holley at jayneholley@gmail. com if you want to attend. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Second Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. Allen Early Childhood PTA, 9:30-11:30 am, First Christian Church of Allen, 1207 Twin Creeks Dr. Virginia Beaver’s talk introducing us to the parenting approach ”Love and Logic.” Based on the best selling book Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay this presentation will provide a basic overview of this innovative parenting approach. Reservations are requested but not required. For more info: www.aecpta.com. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org. Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Third Thursday

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241.

Fourth Thursday

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info.

Every Friday

Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen residents $3. For more info: 214.509.4820.

McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491.

Every Other Friday

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

First Friday

Italian Lovers of North Dallas, 7 pm, Italian Villa, 121 N Greenville Ave, Ste B, Allen. Do you like Italy? Many bilingual Italian-Americans meet here monthly to chat in Italian and find new friends. For more info: email ITALOVERS@tx.rr.com. First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no reservatrions required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491.

First Saturday VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150. org. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Second Saturday Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization teaches children to serve their community. For more info: 972.396.8010. Third Saturday Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Musicians 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. No charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@ thissideupfamily.org. Fourth Saturday American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano. For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www. planoasg.org. Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www.planopacers.org. Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. First Sunday United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

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

For Your Health

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cover story

The

Mixed Media of

David Baldwin Whether it be on canvas, board or grass, using oil paint or rocks and flowers, David Baldwin manifests art. Most Allen residents are already familiar with the creations of David Baldwin, landscape architect. If you’ve admired the natural beauty of

Born and raised on an 80-acre farm in the small east-central town of Milton, the trails and relaxed under the Pennsylvania, David’s father was a shade of the gazebo at Dayspring dentist and his mother was a nurse. “Even though we didn’t farm ourselves, Nature Preserve, then you’re I had a lot of friends who were farmers,” acquainted with his professional he recalls. “My dad was always landscape design style. But there’s interested in horticulture so I had an another side of David Baldwin’s interest in it too.” artistic expression—oil painting. Although his father ’s career left him little time for painting, David notes that he was a talented artist who would often take his son out with him to paint. He also had a great-uncle who was an artist and the Baldwins have several of his pieces hanging in their home. By the time he was ten years old, David was following family tradition and studying oil painting with a local artist who had a studio nearby. Despite his love of art, it was the fascination with gardens that led to David’s decision to study ornamental horticulture at the then two-year Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in Pennsylvania. It was here that he learned about landscape architecture and was immediately intrigued. While exploring schools that offered degrees in this subject, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge came highly recommended to him. Over spring break, he flew down to tour the campus. Pointing out that when he was enrolled at Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture the school had approximately 100 students, all male, he laughs that LSU “was gigantic, beautiful and had girls!”

the plaza at Allen City Hall or walked

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David and Jan Baldwin The other strong motivation at LSU was department head Dr. Robert Reich whom David describes as both “motivational and inspirational.” Reich offered him the opportunity to graduate with a degree in landscape architecture in three years if he would enroll in time for summer classes. Given the thumbs up from his parents, David packed his ’64 Volkswagen and drove to Louisiana. He graduated from LSU in 1975. After working for a year in New Orleans, David decided the town was not a good fit for him and he opted to take a position with a landscape design firm in Dallas owned by another LSU graduate. His original intent in moving to

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North Texas was to stay a few years and then move on to another location. He quickly discovered that the Metroplex offered a lot of advantages to newcomers. “When I moved to Dallas in 1976, everybody was from other areas and were anxious to meet other people.” One very special person David met in Dallas was Jan, his wife. “Here it is, nearly 40 years later, and I’m still here!” he grins. In 1984, David opted to make the move from employee to business owner and he opened David C. Baldwin Inc. For 31 years, his landscape architecture firm has struck a balance of serving both the public and private sector. “We do urban design, community

and park planning, trail design…and what’s big right now is master-planned communities where we do entryways, open spaces, parks, playgrounds….” he explains. The latter includes his own neighborhood of Star Creek where he designed a number of features including the front amenity center. Currently, his six-member firm has ongoing projects in a number of local communities including Allen, Plano, Garland, Celina, Prosper and Irving. “One of David’s specialties is the use of native and drought-resistant plants,” notes Allen Parks and Recreation Department’s assistant director Brian Bristow. “David has been involved in numerous neigh borhood parks—Bethany Ridge, Glendover, Heritage Quail Run and Dayspring Nature Preserve. “ Pointing out that in the 1990s the City of Allen decided to seek out a local landscape architect for park designs, Brian continues, “David has a very positive professional reputation so it made sense to hire him. He has the ability to visualize things and give you sound advice and ask important questions at the right time in the design process.” These assignments played a role in the decision for David and Jan and their children Rachel and Seth to move from their Dallas Lake Highlands neighborhood home to Allen in 1995. David had become familiar with the community just as the couple was ready to shift from an urban to a suburban environment. At that time, Jan was a flight attendant for American Airlines, and Allen also offered the convenience of easy travel to DFW Airport. She retired three years ago, after 30 years with the Dallas-based airline, and started a decorating business with a friend. The two specialize in staging homes for sale for area realtors. David lent his artistic skills to Allen by serving on the newly formed Public Art Committee that had a defined assignment to oversee “the commissioning of artwork to enhance

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Allen’s public places and infuse culture and beauty into the everyday life of Allen’s residents and visitors.”

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Through the Public Art Committee, David was personally involved in the selection of “Blackland Prairie Song” and “A is for Allen”. Created by Andrea Myklebust and Stanton Sears, the over 24-foot-tall, LED-lit “Blackland Prairie Song” sculpture stands near the entrance to Allen City Hall and consists of Indiana limestone, stainless steel, bronze and cast glass with designs such as bluebonnets and cotton plants, and images that pay homage to Allen’s railroad history. The abstract “A is for Allen,” by artist Gordon Huether, welcomes drivers at US 75 and Exchange Parkway. Using native stone like that used to construct the historic Old Stone Dam is another nod to the town’s railroad past. Other components of the sculpture include steel and glass. David particularly enjoyed the latter project because after he was off the PAC, he worked on a continuation of the median landscaping. “As an artist myself, I got a lot of enjoyment out of collaborating with another artist for this project,” he asserts. “Huether and I had a lot of fun working together.” David has also introduced specific pieces of art into other commissioned

landscape architect projects. One favorite is the first phase of the landscaped master plan for Pleasant Run Road in DeSoto that features six 12-foot laser-cut weathered steel panels of native plant imagery. Those early years of running a business and raising a family left David little time to explore outside oil painting interests, but after Rachel and Seth left home for college he decided to pick up a paintbrush again. Rachel has since graduated from Baylor University and now teaches ninth grade English at Wakeland High School in Frisco. Seth is currently studying game art at Ringling College of Art Design in Sarasota, Florida. In 2007, after a 45-year hiatus from painting, David decided to jumpstart his re-familiarization with oil painting and enrolled in two adult education classes at then Collin County Community College. Soon, the passion he had as a child was rekindled. After completing these classes, David opted to follow up with more advanced work through Bonny Leibowitz at her Bonny Studio in Richardson. After two-and-a-half years of guidance from Leibowitz, the

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schedule demands of his firm prohibited him from taking any more extra time out. For his artist’s name, David opted to go by “”Buzz” Baldwin, a moniker given to him by a friend in college. He has had his paintings accepted twice for the Plano Arts Association’s juried 125 Show, as well as for the Granville Arts Center in Garland, the Mesquite Arts Center and private shows at locales such as the Discovery Center at Newman Village in Frisco and the

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home of a personal friend. In addition to those hanging in his home and office, a number of David’s paintings are showcased in the homes of friends and clients. Painting on weekends in his second-floor home studio, David aspires to grad ually tran sition from working in landscape architecture fulltime to doing more painting professionally in a few years. He had a brief taste of this a few years ago when a temporary slowdown in his work

schedule allowed him to work a fourday week, thus providing him threeday weekends to paint. He hopes the opportunity to do this again will be possible in a few years. “Most people who see me paint think I paint really fast,” David continues. “That may have to do with the fact that landscape architects are constantly under deadlines to get something designed fast. I’ve learned how to work fast, so consequently, I paint fast.” David works almost exclusively in oil. “Oil, to me, is very forgiving,” he explains. “If you don’t like something, you just wipe it off. And I like mixing colors and oil is good for that.” When David and Jan moved to the Star Creek community shortly after David resumed painting, their builder created a step-up studio space on the second floor of their home with windows overlooking the creek behind their home. This strikingly tidy 10’ x 15’ space provides ample daylight to paint by, as well as an inspiring view. This studio also shares space with a drafting table for those times when David needs to bring work home from the office. David describes his painting style as “not truly figurative or landscape, and not fully abstract—it’s kind of a blend.” He is currently building his

portfolio in order to have sufficient paintings for a solo how. Walking through his Allen home, the Allen artist points out his many creations and the unique stories each offer. Several of his paintings sport various human body parts—the ragged tips of a flower’s petals, on closer inspection, reveal hands, and a wind-bent tree takes on the perfect curve of a woman’s back. “I’ll see something and go, oh, that looks like a human body, and I’ll start doing it as a whimsical thing,” David explains. “It’s fun to have those surprises that people don’t see until they start to look close.” Another of his intriguing paintings is one he appropriately tagged “Temptation.” “It’s inspired by Adam and Eve,” he explains. “There is the snake and the apple, and the tree is her backside.” Several of David’s paintings include a close-up of an eye and one, he reveals, is a painting of an actual printout of an interior photo of his own eye taken during ophthalmologist visit. In another, the edges of eye’s iris branch out into hands as well. Nebulae also prove fascinating subject matter for several of his paintings. David works almost exclusively with photos for a starting point— either his or some other photographers whom he admires. A current inspirational favorite is the botanical photos of Christopher Beane in his book Flower. Other paintings come from personal photographs of trips he has taken with his family. A dusty street scene of the small and ancient Tuscan town of Sarteano he visited with Jan makes a remarkable contrast to the bright red fish with huge eyes taken while sightseeing at the world’s largest fish market in Japan with Seth. This Allen artist also experiments with expressing the tactile visually and created the aptly named “Textures.” Consisting of 18 individual 12-inch square paintings, this piece offers close-ups of a variety of natural objects such as tree bark, lichens, veins

in a leaf, or the center of a purple cone flower from photos he took on neighborhood trails and a friend’s farm in Sherman. He painted a similar, yet very different, series of 18 paintings that reflected a trip he took to the ancient city Ephesus in Turkey that currently hangs in his office. These boast close-ups of mosaics, rocks and carved lettering. Reflecting the Baldwins’ flair for arrangement and design, David’s paintings are strategically hung

throughout the house to match the theme, color and décor. He also points out the pictures in the home created by Seth and Rachel, both demon strating the family’s artistic heritage.

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Although David normally does not provide residential landscape design work, a few years ago he made an exception for a 16,000-squarefoot home being built on 30 acres south of Dallas. “It was a fun project because the owner was so nice to work with,” he recalls. “He was from Syria and I did a courtyard design for him that he wanted to look like old Damascus.” So when David created a painting for the couple, he replicated the courtyard tile pattern, painted their names in Arabic letters in the background and added jasmine, the national flower of Syria. Among his more unexpected paintings are “Looking Out,” “Looking In,” and “Just Looking,” created specifically to hang in a most unlikely spot—the couple’s covered back patio. To protect them from the weather, David painted each on cradle board and waterproofed them once dry. Demonstrating his own eclectic taste in art, David names English romantic landscape painter J.M.W. Turner and Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí as two of his favorite artists. He is such a fan of Dali’s that he has visited the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, twice. Admitting to the oddity of admiring Turner when he himself does not paint landscapes, David notes that he’s ready to tackle this style of painting. “I struggled with landscapes, but this was soon after I started painting,” he explains. “After a few years, I feel a lot more comfortable mixing colors and strokes.” David also proves to be persistent in his goal to create what truly pleases him. Pointing to a picture hanging by the kitchen table, he explains, “I started that in 2007 and it sat upstairs for all these years. Then I picked it up last year and painted over the top and it turned into one of my favorite paintings. “It’s interesting how a painting evolves,” he continues. “It can be frustrating. You can have good days and sometimes have bad days. And then you do something unexpected, like putting a color on that you didn’t think would work, and instead, it just pops! It’s a good feeling when you get one of those moments when you know you’ve struck something.” As David’s skill in landscape design and Buzz’s creativity in oils evolves, the two-as-one artist gathers a growing number of admirers who also delight in recognizing they have “struck something.“ v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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B U S I N E S S

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C A R D S 49

business seen by Nicole BYWATER

The Law Office of Vonda Kay

The Law Office of Vonda Kay focuses exclusively on family law— helping families navigate the legal details of what are often difficult and emotional life transitions. “I know that these situations are very hard for people and I can help them through the entire process to reach the best long-term solution,” she explains. “I have empathy for my clients and I don’t make empty promises. Instead, what I try to do is lay out the ‘best-case’ and the ‘worstcase’ scenarios so that they understand what could happen.” Having worked ten years at a Texas nonprofit serving low-income families, Vonda knows how important it is to keep her legal services affordable. She does this in several ways including: maintaining reasonable rates, charging a flat fee for uncontested divorce and offering payment plans. “I understand that the fear of crushing legal fees can sometimes keep people from seeking quality legal counsel,” Vonda says. “My goal is to work with every client to come up with a fair and workable payment scheme that allows each case an acceptable resolution.” Vonda also offers flexible scheduling and can respond to her client’s situations, even when they occur beyond traditional business hours. “I know that family law issues are sometimes emotional and unpredictable, so I make sure that I’m there for my clients whenever it is that they need me.” The law office of Vonda Kay is located at 101 W. McDermott Drive in Allen. To schedule a consultation, call 214.383.9099 or visit vondakaylaw.com.

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Allen Jewelers

My Delicias Bakery

Allen Jewelers has been familyowned and operated by Pete and Sally Ray since 1972, offering personalized customer service and fine craftsmanship with a smile. “We’re a hometown store—the one and only original Allen Jewelers (not affiliated with any other store with a similar name)—and take great pride in this city and a big support of the Allen Eagles,” says Pete, who moved with his family to Allen in 1997. The recently remodeled store features certified diamonds, custom jewelry, designer watches and unique gift items. Of course, if they don’t carry what a customer is looking for, they’ll try to find it, adds Pete, who is also the in-house master jeweler. Allen Jewelers can also change all types of watch batteries and service high-grade watches such as Rolex, Baume & Mercier, Omega, Movado and Concord as well as provide jewelry repair and appraisals. They specialize in bridal jewelry, including engagement rings and men’s wedding bands. “If you’re having a hard time finding that ‘just right’ engagement ring, I can custom design one for you,” Pete says. “And no one can beat our diamond prices.” Even as the city has grown and the store has changed locations, Allen Jewelers maintains its “smalltown” feel, with Pete, Sally and their son Blake, who joined the business in 2012—behind the counter alongside their Yorkshire terriers. Allen Jewelers is located at 535 W. McDermott Dr. in Allen, behind Wendy’s and next to MexiGo restaurant. For more information, call 972.359.7477 or visit www. allenjewelerstx.com.

The wonderful aroma of freshbaked pastries, cakes and breads immediately greets customers at My Delicias Bakery in Allen. “We have so many people walk in and tell us that it reminds them of being back home in Puerto Rico,” says Ismary Gonzalez, who co-owns the bakery with husband Ruben Padilla. The couple moved to the United States nine years ago and is happy to now be showcasing delicacies from their native Puerto Rico. For Ismary, the bakery offers a connection to a tradition of baking with her mother and grandmother. “We use nothing but fresh, real ingredients—baked from scratch— the same way we always have,” Ismary says. The couple first started their business baking some of the foods they missed the most, Ruben explains. “Ismary’s specialty is a rum cake that’s popular in Puerto Rico. She would bake that and other favorites for our friends and family, and word began to spread.” After first operating as a homebased business, Ismary and Ruben left their professional careers and opened their storefront in 2012, which allows them to focus on their passion—baking delicious treat for the community as well as fellow Puerto Ricans. In addition to a menu of pastries, cupcakes and other desserts, the bakery offers custom cookies and cakes to fit any occasion and budget. My Delicias Bakery is located at 206 N. Greenville Ave., Suite 750, next to Terrell’s Dry Cleaning in Allen. For more information, visit www.mydelicias.com or call 214.383.0925.