PROSPER Magazine | May 2017 by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC

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What’s inside

CONTENTS

14 10

Town Matters

Eagles Nest

Education above Par

Coach Rafael Flores

Spotlight - Chris Kern

Library News

In Good Taste

April’s Movie in the Park

Relay for Life

It’s Time Texas

Celebration of Heroes

ON THE COVER PHS Girls Soccer

PRO We A re

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From The

PUBLISHERS

PM STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

May 2017

VOL V, Issue 9 Voted 2013 New Business of The Year PUBLISHERS Jason & Heather Reynolds Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com EDITORIAL/MARKETING DIRECTOR Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

Class of2017 Each year, PROSPER Magazine features the seniors of Prosper High School in our June publication. If you would like your senior to be recognized, please send the following to jamie@cedarbrookmedia.com: • One (1) High Resolution Photo • Name of senior • Plans after graduation (college, military, trade, etc) All submissions must be received no later than Friday, May 19, 2017 to be included.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Joyce Godwin Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com EDITORIAL/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Marler Renee@Cedarbrookmedia.com CLIENT SERVICES Jamie Marr Jamie@CedarbrookMedia.com OFFICE COORDINATOR Melissa Stewart Melissa@CedarbrookMedia.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ray Smith | Dr. Drew Watkins Celso Martinez | Renee Marler| Joyce Godwin Heather Reynolds | Leslie Scott PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Chris Fritchie Studios PRODUCTION/DESIGN Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com EDITORIAL CONSIDERATIONS Please send editorial considerations to Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

As we continue to grow, we value your input on various articles and subject matter for PROSPER Magazine and The PROSPER Times. If you’d like to be a part of our Editorial Focus Group, please email us at Joyce@CedarbrookMedia.com and we will send you the details!!

PROSPER Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. PROSPER Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. © 2017. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither PROSPER Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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TOWN MATTERS

T wn Matters By Mayor Ray Smith

Well, we did it! Officials at the IT’S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge

something that we will have to live with for generations. It’s the new normal.

have announced the winners in the annual health promotion contest, and,

I can remember when conserving water wasn’t a real consideration at all.

for the second year in a row, Prosper’s residents were declared the winners.

Watering

What that means is significant for several reasons. As part of our first-place

then,

finish, one of our PISD schools will get $1,800 to develop programs that

our

lawns and landscapes was, back something we did without second thought.

promote good health. That’s important because good habits in diet and exercise need to be developed and reinforced early. Healthy kids

Then, several things

generally grow into healthy adults, and part of the reason are the

changed. First, automatic sprinkler systems with

good habits begun early in life.

programmed timers came into vogue, and not only for

new home construction. Owners of older

Secondly, we get to puff out our chests

homes decided to lay irrigation pipes

as two-time winners. Pride in

across their lawns, set the automatic

our accomplishment is well

programmer

deserved, and we should celebrate

our

Seemed like all of a sudden, homes were popping up all

the City of Lancaster,

over North Texas. People

won, I would have had

were discovering the benefits

to wear a Lancaster

of living in the suburbs, and

T-shirt to one of our

so our water requirements

Council meetings. As it

shot way up. And, of course,

turns out, Mayor Marcus

we went through an extended

Knight will have to wear

drought. All three of these,

a Prosper T-shirt to one of his

among other reasons, caused us

Council meetings! and

to look closely at conservation, and

perhaps our

it.

decided to move into the area.

neighbor to the south,

importantly,

forget

Second, more and more people

victory.

Had we lost and our

Finally,

and

accept it as a new way of dealing with

most

community

water.

more aware of the critical importance of

We all still need to conserve, not only as we enter

practicing good, healthy habits. During the

the high watering season, but year-round. Installing

contest, as I checked the ITT website, I would be

water-saving devices at home, being mindful of even small

so pleased to see so many people posting healthy selfies of themselves either eating right or exercising. It really made me feel like

leaks, and, of course, adhering to water restrictions all help us keep our

we were all pulling together not just to win the contest, but also to change

water supply from entering dangerous levels. Learn more about water

our lifestyles. And, so, I offer both my congratulations and my thanks to the

conservation by visiting the Town’s web site and clicking on http://www.

citizens of Prosper who stepped forward and helped us win.

prospertx.gov/government/departments/water-conservation/.

On a different topic, we’ll soon be turning our attention to the challenges of

Once again, thank you for helping us win the ITT Community Challenge.

keeping our lawns strong and healthy while at the same time maintaining

It was a true team effort, and I take great personal pride in how we came

a water bill with which we can comfortably live. Conserving water is

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

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Eagles Nest

Prosper ISD Teachers of the Year 2016-2017 Prosper ISD is proud to honor the excellence in teaching that exists within each campus by recognizing our outstanding teachers through the “Teacher of the Year” program. This program is aligned with the regional, state, and national “Teacher of the Year” programs. During the April Prosper ISD school board meeting, David Bill from Light Farms Elementary and Caitlin Kirk from Prosper High School were named our district elementary and secondary teachers of the year. This year’s winners received $500 from the District, $500 from Rotary Club, and access to drive a new car from the new Longo Toyota dealership in Prosper for 1 year. They will both move on to the Region 10 Teacher of the Year program. Elementary Teacher of the Year from Light Farms Elementary David Bill serves as a 4th grade math and science teacher for Light Farms Elementary. One of the first things students and peers notice about Mr. Bill are his laugh and smile. He never gets weighed down, but instead, he maintains a positive and upbeat spirit. Mr. Bill is a great teacher and is dedicated to all of his students, and he goes above and beyond for Light Farms and Prosper ISD. He is always willing to help and offer suggestions, and he participates in all events. One Light Farms parent stated that Mr. Bill has changed her child’s view on school completely. He is a humble teacher who truly loves his students and is determined that each student will learn. His integrity and humility provides students and other teachers with a model to emulate. Secondary Teacher of the Year from Prosper High School Caitlin Kirk serves as a math teacher for Prosper High School. She teaches algebra 1, Pre-AP algebra 1, double blocked algebra 1, and accelerated algebra 2, and she also serves as the academic coordinator for UIL academics. Ms. Kirk is committed to all students’ success. She has a unique way of personalizing every lesson in every class to every child to ensure that all students demonstrate progress daily. She is positive, uplifting, and the consummate team player. She is innovative and collaborative, and her innovation and work ethic are admired by other teachers. She is seen as a leader in the classroom and in the school. Ms. Kirk is a superstar, a diamond, an asset not just to Prosper High School or Prosper ISD, but to the education of all children and the growth in the field of teaching.

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

Baker Elementary Kathy Feller serves as a special education teacher for Baker Elementary. Ms. Feller is admired for her positive attitude and her love for students. Her colleagues respect that she listens and truly collaborates. She treats everyone on her team equally and welcomes all ideas in how to serve Baker special educations best. She is truly a master at her craft and is always willing to help and collaborate. She challenges her students and has fostered an amazing amount of growth in each student in just the short amount of time she has been here. Ms. Feller is passionate, determined, and truly an advocate for her students. Cockrell Elementary Shannon English serves as a 4th grade social studies and English/language arts teacher for Cockrell Elementary. Ms. English is admired for her willingness to go above and beyond for all students. She embraces the co-teach model (general education and special education teachers coteaching in the same classroom) without reservation because she believes that all kids make a difference. Ms. English is a teacher who always does what is right without the need for credit or affirmation. She will plan and prepare to meet all kids where they are no matter how difficult it may be at the moment. Supporter, planner, collaborator, differentiator, inspirer, energizer, professional, poised, articulate, positive, fabulous…all of these words describe Ms. English and they type of educator that needs to represent all teachers. Folsom Elementary Jennifer Brown serves as a 1st grade teacher for Folsom Elementary. Ms. Brown’s classroom is one that students, peers, and administrators do not ever want to leave. She is exciting, energetic, passionate, flexible, knowledgeable, loving, and caring. Students and parents have loved and appreciated her passion for teaching and her love for students. Ms. Brown’s teammates and peers praise her leadership within the campus, touting her joy and willingness to volunteer for anything and everything. She is a true leader and gives her time without the slightest hesitation. Her infectious smile and laughter make her stand out. In the classroom, she is constantly on her feet moving, dancing, checking in with students, teaching, listening,

and learning. Anyone who wants to see how a true teacher should be needs to visit her classroom. Hughes Elementary Ashley Pontarelli serves as a 2nd grade teacher for Hughes Elementary. Ms. Pontarelli’s colleagues have said that she is always willing to learn from others and try something new. She is always looking for new ways to reach her students, and she sets high expectations for them. She believes that every child in her class can succeed and sets specific goals for her students. She works with them throughout the year to make sure they attain those goals. She is devoted to the whole child and building character within each student. Ms. Pontarelli is a risk taker, takes ownership of all students’ success, shares ideas in positive and respectful ways, and is the ultimate collaborator within her grade level and with other grade levels. Ms. Pontarelli is the ultimate definition of a lifelong learner. Rucker Elementary Lisa Morales serves as a 1st grade teacher for Rucker Elementary. Ms. Morales embodies the essence of what any parent, colleague, and more importantly, every child would want in a teacher. She seeks out ways to improve her performance phase in the classroom by reflecting and refining in her learning phase. She utilizes the tools she has gleaned through experience and studies in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. She is a leader who fosters a collaborative, collective, and inclusive approach with those she serves with and utilizes masterfully the strengths within each of her colleagues. She volunteers her time tutoring and leading parent education classes. Ms. Morales is the consummate professional. Windsong Ranch Elementary Tricia Myrie serves as a 1st grade teacher for Windsong Ranch Elementary. Ms. Myrie is admired for her love for kids and the attitude of “I can do anything for them” that she brings to school every single day. Her peers and administrators respect her calm and respectful attitude toward her students, colleagues, and parents. She has such a servant heart and growth mindset, and she constantly seeks to learn best practices, new research, and out-of-the-box ideas that will ultimately make her students successful. Ms. Myrie is the kind of teacher that we all dream about. She has a vast knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy, but even more, she knows how to build relationships with students so they will give their all in every aspect of their educational experience.

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Reynolds Middle School Latisha Pruiett teaches both college and career explorations and computer literacy for Reynolds Middle School. Ms. Pruiett is admired for her willingness to do anything for students. She goes above and beyond to help each student, especially her special education and 504 students. She is a team player who helps everyone on campus, and she does so without complaining. As an electives teacher, she readily provides assistance to core teachers and fellow electives teachers. She knows everyone on staff and builds relationships with her colleagues and students. Ms. Pruiett sees the strengths within each student, and she especially seeks out the struggling students to provide for them the support and encouragement they need to succeed in not only her class, but in all of their classes at Reynolds Middle School and beyond. Rogers Middle School Lindy Wilcox serves as a 7th grade science teacher for Rogers Middle School. Ms. Wilcox is admired by students and teachers alike for the relationships she builds with all students and staff members. She is respected for her leadership skills, positive attitude, and her focus on providing high quality instruction every day of the school year. She creates a safe, positive, and respectful classroom environment where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning. Her students feel supported and encouraged, and they leave her classroom successful. PM May 2017 | WeAreProsper.com

Education Above Par By: Renee Marler

The 26th Annual Prosper Education Foundation (PEF) Golf Tournament was held at Gentle Creek Golf Course on April 10th. The annual event is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers of the year and helps support scholarships for graduating seniors, as well as training and recognition for Prosper Independent School District teachers and staff. PEF was fortunate to provide more than $120,000 worth of scholarships to the Class of 2016 and has pledged to award more than $170,000 this year to students, teachers, and staff! What makes this tournament different from others is that the golfers at the PEF tournament were there to have fun and support a great cause, rather than worrying about the number. “It’s not about the score on the card, it’s about being able to make an impact for our kids,” said PISD Superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins. And that it does. This year’s tournament, which was cut a little short due to Texas spring storms, maxed out at 140 golfers in 35 teams, and raised $58,000 for the foundation. Tournament Chair, Anne Craig, said. “This event is so very special to us because we are able to give back to the kids and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.” A large number of local and national sponsors contribute to tournament, along with a host of volunteers, allowing the foundation to be as successful as it is. Craig stated, “There is no way to properly thank them all for their generosity, we are so appreciative of every contribution we receive.” For more information about Prosper Education Foundation, please visit www.prospereducationfoundation.org. PISD Superintendent Drew Watkins goes all-in for the shot at the 26th Annual PEF Golf Tournament

PEF WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING:

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Girls Soccer Still Setting Records By: Joyce Godwin Prosper Lady Eagle Soccer set some new records for the school year and some new goals for next year. This year, the Lady Eagles are Regional Runner-Ups; a great accomplishment by any measure. Nine seniors will move on from the program, but in their hearts, they will still be Lady Eagles and have a permanent spot in the heart of their coach Rafael Flores – more commonly known around the field as Coach Flo or Flo. To get the full appreciation of what the Lady Eagles Soccer team did this year, one needs to look back at a little history. Flores says he started with girls’ soccer when there were only 600 students in Prosper High School. They were in 3A but there were no other soccer programs in 3A so Prosper had to play against 4A schools. “When I started, the high school was in Reynolds Middle School [building],” Flores said. “Soccer in this area was relatively new to high school. It was a growing sport, and unfortunately, we were thrown into a district with Frisco, who was kind of an established soccer power. You took your licks back then and we grew from it.”

minutes and win in overtime,” Flores said. “It was really emotional for the kids and for me. It was emotional because I was thinking of these people on this wall who never got to experience that. So, I had a piece of paper in my pocket that had the name of every kid I had coached on it. At the end of the game in our post-game huddle — we always end the game by holding each other up in a circle — we were all excited and I told the girls ‘I have to do this’ and pulled out my list and said, ‘For me this win is for…’ and I read every name on my list. I could barely get through it. I’m a big guy and I like to act tough but it was hard because I had thought about all those kids and all those crying faces who wanted to do that same thing and didn’t get to do it.” Flores said his team last year ended up getting beat by the defending state champion last year in the third round, Frisco Centennial. “And then this year we had high hopes,” he said. “We went to some tough tournaments and I thought we may lose, but we didn’t lose and we just kept winning and we kept winning and when we got to district, we kept winning and kept winning and people started noticing us more.” Lady Eagles Soccer won district but Flores said that wasn’t enough for his team. Flores said they started playoffs with Frisco Heritage. “We went in undefeated. They were the fourth-place team out of Frisco, but they played us tough. We were tied 1-1 with 30 seconds left in the game and we scored. We won 2-1.”

The Regional Runner-Up trophy sits in the office of Coach Rafael Flores. It was brought home by the Prosper Lady Eagles Soccer team.

There is a wall in Flores’ office that tracks the progress of girls’ soccer at Prosper High School over the past eight years. It’s filled with pictures and newspaper stories about the Lady Eagles. “That wall is so important to me because I feel like those kids really laid the foundation for the successes we have luckily had these last couple of seasons,” Flores said. “Last year was the first time we ever won a playoff game. We’ve been lucky enough to make the playoffs every year but that Frisco School is who we always got matched up with the very first playoff game.” The Lady Eagles won district this year for the second time in their program. Flores says last season was special because they beat Frisco Liberty in the first playoff round. “We were down 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the game, and we were able to score two goals in the last two

The Frisco Heritage match up was followed with a big win against Mesquite Potent 6-0. “And there we were again, facing off against Frisco Centennial, who ended our season last year in the exact, same third round,” Flores said. “Same team. They were the defending state champion and the girls came in uber focused. I could see it in their eyes, they were saying, ‘We are not going to lose this game.’” Flores says he thinks what came next was the team’s most impressive win of the season. The Lady Eagles beat Frisco Centennial 5-0. “It felt good,” Flores said. “That was the first time we had ever beaten them after they had beat us multiple times.” The girls were on the road to the regional tournament for the first time and they didn’t want to stop playing. They won 5-1 in the regional semi-finals. “And then we played in the regional finals, which a lot of people said was kind lot like the state finals, and we matched up against the No. 1 team in the country according to the soccer rankings, Highland Park,” Flores said. “We gave them all we could handle but came up short and lost 2-1, and of course they [Highland Park] went on to win state after that. The Eagles finished 26-1-1 with the only loss being to Highland Park

and in the last two years won 45 games and lost three. One of those losses was to the defending state champion and this year the loss was to the state champion. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get what we wanted,” Flores said. “Only one team gets to finish on a win. We wanted it to be us but it wasn’t in the cards. Never the less, I am very proud of the kids. They accomplished a lot. It says something about their character and how tough they are that they didn’t feel satisfied even with the 26-1-1 record. I think the future is bright thanks to these kids on this wall and thanks to the kids who are passing through.” The program loses nine seniors this year and four of them plan to play soccer in college: McKenzie Hamilton is going to Southern Mississippi, Haley Birmingham to Texas Christian University, Gabby Gamboa to Northwestern State and Katie Lapomarda to University of San Diego. The Lady Eagles Soccer program is getting a lot of attention from other colleges also. Today, Flores says he has a sophomore already committed to A&M, another sophomore already committed to Oklahoma University, and two juniors committed to Mississippi State and Alabama. Next year is just another opportunity, Flores said. “I tell the girls every year is an opportunity to make our mark and we can’t waste any of the opportunities. Every team can make excuses. Every team is going to face obstacles and hurdles. Next season is an opportunity for us to be

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Coach Rafael Flores is comfortable at the desk in his office, but where he really shines is on the soccer field with his team, the Lady Eagles Soccer Team for Prosper.

together, and an opportunity for them to play the sport that I love and I know they love. It goes by fast. You guys are living in the moment and it’s my job to get the most out of you and enjoy our time. If we can leave the field saying we did everything we could then no one can take anything from you. “We win with class, lose with class and tie with class. We were devastated when we lost to Highland Park but we just shook their hands. They were the better team that day. We are proud of what we did and have no regrets. Next year the kids will be hungry and focused and the ones coming back will know how hard it is.” PM

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Spotlight

Chris Kern

Your Caring Prosper Neighbor By: Leslie Scott

If you don’t know Chris Kern, it’s more than likely you’ve seen him somewhere in Prosper. Listing his dedication to organizations and how much he is involved in the community takes some time. Incredibly humble, you have to pull them out of him and even remind him of a few as well. You are likely to see Chris at a Prosper Town Council Meeting, a local parade or festival, running errands for an organization, giving his time for a cause, or attending a meeting for an organization. Whatever he is involved in, his heart is guided by a purpose. Chris is a past deacon at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Plano and although not currently a deacon, he said, “once a deacon, always a deacon.” His commitment to the church and its congregation did not end when his position did and he appreciates that. Chris is treasurer for the Prosper Lions Club, supports Bethlehem Place through donations, is a member of Prosper Historical Society, volunteers for Clothe a Child, is on the County Commissioners Park’s Board for Myers Recreation Center, and is actively involved in many different aspect of Cornerstone. Chris said he likes to “focus on what the family can be involved in. It’s important that my children are engaged and understand issues that others have. They have a blessed life and live in relative safety areas.” The organization Chris has been involved with the longest is The Miracle

League. A board member and bowling director, he has been committed to volunteering for over eight of its ten years being offered locally. When asked what motivates him, Chris answered without hesitation it’s his faith. “Jesus told us to love God and love our neighbors and I feel it’s really important, especially when we are in such a blessed situation, that we don’t just sit there and be blessed, but rather we share our blessings. As people we are imperfect, but the good things that God wants us to do brings lights to other people lives and reflect on Him and not on us.” Chris is proud to live in Proper, “there are so many really good organization and so many great people, and that’s one of the reasons we love it here. People are not afraid to jump in and help. Sometimes the bigger organizations don’t even get a chance to help because the neighbors in Prosper already took care of it.” Chris has a history of political work in college in Georgia and worked at the state capital. Lately he has become involved in politics again. This background and passion is “why I have a hard time not doing stuff when we see opportunities to jump in and help. Gina and I are doers, bad at being observers, and we just have to jump in and be involved” he said. Chris concentrates his time with organizations that the whole family can be involved in. Going on 17 years of marriage to Gina, she is his partner in giving their time and parenting their three children. Elizabeth

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

is 16, Ethan 13, and Caroline 10. Chris said, “I like the kids to see organizations like Cornerstone work because they can be involved with every aspect in sorting coats, food, toy sorting and then see the good that’s being done for families. We try to help when people are looking for help, not necessary involved holding a position, but help with communication, spreading the word of an event however I can, run an errand, or any smaller assistance.” When asked what Chris does for fun he replied, “we are the most boring people really. For fun we like to be together as a family, having friends over, playing games. We truly enjoy getting together with our neighbors.” Chris looks to his Christian strength when imparting life lessons for he and Gina’s children. He said he wants them to continue to learn and live by “the two greatest commandments that Jesus shares, to love God and love your neighbors, and those be the guiding principles that help in work, personal life, family, friends and neighbors.” Chris said he talks with Elizabeth, his oldest daughter, about what she wants to do with her life he tells her “whatever you do, if you’re honoring God and loving your neighbor, it’s a motivating factor. There are lots of reasons to go into careers and or do different things with your life, but that should be a guiding principle.” So what’s next for Chris? He wants to continue to focus on fine tuning the ways he serves the community, continue to get their kids involved, make sure they don’t spread themselves too thin and perhaps get a little deeper into what they are already doing. Chris hopes to “solidify the ways we can help, continue what we are doing and yet keeping an eye on the balance which is important.” Chris’s family is currently trying to get more involved via a church organization called Embrace Texas. Chris said, “not being foster parents ourselves, but support foster parents. The foster system requires special people and a lot of attention, specifically the foster care program and helping the parents and foster families because they have urgent needs as well.”

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May 2017 | WeAreProsper.com

Library News Windsong Ranch hosted the Prosper Community Library Story Time On the Road Thursday, April 6th. Over 150 people attended to hear stories, sing songs, and participate in an egg hunt. And the Easter Bunny made a guest appearance too!

Prosper Community Library Summer of Science 2017 Join us this summer as we play and learn about the many ways science is all around us!

Summer Kick- Off Event

Saturday, June 10 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sign up for the summer reading program, play games, learn about Beanstack, and see drawings of our new library facility.

Children’s Programs

Ages 4-12 years old Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Join us for fun with science! June 13 – Bubble Magic June 27 – Fire Science July 18 – Engineering August 1 - Space

Fun Friday at Frontier

All ages Join us every Friday at the Frontier Park Pavilion at 10:00 a.m.

July 7 – Water Science! July 14 – Muscle Science! July 21 – Make it Work! July 28 – Art in the Park! (bring a shirt to tie dye)

Summer Grand Finale

Saturday, August 5 from 10:30 – 1:00 p.m. Kona Ice, face painting, stories, crafts, and last day to pick up prizes!

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

June 20 – Explosions July 11 – Crystals July 25 – Magnets

Story Times

Ages Birth – 6 years old Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. Join us for stories, songs and dance! June 15, 22, 29 July 13, 20, 27 August 3

Don’t forget to check out the Prosper Book Trail (behind Rucker Elementary) this summer! Walking has never been so cool!

Watch for our One Book, One Town selection announcement! Summer Library Hours June 10 – August 5 Monday/Wednesday 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

NEW NEW NEW for 2017… We want summer to be full of fun reading for all, so reading goals have been adjusted. Sign up for Beanstack and complete reading modules and learning tracks to earn badges, prizes and tickets for prizes. Beanstack is for ALL ages! Babies, children, teens and adults will enjoy the format, instant rewards, challenges, reviews, and tracking!

700 North Coleman Prosper, TX 75078 (469) 219-2499 http://www.prospertx.gov/residents/library/ https://www.facebook.com/prospercommunitylibrary/ Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest too!

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May 2017 | WeAreProsper.com

In Good Taste

Eggs Benedict with Duck Bacon (Family Features) As warmer weather approaches, so do a variety of special occasions. If you’re looking for an easy way to celebrate with family and friends, brunch is a perfect option. Not too early and not too late, everyone can enjoy a hearty meal and good company before the day gets busy. A brunch menu can include both elegant options and classic favorites, so it’s easy to customize to fit the occasion and your guests’ preferences. With so many possibilities, brunch is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Develop your own versions of traditional dishes by incorporating new ingredients, such as using duck bacon to change up your menu and add some extra flair. With a rich, hearty texture, duck bacon is more like pork bacon than traditional poultry bacons. Made from duck breast meat, it brings a touch of sophistication to any menu item. Plus, duck bacon is healthier for you, too. With 26 percent less sodium and 57 percent less fat than traditional pork bacon, it’s the perfect way for you to enjoy great flavor without the extra calories. For an exciting added element, use duck bacon with this version of classic Eggs Benedict. This brunch recipe feeds a crowd and is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice when you want to whip up a quick entree for family or friends.

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

Eggs Benedict with Duck Bacon Servings: 6 Hollandaise Sauce: 3 egg yolks 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 12 slices Maple Leaf Farms Duck Bacon, cut in half 12 English muffin halves, toasted 12 eggs, poached pinch of salt chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

To make Hollandaise Sauce: Fill medium saucepan with 1 inch of water (for double-boiler) and bring to simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low. In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until they lighten in color, about 1 minute. Place bowl with eggs over saucepan and whisk constantly until thickened and doubled in volume, about 3-5 minutes. Remove bowl from saucepan and whisk in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Whisk in lemon juice, salt and cayenne pepper. Keep warm, covered, over double-boiler. To cook duck bacon and poach eggs: In skillet over medium-high heat, fry duck bacon halves 4 minutes per side; set aside. In large pot over medium heat, bring water to simmer and add salt. Crack egg into cup or small bowl. Gently pour egg into simmering water; repeat for additional eggs, leaving room around each one for cooking. Cook 2-4 minutes, depending on desired firmness.

Using slotted spoon, carefully remove eggs from pan and place on paper towels to drain. To assemble Eggs Benedict: Lay two toasted English muffin halves on each plate. Top each with two duck bacon halves. Carefully place poached egg on top of each muffin stack. Pour Hollandaise Sauce over each. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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Community

Entertainment In Your Backyard Free Movies, Music and More at Frontier Park

By: Renee Marler

Cedarbrook Media hosted the first Movie at The Park of the 2017 season. Despite less-thanideal weather conditions, more than 200 people showed up at Frontier Park with blankets and chairs for a free, outdoor showing of Disney’s Moana projected on a 20-foot screen. In addition to the movie, hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, and Kona Ice snow cones and hot cocoa were available for purchase. The double feature with the blockbuster hit, Sully, was canceled due to weather. The next big event from Cedarbrook will be Music at the Park on May 20, also at Frontier Park. Music in the Park will be a four-hour festival-type event with live music celebrating hits from the 1980s and 1990s. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be available for concessions and shopping. Moving further down the calendar, readers will want to mark July 1 on the calendar for Prosper’s annual Pride in the Sky Independence Day celebration, complete with live music, kids zone, car show, charity softball game, food, fun and, of course, fireworks.

It’s as if the sun knew it had an audience at Movie in the Park and painted the sky to show off for its April 21 sunset.

Once the weather is cooler and kids are back to school, there will be two more events to mark on the calendar. September 23 will be the fall Music in the Park and the final event of the year will be October 14 for a Halloween-themed Movie in the Park where youngsters of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume and visit the Trunk or Treat area between movie features. For more information on all upcoming events, please visit www.WeAreProsper or the Facebook page @WeAreProsper.

Kona Ice was on hand at Movie in the Park serving snow cones, cotton candy and hot cocoa.

Crowds gather early at Movie In The Park, April 21.

Evelyn Bodine, 2, has her blanket and is ready for the movie to start at Movie in the Park.

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

Camden Marler of Celina, enjoys a snow cone at Movie In The Park.

Saturday May 20 4:00pm - 8:00pm Frontier Park Prosper, Texas

Music Food Fun

Visit www.WeAreProsper.com for more details! May 2017 | WeAreProsper.com

Relay For Life By: Renee Marler and Joyce Godwin

Relay for Life is more than one event for Prosper High School students who have made the event their own. For several years now, Jan Brown’s leadership class has planned and carried out multiple activities to raise funds for Relay for Life throughout the school year. Students work in teams to conceive the ideas of fundraising events and get the support of PHS Principal Greg Wright. By October 2016, PHS students raised $18,414.57 toward their goal of $50,000. Wright has a personal reason for wanting to help with raising funds for the fight against cancer. His wife was a victim of cancer. She is currently cancer free and they both continue to be involved and help any way possible. Wright said students raised more than $45,000 last year and he is proud of the plaque the school received from the Relay for Life organization acknowledging the donation. PHS Principal Greg Wright shows off the Relay for Life plaque from last year acknowledging the students’ fundraising and donation of $45,000

The threat of inclement weather Friday night, April 21, did not derail the annual PHS Relay for Life event. Originally planned for the track area, everything was set up inside the arena and went off without a hitch. More than 400 students, parents and community members including cancer survivors and caregivers, purchased the $10 admission bracelet for the grass roots, community-based team event benefitting the American Cancer Society. Hadley Thornton, co-chairman for fundraising, said the students raised $5,000 in cash the night of Relay for Life despite the hail and rain. “The morning of Relay for Life we had to switch from the track at Prosper High School into the arena at the school because of the forecast for that night. Although we were told to cancel the event, we wanted to continue our tradition of Relay nonetheless.” Students wanted to finish especially strong this year because Brown and Wright are both retiring at the end of this school year. “We had 47 total teams with participants from around the community who came to support,” Thornton said. “This is the highest amount of teams we have ever had. The background support network behind this event was nearly the entire town of Prosper due to donors for food and money, the student leadership, and our various supporters for advertisements and funds at local restaurants, lower schools and businesses.” Cancer survivors were seated at a table at the entrance where they were served food and encouraged to fellowship with one another. The event boasted a number of sponsor booths such as Sweet and Sassy, Kids Prosper Kids, Prosper Blooms as well as food stations. The halls were lined with bags colorfully decorated In memory and In honor of those who have been or are currently battling cancer. Attendees had the opportunity to sign or post messages on a large wooden “HOPE” cutout. The evening concluded with the emotional survivor lap. For more information, please visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/prosperhightx.

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

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PERFORMANCE G R O U P

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For the second year, Prosper has earned the title of Healthiest Small Community in Texas. By registering, logging fitness minutes and uploading healthy selfies, the Prosper community earned the most points in the IT’S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge, an annual statewide competition.

Thank you, residents and organizations, for enthusiastically supporting Team Prosper! According to the IT’S TIME TEXAS Foundation, the 2017 Community Challenge was the most impactful to date. More than 23,500 Texans representing roughly 220 communities, registered and lost over 9,000 pounds and tracked more than 4 million minutes of physical activity. Scores and rankings for all communities can be found at www.ITTCommunityChallenge.com

Let’s continue to prioritize health in our daily lives throughout the year! 30

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

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Celebrationof

HEROES

The Prosper Historical Society is honored to present a Memorial Day event titled “Celebration of Heroes” on Monday, May 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Frontier Park Pavilion. This community event, held on Memorial Day, is offered to honor and remember our service men and women who died while in active military service and to recognize the valor and patriotism of those who defend us now. The program will feature guest speakers, patriotic songs, readings, and recitations. Collin County Commissioner Susan Fletcher and Collin County Court of Law Honorable Judge Jay Bender will speak to those in attendance. The event’s main speaker will be The Honorable Judge John R. Roach, Jr. Judge Roach is the State District Judge of the 296th District Court in Collin County. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he served as a Crash, Fire and Rescue Specialist. He was placed on Active Duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Sure to be an emotional, memorable, and patriotic occasion, all are welcome to join the Prosper Historical Society on May 29th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Frontier Park Pavilion (151 W. Frontier Parkway, Prosper), to celebrate and honor our fallen heroes. Chairs will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring a lawn chair if you prefer or in case all seats are taken.

WeAreProsper.com | May 2017

Frontier Park Pavillion Monday, May 29, 2017 11:00 a.m. Hosted by Prosper Historical Society Speaker The Honorable Judge John R. Roach

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID Prosper TX Permit #68

A healthy new addition.

Now Open - Prosper’s new health and wellness resource. At Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Prosper, your health care, wellness and overall health needs are our priority. With our 24/7 emergency department and services like diagnostic mammography, an on-site lab, and even cooking demonstrations for healthy eating, our family is ready to care for you. • 24/7 Emergency Department

• Demonstration Kitchen

• Advanced Imaging

• Community Education Workshops

• Lab

• Diagnostic and Screening Mammography

• Community Fitness Center

• Physician Offices

• Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy

To learn more, visit TexasHealth.org/Prosper, or call 1-877-THR-WELL.