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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

November 2014

Vol. 24, Issue 11

cover story

real food takes root in collin county

One rapidly growing trend emphasizing awareness of what we eat is the farm-to-table movement. Two local proponents of this life-changing attitude are hoping that North Texas diners will delight in discovering how their eating is an agricultural act. Last year, Chefs George and Katie Brown established The Experimental Table. And, earlier this year, Vanessa Zamora and Aaron Redlitz created Table Zer0.

special sections

26 KIDS KORNER

Teaching an Attitude of Gratitude

34 PET PAGE

Nova

35 CALENDAR Dinner setting by Table Zer0

36 6

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

library

Living green

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Honor our veterans

Ebola 2014

Nutcracker Ballet

Sixth Floor Museum curator

…because of the brave

Harold Lloyd Film Festival

St. Jude Craft Fair

Nativity Exhibit

22 Allen Book Festival

16 Five years of success and counting

helping hands 24

education

Art exhibit

28 AHS Key Club and Interact exist to serve

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Stretching limits and strengthening leadership

21 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

30 contributing writers Deborah Dove Melanie Hess Tom Keener Kathy Litinas Jeff Mues Dawn Bluemel Oldfield Peggy Helmick-Richardson

cover photo Larry Fleming

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Stress and the holidays

18 AREA awards yearly scholarships

Have yourself a merry little eco-friendly holiday season

Keith A. Taylor Marjorie Vaneskahian

Allen Image © 2014 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

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! by Jeff MUES

It’s hard to believe that it is already 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. Specifically, we’d like to tell you a little bit more about the happenings on December 5 and 6, to ensure you have time to plan accordingly. Kicking things off on Friday, December 5, you won’t want to miss the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. at Allen Civic Plaza (near City Hall). Join friends and families for the grand lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights. With live entertainment and even a visit from Santa and his elves, there is nothing quite like it! This event is also free and open to the public. After a night of celebration, wake up and keep the festivities rolling at the annual Rudolph Run 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K on Saturday, December 6. Run or walk through the streets of downtown Allen in this merry event with Frosty, Rudolph and their many helpers! The races begin at 8:15 a.m. with the Fun Run immediately followed by the 5K. Cost is based on date of registration for the Elf Run (1 mile)— $20 through 11/23 (race shirt included); $20 from 11/24 until 12/5; and $25 for race day. For the Rudolph Run 5K, registration is $25 through 11/23 (race shirt included); $25 from 11/28 until 12/5; and $30 for race day. Other highlights include a trio of offerings from Joe Farmer Recreation Center: Gingerbread Making Class (December 2); Holiday Hayride with Santa (December 12); and the Holiday Arts and Craft Fair (December 13). The always-popular Swim with Santa is December 19 at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium; and on December 21, the Irish Tenors Premiere Christmas Celebration Tour will perform at Allen Event Center, backed for the first time by the Allen Philharmonic. For more information, visit AllenParks.org. v Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks and Recreation Department.

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Nutcracker Ballet

The Allen Civic Ballet will present the holiday favorite Nutcracker ballet at the Performing Arts Center at 300 Rivercrest Drive in Allen on Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 21, at 2 p.m. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by the Allen Philharmonic. The story follows Clara as she saves the life of her beloved Nutcracker Prince and embarks on a journey through the Land of Snow to the Palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of the Sweets. The dancers of the Allen Civic Ballet bring this story to life in a way designed to delight today’s audiences, while preserving the work’s rich history. In fact, Olga Preobrajenska, who originated the role of the Ballerina Doll, later became famous for training some of the world’s finest dancers. One of those dancers was Nathalie Krassovska, who functioned as the Artistic Advisor to the Allen Civic Ballet from its inception in 1999 until her death in 2005. The Allen Civic Ballet will hold its annual “Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy” on Saturday, December 6. The Snow Queen welcomes her guests into her Kingdom where tea and lemonade are served, along with the tastiest treats from the Kingdom of the Sweets,

while characters from the ballet visit each table. Mother Ginger tells the story of the Nutcracker with the help of the characters. Afterwards, guests may sit with the

Sugar Plum Fairy on her golden, jewelencrusted throne, or with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in the Snow Queen’s ice blue sleigh. Guests may take pictures with the characters, including the Ballerina Doll, the Arabian Queen and the Dew Drop Fairy and get autographs on anything from toe shoes to Christmas ornaments. The Tea will be held at the Allen Conservatory of Dance at 602 E. Main Street, Suite E, with seatings at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The Allen Civic Ballet is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the City of Allen and the Allen Arts Alliance. For information on how to purchase Nutcracker tickets and Tea reservations, please visit www. allencivicballet.org. v

Allen Image | November 2014

…because of the brave by Kathy LITINAS

The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Conductor Richard Giangiulio, invites you to a special programming event to honor Veteran’s Day 2014 as we recognize the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th Anniversary of World War II. This concert is dedicated to the men and women who served in those wars, as well as every Veteran who has served our country in all conflicts. This full concert performance will take place on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church located at 601 S. Greenville Avenue, in Allen. World War I, called the “Great War,” was the first total war of the modern period, erupting in the summer of 1914. Opposing armies were dug in, facing each other in trenches that ran nearly 500 miles across northern France—the notorious western front. Almost three years of horrific fighting resulted in huge losses, but no discernable advantage for either side. The United States reluctantly entered Europe’s “Great War” and tipped the balance to an Allied victory. In part, our nation was responding to threats to its own economic and diplomatic interests. But it also wanted, in the words of President Woodrow Wilson, to “make the world safe for democracy.” The United States emerged from the war a significant, but reluctant, world power. World War II lasted from 1939

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to 1945, though related conflicts began earlier. It involved the vast majority of the world’s nations including all of the great powers, eventually forming two opposing military alliances—the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history and directly involved more than 100 million people from more than 30 different countries. Marked by mass deaths of civilians, including the Holocaust, the strategic bombing of industrial and population centers and the first use of nuclear weapons in combat, it resulted in an estimated 50-85 million fatalities, making World War II the deadliest conflict in human history. Concert selections to honor our veterans and military personnel currently serving include “Armed Forces Salute,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” “Song of Peace,” “Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones” and “Victory at Sea.” Allen’s VFW, Blue Star Mothers, Heroes on the Water and representatives from veteran services and organizations will be in attendance. We invite you to come honor their sacrifice and thank our veterans for their bravery. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students. For tickets and information, please contact our office at 972.359.0656 or visit www. allenphilharmonic org. v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO Board of Directors.

St. Jude

Craft Fair

Come one, come all! The Women of St. Jude present the 29th annual Holiday Craft Fair on November 7-8,

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at St. Jude Catholic Parish in Allen. Enjoy two relaxing days of early holiday shopping with the opportunity to purchase homemade items provided by vendors from Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and Louisiana. All proceeds from the event go to support the many charitable community projects the Women of St. Jude sponsor for the upcoming year. Talk about spreading some holiday cheer! The first 2000 shoppers will receive a free holiday tote to help carry their gifts. Our vendors will have an abundance of holiday gift items to sell, as well as seasonal and year-round décor. Vendors will offer exclusive, handmade items including wooden furniture, decorative glass pieces, homemade scented candles, one-of-a-kind jewelry, floral arrange ments, children’s and women’s boutique clothing and purses, gifts for pets and babies, school spirit items, quilts, original ceramic pieces and hand-painted decorative art. Not only will you be able to pick up all the gifts for everyone on your shopping list, but you will also have the opportunity to get yourself a gift as well—you deserve it!

Also on hand will be a delicious variety of homemade goodies—cakes, pies, breads and cookies—featured by our tiny holiday angels, our Rainbow Days Pre-school. If you’re hungry for more, stop by the St. Jude kitchen for lunch—shopping can really build up your appetite! We will feature home made soups, chili, baked potatoes and yummy desserts. And back by popular demand, we will feature the famous baked potato soup on Saturday only. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and drawings will be held daily. Enter to win prizes donated by the craft fair vendors. Winners do not have to be present to win! There will be plenty of parking available, so bring your whole family, the nosey neighbors, out-of-town cousins and grandkids to this free, and fun, event! Mark your calendars for Friday November 7, at 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday November 8, at 9 a.m.4 p.m. St. Jude Catholic Church is located at 1515 N. Greenville Ave. in Allen between Exchange Parkway and Stacy Road. For more information, visit the church website at www. stjudeparish.com We can’t wait to see you there! v

Nativity Exhibit This year’s Allen Nativity Exhibit is entitled “Reflections of Christ; A Nativity Celebration,” and will be held Friday, December 5, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1324 W. Exchange Parkway, in Allen. The Nativity Exhibit has marked the beginning of the Christmas season for over a decade, and returning visitors will notice several new displays. Families and children of all ages will delight in the details of over 400 nativity sets, each artfully arranged and beautifully lit. The exhibit represents artistry from all corners of the earth—from Peru to Jerusalem to Ethiopia. Each set has a story to tell and visitors will be able to experience those stories for the first time this year. One highlight is an elaborate Fontanini Nativity from Tuscany, Italy. Highly valued for their detail and craftsmanship, Fontanini collections are rarely displayed on such a large scale. This particular set, which features over 2000 pieces, depicts the entire village of Bethlehem. For some, it’s all about the music— they come, year after year, for the musical performances, which are scheduled throughout the event. The acts cover a range of styles and sounds from solo vocalists to spirited church choirs, each lending their voices in praise. Reid Moon, a longtime Allen resident, has volunteered to showcase his unique collection of rare Bibles and historical artifacts as part of the Allen Nativity Exhibit. This collection represents 500 years of Bibles, including a Latin Bible published the same year Columbus discovered America (1492), a Tyndale Bible from 1551 and a first edition King James Bible from 1611. There are Bibles of all shapes and sizes, including some as

small as two inches and as large as two feet—40 Bibles will be on display. A visit to the Nativity Exhibit provides families and individuals an

opportunity for joyful celebration, a time for quiet reflection and a chance to feel the strengthening power of a v faith reaffirmed.

Allen Image | November 2014

Five years of success and counting by Jeff MUES

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since your favorite arena opened its doors…Happy 5th Anniversary Allen Event Center! Much has changed since Reba McEntire opened the arena with a stunning live performance on November 6, 2009. The City of Allen took over operations and management of the building in June of 2010, with acts like Daryl Hall & John Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Boston, Dennis Miller, Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon having performed since that time. Since opening with just a single sports tenant—the Allen Americans— two more professional sports fran

chises, The Texas Revolution and Dallas Sidekicks have come aboard. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association and Lone Star Conference (basketball) have brought collegiate championship sporting events to Allen Event Center as well, proving the versatility of the venue. As we approach the fifth year milestone, there are a few very large numbers we’re proud to share. The first is 1.2 million. Since opening, approximately 1.2 million guests have come through our doors. Whether you came for a rock show, sporting event or perhaps a tradeshow such as a Bridal Expo or a Home and Garden

show, we’re most pleased you chose to spend the time with us. The next figure is $47 million. The arena is estimated to have had an average annual economic impact of $9.2 million, which over five years equals the rather large sum of $47 million. The more than 100 events that are held at Allen Event Center each year stimulate the local economy, creating revenue for Allen restaurants, retailers and hotels. With an assist from the Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau, we’re actively bidding on events that bring out-of-town and outof-state visitors to the area, endeavoring to make the impact even more sizable. Clearly, there is much to celebrate! And although the traditional fifth anniversary items are wood, rock is more appropriate as we celebrate exactly five years to the day it all began, November 6, 2014! On that evening, Judas Priest will give concert attendees a proper rocking with what promises to be one of the loudest, most intense shows in the building’s history. In addition, a number of special ticket offers have been made available to select Allen Americans and Dallas Sidekicks games and to another concert engagement on December 21—The Irish Tenors Premiere Christmas Celebration Tour with The Allen Philharmonic. To take advantage of these limited-time Fifth Anniversary special offers visit: Ticketmaster.com/ v AllenEventCenter. Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

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

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Snippets

AREA awards yearly scholarships The Allen Retired Educators Association (AREA) awarded scholarships to two outstanding L to R: Torri Milan, Sharla Adams, students McKenzie Sigle, Lynda Olson who are interested in becoming future teachers and are involved in the Ready, Set, Teach program at Allen High School. AREA conducts workshops twice a year to give students assistance in reaching their goals. This year’s recipients are Torri Milan and McKenzie Sigle. Torri is the granddaughter of one of our members and plans to attend Texas State University to pursue a degree in communication disorders. Torri was active as an AHS cheerleader, was on the homecoming court and is a member of PALS. She is currently involved with the Kids’ Club program. McKenzie Sigler plans on attending the University of Kansas as an education major. She was actively involved with the RST program and won several state and national awards in the Lesson Plan and Inside Our Schools competitions. McKenzie graduated in the top ten percent of her 2014 class. AREA is a service and social organization open to all retired educators from any school district. For information, call AREA president, Karen Malinowski, 972.838.4555. v

Art exhibit The sixth annual People’s Choice Art Exhibit and Sale will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 8, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street. “The Joy of Art” is this year’s exhibit theme. Sponsored by Like Minded Friends, the Allen Heritage Guild and Market Street at Watters’s Creek, these groups are dedicated to furthering the joy of art in all its forms. Artists such as Pamela Van Laanen, Malika Roberts, Murray Stein, Amy Chizk, Linda Herbert, Steve Warrick and Bryan Sink will be exhibiting their art. The exhibit and sale opens November 8 and closes with a grand reception at 7 p.m., November 15. Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and wine will be served. Cash awards will be presented to best of show, determined by ballots cast by exhibit visitors. Ribbons will be presented to the winners in each category—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pen/ pencil/ink, three-dimensional and fiber art. Credit card purchases are welcomed. For more information, contact Murray Stein at 972.390.7550. v

Pancake Breakfast with Santa For many years, one of the major events kicking off the Christmas holiday season in Allen is the Pancake Breakfast with Santa provided by the Allen Kiwanis Club and Allen High School Key Club. The first weekend in December includes the breakfast as well as the Rudolph 5K run sponsored by the City of Allen and the Allen Rotary Christmas Parade. This year the Pancake Breakfast with Santa will be held in the First Baptist Church, on Cedar Street just north of McDermott. Pancakes, sausage and drinks will be served from 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6. A special treat for children—Santa is available to hear their wishes and they can have their photo taken with him. As usual, Mrs. Claus will also be there. “With the new photo processing and scenery planned for this year, the Santa photos will be even better,” says Ben Blair, chairman of the event. Music and entertainment will also be provided. Advance tickets are available for a donation of $6 adult, $3 child (age 5-9) from any Kiwanis member, or $7 and $4 at the door. All proceeds benefit the many programs of the club, primarily supporting the needs of children in the community. For additional information, go to www.allenkiwanis.org or call 214.495.0488. v

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library

The Allen Library presents…

by Tom KEENER

Honor Our Veterans

Join in an evening to honor our veterans at 7 p.m., Monday, November 10, at the Allen Public Library. The program begins with a short documentary, Honor Flight, followed by a medley of patriotic tunes performed by the Allen Community Band. A joint effort by Bach to Books, Allen Community Band, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) General Bernardo de Gálvez chapter and Armistice Memorial Post 2195, this program is free. The Honor Flight Network was conceived by Earl Morse, a physician assistant and retired Air Force Captain. In May of 2004, the World War II Memorial was finally completed and dedicated in Washington, D.C., and

quickly became the topic of discussion among his World War II veteran patients. But, he quickly became aware of the challenges many veterans face in getting an opportunity to visit it. Honor Flight provides those veterans a chance to travel to Washington and visit the memorial. The Allen Community Band is under the direction of Craig Logan, long-time Allen High School band director. A graduate of SMU, Craig has played professionally with the Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera and for ten years with the Richardson Symphony. Under the leadership of Regent Nancy Ross, Allen’s DAR chapter brings gift items to the Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, where

many residents have no surviving family. Also, the DAR supports the Fisher House in Dallas, which offers housing for the families of wounded veterans at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. The DAR will provide refreshments after the concert. VFW Armistice Memorial Post 2195 sponsors three projects. Operation Helping Hand gathers support from local merchants for local dependents of military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. For more than 75 years, the VFW’s Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans’ welfare and well-being of their dependents. In addition, VFW provides flag retirement and disposal ceremonies. v

Ebola 2014 The Ebola outbreak in Western Africa has been a major topic in international news for weeks. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 13, the Allen Public Library presents Dr. Peggy Redshaw, Austin College Professor Emerita of Biology, to discuss the current outbreak as well as background information on the Ebola virus. With so many Ebola deaths to date, fear has resulted in the spread of irrational rumors and misinformation. This is an opportunity to separate fact from fiction. Additionally, the role of animal infections spilling over to humans will be covered. A native of central Illinois, Dr. Redshaw holds a B.S. in Biology from Quincy University and a Ph.D. from

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Illinois State University. She has taught courses in genetics, histology, microbiology and polio. She has given many presentations on the 1918 flu pandemic that devastated communities worldwide. Dr. Redshaw is the author of Sherman, Texas and the 1918 Pandemic Flu, published in the East Texas Historical Association Journal and co-editor of Science on the Texas Frontier: Observations of Dr. Gideon Lincecum and Texas Family Secrets Series, the collective work of 40 local writers. A member of the Texas Folklore Society and an acclaimed scientist, Dr. Redshaw is in a position of evaluating and comparing fact from lore. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. v

Sixth Floor Museum curator Stephen Fagin, associate curator and oral historian at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, will discuss his book Assassination and Commemoration: JFK, Dallas and The Sixth Floor Museum at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, at the Allen Public Library. Mr. Fagin manages the institu tion’s ongoing oral history project and contributes to collections, exhibitions and education and programming initiatives. This free program is sponsored by Bach to Books. An editorial assistant for, and frequent contributor to, Legacies: Dallas History Journal, Stephen also authored a biography of Lee Harvey Oswald published in American History magazine. He brought international recognition to The Sixth Floor Museum Oral History Collection—an archival initiative that now includes more than 1,000 firsthand accounts of the life, death and legacy of President John F.

Kennedy and the history and culture of Dallas and the 1960s. Stephen has conducted more than 800 interviews, including videotaped sessions with Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Robert MacNeil and General Chuck Yeager. The book, Assassination and Commemoration: JFK, Dallas, and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, began as Stephen’s master’s thesis in the museum studies graduate program at the University of Oklahoma. As the first researcher to thoroughly explore the museum’s institutional archives, Stephen had exclusive access to handwritten notes, county documents, memoranda, board minutes and architectural renderings, as well as the entirety of The Sixth Floor Museum’s comprehensive oral history collection and newspaper, audio-visual and artifact collections. Over the course of three years, his thesis manuscript was enhanced, updated and expanded for

Harold Lloyd Film Festival

This is your rare opportunity to experience the full grandeur of the

silent film era. The Allen Public Library’s free Harold Lloyd Silent Film Festival will be hosted 7 p.m. every Tuesday night in November. This unique event features a live theatrical organ accompaniment, once considered an integral part of the cinematic experience. Chapel organist at SMU, Benjamin Kolodziej composed the historical-style organ scores for these four performances. The North Texas Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society provides the theater organ for these evenings. Lloyd’s granddaughter, Susan Lloyd, will offer introductions from her California home with the assistance of the Collin College Film Department. Describing her grandfather as looking like Harry Potter’s older brother, she

publication in 2013 as the museum’s official institutional history. The Sixth Floor Museum helps visitors interpret the depository and Dealey Plaza as sacred ground and a monument to an American tragedy. One of the most popular historic sites in Texas, it is a place of quiet reflection, and edification for the guests to remember the Kennedy years. v

notes, “Harold Lloyd’s comedy evokes laughter, which is the best medicine.” Despite his clumsiness, Harold Lloyd strived to be liked and competed for the attention and affection of the pretty girl, but the path to prove his worthiness was replete with laughs. An actor, producer and director, he was able to transition from the silent films to the “talkies” during a career that spanned over three decades. In 1953, he garnered an honorary Academy Award for being a master comedian and good citizen. In 1960, he won a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. November 4—The Freshman (1925) November 11—Safety Last (1923)

November 18—The Kid Brother (1927) November 25—Speedy (1928)

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. Allen Image | November 2014

Allen Book Festival by Tom KEENER

Vietnam, played semi-pro baseball, worked in The first Allen Book Festival will be on both psychology and entertainment businesses November 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Allen and recently released his book Expectation Public Library. Authors will be on the auditorium Therapy. stage to discuss their books and answer questions. • Brannon Perkison, author of The Do-Nothing, Go to www.allenlibrary.org for a schedule. The also draws cartoons and coaches the chess team Texas Association of Authors will be selling books: at his son’s elementary school. • Art Anthony served as superintendent of the • Allan C. Kimball worked as a journalist at daily South Fork School District in Kincaid, Illinois. newspapers and covered major league sports, • LaTangela Newsome co-stars in the Nickelodeon heart transplants and cowboy hat manufacturing. show Taina and works with her mother, Gwen • James Simpson, author of the adventure thriller Newsome, for their company, SilverShadow Savior, served for 35 years in corporate aviation. Productions. • Jan Sikes writes creative true stories and her • Jaye Wells is a USA Today-bestselling author of current project is a trilogy chronicling her life urban fantasy and speculative crime fiction. with veteran Texas musician Rick Sikes. When not chasing the word dragon, she does • Troy James, a former magazine columnist, wrote scary things she can then put in her books. The Money Island, recounting Will and his friends’ • Amanda Thrasher has six published children’s desire to remain anonymous in spite of their books and a readers theater for the Texas success while the world wants to know who they Municipal Education Center, and conducts are. workshops and school visits. • Calvin Spann, Tuskegee Airman who flew • R. Flowers Rivera’s debut poetry collection, mission over Europe during World War II, Troubling, was selected by the Texas Association presents his exciting new book Boundless Sky. of Authors as its 2014 Poetry Book of the Year. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v • James Gary Vineyard began a career with the Criminal Intelligence Division of the Department of Public Safety and was later assigned to the Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Drug Enforcement Administration. Library. • Sutton L. Avery is a long time employee of American Airlines whose first book, Out of Ashes, is set in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama. • L.A. Starks, author of the Lynn Dayton series, utilized her experience working for energy companies to consult on energy economics and write global thrillers. • David S. Alkek, M.D., author of Requiem for Athens, attended Southwestern Medical School and has published numerous scientific articles, non-fiction science, philosophy and two novels. L to R: Jan Sikes, Susan Jackson, Dana Jean • Art Costello served in

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helping hands

Stress and the holidays by Marjorie VANESKAHIAN

We all feel it…the stress that creeps up as the holidays approach—the panic sets in weeks before Thanksgiving. And, oh Black Friday! We can hardly get through the Thanksgiving dishes before we sit down to plan our shopping strategy. Or, do you forego that stress and let it build to just days before Christmas when you realize you have no gifts bought or wrapped and a halfdecorated tree in your living room. My Christmas cards get mailed at the last possible minute, and I’m staring at the bakery choices left in the grocery stores on Christmas Eve because I never got around to baking homemade goodies. However, many local families face a very different type of stress as the holidays approach. They are stressed because they don’t know how they can provide food for a Thanksgiving meal, or even where their next meal will come from. They are desperate because they can barely pay the monthly bills, and there is no extra money for gifts for their children. That’s a stress and desperation many of us can’t begin to imagine. But, it’s real for hundreds of families in the Allen area—our neigh bors, our friends at work and church and our children’s classmates’ parents. There is stress relief in the form of programs and services at Allen Community Outreach. The agency, in

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its 29th year of serving families in crisis, has programs designed to assist stressed and desperate families. And it’s all made possible through the donations and support of our generous and caring community! Hundreds of families depend on ACO for assistance during the holidays. The stress families face in a financial crisis is only heightened this time of year. Thanks to the supportive community in which we live, families don’t have to face these issues alone. ACO is here to help. November is ACO’s largest food drive of the year. We collect “holiday dinner” type groceries and staples for families to prepare a celebratory meal for Thanksgiving, Christmas or whichever holidays they celebrate. Beginning in early November, food donations begin coming into the ACO Food Pantry and collection spots around town. For a list of items needed and drop off locations, go to ACO’s website. The week prior to Thanksgiving, hundreds of volunteers sort donations and box food, and on the Monday of Thanksgiving week, families pick up a turkey and groceries. Hundreds more bags are stored to be distributed in time for Christmas. To volunteer your time, make a financial donation or for information on food items needed, see our website or call our office.

While most folks are clearing the dishes on Thanksgiving and planning their shopping for Black Friday, ACO volunteers are preparing to kick off the ACO “Toys for Our Tots” drive which begins the day after Thanksgiving. Allen Fire Stations, the ACO offices and other locations will be collecting toys that will be given to children in our area in need of gifts. Please drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift item. Don’t forget gifts for teens—it’s easy to overlook our 12-17-year-olds. Want to get even more involved this holiday and help a family? ACO’s Christmas Adoption Program gives you that opportunity. Through this program, parents can come in and sign up their children, teens and seniors and submit a wish list for each “adoptee.” You, as donors, can go to ACO’s website and register for an “adoptee” and you will be given their wish list so you can shop and return the gifts to ACO. We will then distribute your gifts—along with giftwrap, tape, bows and boxes—to parents the week before Christmas. The average cost of an adoption is about $100 and we ask that you provide all new, unused items. Many wish lists include much-needed coats or clothes listed with sizes, and each child may request a special item or toy as well. All of the information and

more details about the program and volunteer opportunities are on the ACO website. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to live in an affluent area like Allen and struggle financially, but families in neighborhoods throughout our communities struggle to make ends meet, find a job and feed their children. This holiday season, help ACO help these families with food and gifts. Make it a family project and have your kids help grocery shop for food donations, take them with you to select toys and gifts for the person you adopt or toys you drop off at a Toys for Our Tots collection site. What better way to take a break from your own holiday stress than to help a family in need.

If you are a family facing stress and financial crisis this season and need assistance with food and gifts for your family, please contact Allen Community Outreach and make an appointment to meet with a caseworker. A special thank you to all our donors and volunteers who give

generously and work tirelessly to make sure programs are supported and families are cared for. YOU make a difference in many lives. YOU are a form of stress relief to parents facing real crises. ACO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, f u n d e d locally by individuals and businesses in our community. Visit our offices, ACO Resale Shop and the ACO Food Pantry at 801 E. Main Street in Allen. Our web address is www.acocares.org and phone is 972.727.9131. We hope you have a happy and stress-free holiday! v Marjorie Vaneskahian is the Allen Community

Outreach Director of Community Development.

Allen Image | November 2014

kids korner

Teaching an Attitude of Gratitude by Deborah DOVE November marks the beginning of the season of “getting” for many children as they are bombarded with commercials advertising the latest “must have” toy or electronic device and begin making their Christmas wish list. November is also the month of Thanksgiving, where we, as parents, have the opportunity to teach our children the joys of thankfulness, giving and thinking of others. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving (December 2 this year) has even been designated as “Giving Tuesday,” an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate a new tradition of generosity. Whether you do it for one day or all month long, following are some tips to help your children focus on gratitude and kindness. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Craft You will need: Orange construction paper, cut into 1-inch strips 1 green pipe cleaner Have your child write something they are thankful for on each strip of paper. Configure the paper strips into the shape of a pumpkin, stapling or gluing them at the top and bottom to secure. Curl a pipe cleaner around a pencil to create a stem and attach to the top of the pumpkin.

Thankful Jar

Beginning November 1, have family members write down something they are thankful for each day and drop it into a “thankful jar.” Read them all on Thanksgiving Day.

Make “Thankful” Bags

In a small Ziploc bag, combine Bugles and Runts candies. Add a personalized note that says “I’m thankful for you because (fill in the blank).” Give to friends, families, teachers and community members.

Create a Giving Plate

I love this idea I found on Pinterest and plan to implement it with my kids. Purchase a plain white plate from the dollar store. Write the following poem in the center of the plate in Sharpie and then let your child decorate the edges of the plate with colored or black Sharpies. “This plate shall have no owner/ It’s journey never ends./ It travels in a circle/Of our family and friends./ Enjoy what is on the plate/ Then fill it up again./ And pass along the love it holds/ To your family and friends. Bake the plate in an oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Fill the plate with homemade goodies and give it away!

The App that Gives Back

Giving to charity has never been easier. Download the Charity Miles app that allows your child to track their walk, run or bike ride around the block while earning money for their favorite charity. There’s a long list of worthy causes to choose from, and it encourages physical activity as well as provides kids with a tangible measurement of how much good they’ve done.

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Participate in a Charity Walk or Run

There are plenty of opportunities for kids to participate in 5K or one-mile fun runs that benefit charities. Check out the Purple Stride race raising money for pancreatic cancer on November 8, at Klyde Warren Park; the Capes and Shields Superhuman Race where contestants dress up as superheroes in Fair Park on November 16, benefitting the Make-A-Wish foundation; or the North Texas Turkey Trot benefitting the Miracle League of Frisco and/or the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot in downtown Dallas, both on Thanksgiving Day.

Ways to Volunteer with Kids

• Bake cookies and deliver them to assisted living facilities and/or your local fire station. • Volunteer to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless at Dallas LIFE (must be 10 or older), or volunteer at the North Texas Food Bank (children ages 10 and up with a parent volunteer). • Clip coupons and then go shopping for the ACO food pantry (bonus points for also sneaking in a little math and matching). • Create a “get well” box for a sick friend. Stock it with activities such as free printable dot-to-dot or coloring pages found online, a Ziploc bag containing all of the materials and directions for a simple craft, a pencil or small box of crayons, a lollipop, a message written in code to be deciphered and a get well card. • Make and deliver “chemo care packages” to a local hospital containing plastic utensils (metal ones can taste bad), lemon drops/ gum (for the bad taste from chemo), hand sanitizer, lip balm, disposable toothbrushes and a special note. For kids going through chemo, you could also include a small deck of playing cards, activity books, iTunes cards and small toys.

Promote Kindness at Home

Place a jar on a kitchen counter filled with colorful pom-pom balls. Make a smaller “warm fuzzy” jar for each child with their name on it. Every time you catch them being kind and making someone feel warm and fuzzy, place a “warm fuzzy” (a colored pom-pom) in their jar. When their jar is full, they get to choose a fun family activity.

Pennies from Heaven Jar

Create a jar where all family members deposit their spare change. Designate a charity to donate the money to when the jar is full, or donate the contents (however much or little) to help when something devastating happens in the world.

Write a Letter

Send “happy mail” to a sick child via www.hugsandhope.org, thank a soldier by writing letters of gratitude through www. operationgratitude.com, or write a letter to a lonely, elderly citizen through www.loverfortheelderly.org.

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | November 2014

education

AHS Key Club and Interact exist to serve by Keith A. TAYLOR

L to R: Graham Houpt, Lee Ferguson and Amogh Krishnagiri Gathering a group of high school kids for a pizza party is easy. Persuading them to be involved in service projects may be a bit harder. However, two Allen High School service clubs have found the right mix of fun and work and have attracted more than 250 students for service to their school and the community—Key Club and Interact. “I became involved because the club had a pizza party when I was a sophomore,” said Amogh Krishnagiri, a vice president of Interact. “My friends said, ‘Hey, its free pizza,’ and I thought I had to get in on that. So I actually snuck in. They ended up welcoming me anyway and convinced me to stay. That’s the cornerstone of our organization. We are hospitable and open to all.” That’s the kind of story you hear over and over when talking to the members and sponsors of both organizations. For example, Dyann Heider, a high school sponsor of the

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cared about service. Right now there are 18,000 students involved in Key Club in Texas and Oklahoma. To know that many kids care about service is awesome.” Both groups are a part of larger, adult service organizations: Key Club is supported by the Allen Kiwanis Club while Interact is mentored by the Allen Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs. “We are very much modeled after the adult Rotary Clubs,” said Lee Ferguson, one of the teacher sponsors of Interact. “We actually consider Interact to be an integral part of the Rotary organization and sometimes the adult members don’t understand that. I encourage them to come to Interact meetings when they have to make up for missing adult meetings. That way, they can learn more about our club while keeping their attendance commitments.” Interact Club President Graham Houpt also sees other positives. “The networking opportunities are great,” he said. “I went to the Rotary Youth Leadership camp and met kids from all over the state. We’re also able to

Key Club, said finding new members is simple. “The word is out about not only what we do, but how much fun we have doing it,” Heider said. “Kids really enjoy service and being with each other. Once they join, they tend to stay in all the way through school.” Key Club President Hannah Varghese admits she was skeptical of joining until she had the chance to attend the Texas-Oklahoma Key Club district meeting. “I can be a little stub born and I didn’t believe my friends when they said how much fun they had,” she said. “What really attracted me was when I went to convention. I saw how many people were involved in Key Club and it was really a lot of fun. There were more Dyann Heider than 1,000 people there that

Hannah Varghese work with the Rotarians. That’s one of the best aspects of Interact— networking with the Rotary Club.” Although the clubs afford a lot of opportunities to meet new people, their primary purposes are service to the school and community. “Last year we worked with the Health Occupation Students of America to raise money for cystic fibrosis research,” Houpt said. “If you want to talk about passion, you should have seen our members with their collection boxes running around and begging people for change. That’s the kind of zeal they wanted to put behind their service.” For Varghese, making a weekly connection with a special needs friend makes membership in Key Club worthwhile. “I love being part of Angel League, a softball program for special needs children. The games are every week, so I can see my buddy a lot and I can interact with him. The games give me the chance to see the impact of my service all of the time and I love that.” Krishnagiri recalled a 2013-14 project—one he wants to repeat this school year—that provided essential supplies to families in need. “Last year, we sponsored a shelter box for a family,” he said. “A shelter box is for people who may be refugees or victims of a disaster. The box contains everything they need

to live including a tent for shelter, food, clothes and toiletries. Our goal is to do that again this year.” Many are being used in Turkey to provide shelter for Syrian refugees today. Interact and Key Club are just two of more than 70 organi zations and clubs available to students on the Allen High School campus. What sets them apart, according to members, is their openness. “Our Key Club is very inclusive,” Varghese said. “You can come from any background and you don’t have to have outstanding grades or special skills. We welcome everyone.” Ferguson said the same is true of Interact. “Interact is open to everyone,”

she said, “We open our doors to a wide variety of kids and we are a very diverse organization.” Houpt, Varghese and Krishnagiri all agreed that being part of their clubs’ leadership is rewarding and satisfying. “Since I’ve been president of the club, it has been awesome,” Houpt said. “You have an opportunity to see the impact the club is having on the school and the community. We also get kids involved in international service. That gives us a chance to show them that they really can have an impact on the world.” For Krishnagiri, being involved in Interact can be humbling. “This organization really makes you grateful for what you have and happy to help those who don’t have the same advantages,” he said. Varghese said that being involved in Key Club boils down to one thing: “I like helping other people. It makes me happy. It’s really not very complex.” v Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for Allen ISD.

Allen Image | November 2014

Stretching limits and strengthening leadership by Melanie HESS

where she explained public education is less valued, Prindle said Collin College has changed her once negative view of public education. “I’ve been able to go beyond my own expectations,” Prindle said, in reference to her academic career.

Developing Confidence

Sheena Prindle Adrenaline rushed through Sheena Prindle as her hands reached the peak of the 40-foot “power pole” exercise, and she lifted her body over the top, preparing to make a jump. As she peered over the edge, evalu ating the drop below, Prindle knew it was a stretch of her personal limits. While the highly-anticipated jump

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off the pole toward a group of encouraging peers at the Heard Museum ropes course was a new experience for Prindle, the student leader said stepping out of her comfort zone and achieving more than she could imagine has been the theme of her Collin College experience. Originally from the Philippines,

Through involvement in extracur ricular student groups like Leadership Empowerment and Development (LEAD), a new co-curricular leader ship program and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, the former stayat-home mother said she has regained confidence in skills she thought she sacrificed while devoting time to raising her young son. Prindle stressed that she has learned that leadership is about getting out of the box and she has gained experience that applies in the real world. “It’s made me approach life and situations differently,” Prindle said. “Leadership is an experience I treasure. I won’t get tired of learning and enthusiastically sharing those experiences with others.” As part of their Leadership Development Institute (LDI) class, fellow students joined Prindle at the ropes course. These students will receive full credit for Speech 1311, their enrolled course. However, while their class maintains the same required student outcomes as a typical course, it, like Prindle’s involvement, takes an emphasis on leadership. Speech professor Judi Wohead explains that leadership is about personal responsibility and effective communication. “Leadership is about being mindful of others and working toward a common goal,” Wohead said.

“I’ve always considered myself a team player. Sometimes I’m the captain of the team, and sometimes I’m not. But I still have a personal responsibility to do my best.” In LDI courses, professors apply a hands-on approach and incorporate what Wohead describes as experiential learning. “When you’re learning about something, you learn better when you do it,” Wohead pointed out. “It’s not more work. It’s just a slightly different curriculum.” The course’s leadership emphasis involves the development of abilities related to problem solving, working as a team, disseminating a message and interpersonal interaction, many of the same skills Prindle says she’s gained through opportunities in LEAD and PTK. “I’ve been responsible for areas like membership, event planning and public relations,” Prindle said. Enrolled in Wohead’s LDI speech, Chris McDonald and Cody Moorman have their own motivations for honing leadership skills.

Fatherhood as a Career Catalyst Before making steps toward a career change so he and his wife could better care for their autistic son, McDonald worked mostly in manage ment. The future engineer says he appreciates the impact leadershipfocused courses like the one he’s taking will have on his future career. “We spend a lot of time in discussion and trying to understand other people’s views,” McDonald noted. “I think it will provide me value in the workforce by teaching me to take my management style and work with different individuals.” Wohead said, for her, one of the course’s most valuable elements is the established bond between the professor and students, resulting from high levels of interaction. “You get to go beyond the four walls of the classroom,” she said. “When we were huddled on the low ropes platform, and I fell off—they’ll laugh about that next week—those kind of things don’t happen in a regular course.”

Team Building to Save Lives Moorman, who is finishing up his associate degree in fire science, is a part-time firefighter in Wylie and works full time for Flight For Life, an organization that provides helicopter transportation for patients needing critical care. For him, improving his leadership skills means even more than managing others well and holding down a job. “For me especially, leadership qualities are huge,” Moorman said. “In firefighting, it’s extremely important that you know how to build a team. It’s not just about seeing each person’s individual leadership qualities.” That is exactly what Moorman and McDonald say they have experienced in Wohead’s course this semester—team building, high energy and lots of interaction. “Activities like attending the ropes course are innovative ways to teach leadership and creativity,” Wohead explained. “We learn about varying abilities and strengths, and we learn to respect what each group member can add to the challenge.” Now fully recovered from facing her fears and jumping off the platform, Prindle expressed that the leadership opportunities she’s encountered at Collin College have taught her about diversity, networks and the importance of an open mind. “It’s made me approach life and situations differently,” she said. “I

think ‘How can I help based on what I’ve learned, and what can I learn, as I am always learning?’” For more information about LEAD, LDI or other Collin College opportunities, visit http://www. collin.edu/academics/csce. v Melanie Hess is a public relations associate at Collin College. Nick Young: photographer Collin College.

Allen Image | November 2014

living green

Have yourself a

merry little

eco-friendly holiday season

by Dawn Bluemel OLDFIELD

The holidays are upon us. It’s a time for parties, presents, decorations and fabulous food. Yet, along with the planning and festivities, the commercialization and excess can add stress to our budgets, schedules and the environment. While the holidays may seem like a difficult time to “go green,” there are actually a multitude of ways to green your holidays by incorporating changes to the ways you shop, eat and decorate. Don’t wait until December 31

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to make a resolution to adapt greener habits. Just a few small changes can make your holiday season more ecofriendly and be the beginning of new, unique traditions for your family. Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, tradition, family and, of course, food. Have a more sustainable Thanksgiving by creating a menu using local and seasonal ingredients. Shop at farmers’ markets and grocery stores (most supermarkets now offer organic and locally-grown sections in the produce aisle) for regional food items like eggs, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, pecans and more. Choose a free-range or organic turkey because they are raised without hormones or antibiotics and have access to the outdoors. Consider scaling back on the amount of food you make. According to an article in US News and World Report, Americans throw out 25% of all food prepared on Thanksgiving. Ditch the disposables! The holidays are a special time of year, so skip the paper plates and plastic forks. Set a table becoming of the occasion and use the good china, crystal glasses and cutlery. It will not only add a classy, festive touch to your meal, but will reduce trash as well. Use natural decorations. Mother Nature provides us with an abundance of beautiful foliage every season. Pass on the plastic and aluminum decorations and use nature as your inspiration—mix dried grasses and branches of colorful leaves in a vase with flowers or add minipumpkins and gourds for a colorful Thanksgiving tablescape. For Christmas, evergreen boughs, magnolia sprigs, winterberries and pinecones add a fragrant, festive touch to the hearth. The best part—after the holidays these decorations can be added to your compost pile. Choose a real tree. Although artificial trees can be used for many years, real trees are a more eco-friendly choice. Discarded plastic trees end up in landfills and because they are made of petroleum-based products, they’ll be there forever. A favorite family Christmas tradition is going to find the “perfect” tree. Nearly all cut

Christmas trees are grown on tree farms, making them a great green option since they are replanted annually. Plus, most communities offer a free drop-off location or neighborhood pick-up after New Years where the trees are then recycled into mulch. A live potted tree that you can plant outside after the holidays is also a good option. Simplify gift giving. Buy smart and think green by purchasing fewer gifts. While I’m all for stimulating the economy, I’m more for giving meaningful gifts rather than just “things.” Support small, independentlyowned “Mom and Pop” businesses. Craft fairs, artisan shops and Etsy are also good sources for locally made gifts that often have a story attached to them. Everyone says it’s the thought that counts, so what could be more thoughtful than a homemade gift? When I was little it was a family tradition that we made at least one of our gifts. I’m happy to say that some of us have revived that tradition. Creating your own one-of-a-kind gifts is fun and adds a personal touch to the presents you give. Custom gift baskets are a great idea for family and friends on your list. Last Christmas, my husband and I made brunch

baskets for our favorite foodies. We filled each basket with homemade jam, herb-infused honey, a tin of gourmet tea or coffee and fresh baked bread or muffins. A handcrafted birdhouse, along with a small bag of birdseed, is a thoughtful gift for gardeners and birding enthusiasts. It’s easy to make your own bath salts, body scrubs and oils. Add a loofa mitt and fragrant candle for a relaxing, home spa day basket. Be creative! Craft stores and the Internet offer a plethora of ideas. Gift bags and tissue paper can be carefully folded and packed away to be reused. If ribbons and bows are in good shape, they should be saved and reused, too. There are many attractive, lowcost alternatives for the traditional giftwrap rolls and tags you find at the store. Save your newspapers. Packages wrapped in black and white print adorned with a red bow are striking under the tree. The Sunday newspaper’s colorful comics are a fun choice for wrapping children’s gifts. Plain brown butchers’ or contractors’ paper is inexpensive and one roll will wrap many presents. Festoon with raffia, twine or burlap bows for a monochromatic, old-fashioned look. Re-purpose old maps, posters or sheet music, and make gift bags from fabric remnants for low-cost wrapping options. Look through last year’s Christmas cards and cut out pictures to make gift tags. Everyone enjoys lots of twinkling holiday lights, but nobody likes the surprise of a high electric bill associated with them. Decorate your house and tree with energy-saving LED lights. LED lights use about 90% less energy than traditional holiday bulbs and are available at most major retailers. During the season of giving, conserving resources is a gift for everyone. Celebrating the holidays in an ecofriendly manner doesn’t mean going without. Have a different kind of holiday this year. With a little effort, imagination and tweaking, we can celebrate the season and the environment, too. Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer. Allen Image | November 2014

pet page

“Nova”

“Nova” Nova is a two-year-old, fifty-pound precious girl that was found roaming the streets. Legacy Humane Society stepped up, took her in and placed her in a foster home. She is very gentle and quite a lovebug. She likes to play with friends of all shapes and species, chew on her Nylabones and swim. She is doing great in her foster home with two humans, two personal dogs, four foster dogs and a cat, but she is looking for a forever home with someone who has the time and patience to teach her to be the best doggie she can be. Nova is house trained, has learned her basic manners but she will need a fenced yard. Her adoption fee includes one set of vaccines, rabies, heartworm test, heartworm preventative while under our care, microchip and spaying. If you are interested in adopting this sweet little girl, then please fill out an adoption application at: http://legacyhumanesociety.org/ adoptfoster/adoption-application/ and her foster parents will contact you.

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calendar

NOVEMBER

Cowgirls of Faith Craft Fair, 9 am-4 pm, Cowboy Church, 2800 FM RD 3364, Princeton. For details, visit www.cowboychurchcollincounty.org/

Ford Middle School Fall Carnival, 11 am-2 pm, 630 Park Place Drive, Allen. Many activities including a dunk tank, cake walk, football toss, obstacle course, petting zoo and the 1st annual Allen ISD Mascot Challenge. Free admission. Email Fordptapresident@gmail.com or allenisd.org/ Page/40078 for futher details.

Plano Civic Chorus presents “Basically Haydn!” Sat., 7:30 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano & Sun., 4 pm, Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas. Featuring soloists Haley Sicking, Brooke Gibson, Alex Bumpas, Brandon Gibson, and accompanied by the Plano Symphony Orchestra. For tickets or more information, visit www.planocivicchorus.org.

St. Jude’s 29th Annual Holiday Craft Fair, Fri., 9 am-5 pm & Sat., 9 am-4 pm, 1515 N. Greenville Ave., Allen. Over 90 vendors offer exclusive, handmade items including wooden furniture, candles, jewelry, floral arrangements, children’s and women’s boutique clothing, etc. Homemade goodies and lunch also available. Free event. For information, visit www.stjudeparish.com.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel’s 14th Annual Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show, 9 am4 pm, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney. Over 75 artisans display unique handcrafted items—gifts, pottery, art, clothing, jewelry, Christmas and home decor and more! Free admission. Please bring a canned good for a Thanksgiving basket. Bake sale, snack bar and lunch also available. Visit www.stgabriel.org for details.

Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus honors Veteran’s Day 2014, 7:30 pm, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. The concert is dedicated to the men and women who served in those wars, and every veteran who has served our country. For tickets, call 972.359.0656 or visit www.allenphilharmonic.org.

Allen Early Childhood PTA presents a program on home organization, 9:30-11 am, First Christian Church, 1207 Twin Creeks Drive. Lorraine Brock, founder and president of Get Organized!, a professional organizing company. Nursery reservations are requested but not required. Email nursery@aecpta.com. For details, visit www.aecpta.com.

5th Annual Parker Women’s Club Arts & Crafts Fair, Fri., 9 am-5 pm & Sat., 9 am-4 pm, Victory Church, 6301 E. Parker Rd., Parker. Great vendors—holiday & home decor, jewelry, soaps, woodwork, candles, etc! Also, food, bake sale and raffle. Proceeds support Parker Volunteer Fire Dept., provide scholarships to Parker seniors and support various local charitable projects. Email pwccraftfair@gmail.com for additional information.

Heritage Ranch Theatre Guild presents ”The Dixie Swim Club,” a Comedy by Jones, Hope, Wooten, 7 pm thru the 21st, Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club, Clubhouse Ball Room. Doors open at 6:30 pm. For details, visit https://sites.google. com/site/heritageranchtheaterguild/Home.

Fine Arts Chamber Players invite you to a Bancroft Family Concert inspired by the current Dallas Museum of Art Concentrations 57: Slavs and Tatars exhibit, 3 pm, Dallas Museum of Art Horchow Auditorium, 1717 North Harwood, Dallas. Free. Call 214.520.2219 or visit www.fineartschamberplayers. org for details. 2nd Annual Victoria’s Dancing 4 Epilepsy Charity Event, 2-4 pm, Sent Church, 3701 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. Fundraiser to offset training cost for Victoria’s service dog. Danny Rojas, co-host, is one of many licensed Zumba® instructors who volunteered time and support and will instruct and demonstrate the fun and health benefits of Zumba®. For further details, email danrojas08@yahoo. com or visit www.facebook.com/Victoriashope4acure. Celebration of Renewal, 3 pm, Forest Grove Christian Church, 2542 Country Club Road, Lucas. Food, games, homemade ice cream contest, music & campfire message. All ages welcome. Free! For information, call 972.562.9025.

Annie Moses Band Christmas Tour presented by Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 7 pm, 1800 South Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. Doors open at 6 pm. For more information, visit www.mysumc. org/upcoming-events.

DECEMBER

Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, 7-11 am, First Baptist Church, Cedar Street just north of McDermott. Pancakes, sausage and drinks will be served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photo ops. For details, visit www.allenkiwanis.org or call 214.495.0488. Allen Image | November 2014

CITY OF ALLEN Allen Event Center

Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster. com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center box office. For more information, visit www. alleneventcenter.com.

1 Dallas Sidekicks 6 Judas Priest with Steel Panther 8 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 9 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 15 Dallas Sidekicks vs Brownsville Barracudas 16 Allen Americans vs Quad City Mallards 21 Allen Americans vs Brampton Beast 22 Allen Americans vs Brampton Beast 26 Disney on Ice Princesses & Heroes 28-30 Disney on Ice Princesses & Heroes

Parks and Recreation Events

1 Brainopolis Halloween Party at the Pavilion at The Edge Visitor Center! Costume contest, games, pizza, music, limbo, balloons, candy, prizes and a treasure hunt in the dark with flashlights. Build the spookiest electric haunted castle in Brainopolis.

7 Veterans Day Celebration at Allen Senior Recreation Center. Honoring veterans who served and are serving our great country. Enjoy coffee, donuts, the Color Guard and special patriotic music by Marion Elementary Choir. 8 Try Hockey Free at Allen Community Ice Rink. Girls and boys experience ice hockey and learn the basics in a fun, safe environment. Required—bring a helmet, a pair of gloves and a stick. To register, please visit TryHockeyForFree.com. 8 Saturday Night Rec n Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun, safe social program for students 3rd-6th grade. Gym games, dancing, music, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, contests and prizes. Supervision provided, concessions available. ID card (annual $5 fee) is required. Walk up admission $10 at the door!

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Walk with a Doc, 9:30 am, Allen Station Park. A free, non-profit program for anyone interested. Bring friends and loved ones or come alone and enjoy a walk in the park. Physicians and healthcare professionals provide support & answer questions. 11 SNAP Dance at Recreation Hall. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Music, a fun theme and snacks. This month is Texas country themed so get your boots and Wranglers ready! Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Dana Gillespie at Dgillespie@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. 23 5K Rudolph Run/1-Mile Fun Run Pre-Registration ends. Race date is December 6. 29 Great Turkey Skate at the Allen Community Ice Rink. Fun on the ice and Thanksgiving themed on-ice games and activities including Turkey Bowling, a Whip Cream Pie-Eating Contest, Turkey Tag and Bobbing for Gobblers. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Bring a non-perishable item and receive a free skate rental.

December

5 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, 7 pm, Allen Civic Plaza (near City Hall).Grand lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights. Live entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves. Free and open to the public. 6 Rudolph Run—1-Mile Fun Run and 5K, 8:15 am, Fun Run followed by 5K. Run or walk through the streets of downtown Allen with Frosty, Rudolph and their helpers!

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Programs Story Times end November 20. Baby & Me—For pre-walkers with adult Thur., 10:15 am Fun Ones—For 1 year-olds with an adult Mon.,Tues. & Wed., 10:15 am.

Family Together Time—For ages 2-6 years and their family Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am. All By Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds ready to attend independently, Wed., 11:15 am.

Pajama Story Time—For children 2-6 years and their family, Tues. & Thurs., 7 pm.

Adults

1 Finger Knitting, 2:30-4:30 pm. All you need is a skein of bulky weight yarn and your fingers. We will make infinity scarves and holiday ornaments. Arm knitting will also be demonstrated. Registration preferred. Ages 16+; free, 2nd floor program room. 2 Nose Work, with Mickey & Friends, 2 pm, Allen Civic Auditorium. Join Mickey Schufman, of What a Great Dog training center, to learn about this fun dog sport where dogs get to be dogs and indulge in one of their great joys in life—sniffing! Mickey will bring some 4-legged friends, but please leave your own dog at home. Free. All ages welcome. Contact Debbie Vavra at 214-509-4913 or dvavra@cityofallen. org<mailto:dvavra@cityofallen.org>. 5 Noontime Pageturners, noon, Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford. Bring a lunch and friend and join us for a lively discussion! A relaxed environment to share the joy of reading.

Make Your Own Tea Blends, 2-4 pm, 2nd floor program room. Create your own personal tea blend and take some tea bags home—or just keep it for yourself! Feel free to bring your own mug for tasting. Register online or by calling 214.509.4905.

12 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and other crafts with thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Bring your project. 13 Talking History—The Origins of the American Revolution, 1765-1776, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Learn the origins of the American Revolution with Dr. Eric Schlereth of UTD. He will discuss the decade preceding the Revolution. Registration is required. Register online or 214-509-4905.

18 Armchair Travelers Visit Tanzania, 7 pm, 2nd floor program room. Denise Bouhasin will share stories, pictures and videos from her Tanzanian safari. African snacks will be served. Registration is required. Register online or contact 214.509.4905. 20 Trivia Night, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Test your knowledge in literature, history, science and more! Ages 18+. Limit teams to 4 members. Free; register online at www.allenlibrary.org or call 214506-4905 or 214-506-4913. Contact Emily Plagens at eplagens@cityofallen.org.

Connemara Conservancy

Connemara Meadow Preserve 1 Bird Walk at Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages welcome. Wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen andsect repellent. 23 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

Heard Museum

For more info: www.heardmuseum.org. 1-31 Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and eight new life-size animatronic, dinosaurs along the Heard Museum nature trails. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. Don’t forget it also provides a unique family outing during the holidays!

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.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. MOMS Club of Allen, group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly.com or momsclubofallentx@gmail.com. Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize. For more info: 972.727.0011 or www. kidspediatricdentistry.com. Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout.

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids and other events. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta. com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. 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, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Every Monday-Friday

The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593.

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. Every Monday-Sunday

Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Every Monday 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 #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC. com Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

Allen Image | November 2014

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. First and Third Monday

Singles Mingle 60+, 5:30 pm, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. A group for single men and women 60+ living in McKinney and surrounding areas who are active and enjoy meeting new people. For more info: Bill, 214.544.5835. Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber mem; $25 nonmems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

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.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www. aauwplanocollin.org. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm. Various locations and service projects monthly. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars “Lone Star Post 2150,” 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org.

Third Monday

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Janeen Chattaway@ janeen03j@yahoo.com.

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, 7 pm, Stacy Road Pet Hospital, 451 Stacy Road, Fairview. Promotes widespread interest in African violets and study of their growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478 or www.beautifulviolets. org. NARFE Chapter 559, 2 pm at Golden Corral, 475 S. Central Expressway (75 & Virginia Pkwy), McKinney. All current government employees and retirees are invited.

Fourth Monday Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

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

Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome. Every Tuesday & Thursday

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S Greenville. Offers strength & hope to friends & family of alcoholics. For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. First and Third Tuesday Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn new techniques, make friends. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net. Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982.

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

Second Tuesday Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, SMU in Plano, 5236 Tennyson Parkway. Program: “Holiday Celebrations: Flavors that Dazzle the Eye and Palate.” Christy Rost, PBS Chef, cookbook author, TV and radio personality, entertaining guru and lifestyle authority presents a holiday cooking demonstration. Visitors and guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm. For more info: www.planopacers.org. Third Tuesday Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Plano Republican Women’s Club, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health. groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566..

Every Wednesday

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Savour Tasting Room & Social Club, 968 Village Green Dr., Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary. com/ Allen Rotary Club, noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Promotes creativity, imagination & strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. First Wednesday

Allen Heritage Guild, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild. org.

Allen Image | November 2014

Collin County Master Gardeners guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to mgcollin@ag.tamu. edu. Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig.org. First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037 or www.mopsofhope.com.

Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www. vfw2195.org. Third Wednesday Greater Collin County Kennel Club, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org.

Every Thursday Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle & Stacy Furniture. Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org. Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 6843 W. Main. For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws. Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen.cbsclass. org. Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter south entrance, 2nd floor. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:308:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco.org. First Thursday Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am., social time followed by a luncheon and activity fair. Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Second Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenchamber.com.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

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Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly general meetings at Creekwood UUMC, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6 and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20 pm. For more info: www.namicco.org. Second and Fourth Thursday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, Failth Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encouraging citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Third Thursday

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. Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers & entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net. Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, HeardCraig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston). For more info: www.ntrg.info. Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Mem. free/Non-mem. Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820. McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), nondenominational support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

First Friday

Italian Lovers of North Dallas, 7 pm, Italian Villa, 121 N Greenville Ave, Ste B, Allen. Do you like Italy? Many bilingual Italian-Americans meet here every month to chat in Italian and find new friends. For more info: email ITALOVERS@tx.rr.com.

First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to community, no res. required. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com. Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free. For more info: 972.547.7491. First Saturday

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Second Saturday

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

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

For Your Health

Allen Image | November 2014

by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

Dinner setting by Experimental Table

cover story One rapidly growing trend emphasizing awareness of what we eat is the farm-to-table movement. Two local proponents of this life-changing attitude are hoping that North Texas diners will delight in discovering how their eating is an agricultural act. To accomplish this they are spreading the gospel of quality local food.

Experimental Table Chefs George and Katie Brown racked up a number of years in the restaurant industry before establishing The Experimental Table last year. This new venture caters not only large corporate events of over 400 people, but also private dinner parties for as small as six, emphasizing quality, fresh food sourced from local farms. George credits his grandmother’s cooking for instilling his passion for food. “It wasn’t fancy, but it had love in it,” he declares. “Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, biscuits, gravy…” were the typical fare he still recalls with fondness. Starting at age 14 as a dishwasher for a Gallagher’s restaurant, by the time he graduated from high school in Richardson, George had been promoted to kitchen manager. Following a stint in the Army, he went to work for Victor Gielisse, owner of the award-winning Dallas restaurant Actuelle. Nine months later George was a student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. It was here he and Katie met. With a love for baking instilled by her mother when growing up in Lake Jackson, Texas, Katie had worked as a hostess at a Mexican restaurant and a country club in high school, and a yacht club while in college. Deciding that a traditional college path was not for her, Katie enrolled in the Culinary Institute. Although she didn’t specialize in pastry at the CIA, following graduation Katie found it proved to be her niche. “It was more interesting to me, and George and I complemented each other in that way,” she points out. Upon completion of his course work, George apprenticed at The Mansion in Dallas and opted to stay on

for a year rather than the mandatory four months. While here he met thenMansion’s sous chef Kent Rathburn (known for his prize-winning restaurants that include Abacus and Jasper ’s) who quickly became his friend and mentor. After a brief period with a restaurant in Florida, George returned to Dallas to work with Kent at The Melrose. Following a jaunt to Houston and then back at The Melrose for three years, George worked with Kent at Seventeen Seventeen and Atrium Café at the Dallas Museum of Art for several years. During their times in Dallas, Katie was a pastry cook primarily at two popular Dallas restaurants, The Crescent and Baby Routh. With the opening of Kent Rathburn’s Abacus, George’s career took a significant shift. “My wife felt I had been a second tier guy for a long time and wanted me to do my own thing,” George explains. “So we ended up opening George Catering, which was a good thing, and I ran it for 12 years.” Despite its success, George found that more experience led to more questions. Admitting both he and Katie were “burned out,” the two decided to delve deeper into their culinary art and take on a new adventure. He continues, “I had been taking some road trips to restaurants like The French Laundry (Napa Valley) and Alinea (Chicago). They are both really high-end and either grow everything, or they are very close to the farmers. Not that I wasn’t already using those things, but I wasn’t fully understanding where they came from and what it meant to grow it.” Katie describes their move to farm-to-table dining as a holistic process. “We had been really success ful, but wanted more time with our kids, and George wanted to have animals. And the more you get into it, the more interesting it is,” she recalls. Katie also says she found herself growing more frustrated with the quality of the food on the market and the level of unnecessary additives used in the industry. “The only way to get away from it is to buy from the

small farmers who don’t use the additives, pesticides and geneticallymodified [seeds]. The American diet is in such bad shape, and kids have all these health problems that I think circle back to what we are eating.” After living in Dallas for 16 years, the Brown’s bought and moved onto a 10-acre farm in Lucas. Not only did the property offer enough land for the couple to do some small scale farming on their own, but the Lovejoy School District provided the education they were seeking for their ten-year-old triplets Oliver, William and Clementine. The Brown’s farm includes a small animal barn, as well as a larger barn, two gardens and a menagerie of critters including cattle, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, chickens, ducks and a turkey that managed to elude last year ’s Thanksgiving table. “Our farm is organic but it’s not certified organic,” George emphasizes. “It doesn’t need to be because we’re not selling as a vendor.” The family also aims to grow and eat foods that are naturally in season. “People don’t understand that tomatoes don’t grow year round!” he states. “You have to grow them in a hothouse or hydroponically—all those things that make a tomato not taste like a good tomato.” With this move, George and Katie transitioned their food-oriented careers to The Experimental Table. “My wife came up with the name,” George points out. “A real chef is always experimenting; nothing is ever really settled. We have the knowledge and power to change things and make them better.” He then sighs, “But I’m old school and come from the world of Dean Fearing and Victor Gielisse, the guys that pushed me along and mentored me. You want to say the customer is always right and you want to make them happy.” Admitting that he sometimes finds himself unable to convince clients to stick with seasonal, i.e., more flavorful and sustainable food, he aims at persuading them to think of food in new ways. “I’m like an artist, and if you don’t let me control the paint or canvas, then it’s hard. I try to build a relationship with people Allen Image | November 2014

with trends. Right now, with this comfort food trend, I’m pretty much in my zone.” Katie adds that their recent adven tures in gardening have increased their respect for farmers and ranchers. “They have such a depth of knowledge,” she asserts. “It’s a lot of work and a lot of money!” She also notes that they aspire to one day plan all their catering menus around what is available locally rather than hunt down sources for out-ofseason requests. Currently the couple work out of kitchens at Patina Green or Local Yocal, both in McKinney. George explains that zoning re strictions pre vent them from building a commercial kitchen on their Lucas property. Although George Catering clients in Dallas followed their favorite chefs to their new venture, George and Katie are now striving to develop relationships with patrons in Collin County as well as develop deeper connections with local farmers.

Table Zer0

where they trust what I do, and that takes time.” This fall their clients can expect some of the same flavorful produce growing in Brown’s own late season garden: sugar pumpkin, Swiss chard, beets, carrots and cabbage. They also enjoy planting heritage varieties, those grown before today’s industrial agriculture-derived and geneticallycontrolled seeds. The couple has another business, Killer Pecans, started in 2006 and managed by Katie. Their products here include roasted and spiced pecans, chocolate-dipped pecans and pecan cookies, all made by hand in small batches. Because of the seasonality of the pecans from San Saba, Texas, George points out that 75 percent of the 15,000 pounds are sold between September and December.

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When a client books The Experimental Table, the locale will either be a special venue or the client’s home. “We bring it to them and cook on site,” George emphasizes. And what he prepares has evolved considerably from the meals he served 20 years ago. “I don’t want to smother something as simple as chicken or pork or beef in ten items like when I was younger. I was making it overly complicated. It’s been an evolution of taste and product.” As much as possible, George and Katie rely on local farms, dairies, ranches, artisanal cheese makers and the like for the products they use to create their meals. “My specialty is not a specific item, but to not mess up good quality products,” George declares. “A chef creates and experiments and moves

Vanessa Zamora explains that the name for her farm-to-table business springs from the food service business practice of numbering tables. “There are 10s, 20s and 30s, but there is never a table 0,” she states. “So we’re the table 0 missing from any dining establishment.” Living most of her life between California, McKinney and Austin, Vanessa developed her appreciation for the business of food when waitressing at the 930 in the W Hotel in Westwood, California, where she became friends with its chef. “He had such a passion for food and the slow food movement that he made it a point to explain it to the servers—why this is where our food comes from and why I choose these ingredients. There was care in everything,” she continues. “He turned me on to the whole foodie movement.” Vanessa’s professional career eventually shifted to online marketing, directing and video production in California. It wasn’t until she became pregnant with son Blake, now almost

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | November 2014

Experimental Table

B U S I N E S S C A R D S 46

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seven, and began pondering family dietary options that she once again explored the world of food and how it impacted not only her family, but also the environment. Then two years ago, she opted to return to McKinney where her mother and stepfather, Yolanda and Ron Ryan, live on several acres. “I had been holding onto my job for security, but I was really unhappy,” she admits. Despite her success in the online marketing world, she found herself in the wholly unsatisfactory position of feeling complacent about her accom plishments. “I started asking, what is it that I love, what am I passionate about doing?” she continues. Inspired by her grandmother’s love of gardening and her step

father’s offer to family members to cultivate their land, Vanessa made a life-changing decision. “I wanted to be more creative and enrich the community; bring people together and see them smile as a result of my creation. So I told my dad, ‘I’m going to start growing things out here and I’m going to have a dinner, have a chef come in, and it’s going to be magical.’” Reminiscing about a large dinner she had worked at years before in California, she recalls, “There was this huge table in a warehouse setting and half was indoors and half was outdoors. They had a chef come in from New York and a local wine shop was doing their wine and a local florist was doing the flowers.” The event had

left a lasting impression and she had a vision of recreating that experience on her parents’ land. Vanessa went straight to work. “So I called my best friend from junior high and high school and said, ‘Hey Carrie, I need your help to build a BIG table.’” Repurposing old barn wood, the two women constructed two nine-foot tables. For the event, Vanessa brought Wes Whitsell from Los Angeles to prepare the food, all sourced from local farms. She excitedly points out that originally from Princeton, Texas, Whitsell had become a successful chef in California at that time and has since moved on to New York. Her first farm-to-table event proved a success and Vanessa was inspired to plunge headlong into her plans to expand. This November will be Vanessa’s sixth farm dinner, with a different chef preparing the evening feasts. “Each is a whole new experience,” she asserts. “The common denominator is that everybody has a ton of fun…and we’ve been blessed with beautiful weather.” The farm dinners are hosted in spring and late fall when both temperatures

and grasshoppers are more likely to be cooperative. Vanessa also established Lake Forest Farm on approximately 1.25 acres of her parents’ land. Once the gardens flourished, she set up a farm stand that is open Thursdays and Saturdays for selling her produce, as well as produce and other foodstuffs from other local small farms. In its second year, the farm not only has several large garden plots, but also bees for honey and chickens for eggs and Vanessa coordinates a CSA

(Community Supported Agriculture) co-op incorporating other area growers. For this year’s fall garden, she planted pumpkins, beets, carrots, kohlrabi, bok choy and greens. She notes that she selects seeds that are organic and non-GMO. Vanessa laughs recalling the early days of the farm stand. “It would just be crickets, crickets, crickets….” Now the stand can no longer keep up with the demand for her free-range eggs and the growing call for locally grown organic produce is edging there as well.

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Her stepfather has also contributed to the farm project with two covered aquaponic systems that he and a friend constructed. Each structure includes an enclosed water tank with 100 fish each, pipes to circulate the water and beds to grow the plants nourished by the fish waste. She points out that this selfsustaining system turns into a “jungle” at the height of the growing seasons. “We don’t have to deal with weeds here and things grow three times as fast,” Vanessa boasts of Ron’s project. “We have found cabbages in there that

are huge!” she adds while holding her hands out to indicate something beachball-sized. “And the cool thing is you not only get the produce, but you can also farm the fish!” This covered area serves double duty by sheltering not only fig and lemon trees and goji bushes, but more traditional garden fare like herbs, tomatoes and peppers. Earlier this year, Vanessa joined forces with her boyfriend, Aaron Redlitz. A chef in San Francisco prior to moving to McKinney, Vanessa

points out that in California he had worked at a number of underground food events. Establishing Table Zer0, creating the farm meals at the homes of clients or venues chosen by them, seemed a natural progression. “We came up with the idea on a Wednesday and by that Saturday, we had our first brunch…in a historic home in downtown McKinney,” Vanessa declares. “We had maybe 20 guests and it was amazing.” Word quickly spread and the two were soon booking several weekend dinners a month. As their growth continues, Vanessa aspires to bring on additional guest chefs as needed, but emphasizes, “It will be a slow process because I want to make sure the quality is maintained.” Although she describes herself as being passionate about cooking, for her Table Zer0 dinners, Vanessa leaves that responsibility to the chefs. Generally, menu selection is a collaboration between her and the chefs, with care to consider available seasonal produce. “We work together,” she concludes, “but it’s their show.” A certified yoga instructor, Vanessa is also pondering the possibility of hosting a yoga event on the farm. “You do a yoga session and then you sit and eat and have community,” she explains. “So you are connected with your body and your food. And I’d like to have an ayurvedic practitioner do the food.” Alice Waters, a pioneer in the fresh food movement, said, “It’s around the table and in the preparation of food that we learn about ourselves and about the world.” The Experimental Table and Table Zer0 have opened this garden gate for diners in Collin County. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

To learn more, go to: www.experimentaltable.com www.killerpecans.com www.tablezer0.com www.lakeforestfarm.com

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Allen Image | November 2014