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contents

November 2011

Vol. 21, Issue 11

cover story

54 Sing a song of six stars

On February 18, 2012, the first place winners in the 2011 American Fine Arts Festival Golden Voices international vocal competition will sing at Carnegieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weill Recital Hall. Among this distinguished lineup will be Stevie Michel and Shelby Gyger of Allen; Grant Bower, Kayla Perkins and Brenna Whitten of McKinney; and Shyama Nithiananda of Plano. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature 20 A compassionate option for adoption

The Barringtons explored adoption opportunities to expand their family and they decided upon an open adoption through Chosen Child Adoption Services in Allen. by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

special sections 24 kids korner

Best Apps for Kids by Deborah Dove

30 beauty/fashion

Add drama to your holiday makeup by Nicole Bywater

32 pet page

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Sonny & Cher

40 calendar 62 people seen

contents departments civic forum 8

Allen’s Chief Building Official by Kathleen Vaught

Chicago and the Dallas POPS! by Jeff Mues

The Allen Philharmonic presents… by Kathy Litinas

St Jude Craft Fair

Tree Lighting and Rudolph Run by Jeff Mues

Nativity Exhibit

People’s Choice Art Exhibit by Tom Keener

graphic design Kevin Valdez

production assistant Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Jill Edelman

contributing writers Nicole Bywater Heather Darrow

November Film Series—Gridiron Grit

Deborah Dove

The Allen Public Library presents…

Tom Keener Kathy Litinas

by Tom Keener

Jeff Mues

Andrea Pinkney

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

War of 1812

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Sons of Eagle Horse

Marjorie Vaneskahian

education 26

Hidden career field exposed by Heather Darrow

finance 28

It’s better to give than to receive by Marjorie Vaneskahian

gardening 36

A gardener’s journey by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

health & fitness 49

Kathleen Vaught

cover photo Larry Fleming

Maxed out of your retirement plan

helping hands 34

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Barbara Peavy

Anne Gifford receives national award

publisher/editor

library

Allen Image

It’s cold and flu season again by Gretchen A. Champion, M.D.

Allen Image © 2011 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage. com.

civic forum

Allen’s Chief Building Official helped raise Allen over the last 25 years by Kathleen Vaught It was 1986 and Allen’s population had just hit 15,000 with less than 5,000 homes and 25 restaurants. The school system consisted of Allen High School, Ford Middle School and three elementary campuses. The public library was housed in a little blue house and two fire stations served the city. Allen City Hall and most of its staff operated out of the Allen Municipal Annex, a mere 10,000square-foot facility. At that time, the city’s development was at 15% of total build-out projections. It was the summer of 1986 that the city’s Building and Code Compliance Department hired a new code inspector named Bret McCullough. Bret began his career at the city just four weeks after his son Daniel was born. His first day of work included inspections at the Brown Laundromat in the Allen Town Shopping Center, a parking lot at Story Elementary School, American National Bank and 15 to 20 new residences. Over his 25-year career in the Building and Code Compliance Department, that first day set the

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furious pace with which Allen would grow as a city. “It is truly amazing to look back and realize how the city has changed,” Bret commented when asked about the city’s growth. “Allen has grown up, not only physically, but orderly by design. Some key decisions were made by the city council who saw the growth coming, therefore allowing it to take place logically, with good planning and forethought.” By 1992, not only had Bret’s family grown to include his daughter, Baili, but he was promoted to Building Official—a position he held for eight years. By 2000, Allen’s population exploded to 43,554 and Bret received another promotion—Chief Building Official. Bret remained Allen’s Chief Building Official until his recent retirement in September. From 2000 until the present, the city’s growth statistics have continued a steady, albeit steep, rise. According to Bret, the Building and Code Compliance Department was able to recruit and retain top professionals in

the code administration field and together Allen’s growth has translated into the following team statistics since the year 2000: • Single-family dwelling certificates of occupancy—11,754 • Finished commercial buildings (Ground-up)—369 • Commercial finish-outs—1,058 • Number of inspections conducted—311,226 Bret worked on countless projects during his career, including some of Allen’s earliest projects with Allen Economic Development Corporation such as Photronics, FSI International and Allen Premium Outlets. “The turning point to me—as to what kind of city we would be—was the strategic planning goal of making Allen a destination. One of the projects that accomplished this and ranks as one of my favorites is Allen Event Center. Bringing all kinds of sports and entertainment opportunities to Allen citizens, it is truly unique to have a project of this type in a city the size of Allen.”

Other projects Bret enjoyed Allen City Hall Complex encompasses working on include Allen City Hall, four buildings and about 135,000 Presbyterian Hospital, Allen High square feet. School, Watters Creek at Montgomery “The rapid growth in Allen pre Farms, The Village of Allen, Courtyard sented tremendous challenges,” said by Marriott, Allen Central Fire Station, Peter Vargas, Allen City Manager. “With Fire Station #5, Municipal Service each new challenge, Bret and his Center, Allen Senior Recreation Center department stepped up to the plate and and the Allen Public Library. consistently provided solutions to keep Upon Bret’s retirement from the the development, and our goal of Allen city, Allen’s population exceeds 85,000 and nears 88% of build-out projections. More than 25,000 homes fuel Allen ISD’s student population of 19,000 in grades K-12, spread over 21 school campuses. Residents and tourists have over 180 restaurants, numerous enter tain m ent, recreational and shopping opportunities, and an award-winning 54,000square-foot public library. Brett and family Allen’s fifth fire station is nearing completion and the

as a destination, moving forward. That is a legacy we can all be proud of.” With the fast pace of managing the city’s development behind him, Bret plans to enjoy family time with his wife, Anita, and their four children, Daniel, Baili, Shannon and Kerri. “As the door closes on my career with the City of Allen, I expect many others to open. I have a great love for music, play many instruments and have a recording studio at my home. I would like to spend all my time there, but I expect to be working at various jobs here and there and maybe fish a little. I do not have specific plans as I start retirement, and I consider that a good thing,” Bret stated, during his last week with the city. v Kathleen Vaught is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

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and the Dallas POPS! by Jeff Mues

’Tis nearly the season of giving, and Allen Event Center has an early gift for you! The first—legendary rock band, Chicago, who will headline a concert at Allen Event Center on December 10. But wait… there’s more—the one and only Dallas POPS Orchestra will accompany Chicago at this special holiday concert. With over 38 million albums sold, Chicago has attracted multiple generations of fans over its over 40year career. Led by founding members Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Walt Parazaider, this “rock ’n roll band with horns” has recorded hits in five different decades— an accomplishment that has been matched only by the Rolling Stones.

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Together with the Dallas POPS Orchestra, they will perform many of Chicago’s chart-topping hits along with many holiday favorites, all “Chicagoized” in classic form. The Dallas POPS Orchestra players are all handpicked; each selected for not only their high level of artistry and musicianship, but also for their enthusiasm, creativity, energy and fit with the attitude and sound of Dallas POPS. And what a sound it will be in combination with Chicago’s jazzy instrumentals, extended jams and rock radio staples played along side such holiday favorites as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “O’ Christmas Tree” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Chicago has clearly secured a place in the pantheon of the greatest pop music artists of all time. In September 2008, Billboard Magazine named Chicago to its Top 100 artists of all time, based on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Landing at number 13, just behind artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley, Chicago has the distinction of being the top American band on that list. Chicago’s remarkable career achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor and keys to, and proclamations from, an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top the 100 million mark and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. Chicago has played shows connected with five U.S. Presidents including concerts at the Capitol Building and Ford Theater. This will be their first performance in Allen. Tickets for an Evening with Chicago and the Dallas POPS Orchestra are on sale now through Ticketmaster— www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at Allen Event Center Box Office, 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 in Allen. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

The Allen Philharmonic presents... by Kathy Litinas

The 2011-2012 season of the Allen Philharmonic is a celebration of its fourteenth season in our community as we welcome special guests throughout the year with programs designed to entertain and enrich the concert experience for all. Our annual Christmas concert will take place on Friday, December 16, at Allen ISD Performing Arts Center located at Allen High School. Special guest artist Elizabeth Racheva joins the orchestra and chorus in a performance of Rutter ’s Magnificat. Equally at home on the opera and concert stages, dynamic soprano Elizabeth Racheva has been hailed as “a great storyteller” (The Dallas Morning News), offering “bright, well-focused tone, exemplary diction and persuasive acting” (The Baltimore Sun). Recent debuts include Klärchen with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth’s Cliburn at the Modern series debut in concert with composer Jake Heggie, Musetta with Lubbock Symphony, Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Charleston Symphony and Kapilow’s Green Eggs and Ham with Fort Worth Symphony. The Allen Philharmonic again welcomes the Allen District Honor Choir, an auditioned choir of fifth and sixth grade students, representing every elementary school in the Allen ISD to perform with the orchestra. The evening would not be complete without a surprise guest conductor and a special Christmas story narrated

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by perennial favorite, Carl Johnson. The performance begins at 8 p.m. A new twist in performance times will take place on Sunday, February 26, 2012, when the Allen Philharmonic will perform a matinee concert that will begin at 2 p.m. Our special guest will be pianist Eugene Pridonoff in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s famous Piano Concerto #1. Eugene Pridonoff has maintained an international performing career for over four decades since winning prizes in the Leventritt, Montreal, Brazil and Tschaikowsky competitions. He is the Professor of Piano and Artist-inResidence at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. Additional concert pro gramming will include Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Ravel’s Bolero.

April 28, 2012, will be the conclusion of our concert season with a performance entitled Glorious. In this season finale, the Allen Symphony Chorus will perform movements from some of the most inspiring music written for the classical stage. The program will begin at 8 p.m. at the Allen ISD Performing Arts Center located at Allen High School. Tickets are reasonably priced and can be purchased online at www. allenphilharmonic.org or by phone at 972.359.0656. Do you have a student in grades five through nine participating in a performing arts program? Be sure to inquire about our Be Our Guest program. Underwritten by a grant from Target, this musical enrichment program is a great outing for parent and child. We will look forward to seeing you at the concerts! v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO Board of Directors.

St. Jude Craft Fair

It’s time again for the annual St. Jude Craft Fair. If this isn’t already a holiday tradition for you, then let this be the year you make it one! There’s not a more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon than taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the season while finding unique one-of-a-kind and handmade gifts for the cherished people on your list. Presented by the Women of St. Jude, the St. Jude Craft Fair has been a beloved Allen tradition for 26 years. Proceeds from the fair are used to help with the charitable work of the Women of St. Jude Catholic Church. Your holiday shopping will also benefit our community—such a wonderful way to share the spirit of the holiday. This year ’s craft fair will have 80 vendors offering holiday and year round items such as jewelry, food gifts, home décor, candles, clothing and toys. You will be able to find something for everyone on your list, and a special treasure for yourself as well. It will be held in the parish hall and education building. Raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win prizes donated by the craft fair vendors. The drawing will be held Saturday afternoon and winners do not have to be present to win. The famous baked potato lunches

will be offered, as well as soups and chili, so be sure to stay and join us for lunch. This is shopping and lunch for the perfect Girl’s Day Out! So, make plans to begin your holiday shopping season with a visit to the St. Jude Craft Fair, 1515

North Greenville Avenue, between Exchange Parkway and Stacy Road, on Friday, November 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, please contact 972.727.1177, or visit the parish website at www.stjudeparish.com. v

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Tree Lighting and Rudolph Run by Jeff Mues

It’s November and the fanfare leading up to the holidays has begun. From massive shopping displays to the shine of Christmas lights, there’s no escaping it, so you might as well get into the spirit! Fortunately, the City of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department has a plethora of fun activities lined up.

Tree Lighting

Friday, December 2

The holiday season in Allen officially begins Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Join friends and families in the Allen Civic Plaza for the grand lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights. With live entertainment, fireworks and even a visit from Santa and his elves, there is nothing quite like it. The event is free and open to the public.

Rudolph Run

Saturday, December 3

After a night of celebration, wake up and keep the festivities rolling at

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the 16th Annual Rudolph Run 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K on Saturday, December 3. Run or walk through the streets of downtown Allen at this merry event with Santa, Rudolph and their many helpers! The Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m., immediately followed by the 5K. Cost is based on date of registration: Elf Run (1 mile)—$15 thru 11/27; $20—11/28-12/2, $25—race day; Rudolph Run (5K)–$20 thru 11/27, $25–11/28-12/2; $30–race day. The Rudolph Run 5K racecourse is USATF certified and open to all ages.  RunOn! Racing Systems provides chip timing and professional finish line results. All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt. A $100 prize will be given to the overall male and female winner, and the overall Master ’s Division (40+) male and female. Awards will be given in the 5K to the top three male and female overall winners and the top three finishers in each age category as well.   For information, call 214.509.4810 or visit www.allenparks.org.

Other Holiday Happenings

After the Rudolph Run, there are many other holiday-themed events you will want to add to your calendar. Take a hayride with jolly ol’ St. Nick as Joe Farmer Recreation Center hosts the Holiday Hayride on December 9, or if you prefer to swim with Santa, you can do that December 14 at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Get your holiday shopping out of the way with Joe Farmer’s Community Holiday Arts and Craft Fair on December 10. The Edge @ Allen Station and Allen Senior Recreation Center both host their holiday parties on December 10 as well. Other holiday-themed festivities include a class on ginger bread house making and more photo opportunities with Santa, so be sure to check www.allenparks.org for more details on all the holiday fun to be had this year in Allen. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

Nativity exhibit For two days the community is invited to join a nativity celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Presenting the theme, “Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him,” over 600 nativity sets are arranged in multiple levels. More than 75 Christmas trees and nearly 400 donated red poinsettias adorn the gallery and create an ambience of beauty and reverence. This beautiful experience will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints near the intersection of Exchange Parkway and Alma Rd. in Allen, on December 2 and 3, 10 a.m.9 p.m. The LDS Church welcomes the entire community to join in the celebrations through performing and sharing their own nativity sets or performing their musical talents. Visitors this year can look forward to musical selections by the Fifteenth Street Singers, Rock Bridge Church and Sun Creek Methodist Bell Choir, among many other performers. One of the premiere displays is the Fontanini Exhibit. The nativity set displays the hubbub and activity of the entire village of Bethlehem as

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visitors returned to pay taxes. Hundreds of individual pieces show the temple on a hill, a bakery, a fish market, an olive press, a carpenter ’s shop, vendors in tents, pack animals, inns, a synagogue, the wise men, a rolling stream and more than 80 villagers. The set includes two separate crèche displays of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. One depicts the

traditional scene in a stable and the second portrays the manger in a cave. Another highlight of the event is a nearly 200-year-old Bible, filled with more than 1200 woodcut prints, some in full color and some in black ink. The Bible, published by Sangster & Company of London, is owned by Richard and Betty Baldwin of Allen. An original pencil drawing from Guanajuato, Mexico, created by artist Paul Linsley as the proposal sketch for a 10-foot mural depicting the mother Mary with the Christ child, will be displayed along with the nativity sets. Lisa Johnson, of Fairview, has a personal collection of more than 500 nativity sets from around the world. She displays approximately 100 of those sets for this occasion. Admission to the exhibit is free and families are welcome. And “Come Let Us Adore Him.” v

People’s Choice Art Exhibit by Tom Keener Celebrate the creative and inventive abilities of Allen residents at the People’s Choice Art Exhibit, Fridays, 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., November 4-26, at the Allen Heritage Center/Train Depot, 102 E. Main. Over 30 local artists will be featured at the exhibit and sale. In addition, a reception will be hosted at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at the Depot. The Allen Heritage Guild and Market Street at Watters Creek will provide an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and fine wines. Sponsored by the Allen Heritage Guild, the exhibit and reception are free. Among the acclaimed local artists on exhibit for this event are Marie Renfro, Pamela Van Laanen, Murray Stein, Hot Springs artist Brian Sink, as well as internationally-renowned artist, Lap Ngo, who divides his time between Allen and Provence, France. The exhibit will feature pottery, sculpture, wood carvings, photography, oils and watercolors and can be pur chased via cash, Visa or MasterCard. Exhibit visitors are encouraged to vote on their favorite artwork in each category. Votes will be tallied at the reception and the work earning the most votes will be awarded a cash prize. The award-winning pieces will be displayed in the foyer of Market Street at Watters Creek during the month of December. The Allen Heritage Guild president Paula Ross declares, “The original plan

for the Allen Heritage Center/Depot was as a community center. Since the Allen Heritage Guild has developed a museum there, we are pleased to sponsor exhibits and events to encourage people to visit the downtown Allen destination. The People’s Choice Art show in the Depot is a great venue

for local artists to showcase their talents as well as bringing in new people to visit the museum.” For information, call Ken Byler at 214.383.7569. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

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Snippets Anne Gifford receives national award Anne Gifford is a recipient of this year’s National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) With Our Youth! Dedication Award. This award highlights the top contenders that merited distinction for their exceptional work. As president of the Allen Heritage Guild, Anne Gifford created a local history program for second graders with a goal of educating them about Allen’s cultural heritage. One aspect of the program includes a field trip to the Allen Historic Village where students “Hop Aboard the H&TC (Houston & Texas Central Railway) and Learn Allen’s History.” “Retired educators and school personnel are unsung heroes in their communities. They continue to give of their time and expertise even after leaving the classroom. It is an honor to celebrate the skills, passion and commitment of Anne Gifford with an NRTA With Our Youth! Dedication Award,” stated Megan Hookey, Vice President of NRTA, AARP’s Educator Community. v

Allen ISD Superintendent Ken Helvey, Anne Gifford and Sondra Long, President of AREA.

November Film Series—Gridiron Grit All films are free and on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive.

1—We Are Marshall (2006), PG

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox and Anthony Mackey. A plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and the team’s new coach and surviving players try to keep the football program alive.

8—Rudy (1993), PG

Starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau and Ned Beatty. Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.

15—Remember the Titans (2000), PG

Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton and Wood Harris. True story of a newly-appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.

22—The Blind Side (2009), PG-13

Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron. The story of Michael Oher, a homeless boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.

29—Invincible (2006), PG

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear and Elizabeth Banks. Based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. v

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feature

A compassionate option for adoption by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Despite the raucous horseplay of her older brothers Zachariah, 9, and Gabriel, 7, seven-week-old Eden snuggles against her mother and is soon fast asleep. Danielle Barrington notes that she and her husband, Jesse, wanted their daughter to have a Biblical name like their sons, and that Eden’s middle name Elizabeth was suggested by Zachariah. “He thought it would be great if all of them were in the same story in the Bible,” she explains. Eden also has another name. Her birth mother, Nadia, gave her this name right after delivery and before she handed her to the Barrington’s for adoption. Danielle and Jesse are looking forward to the upcoming eighth-week visit at the Chosen Child Adoption Services office in Allen. Here they will reunite with Nadia for the first time since Eden’s birth and show her how well the baby has done in their loving care. The pastor for Grace Life Church in Plano, Jesse has also worked for American Legion Homes for 10 years. Danielle is a stay-at-home mom and home-schooling teacher to their two sons. “My oldest sister and my brother were adopted, so for me adoption was just a normal way of life,” Jesse explains. “Danielle and I even talked about adoption before we married.” So when Jesse and Danielle encountered difficulties in getting pregnant with a third child, exploring adoption opportunities was the obvious next step for them. After talking with

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other parents who had adopted and investigating area services, the Barringtons decided to attend a Chosen Child orientation. “We were not as familiar with open adoption,” Jesse explains, “but we were praying about what was best for the child and for the birth mom.” “It can be a scary concept at first,” Danielle admits. “But it has been the most positive, beautiful, growing experience that we have ever walked through.” That experience for the Barringtons included getting to know Nadia for two months prior to Eden’s birth, even accompanying her to medical appointments and being at the hospital for the delivery. “It was such an emotional time because there is such a love in our hearts for Nadia,” Jesse adds. “We were so excited because we were getting a child, but L to R: Melissa Robinson, Administrator; Laura Martinez, we were also grieving with Nadia because we were so Adoption Assistant; Natalie Vinzant, Social Worker; Deanna aware of her pain. What she was doing was very Rasnic, Licensed Professional Counselor selfless love.” Thrilled with the outcome of their open adoption through Chosen Child, the Barringtons are considering unplanned pregnancies. Glennis and Gary Woodall started adopting through them again. Promiseland Ministries in 1999 and recently moved “We would recommend Chosen Child because before, Hannah House, and its sister aftercare facility Maryhannah during and after, they are in it for the best of everyone House, from Glen Rose to Longview. involved,” Danielle declares. Melissa points out that birth mothers are not Single and then unemployed, 22-year-old Nadia required to be residents of Hannah House to utilize the chose to move to her parent’s Plano home after learning agency’s services. She also notes that services to birth she was pregnant. She had several reasons for choosing parents are free, even if the decision is made to not place adoption. “The financial and physical needs of the baby their child up for adoption. “We are here to minister to would have been hard to meet,” she explains. “I wasn’t them and if they decide to place their baby for adoption, sure if I could even hold down a job. And I wasn’t in a we are here to support and facilitate that,” Melissa states. place to teach her what she needed to learn from life By the end of August 2011, 20 babies had been adopted because I was still learning.” through Chosen Child, half from mothers staying at Nadia explored adoption alternatives available to her Hannah House. and opted to work with Chosen Child. “After speaking To introduce prospective adopting families to the with them it became evident that they were different from concept of open adoption and Chosen Childs’ philosophy the other agencies,” she states. “You develop relationships and process, the agency hosts two orientations a year. with them.” “Our mission is to place children into Christian homes, so Following counseling with the staff, Nadia the adoptive parents must sign a statement of faith,” painstakingly pored through select books created by Melissa notes. applicants hoping to adopt. It was the story the Barrington This Allen agency’s method of service to adopting family shared that touched this loving mother. families and birthmothers via a staff of two social workers “The family I chose were people after my own heart!” and a licensed professional counselor has proved she declares. “I feel so relieved that I could make such a successful. “We just had to expand our office!” Melissa right choice for my daughter. I know she is in great hands, asserts. “And we have also been allotted a $65,000 grant and to know that is such a complete relief!” from the Council of Life, a life-affirming non-profit The Chosen Child Adoption Services opened in Allen that helps fund agencies that are also life-affirming. This in 2008. Licensed administrator Melissa Robinson explains year there were 10 recipients and we were the only the agency was established by Promiseland Ministries, adoption agency.” v initially to serve as an agency for mothers living at Hannah Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer. House, a home for teens and young women dealing with A lle n I m a g e x N o v e m b e r 2 0 11

library

The Allen Public Library presents… by Tom Keener

Andrea Davis Pinkney Celebrated children’s author Andrea Davis Pinkney appears at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 12. A New York Times bestselling and awardwinning author of books for children and young adults, Ms. Pinkney has written picture books, novels, works of historical fiction and non-fiction. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School on Public Communications, Ms. Pinkney began her career as a magazine editor. After marrying her husband, illustrator Brian Pinkney, a recipient of two Caldecott Honor awards, she was inspired to try her hand at writing children’s books. She has since authored more than twenty books for young people. When asked about the importance of reading, Ms. Pinkney explains, “Books open doors for children by showing them new worlds and new experiences, or by reflecting their own experiences”. One of Ms. Pinkney’s first picture books, Bill Pickett: Rodeo Riding Cowboy, is about Texas native Bill Pickett, a legendary cowboy and rodeo champion of African-American and Native

American descent from Taylor, Texas. Ms. Pinkney says, “In researching the story of Bill Pickett’s life and legacy, and to learn more about the rodeo sport known as bulldogging, I attended rodeos and completed research at the Black American West Museum in Denver, Colorado.” Ms. Pinkney’s two most recent

books, both novels for young readers, include, Bird In A Box and With the Might of Angels. Bird in a Box is set during the Great Depression, and follows the story of three children whose lives converge in June 1937 on the night Joe Louis becomes the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. To complete her research, Ms. Pinkney took up boxing in the ring with a trainer. Ms. Pinkney says, “Joe Louis was a symbol of hope, not only for African Americans, but for all people.” With the Might of Angels takes place in the fall of 1954. After the Supreme Court ruling in the case known as Brown v. Board of Education, 12-yearold Dawn Rae Johnson learns she will be attending a previously all-white school. “While researching the book, I discovered that many schools didn’t integrate right away—in some places it took another decade. Thankfully, today’s kids can go to any public school they wish.” This program is sponsored by Storyopilus Entertainment and Bach to Books. v

War of 1812 After witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key composed the lyrics for the revered song that would later be adopted as the national anthem. Despite the significance of this war the average American knows little else about this pivotal chapter in American history. Sporting period costume, Peter H. Rowley, President of the Society of the War of 1812 in Texas and direct descendant of an 1812 war veteran, provides a brief survey of this dramatic war at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 17.

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Following his program, the Readable History Book Club will discuss 1812: The War That Forged a Nation by Walter R. Borneman. The Society of the War of 1812 is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the War of 1812. A mission of the Craig Austin Rowley Chapter of Collin County is to place service markers on the graves of soldiers of the War of 1812, locate family members who might still live in the area and perform the dedication ceremonies. Alex Kirk, co-president of the Readable History Book Club, notes

Sons of Eagle Horse Attired in hand-made regalia, Sons of Eagle Horse light up the Allen Public Library with dance and percussions at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 5. A full-size tipi will adorn the stage while the Eagle Horse brothers provide a living history lesson that opens a window into Lakota culture and spirituality. Upholding traditional heritage through their performances, the Sons of Eagle Horse provide an inspiring and educational experience. Ta’Cha, TaTanka and Sunkmanitu Eagle Horse are members of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of the Lakota Nation in South Dakota and are dedicated to preserving Lakota traditions. Their mother Diane Eagle Horse explains that the dancing and percussions honor their ancestors but also ignite the fire within those who observe. Each of the sons credits his parents for sharing their knowledge of, and commitment to, preserving their native spirituality and a belief that no one truly owns the land. Keeping the native traditions alive, especially the dancing, is another motivator for TaTanka. Sunkmanitu adds that he considers it to be a significant honor being asked by the elders to dance. “Peace is what I want,” Ta’Cha declares, “not just for the native people,

but for all people to live peacefully.” Ta’Cha emphasizes that when this peace finally comes, “it will be like when a flower dies, and then after the winter, a new one grows back.” The Eagle Horse brothers are the sons of Dennis and Diane Eagle Horse. The great-grandson of Chief Gall who was adopted by Sitting Bull as a younger brother, Dennis is a renowned visual artist whose works are featured in galleries throughout Texas and Santa Fe. His grandfather taught him at an early age that everything he created with his mind and hands

should be created for “Tunkasila,” the Great Spirit, and shared with other people to teach them to see the beauty around them. Sons of Eagle Horse have performed at the Old Calvary Museum in San Antonio, Historic Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg and Frontier Times Museum in Bandera. In 2007, they appeared in the documentary The 8th Fire, One Earth, One Whole Circle, Again. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this event is free and no reservations are required. v

that important songs and phrases emanate from the War of 1812. These include “Don’t give up the ship,” “We met the enemy and he is ours,” the Jimmie Driftwood song “Battle of New Orleans”, and above all, the “Star Spangled Banner”. Diane Kirk, the club’s other copresident, adds, “While Napoleon’s army was on the march in Europe, the young nation of The United States of America entered into war with

England. At the conclusion of the war of 1812, diplomats were surprisingly successful at the bargaining table—the Treaty of Ghent was signed on Christmas Eve of 1814.” Although the War of 1812’s legacy can be traced to Collin County, only four of the 15 graves of veterans of this war buried here have been identified. In 2010, Rowley installed a plaque at Allen pioneer Henry Wetsel’s place of rest. Born in 1791, Wetsel enlisted in

Captain William Calhoun’s 138 Regiment in the Beaver County, Pennsylvania, militia. His tour of duty covered January-March of 1814. By 1860, Wetsel emigrated to Texas. He eventually erected a cabin on a stage route (Greenville Ave.) that traversed Allen, connecting Austin and McKinney in an area that was formerly called Wetsel (Greenville Ave. and Stacy). Sponsored by the Readable History Book Club and Bach to Books. v

All programs are free and take place at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. For information, call 214.509.4911. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. A lle n I m a g e x N o v e m b e r 2 0 11

kids korner

Best Apps for Kids By Deborah Dove What did we do before there were iPhones, iTouch ipods, iPads and smart phones to entertain our kids? I have no idea! I’m just glad I have an iPhone filled with kid-friendly apps to hand to my four-year-old when she has to come along with me to a doctor’s appointment, or we’re waiting for a table at a busy restaurant. Following are some top-rated kid apps for guaranteed fun (some are even educational), along with some of my favorites. Prices were accurate as of press time, but may change. Although the information on the apps featured are for idevices, many are also available for Android.

MyPlayHome (iPad) or Pocket PlayHome (iPhone4 or iPod Touch 4G)

Age: 2-8; Cost: $0.99 (a free lite version is available) Touted as a virtual dollhouse for the iGeneration, this app is easy enough for a 2-year-old to use, but interesting enough to keep an 8-year-old entertained. Kids can explore the interactive features of this sweet cartoon house—closing the drapes, pouring drinks, blowing bubbles, feeding the characters, or changing a music CD.

Licking Letters

Age: 2-8; Cost: $0.99 Preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids learn how to spell as they help Hoppy the Frog “lick” letters as they float across the screen to spell words. When you spell words correctly you earn coins that can be used to buy clothes for your frog. Bonus mini games are awarded after three words are spelled correctly.

Feed Me

Age: preschool; Cost: Free The cute purple monster wants something. Choose the correct answer on subjects that include letters, sounds, numbers, patterns, shapes and colors and feed them to the monster. What’s really cool about this app is that there are versions in numerous other languages (each is priced separately) so kids can learn basic skills in another language.

Memory Block

Age: All; Cost: Free This take on the old classic “Simon” game builds memory skills as players try to repeat the order four colored buttons light up. The sequence gets progressively harder as you successfully repeat the pattern.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox

Age: 1 & up; Cost: $0.99 This app features six games for toddlers and preschoolers that teach colors, matching, letters, counting, shapes, spot the difference and puzzles. Once kids finish a task correctly, they fill the monkey’s lunchbox. Animated stickers are awarded after every other game.

Disney Fairies Fly

Age: 3-8; Cost: $4.99 It’s pricey as far as apps go, but if your little princess loves Tinkerbell she’ll have a blast tilting the idevice to guide fairies through the forest, collecting treasures and avoiding obstacles.

Talking Tom Cat

Age: All (although it’s rated 9+ for cartoon violence); Cost: Free Okay, it’s not educational at all but my kids, who range in age from 4-13, love this app. There’s just something hilarious about a cat who repeats whatever you say. You can rub his tummy to make him purr, poke him or pull his tail (hence the 9+ rating).

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The Pianist

Age: 4 & up; Cost: $3.99 Turn your idevice into a piano with 3D keys that appear to depress when “played.” Kids can record, over-dub and play back their masterpieces.

Tales2Go

Ages: All; Cost: Free for first 30 days, then $9.99 monthly Worried about too much screen time? This app offers access to over 1,600 kids brand name audio books to play on Apple mobile devices, including favorites such as Curious George, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and How to Train Your Dragon, with new stories continually being added.

Weird but True

Age: Reading age & up; Cost: $1.99 This app from National Geographic Kids features over 300 weird, but true, kidfriendly facts guaranteed to keep your kids entertained for hours. Who knew girls have more taste buds than boys or slugs have 3,000 teeth? Animals that pop in to comment on the weirdness in different voices add to the fun factor.

Sudoku

Age: 6 & up; Cost: Free This i-version of the number and reasoning game lets kids begin solving puzzles at an easy level. Once they master a level two times successfully, the puzzles become harder.

Jelly Car 2

Age: 5 & up; Cost: $0.99 Design your car and race against your friends or the clock on 50 themed levels. Kids will have so much fun they won’t realize they’re learning physics and problem solving skills. You can download two new levels every other Tuesday to keep the fun coming.

Mad Libs

Age: 6 & up; Cost: Free Kids learn grammar and parts of speech as they create silly stories by filling in the blanks.

The Moron Test

Age: 6 & up; Cost: $0.99 Put your thinking cap on for this one, as the puzzles and challenges seem easier than they are. Plus, kids love it when their parents fail (which everyone does eventually).

Cash Cow

Age: 5 & up; Cost: $0.99 Save the farm by combining coins (pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters) to make dollars. Once you’ve amassed cash, you can deck out the farm. This is a great game for honing money math skills and logic.

Cut the Rope

Age: 4 & up; Cost: $0.99 This game combines physics and puzzle solving as players try to cut a variety of ropes (which in turn affect other ropes) to get Om Nom, a cute little green monster, his candy.

education

Hidden career field exposed with a microscope by Heather Darrow

Anita Strong You feel ill and make the drive to the doctor’s office. After explaining your symptoms, your doctor sends you to the lab for a blood sample. But what really happens to your blood that helps determine a diagnosis? Former Collin College student Anita Strong can elucidate the hidden pathway, which includes detection, diagnosis and treatment because she is studying to be a clinical laboratory technologist. The career name may not sound glamorous, but Strong explains clinical laboratory technologists, also known as medical technologists, know it takes a team to provide quality healthcare to patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these individuals work with contagious samples and locate microbes, parasites and irregular cells in body fluids and find the correct blood for transfusions as well as many

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other responsibilities. In addition to knowing how to calibrate machines and run quality assurance tests, clinical laboratory technologists know what to do if the test does not provide the answer the doctor was anticipating. Ironically, while clinical technologists may be invisible to the general public, people depend on the fact that they deftly perform their duties. Strong is currently in the process of earning a bachelor ’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston via the University of Texas at Tyler. A junior in the program, she recently completed her first preceptorship (supervised training) in hematology (the study of blood) at an area hospital. “The clinical laboratory tech nologist has to know what various organisms look like in all kinds of body fluids, such as whole blood, cerebral spinal fluid or peritoneal fluid. Yeast, fungi, bacteria or parasites are immediately placed on hold for pathology review. At the hospital, the pathologist was looking at peritoneal fluid from the abdominal cavity. He called the doctor and said he saw yeast in the sample. The physician was skeptical. On the second test, the pathologist called confirming his first finding, but now the patient

had full-blown peritonitis (inflam mation of the membrane lining the inner abdominal wall). I am amazed what you can learn just by looking through a microscope versus waiting for results from a laboratory test. I love to look at blood now.” Strong first attended Collin College in 1989 and took chemistry and physics classes in the evenings so she could be home with her children during the day. She went on to earn a bachelor ’s of science degree in chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s degree in biophysics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). She worked for Texas Instruments searching for chemical signatures for landmines and later worked in semiconductor technology. After working for another firm, she was laid off because of defense contract budget cuts. “We voted for the founding of Collin College. We lived a block from the Spring Creek Campus. I feel like it was my neighborhood school. After I was laid off, I came back to my first love—medicine. I was looking for a career that was in need of employees and would utilize my strengths. I read about clinical laboratory technologists. The average age of people in the field is over 50 and they are looking to retire. It is frightening that it is underappreciated and there aren’t enough people going into it. I don’t know what the future would be like without it.” In order to get into a clinical laboratory science program Strong needed to take prerequisite courses.

She took microbiology with Dr. Jonathan Lawson and anatomy and physiology with Dr. Chris Doumen and Professor Doug Boliver. “I decided there was no better place than Collin College to take the classes I needed. Dr. Lawson has a Ph.D. from UTSW. If I can get someone educated from a school with Nobel Prizewinners why shouldn’t I go there? At Collin I received personal attention, and my classes were small. I know the building does not a college make, but the infrastructure and laboratories are so organized, and they care so much about safety at Collin. Coming from the engineering industry, I really appreciate that. Collin makes college accessible to people who don’t have the opportunity to attend a university,” Strong said. Strong says one of the things she likes best about her upcoming career field is that she has so many options. Clinical laboratory technologists can work in hospitals, laboratories, veterin ary offices, delve into research or work in global health. She explains that today’s medicine is not like the TV show House; doctors do not typically do their own laboratory testing. “Physicians have to trust data they are given. Keeping the blood supply safe is really important. We live in a global economy, and we have diseases we thought we defeated that are starting to show up again,” Strong said. Even if most people are not aware of what happens to their blood and tissues in the diagnostic process, Strong knows that the role of clinical laboratory technologists is essential in healthcare today. “Everyone sees the doctor, but they don’t see the people in the lab. I chose this field because I want to feel like I have a made a difference. It is rewarding. You know you are doing something critical for the physicians on the front line.” Visit collin.edu for classes. v Heather Darrow is a public information writer for Collin College.

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finance

Maxed out of your retirement plan contributions? Try adding annuities to your retirement portfolio

These days, we hear about unprecedented gains in longevity. Living a longer life is positive news— assuming your retirement income can support your lifestyle. Unfortunately, few Americans today can count on pension plans and Social Security to support them fully in retirement and must find another way to work toward financial security. Individual Retirement Accounts and 401(k)s are typically the first line of “attack” when it comes to retirement investing. But what if you’ve maxed out your contributions or don’t qualify for these plans? Consider an annuity as an addition to your retirement portfolio. It can bridge the “gap” between your retirement plans and your Social

Security benefits. Annuities provide tax-deferred compounding like other retirement savings vehicles plus other unique advantages. Almost anyone can invest in an annuity and there are no annual IRS contribution limits, as with IRAs and employee-sponsored plans. You can contribute as much, or as little, in any given year within the issuing company’s guidelines. Your contributions can come from any source, including savings or a lumpsum inheritance. Annuities do not require you to start taking distributions from your account at age 70-1⁄2 (minimum distribution age for IRAs and 401(k) plans). Postponing payments until you need the income means your contributions have more time to grow tax-deferred savings. Similar to other retirement savings vehicles, if you withdraw from an annuity prior to age 59-1/2, your distribution may be subject to contrac

tual withdrawal charges, income taxes or a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Many annuities provide guarantees that can give you sense of certainty, especially in today’s market. Fixed, deferred annuities offer a fixed rate of interest. Some variable annuities include a fixed interest option, which ensures that your money will earn a minimum interest rate for a specified period of time. And most annuities offer a death benefit that guarantees your beneficiaries will receive a guaranteed amount should you die before a certain age and before your annuity payments begin. When it comes time to take income from your annuity, most contracts provide a range of income option plans. It’s also important to remember that all guarantees in annuities are backed solely by the claims-paying ability of the issuer. Under the right circumstances, an annuity can be an effective investment for those seeking a source of retirement income. To learn more, consult a financial services professional or tax consultant to see whether an annuity would benefit your overall retirement program. v Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Loren Hsiao, CLU. Loren Hsiao, CLU, is a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, its affiliates and subsidiaries. Loren Hsiao, CLU is an agent of NM based in Allen, Texas.

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beauty/fashion

Add drama to your holiday makeup

The fall trends in makeup can be summed up in one word—drama. Whether you choose to do a dramatic, smoky eye or a bold, bright lip—or both—the hottest looks right now are anything but shy.

Sultry eyes

“The trend in makeup right now is all about the smoky metallic eye,” says Lily Dana, makeup artist for Tangerine Salon, which has a location in Watters Creek. “You can do gold, silver, copper or bronze and really play up the eyes by adding in bolder, deep colors like blue, green and purple.” Eyeliner also helps add drama to the eyes. “No matter what type of eye shadow you’re doing, you can always add a black eyeliner to make it more dramatic,” Dana adds. “I usually will line just the top for a daytime look, and do the full eye for evening. And in addition to black, blue or indigo eyeliner is also pretty popular.” Another trend, which is great for people that don’t (or can’t) wear eyeliner, is to smudge eye shadow just below the lash line. “Even if you do a heavy eyeliner on top, you can still line your lower lash with an eye

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shadow,” Dana states. “I like to use a metallic brown or gold which softens the look, is just really fun, and makes your eyes stand out.” Adding a little bit of water or an eye shadow transformer to eye powder can also deepen the color and create drama. Another key to playing up the eyes is to emphasize your eyelashes, says Helen Gibson-Nicholas, makeup artist and owner of Hello Gorgeous spa in the Village at Fairview. “Lashes are really luscious this season,” she says. “If you notice any of the red carpet looks, you’ll see lots of dramatic lashes.” And when thinking about your eyes, don’t forget about the eyebrows, which frame your face and have a huge impact on a person’s overall appearance, both artists say. “Get your brows groomed, but don’t go too thin—a natural, fuller look is in right now,” Dana emphasizes. “You’d be amazed at how big a difference neatly groomed brows can have.” Gibson-Nicholas agrees, “Brows are back,” she explains. “We’re not talking about the thick Brooke Shield’s eyebrow; they’re just nicely coiffed, precision brows—not too thin and not too thick.”

Bright lips

When people look at one another, they arrange the image into triangles, Gibson-Nicholas says. “A woman’s figure is one triangle while her face forms another triangle, with the brows at the top and lips at the bottom point,” she explains. “When someone applies makeup to their eyes, but nothing on their lips, they’re missing part of their ‘triangle’ and therefore look incomplete. The same goes for someone who wears lipstick but not eye makeup.” Luckily, this season’s trend calls for ‘full face makeup’ GibsonNicholas says, where both eyes and lips can feature dramatic makeup. Dana says she prefers a look that focuses on either the eyes or the lips, but not both at the same time. “I would alternate between doing bold eyes with a natural lip color and going with natural eyes and soft, red lips, which are also in right now,” she says. Red looks great on everyone, both artists say, as long as it’s the correct shade for someone’s skin. Filling in the lips with liner first or using a powder to blot and layer the color also helps deepen the color and make it last longer. “When you’re drinking and eating, it is more high maintenance to do a darker lip,” Dana says. “So while it may not be practical to do every day, it’s a fun look to try every now and then.”

Have fun with the holidays

While dramatic colors are big for everyday this fall— they’re also perfect for the holiday season. Days are shorter, there’s more happening at night and parties tend to be dimly lit. “Whenever you have less light, you’re going to want more depth to your look,” says GibsonNicholas. “If you continue wearing the same natural look with minimal makeup that you had all summer, you’re pretty much going to fade into the background.” Instead, the artists recommend that people take their typical makeup routines up a notch for the holidays. And don’t forget the cheeks—blush and bronzer are still important parts of the makeup routine. “You want a healthy, natural glow even in the winter,” Dana says. Special occasions are also a great time to try new colors and techniques or to get a professional makeover. “We help

our clients find the best colors and really teach them about why we’re picking the makeup that we’re using and how to duplicate their look at home,” Gibson-Nicholas explains. ”Just after getting a salon treatment is also a good time to seek out a makeup artist who will often encourage people to experiment. “If I see someone who is not comfortable wearing color, I’ll ask them to just try it,” Dana adds. “If they don’t like it, they can always take it off. But if they do like it, it’s something they can do again themselves.” Most people want dramatic eyelashes for the holidays, they don’t want the expense of lash extensions. Instead, false eyelashes can be economically applied for a holiday party or special evening. These glue-on lashes come in a variety of styles to fit any face, including full strips, individual sections and even fun rhinestone-studded lashes that add silver, pink or black sparkles to the eyes. The rhinestones give a unique look that’s surprisingly easy to wear, Gibson-Nicholas says. “They’re really cool, but obviously a little heavier than the plain lashes. You would think they would bother you, but I wore them at Mardi Gras and after that initial 10 minutes, I really got used to them and even forgot I had them on.” This season is the time to have fun and be bold with your makeup choices of smoky eyes and dramatic lips. And trying something new—whether it’s using eye shadow like liner or putting on rhinestone-studded false eyelashes—is always a great idea. v Nicole Bywater is a freelance writer from Allen. A lle n I m a g e x N o v e m b e r 2 0 11

pet page

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sonny & Cherâ&#x20AC;?

This couple is Sonny and Cher, a pair of eightyear-old owner-surrendered Labs. They were abandoned by their family and put on the euthanasia list at a local shelter. CCHS stepped up just in time to get them and take them to safety! They are an adoring, loving and easy-going couple that want nothing more than a home to call their own. They do not have to be adopted together, but it would be nice if they were. They are both housebroken and can be trusted to have free roam of the home. They are great with dogs and kids of all shapes and sizes. We have not yet cat-tested them, but judging by their temperament, we think they would do just fine.

Sonny

This lovable couple is looking for a forever family! Sonny and Cher are both heartworm negative, current on vaccinations and have been spayed/neutered. If you are interested in adopting either or both of these dogs, please complete an Cher application online today at: http://www.collincountyhumanesociety. org/Forms.htm. 3 2 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

helping hands

It’s better to give than to receive by Marjorie Vaneskahian

I’ve always been told it’s better to give than to receive. Having worked with volunteers and the programs of Allen Community Outreach (ACO) for many years, I know this to be true. Many Allen area neighbors and friends, groups, churches and businesses know this too. They give to ACO so that we may give to the people who are desperate and can’t pay their rent, to families who are hungry and have no food to eat, and to those who have nowhere else to turn in crisis. So many people here at home face additional hardship during the holidays with the added pressure of being able to provide their families with a holiday dinner and gifts under the tree. The donors and volunteers of ACO are available to ease that burden by participating in two programs in November and December. ACO is the local agency in Allen, Fairview and Lucas to provide emergency assistance to families. We

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have more than 2000 backgroundchecked adults in our volunteer database, and hundreds of students who work in our agency throughout the year. The need for emergency assistance to families is great during this time of year. Volunteers and donors can seize

the opportunity to reach out through two programs ACO offers. First is our collection for Holiday Food Boxes. Non-Perishable food items are currently being accepted at ACO and donation drop-off locations around town. Hundreds of boxes will be packed with food and given to families to take home to prepare their own traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. It will take the community’s support to provide enough food to the many local families that need extra groceries this holiday season. You can also pick up a box from ACO and decorate it with a Thanksgiving or Christmas theme and return it before November 1—it’s a great project for kids. Volunteers are needed to help sort, pack and in the distribution of boxes November 17-21. The second holiday program is Toys For Our Tots Drive with our Christmas Adoption Program. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, ACO will be collecting toys for children who live locally. Allen area

fire stations will be drop-off locations through December 15, as well as area businesses. A complete list of donation locations is available on our website at www.acocares.org. If you’d like to do more than donate toys, consider adopting a child, teen or senior this Christmas and play Santa yourself by purchasing things from their wish list. Register as an adopter with ACO’s Christmas Adoption Program and request a child, teen or senior. You’ll be given their wish list and a bag to fill with your purchases. Simply return it to ACO by December 15 and ACO volunteers will handle distribution. Adoption forms and information is on our website at www.acocares.org. Volunteers are needed, so contact Marjorie@acocares.org if you like to be involved.

Food donations needed • • • • • • • • •

gift cards to local grocery stores bisquick • corn meal/corn muffin mix flour • sugar • canned pie filling • Jell-O pudding mix • pie crust • marshmallows canned stuffing mix • vegetables • rice instant mashed potatoes • dried beans yams • canned gravy • canned milk canned fruit and pumpkin • broth pie pans • foil roasting pans

This holiday season there will be several hundred families who won’t have groceries on Thanksgiving Day without our help; this Christmas there will be more than 700 children, teenagers and senior citizens who won’t have gifts on Christmas morning if we don’t help. These are our friends and neighbors, right here in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Won’t you help? This season find out for yourself that it’s better to give than receive. If you or someone you know needs assistance this holiday season please contact ACO for more information. Call 972.727.9131 or visit our website at www.acocares.org. We are located at 801 E. Main Street in Allen. v Marjorie Vaneskahian is the director of volunteer services at ACO.

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gardening

A gardener’s journey by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.” – Gerard de Nerval

A glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew

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This year has not been kind to Collin County gardeners. Last winter’s frigid temperatures, ice and snow combined with this summer’s recordbreaking heat wave and drought have wrought havoc on North Texas landscapes. Lawns cracked, crops and trees perished, flowers and vines withered. Sadly, the true depth of damage may not be realized for months, perhaps even years. Yet, we gardeners are an optimistic and resilient lot. Each season brings with it new promise, giving horticulture enthusiasts glimmers of hope and inspiration. In November while most people’s thoughts are consumed with the holidays, gardeners know it is a great time to take stock of our landscape. So, this fall and winter when the season dictates planting spring blooming bulbs, cool season veggies and annuals, take time to sit back and take a hard new look at your landscape and the plants that are in it, or were, as the case may be. What survived—perhaps, if you were lucky, thrived—in this year of harsh climate extremes? What perished? Are there plants placed in inappropriate locations? Is your landscape design plan outdated? Now is a good time to look at your past successes and mistakes, review your options and give your garden a makeover! To visit someone’s garden is always a special treat…a chance to explore beauty, glean ideas, inspiration and knowledge. But, to have a moment in time to spend a day wandering the grounds of a British treasure that encompasses not just one, but over a dozen unique and different gardens that feature thousands of species of plants is a rare pleasure. This summer I was blessed to have the opportunity to visit The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the United Kingdom, just a short train ride from central London. While a day at Kew was a dream come true for this avid gardener, my loving—and I must add patient—husband spent six plus hours with me (not nearly long enough!) touring the magnificent grounds as I marveled at the beautiful, vast, historic gardens.

What does a garden located over 4,700 miles away from north Texas have to do with your backyard you may ask? Besides being a popular tourist destination, Kew is more importantly an international research and education garden, specializing in botany and plant conservation and housing the world’s largest collection of plants. The experience has helped me look at my own landscape and community with new clarity. There is much to see at Kew. According to Mrs. Imogen Dent, with the Visitor Information Department at Kew, “Many people find the great glasshouses the highlights of their trip here. The smallest (and hottest) glasshouse at Kew, the Tropical Waterlily House, is at its best in summer with the giant lily pads of Victoria azmonica and tropical lilies and lotuses blooming in a variety of glorious colors.” Close by, beautiful, fragrant David Austin roses filled the 54 beds of the Rose Garden filling the mind of this rose enthusiast with many ideas to improve my own rose gardens. Another interesting plot was the Queen’s Garden, which is a re-creation of a 17th Century knot garden behind Kew Palace. Mrs. Dent shares, “Many of the traditional plants growing here were used in cooking, in herbal medicine or for domestic purposes of that period, and the plant labels give quotes from the great 17th century herbalists (Parkinson, Gerard, etc.) on their uses and benefits or supposed proprieties. The gardens, along with Kew Palace itself, have been beautifully restored to appear as it would have in the lifetime of King George III, whose family home it was.” It was eye-opening to see that even the experts at Kew battle some black spot on their roses, and plants traditionally found in a Mediterranean landscape were suffering from too much rain, just as our poor plants back home were suffering from lack of it. Demonstration gardens are great places to go to learn more about growing plants. Although Kew is not technically a “demonstration garden” it certainly has inspiring ideas on display. And, while north Texas residents may not have a 325+ acre botanic park donated by royalty, we do have invaluable horticultural resources available to us. Locally, good places to find demonstration gardens are nurseries, botanical centers,

garden shows, arboretums, The Heard Museum and the local AgriLife Extension Service. These places are usually staffed by horticultural experts who can answer questions and explain growing techniques specific to our region. One of the best kept secrets is Collin County’s own Myers Park and Event Center which is home to the first Earth-Kind Perennial Research and Demonstration Garden in the U.S.; and the Crape Myrtle and Kordez Rose trial gardens. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Collin County Master Gardeners are working to determine which perennials, roses, trees and other types of plants will survive and thrive in North Texas’ difficult soils and climate extremes without the use of fertilizer, pesticides and excessive irrigation. These demonstration beds give gardeners a first-hand opportunity to see which plants will grow well in our area. According to Dr. Greg Church, Collin County Extension Agent for Horticulture, “Earth-Kind Environmental Stewardship is an educational program focused on protecting the environment and conserving natural resources through research based gardening, landscaping and agricultural production practices. Researched based information is important because the results from experiments give us great confidence that the results are true and repeatable.” Dr. Church adds, “Our Earth-Kind research is designed to push the limits of gardening, landscaping, producing food and crops while preserving and protecting the environment and our natural resources. In Earth-Kind—since our recommendations are based on science—the public can have confidence they will see the same results when they follow our Earth-Kind principles and practices.” You don’t have to be from England or Texas to know there is a special bond among horticulturalists. Tending to the earth is a labor of love. The Myers Park Research and Demonstration Gardens is not only important to North Texas gardeners, but could have significance at national, even international levels. A deep commitment to plants, nature and protecting the environment knows no borders. The world truly is a small place! v Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

MarketPlace

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For MarketPlace Your Health

A lle n I m a g e x N o v e m b e r 2 0 11

calendar

NOVEMBER St. Jude Craft Fair, Fri.,9 am-5 pm, Sat.,9 am-4 pm. 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. Over 80 vendors with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Baked potato lunch. For information, contact 972.727.1177 or www.stjudeparish.com.

People’s Choice Art Exhibit, Fridays, 5-9 pm & Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm, thru the 26th, Allen Heritage Center/Train Depot, 102 E. Main. Over 30 local artists at this exhibit and sale. Reception at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at the Depot. For details, contact Ken Byler at 214.383.7569.

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Santa’s Arrival Parade, 6 pm, The Village at Fairview. Parade will begin on Town Place at Dillard’s. During the parade Santa flips the switch to start the “Kaleidoscope of Dreams” light spectacular. The 3-minute light show with more than 150,000 LED lights synchronized to high-impact, holiday music. 31st Annual Dickens of a Christmas, Fri. & Sat., 10 am-8 pm, Sun., noon-6 pm, Downtown McKinney. An old fashioned Christmas with horse drawn carriages, carolers, Santa Claus, tree lighting and activities for all ages. Visit www. mckinneytexas.org/www/mainstreet for information. 2011 Believe Run, 7 am, Mitchell Park, Downtown McKinney. 10K race at 8 followed by a 5k and 1k walk at 8:30. Benefiting Holy Family School scholarships. Bring a new pair of athletic shoes to support a head start student in need. For more information, visit www.believemckinney.org.

11th Annual St. Gabriel Holiday Boutique, 9 am-4 pm, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney. Sponsored by St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church Women’s Club. 80 vendors with unique handcrafted items! Vendor raffle, snack bar/lunch items. Vendor applications are available at www.stgabriel. org or email holidayboutique@stgabriel.org. Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Family Fun Day,1-5 pm, Village Fountain at The Villages at Fairview. An afternoon of family entertainment and support local vendors! Each vendor will have a child-friendly activity. FREE! Trinity Presbyterian Church Holiday Bazaar, 9 am-3 pm, 4 mi. west of Hwy. 75, south side Virginia Pkwy, McKinney. Handcrafted and homemade items, raffle, silent auction, bake sale. Proceeds benefit church projects/missions. Night of Dreams Gala benefitting the Orphan Angel International Foundation, 7 pm, Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Drive, Frisco. Black tie, seated dinner, silent and live auction, live entertainment and dancing. For information visit www.OAIF.org or call 214.507.3564.

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The Village at Allen Tree Lighting, 6 pm, The Grove Pavilion, in the center of The Village at Allen. First 1000 kids at 5 p.m. receive goody bag. Lighting of 35-foot tree, holiday tunes. Visit www. thevillageshopping.com for details. Watters Creek Light the Night, 68:30 pm, Watters Creek, Bethany & US 75. Tree lighting, 6:15 pm. Lighted horsedrawn carriage parade with Santa’s arrival, 6:30 pm. Visits with Santa, 25th & 26th 10 am-4pm. Free trolley rides 19th & 25th, 6-9 pm and 26th, 4-9 pm. Horse-drawn carriage rides Fri. & Sat. 6-9 pm.

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DECEMBER

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, 7 pm, Allen Civic Plaza. Join friends and families for the lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights, live entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa and his elves. Free. For information visit www.allenparks.org. “Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him,” 10 am-9 pm, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Exchange Pkwy and Alma Rd., Allen. Over 600 nativity sets, 75 Christmas trees.

16th Annual Rudolph Run 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K, 8:15 am, run or walk through downtown Allen at this merry event with Santa, Rudolph and their many helpers! Visit www.allenparks.org.

Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy fundraiser for the Allen Civic Ballet, First Baptist Church, 200 E. McDermott Dr., Bldg E, Allen. Guests are welcomed into the Snow Queen’s Kingdom and served tea, lemonade and treats, characters from the ballet visit each table. Mother Ginger tells the story of the “Nutcracker”. For information and tickets, call 972.727.5959 or visit www.allencivicballet.org.

NOVEMBER 1

15 Collin College Auteur Film Series presents Network, 7 pm, Living Legends Conference Center, Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. News anchor Howard Beale learns he is to be fired. When he broadcasts his mental collapse, his ratings soar. For more info: www.collin.edu/ academics/csce/auteurfilmseries.html, or 972.881.5900.

Collin College Distinguished Speaker Series—Dr. David Baker, 7 pm, Living Legends Center, Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Free and open to the public. For more info: www.collin.edu/ academics/csce, or call 972.881.5900. Collin College Transfer Fair, 10 am-2pm, Spring Creek Campus Atrium, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Ask questions about transfer, upper-level coursework, financial aid, scholarships, etc. Bring a copy of transcript. For more info: http://transferu.collin. edu.

Magic Show presented by Allen High Noon Lions Club, 7 pm, Lowery Freshman Auditorium, Allen. The highly acclaimed magician C.J. Johnson from Austin will be performing. Tickets $10 each or in books of 10/15/20/30/40/50. Keep them or the Lions Club will distribute to handicapped or otherwise less fortunate children in the community. For more info: 972-815-8407.

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18 2011 Real Girls Real Women Luncheon hosted by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, 11:30 am, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas. Funds raised support activities of girls in scouting. Venus Williams, guest speaker. For more info: www.gsnetx.org. 25 Galleria Holiday Magic on Ice, Nov. 25, noon, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 &17, 5 pm, Center Court, Galleria Mall, Dallas. Missile Toes, celebrity skaters and area youth perform.

Galleria Slappy’s Holiday Circus, Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 23, 1 & 3 pm, Level 1 near Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Mall, Dallas. European circus with puppets, clowns, magicians & jugglers.

Illumination Celebration, Nov. 26-Dec. 24, daily at noon, 2, 4, 6 & 8 pm, Center Court, Galleria Mall, Dallas. For more info: www.galleriadallas.com.

29 Collin College Spring Online Registration.Register for spring classes. For more info: cougarweb.collin.edu. CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center For more info: www.alleneventcenter.com. 4&5 Allen Americans vs.Arizona Sundogs. 10-12Tom Thumb Texas Stampede Western Festival. This free event includes the Christmas Stampede Marketplace, Capital One Rodeo U and exciting outdoor exhibits and interactive displays. Activities for all ages. Rancher’s Reserve steak sampling, stagecoach rides, pony rides, and more. For more info: www.texasstampede.org. 11 Tom Thumb Texas Stampede Rodeo and Concert featuring Josh Turner. Grammynominated Josh Turner has celebrated backto-back multi-week #1 singles. 12 Tom Thumb Texas Stampede CBR Horizon Series Bull Riding, noon. Bring your friends and family out for an afternoon of spills, thrills and chills. Following the rodeo. Concert featuring Joe Nichols who has recorded three #1 and seven Top 10 hits. 18&19 Allen Americans vs. Rapid City Rush.

23-27Disney on Ice Presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey, Nov. 25 & 26, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, & 7:30 pm & Nov. 27, 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to four exciting destinations—Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan. For more info: www.texasstampede.com.

Parks and Recreation Events

Saturday Night Rec & Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun, safe program grades 3-6. Gym games, dancing, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, contests with prize giveaways. Supervision provided, concessions available. Party Packs $12. ID card (1 time $5 fee) required and must be purchased at JFRC before 5:30 p.m. day of event. Walk up admission ($10 admission/$14 party pack). For more info: call JFRC at 214.509.4750. Try Hockey for Free Clinic, Community Ice Rink, 2:45-3:45 pm. Kids 4-9. Experience ice hockey and learn basics. Each kid should bring, at minimum, helmet (bike helmet is OK), gloves (do not have to be hockey gloves) and a hockey stick. Veterans’ Day Celebration, 9:30-10:30 am, Allen Senior Rec. Center. Celebrate veterans with this annual program. Free and open to the public. All local veterans invited to attend this special recognition. Coffee and donuts are available beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dance for Adults with Disabilities, live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a photo mailed to each participant’s home.

For info or to get on the email distribution list, contact tharben@cityofallen.org. Thanksgiving Turkey Open Skate, 7:459:45 pm, Allen Community Ice Rink. Various on-ice games and activities. $5/person; skate rental $3/person. Bring non-perishable item & receive free skate rental! For more info: 972.912.1097 or visit AllenParks. org.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Piece by Piece Family Program, 2-4 pm. Make a craft and color a quilt square to help the Linus Project. 22 Family Sing-Along, 7 pm. Have fun singing, rhyming and dancing. 21-27Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt, Children’s Dept. during library hours. For more info: www.allenlibrary.org. 1

Children Storytime Programs

Baby & Me, Tues., 10:15 am. Pre-walkers w/ adult. Fun Ones, Mon.,10:15 am. or 11:15 am. One-yearolds w/adult. Together Time, Wed., 10:15 or Thurs., 11:15 am. 2 & 3 year-olds w/adult. All By Myself, Wed., 11:15 am. 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently. Family Storytime, Tues., 11:15 am, Thurs., 7 pm. 2-6 year-olds + family.

Programs

3 Create & Take, 4 pm, Registration required. 5 Crafternoon, 2-4 pm, Children’s Program Room, age 3+. Kids and parents/caregivers join us for come and go program. Register online at www.allenlibrary.org. 8 Globetrotters, 4 pm. Grades K-1. Reg. req. 17 Kids Explore Book Club, 4 pm. Reg. limited to 2nd or 3rd grade.

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Teens

Mystery Month! The Teen Room will display mystery books with mystery contests for teen detectives to solve. Teen Mystery Play, 2 pm, Auditorium. Teen Advisory Board will present their annual mystery play, 36 China Town, a Bollywood mystery. Free for all ages. For more info: 214-509-4913.

Adults

Noontime Pageturners, Noon, meeting room. Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Mom’s Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, Boardroom. Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell. Registration required. Readable History Book Club, 7 pm, auditorium. 1812: The War that Forged a Nation by Walter R. Borneman. For more info: 214-509-4905.

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCY 6

Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm, 8-11 am, bring your binoculars, about 30+ species, 3 hours. All ages. Long pants, closed-toed

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shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent are recommended. Habitat Walk with Rich Jaynes, 9-11 am, The Meadow. Come explore and understand management plans for the four habitat areas. Meadow Preserve Open House, 12-5 pm. RSVP@Connemaraconservancy.com.

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. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry to donate to children in the community. Receive a chance to win prize. For more info: 972-727-0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www.planobicycle.org. MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly business meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Urban Explorers is a laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout the Dallas area. Something for everyone! For more info: www.meetup.com/ getoutandabout. Chronic Hugs: Chronic Pain Support Group, Grace Community Church, 4501 Hedgecoxe, Plano. For more info: Jackie Smith, 214-726-9060 or 214-636-7461. 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. Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214-544-8050 ext. 109, ktedford@creekwoodumc.org or www. creekwoodumc.org. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Every Monday Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or henry@fortunefs.com. 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. Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

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Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214-497-4495 or www. prestonpersuaders.org. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Keller Williams office at 1002 Raintree Circle, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: mark.liberio@gmail.com. Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. For more info: 972-359-7383. First Monday McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm, Griffin Jewelry, Brookshires Plaza, US75 & Virginia Pkwy.,McKinney. Join us for VIP holiday shopping and fun. Outreach project is Samaritan Inn. Please bring personal hygiene products. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org Second Monday Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972-442-5982. American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www. aauwplanocc.org. McKinney Childcare Association, nonprofit organization of state-listed, registered and licensed home childcare providers in McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www.mckinneychildcare.com. Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972-712-3634. Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 11 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75. For more info: 972-727-5372. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972-382-3124 or www. collincountyaggiemoms.org. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.org. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, No. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972-5404984.

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. Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148. For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214-477-5183. Plano Photography Club, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 7 pm. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214-616-2460. Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, Dodie’s Place, Villages of Allen (Stacy & Central). $1 member/$7 nonmem.. 1st visit free. For more info: 972-727-5585. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, First United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214-363-0461 or www.al-anon. alateen.org. Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:30 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. McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. A disciplined and structured approach to the compulsive eater or food addict. For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow. org. Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972-548-4232 or 972-424-1460. First Tuesday Collin County Event Professionals, networking group for wedding & special event professionals. For more info: Wendy Kidd, 214-542-1317 or www.collincountyeventpros.com. Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566. First and Third Tuesday Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Nate’s Seafood, Stacy Road, Allen. For more info: kevin_carlson@sbcglobal.net. Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214-509-4820. A lle n I m a g e x N o v e m b e r 2 0 11

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, social; 10 am, meeting. SMU in Plano, 5528 Tennyson Pkwy., Plano. Program: Suzie Humphreys, a nationally recognized radio personality, will share her life stories and her recipe for making the most of whatever life brings. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org or Linda Frageman, lindafragemanpr.nfgp@yahoo. com. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors are welcome. For more info: info@bptmn.org. Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen. For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214-8933643. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: 972-542-1263. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www.planopacers.org. Second and Fourth Tuesday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents outstanding speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process for the good of our community, state, and country. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Third Tuesday Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Room-old library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen. For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo. com/group/autismparentsupport. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info: 972-727-3090. Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1. For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405. McKinney Area Newcomersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com.

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Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art. For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm. For more info: 972-562-5566. Every Wednesday Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle. For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary. org. Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Dr., Allen. For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527. 2ChangeU Toastmasters, 6:45-8:15 pm, Custer Rd United Methodist Church, Rm B11, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: info@2changeu.freetoasthost.us or www.2changeu.freetoasthost.us. First Wednesday Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested. For more info: 972-548-4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu.

Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972-740-8017 or www. allenheritageguild.org. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch and enjoy. For more info: 972-569-6909 or www.headcraig. org. First and Third Wednesday Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano. For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551. Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: 972-231-4190. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Second and Fourth Wednesday Mocha Moms of North Dallas, support group for stay-at-home moms of color, 10 am, at Douglass Com. Center, Plano. For more info: www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com. Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome. For more info: Sandy McNair, 214-548-5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group 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. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntsing4fun@yahoo.com. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 7460 Warren Pkwy (NE corner Warren Pkwy & tollway), rm 110-114. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost. ws. Community Bible Study (September 8, 2011 to May 10, 2012), 9:30-111:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Daniel and Hebrews. Registration required. For more info: bbrakebill@tx.rr.com or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

First Thursday

Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

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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. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance. For more info: www.allenchamber.com

North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept. thru June, 11 am, Brookhaven Country Club, 3333 Golfing Green Drive, Farmers Branch. Lunch and a fabulous holiday fashion show from Terry Costa. All women in the North Dallas area welcome. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Second Thursday

Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church. For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-5295277.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220. Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036.

First and Third Thursday

Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv, 102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: allenscommunitytheatre@gmail. com.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expressway South For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598.

Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Men of Business, networking and discussion of men’s issues for men of the Allen Fairview Chamber. Call for location. $20 member/$25 guest. RSVP required. For more info: www.allenchamber.com.

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 972-2609330. 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, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you in any way we can. For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education RoomMedical Office Bldg. 2. For more info: 972-747-6036.

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Fourth Thursday

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

Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). Beginning April 1. For more info: www.ntrg.info.

Every Friday

Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Nonmember Allen resident $3. Non-Allen residents $24/annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5. For more info: 214-509-4820.

McKinney Chess Club meets 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street , McKinney.Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972-547-7491.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972-727-8241.

Second Friday

Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities include play groups, field trips and educational opportunities, baby sitting co-op and more. Nursery reservations are available for children 6 mo.-5 yrs. For more info: www.aecpta.com. or information@ aecpta.com.

Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Enjoy snacks, fellowship and games (dominoes, Skip Bo and other table games). Event is open to the entire community, no reservations are required. For more info: 972-727-8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community. For more info: 972-396-8010. Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 15-100. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Fourth Saturday

The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America, 10:30 am, North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. Garden talks and programs by local experts are open to the public. For more info: Beth DiGioia, 972-658-6852 or www.northtexashsa.org. 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, Ste. 208, Allen. Opportunity to work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

First Sunday

Second & Fourth Friday

Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: Mike, 972-530-6712 or www. bigd56ers.com.

Third Saturday

Every Other Friday

Third Thursday

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309.

“The Health Report” with Dr. Michelle Miller, Ph.D, monthly public service health talk show KXEZ-FM 92.1, 9:05 am and KHYI 95.3, 10 am. Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Room 1. For more info: Cindi Brannum, 972-954-7185.

Fourth Friday and Second Saturday

USA Dance, promotes the joys and benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing. Free lesson at 7:30, open dancing until 10:30 pm at McKinney Performing Arts Center. For more info: http://www.usadancenct.org.

Every Saturday

McKinney Chess Club meets10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972-547-7491.

Second Saturday

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. For more info: 972-562-5566.

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.

health & fitness

It’s cold and flu season again by Shane Pahlavan, M.D.

Leaves are turning, there is a chill in the air, football is in full swing and cold and flu season is upon us! As the weather turns colder, cold viruses become more rampant. It is estimated that adults contract an average of 3 colds per year, more if they are in contact with young children.

What signs and symptoms of a cold should I be aware of?

Colds typically begin with a sore throat, stuffy nose, and, after a few days, a cough develops. Fevers are typical and low-grade—up to 101º F. Symptoms generally last 7-10 days but can last up to 2 weeks.

What is the treatment of a cold?

Treatment for colds, first and foremost, is prevention. Frequent hand washing is the best protection against the transmission of viruses. Hand sanitizer also offers an alternative when you do not have access to soap and water. Hand washing is recommended for all children after school or daycare, as these settings provide direct access for virus transmission. A well-balanced diet and plenty of sleep also offers protection by building a healthy immune system to fight off infection.

during or after a viral infection resulting in sinus infections, tonsillitis and even bronchitis and pneumonia. The most common of these infections are sinus infections. Medical treatment should be sought if: fever persists above 101º F; symptoms last more than 2 weeks; drainage appears green or yellow; or tooth pain and facial pressure develop. You may need to be started on an antibiotic and should make an appointment to be seen promptly.

Should I get the flu shot this year?

A flu shot is recommended annually. A nasal spray flu vaccine is now available for patients over age 2. Both the nasal spray flu vaccine and

the flu shot offer protection against the most common strains of influenza predicted for this flu season. However, there is a small chance of still getting the flu from a strain not covered by the vaccine.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

No. This is not possible as the flu vaccine is not a live virus. More importantly, the vaccine offers protection for certain flu strains and not viruses associated with the common cold or viral upper respiratory tract infection. v Dr. Shane Pahlavan is a physician practicing at The Ear, Nose and Throat Centers of Texas.

Shouldn’t I be prescribed antibiotics for the cold?

Symptomatic treatment with overthe-counter medications is a mainstay of treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against the cold—it is caused by viruses, not a bacterial infection. These over-the-counter medications include antihistamines, cough suppres sants and nasal decongestants. Stock the medication cabinet with these items to have them on hand when needed. Make sure all expired medication is discarded to avoid inadvertent use.

Are you sure I do not need antibiotics?

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Kayla Perkins

Sing

Stevie Michel

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

song

Shyama Nithiananda

six stars

A tourist clutching a crumpled map in his hands stops a man on the streets of New York City and asks “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” As the man rushes past, he yells back, “Practice, practice, practice.” The origin of this vaudevillian joke, predating almost anyone reading this article, has been long forgotten. But even today, the truth in the quip is undeniable, and after 120 years, Carnegie Hall still tops the list of most prestigious performance halls in the United States. Our own community has special bragging rights when it comes to Carnegie Hall. For the third year in a row, vocal students of Allen music teacher George Variames have won performance slots on the Carnegie Hall stage—an honor most singers can only dream of.

Brenna Whitten

Grant Bower

Shelby Gyger Photos: Larry Fleming Photography

cover story On Saturday afternoon, February 18, 2012, the first place winners in the 2011 American Fine Arts Festival Golden Voices international vocal competition will sing at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. Among this distinguished line-up will be Stevie Michel and Shelby Gyger of Allen; Grant Bower, Kayla Perkins and Brenna Whitten of McKinney; and Shyama Nithiananda of Plano.

The American Fine Arts Festival

The American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) was started in 2003 by Vladimir Agilin to promote the education and understanding of classical music. The AFAF is run by Art & Music Unlimited, an educational outreach organization also established by Agilin. The Golden Voices of America (GVA) portion of the international AFAF competition began in 2009. Today, there are two musical categories: classical/folk/traditional; and theater/ Disney/Broadway/jazz. The contest is divided into six age groups: 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-18 and adult. Applicants may submit two songs on a DVD per category. A $200 fee for each applicant per category is also required. Winners were announced in September, and each will be told later in the fall which of his or her submissions was chosen by the judges to perform. This year, six of George’s students submitted auditions for the 2011 GVA contest and each walked away with a first place win and the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall. For this year’s competition, Grant chose to enter the classical/folk/ traditional category and was named one of seven first place winners. The other five won first place in the musical theater/Disney/Broadway/jazz category. Stevie Michel was the only first place winner in the 9-10-year-old group; Shyama Nithiananda, Shelby Gyger and Brenna Whitten were among the seven first place winners in the 1315-year-old group; and Kayla Perkins was one of four first place winners in the 16-18 year old group.

Grant Bower

This February will mark Grant’s third time to sing in Carnegie. His first trip here was in 2009 as a member of the Collin County Children’s Choir. At last winter ’s GVA recital, he sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. For this year’s GVA Grant entered “Vittoria, Mio Core” by Giacomo Carissimi and the traditional American folk song “Shenandoah.” This homeschooler has seriously studied music for six to seven years, the last four years with George. “I first started out doing productions with the McKinney Summer Musicals,” he notes. His first role—Winthrop in The Music Man. Grant has performed with the Texas Creative Arts Academy in Coppell, PFamily Arts and Genesis Theatre in Plano, McKinney Youth Theatre and McKinney Repertory Theatre. Although he trains in and performs an array of musical genres, Grant’s heart lies with Broadway. Favorites include the tunes from Dreamgirls, Chicago and Guys and Dolls. He also participates in other vocal competitions, including the national American Kids whose winners perform in Branson, Missouri. This year, he placed in the Top 25 and took fourth overall, with his renditions of “What Do I Need With Love?” from Thoroughly Modern Millie and the gospel tune “He Wants It All.” For fun, Grant listens to the latest pop tunes. Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera are two of his favorites. Describing his past experiences of singing at Carnegie Hall as “surreal,” Grant explains, “You are in awe when you walk in, excited about all the famous people who have performed on that stage!” In addition to singing at Carnegie, Grant will also celebrate his birthday in New York City. “We are going out to dinner and then going to see Chicago, which I’ve never seen before,” he declares. “I love New York—I love Broadway, I love Carnegie, I love shopping and I love the food!”

Shyama Nithiananda

This Schimelpfenig Middle School eighth grader has been a serious student of voice for over four years with George Variames and is returning to New York City in February for her second appearance at Carnegie. The two songs she submitted for consideration this year are “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables and “Part of Your World” from Little Mermaid. For last year ’s GVA competition, Shyama sang “Tomorrow” from Annie. “It was awesome!” she recalls about last year’s Carnegie concert. “I was nervous the whole day before, but when the day of it came, it was just fun and exciting!” Along with the traditional studio recitals, Shyama enjoys participating in area community theaters including Genesis, Arts Centre and Plano Children’s Theatres. She has also competed in other vocal contests—the Plano Music Teachers Association’s American and Broadway Festivals. Although she enjoys singing classical music, Shyama prefers tunes from musicals. She aspires to spend her early career on the stage and then later moving into the classroom to teach the next generation of singers. Topping her list of favorite singers is Sutton Foster who received Tony

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Brenna Whitten

Shyama Nithiananda Awards for her roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes. But it is Foster ’s role of Jo March in Little Women that Shyama most admires. Lamenting that she has not yet seen Foster perform live on stage, Shyama concludes, “But I listen to her Broadway soundtracks over and over and over again.” When not working on her assigned songs, Shyama still prefers listening to show tunes with a mix in of pop songs as well. Surprisingly, Shyama opted not to participate in her school choir. The reason? She plays the tuba in the school band.

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Faubion Middle School eighth grader Brenna Whitten has been under George’s tutelage for four years. One of her pivotal performing moments came when she and Shyama were invited to perform for Project 134 in August of 2009. This benefit concert in Dallas for a war veteran suffering from a brain injury was directed by a past Variames student Jake Nelson. Brenna recounts that she and Shyama requested that they be allowed to sing the duet “Loathing” from the musical Wicked for the benefit concert. Although initially considered too young for such a challenging song, an off-the-cuff a cappella try-out con vinced the director the two could handle the song for the event. In addition to proving she had the singing skills to handle a large event, singing in Project 134 provided other benefits to Brenna. “We could help somebody by doing something that we love,” she points out. “And it was fun because I got to perform with older kids who knew more and could help me out.” Brenna has also had roles in several local stage productions with the McKinney Youth Theatre, including Annie and Aladdin, as well as Into the Woods at Faubion. When she is not listening to

soundtracks, Brenna often plays Christian rock groups such as Paramore and Skillet. Noting her preference for show tunes, Brenna adds, “My favorites are the ballads that are slower, softer songs.” On her list of favorites are “Somewhere” from West Side Story, “I Know the Truth” from Aida, “God Help the Outcasts” from the soundtrack of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. For the GVA competition, Brenna submitted “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas and “What I Did For Love” from A Chorus Line.

Brenna Whitten

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While in New York, Brenna plans on seeing at least one Broadway play with her family. On her list of hopefuls are Wicked, Lion King and Phantom of the Opera.

Shelby Gyger

Shelby Gyger started her musical training on piano at age six before moving on to vocal lessons. Her interest in musical theater began as a preschooler, and by age six, she had her first role in How to Eat Like a Child with the Plano Children’s Theatre.

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Today, in addition to Variames Studio recitals, this Allen High School tenth grader performs in school productions and with the newly opened Genesis Theatre. This summer, Shelby had three roles in the Genesis production of Guys and Dolls—Lt. Brannigan, a hat check girl and a crapshooter. At Ereckson Middle School, she starred in the role of Jasmine in Aladdin. In addition to earning the highest marks possible at this year’s American Festival this past spring, she was awarded George’s annual Most Improved Female Vocalist award in the Broadway category. Shelby has a definite preference for the Broadway tunes. “I like to belt!” she explains. Her current favorite musical is In the Heights because “it is fun to sing.” As for the future, Shelby vacillates between performing on Broadway or a career in broadcasting. The self-described “biggest Justin Bieber fan you’ll ever want to meet” listens primarily to pop and rap when not working on show tunes. Although she laments about missing tryouts for the last edition of America’s Got Talent, Shelby aspires to attend the next American Idol tryouts. For the GVA, Shelby submitted “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar and “Some People” from Gypsy. She describes the days leading up to her performance at Carnegie Hall as “nerve wracking but exciting” and looks forward to traveling to New York City for the first time with

Shelby Gyger her mother and two older sisters. Plans are to attend a Broadway show for each of the four days they are there.

Kayla Perkins

The oldest of this year ’s team performing at Carnegie, Kayla Perkins is a senior at McKinney Boyd High School. Her first stage role was in a church musical at age five, and she’s been involved in singing and musicals ever since. Prior to taking voice lessons, she studied the violin for four years. Primarily working now with the McKinney Repertory Theatre and school productions, among some of her more memorable stage roles are Eponine in Les Misérables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. One of her more unique stage opportunities came recently when she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” for a roller derby event in Dallas. Although trained in classical music, Kayla prefers singing Broadway tunes. “I’m always singing,” she laughs. “I’m the weird one that you pull up next to at stop lights and look over to see me jamming away to whatever is playing.” Her current favorites to listen to when not working on musical assign ments are the soundtracks from Legally Blonde—The Musical and The Addams Family musical. She also likes country stars Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift.

With aspirations to one day act on Broadway, Kayla’s plans for the future include majoring in musical theater when she starts college next year. “I was told once that if you want something bad enough, if you have a backup plan, then you won’t try as hard to get it,” she points out. “So that’s what I’m going to do.” For the 2011 GVA competition, Kayla submitted “On My Own” from Les Misérables and “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl. “The fact that I am only 17 years old and am getting to perform in Carnegie, where some of the most incredible people have performed, is just amazing!’ Kayla declares. “I’m nervous and ecstatic!”

suggested he take Stevie on as a voice student as well. “I usually don’t take voice students until they are 10 or 11,” George emphasizes, “but one day, I said, go ahead and sing something for me, and

Stevie Michel

A sixth grader at Covenant School in Dallas, Stevie Michel of Allen is the youngest singer taking the stage at Carnegie Hall for this year’s GVA. She had been taking piano from George for about a year, when her mother Elena

Kayla Perkins

she did. I was in such shock I said, okay, let’s get started. And it takes a lot to shock me.” Despite her age and relatively short-term vocal training, Stevie continues to garner new accolades including being named a semi-finalist in the on-line national Hal Leonard voice competition last spring. In addition to being involved in drama at her school as well as Repertoire Company Theatre in Richardson, Stevie has taken classes through the Dallas Children’s Theatre. In 2009 she had a role as an orphan in Oliver, and in 2010 she performed in both Cats and Aladdin, all at RCT. At her school, she has participated The Phantom Tollbooth and Charlotte’s Web. For both pleasure and performance, Broadway tunes top Stevie’s list. Her current favorites—songs from Phantom of the Opera and Sound of Music. For her GVA audition recording, Stevie performed “Reflection” from Mulan and “Tomorrow” from Annie.

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Does she recognize the significance of what it means for someone as young as she is to win the privilege of singing in Carnegie Hall? Stevie simply shrugs her shoulders and responds, “Maybe….” And George laughs, “I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”

Their teacher

Stevie Michel Excited at the prospect of traveling to New York City to perform, Stevie boasts that she has already earned several hundred dollars through pet sitting to pay for extras on the trip.

George Variames’ musical teaching career has taken its own circuitous trek eventually leading to the successes he can boast of today. He first studied piano at the American Conservatory of Music where he met and married his wife Moira, who at the time was a vocal student at the school. She is now employed with the Allen ISD developing curriculum for the Gifted and Talented program. Their children have each chosen their own unique paths. Daughter, Alexandra, graduated from the University of North Texas and now manages a retail clothing store at a local mall. Their oldest son, Stephen, is

scheduled to receive his master ’s degree in vocal coaching from Oklahoma City University in May 2012. A freshman majoring in business at Arkansas State University, Jonathan made fourth chair this year in the allstate Mixed Choir. Nicholas is a junior at Allen High School whose interest lies in tennis. Married, with children following soon after, George left the conservatory to work in the food and beverage business. He continued to work in this industry for 18 years. “That’s how we ended up here,” he points out. “I transferred down with Nordstrom. I was scheduled to open all their restaurants in Dallas.” The move here led George to return to school and he earned his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of North Texas, with a concentration in piano and voice, in 2002, then his master’s degree in 2010 from Texas A&M, Commerce. While at UNT, George started teaching piano lessons at the Brook Mays music store that was then in Allen. “I was there only three days when my student load filled up, so I started teaching out of my house,” he points out. Between 2003 and 2007, George also taught at Boude Storey Middle School in Dallas, with classes in general music, choir, piano and theater.

George Variames

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Currently teaching 70 private students, George provides accompani ment for band students in the Allen ISD. In September, George organized a fundraising concert featuring his students to benefit the newly-opened Genesis Theatre in Plano. Many Variames Studio students also perform in Sharing Our Talents, a service of the

Plano Music Teachers Association, providing entertainment in area assisted living facilities over the Christmas holidays. In addition to being the 2011-2012 president of the Plano Music Teachers Association, George was awarded the Plano Teacher of the Year in 2007. This group also nominated him for Texas

State Teacher of the Year for both 2009 and 2011. George still takes the stage whenever possible. “I love to perform,” he asserts. “And I love my students performing because I love showing them off!” v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

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