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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

October 2016

Vol. 26, Issue 10

features

INteriors: modern chic meets classic design

Built around a sparkling blue pool set in a courtyardlike center with several outdoor living spaces surrounding it, the Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful new house is perfect for entertaining and has been used for weddings, engagement parties and photoshoots.

NORTH TEXAS PUB CRAWL

Fifteen years ago, breweries were practically unheard of in North Texas, until Franconia Brewery opened in McKinney in 2008. Then, the brewing scene exploded with more than half a dozen breweries including Tupps Brewery and Nine Band Brewing Co.

special sections

20 CALENDAR 30 sports page 50 KIDS KORNER

Host a Haunted Halloween Party

PET PAGE

Gracie

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum

Art in the Meadow

education

Artful Journey of Sight & Sound

Allen’s Budget Blueprint

12 Orchards Park

style

30 Fall Florals

Bulb and Perennial Mart

Creekwood Pumpkin Patch

AREA Scholarships

17 Chili Cook-Off

library 36

Alabama-Coushatta Indians

Jimmy Wallace and the Stratoblasters

Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts

Tucker Hill Pumpkinville

37 Fusion Folk Americana

Hope’s Door Luncheon

Samba Vida Drum & Dance

Things That Go Bump

Cottonwood Art Festival

Pocket of Time Travel

38 Ocarina Festival

36 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Liz DeBoe

cover photo Larry Fleming

on the cover Ian Larsen, Nine Band Brewing

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contributing writers Matt Cobb Chelsey Aprill Heather Darrow Deborah Dove Tom Keener Lauren Palmer

46 Allen Image © 2015 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area. Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

civic forum

Allen’s Budget

Blueprint by Chelsey APRILL

Conquering a household budget can be challenging enough, so you’re forgiven if your head spins at the thought of managing $211 million in the best interests of 98,000 people. That’s the task City of Allen leaders faced heading into this fiscal year, which begins October 1. While the city’s budget almost certainly dwarfs your own, its principles are familiar: spend wisely, save responsibly, invest in the future, be smart about debt. Allen’s 200-page budget (posted on the city website) lays out the details, but if skimming spreadsheets isn’t really your thing, you’ll find the highlights here.

“We’ve managed to do something that few other cities have accomplished,” said Mayor Stephen Terrell. “During times of our greatest growth—while increasing amenities, adding resources and maintaining excellent customer service—we’ve been able to make a significant dent in the tax rate. I give a lot of credit to our city employees for making sure we maximize our funds without sacrificing quality.” New properties helped boost Allen’s bottom line by $1.3 million, but those homes and businesses require more infrastructure and services—from miles of new sewer lines to new neighborhood parks. Which brings us to….

Income—A Tale of a (Still) Growing City

Spending—The Most Bang for Your Buck

Like most Texas cities, the biggest chunk of Allen’s general fund revenue (roughly 47%) comes from property taxes. Taxable values are determined by the Collin County Appraisal District, while the tax rate (the percentage paid to the city) is set by Allen City Council. This year, council members continued a 24-year streak of lowering Allen’s tax rate—from $0.766 in 1992-1993 to $0.520 in 2016-2017.

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It’s not unusual to spend $100 on a monthly cable bill or $200 on a family cell phone plan. So what would you pay for access to public parks or libraries, or for the guarantee of police and fire protection? “Our budget prioritizes the everyday needs of our citizens while preserving our high service standards—from park maintenance to facility upkeep to the quality services

and programs we provide,” said City Manager Peter Vargas. “We are constantly searching for ways to maximize every dollar collected.” That philosophy allows each Allen homeowner to pay, on average, just $137 per month for all city services—including $50 for public safety protection and $35 for Allen’s parks, trails, library and cultural programs. Other vital services— including everything from computers to light bulbs to the dozens of staff members who process paychecks, inspect buildings, update the city’s website and sweep the floors—is covered for just $52 monthly. Many city services aren’t funded by residents alone—or at all. Allen also uses grants (at least $821,839 in the upcoming year) and hotel occupancy taxes ($1.7 million) to invest in amenities that all residents enjoy. Allen’s many shopping centers and restaurants attract spenders from nearby cities, contributing heavily to $19.1 million in sales tax revenue.

Saving—For More than Rainy Days

Most of the city’s revenue is funneled back into infrastructure and services. But Allen always keeps a

portion in reserves. The reserve balance for 2016-2017 totals $21 million, enough to cover more than 70 days in operating expenses; city policy requires the reserve balance to cover 60 to 90 days. “Reserve funds provide a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as recovering from a natural disaster,” said Vargas. “They also insulate Allen from sudden economic changes that could impact tax revenue.”

Debt—Future Spending for Today’s Needs

A healthy reserve fund has a secondary benefit: it makes the city attractive to lenders. Allen is one of only seven cities in Texas to receive triple-A ratings from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, a result of strong financial practices and conservative spending. “It’s like having a credit score of 850,” said Eric Cannon, Allen’s chief financial officer. “It’s literally as good as it gets.” Just like homebuyers typically take out a mortgage, the city uses debt to address current needs and pay for the cost over time. Voters see the value of this approach; in May, they passed a $93 million bond package to cover the cost of a new fire station, library expansion, recreation center and more. Not only does this practice prevent unpredictable spikes in spending; it can even save money in the long run. “If we waited three years to begin a road project, rising construction costs could add 10% to the budget,” explained Cannon. “By borrowing money, we can start the project immediately and avoid those increased costs.” Read the detailed FY 16-17 budget at CityofAllen. org/Finance. v Chelsey Aprill is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen. Allen Image | October 2016

Orchards Park On the southeast side of Allen, a formerly empty, L-shaped plot of land in The Orchards neighborhood has been transformed into a beautiful neighborhood park with family-friendly amenities that appeal to children and adults alike. And at the end of October, the Allen community will come together to plant trees around the park and officially celebrate its opening. 12

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Named after the neighborhood in which it resides, Orchards Park, located just around the corner from Story Elementary School, at the intersection of Lake Travis Drive and Windmill Crossing, has been highly anticipated by The Orchards residents and is currently nearing the final stages of development. Ground broke on the six-acre park at the end of March, and despite weather delays from this year’s heavy rain, the park will still open in time to celebrate Arbor Day.

Evolution of the Site The City of Allen acquired the land in two separate phases: The first portion of land was dedicated to the city during the original development of the neighborhood and was designated to be developed as a park.

by Matt COBB

The second portion was purchased from an adjacent landowner. “The landowner had originally planned to build a church,” said Laura Demos, park planner for the City of Allen who helped develop Orchards Park. “After those plans were withdrawn, the owner sold a portion of the property to a developer currently building additional singlefamily homes and the other portion to the city so we could make the park larger and include a walking trail.” So the park was designed by the City of Allen to be an asset to the community by offering amenities that will help improve the health and quality of life for residents. A large bright, eye-catching playground with a three-level “megatower” sits on the west side of the park and can be used

by children ages five through twelve. A smaller play structure is available for ages two through five. The playground also includes swings and custom-designed slides. While children play, parents can relax on benches and tables nearby, or under the shade of a pavilion located right next to the playground. For fitness-focused park goers, a looped trail is located in the park for walkers and joggers. To maximize the space and give users options, the halfmile loop is made up of shorter quarter-mile and one-fifth mile loops. A large part of the land on the south side of the park was left as open field so it could be used for impromptu recreation activities. Also, for those who would simply like to enjoy time outdoors, there are plenty of places to sit and relax, such as near the northside detention pond, a low-lying area that can temporarily hold water after heavy rain, helping with flood control. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orchards Park is a great example of master planning efforts that help us develop parks for all of our

Allen Image | October 2016

neighborhoods,” said Mayor Stephen Terrell. “We will have a landmark park amenity for The Orchards neighborhood and the community.” To officially open the new park, a dedication ceremony will take place along with the City of Allen’s annual Arbor Day Celebration on October 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Orchards Park pavilion. The park dedication will include comments from Mayor Stephen Terrell and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Arbor Day Celebration The Arbor Day celebration, immediately following the dedication ceremony, will include a performance of the “National Anthem” by the Allen Community Band, a presentation of the United States flag by the Allen Girl Scout Color Guard, interactive vendor booths and tree plantings. “We were strategic in choosing the location of Arbor Day because we plant 45 to 50 trees each year for the celebration,” said Jesse Simmons, Allen’s city forester. “Because the Orchards Park location was originally slated for private development, the trees and other vegetation had been removed. We knew, with the help of Arbor Day attendees, we could enhance the site after construction with trees to provide shade and create more of a park atmosphere.”

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As if the official opening of a new park, a park dedication and Arbor Day festivities weren’t enough, the City of Allen will be celebrating 15 years of receiving Tree City USA designation for the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in order to receive the Tree City USA designation, a city must meet criteria that show commitment to urban forests, such as a dedication to tree planting and care and observing Arbor Day. “There are over 1,000 acres of parks and thousands of trees in Allen,” Simmons said. “The city is fully committed to its forestry program. And the entire Allen community is invited to come out to celebrate Arbor Day and help plant the donated trees.” The crew pre-digs new homes for the trees while attendees set and plant them, contributing to the on-going dedication the Allen community has to the beautification of the city and conservation of natural resources. Some equipment will be provided on site, but attendees are encouraged to bring gloves and shovels as well. For more details about Orchards Park and the Arbor Day Celebration, please visit AllenParks.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

Snippets The 13th Annual Bulb and Perennial Mart

Creekwood Pumpkin Patch and Community Fall Festival

Each October crowds flock to Myers Park and Event Center to share a passion for gardening and buy some of the best, hard-to-find heritage bulbs and droughttolerant perennials for North Texas. The outstanding selection of perennials and spring, summer and fall blooming bulbs offered are the result of months of hard work for the CCMGA Bulb and Perennial Mart committee members. Join us on Saturday, October 15, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and discover how to bring the beauty of bulbs to your garden. It is a oneday, one-stop shopping opportunity for area homeowners to learn more about, and purchase, beautiful bloomers that are easy-togrow, have been thoroughly researched and are proven suitable for our climate and soil. We will also offer a fine selection of iris and fall/winter blooming annuals and perennials. This is an indoor event, so join us rain or shine at 7117 County Road 166, in McKinney. Visit the CCMGA website, www.ccmgatx.org for more information. v

Allen Retired Educators Association Scholarships Each year the Allen Retired Educators Association presents two Allen High School seniors with a $1000 scholarship to help with their college cost. This year the recipients were Lauren Brechner who will be attending Oklahoma Christian University and Chloe Stevens who plans to attend Texas Tech University. Both young ladies will be working toward degrees in education. v

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Creekwood United Methodist Church is once again hosting a community-wide pumpkin patch and fall festival. Over seven tons of pumpkins will be brought in to create a one-of-a-kind patch and all are available for purchase. The patch is open daily throughout the month of October, from 9 a.m. to dusk at 262 Country Club Road (corner of Country Club and Stacy Road). The Creekwood Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 15, from 3-6 p.m. Attendees will be treated to a petting zoo, hay rides, face painting, carnival games, cake walks, a bounce house, balloon animals, hotdogs, popcorn and much more! Friends and families will have the opportunity to pose for portraits at the big red Creekwood barn, which is believed to be one of the oldest standing barns in Collin County. The events are free and open to everyone. Pumpkin Patch proceeds to benefit the Creekwood youth mission program. For more information, please call 214.229.7555 or visit www.creekwoodumc.org. v

Snippets Chili Cook-Off The Second Annual Hot Tech Chili Cook-Off stirs things up at Tupps Brewery on Saturday, October 15, at the Historic McKinney Cotton Mill. Great chili, beer, live music, technology and entrepreneurs collaborate to benefit The WERX Foundation and the Love Life Foundation. The family-friendly event will include Tupps’ award-winning beer, an acoustic set by Maylee Thomas and George Fuller in the afternoon and Gander Slu will be on stage in the evening. The event will also showcase technology demonstrations from The WERX entrepreneurs and more! The chili competition will be limited to 20 teams, so sign up now. Applications are available at http://www.mckinneywerx.com/chilicookoff-team-register/ or by emailing cindy@thewerxfoundation.com or calling 214.856.4113. Prizes will be awarded for the “People’s Choice Chili” (voted on by the public) and “Best All Around Chili” (judged by local dignitaries). There will also be prizes for the “Hottest Chili” and the “Most Unique Chili.” For complete rules, visit www.mckinneywerx.com. Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.outhousetickets.com/ Event/Event8434/. v

Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show Don’t miss this incredible shopping opportunity on Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at St. Gabriel Community Center, 110 St. Gabriel Way, in McKinney. Sponsored by the Women’s Club, there will be over 80 artisans displaying and selling unique items—all handcrafted. You will find Christmas and home décor, jewelry, paintings, clothing, candles, pottery, woodwork, gifts and more! There will also be a raffle of vendor items throughout the day. A delicious snack bar and lunch will be available. Stop by the bake sale booth sponsored by the Women’s Club. This is a great place to start your holiday shopping or to find that special item you can’t resist. Admission is free! A donation of a canned good for Thanksgiving baskets is welcome. For additional information: www.stgabriel.org/holidayboutique. v

Tucker Hill Pumpkinville One of McKinney’s most popular fall celebrations returns—Tucker Hill Pumpkinville…Your Patch-to-Porch Destination—October 17-31. McKinney Christian Academy will be the non-profit partner and benefactor. All special weekend activities are open to the public—a tractor-pulled hayride; games, activities and music; a petting zoo; face painting; costume contests and more. Due to the construction, Pumpkinville will be relocated just across the street from its traditional location, but near the front entrances off Highway 380. Vintage farm equipment on loan from the Collin County Farmstead Museum and photo vignettes will add to the patch appeal. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Admission to the patch and most activities are free. For additional information, visit: www.tuckerhilltx. com. v Allen Image | October 2016

Snippets

Hope’s Door 30th Anniversary Luncheon Ziziki’s in Lakeside Market hosted the Kick-Off party for Hope’s Door 30th Anniversary Luncheon and Fashion Show recently. Jim Malatich, CEO of Hope’s Door and New Beginning Center, welcomed guests, thanked Natalie McDaniel, Ziziki’s owner/manager, and introduced Janet Dorsett, Chair of the Luncheon and Fashion Show and recognized Honorary Chair, Florence Shapiro. Announcing the merger on of Hope’s Door and New Beginning Center on September 1, Malatich said, Luncheon Chair Janet Dorsett and “This unification Jim Malatich, CEO Hope’s Door and New Beginning Center. will allow us to gain financial efficiencies in our administration allowing us to shift those resources to serve our clients more effectively. Hope’s Door will be able to offer an increased capacity for emergency shelter, additional services including counseling programs and intervention and prevention classes at seven locations in both Dallas and Collin Counties.” Both agencies have provided services to individuals overcoming intimate partner and family violence for over 30 years. The combined organization is a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving all of North Texas. The mission is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and family violence and to provide educational programs that enhance the community’s capacity to respond. Hope’s Door at 860 F Avenue, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75074. Admin: 972.422.2911. Crisis Hotline: 972.422.7233. https://hopesdoorinc. org, and New Beginning Center at 218 N. 10th St., Garland, TX 75040. Admin: 972.276.0423. Crisis Hotline: 972.276.0057. https:// newbeginningcenter.org. v

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City of Richardson’s Cottonwood Art Festival A part of Richardson life for over 40 years, the event features art, food, drinks, music and more. The City of Richardson will host the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival, bringing fall fun to scenic Cottonwood Park Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Considered a premier art show in North Texas, the festival will feature museum-quality exhibits from artists around the country, live musical performances, a creative children’s area and delectable dining choices for the whole family.

Now in its 47th year, the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried show. Jurors have selected more than 240 artists to exhibit their museum-quality work at the festival. The artists compete in 14 categories and their works are available for purchase, as are food and beverages. Cottonwood Park is located at 1321 W. Belt Line Rd., one block east of Coit Road in Richardson. Parking and admission are free. Whether shopping for art, listening to music, enjoying the outdoors or making art of your own, Cottonwood has something for everyone. For more information, go to: www. CottonwoodArtFestival.com; Facebook www. facebook.com/CottonwoodArtFestival; and Twitter www.twitter.com/CAFRichardson. v

Snippets

Art in the Meadow Art returns to the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve from 1 to 6 p.m., on October 16, when the Connemara Conservancy and Allen Arts Alliance team up to present “Art In The Meadow,” an afternoon of art and fun for the entire family. The event is free and open to the public. Approximately ten local artists are scheduled to have their natureinspired work available for purchase in the Connemara Meadow Pecan Grove. In addition, there will be music as well as a variety of family activities including a pumpkin patch for photos, face painters, nature walks, hayrides, mazes and other fall-related activities. For over a decade in the 1980s and 1990s, the Connemara Meadow hosted large-scale sculpture shows as a way to attract people to the 72-acre nature preserve on the southeast corner of West Bethany and Alma Drives. Now, the Allen Arts Alliance will use the natural beauty of the Meadow Pecan Grove as the setting in which local artists can showcase their work.

“Homeward Bound” by Allen’s Katherine LiBretto, one of several local artists that will have their art on display. (Photo courtesy Allen Arts Alliance)

More information on the event, including directions to the Connemara Meadow, is available at connemaraconservancy.org or allenartsalliance.org. v

An Artful Journey of Sight and Sound Join us on October 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, as professional musicians perform while artists demonstrate and discuss their work. Performances begin at 11 a.m. with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band, one of the most unique bands in Texas!

Portraitist David Hobson

Music in Motion gives artists a rare opportunity to create with the inspiration of live music. Twenty artists will exhibit and demonstrate their creative process from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., including sculptors, painters, printmakers and photographers. Odysseus Chamber Ensemble will perform beginning at 12:30 p.m.

This year, Music in Motion coordinates with Rhythms of Pen and Brush Poetry Symposium, which is presented by the McKinney Mockingbird Poetry Society and the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The poetry symposium features a Poems to Songs workshop, poetry readings, an exhibit of art by guild members whose art interprets poetry, and an evening program beginning at 7 p.m., given by Texas Poet Laureate Karla Morton. For more information on the schedule, artists and a complete list of performances, see www.MusicInMotionTX.com. v

Send Us Your Ideas for Interesting Articles Do you know a local resident who has an amazing story or hobby? We’re looking for stories that would be of interest to our readers. If you have an idea you would like to submit, email us at contact@allenimage.com. Allen Image | October 2016

calendar

october events 6 Passionate Hearts for McKinney Arts Gala, 7-11 pm, Eldorado Country Club. An electric evening of dinner, dancing to Tin Man Band and beautiful art donated for an Art Take Away, supporting the Arts and Music Guild and the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts. For more info: www.HeartsforMcKinneyArts. org. 8 The Mockingbird Poetry Society (a chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas) together with McKinney Performing Arts Center and Arts and Music Guild, bring Music in Motion and Rhythms of Pen and Brush for a Poetry Day Celebration, all day, McKinney Performing Arts Center Courthouse Theater, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. For more info: 214.544.4630; http:// artsandmusicguild.com/events/music-inmotion/rhythmsofpenandbrush.

Frisco Arts Walk at HALL Park among the Texas Sculpture Garden, 3-9 p.m. Interactive art performances with singing Disney princesses, street musicians and artists, popup food truck park, community stage with performances by local arts organizations, children’s area with instrument petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games and hands-on activities, docent-guided tours of the Texas Sculpture Garden, mobile audio guide and a concert in the HALL Park Amphitheater with the Good Question band. Detailed stage schedule and activities are available at friscoarts.org/frisco-arts-walk/. HALL Park is located at 6801 Gaylord Parkway, in Frisco.

14 Allen Early Childhood PTA will host an Open House, 10 am-noon, Creekwood United Methodist Church (261 Country Club Rd, Fairview). There will be tons of FREE kids activities: live animals from Grisham Farms, craft, dance activity, awesome door prizes, Pumpkin Patch photo ops and other fun kids’ activities. Mark your calendar and don’t miss it! For more info: http://tiny.cc/AECPTAopenhouse or email publicity@aecpta.com. 14-15 13th Annual Lone Star Storytelling Festival at Frisco City Hall. Nationally renowned professionals and the best of local tellers. Performers range from apprentice to professional, school-age to adult. Storytellers Barbara McBride-Smith and David Novak will light up the festival stage. Tickets are on sale at lonestarstories.org/events and on the first floor of the library. For more information, please visit lonestarstories.org. Learn more about the Library at friscolibrary.com.

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15 10th Annual Halloween at the Heard: A Family Fun Night Fundraiser, 6-10 pm. Halloween event at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. The joy of trick-or-treating along the eerie Dinosaurs Live! Live-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs trail. Fun activities including a family-friendly movie on the outdoor amphitheater stage. Ages 12 and under can participate in a costume contest. Guests should bring insect repellant, flashlights, water-resistant blankets and/or stadium seats. Concessions available for purchase or bring your own picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets available beginning Sept. 30. Event sold out last year, purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 and under. See heardmuseum.org for more details.

Watters Creek CONCERTS BY THE CREEK For more info: In the event of inclement weather, outdoor events will be cancelled or rescheduled. For the most up-to-date information on events, visit the Watters Creek website athttp://www.watterscreek.com or follow the shopping center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Watters Creek Guest Services can be reached at 970.747.8000. 1 Good N Gone. The partner for its “Music Makes a Difference” series is The Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund, a foundation established to provide benefits to Allen police officers, firefighters and paramedics injured in the line of duty. 8 Counterfeit Radio. Come jam as they play hits from the ‘70s through today. 15 Infinite Journey, the hugely popular Journey Tribute Band 22 The Bach Suites. Enjoy a modern take on classical music.

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. 2 Allen Bridal Show (Tickets at the Door) 15 Allen Americans (Home opener) 16 Allen Americans (Post game skate) 19 Allen Americans 21 Allen Americans 26 Allen Council of PTA’s Health Hustle 29 Dallas Sidekicks (Home opener)

Parks and Recreation For more info about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 7

Pumpkin Derby Workshop, 5-7 pm, The Edge Visitor Center, (Computer Room). Need help building your Derby Racer? TEVC will be offering free workshops to help install axles on your Derby Racer. Derby Kits will be on sale for $20 that include hardware and wheels needed. (Pumpkins not provided.) Age: 5-17 years. Free.

8 Community Garage Sale, 7 am- noon, Joe Farmer Recreation Center parking lot. Discover a variety of treasures at bargain prices at this community wide garage sale! Make extra money selling the items you were thinking of throwing away. Become a vendor by registering today. Each space is 17’x10’. Browsing is free to the public. Cost: $20 one space/ $35 two spaces/$50 three spaces. 14 Pumpkin Derby Workshop, 5-7 pm, The Edge Visitor Center computer room. Need help building your Derby Racer? TEVC will be offering free workshops to help install axles on your Derby Racer. Derby Kits will be on sale for $20 that include hardware and wheels needed. (Pumpkins not provided.) Age: 5-17 years. Free. SNAP Dance (Halloween), 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Halloween! Register early, the fee increases to $15 at 5 pm the Wednesday prior to each dance. For more information, contact Lisa Potvin at lpotvin@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4707. Age: 18 years+. Cost: $10. 15-16 Family Night: Camp-Out and Movie, 3 pm-9 am. Joe Farmer Rec Center (Hillside Amphitheater). Families are invited to camp under the stars and enjoy an evening of fun with camp traditions. After setting up camp, enjoy a picnic, play in the park and even trick or treat from tent to tent. Then join us in the amphitheater for a movie at dusk. Cost: $10 per person (2 years and under are free)/$60 cap. 21 Pumpkin Derby Workshop, 5-7 pm, The Edge Visitor Center computer room. Need help building your Derby Racer? TEVC will be offering free workshops to help install axles on your Derby Racer. Derby Kits will be on sale for $20 that include hardware and wheels needed. (Pumpkins not provided.) Age: 5-17 years. Free. 22 Dive-In Movie, 6:30-9 pm, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Grab your friends, swimsuit, noodle and towel, and join us for a Dive-In Movie. While you and your friends swim and float in the pool, you’ll enjoy a great movie experience! Concessions, noodles and tubes are available for an additional cost. Cost: $5 (3-17 years)/$6 (18+ years).

Pumpkin Derby, 10:30 am-2:45 pm, The Edge Visitor Center (East Rink). Join us for the first Annual Pumpkin Derby. A funspirited event with side-by-side races featuring handcrafted, decorated Pumpkin Racers in a display of American ingenuity. Derby Racers battle head-to-head. Prize given for Best Design and awards for 1st and 2nd place in each division. Age: 5-17 years. Cost: $10.

29 Arbor Day Celebration, 9 am-noon, Orchards Park. Join us for an Arbor Day Celebration that includes demonstrations, educational exhibits, kid’s crafts, special appearances and much more!

Halloween Skate, 5:45-7:45 pm, Allen Community Ice Rink. Get in the spirit of Halloween at the Allen Community Ice Rink’s Halloween Skate. There will be candy, raffles and much more. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Those who dress up in their costumes will receive free skate rental. Cost: $5 entry/$3 skate rental. Howl-O-Ween Barkin’ Bash, 1-4 pm, Joe Farmer Recreation Center (Bethany Lakes Park). Dress up your dog and join the fun at the Howl-O-Ween Barkin’ Bash! Enjoy contests, games, raffles, demonstrations and vendors! Have a HOWL of a good time! Interested vendors and sponsors can contact Jon Alvear at 214.509.4754. Free.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Youth Services Weekly 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 w/caregiver, Thur., 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos—For 1 & 2 year-olds w/ caregiver, Mon., Tue. & Thur., 10:15 am. Together Time—For 3-5 year-olds w/caregiver. Mon., Tue. & Thur., 11:15 am. All By Myself—For 4-5 year-olds without a caregiver. Wed., 11:15 am Pajama Story Time—For 3-5 year-olds & family. Tue. & Thur., 6:30 pm (Note the new start time!)

Events for familes/children/ tweens For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no preregistration is required to attend. 2 Family Game Day, 2:30-4 pm, Children’s Program Room. Strengthen family bonds and build critical skills with games for all ages— from pre-readers to adults. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

4 Super Smash Bros. Gaming, 4:30-5:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 9-12. Brawl with your friends during our Super Smash Bros. free play. 8

Family Story Time, 10:30-11:30 am. For all ages. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts during this fun story time for the whole family. Each month features one of our favorite storybook characters or authors! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

11 Homeschool Nonfiction Club, 1:30-3 pm, Children’s Program Room. Recommended for ages 8-10, all ages welcome. We read a nonfiction story and create a project based on what we’ve learned. After our project, homeschool families can enjoy some social time. This month’s book: The Boy Who Drew Birds by Jacqueline Davies. 11 How-To Draw, 4-4:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 5-8. Learn a new technique and create a new character every month! 15 Lego Family Fun Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. Ages 5+ with an adult. Bring your parents and create amazing structures with Lego blocks at the library! Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 17 Dragoncraft, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 5-8. Celebrate your favorite mythological creatures!

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21 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, Children’s Program Room. For ages 0-3 with an adult. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. 24 Art in Action! 4:30-5:30 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 7-12. Create your own work of art using fun techniques! 26 Light Science, 4-5 pm, Children’s Program Room. For ages 5-8. Learn about light with hands-on STEAM activities. 28 Trick-or-Treat Story Time, 10:3011:30 am, Civic Auditorium. For ages 2+ with their families. Enjoy a not-so-scary story time, followed by a trick-or-treat parade around the Library! Wear your costume and bring your treat bucket.

TEENS 10 Button and Magnet Creations, 3-4 pm, Children’s Program Room. For teens, ages 12-18. Create buttons and magnets of your favorite fandoms for you and your friends. 13 Teen Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, 2nd Floor Program Room. For teens, ages 12-18. Join us as we watch anime, eat Japanese snacks and have fun!

ADULTS Adult services programs are held in the 2nd Floor Program Room unless otherwise indicated. All events are free, and there is no registration unless noted. Please call 214.509.4905 or 214.509.4913. 1 Travel Disney, 2:30 pm. Do you want to plan a Disney vacation but don’t know where to start? Michelle Ekrut, of Off to Neverland Travel, specializes in planning that perfect Disney vacation. Join us for an informational program to learn about planning a Walt Disney World vacation, considerations for common travelling parties, and the differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland. 2 Illuminated Letters, Presented by Susan West, Wylie HS Art Teacher, 2 pm. Create beautiful hand-painted letters in the style of old manuscripts. All supplies will be provided. Ages 12+ 5 Noontime Pageturners, noon. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Bring a lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion! A relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. 12 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels are welcome! So, bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters. Twisted Threads meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Ages 16+.

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13 Discover a Healthier You—Mindful Laughter, 1 pm. Presented by Carrie Brazeal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Laughter has been proved to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. In this class, we’ll learn the physical, mental and social benefits of laughter, experience laughing for the health of it and learn ways to include laughter in your life. Lots of laughs and giggles guaranteed. Ages 16+ 15 Crochet 101: Fall Edition, 2:30 pm. Learn the basics of crochet with Susan Jackson. Create a scarf from foundation chain and single crochet stitch! Bring a size H hook and a skein of Red Heart Super Saver yarn. (Light or bright colors are best so you can see your stiches more easily.) Ages 16+. 18 Let’s Talk Dewey: True Crime, 7 pm. Nonfiction readers! Join us for our chooseyour-own-nonfiction book club. We pick the topic—you pick the book. For October, the topic is true crime. Check the 364s in adult nonfiction for ideas, or ask a reference librarian for help. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t had a chance to read a book. 19 DIY@APL—Paper Pumpkin Craft, 10 am. Get ready for the fall holidays with this easy paper craft using upcycled books, music and craft paper. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16+.

19 Ladies Night Out Book Club, 7 pm. Come join us in a discussion of The Martian by Andy Weir.

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 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Faith Fellowship Church, 415 West Lucas Road, Lucas. 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 the 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 Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com. Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome. For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$10 non-members 1st visit free. For more info: 972.727.5585. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. American Association of University WomenPlano/Collin County Branch, meets 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, HeardCraig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org.

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Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:3011:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. For more info: katpf@att.nett or mckinneyallen. cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets the third Monday each month Sept-May, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit. 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 every second Wednesday, most often at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@ gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeners tour of Myers Park, meets the first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations req. For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag. tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. For more info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club second Saturday every month, in the Plano/ North Dallas area to share ideas. For more info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per. treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets third Monday each month, 7-9 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. Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Ctr, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen. For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & 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.

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

Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday of each month September thru May 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres.

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.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, second Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview. Different topic and speakers each month. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/ Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.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. 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. NARFE Chapter 559, meets third Monday of each month at 1:30 pm at the Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited. Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets the second Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, SMU in Plano, 5236 Tennyson Pkwy., Plano. Program: Officer Christopher Bianez, “Property and Home Safety,” offers safety information and costeffective suggestions for making residences and property burglar-resistant. Guests welcome. 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.

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 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. Singles Mingle 60 +, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 ElDorado Parkway, McKinney. Social forum for men and women singles who are active, enjoy meeting new people and like getting together. Various social activities. For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. The MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 nonmems/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com. Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets each Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets the first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping & gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com. W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday each month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday every month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share. For more info: www.twiceasfar.com. Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@ WealthManagementGroupLLC.com Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus meets Monday at 7 pm. New director, Richard Light! Visit us at Blue House Too, Watters Creek, 934 Market St., across from DSW Shoes. Guests always welcome. Women of Allen and surrounding area invited. For more info: nntchorus@hotmail.com or www. nntchorus.org.

CRAFTS Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S Greenville. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market 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 the third Tuesday each month. Offers suppor t and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ autismparentsuppor t.

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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 appointments. 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. Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family and friends, meets the third Monday of every month, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney. For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984. Cancer Support Ministry, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241. Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, parlor, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. For more info: Shirli Salter, sscaroline@aol.com. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days & locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. The Shores AA Group, 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. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, and every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

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Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. All proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

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

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.

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.

McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. For more info: 214.762.0037.

mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum

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.

Open 2nd & 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.

Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation. com.

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.

Zumba/Cardio Dance Fitness, every Tues., 10:30-11:30 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.

MOM’S CLUBS Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents & caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. Come play with us. For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@ aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday of every month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery reservations required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out & more. For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

Connemara Meadow Preserve

HEARD MUSEUM 2nd Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 a.m. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 3rd Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities. 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 Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566 or www. northtexasbeekeepers.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets the first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday every month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets the fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566.

SENIORS Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets fourth Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402. 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. 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, noon, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch, fellowship, speakers and entertainers. For more info: griflkl@sbcglobal.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets the second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Café Del Rio, on 75 just south of McDermott. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Lions Club, meets the first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen. For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Image | October 2016

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle, Allen. For more info: 972.673.8221 or www. allensunriserotary.com. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month. For more info:txshawm@sbcglobal.net. Fairview Rotary Club, meets 2nd and 4rth Thursdays of every month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. For more info: 214.893.5360. Knights of Columbus, meets the third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www. stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets every 4th Thursday, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. For more information contact Jason Beckett,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 the second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary, 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail. com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday every month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150. org. VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen. For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets the second Saturday every month. For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

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sports page

ASA Sports 950 E. Main • Allen • 972.727.9565

www.allensports.org

UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES BASKETBALL Winter—September 1-October 24

INLINE HOCKEY Spring—December 15-January 31

SOCCER Spring—December 1-January 15

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STYLE

Fall Florals by Lauren PALMER

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First up, a buffalo check midi-skirt and black tote are the essential additions for taking this flower delivery to the office. The length and pattern of the skirt bring sophisticated lines to an otherwise whimsical top and novelty belt.

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After flipping through countless pages of the September issues of fashion’s favorite glossies, big bold flowers are most definitely the favorite fall trend of this fashion stylist. I like the unexpected position of bright flower petals during a season typically associated with colorful dried leaves. Maybe this trend blurs the lines between distinctive fall and spring accouterments, but what an exciting time to welcome the atypical into our closets! Beginners can easily embrace this trend by picking up a floral top. Of course, it could be with jeans and black booties, or even a black pencil skirt for work or church. But beyond those staples, beyond the realm of traditional and comfortable, how do you style fall florals in a direction pointing to elegance, timelessness and a little bit of funky edge? Flowers are so often

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Date night or dinners out with girlfriends are always a fun excuse to step up your style game a notch. Pair your floral top with leather leggings and ropes of sparkly, art deco-inspired necklaces for a cool night-on-the-town look. Add the most popular of fall accessory trends—the leather choker—and a berry lip to complete this evening ensemble with flare.

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associated with feminity and softness. By adding sharp, contrasting colors and edges, bold flowers can certainly portray a bold power player at work. Florals are no longer reserved for springtime and Easter. Incorporate colorful blossoms into your fall wardrobe, not only in the typical North Texas mom uniform of jeans, booties and scarf, but take a creative license and play with patterns, silhouettes and accessories. Unsure? Not to worry. These bold beauties will grow on you! v

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Running errands on a brisk, fall afternoon? Pair florals with army pants and wedge booties for a casual (and comfortable!) look bursting with fall colors. Wrap a chambray button-down around the waist to break up the jewel tones, or in case fall breezes bring a welcomed chill to your still somewhat tanned arms.

Lauren Palmer is the creator and publisher of the popular lifestyle blog, The Art of Living Beautifully. Photos: Corrie Barto Photography

Allen Image | October 2016

For Your Health

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For Your Health

Allen Image | October 2016

library

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Alabama-Coushatta Indians

Bryant J. Celestine, the historical preservation officer of the AlabamaCoushatta Indians, will discuss the rich heritage and history of his tribe in a free program at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at the library. The Alabama-Coushatta Reservation is located 17 miles east of Livingston, Texas, and is one of three Native American reservations in Texas. Bryant is from the “Oofatta,” or Beaver Clan, of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. In 1998, Bryant began serving as the historical preservation clerk for the tribe and was tasked to establish the AlabamaCoushatta Tribal Archives by establishing policies and procedures, accessioning old and new collections, and making available numerous tribal records for research purposes. Developing the role of the Historic Preservation Office, Bryant oversees regulatory obligations that include the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. As tribal historic preservation officer, Bryant has advocated for the collection of natural resources from federal agencies for tribal members to continue the cultural legacy. v

Jimmy Wallace and the Stratoblasters

Celebrate vintage R& B and rocking soul wi th a free concert featuring Jim my Wallace and the Str atoblasters at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oc tober 21, at the librar y. Wallace and the members of his band , Lynx, made quite a name for themselves touring in the ’70s with some of the hottest acts of the day, such as Sty x and Kansas. Wallace joined Bugs Henderson and the Str atoblasters in the ’80 s. Performing with Todd Rundgren, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ste phen Stills, Johnny Winter, Willie Nelson, Albert King and Gregg Allman, Jimmy Walla ce is a Texas musical legend. “The Stratoblasters we re originally Bugs He nderson and the Stratoblasters, with Bugs, Junior Cla rk and myself. When I left the band , Bugs gave me perm ission to keep using the name,” Wa llace explained.

Jimmy Wallace and the Stratoblasters have pla yed at the T-Bone Walker Blu es Festival in Longvie w, Big Sandy Music Hall and at the induction of T-Bone Walker and Blind Lemon Jefferson into the Dallas Songwrite rs Hall of Fame. Jimmy is also the ow ner of the Dallas Intern ational Guitar Festival. From its humble beginnings in a small meeting room of a Da llas hotel in 1978, to 140,000-squarefeet of display space at Dallas Market Hall today, the Dallas International Guitar Festival celebrates the bringing together of guitar de alers, manufacturers , collectors, celebrities and music enthusiasts. Today the re are more than 2,000 guitar sho ws and festivals stage d around the world, but the Dallas show is one of the wo rld’s biggest. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information.

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Fusion Folk Americana

the sicals of New York to From the Broadway mu ing Texas, the award-winn honky tonks of West er 21st off r, lle Ke d an gs Jennin national touring duo, jazz and th influences in folk, Century Americana wi 0 p.m., ll be performing at 7:3 roots music. They wi the library. Friday, October 14, at Songwriter Dana Keller is also a veteran d pedal steel, dobro an guitar player. or Performing on stage ch su th in the studio wi ce Vin luminaries as Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, his dobro playing has been called “jawdroppingly good.” A former s, Shakespearean actres a th wi ce combines stage presen Laurie Jennings Oudin a l singing to produce lifetime of professiona mesmerizing concert. Their ve released three CDs. Jennings and Keller ha leadthe m mory, takes its cue fro latest, Mirror With a Me e lov ble ‘Bout Texas.” A verita off track, “Somethin’ inspired by s wa it say y the State, letter to the Lone Star d) Ray Wylie s at the Blue Mesa (an “barbecue, margarita ..” Hubbard on the radio. ful Noise r have performed at Joy lle Ke d an gs nin Jen lo Pa Alto lahassee, Florida, East House Concert in Tal rnia. v Public Library in Califo Library and Belmont

Samba Vida Drum and Dance Company Samba Vida Drum and Dance Company will deliver thrilling music and dance in a free concert at 3 p.m., Saturday, October 15, at the library. Samba dancers, replete with color ful costumes, will make spirits soar. Drummers will create a rhythm and beat that will make it hard not to want to jump to your feet and join the dance. Celebrating the regions of Brazi l with Brazilian samba, reggae, cha cha, Afro Brazilian and more, Samba Vida Drum and Dance Company will enthrall library patro ns.

Perhaps one of the most popular music and dance styles ever to emerge from Brazi l, samba evolved in Rio de Janeiro by the early 20th century and grew to become that natio n’s quintessential music and dance form. With its rich and syncopated rhythm and graceful dance moves, samba has circled the globe as one of the most infectious and popular style s from the South American continent. Based out of San Antonio, Samba Vida Drum and Dance Company will take cente r stage at this year’s State Fair of Texas. v

Things That Go Bump in the Night All films are free at the library on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. rs have to October 4—Monsters, Inc. (2001, G). In order to power the city, monste the to toxic are scare children so that they scream. However, the children may not monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things be what they think. Hussey and October 11—The Uninvited (1944, PG) starring Ray Milland, Ruth are able they reason Donald Crisp. A composer and his sister discover that the the house’s to purchase a beautiful gothic seacoast mansion very cheaply is unsavory past. ey Weaver and Dan Aykroyd. Three eccentric October 18—Ghostbusters (1984, PG) starring Bill Murray, Sigourn removal service. former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost Bloom and Richard Johnson. A scientist doing October 25—The Haunting (1963, PG) starring Julie Harris, Claire n. One soon starts losing her mind. v research on the paranormal invites two women to a haunted mansio Allen Image | October 2016

Ocarina Festival by Tom KEENER

Savor an unforgettable musical experience with some of the world’s best-known ocarina artists at a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 8, at the library. This year’s festival features over 20 ocarina virtuosos from the U.S. and Japan.

recorded for the Grammy-nominated composer Austin Wintory.

continued to perform overseas as well as in Japan.

Sa•Ku•Ra, ocarina ensemble The amateur all-female ocarina ensemble Sa•Ku•Ra is comprised of students of Kazumi Sato. This group has performed at the USA-Japan Goodwill Concert In Carnegie Hall, the Japan-ITALIA Goodwill Ocarina Concert in Budrio and the Shanghai International Ocarina Festival.

Cris Gale, ocarinist Allen’s own Cris Gale is an internationally celebrated and awardwinning ocarinist as well as an ocarina designer and teacher. Cris has represented the U.S. at ocarina festivals in Budrio, Italy (2011) and HongSeong, South Korea (2012). In June 2014, Cris co-headlined a JapanAmerica Friendship concert at Carnegie Hall, and she recently

Cornell Kinderknecht, multi-instrumental

Kazumi Sato, ocarinist Kazumi Sato made her professional debut as a flutist in 1990. Her ocarina album Hikari no Michi (Road of Light) was released in 1997. A song about the Yatsu-higata tidal flats was featured on this album, garnering much discussion and media attention. Since then, Kazumi Sato has

An award-winning recording artist and virtuoso of historic and ethnic woodwind instruments from cultures around the world, Cornell is an Indian Summer Music Awards winner. Performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, Meyerson Symphony Center and the AT&T Dallas Cowboys Stadium, his music can be heard in the nationallyaired television series, The Art of Living Gallery. v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Be in Step with Friends at the Allen Public Library On Saturday, October 15, it’s time for the Brazilian Samba Festival at the library! Come meet and talk with Friends at a reception from 1:30-3 p.m. in the library meeting room. Learn how the Friends and the library work together, and discover what you might like to do to be part of it all. Then you’ll be dancing in the aisles to the South American rhythms in the library auditorium immediately following. Sweet and savory nibbles will be catered by Food for Thought Cafe. Call 214.509.4911 for more information.

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MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | October 2016

interiors

Meets

MODERN CHIC

CLASSIC DESIGN by Deborah DOVE

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In 2012, after seventeen years in their home in Watters Crossing, Tom and Kim Miller decided it was time to build the house of their dreams. “I never really liked the floorplan with the media room upstairs,” says Kim of their previous home. “So we decided to look for a big lot where we could build everything we wanted downstairs.” Finding enough space in Allen to accommodate their needs was a tall order. After months of looking, with the help of their realtor, the Millers finally found the right property—a large corner lot that faces a greenbelt and the Rowlett Creek Trail. However, none of the floorplans for the neighborhood were quite right. Just when the Millers were about to give up, the architect came up with the unique design that became their dream home. Built around a sparkling blue pool set in a courtyard-like center with several outdoor living spaces surrounding it, the Miller ’s beautiful new house is perfect for entertaining and has been

used for weddings, engagement parties and photoshoots. Steps lead up to a front porch where the Millers like to sit in the evening and watch the world, and the neighbors, go by. An arched wooden front door inlaid with opaque glass leads inside, where soaring ceilings and an open floorplan seamlessly blend a modern, but relaxed family room, spacious kitchen and cozy eating nook. The dining room marries tradition with modern whimsy. Chairs upholstered in gray and white geometric fabric sit at either end of the wooden dining table, providing an unexpected and updated contrast to the traditional dining room table and chairs. Silver woven placemats add a punch of vibrancy. The wood-paneled study is the only room that contains anything from their old house. “It was very Hemispheres and Andersons,” Kim says of the décor of her previous home. “This is light and bright.” Eager to create a modern, casual

and lighthearted ambiance, the Millers basically started from scratch when furnishing and decorating their new home. The end result is a comfortable blend of traditional and modern elements coupled with layers of textural interest that add up to sophisticated, but homey, chic. This is most evident in the center of the home—both literally and figuratively—the family room. Despite the potential heaviness of the dark, hand-scraped wood floors, wooden ceiling beams, a large wood fireplace mantle and a medievallooking metal chandelier, the large family room still manages to feel spacious and airy, thanks to a wall of windows that looks out onto the pool, and a mix of geometric fabrics in tones of gray, cream and gold coupled with gold and silver accent pieces. Metal nesting side tables, a mirrortopped coffee table and a blond entertainment console visually lighten the room. Persimmon and yellow accents add a pop of color. “I like mixing textures,” says Kim, Allen Image | October 2016

pointing out the way the light, smooth stone hearth and rough stone fireplace balances the wood mantle, which is clearly the focal point of the room.

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The Millers worked with an interior designer to achieve the look they wanted. That look started with two chairs upholstered in a gray and

gold geometric fabric that Kim fell in love with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We based everything on these two chairs,â&#x20AC;? she laughs, pointing to two modernized wing-back chairs in the family room. After that, everything seemed to fall into place. The woman who Kim worked with to create her window treatments had seen the perfect fabric to complement the chairs and created long drapes in a bold, geometric fabric for the windows. Kim saw the black leather barstools with geometric fabric backs on the cover of a catalog and knew that she had to have them.

A round iron and glass light fixture in the breakfast area echoes the shape of the round kitchen table beneath it. A silver tree in the corner adds the unexpected touch of elegant chic that is the hallmark of the Miller’s home. The spacious kitchen is a chef’s and an entertainer’s dream come true, with plenty of white cabinets for storage and long expanses of black granite countertops. Designer touches add to the upscale feel of the kitchen, such as a unique woven-looking backsplash and a big center island topped with gray, marbled granite. “The kitchen is where everyone congregates,” says Kim. “I figured let’s at least make it a nice size. Functionality in the kitchen was key for the Millers, and small conveniences make a huge impact. A pot filler faucet built into the wall over the stove is a time saver, as is the warming drawer built in underneath the oven. But it’s the coffee bar, a small built-in space tucked next to the kitchen outfitted with an espresso machine that’s the family’s go-to spot. “It’s the most used appliance in the house,” laughs Kim. Down a hallway are the couple’s leisure rooms—a wood-paneled, windowless media room

Allen Image | October 2016

with recessed lighting in the ceiling, a comfortable u-shaped sofa piled with pillows and a big movie screen. The game room was created with adults in mind and is anchored by a large octagonal poker table the Millers found at a warehouse sale. A

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shuffleboard table, flat screen TV, arcade video game and a wet bar suggest that fun is the priority in this room. Like the other rooms in the house, unique metal light fixtures and accents of bright colors create a comfortable, but contemporary vibe.

Towards the back of the house, lies the master retreat with cathedral ceilings, a rustic, three-tiered candle chandelier and an enviable view of the pool and hot tub. Kim’s skillful mix of metallics is most pronounced here, where an assortment of gold and silver picture frames, art and mirrors repeat the colors of the reversible custom bedding—a gold side and a silver side, coupled with reversible throw pillows, allow her to change up the look on a moment’s whim. Gray hotelquality drapes ensure the eastfacing room stays dark when needed, and a gray fur ottoman adds textural interest to the small seating area at the foot of the bed. Not surprisingly, the master bath is a haven of luxury with details that transform it into something spectacular, such as a large walk-in shower with three rain shower heads,

white custom cabinetry and gray marbled granite countertops. Although the Millers’ three kids are almost grown, everyone still has their own bedroom, plus additional space upstairs for watching TV. Their son’s bedroom is downstairs on the opposite side of the kitchen, since he was the last one still living at home when the family moved. His private bath with a black glass-doored, walk-in shower was the envy of his older sisters. Upstairs are rooms for each of the girls, as well as a guest room, and each of the five bedrooms has its own bath with a stand-up shower. Three outdoor rooms strategically placed around the pool extend the home’s living space to the outdoors. The couple regularly enjoys the large living area behind the pool, which has a stone fireplace, ample seating, an outdoor kitchen and a full bath where guests can rinse off from the pool. Although she had the guidance of

an interior designer, Kim obviously has an eye for decorating and the home’s contrast of easy casual charm and elegance reflects her personality. “I’m very decisive,” she says, adding that she quickly knew exactly what

she wanted when it came to choosing light fixtures, fabrics, furniture and accessories. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Photos: John Nervig Photography.

Allen Image | October 2016

education

Pockets of Time Travel: Four Generations of Photographers Chronicle America by Heather DARROW

An exceptional photograph of children playing by the sea has the power to take you back in time to a carefree summer vacation. You smell the ocean, hear seagulls, taste salt air and feel the warm sand under your feet, while the cool breeze grazes your skin before it gently rustles the sea grass beside you. All your senses come alive, and for a precious moment you are there again, a child reliving a long-lost moment in time. Photographs are whispers of the past. Perhaps Byrd Williams I realized this potency and chose to wield his own time machine in the form of a camera. Regardless of the reason, just as a fine musician passes on his craft, so it was with Byrd Williams I who passed on his love of photography to his son and namesake who, in turn, passed it on until there were four generations of Byrd Williams who could capture nuances like a careless grin, the slight tilt of a body or the dappling effect of the sun and elicit mental time travel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Really thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only the present moment. Photography

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is the only mechanism to capture that. As soon as photographs are taken, the moment is over,” said Byrd Williams IV, Collin College photography professor. However, for the Williams family, the effect of photographs is sure to last for generations to come because Byrd Williams IV’s book, Proof: Photographs from Four Generations of a Texas Family, published by the University of North Texas Press, is slated to emerge late this year. “There is no history of Texas for photography. This book covers 1839 through the present day,” said Williams IV. The book is a treasure trove of images such as “Prohibition in Gainsville” (Byrd I), a photo of a woman in a floor-length frock with long gloves poised to pour illicit liquid into the mouth of a man eagerly awaiting its arrival. The details bring this image to life—it is the mirth bubbling up in the casual observer who grins under his brimmed hat, long coat, vest and bow tie that capture the dichotomy of the time. Even better, in true historical form, this book leaves no holds barred. Williams shares his family’s history through images and words—the good, bad, ugly and the criminal. Skeletons buried in letters and diaries are out of the closet. Consumption, murders, suicides, slavery, Poncho Villa, the Confederate Army— it is all there. “Even though it was 1870, these people were alive and breathing like you and me now. The letters put flesh on their bones. Their marital problems were the same as ours. It is poignant to say the least,” Williams said. According to Williams, the four Byrds were art, commercial and hobby photographers. In addition, Williams I was a hardware store owner, Williams II

Prohibition Photo by Byrd I

Larry McMurtry Photo by Byrd IV

Allen Image | October 2016

Cab Calloway Photo by Byrd III

was an engineer, Williams III was a lens maker in a factory that later made gun sights in WWII, and Williams IV is a professor whose photographs range from the Queen of England to crime scenes. Much like his predecessors, Williams IV passes on his heritage to his students and empowers them to take their role as photographers seriously. “This is their chance to speak to posterity, to capture their family’s history. I explain, ‘You are saying here’s a letter from me to you. I am your genome. Show your great grandkids what it is like to be alive in that time.’ All of my students become family historians. I base

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the whole class around this concept, and I urge them to make prints because they can be saved.” According to Williams, today more pictures are taken every five minutes than in the whole of the 19th century. He teaches his students to differentiate their work by careful editing.

“Photography is the most democratic of all art mediums; it is available to anybody, to everybody. I teach students to take pictures with intention and thought, not glib selfies. In my classes the photographs mean something to each individual.” Williams’ upcoming book is the

Pancho Villa soldiers crossing the border into Texas. Photo by Byrd II

Jimi Hendrix Photo by Byrd IV

culmination of 12 decades of photographing people and their environments. In unison, the book’s images are a symphonic wave of the past that gently enfolds the present as it steadily jettisons toward the future. Perhaps Williams sums up his innate drive to click the shutter best when he speaks about the near three decades he worked alongside his father. “Dad and I made photographs of people, personal work. Poaching faces was what we called it. Saying it was art became the trendy reference after the MFA tsunami of the 1970s, but it was just what we did almost every day. We saved all those faces because it gave our lives purpose.” For more information about photography classes at Collin College, visit Collin.edu. For more information about Byrd Williams IV’s book, visit https://texashistory.unt.edu/ explore/collections/BYRDW/. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photo of Byrd Williams IV by Nick Young, Collin College photographer. Additional photos by Byrd Williams I, II, III and IV courtesy of University of North Texas Special Collections. Allen Image | October 2016

kids korner

Host a Haunted Halloween Party by Deborah DOVE Halloween is the best time to throw a party, whether it’s a block party, weekend get together or a pre-trick-or-treat warmup. After all, the house is already decorated and it’s one more chance for the kids to wear that amazing Halloween costume. Throw a bewitching party with this round-up of treats, games and activities.

Mystery Boxes Kids will love this gross guessing game. To create, cut holes in the tops of inexpensive plastic containers (just big enough to put your hand through) and spray paint them orange or black. Fill with all kinds of creepy things for the kids to reach in and feel, such as brains (cold spaghetti), monster’s teeth (popcorn kernels), eyeballs (peeled grapes or olives), fingers (cocktail wieners), witch’s tongue (long slices of banana), ears (dried apricots), Frankenstein’s heart (a canned peach half) and monster hair (wet yarn or bean sprouts).

additional glow stick “bracelets” to create rings. Mark a line with tape and let guests try to ring the bottles.

Eyeball Bounce You’ll need a large plastic jack-o-lantern/pumpkin (the kind you can usually get for a dollar), ping-pong balls and permanent markers. Decorate the ping-pong balls with markers to resemble eyeballs. You can make them ahead of time or let the party guests decorate their own. To play, try to bounce the ping-pong balls into the pumpkin.

Mini Pumpkin Hunt Hide mini pumpkins around the house or yard for a Halloween themed hunt.

Haunted Gingerbread House

Fill a jar with candy corn and have guests guess how many are in the jar. Winner keeps the jar!

Create simple gingerbread houses by “gluing” graham cracker squares to empty, clean small milk cartons using frosting. Let guests decorate using a variety of candies and cookies, such as wafer cookies (make great shutters), candy corn, M&Ms, licorice strings, etc.

Make Pumpkin Slime

Halloween Freeze Dance

In a small bowl, combine 3/4 teaspoon of Borax and 1-1/2 cups of very warm water. In another bowl, combine 2 cups of white school glue, 1-1/2 cups of very warm water, a few drops of orange food coloring and pumpkin pie spice (enough to scent the mixture). Combine the bowls. As the ingredients mix, a putty will form, at which time you’ll want to remove it from the bowl and let the kids continue to work and play with the mixture by hand. They’ll have a blast stretching it, pulling it and making pretend pumpkin treats. *Another variation is Glow in the Dark Slime. Follow the instructions above, but omit the pumpkin pie spice, substitute neon green food coloring for the orange, and add a little glow in the dark paint to the mixture along with the food coloring. This also makes a great party favor, especially with a big googly eye or plastic spider ring planted in the middle.

Play spooky Halloween music while guests do their best Monster Mash or Thriller moves. When the music stops, they freeze. Great tunes to include on your playlist include the “Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Time Warp” and the “Adams Family” theme song.

Candy Corn Guessing Jar

Make a Backyard Bowling Alley Add a few drops of food coloring to ten clear plastic bottles of water. Stand them up on flat ground and use hay bales as lane margins. Or draw ghost faces on toilet paper rolls, stack them into a pyramid and use a small pumpkin as a ball.

Glow in the Dark Ring Toss Put activated glow sticks into water bottles, one color per bottle (you will probably have to pour out a little water). Use

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Smoking Boo Bombs (guaranteed to be the hit of the party) You’ll need hollowed out eggshells, a black marker, baby powder, white tissue paper and a glue stick. To hollow out eggshells, gently tap the top of the eggshells with a butter knife, making a hole big enough for the egg to pass through. Then rinse the inside of the shells with antibacterial soap and water. Once you have your hollowed eggs, use a marker to draw ghost faces on the shells. Then fill them with baby powder. Once the eggs are filled, carefully seal the tops by placing tissue paper over the opening. Use a glue stick to cover one side of the tissue paper and gently press it over the opening. Let the kids throw the eggs on the pavement, creating a ghostly cloud of “smoke.”

Guess Who As each guest arrives, tape a piece of paper to their back with a Halloween character written on it. Then the guests have to go around and ask questions about who they are. The first person that guesses wins! v

feature

North Texas Pub Crawl

by Deborah DOVE

Fifteen years ago, breweries were practically unheard of in North Texas. Rahr and Sons Brewing Company opened its doors in Fort Worth in 2004, but there was nothing in the Dallas area until German brewmaster Dennis Wehrmann opened Franconia in McKinney in 2008. Then, the brewing scene exploded with more than half a dozen breweries tapping into a burgeoning market of North Texans thirsty for craft beer.

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Today, in the small radius that encompasses Allen and McKinney alone, there are three breweries— Franconia Brewing, Tupps Brewery and Nine Band Brewing. In the name of research, I coerced a few friends to come along for a pub crawl, North Texas style. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

Franconia Brewery We started our day off at Franconia Brewery, off south McDonald just north of Highway 380. The brewery offers tours every Saturday at 11 a.m., and although it seemed a little early to start drinking, we were game. So were about fifty other people who congregated outside the non-assuming building waiting for the doors to open. As owner Dennis Wehrmann explained the basics of the tour, it quickly became apparent why— Franconia is possibly the best kept secret in town. After paying the fivedollar admission, we all lined up for a taste of Franconia beer. There were four beers to choose from—Franconia Kolsch, a smooth, light gold, refreshing beer that was my favorite; Franconia Wheat; Franconia Dunkle, a dark lager with hints of chocolate; and a sneak peek at the brewery’s Oktoberfest beer fresh from the keg. Regulars brought their own glasses and steins, but neophytes like us were given plastic cups that we could refill throughout the two-hour tour. Then we moved into the cooler—a welcome respite on a hot summer morning—where Wehrmann educated us on all things Franconia. Dennis Wehrmann, who started Franconia brewing in February of 2008 to bring the essence of Bavarian beer to North Texas (and, he adds with a laugh, so he wouldn’t be thirsty), comes from a long line of beer brewers. Born in Nurnberg, Germany, Dennis grew up in the biggest beer region in Germany, and his family’s brewing history dates

Dennis Wehrmann at Franconia Brewery

back to the 1800’s. Many of his family members work in the business, and Dennis himself brewed his first batch at age twelve, eventually going on to earn his master’s degree in beer and fruit science before moving to the U.S. Wehrmann is as funny and entertaining as he is knowledgeable about beer brewing, and his jokes kept the tour lively as well as informative. Franconia beers, like 99 percent of all German beers, are made with only four ingredients—hops, water, barley and yeast. “Beer is healthy,” Wehrmann asserted, only half joking. “It has the same nutritional value as bread.” We learned how beer is made from start to finish, and the surprising revelation that Franconia is completely green. One hundred percent of the hops left over after brewing are recycled into cattle feed and sent to local farmers, Franconia produces its own power, the company is landfill free (there’s not even a dumpster onsite), and it will be the first craft brewery of its size with a CO2 recovery system. After the tour ended, we were

free to sample more beer and socialize with the other guests, and the general air was convivial and fun. My best friend’s husband, who’d come along as the designated dark beer taster, likened the atmosphere to the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich, where you’re always destined to meet new friends, and we left with new friends, great memories and a newfound taste for German beer. Franconia is located at 495 McKinney Parkway in McKinney. For more information, visit www. franconiabrewing.com

Tupps Brewery The second stop on our pub crawl was Tupps, McKinney’s newest microbrewery that opened last year next to the Cotton Mill. While Franconia is all about the beer, Tupps is all about the party (along with the beer of course), albeit family style. There are several other notable differences between the two breweries. Franconia produces lager while Tupps produces ale. Franconia is only open Allen Image | October 2016

Tupps Brewery

to the public on Saturdays at 11 a.m.; Tupps is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. And while Franconia only distributes its beer in bottles, Tupps only distributes cans. Founded by Keith Lewis and Tupper Patnode in 2015 after brewing hundreds of gallons of craft home brew over a six-year period in Keith’s garage, Tupps is family-owned, with a Texas flair. The 16,000-square-foot, open-air building, although new, is decorated with rusty steel and reclaimed wood. Cool metal sculptures and bicycle parts decorate the exterior, a nod to the fact that Tupps is a dropoff point for ReCycles McKinney, a non-profit that “re-cycles” bikes and gives them to underprivileged kids. Both kid and dog-friendly, there’s an easy-going ambiance about Tupps. Guests are encouraged to listen to the live music on weekends, kick back, play family games such as life-size Jenga, write their name on the wall, and bring old bottles to add to the bottle tree farm. Of course the beer is the main draw and my friends and I decided to sample a flight while we enjoyed the band. Our $15 flight included the Texas Shade (a typical wheat beer that was smooth and refreshing), the Raspberry Shade (a full-flavored pale ale similar to the Texas Shade, but with a distinct raspberry aroma),

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Cotton Mill Gold (smooth with a slightly bitter taste), the Tupps IPA or India Pale Ale (the brewery’s flagship brew which has a pleasant malt body), and the Northbound 75, a fireroasted poblano pale ale that my friend said left him “hankering for an enchilada dinner.” On one side of the warehousestyle building is the brewery operation, where tours are offered on Saturdays at 12:30 and 4 p.m. The brewery’s “Happier Hours” are Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., Fridays from 4-10 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., with live music from 1-4 p.m. Beer is $5. October marks the release of Tuppkin, Tupps’ popular seasonal pumpkin spiced ale. Tupps will also host a plethora of fun fall events in October, beginning with the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Show on October 7. The Wish 100 Bike Race on October 8 will start and end at Tupps, with a party after the race and it benefits a child with a wish through Make a Wish foundation. A chili cook-off on October 15, Ratrodtober—a show with crazy cool cars and hot rods—on October 22, and a costume party on October 29 round out the fun. Tupps is located at 721 Anderson Street near downtown McKinney. For more information, visit www. tuppsbrewery.com.

Nine Band Brewing By this point, my friends and I were in good spirits and excited about rounding out our pub crawl at my hometown Allen brewery—Nine Band Brewing. A cool silo out front, emblazoned with the Nine Band armadillo logo, let us know we were in the right place. Named for the nine bands on a Texas armadillo, the unofficial mascot of Texas and the namesake and official mascot of the brewery, Nine Band opened in 2014. “I was looking to open a craft beer brewery in a big town with a family feel,” owner Keith Ashley says. “That was Allen.” Although the tap room and patio is open Monday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Fridays, 5-11 p.m., Saturday afternoons are when patrons can get

an inside look at how Nine Band beer is brewed with a tour lead by head brewmaster, Ian Larsen. The tour also offers a chance to sample some of the brewery’s six core brands, along with a seasonal beer (not surprisingly, fall’s beer is Oktoberfest). The $15 tour included a Nine Band branded pint glass and a thirty-minute tour where we learned the process of beer brewing and sampled freshly-brewed beer straight from the bright tank, which is essentially one giant keg

where the filtered beer is stored until it goes into smaller kegs. After the tour, we hung out on the patio and enjoyed some of Nine Band’s house-brewed libations. Unlike other craft beers that are sometimes bitter or strong, Nine Band beers are uniquely smooth and palatable. It turns out this was Ashley’s goal—to create a transitional craft beer house that brewed core brands that appeal to every palette. People like me who don’t typically like the hoppy

Allen Image | October 2016

taste of some craft beers, often find that they enjoy Nine Band beer, which often encourages them to try other craft beers. “Nine Band is the gateway to other craft beers,” says Ashley. In keeping with Nine Band’s Texas theme, all of the core brand

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enforcement, firefighters and emergency responders (Ashley donates a percentage of the proceeds to benefit law enforcement officers). Be sure and stop by Nine Band Brewing on Saturday, October 1, from noon until 11 p.m. as the brewery hosts Allen’s first ever Oktoberfest, with bands, German food, free steins, prizes and other Nine Band Brewing brewery merchandise. Octoberfest packages will be available to purchase, which will include a Nine beer names reference something from Band stein, t-shirt and more. Texas. There’s the Nine Band Pale Ale, Nine Band is located at 9 Prestige Cactus Cat Kolsch, Hoop Snake Circle in Allen. For more information, Hefenweizen, Toad Choker Barley visit www.ninebandbrewing.com. v Wine, Blue Lacy Brown Ale and the Badge Honeyblond, a light-bodied blonde beer named in honor of law

Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

pet page

“Gracie” Gracie is a 40-pound pit mix who is approximately two years old. Gracie was homeless and found by a good Samaritan after she was hit by a car on Mother’s Day. She wasn’t using her front leg and was taken to a hospital where they splinted the leg to let it heal. The leg never got better and her finder reached out to Legacy Humane Society for help.

We rushed her to a LHS vet who determined that the leg wasn’t broken, but there was extensive nerve damage and it would never again be functional. Gracie had her front right leg removed on June 21 and is on the mend. She doesn’t seem to let her missing limb slow her down and is still the same sweet girl she was before the surgery. Gracie is walking well with a gentle leader (since a normal harness won’t work on her) and is excelling at learning quite a few tricks,

including sit (mastered), lie down (mastered) and stay (pretty darn good). Gracie gets along well with cats and other dogs, as well as humans of all ages and sizes. She is convinced she is a lap dog and prefers to be right by your side…or in your lap…whatever you will allow. Gracie will be spayed and microchipped and has already been brought up to date on vaccinations and is heartworm negative. To apply for Gracie, go to legacyhumanesociety.org now and fill out an application. v Allen Image | September 2016