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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

November 2017

Vol. 27, Issue 11

FEATURES

A TIME AND PLACE FOR HONOR

Florine “Flo” Henry is current president of the Ross Cemetery Association, which was established after the Civil War. It is one of only two known burial grounds for African-Americans in Collin County.

THE HOSACKS IN HONDURAS

The Hosacks are directors of House of Hope—a home and school for children who were disabled, orphaned, malnourished—in Puerto Lempira on the Moskito Coast of Honduras.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

18 CALENDAR 36 KIDS KORNER

Make it a Fabulous Thanksgiving

PET PAGE

Jelly

58 40

24 4

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM 8

Collecting Toys for Local Children

Fire Drill

Music from the Great American Songbook

Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents The Nutcracker

EDUCATION 38

A Tale of Two Cities

Notably North Texas Women’s Chorus

Fast Track

HELPING HANDS 26

What Does Giving Really Mean?

From Trash to Treasure

LIBRARY

St. Jude Craft Fair

JFK Reporter Hugh Aynesworth

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea

Allen Rotary Christmas Parade

Secret Service Agent J. Walter Coughlin

Allen Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Mafia and James Henry Dolan

Lee Harvey Oswald’s Girlfriend

Veterans Day at Ross Cemetery

Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show

Pearl Harbor Survivor and Allen Community Band

Roy Rogers’ Daughter

28 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maggie Tindall

ADVERTISING SALES Alicia Owens

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming Photography

ON THE COVER Baine Brooks and Flo Henry

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42 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb

Heather Darrow

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

Deborah Dove

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

David Hicks

Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

Tom Keener Kathy Litinas Peggy Helmick-Richardson

CIVIC FORUM

Collecting Toys for Local Children

by Matt COBB

housands of toys were dropped-off at Allen Event Center in December 2016 for less fortunate children in the community for Christmas, and the arena will be collecting toys again this year to give back locally during the holiday season. Allen Event Center, in partnership with FOX 4 News and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, will once again hold a Toys for Tots donation drive from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 outside of the arena. “Being able to serve as a toy drop-off location for Toys for Tots is a huge honor,” said David Angeles, the General Manager of Allen Event Center. “The Allen community’s generosity never ceases to amaze us, always making sure local children in need can have the

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opportunity to receive special presents and make memories during the holiday season.” During the Toys for Tots donation drive, the public is invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations by the entrance of Allen Event Center. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will be on-site to collect the donations. FOX 4 will also be at Allen Event Center throughout the evening, doing live broadcasts with updates about the donation drive. Allen Event Center has been chosen as a live broadcast and drop-off location for Toys for Tots since 2010, having collected about 60,000 toys over seven years. “Everyone at Allen Event Center is so thankful for how we’ve been able to impact children’s lives since becoming involved with the Toys for Tots donation drive,” Angeles said. “Toys are being distributed to local kids right here in Allen. So, it’s truly members of the community coming together to help each other.” This year, Allen Event Center is partnering with Allen Community

Outreach, Allen Economic Development Corporation, Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Allen Independent School District and the City of Allen to make the collection drive even bigger. The organizations will have collection locations throughout Allen in November where toys can be dropped off early. Information about the collection locations can be found on AllenEventCenter.com. “We are very excited and look forward to a great toy drive this holiday season,” said Monty Moore, the CEO of Allen Community Outreach. “We know that the gifts we collect will put smiles on the kids who receive them. With the entire community pulling together, this will be the best year yet.” To learn how your organization can get involved with the Toys for Tots drive at Allen Event Center, please contact Brian Nickerson at 972.912.1073 or bnickerson@ alleneventcenter.com. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | November 2017

Safety Lessons for Every Grade

by Chelsey APRILL

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The giggles of 38 kindergarteners ricochet through the hallways at Cheatham Elementary as Allen Fire Department engineer Jason Thorton drops dramatically to the carpeted floor. Hands over his face, he begins an exaggerated roll. Kids squeal with delight as his lanky frame careens with the legs of a miniature desk. “And that’s how you ‘stop, drop, cover and roll,’” declares firefighter Billy Amos, playing the straight man to Thorton’s stooge. They are the final guests to visit teacher Sheri Nelson’s classroom during her annual Community Helpers curriculum. “They relate to firefighters as superheroes,” said Nelson. “They wear fancy ‘costumes’ and have cool gear and do things the rest of us can’t do.” This may be students’ first interaction with firefighters, but Allen

Fire Department’s public education and outreach coordinator Linda Greenidge works to ensure it’s not their last. For 14 years, she’s partnered with Allen ISD to help provide educational programs in every grade, in every school in Allen. While Amos and Thorton continue their instructional shtick at Cheatham, she’s across town at Chandler Elementary to teach fifth graders about common fire risks. A crew from Fire Station 3 is leading the discussion. “There’s something powerful about having the firefighters present this information,” says Greenidge, who taught school for nearly two decades before joining Allen Fire Department. “They’re not just another teacher; they’re the people who experience these dangers every day.”

The lessons are especially timely for older students. From refilling a lawnmower gas tank to cooking a simple meal, kids encounter more fire risks as they approach middle and high school. When firefighters asked for questions, dozens of hands shot up. If you sleep in a loft, where should you put the smoke alarm? How can you escape from your bedroom if the window has solar screens? “The important thing is that they take it home to their parents,” says Chandler Elementary Assistant Principal Chelsea Abboud. “Sometimes you don’t think to have these conversations at home. But, after seeing something like this, kids ask their parents some tough questions.” Greenidge believes these frequent interactions have also led to a drop in juvenile fire setters, as kids become more familiar with the risks (and potential penalties) of playing with flames. “When I first joined Allen Fire Department, we had a lot of schoolage kids starting mailbox and grass fires,” recalls Greenidge. “This summer, we didn’t have a single fire started by a kid.” A healthy fear of fire is a good thing; a fear of firefighters is not. Back at Cheatham, Amos and Thorton are pulling on their bunker gear piece by piece, proving there’s a friendly face behind every whirring air mask. “A lot of students, especially those who come to Allen from another culture or part of the world, may have grown up fearing people in uniform,” explains Nelson. “By seeing firefighters regularly, kids realize they’re here to keep them safe.” Minutes later, Nelson’s kindergarteners get to see these community helpers in action. As Amos prepares to strap on his oxygen tank, his radio jangles with dispatch instructions. “That means someone needs our help,” explains Thorton, quickly gathering boots and helmets from the classroom floor. Kids watch with

wonder as they hurry out the door, as if witnessing the transformation of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson to Batman and Robin. As kids file outside, a boy murmurs something in Nelson’s ear. “Last week he wanted to be a bus driver,” she says, smiling. “Now, he’s decided to be a firefighter.”

Allen Fire Department offers educational programs for all ages. To arrange a presentation or schedule a fire station tour, contact Linda Greenidge at lgreenidge@cityofallen. org or 214.509.4413. v Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | November 2017

Music from the Great American Songbook by Kathy LITINAS

Join the Allen Philharmonic on Saturday, November 11, at First United Methodist Church of Allen, 7:30 p.m., as we present Music From The Great American Songbook featuring special guest artist Teddy Davey. The Great American Songbook, also known as “American Standards,” represents the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century. Although several collections of music have been published under this title, it does not refer to any actual book or specific list of songs, but to a loosely defined set including the most popular and enduring songs from the 1920s to the 1950s that were created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre and Hollywood musical film. Concert selections for this program include music written by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and others. Teddy Davey began singing solos at the young age of four and when he stepped offstage for the first time he told his parents, “This is what I want to do all my life!” And so it began.

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He spent his early years performing in a number of plays and musicals. He moved on to study classical voice and theater at Northwestern University and Milliken

University. He received B.F.A (Acting/Performance) from the University of Texas-Austin. Based in Dallas, Teddy worked early in his career as an actor/writer/ singer/teacher. He has received

numerous awards and critical success working as a performer all over the world. His work included tours with Princess Cruise ships in the Caribbean that visited many ports of call in countries including Italy, the U.K., Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and Turkey. Teddy was the resident singer at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Las Vegas for two years, lead player in “Ba Da Bing!” for 2-1/2 years at the Stardust, Aladdin, Orleans in Las Vegas. He was one of the original Gondolier crew at the Venetian and he also, he fronted “The Kokomo Show” for 18 months at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Thankfully for North Texas fans, what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there. Today, Teddy and his wife own the popular Lakewood hot spot, The Balcony Club, which is home to great live entertainment. We are delighted to welcome Teddy to the stage with the Allen Philharmonic. For tickets and information, please visit www. allenphilharmonic.org. v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO Board of Directors.

From Trash to Treasure Allen Recycles Day is Saturday, November 4 by Chelsey APRILL

Clean out clutter and improve your world during Allen Recycles Day! Sponsored by the City of Allen and Keep Allen Beautiful, this free recycling event provides a safe, responsible way to get rid of unwanted items and ensures reusable goods find a new home. Salvation Army will accept household items and furniture, along with washed and bagged clothing and accessories. Allen High Noon Lions Club will collect prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, reading glasses, frames and accessories. Pet products and cleaning products will go to the SPCA of Texas, while gently-worn shoes (no flipflops) will find a new home through Reuse-a-Shoe. Recycles McKinney will accept gently-used bikes, tricycles and bike accessories. Walkers, rollators, wheel chairs and similar items will be collected by Durable Medical Equipment Exchange. The annual event also protects the environment from dangerous contaminants. Prescription or non-

prescription drugs, over the countermedications and sharps will be collected anonymously by Allen Police. GEEP Electronics Recycling will accept TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, phones, printers and other electronics. Free, on-site shredding of personal documents will be provided by Secure On-Site Shredding. Residents may bring up to five file boxes per household, all clips and binders removed. To participate, bring a copy of your driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and a current

water bill to Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. Volunteers will be on hand to help you unload. If you are unable to bring items due to a disability, contact 214.509.4551 by November 1 to request assistance. A full list of accepted items is available at CityofAllen.org/ AllenRecyclesDay. v Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | November 2017

Snippets St. Jude Craft Fair Come one, come all! The Women of St. Jude will host the 32nd annual Holiday Craft Fair on November 3 and 4. Enjoy two relaxing days of early holiday shopping for handmade items provided by vendors from Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Florida and Louisiana. All proceeds go to support the 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 all the goodies. We have expanded to two buildings and you will find exclusive, handmade items including wooden furniture, decorative glass pieces, homemade scented candles, one-of-a-kind jewelry, floral arrangements, children’s and women’s boutique clothing and purses, gifts for pet and baby, school spirit items, quilts, original ceramic pieces and hand painted decorative art. Also on hand there will be a delicious variety of homemade goodies—cakes, pies, breads and cookies—supplied by our tiny holiday angels, the Sunshine & Rainbows Early Learning Center. If you’re hungry for more, stop by the St. Jude kitchen for lunch where the Women of St. Jude will be featuring homemade soups, chili, baked potatoes and other yummy treats. The very popular Bistro Box and salads will be back again this year!

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and drawings will be held daily for prizes donated by the craft fair vendors. Winners do not have to be present to win. The AMA Food Pantry will also be collecting non-perishable food items to help everyone have a happy holiday season! There will be plenty of free parking and admission is free. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, November 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 1515 N. Greenville Avenue in Allen between Exchange Pkwy. and Stacy Road. For more information visit www.stjudeparish.com. We can’t wait to see you there! v

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The Sugar Plum Fairy Invites You to Tea You are invited to join the Allen Civic Ballet dancers for a very special tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Snow Queen’s Kingdom. Enjoy tea, lemonade and sweet treats as you listen to Mother Ginger read the heartwarming story of the The Nutcracker and meet all your favorite characters. Celebrate this this classic tale and holiday tradition on Saturday, December 2, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Allen. There will be two tea times—11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Allen Civic Ballet dancers will be in full costume ready to visit each table, pose for pictures and sign autographs on anything from toe shoes to Christmas ornaments. Guests will even have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative nutcracker figurine in anticipation of Allen Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker on December 16 and 17 at the Allen High School Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices for the Tea range $15, $20, $25. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to visit AllenCivicBallet.org for tickets and like them on Facebook.com/AllenCivicBallet to get the latest information and updates. v

Snippets

Annual Allen Rotary Christmas Parade Entries are now being accepted for the 2017 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade. The parade, which is sponsored by the Allen Sunrise and Allen Noon Rotary Clubs, will be held on Sunday December 3, starting at 2 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Storybook Christmas.” Local youth groups, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are welcome to march or enter a float in this year’s parade. Entry fees are $40 for non-profit organizations and $50 for commercial businesses through November 22. Entry fees increase by $10 on November 23, with the final entry deadline on Monday, November 27 at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the parade fund charitable Rotary projects in the Allen community. Entry forms are available online at www.allenrotary.org or www.allensunriserotary.com. The completed forms should be delivered or mailed with payment to the Sandifer Law Office, 201 W. Main Street, Suite A, Allen, Texas 75013. Forms will be accepted in person Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You should receive a confirmation email once your registration is received. The parade route will begin at North Cedar Drive at St. Mary’s Drive and proceed south to Main Street, head west on Main to Allen Drive and then north on Allen Drive to the traffic circle at St. Mary’s Drive. A grand prize will be awarded along with “best of” awards in eleven different categories. For more information visit www.allenrotary.org. v

Allen Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa As is tradition, a community-wide pancake breakfast will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Allen and Allen High School Key Club to help kick off the Christmas holiday season in Allen. This year’s Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa, which will include pancakes, sausages and drinks, will be held, 7:3010:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, at First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott Drive. As a special treat for children, the ol’ jolly man himself—Santa Claus—will be available to hear Christmas wishes and pose for photos. Music and entertainment will also be provided. Advance tickets are available for a donation of $6 adult and $3 child (ages 5-9) from any Allen Kiwanis member, or $7 adult and $4 child at the door. All proceeds benefit the many Kiwanis Club of Allen programs, which primarily help support the needs of local children in the community. To learn more about the pancake breakfast and Kiwanis Club of Allen, please visit AllenKiwanis.org or call 972.727.5650. v Allen Image | November 2017

Snippets Veterans Day At Ross Cemetery Southeast of the more visible Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney, Ross Cemetery was established after the Civil War, one of only two known burial grounds for AfricanAmericans in Collin County. Carson Doss of Allen has organized a Veterans Day program for this year at Ross Cemetery. The event will be hosted 9 a.m. Saturday, November 11.

17th Annual Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show Don’t miss this incredible shopping opportunity on Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at St. Gabriel Community Center, 110 St. Gabriel Way in McKinney. Sponsored by the St. Gabriel Women’s Club, there will be over 80 artisans displaying and selling unique items that are all handcrafted. You will find Christmas and home décor, jewelry, paintings, decorative art, clothing for children and adults, scented candles, pottery, holiday wreaths, woodwork, gifts and more! There will be a raffle of vendor items throughout the day. A delicious snack bar and lunch will be available for hungry shoppers. Also, stop by the bake sale booth, which is sponsored by the Women’s Club, for delicious desserts. This is a great place to start your holiday shopping or to find that special item you can’t resist.

Included in the morning’s line-up will be: • Collin County Judge Keith Self, West Point graduate and retired Lieutenant Colonel, master of ceremonies • McKinney Mayor George Fuller, declaring November 11 to be McKinney Ross Cemetery Veterans Day • Plano Blair Harding American Legion Post Number 321, Honor Guard • Pastor Chris Thornton, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, invocation • Flo Henry, opening comments • Buffalo Soldiers Cavalry Group, a brief history of the Buffalo Soldier • Samuel Thornton, representing Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle group • Pastor Louis Rosenthal, McKinney First Baptist Church, closing prayer and comments. McKinney American Legion Post Number 110 repaired the flagpoles and purchased new flags, created a permanent marker with the names of the 62 veterans buried in Ross Cemetery, and identified and marked as many veterans’ graves as possible. v

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Admission is $1 (children under 12 are free). Donation of canned goods for Thanksgiving baskets is always welcome. For additional information, please check out www. stgabriel.org/holidayboutique. v

Snippets Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents The Nutcracker The holiday season will be extra sweet for Dallas Repertoire Ballet this year as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their presentation of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 8-10, at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. Audiences have joined Clara and her Nutcracker Prince year after year as they fight the Mouse King and his army, dance with snowflakes and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in the Kingdom of Sweets. In addition to criticallyacclaimed choreography and a cast of over 150 dancers, many of which are from their studio Academy of Dance Arts, Dallas Repertoire Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features costumes that rival that of many professional dance companies. Something new and very special this 25th anniversary year is a “sensory-friendly performance” of The Nutcracker, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. This performance is specifically designed for children with sensory processing disorders like autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome and other special needs. The special performance will have discounted ticket prices and feature special adaptations such as capped/reduced decibel sound, no strobe lights or startling noises, house lights will be lit at half for the entire performance, “quiet areas” for audience members, additional help and guidance from behavioral specialists to assist ushers, security and theatre personnel, ear plugs and/or noise-cancelling headphones and much more. For more information about Dallas Repertoire Ballet/Academy of Dance Arts, please visit www.danceada.com. For Nutcracker tickets, please visit www.eisemanncenter.com or call 972-744-4650. v

Note-Ably North Texas Women’s Chorus What’s the difference between Note-Ably North Texas Women’s Chorus and other women’s choruses? We are a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a celebrated women’s singing organization that provides the best regional and international competition around, music education and professional music coaches for our chorus. We represent Allen, TX at our competition and in local performances all around North Texas. We partner with Allen Arts Alliance in many of their events like the Labor Day Performance with the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, the Allen Art Festival and many other venues. Cocoa, Cookies & Carols is our yearly Christmas variety show that we host and this year we are celebrating Christmas Past and Christmas Present. Performing with us are: Flute Suite and Bassically Treble Chorus, a Young Women in Harmony Chorus from the Colony. This is a family friendly matinee on Sunday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. For more details and tickets, please go to our website at www.nntchorus.org and purchase your tickets. Visitors are always welcome at our Rehearsals in Watters Creek in Blue House Too every Monday at 7 p.m. If you like to sing A Cappella, four-part harmony we can voice place you and you can step up on the risers for an Aca-Awesome experience! v Allen Image | November 2017

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER EVENTS 8-10 Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents, The Nutcracker, at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday, 2 pm (sensory-friendly performance) & 7:30 pm; and Sunday, 2 pm, For more info: 972-744-4650 or www.eisemanncenter.com. 11 Breakfast with Santa & Professional Family Pictures. 9:30-11:30 am at The Peanut Gallery, 1224 E Exchange Pkwy. in Allen. Pancakes and sausage, family fun, holiday arts and crafts and Santa Claus! Free to the public. Professional pictures of family and Santa available to purchase. Please RSVP via Facebook or by calling 972.359-0331.

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 Allen Americans v. Utah Grizzlies 4 Allen Americans v. Wichita Thunder 5 Allen Americans v. Tulsa Oilers

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9 10 11 12 22 24 25 25 26

Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair Allen Americans v. Idaho Steelheads Allen Americans v. Idaho Steelheads Allen Americans v. Tulsa Oilers Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars Allen Community Ice Rink Turkey Skate Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars

PARKS AND REC EVENTS For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 10 Veterans Day Celebration, Allen Senior Recreation Center, 9-10:30 am, all ages. Celebrate the holiday as a tribute to all veterans at this public event. Veterans from all eras are welcome. Free. 10 SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Rec Center, 7-10 pm, ages 18+. Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Texas Country! For info, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Cost: $10 Pre-registration/$15 at 5 pm on Wednesday prior to dance. 20 Letters to Santa. Children can write a letter to Santa and drop it in one of his mailboxes located at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium or Joe Farmer Recreation Center by Dec. 11. Letters will be delivered to Santa and he will send a personal letter to your home! Ages 1-12. Free. 25 The 6th Annual Great Turkey Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, noon to 4 pm, all ages. Join us for various Thanksgiving-themed, on-ice games and

activities, including Turkey Bowling. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Bring a nonperishable item and receive a free skate rental. Cost is $5 entry/$3 skate rental.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Celebrating 50 years!

YOUTH SERVICES Story Times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906. Baby and Me, for pre-walkers with caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos, for 1 & 2 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am. Together Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am. All By Myself, for 4-5 year-olds without caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Pajama Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. 18 In-N-Out Cover-to-Cover Reading Club ends, ages 4-12 only. Register at the Library’s Children’s Desk. Children read five books to earn a coupon for a free In-N-Out treat.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required. Events are in the Children’s Program Room except where noted. 4

Frozen Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am, for all ages. Join us for a Frozen themed story time with songs, crafts and special guests Elsa and Anna!

10 Music and Movement, 10:30-11 am, ages 2 & up with caregivers. We sing, dance, and make music! Limited to 80. Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before the start of each story time at the Children’s Desk. 11 Family Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am, all ages. Enjoy family time with stories, songs and crafts. 14 Homeschool Art Sparks: Journeys in Art 1:302:30 pm, ages 8-12, but all ages welcome. An art appreciation and visual literacy program designed by Allen Arts Alliance. What is a journey? Why do artists portray journeys? Where do you want to explore? 8

First Chapter Book Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-8. Have you read every Magic Tree House book and need something new? Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new series and enjoy a project inspired by what we read.

13 Animal Yoga, 10:30-11;15 am & 11:15 am-noon, ages 3-5 with caregivers. Join us for a relaxing morning of stories and animal-themed yoga. Each program is limited to 40. Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before the start of each story time at the Children’s Desk. 14 How to Draw, 4:30-5 pm, ages 5-8. Learn a new technique and create a new character every month. All materials provided. 7

Make It & Take It, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Join us each month for a new and awesome craft project! This month we will turn empty Altoid tins into handy storage containers using scrapbook paper, modge podge, etc!

16 Explore Horizons Homeschool Workshop, Funny Fairy Tales, 1:30-2:30 pm, recommended for ages 5-8, but all ages welcome. Enjoy funny versions of the classics, exploring characters and basic description. Pre-registration required to attend. To register your family, call the Youth Services Desk at 214.509.4906. 17 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 0-3 with caregivers. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 18 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 5 & up with their families. Build STEM skills and create with LEGO at the library! This month’s theme: pirates! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 16 Wonder Movie Party, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Come celebrate the movie release and the book Wonder with activities and crafts that support the main theme of the book: kindness. 20 Magic of Science, 3-4 pm, ages 8-12. Explore the science behind ‘magic’ using different science-related tricks. 21 Thanksgiving Story Time, 10:30-11 am & 11:1511:45 am, ages 2 and up with their caregivers. Celebrate Thanksgiving and the things that make us thankful at this special family story time with puppet show! Limited to 80 each session. Free ticket is required and will be available 30 minutes before the start of each story time at the Children’s Desk. 22 Rainforest Adventures, 3-4 pm, ages 5-8. Learn about the layers of a rainforest, make a pony bead snake and create your own rainforest in a box! 25 Family Game Day, 10:30-11:30 am, all ages. Have fun playing games with friends and family while gaining problem-solving skills and increasing your creativity. Games for all ages from pre-readers to adults. All games are provided. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Allen Image | November 2017

29 American Girl Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 7-12. Join us every other month for this program celebrating American Girls! This month, we’ll learn about the newest American Girl, Nanea!

TEENS (AGES 12-18) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Ages listed are firm. Around Teen’Scape in November. Check out the teen area during November for take home crafts, quizzes, and fun activities you can do at your leisure! Make sure to stop by November 17-22 and cast your vote for your favorite chip flavor! All voters will be entered to win some delicious goodies. 9

Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, in the Upstairs Program Room. Come enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts!

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room, free with no registration—ages 18+ unless otherwise indicated. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913, or check AllenLibrary.org. 1

Noontime Pageturners Book Club, Dead Wake: the Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson, 12-1 pm. Join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. New members welcome.

Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:308:30 pm. This is a social group for knitters, crocheters, cross-stitchers, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome! Work on your latest project in the company of other crafters. Ages 18+; no childcare provided.

14 Talking History-The Battle of Guadalcanal, 7-8:30 pm. Dr. Donald Mitchener, of UNT, returns to discuss the Battle of Guadalcanal. The first major Allied campaign against Japan during World War II, this six-month battle proved to be a major turning point in the war. Ages 16+, younger children welcome with an adult. 17 Library After Hours: Mystery at the Depot, 7-10 pm, off site at Allen Heritage Center Depot Museum, 100 East Main St. Use your logic puzzle skills to piece together clues. 1920s and ‘30s costumes encouraged. Food for Thought Market and Café will be providing snacks and mocktails. A collector’s edition Murder on the Orient Express is a prize for the winner! Free registration limited to the first 50. Call reference desk, 214.509.4905 or register at AllenLibrary.org/MysteryattheDepot. Ages 18+; no childcare provided. 18 DIY@APL-Book Trees, 10-11:30 am. Turn a book into a cute Christmas tree that is perfect for decorating your space for the holidays. All supplies will be provided. Ages 12+. 28 Armchair Travelers Visit Cuba, 7-8:30 pm. Come explore the world, without ever leaving Texas! Join Stephen Whitley, who visited Cuba the first time in 2016, and Frozina Goussak, who grew up in Havana, as they share stories and pictures. See the beautiful beaches, historic universities and vintage cars that make up the charm of this island nation, which was largely shut off to Americans for decades. Cubaninspired snacks will be served. Ages 16+, younger children welcome with an adult. 29 DIY@APL-Santa’s Workshop, 10 am-noon. We have the perfect way to complete your gift list. This year’s theme: All about Nature! We will use the beauty of nature to create handmade gifts that are great for teachers, co-workers & friends. We’ll listen to holiday music and have great door prizes too! Ages 16+

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CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com. Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www. allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets the 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Association of University Women-Plano/ Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month,

6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460. Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Road. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms. aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. For more info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu.

Collin County Republican Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets the third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits. For more info: 972.398.3478. Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Gaslighters Book Review Club meets the third Wednesday every month September thru May at the Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments at noon, speaker at 1 pm. For more info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org.

Allen Image | November 2017

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, 2nd Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. October program: Rick Wells, owner of Rick’s Chop House and Harvest. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

Prelude Clubhouse, a community center for adults living with a mental illness meets at Vintage Church on E. Lamar Street, McKinney. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm. For more information, please call 469.301.6639 or www. preludeclubhouse.org. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org. Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area. For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm. B1116. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org.. Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church, Rm B202. For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets second Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org.

Moms in Prayer, join worldwide prayer movement— bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net..

Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 Central Expy N #501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us!

NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425.

Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. For more info: Jerry or Carla, 972.837.6558 or pony100k@ icloud.com.

United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets second Tuesday each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join. October program: Brittany Underwood, founder and CEO of the non-profit Akola World Project. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday every month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com.

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Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

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

HEALTH Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings. Days and locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. National Alliance of Mental Illness Collin County Support Groups meet every Thursday evening, 6:308 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church in the basement, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:158 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com/news. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com.

The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group. All welcome. For more info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. For more info: www.cchba.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www. planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free, email Lolo@fit4mom. com. For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. For times and directions: eaa1246.org. Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:3011:30 am, and every Thurs., 9:30-10:30 am, USA Martial Arts, 505 W. McDermott. 1st class free. For more info: 469.854.6872 or Facebook.com/ TrueBlueDanceCrew..

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:3011:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037. Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), at 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations. For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com.

Allen Image | November 2017

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

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

HEARD MUSEUM Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru handson activities.

SENIORS Active Agers 55+ meets 2nd Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (Eldorado at Ridge). Pretravel meeting monthly to plan activities from day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the opportunity to make new lasting friendships. For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@ sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net. Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

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Singles Mingle 60+, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney. This group is to provide a social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ALLEN/FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quarterly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets 2nd Monday every other month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Kelly’s at theVillage, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, Fairview Town Center, 311 Town Place, Fairview (former location of Wyland’s Ocean Blue restaurant). $1 member/$5 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets 2nd Thursday every other month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Allen. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Breakfast, meets monthly at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 1790 N. Central Expwy., Allen, 8 am. $15 members/$20 non-members. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org.

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

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

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Allen Image | November 2017

HELPING HANDS

What does

GIVING

Really Mean? by Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr

llen Community Outreach (ACO) means many things to many different people. To our donors, it means a charity that makes it possible to “give where you live” and support local missions to prevent hunger and homelessness. To our volunteers, it means a solid organization, which provides opportunities for local residents and businesses to “give back” by donating time and resources to develop and increase programs and services for families in need. And to those families in need, it means an agency with trained professionals to provide counseling, assistance and the programs to lead them out of crisis and on to financial security.

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Since 1985, ACO has been the safety net when families need financial assistance with rent and utilities to stay in their homes. We have been the place to provide weekly free fresh fruits and vegetables and bread, and a monthly shopping trip to stock up on meats, dairy items, canned and dry goods and household products through the ACO Food Pantry. We have provided free clothing for kids to go to school, and is the place for mom and dad to get clothes for interviews or work through the ACO Resale Shops. During the holidays, ACO means even more to these families who are facing hardship during what should be a joyous time of year. Without our holiday programs, families might go hungry on Thanksgiving, Christmas and other celebrations. These families would not have new clothes, shoes, coats and gifts for their children at Christmastime. Each year hundreds of local families receive specially-packed holiday dinner grocery bags, and hundreds of children and teens receive new gifts and clothes at Christmas. It is already that time of year again, and ACO’s Holiday Food Drive is gearing up for November and December. Food items for a traditional turkey dinner are packed for distribution the week before Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. You can give through donations of food to the pantry, give of your time to help sort and pack food and by making a financial contribution. For more information and a list of items needed, visit our website. ACO’s Christmas Adoption Program is now open to donors. We depend on the generous support of residents, families, businesses, churches and other organizations to partner with us to provide much needed clothing and gifts. Donors can “adopt” online a child/teen to provide new, warm clothing items for Christmas. Donors will be matched

with an individual and given the clothing sizes and needs for that young person. Return your gift bag and we will make sure the parents have these gifts to put under their tree on Christmas Eve. Details and adoption forms are available on our website. New this year is a partnership that ACO has developed with the newly formed Collin County Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots has had a presence in Allen for years and locally collected toys have gone to Dallas to be distributed. Now, a local group has formed and ACO is excited to assist in their collections and distribution. All toys ACO collects this year from the community will be passed on to Collin County Toys For Tots and their distribution program, allowing us to concentrate on the vital, basic needs of families during the holidays, which is food and clothing. Still, donation drop offs will be located at the Allen Fire Stations—our partners for the Toys For Tots drive. Donors through ACO’s Christmas Adoption Program will not be asked to include toys in their gift bags, only

the critical clothing needs of the child or teen. While our giving season is year round, now is a critical time to ask the community to give where you live and help to provide relief to struggling families, bringing some joy and happiness to children this holiday season. If you have time to volunteer visit our website to complete the volunteer application. Pick up a few extra items each time you grocery shop for the ACO Food Pantry. Go online today to adopt a child this Christmas and provide new clothing, or make a financial donation through our secure website. Please give donations of your time, food and gifts and financial contributions. There are hundreds of local families counting on you. Allen Community Outreach is located at 801 E. Main Street in Allen TX, phone 972.727.9131, www. acocares.org. v Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr is the Chief Operating Officer for Allen Community Outreach. Allen Image | November 2017

LIBRARY

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

JFK

JFK Reporter Hugh Aynesworth

Secret Service Agent J. Walter Coughlin

Hugh Aynesworth, author of November 22, 1963: Witness to History, was the only journalist to witness the assassination of President Kennedy and both the arrest and murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. He covered the assassination and its aftermath as a Dallas Morning News reporter. A four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Aynesworth will speak at the library at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 9 in a free program.

J. Walter Coughlin, former Secret Service agent to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, Vice President Humphrey and other dignitaries, shares his memories of those harrowing times at J. Walter Coughlin is to the 7:30 p.m. Thursday, right of the English bobby. November 16 at the library. Coughlin was a U.S. Secret Service agent from 1961 to 1977. He was a member of the advance team for Kennedy’s famous trip to Berlin. It was here where the President delivered one of the more famous speeches in American history, declaring “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner) to an enthusiastic crowd. This was when West Berlin was surrounded by communist East Germany. Walter accompanied the President as the motorcade drove by the Berlin wall. In November 1963, Walter was assigned to the Secret Service detail during President Kennedy’s stop in San Antonio. As the Kennedys flew to Ft. Worth for the next part of the Texas tour, Walter departed for Washington, D.C., where he heard the devastating news of the President’s death. Later, Walter protected President Johnson and VicePresident Humphrey. He accompanied Humphrey to Viet Nam and his visit to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968. In 1973, Walter was assigned the agent in charge of Dallas office. After retiring from the Secret Service, he served as a security consultant. v

With the sleuthing skills of a twentieth century Sherlock Homes, Aynesworth was the first reporter to establish Oswald’s escape route and uncovered his Russian diary. Reporting how Oswald paid a threatening visit to the FBI office in Dallas only days before the assassination, he impressed the American public with his tenacity. CBS News Face the Nation moderator/anchor Bob Schieffer declared, “Hugh Ayneswoth knows more about this tragic story and the reporters who reported it than anyone I know. A splendid piece of work.” Aynesworth later worked for the Washington Times, Newsweek and ABC’s 20/20. Penning The Vengeful Heart (2000) and Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer (2000), his investigative skills unraveled tragic details of the Ted Bundy saga. Copies of November 22, 1963: Witness to History will be available for purchase and signing. v

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Mafia and James Henry Dolan

Lee Harvey Oswald’s Girlfriend

James Henry Dolan was associated with the top Mafia bosses during the time of the John F. Kennedy assassination. His son, Jim Dolan, will share his perspective on his father and those times in a free program at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, at the library.

In her memoir Lee and Me: How I Came To Know, Love, and Lose Lee Harvey Oswald, Judyth Baker insists that Oswald did not murder President Kennedy in November of 1963. Come hear Judyth recount her story at 7:30 p.m., Monday, November 20, in a free program at the library. For security reasons, Baker lives overseas and rarely makes live American appearances, so take this rare opportunity to hear her speak. Baker met Oswald in 1963 while working for Dr. Alton Ochsner, the former president of the American Cancer Society, and they became romantically involved. Baker explains that Oswald was also part of the Ochsner project. According to her book, the cancer research helmed by Ochsner was connected to efforts in bringing down Cuba’s then-president Fidel Castro through biological means. The goal of the project was to inject the guerrilla leader with a fast-spreading cancer.

Until the mid-1960s, the Dallas underworld enjoyed a tacit agreement with law enforcement. For a price, some officers looked the other way at drugs, alcohol, gambling and prostitution violations. When the reigning Dallas underworld boss, Benny Binion, departed Dallas for Las Vegas, Mafia interest in Dallas surged. While in Dallas, James Henry Dolan worked for the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), a union for jugglers, strippers and comics and, more importantly, a front for the mob. Jim suspects his father’s assignment was to turn over the Dallas underworld to Carlos Marcello in New Orleans. During the days immediately before and after the JFK assassination, James Henry Dolan was not living with his wife and children at their home in Oak Cliff. After JFK was murdered, the FBI descended upon the Dolan house and searched it, but James Henry Dolan had vanished. Jim Dolan notes, “I will present my memories of this period and we will walk through some of the material gathered by the government and other researchers into the period 1958-1963. Even after his death in 1984, details have emerged from my father’s life which point to the dense cloud of coincidence that have caused many to conclude a conspiracy in the assassination.” Jim is interested in talking to anyone who knew his father and has stories to share. v

Baker argues that Oswald was not the confused psychopath depicted in history books, but was an undercover double agent. “The Lee Oswald I knew admired the President and risked his life to save the President,” Baker said. She notes that he told her of the Kennedy assassination plot in conversations that they had up to two days before November 23, 1963. Two days after Kennedy’s murder, Oswald was shot to death by Jack Ruby, denying Americans the opportunity to see a criminal trial that would have explored the evidence against Oswald. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | November 2017

Pearl Harbor Survivor and Allen Community Band William “Bill” Hughes was asleep in the radio operator bunk room of the USS Utah when a thunderous explosion almost threw him from his cot. Today, the 95-year-old veteran still has vivid memories of that day— December 7, 1941—when a wall of Japanese warplanes appeared, dropping bombs on Pearl Harbor. “At 7:55 a.m. [Hawaii time], we were hit by two torpedoes, 20 seconds apart,” Hughes recalls. Now, he honors the heroism of those around him, including some who ferryed personnel from the doomed ship. Listen to the harrowing tales of Pearl Harbor survivor Bill Hughes and patriotic music performed by the Allen Community Band at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 11, at the library. The concert will begin with the “National Anthem,” led by Chris Xeros, Korean War veteran and

founding conductor of the Richardson Symphony and Allen Philharmonic The band’s first selection will be “America Triumphant March,” by Keith Latey. The second song, “Armed Forces–The Pride of America,” honors all branches of the armed services. During this piece, members of the audience are invited to stand as the musical theme of their respective branch of service is played and the flag is presented on stage. Henry Fillmore’s “America Exultant” follows.

The concert will conclude with the Texas premier of “The Greatest Generation.” Scored by Robert W. Smith for the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, this stirring piece was premiered in Honolulu. Leaning on the patriotic melodies and accompanying narration, it salutes those who served in World War II and have been referred to as “The Greatest Generation.” This free program is sponsored by the Allen Public Library, VFW 2195 and the Allen Community Band. v

Roy Rogers’ daughter rides back to Allen Cheryl Rogers, daughter of film, television and rodeo icons Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, returns to the library at 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 10. She will present a free program, The Trail of Robin Hood, a 1950 film starring Roy Rogers, Trigger, Penny Edwards, Jack Holt, Allan Lane and a host of famed B-western film stars, along with an uncredited appearance of Cheryl. The music soundtrack is performed by Roy Rogers and The Riders of the Purple Sage. Filmed in California’s San Bernadino Mountains and Big Bear Lake, the Trucolor photography offers stunning scenery. Cheryl reminisces, “I had a crush on Allan Lane’s horse, Black Jack.” Allan

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Lane was later the voice for the second most famous horse in television history—Mr. Ed. Cheryl appeared in the History Channel’s When Cowboys Were King. She is also the co-author of AllAmerican Cowboy Grill, featuring recipes from “reel and real” cowboys.

Her autobiography Cowboy Princess: Life with My Parents Roy Rogers and Dale Evans tells the story of America’s most famous cowboy and cowgirl. Accompanying Cheryl will be Brown Jug Reynolds to discuss his career as a child actor and his role as Trigger’s rider. As an adult, he trained Shadowfax for the Lord of the Ring film series. Brown Jug appeared with Roy Rogers and Dale in The Yellow Rose of Texas (1944) and Song of Arizona (1946). His most memorable role was as Little Beaver in the Red Ryder film series. Brown Jug will bring his original Red Ryder BB Gun, which is the basis of the plot in A Christmas Story (1983). v

MARKET PLACE

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FEATURE

The Hosacks in Honduras by Deborah DOVE

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magine living in an isolated, marshy jungle only accessible by boat or plane with no air conditioning or hot water. Your electricity is provided by a giant generator, but it doesn’t work all the time—typically cycling off 1 to 9 a.m. There are no paved roads and you wash your clothes on an old-fashioned washboard. Now, imagine doing all that while raising thirty kids, many of them with some sort of physical disability, ranging in age from eight months to twenty years old. This is the life that Steven and Lauren Hosack have chosen, or perhaps it’s the life that has chosen them. Steven and Lauren started dating in 2004, when both attended Allen High School. Steven, who was a year ahead of Lauren, went to Texas A&M, and Lauren followed him a year later. However, during the summer between graduating high school and starting college, she took a trip that would change the course of both of their lives. Tom Brian, an Allen dentist who attended First United Methodist Church with both Steven and Lauren, had started House of Hope—a home and school for children who were disabled, orphaned, malnourished or didn’t have access to education—in Puerto Lempira on the Moskito Coast of Honduras in 2005. He would take volunteers from the church for weeklong stints to House of Hope to fill in the gaps for the home’s

employees to take some time off. Lauren was on one of these trips in the summer of 2006, and she fell in love with the kids. The next year, she and the other volunteers lobbied to go for longer, so that summer they stayed for two weeks—cooking, feeding babies and playing with the kids. When Lauren—who majored in International Studies with a concentration on Latin and South America—had to spend a semester abroad for her degree, she knew exactly where she wanted to go. After spending a month in a host house in Honduras learning Spanish, Lauren spent the remainder of her

semester at House of Hope. Her now fiancé, Steven, made his first trip to visit her that spring. “That’s when I got where she was coming from,” says Steven. “I knew it was special to her, but I didn’t get it. Then, I visited and I did.” The two married in July of 2010, and shortly thereafter, Lauren suggested they go to Puerto Lempira for a year. Steven wasn’t sold. “I grew up in your typical American household,” says Steven. “My dad worked from eight to five, my mom stayed home with me and my brother, and we went to church every Sunday. I assumed that’s what I would do. Rinse and repeat. I told her it was a dumb plan.” With a laugh, he adds, “Don’t ever tell your new wife she has dumb ideas.” Eventually, Lauren talked him into it. “The only way I got him there was there was nothing tying us to Allen,” says Lauren. Although he had his degree in city planning, Steven hadn’t been able to find a job in his area of expertise, and they were renting an apartment. “God changed my heart, so I said, ‘Let’s do it,’” says Steven. That year was life changing for Allen Image | November 2017

both of them. “We really fell in love with it,” says Steven. “It was different living there. When it’s a mission trip, it’s cool and new and no sleep, and run, run, run. This time, we really got to know the kids and developed relationships with them. We knew we wanted to be there long-term.” They came back to Allen with a renewed determination to live in Honduras long-term and planned accordingly. September of 2017 was their goal. They put together a plan to pay off their student loans. Steven got a city planning job with the City of Plano and Lauren worked for a consulting firm while completing the prerequisites for nursing school. She’d just been accepted to nursing school, secured scholarship money and bought a lab coat when Dr. Brian approached her and Steven about filling in as the directors for House of Hope for a year while the current director, Katrina, took a year off. They said no; they were going in September of 2017. By then, Steven would be fully vested to receive retirement benefits, Lauren would have graduated from nursing school. It was the perfect time. But they met with Tom Brian anyway. Steven gave the chances of them changing their minds about one percent. Lauren’s were higher, at three percent. They

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listened to Dr. Brian, talked to their pastors and families and prayed about it. “Our timing was different than God’s timing,” says Steven. “He said go. So, we went.” Eighty-eight days later, after a whirlwind of fundraising, selling off their belongings and giving their notice at work, they departed for Punta Lempira. It quickly became apparent that Steven and Lauren were the only ones who thought they were just the interim directors there for only a year. “One of the school’s employees kept introducing me around the village as the new director of House of Hope,” remembers Lauren. “I pulled her aside and told her we were just the interim directors. She said, ‘Oh, no. Katrina (the director) resigned. You’re the new director.’” “We were okay with that,” interjects Steven. “Our long-term plan was to stay for fifteen to twenty years anyway. And we knew from experience it was too hard to leave the kids after a year, so we became the new directors.” Life for the Hosacks in Honduras is a far cry from suburbia Allen. Steven and Lauren live in a 9’x16’ room in a guesthouse on the property, with a baby nook for their newborn daughter Penelope. They’ve

purchased a piece of land across the street from the school and hope to raise enough money to build a house by the time Penelope is two. Their day starts around 5 a.m., when Steven wakes up the middle schoolers to get ready for school. Breakfast is at 6:30, followed by chores, and then the rest of the school-aged children go to the school across the street that the House of Hope built, although the government pays the teachers and sets the curriculum. Steven and Lauren spend the afternoons running errands, doing administrative work, taking care of the preschoolers, checking in on the

The Hosacks are volunteer directors, which means they raise their own funds to serve at House of Hope. You can make a one-time or an ongoing taxdeductible donation to support the Hosacks at www.send-hope.org/ donations.

babies and their nannies, and sorting through clothing donations. Dinner is at five, followed by homework and bedtime stories with Lauren, before lights out at 8:30. On the weekends, they often watch Disney movies on a big projector in the rec room, or they all pile into what Steven describes as an oversized pickup truck and go to a swimming hole. Sundays are reserved for church. Although the House of Hope was originally started as a school and boarding house for children with disabilities that prevented them from attending school, it has grown to also include orphaned and neglected children, and children who have families who love them but can’t support them academically. These students go home during holidays, while others live at the school year-round. House of Hope also provides meals to malnourished children in the community. It’s not uncommon for the House of Hope to take underweight newborns from the hospital and house them, and their mothers, until they reach a healthy and sustainable weight. “That also gives us the opportunity to help educate the mothers on how to boil water and sanitize bottles, and the moms get healthy too, as many are too malnourished to produce enough milk for their babies,” says Lauren. House of Hope also runs an outpatient feeding program called Kids Against Hunger, which provides more than 500 children with a fortified rice casserole, which is often their only meal of the day. Numerous schools and organizations in Allen and elsewhere support the program by packaging food. It’s a hard life, and one the Hosacks sometime grapple with as they prepare to return to Honduras with their newborn daughter after returning to Texas for her birth. Their work hours are sun up to sun down. Healthcare is a concern—the doctors are good, but the technology and

supplies are often lacking. There are things synonymous with an American childhood that Penelope won’t have, which Lauren confesses bothers her a little. “It’s beautiful,” says Lauren. “There are rolling green hills and lots of rivers, and parts that are jungle. I also love the way of life. It’s easier and less stressful. We’re not always trying to get ahead and get that promotion to buy the next thing.” But most of all, it’s the kids.

“I’m just going to go sit with the babies,” Steven says eagerly of what he’s most looking forward to when they return. “We just fell in love with the kids.” “There’s nothing special about us,” says Lauren. “We just found a place and a people that we love.” “Home is where the heart is,” Steven adds. “And that’s where our home is.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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KIDS KORNER

Make It a Fabulous Thanksgiving by Devborah DOVE From homemade slime recipes to fun crafts and treats for turkey day, we’ve got what to do over Thanksgiving break covered.

For The Love Of Slime Basic Slime Recipe 2 pumps liquid hand soap 2 pumps lotion 1/4 c. shaving cream (not gel) 1/2 Tbs. corn starch 1/4 c. foaming hand soap 1/4 c. white glue 1 tsp. Borax 1 c. hot water Food coloring as desired Mix Borax and hot water together in a small bowl until Borax is dissolved. Set aside. Mix all other ingredients together. Add the Borax and water solution to the other bowl one tablespoon at a time until slime is the desired consistency, stirring, then work with your hands to mix.

Pumpkin Pie Slime 3/4 tsp. Borax 1-1/3 c. very warm water 2 c. white school glue 1-1/2 c. very warm water 5-10 drops of orange food coloring 1-2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice Combine Borax and 1-1/3 cups of warm water in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Combine both bowls until a putty begins to form, working it with your hands to get the desired consistency.

Edible Slime (We don’t suggest actually eating it, but if your kids take a taste or two, it won’t hurt them) 1 Tbs. Metamucil or generic fiber supplement 1 c. of water Kool-Aid packets In a large microwaveable bowl, combine fiber supplement with water and stir well. Add a half packet of Kool-Aid and stir until dissolved. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high until you start to see bubbles (roughly 2 minutes). Continue to microwave the bubbling slime for one minute. Stop and stir, then microwave again for two more minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and allow it to cool. At this point the slime will still be liquid, but it will thicken as it cools. Once it is completely cool it will be ready for play! Repeat instructions for each color/scent you want to make.

Thanksgiving Treats Rice Krispie Turkey Legs 8 c. Rice Krispie cereal 6 pretzel rods 1 bag white chocolate candy melts 1/4 c. butter 1 10-oz. bag of mini marshmallows (reserving 24) Break pretzel rods in half. Melt candy melts according to package directions. Dip just the tips of each pretzel rod in the melted chocolate, and press two marshmallows side by side on the melted

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chocolate. Let set about five minutes. Dip the pretzels back into the chocolate, completely coating (including the marshmallows) except for the tip you’re holding and set on a tray lined with wax paper. In a large bowl, melt the remaining marshmallows and butter in microwave for one minute, stirring until smooth. Add Rice Krispies and stir until combined. Grab a handful of the Rice Krispie mixture and shape into a ball (wear gloves or coat hands with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking). Press the uncoated end of the pretzel rod into the Rice Krispie ball and shape to resemble a turkey leg. Place on wax paper and let set for 15 minutes.

Ice Cream Cone Tee Pees Sugar cones Small pretzel sticks Chocolate chips Parchment paper Leaf shaped and/or Thanksgiving-colored sprinkles Line working surface with a piece of parchment paper. In a small microwave-safe dish, heat chocolate chips on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Carefully break tips off the sugar cones (just enough to fit one or two pretzels inside). Hold the tip off the cone and dip the bottom into the melted chocolate, just enough to cover the edges. Set on parchment paper and sprinkle leaf sprinkles onto the melted chocolate. Carefully hold the center of the cone and dip the opposite side into the chocolate. Break three pretzel sticks into three different sizes, dip the ends into the chocolate, and stick them onto the top of your cone teepee. Sprinkle a few more leaves on the top. Freeze for about 15 minutes to harden the chocolate.

Thanksgiving Crafts Gratefulness Rocks This craft idea from Elmer’s is not only a great craft and decoration for your Thanksgiving table, but is a family tradition you can continue and add to every year. You can even hide them around the house for a post-Thanksgiving feast hunt. All you need are Elmer’s “Painters” Opaque Marker Paints and as many smooth flat stones as you want (find them outdoors, or buy them at a craft store or garden center like Home Depot). Using the paint markers, let kids write something they’re grateful for on each rock, and then decorate the rock with fun patterns or designs. If they paint the rock a background color first, allow to dry for several minutes before writing/decorating.

Paper Bag Tee Pees Decorate brown lunch bags with Native American drawings and symbols. Draw a triangle at the bottom center of the bag and cut along the bottom and one side of the triangle. Fold on uncut side of triangle to create a door. Gather top of the bag and tie with string. Make small cuts along the top of the bag to create a fringe top. v

EDUCATION

Allen and Linden High Schools host a video conference each year to honor victims and first responders who lost their lives.

A Tale of Two Cities Finding Family from Tragedy

by David HICKS

Where were you on September 11, 2001? If you remember the day, the chances are you are over the age of 25. For todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students, however, 9/11 is more of lesson in history and, through no fault of their own, the true emotional impact of that day can escape them. Sixteen years ago in the wake of September 11, students from Allen High School in Texas and Linden High School in New Jersey began a conversation to try and make sense of what had happened and help each other heal. The schools still communicate to this day, but the teachers are now focused on ensuring that the memory of that fateful day is not lost on younger generations.

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The connections between the two schools—known as the Tale of Two Cities program—began just weeks after the terrorist attacks, while the nation was still in deep mourning. Linda Snapp, a technology teacher from Allen High School, reached out to a colleague she had met at a conference earlier that year. His name was Joe Cataline, a technology specialist for the Linden Public Schools, a district located so close to Ground Zero that several people watched from the roof of the high school as the Twin Towers fell. Snapp and Cataline set up a video conference and gave the students the freedom to speak freely and discuss their sentiments and feelings. The one-hour meeting quickly stretched into two, and it was cathartic for both groups involved. “We were all feeling the same emotion during that first meeting,” Cataline said. “The groups of students got together and just talked about what was on their mind, and it was one of the most powerful connections you can imagine. The students

discussed some delicate issues and did so in such a mature way.” The discussion allowed the students in Allen to see exactly how the tragedy had impacted people living in and around New York City. For the students in Linden, the discussion showed that people around the country were also in mourning. “This program made me realize that we were not alone, and that people across the country were hurting just as much as people in New York,” said Justyna Niezgoda, 2005 Linden graduate. “It was inspiring to find unity in this tragedy, and it made me feel better that we turned something awful into something positive.” What was originally planned as a singular event quickly became a reoccurring meeting. Each year on the anniversary of September 11, the two schools host a video conference and discuss the historical significance of the day. The students read poems, light candles in honor of the victims, and a guest speaker shares stories of

what that day was like. The PALs students continue to interact with their counterparts in Linden via video, email and social media throughout the rest of the school year. As the Allen High School PALs Coordinator, JD Walker has helped lead the program since its inception. He says that learning about the events on September 11 is a big component of the program, but it also allows students from two divergent communities the chance to learn more about other ways of life. “The students end up discussing their backgrounds and talk about everything from holidays, religion, politics, traditions and other cultural

? Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Allen students at Linden High School in 2014.

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backgrounds,” Walker said. “They get to learn about the similarities and the differences between the two regions, but also understand that they are all Americans.” Every two years, the schools alternate sending a group of students to visit the other community. This spring, Allen PALs students will travel to New Jersey to meet their Linden friends, stay in host homes, and visit New York City and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. At first, it’s often a culture shock for students when they visit the other community, but it’s a way for students to learn about the world around them. Megan Plate, a 2012 Allen High School graduate, said the program helped open her eyes to the world around her. “It was a really important lesson to learn about other people and cultures, especially before leaving for college,” Plate said. “The PALs program set up an environment of trust where we felt safe to ask the other students questions and to share experiences. It was an opportunity to appreciate how other people’s differences can be a good thing, and it made me realize what a special place Allen really is.” Plate was in second grade on September 11, 2001. She has some

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A student from Allen, left, and a student from Linden in Allen High School in 2016.

memories from that day, but for her, the true emotional impact of what happened became reality on the 10th anniversary in 2011. Megan and two of her PALs classmates from Allen attended the solemn ceremony at the National Memorial in New York City, and it was a moment that will stay with her for the rest of her life. “We were standing shoulder to shoulder as the names of the deceased were being read, and everyone in the crowd, including me, was sobbing. It was heartbreaking,” Plate said. “As sad as that moment was, I’m glad that I was there and able to understand

why it is important to remember that day and to support our fellow Americans who lost so much.” In 2015, Walker, Cataline and Snapp were honored by the 9/11 Tribute Museum for creating an exemplary educational project to help students understand the historical and humanitarian impact of September 11. Even with their efforts, it has become more difficult each year to express the pain of that day to a new generation of students. Cataline likens it to the fact that he does not have the same emotional response to Pearl Harbor as his father did.

According to Walker, it’s his job to ensure that students know what happened that day, and he has his students study how September 11 forever changed the world. AHS senior Parker Primrose is writing his report on first responders and the role they Educators who were honored by the 9/11 Tribute Museum played during the for creating exemplary educational programs. tragedy. “So many first who have gone through the Tale of responders did not run away from the Two Cities program, they faced their problem; instead they ran right fears of what happened on September toward it to help,” Primrose said. “I 11 and turned it into a connection that feel like this is something we can all is akin to family. Next, they’ll make learn from—facing our fears and sure that the memory of those who problems head-on.” lost their lives that day is never For the educators and students

forgotten by younger students. Allen and Linden high schools continue to prove that love, family and friendship will always prevail in the end. v David Hicks is the Director of Communications for Allen ISD.

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Fast Track High School

Student Earns College Degree

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by Heather DARROW

ressed in a vibrant blue gown, with a mortar board on her head and an honors cord draped around her neck, Mary Nguyen took her first tentative steps toward the Allen Event Center stage. Like the other Collin College graduates, she was excited. But, Nguyen was different from those standing with her in the procession line. A 17-year-old high school student, she would be walking across the stage at her college graduation a month before she graduated from high school. It was a moment that she will never forget. “I saw my professors in the audience, and they were all really excited. My parents and family and friends were there. I was proud of myself. I graduated twice in one year. Friday, I walked across the stage, and Monday I went back to high school,” Nguyen said, laughing. Nguyen graduated with honors in both high school and college. She was officially awarded a Collin College associate of science degree in August after completing two summer courses. Today, while many of her high school peers are college freshmen, Nguyen is a junior at Texas Tech University. She is two years and one college degree ahead of other students her age.

volunteering in a dog therapy program at a local hospital. “I saw patients get better. They had breathing tubes, and then they were walking around about to be discharged. Nurses make a huge difference in people’s lives. I realized I wanted to be in that environment,” Nguyen said. Nguyen applied to the PISD Health Sciences Academy and began taking Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) dual credit classes in addition

to advanced placement and honors classes. Many students might have stopped adding courses at that point, but Nguyen opted to give up her social life and take additional college classes. “I thought why not take classes at Collin, shorten my time at a university and earn my associate degree as well. Taking EMT classes in high school and normal high school classes and going to Collin at night was really tough,” she admits.

Refining the Fast Track Recipe Nguyen’s parents left their homeland during the Vietnam War and settled in the U.S. Her mother wanted to become a nurse, but opted to raise her children and continue the engineering career she had prior to immigrating. As a young girl, Nguyen decided she wanted to do something in the medical field. With her mother’s encouragement, she began Allen Image | November 2017

While she was driven to earn a college degree before she attended a university, Nguyen also wanted the typical high school experiences. “Collin College is close, so I got to stay at home and be a normal kid. Some people graduate from high school a year early and then go to Collin to get ahead, but I wanted to experience prom and be in high school, so I decided I would just do it all,” she said. Nguyen took college classes in the evenings and each summer, and she discovered hidden benefits. Information overlapped in her EMT, high school and college biology and anatomy and physiology classes. Each time she reviewed cell anatomy and function, the immune system and the electron transport system she had a greater mastery of the information. “Taking the classes at the same time helped. Collin College classes are

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amazing. The professors are very helpful. They do not want you to fail. They are always there if you have questions. I liked the in-depth lectures and the math lab,” she said.

Saving Time and Money Nguyen says she was impressed with the free tutoring she received at the college’s math lab. She also borrowed text books from the library to do her homework. “The same classes you can pay hundreds of dollars for cost me 10 times less. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that at all. You might as well go the smarter route. I know a bunch of university students that come to Collin College in the summer. The classes are not easier. You are saving money, so I don’t

understand why you wouldn’t do that,” Nguyen added. Living at home and saving money on tuition, books and tutoring are not the only ways Nguyen will benefit financially. She has the skills and the national EMT certification to work in a field she loves, and she is several steps closer to nursing school. “My parents are very supportive of what I do. In the end, I am very glad I did it. It will help my parents out a lot financially. They will not have to pay hundreds of dollars for classes, and I will be able to earn $20 an hour as an EMT.” For more information about dual credit classes at Collin College visit https://www.collin.edu/ gettingstarted/dualcredit/. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

MARKET PLACE

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FEATURE

Time and Place for Honor by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

John Jones

Heading north from Allen on Highway 5, you will pass an almost-forgotten plot of land on the southern end of McKinney. Today, thanks to the efforts of both friends and strangers to this piece of Collin County history, Ross Cemetery is now being resurrected. Southeast of the more visible Pecan Grove Cemetery, Ross Cemetery was established after the Civil War, one of only two known burial grounds for African-Americans in Collin County. Florine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Floâ&#x20AC;? Henry, current president of the Ross Cemetery Association, explains the site was originally

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referred to as the Colored Peoples Cemetery. The trustees officially purchased the first three acres from Pecan Grove Association on June 8, 1895, for $105. Eight years later, an additional 2.68 acres were bought for $81.40. In 1955, Pecan Grove Association Corporation deeded another 2.3 acres to the Ross Cemetery Association because of dwindling available burial spaces. A .315-acre adjustment was then made in 2004 to circumvent several fencing issues involving both Pecan Grove and Ross. Although there is no definitive explanation for the name of the cemetery, Flo notes that she and Dr. Willie

Wattley located what are seemingly the graves of two sisters with the last name of Ross, the oldest being Hannah. Through the remaining 19th century and over half of the 20th century, most of Allen’s AfricanAmerican residents were buried in Ross Cemetery. Research has uncovered evidence of over 1,000 people having been interred at Ross, and latest findings show 62 of these are known American military veterans and at least one is a historic Buffalo Soldier. “His name is William Faulkner,” Flo points out. “They say there is another one, but I haven’t been able to find his grave.” As the more prominent cemeteries began to open their land to non-white occupants, interments at Ross gradually decreased, and then stopped. As the loved ones of those buried there passed on or moved away, the memories of this historical graveyard diminished. Overrun with a tangle of tall grass, shrubs and vines, Ross Cemetery gradually became a site for illegal dumping. Tombstones were knocked over and even stolen. Many older wooden markers simply rotted away. Today, a number of the graves are unmarked and a significant number of people buried there unknown. In July of 1999, Flo was approached by the late Dr. Willie Wattley—a long-time McKinney City Councilmember and Mayor Pro-tem and then president of the Ross Cemetery Association—to restore Ross to its former glory. “I said ‘yes’ but I hadn’t seen Ross in years,” she reminisces. “When I got out there, I couldn’t believe the condition it was in, and that’s when it all started.” The daughter of Mozelle Holmes and Samuel James Thornton, a military veteran and prominent McKinney minister, Flo rounded up

volunteers to help clean the cemetery where her parents and other family members were buried. This first effort took place in August 1999. She quickly discovered the challenges of finding volunteers willing to maintain their efforts over a period of time was as daunting as the cleanup itself. Although disappointed, Flo was not deterred. She continued seeking out and enlisting other volunteers, but over time, Ross again fell into disarray. Ten years later, an effort to locate the grave of John Jones, the only known black U.S. Army World War I

veteran from Allen, proved to be the impetus for the next step up for Ross. Allen historian and Allen Public Library Cultural Arts and Marketing Coordinator Tom Keener had been interviewing Allen native Nancy Robinson to collect stories about the town’s African-American community. But, Nancy refused to talk further when questions about her father were posed. Tom enlisted the help of another Allen historian Ken Byler, whose family had a close-knit connection to Nancy’s. Just prior to her death, she shared the story of what happened to

Buffalo Soldier, Sgt. Major Paul Allen and Flo Henry.

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her father. To their horror, the men learned that in 1922 John Jones, by then a husband and father of six, had been shot and killed by three local teenagers. Not only was no one held accountable for the murder of Jones, he was buried in an unmarked grave in Ross Cemetery and without military honors. Ken and Tom thought the latter was a wrong that should and could be righted. So the two men went to Ross Cemetery with Nancy’s son, Billy “Rabbit” Robinson, to find Jones’ grave. Although where he had been buried was uncertain, the Robinsons knew that his wife Addie had been buried next to him and her grave had been marked. “We squeezed through a gap between the gate and the fence and started to fan out looking for Addie’s

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grave,” Ken recalls. ”And we were amazed at how bad the cemetery had been vandalized and how old refrigerators and other appliances had been dumped on top of graves.” “I was about to give up on locating the grave because it was so overgrown, and then Rabbit said we were near it because he remembered it was by this tree,” Tom adds. To their relief the three men soon found the elusive grave. Tom continues, “When Ken and I traversed the cemetery, we noticed all these other graves of veterans and realized they were not being given a proper military ceremony. We wanted to do something that honored them.” The two men enlisted the support of the Allen Heritage Guild. “Paula Ross and Alice Blanchard were putting together a book of men who

had served our country and they added John Jones’s name,” Ken notes. ”The group then decided we should honor those veterans at Ross on Memorial Day in 2009.” To host this ritual at Ross required approval from the Ross Cemetery Association and meeting with Flo Henry, who by this time had been passed the mantle of presidency. With her blessings, preparations for that first Memorial Day ceremony began and interest in Ross picked up momentum. Because Ross Cemetery had never had a flagpole, Ken, along with other Allen Heritage Guild members Ed Bryan and Mike Orr, decided to build and install a 16-foot one. Allen mayor Steve Terrell donated the first flag. The Plano Blaine Harding American Legion Post 321 sent member crews with lawn mowers, weed whackers and rakes to assist Allen Heritage Guild in the clean-up and grave search. It also donated and placed the individual flags to mark veteran graves. With several hundred guests, Ross’s first Memorial Day ceremony included a presentation of the colors by Civil Air cadets, speeches from dignitaries including Flo Henry and Mayor Terrell and a 21-gun salute. In addition, a roll call of known veterans buried there was conducted by Fletcher Sharp, commander of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets, with the names then burned in a military helmet. A group of Buffalo Soldiers, under the leadership of Paul Allen, presented a traditional honoring ceremony. When the flag was lowered at sundown, it was given to Flo as the representative of the wives, mothers and sisters who could not be there. Although the attendance numbers have gradually diminished, a Memorial Day observation is still hosted at Ross every year. Ken emphasizes that at

Buffalo Soldier, Sgt. Major Paul Allen

each, flag protocol has been strictly followed. Baine Brooks, an Allen City Council member and owner of the restaurant Two Rows in Allen, learned of Ross Cemetery in 2011 from Ken. Upon seeing the state of the cemetery, he resolved to acquire adequate fencing for the property. After coverage from several local television stations about his mission, proffers of help began coming in. Fortress Products in Garland made an offer of a sturdy wrought iron fence he couldn’t refuse. “I was asking for just across the front, but they offered to give me enough fence to go around the whole cemetery and that’s 2,220 feet!” Bain asserts. “That’s a lot of fence and probably worth over $50,000. But now I had the dilemma of how I was going to get it up.” After a grueling attempt to

erect the fence with the assistance of a local boy scout troop led to a mere 400 feet of fencing installed, Baine recognized professional help was needed. A GoFundMe account was set up, and soon the needed $12,000 was raised— along with the fence. Carson Doss of Allen is assisting Flo in taking the needed steps for Ross Cemetery to earn non-profit status. The work preserving Ross Cemetery is on-going. There is always grass to mow, bushes and vines to cut back, headstones to clean and repair, burial spots to locate and graves to be identified. Anyone interested in volunteering in the restoration and maintenance of Ross Cemetery should contact Flo Henry at 214.726.2382. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

Allen Image | November 2017

PET PAGE

“Jelly” Jelly is a two-year-old, female, red Doxie/ Chihuahua mix and she weighs 14 pounds. She was rescued from a rural shelter with her three adorable puppies. Her puppies have all found forever homes and now it is mom’s turn, she was a sweet and caring mom, and she would like to turn these loving traits towards a family of her very own. Jelly is active and playful, very smart and she loves to snuggle with her toys and foster mom. She is looking for a home where she can be part of a loving family after raising her own.

Jelly is spayed, up to date on all vaccinations, micro chipped and heartworm negative. If you are looking to add some adorableness to your family and can provide a forever home, please complete an application on our website and her foster mom will be in touch. If you’d like to meet this pretty lady, please submit an online application: http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ adoption-application/. v

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