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Allen Image inside this issue March 2019

Volume. 29, Issue 3

Allen Image

feature celebrating a career

18 hole-in-one

publisher/editor

When AHS head golf coach Karen Gravley came to Allen in 1992, the school had yet to win a UIL state championship. She changed that when the girls’ golf team won the state tournament in 2005, 2006, 2012 and 2014.

Barbara Peavy

advertising sales Sherri Russell

cover photo John Nervig

special sections

on the cover

14 CALENDAR 22

Karen Gravley

KIDS KORNER

Groupon Spring Break

contributing writers Chelsey Aprill Deborah Dove

David Hicks Tom Keener Kathy Littinas

12 civic forum

24 library

6 Keeping Your Drinking Water Safe

Celtic Rock Band Cleghorn

8 Allen Philharmonic’s 20th Anniversary

Alexander Hamilton

Celebration

The 1913 McKinney Store Collapse

Pirouettes for Pets

Ben Milam, freedom Fighter

Unsung Heroes of Foster Care

Ducks Unlimited Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil

education

Picking Up STEAM!

11 Operation Counterbalance

Travel

Don’t Miss the Garden Show 2019

28 Cruising…

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Allen Image © 2019. 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

Keeping Your Drinking Water Safe by Chelsey Aprill

ome Allen residents notice something different when turning on their tap water each spring. Starting in February or March, the burst of cold, clear water is accompanied by a whiff of…chlorine? The faint odor and altered taste last about a month before disappearing. What causes this phenomenon? And is the water safe? We break down the top questions about this annual process performed by Allen’s water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).

What’s chlorination? It’s easy to take clean water for granted. Yet just a century ago, turning on the tap could kill you. The

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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found children under five accounted for 30.4% of all deaths in the United States in 1900 as typhoid and enteritis spread through bacteria-filled water supplies. Then New Jersey doctor John Leal began studying the impact of chlorine, used to disinfect homes of typhoid and cholera patients. Leal observed that adding tiny amounts to public drinking water eliminated bacteria before it reached home faucets. U.S. water systems began adopting the technology in 1908 and within 12 years, the CDC reports typhoid cases dropped by two-thirds and life expectancy increased by seven years.

How is it regulated? Water chlorination is one of the most life-saving inventions of modern history, but it’s still closely regulated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits chlorine amounts in drinking water and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforces the limits through testing. The EPA and TCEQ also regulate and monitor the presence of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), formed when chlorine and other disinfectants react with naturallyoccurring materials. Municipal water systems must keep DBPs to levels below which no known risk to human

health exists. Both the City of Allen and TCEQ perform thousands of water tests annually to verify all federal and state requirements are met.

Are there alternatives? In the 1930s, some water systems began treating water by adding ammonia to chlorine, creating chloramine. It smells better and travels farther through municipal water pipes before losing its disinfecting powers. It also causes fewer DBPs. However, chloramine is not as powerful as chlorine and could allow bacteria to grow in pipes over time. Because of this, NTMWD is one of many water systems that removes ammonia from its treatment process for about a month each year, allowing “free” chlorine to eliminate stubborn bacteria from the system. “NTMWD does not increase the amount of chlorine during this period,” explains Steve Massey, City of Allen community services director. “However, the absence of ammonia can make it taste or smell more prominent.”

potential health risk is something we take seriously,” said Massey.

Is anything changing this year? The City of Allen committed to improve awareness about this temporary change in water treatment, which begins on March 4 and ends on April 1. In addition to announcements on CityofAllen.org and social media, the city mailed information about chlorine maintenance to every Allen household. Additional resources are available at CityofAllen.org/ SafeWater.

What can I do? Running the tap water for a few minutes before using, refrigerating water in an open pitcher for several hours or installing filters on faucets can help minimize odors. Some people add a cucumber slice or lemon wedge to improve the taste, while

others opt for whole-home filtration. But, even without fancy filters or extra steps, Allen residents can drink up without worrying about safety. “Water is the most precious resource we provide citizens,” says Massey. “We’re proud to work with NTMWD to ensure this resource is readily available and reliably safe.” v Chelsey Aprill is the senior marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Is it controversial? Scientists, doctors and public health officials overwhelmingly support the use of disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine for the same reason Dr. Leal did back in 1908—it saves lives. Still, some prefer to focus on the potential risks of DBPs. In 2018, water rights activist Erin Brockovich criticized Texas water systems for using chlorine maintenance to prevent bacteria growth. Concerned residents contacted TCEQ to run additional tests. A state water quality inspector collected samples from five separate Allen locations and found chlorine levels well below the mandated limited. City of Allen staff also partnered with NTMWD to hold a joint town hall meeting to address concerns. “We all drink and use water every day, so the suggestion of a Allen Image | March 2019

Allen Philharmonic’s 20th Anniversary Celebration by Kathy Littinas

Justin Doute

On March 23 at 7:30 p.m., the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus is proud to present an epic spring concert program celebrating 20 years of great music, service and innovation in our community. The performance will be in the Performing Arts Center located at Allen High School. The highlight of the evening’s performance is Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a scenic cantata based on 24 poems from the medieval collection Carmina Burana written in the 11th through 13th centuries. The poems are based on the idea of the turning Fortuna Wheel (wheel of fortune) and covers a wide range of topics as familiar in the 13th century as they are in the 21st—the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the nature of life, the joy of the return of spring and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and lust.

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Soprano Jennifer Wheeler, tenor Scot Cameron and baritone Jeffrey Snider will be joined by 200 voices from the Allen Symphony Chorus, Collin College Chamber Choir, UTD, Richland College Chamber Singers, Lone Star Youth Chorus and the Fort Worth Elementary Honor Choir Select Singers. Additional selections for this program include Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 and the Hollywoodesque Sejourne Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra, featuring guest soloist and 2018 Young Texas Artist’s Grand Prize Winner Justin Doute. A native of Denver, Colorado, Justin attended the Denver School of the Arts High School for Music and the Manhattan School of Music. While an undergraduate, he overcame three leukemia diagnoses and later completed his Bachelor’s in Music Performance at the University of Northern Florida. This will be a program that is accessible and enjoyable whether it’s your first or 100th trip to the symphony. Tickets for this performance are priced from $10 to $25 and can be purchased online at www.allenphilharmonic.org. We invite you to join us for this musical celebration. v Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO board of directors.

snippets Pirouettes for Pets The Allen Civic Ballet will present its fourth annual, “Pirouettes for Pets,” a free dance performance on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in the Allen Civic Auditorium at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. The Ballet hopes to raise awareness about the needs of Allen area animals. The Allen Animal Shelter will be on hand with adorable and adoptable animals. The concert will feature excerpts from the ballets Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and Paquita, along with original, contemporary works. The show will conclude with “Stupid Ballerina Tricks,” with a winner being selected by the audience. Admission is free, but donations to the Allen Animal Shelter are welcome. For a list of shelter needs, visit cityofallen.org/1071/Volunteer-Donate. For event information, visit allencivicballet.org. v

Unsung Heroes of Foster Care In celebration of Women’s History Month, the League of Women Voters of Collin County will honor unsung heroes of foster care at a luncheon on Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Gleneagles Country Club, 5401 Park Boulevard, Plano. The honorees, who were selected by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, will share their stories about how they became motivated to work in the foster care system and what insights they have gained. They are: Korey Dillard, caseworker; Ashley Jarret, caseworker; Karen Arias, attorney; Melissa Cason, attorney; and Ashlee and Chase Green, foster parents. The luncheon will feature two guest speakers. Dan Powers, Chief Operating Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center, will talk about how children get into the foster care system and how they are evaluated and placed. Joanna Cattanach will share her experience growing up in foster care. For more details about the luncheon and the honorees, visit www.LWVCollin.org or contact lwvcollin@gmail.com. v

Ducks Unlimited Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil Come celebrate Fat Tuesday with us while supporting the conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited (DU). Guns and coolers will be raffled as part of our signature Fire & Ice party. Your $50 entry ticket will include a one-year DU membership, Crawfish Boil dinner and three drinks. Join us at Two Rows Classic Grill on March 5, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 711 Central Expressway S, in Allen. The first 50 people to buy tickets and register online at www.ducks.org/texas/events/57098/allenfire-and-ice-party will receive a DU tumbler and be entered in an early bird gun raffle. v

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snippets 9-1-1 Wildlife Learn about the behaviors of coyotes, bobcats and other animals that live in urban environments from Bonnie Bradshaw in a free program at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Allen Public Library. Recent coyote attacks against human adults in Frisco are unprecedented, and Bonnie will present the latest information on these assaults. North Texas’ very own coyote whisperer wants us to know how to be safe and avoid wildlife conflicts—learn tips to keep you and your pets safe. The president of 9-1-1 Wildlife, Bonnie’s presentation will cover wildlife ecology and behaviors, as well as types and causes of animal conflicts. An animal and wildlife removal relocation and control service, 9-1-1 Wildlife’s philosophy regarding animal removal is quite different—no traps or poisons. Bonnie is a frequent presenter for community organizations and has appeared on various television and radio stations. This program is sponsored by Animal Control Services. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call Deborah Michnick at 214.509.4379 for additional information. v

Don’t Miss The Garden Show 2019 The Garden Show 2019 is presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association (CCMGA) on March 16-17, at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney.

The G a Show rden 2019 Mar ch 16

-17 Myers Park & Event Cente r

Long established as a leader in all things horticultural, the ninth annual event will showcase new and creative ideas, informative presentations, vetted vendors, family activities and fun entertainment. There is no better place to learn about North Texas gardening and Earth-Kind® gardening principles. Local experts will present a variety of topics: “Growing Tomatoes in North Texas,” “Earth-Kind® Gardening” and “Designing Beautiful Container Gardens.” The City of Frisco will have a four-station workshop called “Irrigation Station” to teach you how to water effectively, efficiently and wisely.

CCMGA is dedicated to our community, and each year we select a local organization to be our charity partner for The Garden Show. This year Hugs Greenhouse, the latest enterprise from Hugs Café is the recipient. The mission of Hugs Greenhouse is to create an inviting place of training and employment for adults with special needs while providing dignity, self-worth and developing respect in the community. Known as Teammates, they focus on growing and selling fresh plant varieties that you can trust are hand-grown, watered and cared for with love. The Garden Show is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person, which will benefit Hugs Greenhouse. Parking is free! Visit www.ccmgatx.org/TheGardenShow or call 972.548.4232 for up-to-date information. The Garden Show is partially funded through a Promotional Grant from McKinney Community Development Corporation. v Allen Image | March 2019

library

The Allen Public Library presents… by Tom Keener

Celtic Rock Band Cleghorn Cleghorn blends original folk/rock songwriting with high energy Celtic fiddle and bagpipe tunes in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 15, at the library. This father-son team features Texas southern rock with Celtic melodies. Original songwriting and high-energy shows are among the band’s most appreciated talents. The performances of Cleghorn have enamored audiences at the North Texas Irish Festival, Austin Celtic Festival, State Fair of Texas, Texas Scottish Festival and more. Dylan and John have been acclaimed as charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts. Cleghorn released their CD, Celtic America, in 2018.

The Celtic Music News review of Cleghorn’s album states: “The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn’s fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows rock.” While playing for the band The Kangs, John opened for Cheap Trick, The Producers, Bachman Turner Overdrive and more. v

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Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton was a statesman and visionary whose life continues to shape America today. The library will feature a presentation by Dr. Ed Countryman discussing this founding father at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Dr. Countryman will examine Hamilton’s role during the Revolutionary War and founding period (1774-1804). The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard will be in colonial costume to present the flag Hamilton rose from an orphaned, 15-year-old West Indies immigrant to George Washington’s wartime aide, and at age 32, our nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton championed four causes—ratification of the constitution, the abolition of slavery and the creation of both the New York Stock Exchange and National Bank. Today, many most remember him for the duel with Aaron Burr that led to his death. As an aid to General Washington during the American Revolution and later as the Secretary of Treasury, he played a pivotal role in helping shape our nation. His policies created the mechanism for modern financial systems to develop. Those policies facilitated the growth of capital markets and afforded businesses the ability to create capital. Dr. Ed Countryman is a highly acclaimed American Revolution historian and is the author of seven books, including two books on the American Revolution. Refreshments based upon recipes from the Colonial Williamsburg will be provided by the Friends of the Allen Public Library. v

The 1913 McKinney Store Collapse

Ben Milam, Freedom Fighter

January 27, 1913, marks a tragic day in Collin County history. Eight people were killed when the Odd Fellows building collapsed without warning. Carol O’Keefe Wilson will discuss her new book The 1913 McKinney Store Collapse in a free program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the library. On the fateful day, the Cheeves Brothers store was holding a ladies’ white-goods sale and, thus, more customers than normal were probably in the building. While shoppers and clerks were enjoying the warmth of being inside, suddenly that building and The T. J. Tingle Implement Company, which sold farm implements and surreys, collapsed. The grinding sound of falling debris resonated throughout McKinney. Observers across the street at the courthouse watched in horror. Volunteers came from all over the county and worked into the night to look for survivors and uncover bodies.

Leslie Bush, son of Allen pioneers William Martin Bush and Nancy Gholson Elkin Bush, was among the deceased. Residing near Allen, Leslie Bush was a respected businessman and stockman. Arriving in Texas by horseback with his parents when he was eight years old, he married Lula Jane Franklin and was the father of six children. The Bush family name adorns the stained glass windows at the historic Allen Christian Church in Allen Heritage Village. v

Most Texans are familiar with the contributions by Davy Crocket, William Travis and Jim Bowie to the Texas independence movement, but Ben Milam’s role is less well known. Join three collateral descendants of Ben Milam portray his life through music and drama in a free performance at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14, at the library. A soldier and trader from Kentucky, Ben Milam was fluent in Spanish and helped the Mexican army in their efforts to secure freedom from Spain. He also served as a leader of the Texas independence movement during the 1830s. In December 1835, when leaders of the rebellious Texas forces wanted to delay a planned attack on a Mexican army camped at San Antonio, Milam vehemently disagreed. He urged other members of the Texas volunteers to instead join him in a surprise attack: “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” The attack succeeded, but Ben Milam was killed by a sniper’s bullet. All three have Milam as their middle name— Elizabeth Milam Hodges, Brenda Milam Stone and Melva Milam Bush. Their parents imbued them with the value of the Ben Milam legacy since early childhood. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | March 2019

calendar

MARCH CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. More info: www.2changeu.org. A Place To Go (APT G), meets 3rd Saturday each month, (SeptMay), 7-9:30 pm, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. Volunteers, high school age & up paired with special needs teen/young adult. Eat, play games and make crafts in a parent’s night out environment. Free. More info: 214.385.8850 or email specialkids@fumcallen.org. Allen Area Patriots, meets the 4th Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy., Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate. More info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com Allen Garden Club, meets 1st Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. More info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org. Allen Heritage Guild, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Guest speakers on topics of historical significance. More info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org. ALLen Reads meets 2nd Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. More info, www.allenfriends.org. Allen Retired Educators meet 3rd 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. More info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100. American Assoc. of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women. More info: Carol, 972.862.3460.

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Art History Brown Bag Series, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch. More info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org. Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Ave., McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req. More info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org. Collin County Aggie Moms, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Road. More info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com. Collin County Archaeology Society, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney. More info: archaeology@netzero.net. Collin County Genealogical Society, meets 2nd Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. More info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com. Collin County Libertarian Party meets 2nd Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen. More info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com. Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets 1st Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required. More info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu. Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary. More info: www.ccrmc.org. Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area. More info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets 2nd Saturday each month in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas. More info: www.bigd56ers.com. Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome. More info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com. First Nighter African Violet Society, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. More info: www.beautifulviolets.com.

Friends of the Allen Public Library meets 3rd Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org. Gaslighters Book Review Club meets 3rd Wednesday each month September thru May at Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments noon, speaker 1 pm. More info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983. Greater Collin Kennel Club, meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. All welcome. More info: www.greatercollinkc.org. Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. More info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460. Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets 2nd Monday each month (Sept. thru May), 10:30 am, Allen Public Library. Promotes parliamentary education. More info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres. Lovejoy Preschool PTA, meets 2nd Thursday each month, Creekwood UMC, 261 Country Club, Fairview. Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. More info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 N. Central Expressway, McKinney. More information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Hdqts., 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location varies. More info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com. McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. March: Cheryl Miller, CEO of Wild Birds Unltd. of McKinney, will discus care, feeding and habits of hummingbirds. More info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com. NARFE Chapter 559, meets 3rd Monday each month, 1:30 pm, Village of Stonebridge Assisted Living, 3300 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney. All current government employees and retirees invited.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, refreshments 9:30 am, meeting 10 am, Noah’s Event Center, 5280 Towne Square Dr., Plano. March: Irene Sandell will discus Adventures of a Second Career. All welcome to join. More info: www.newcomerfriends.org. North Dallas Newcomers, meets 1st Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs. More info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net. Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets 1st Saturday each month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney. More info: Charlie, 214.585.0004. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets 3rd Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. All welcome. More info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. More info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Reflections on Spring Creek, 1901 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. More info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com. Prelude Clubhouse, community center for adults living with mental illness meets at Collin Creek Church, 1905 E. Parker Rd, Plano. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. More info: 469.301.6639 or www.preludeclubhouse.org. Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano. 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. More info: RandomEventsDallas.com. Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm. B1116. 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. More info: www.RFCCTX.org; email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com.

Single Side Up, meets 3rd Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare. More info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org. St. Jude Carreer Alliance, meets most Wednesdays, 9 pm, lecture Hall, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen. Helping to develop career strategies for students, career builders & unemployed. More info: Jack Bick, jbick@stjudeparish.com or www. stjudecareeralliance.net/aboutus/. Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 6:30 pm at Scotty P’s restaurant in Allen, 109 Central Expy N #501, Allen. If you love Texas and value our independent spirit, come join us! Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, meets every Wednesday, “Become the Speaker and Leader You Can Be,” 7 pm, IHOP, 315 Central Expwy, Allen. More info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425. United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets 1st Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate. More info: http://www.fumcallen.org. Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney. More info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460. Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets 4th Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. More info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

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

CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 6:30 pm, Blue House Too, Watters Creek. More info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. 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. More info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets 3rd Tuesday each month. Support & resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tues & Thur, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am5 pm, you can help. More info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. More info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets 2nd Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. More info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Meets monthly. Days & locations vary. More info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com. Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. More info: Nar-Anon.org or 800.477.6291.

Allen Image | March 2019

National Alliance of Mental Illness (for Collin County) Support Groups meet every Thursday, 6:30-8 pm, LifePoint Church, in the LifePoint Kids Bldg, 4501 Hedgcoxe Rd, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family. More info: NAMI Dallas, 214.341.7133. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. More info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. 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. More info: 469.854.9593. Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 & 6 pm, 1st UMC, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES/SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. More info: www.cchba.org. Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. More info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. More info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. More info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. 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). More info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. More info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 2nd Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, last Saturday every month, 8 am. More info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www.planopacers.org. Pure Athlete Volleyball Club offers high-performance volleyball skills training and club teams for boys and girls ages 6-18. Free player assessment. More info: Mischelle Slaton, 214.803.0311 or www.pureathleteclub.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. More info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview. fit4mom.com. First class Free. More info: Fairview.fit4mom.com, email Lolo@fit4mom.com. The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets 1st Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited. More info: eaa1246.org.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc. More info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com. Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. More info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330. Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets 2nd Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. required. More info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

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Moms Club, meets 1st Friday each month (Sept.-May), 10 am-noon, at Grace Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Moms of preschool children. Relax with hot brunch & speaker. Childcare-$3 per child/$6 max. More info: www.grace-efc.org/womens-ministry/. MOMS Club of Allen, for moms & children in Allen, Fairview & Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. More info: momsclubofallentx@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. More info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com. Moms in Prayer, join prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer. More info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@verizon.net.. MOPS, support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare. More info: 972.727.8241. MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano. More info: 214.762.0037. Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets 3rd Wednesday each month (during the school year), 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare provided with advance reservations. More info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com.

mUSEUMS/preserves allen heritage guild museum

Open second and fourth Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm, 100 E. Main St., Allen. Permanent and rotating exhibits, DVD programs on Allen history and historic photo collages. More info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

Connemara Meadow Preserve

Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 3-hour walk, monthly alternating 1st Saturday and 1st Sunday, 8 am, Oct thru Apr; 7 am, May thru Sept., Alma and Tautm Rd., Allen. Bring binoculars and field guides; wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages. More info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM

Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org. Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets 1st Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets 2nd Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets 4th Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more info: 972.562.5566. Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

SENIORS

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. More info: 214.509.4820. Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets 4th Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. More info: www.asgconline.com. Classic 55+ Game Night, 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship, games. More info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail.com.

Singles Mingle 60+, meets 1st Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. A social forum for active men and women singles who enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. Various social activities throughout the month. More info: For meeting information on the 3rd Monday each month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835. Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), fellowship, speakers and entertainers. More info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets 2nd & 4th Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. More info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. More info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. More info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. More info: www.allenrotary.org. Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen. More info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com. Assistance League, Greater Collin County Chapter, meets 3rd Wednesday, 10 am at Gleneagles Country Club, Plano. Guests welcome. More info: algcc.org or call 972.769.2299. Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets 3rd Tuesday each month. More info:GenBernadoDeGalvez@gmail.com. Fairview Rotary Club, meets 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview. More info: 214.893.5360. FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets 2nd Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership with Legal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided. More info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt.org. Knights of Columbus, meets 3rd Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville Ave., Allen. More info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org. Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets 4th Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen. More info: Jason at jason.beckett.1@gmail.com, or visit us at https:// kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044. Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets 2nd Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested. More info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982. VFW Armistice Memorial Post 2195, meets 2nd Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Allen Heritage Guild Train Depot, 100 E. Main St., Allen. More info: Jack Rettig, 972.529.8504 or www.vfw2195.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:30 pm, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. More info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www. vfwpost2150.org. VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney. More info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org. Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month. 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.

formarketplace your health

Allen Image | March 2019

feature

by Deborah Dove In a school district known, among other things, for its top-rated athletics program, it’s hard to imagine a time when the Allen Eagles weren’t synonymous with state championships and district titles. However, when Allen High School head golf coach Karen Gravley first came to Allen in 1992, the school had yet to win a UIL state championship. Gravley changed that, making history when the girls’ golf team won the state tournament in 2005, bringing home the first UIL 5A State

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Championship trophy for Allen. The team followed that with a back-to-back win in 2006, followed by two more wins in 2012 and 2014. To Gravley, the wins are nice, but it’s the years, not the titles, that are the true accolades of success. “They [the wins] are important to the kids, as they should be,” she says. “Everyone wants to know their hard work paid off. But, a lot of time the hard work is still there, it’s just below the surface. The things I remember are the day-to-day things that happen on the golf course.” The memories that stand out to her from the state tournaments are more about team spirit and pride in her students. For example, the team started a tradition in 2004 that if the team or a player makes it to the state tournament and qualifies for the final four of the championship, then they can wear the pre-selected “team shirt” which can only be worn by a player who makes it that far in the competition. The color of the shirt is different every year, and chosen and voted on by the team. The year the team won their first state title it was lime green, and both Coach Gravley and Assistant Coach JP Gregoriew sprayed their hair lime green on the ninth hole. Another year they had a black out, with black shirts, shorts, socks, caps and ribbons. The team wore lime green again for their most recent state win in 2014. It became something unifying and special that the players and their parents looked forward to. Another year, Gravley and the

rest of the team—who applauded no matter how bad the shot—were told they were obnoxious, to which Gravley replied, “Obnoxious to you is proud to us.” “Every year I learned a little bit more. We were excited the first time we made it to regionals, and we were excited the first time we left regions and made it to state.” To date, the team has won 18-20 district titles. Gravley can’t say for sure, because as she says, “I only worry about what we’re doing this year.” Amazingly, Allen didn’t even have a girls’ team when Gravley was hired. During her second year of coaching at Allen, one lone girl joined the golf team. After that, more girls slowly trickled in and the course of women’s golf at Allen began to change, most significantly when Morgan Jones joined the team. A former basketball player, she brought an athletic attitude the golf team didn’t have before. A few years later, Jacqueline Selzer and Chris Wheeler qualified to compete in the 2000 5A state championship. “That’s when the bar for the boys and girls golf program in Allen really started to evolve,” says Gravley. Since then, several of her former students have declared themselves professional, competing on mini tour circuits and even qualifying for LPGA events. Gravley grew up in Duncan, Oklahoma, and first started playing golf with her father at the age of nine. “I was a country club rat,” she says with a laugh, adding that she spent her summers at the club playing golf. While she enjoyed playing during the summer, the real joy to her was in the competition. Although golf was her first love, tennis was the only sport offered to girls at the time at her high school, so she played tennis at school and competed in junior state amateur tournaments outside of school. Following high school, she played on the women’s golf team at Odessa College. However, out-of-state tuition was expensive so, two years later, she transferred to Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of the first women’s basketball team at the college. “I only made the team because I was the tallest person,” she says with a laugh. She played basketball her junior year, but during her senior year, a group of girls at OSU whom she’d played golf with during previous summers decided to create a club golf team. The basketball coach agreed to sponsor them, and Gravley traveled throughout the state competing with the team until she graduated in 1974. Although she had earned her teaching degree from OSU, Gravley felt that God was calling her to play golf professionally. She turned pro in 1979 and went to California to play on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour mini tour to gain the competitive experience needed to earn

2005 CHAMPIONS

2006 CHAMPIONS

2012 CHAMPIONS

2014 CHAMPIONS

Allen Image | March 2019

a spot on the LPGA. She traveled throughout the United States from 1979 to1985, playing and improving her game. In 1985, she achieved her goal and earned her conditional card, making it onto the LPGA tour. Gravley only played on the LPGA tour until the end of 1985, but she has no regrets. “I’m one of probably three percent of women in the whole world who had a dream and actually got to do it,” she says. “I dreamed of being a professional golfer, and I got to do that. And along the way I had some phenomenal experiences.” In September of 1985, she had the opportunity to play in five different countries throughout Southeast Asia. While there, she had experiences she’ll remember for a lifetime, including meeting the king of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and playing golf with his daughter, Princess Nurani, whom she was subsequently partnered with for the Pro-Am tournament. Later, she and her teammates were invited to spend the day at their palace. Another time, she experienced firsthand an Indian ceremony that was reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie, complete

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with spears and sacrifices. “It was an education you only read about,” she says. “Everything I’ve had the opportunity to do came from golf.” Following her pro run, she became the golf coach at Marcus High School, followed by a year coaching at SMU, before she came to Allen. The golf team, which had just transitioned to a year-round sport that same year, only practiced in the afternoon. “They had to find someplace to fit me in,” Gravley says. So, she taught Physical Education at Rountree Elementary in the mornings, then coached golf at the high school in the afternoon. Even though the golf team now includes boys and girls, both practice

in the afternoon, allowing Gravley to keep the same schedule, although she eventually taught at Vaughn and Green before moving to Kerr when it opened, where she has remained. “I am very grateful to Allen ISD that they have always allowed me to have the opportunity to continue to teach and coach.” At one time, she was given the option to teach at the high school, but she chose to stay in elementary. “I have the best of both worlds,” she says. “I have kids who still love PE and kids who love their sport. Both keep me young.” This year marks Coach Karen Gravley’s twenty-sixth year with Allen, a milestone she shares with the

team’s biggest fundraiser—The Mulligan Club Classic, which Gravley started. A golf tournament hosted by the Allen Golf Team Booster Club, the fundraiser typically raises between $20,000-$25,000, which is used for “extras” such as travel expenses (the team plays eight UIL tournaments around the state), scholarships, equipment and more. Just like the golf program, the fundraiser has grown from its humble beginning when it was a big deal that coffee was served on the course. Now, a continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are served, and there’s a holein-one sponsor with a car as the prize. This year’s tournament will be held on April 6, at the Courses of Watters Creek. More information can be found at www.allengolf.org. Gravley loves that the kids on the team actually work the fundraiser, which teaches them a lot. “It’s the fundraiser that pays it forward,” she says. “My job has always been to hopefully leave my kids better young people as they leave the program, so

they will be better adults. That’s always been my goal. This is just another way to help solidify that.” During her twenty-six years with Allen, Karen Gravley has imparted far more than just golf technique to her students. She has created a legacy that lives on in each student who’s been a part of the program. “There’s always a legacy for every place we are in our lives. I want

my players to understand that there is a legacy that came before them, and once they leave this program, they become a part of that legacy. Regardless of the wins or losses or the state titles, I’m proud of the young people and that their lives are now different, I hope. If they are, I’ve done what I’m supposed to.” v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | March 2019

kids korner

Groupon Spring Break by Deborah Dove Looking for fun things to do over spring break without breaking the bank? One word—Groupon. Not only will you save money on local fun, but you just might also discover new activities and places to explore. While Groupon deals change daily, following is a sampling of fun and unique ideas we found at press time.

Trinity Forest Adventure Park—1820 Dowdy Ferry Road, Dallas, 214.391.1000, www.trinitytreetops.com. Regular Price: $54.95 for one; $109.90 for two; $219.90 for four. Groupon Price: $39.95 for one; $74.95 for two; $145.95 for four. Enjoy this outdoor adventure park that includes high ropes and zipline courses of varying degrees of difficulty, with three different levels of variation. Each course includes eight to twelve obstacles each, including wobble bridges, tight ropes, ladders, cargo nets, zip lines and more. Great for all ages; there’s even a “Littles” for participants ages 4 and up who aren’t ready for the bigger courses. All courses are self-guided, so participants have the freedom to explore at their own pace and may choose any and all of the courses they’d like to complete within their session. Price includes three-hour admission to the park, including 15-20 minutes of harnessing and instruction.

SeaQuest Aquarium—inside Ridgmar Mall, 1974 Green Oaks Rd, Fort Worth, 817.731.5357, www.visitseaquest.com. Price: General Admission for two is regularly $30 (Groupon price $25); Family four-pack with five activity tokens is $72 (Groupon price is $36, which is a great deal!) This small interactive aquarium allows children to get up close and personal with a variety of sea animals through hands-on encounters such as feeding sharks, stingrays, capybara, Asian small-clawed otters, giant tortoises, large exotic birds species and thousands of other creatures. Anyone in search of a more daring experience can enjoy walkin aviaries, playing with otters (an additional $20/person) or snorkeling in the swim tank filled with reef sharks, stingrays and hundreds of tropical fish (snorkeling sessions are thirty minutes long and an additional $29.95/person). Animal Whisperer tours take guests behind the scenes to learn about caring for the animals and includes feeding the different animals on the tour. General admission passport includes touching and interacting with hundreds of animals, but you can add feeding tokens to purchase food to feed many of the animals.

Frontiers of Flight Museum—6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, www. flightmuseum.com. Price: Regular admission is $10/adult and $7/kids 3-17 (Groupon price is $12 for two) This flight museum located at Love Field is the perfect place to explore the history of aviation, with more than 30 vintage aircraft, salvage from the Hindenburg, 13 historical galleries, over 35,000 artifacts, and the Apollo VII spacecraft—displayed with its hatch open for visitors to

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peep inside. The family-friendly museum welcomes younger visitors with the Children’s Discovery Area and a “living history” series featuring aviation icons such as Amelia Earhart and Orville Wright.

River Ranch at Texas Horse Park (Horseback Riding)—811 Pemberton Hill Rd, Dallas, 469.804.2660, www.riverranchtexashorsepark.com. Price: One trail ride for two is $150 (Groupon price is $74.50 for Wed.Fri. or $98 for Saturday or Sunday) Walk, trot, and canter as you explore the hidden beauty within the Trinity Forest by horseback, with 302 acres of winding streams, trees, and open farmland. Minimum age is nine for trail rides, although 10-minute pony rides are available for younger children.

K1 Speed—677 W Campbell Road, Richardson, 469.729.8320, www.k1speed.com. Regular price: $46/person. Groupon price: $29.99 (Mon.-Thurs.) or $39.99 (any day)/person; or $54.99 (Mon.-Thurs.) or $74.99 (any day) for two. Channel your child’s inner Mario Andretti at this indoor track, where up to twelve racers can maneuver eco-friendly go-karts around hairpin turns and straightaways. First time drivers will receive a mandatory briefing session on rules and safety. After each race, you’ll receive a race result sheet that allows you to compare your times and overall rank against other drivers. Adult and junior size karts are available, so mom or dad can join in the fun. Minimum height requirement is 48”.

XD Ride—Dallas Galleria (next to Ice Skating Center), 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, www.xdrideco.com. Price: Regularly $25/two rides or $37.50/three rides (Groupon price is $21 or $31.50) These virtual reality thrill rides immerse riders into the game via 7D interactive simulation. Guests are strapped into a motion seat that creates a motion impression of flying, crashing and falling as environmental effects—such as sounds, blowing wind and light effects—add to the illusion of reality. Participants are equipped with a laser blaster aim to survive an incoming hostile attack by shattering and destroying waves of enemies, and can compete against their family and friends to achieve the highest score. Options include Zombie Attack, Werewolves, Robotic Wild West and Road Fighters in the year 2156. v

education

Picking Up

STEAM! Creativity Soars in Allen ISD’s new STEAM Center

by David Hicks

t takes a heaping helping of planning, one long ribbon, a large pair of scissors, and a dash of excitement to open a new building. The Allen ISD community has seen it time and time again in the past 20 years with the opening of a new high school, freshman center, middle school, several elementary schools and a football stadium. But this time, for the ribbon cutting of the STEAM Center on January 24, the ceremony had to be different. It had to be as unique as the facility itself. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, and the focus of this new facility is

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providing students with creative and innovative opportunities. With this in mind, it only made sense to invite the Allen High School Robotics Team to participate in the ribbon cutting. The team brought “Bowser” with them, a 150-pound, four-and-a-half-foot tall robot that wielded a pair of scissors. More than 200 visitors at the STEAM Center watched in anticipation as a student remotely guided the robot into place, extended its arms and snipped the ribbon in half. The crowd cheered as the STEAM Center was officially opened. Following the ribbon cutting was an open house for families and community members to walk through the new

building. Nearly 2,000 people attended the open house, exploring every inch of the science labs, robotics area and collaborative work spaces. Elementary students excitedly guided their parents through the building, as younger grades had visited the campus two weeks prior to the ribbon cutting. Allen High School students will begin taking classes there in August. Susan Raff and her two children were among the visitors at the open house. Raff’s son was in one of the first classes to visit the STEAM Center. “He just raved about this place,” Raff says as she watches her two sons marvel at a 3D printer. “He was so excited to come back today because he wanted to show his younger brother all the neat things here.” The STEAM Center is unique in the fact that it is not a magnet school, nor do students have to apply to attend. Every student in Allen ISD will have a chance to engage in STEAM-related learning activities at the center. It was a warm January day when Kerr Elementary’s second-graders had the opportunity to visit. The students had just finished a two-hour lesson on the new campus, and were enjoying lunch on the large limestone benches that dot the front lawn of the campus. Julianne Drost, a teacher at Kerr,

reflected on the learning that just took place inside the campus. She talked about how the students guided a small robot through a maze, and how the teachers can use the experience to bridge into lessons about angles and elevation back at their home campus. But for Drost, the highlight of the trip was the creativity that took place within the STEAM Center walls. “This place has just opened, and it already has these students thinking and exploring in new ways,” Drost says. “I’m excited to see how this type of learning will positively impact them by the time they get to high school.” Building excitement for STEAM learning is a key component of the new center, according to Courtney Sharkey, the STEAM Center Campus Administrator. She says the goal is to “demystify” the fear of subjects like science and math and build engagement at an early age. The elementary and middle school sections of the facility even have large windows that overlook the high school science labs so the younger students can watch their older peers work. Sharkey hopes that engaging young students in STEAM subjects will help eliminate preconceived notions. “We know that students are less likely to pursue STEAM careers if they do not feel a connection to that career field,” Sharkey said. “With this new building, we have an opportunity to create those connections here.” Sharkey also hopes to build engagement with the high school students by providing them with learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. She is currently working to secure partnerships with area corporations and businesses to allow for guest speakers, business mentors and practicum teaching. “The key to true STEAM learning is relevancy and what is actually happening in these careers,” Sharkey says. “We can best do that when we Allen Image | March 2019

Students at the STEAM Center can engage with the OmniGlobe, a 60-inch spherical display.

have meaningful partnerships with these business leaders.” Melissa Kelly is the Learning Coordinator at the STEAM Center, and says that real-world opportunities are what sets this new facility apart

from any other school in the state. The focus is on making sure that each STEAM component is strategically interconnected, with the end goal of helping students develop their criticalthinking abilities in every class.

“We want our students to work together, communicate with each other, and also realize that sometimes there is no perfect solution to a problem,” Kelly says. As the year progresses, so will the opportunities that become available at the STEAM Center. Outdoor sections of the campus, including nature trails, outdoor classrooms, a pond and pavilion will become available for teachers to expand the curriculum. Students will also be able to study rain collection methods through the on-site bioswales, and learn about renewable energy resources through the wind turbines and solar panels. Sharkey looks forward to opening the entire campus, and says the STEAM Center’s full potential is just beginning to be discovered. “It’s difficult to predict just how large this program will become,” Sharkey says. “As this program grows, so will our students’ ability to learn and experiment in exciting new ways. I want our teachers and students to leave here feeling inspired and ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.” v David Hicks is the Director of Communications for Allen ISD.

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formarketplace your health

Allen Image | March 2019

travel

Cruising… by Deborah Dove

While I love to travel and will venture just about anywhere for the sake of a new experience, going on a cruise has never been at the top, or even halfway down, my travel wish list. Why? Because I get horribly seasick. I’m only partially joking when I say taking a bath makes me a bit queasy. However, a recent big birthday seemed to call for celebrating in a big, emphatic, stretch your boundaries kind of way. So, armed with two boxes of Dramamine (drowsy and non-drowsy), a few Transderm patches, Zofran, a Sea-Band bracelet and some ginger chews for good measure, I boarded the Carnival Victory for a three-day, two-night sail to the Bahamas. And, just like that, I fell in love with cruising. The ship set sail from the port of Miami, so we flew there the day before and spent a day exploring Little Havana. The next day, we boarded the ship, attended muster (a necessary, but tedious, safety presentation where you learn what to do in case of an emergency and, if you’re like me, count the lifeboats to be sure there are enough),

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and then explored our home for the next three days. We sprung for a balcony room, which I highly recommend if it’s at all within your budget. The room didn’t feel small at all, and some of our favorite moments were the ones we spent on the balcony at night watching the moonlight reflecting on the endless vast ocean, or in the morning drinking coffee and watching the hypnotic motion of the waves. As the ship churned its way toward Nassau, we enjoyed a threecourse dinner in the dining room, unique craft cocktails at the Alchemy Bar and a comedy show before turning in for the night. We awoke to the beautiful turquoise water of the Bahamas outside our balcony door and spent the day on Blue Lagoon Island. It lives up to its name with sugar-white beaches, clear blue water and plenty of palm trees. There, we played with dolphins and sea lions, swam with stingrays, and generally lolled on the beach with frozen drinks in hand. While it was an amazing one-ofa-kind adventure, on future trips I’ll opt for an excursion that doesn’t take up an entire day, or simply explore on my own to get a real taste of the local culture. Unfortunately, by the time we returned and had showered and changed, we were told most of the local shops and restaurants were closed for the night. Of course now we have a good excuse to go again… The next 36 hours were spent “at sea,” which gave us plenty of time to explore and partake in all the ship had to offer—we won and lost and then won again at the casino; watched a poolside movie under the stars; listened to live music; watched stage shows; and shut down the nightclub. Every activity was interspersed with food galore, as the ship offered a variety of places to grab a bite in addition to the dining room. Best of all, once we boarded the ship, we didn’t pay for a thing, as most of the food and drinks were included.

I didn’t make it to the spa, but one of the most memorable moments of the entire weekend was relaxing in a giant clamshell-like outdoor chaise in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat area of the ship, watching the sunset over the Atlantic. While I didn’t take my kids (much to their chagrin), the ship also seems to offer plenty of fun activities for kids and teens. Of course, there are numerous cruise lines offering cruises to just about anywhere there’s a port, from the Caribbean to Cuba, to Alaska, Europe, Hawaii and more. Each cruise line has its own vibe, and pros and cons to each. Disney cruises are the way to go for families that don’t mind splurging a little in exchange for great kid facilities and larger cabins. Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are rated as the top four best cruise lines for the money. Now that I’m back on terra firma, I can’t wait to hit the high seas again. Cruising is different from any other vacation, and there’s a lot to know before you go.

Things to Pack • Dramamine: Despite taking every possible seasick remedy with me “just in case,” all I needed was non-drowsy Dramamine and I was perfectly fine. Following a friend’s suggestion, I took one the minute I got on the ship, and every night thereafter. • Wine: Most cruise lines let each passenger take one bottle of wine on board, which will save you money if you drink wine. Don’t forget the wine bottle opener! • Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: With limited cabin space and tiny bathrooms, put this over the bathroom door to hold toiletries and more. • Magnetic Hooks: Another storage hack, attach these to the cabin walls (which are metal) for extra storage. • Extra hangers: Wire ones take up the least space and will allow you to hang more in the closet. • Wrinkle release spray: Irons aren’t allowed on cruise ships, although most ships have a laundry room equipped with an iron. Never fear— flat irons are okay. • Phone/passport dry pouch: To keep

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your phone and passport dry while you’re out having adventures. • Waterproof dry bag: See above, but for your clothes.

• A lanyard: You need to have your sea pass card on you most of the time, so if you don’t have a pocket, a lanyard is a must.

Things to Know If you suffer from seasickness, try to get a cabin as close to the center of the ship as you can, and on a lower deck. Balcony rooms also help. Most cruises offer a flat fee for alcohol. Although they’re pricey, many people find them worth it to not have to worry about paying for each and every drink. Keep in mind that due to state laws, alcohol packages cannot be sold on board until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6 a.m.) for voyages departing from Texas home ports, so consider purchasing ahead of time. Figure out how you’re going to stay in touch with home (or go off the grid entirely). I used WhatsApp and Snapchat to communicate with my kids so I could purchase the cheaper on-board Wi-Fi package instead of paying for data and still be in touch. Download the Cruise Ship Mate app to connect with other passengers, explore excursions and check out deck plans. Most cruise lines also have their own apps, which are helpful. Happy cruising! v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

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