Allen Image March 2018

Postal Customer

STANDARD RATE U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Allen, TX Permit 178

Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

March 2018

Vol. 28, Issue 3

feature

26

being the change Martina Thompson, a ninth grade Spanish teacher at Lowery Freshman Center, is one who initiates change.

She started a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for bicycles, shoes and helmets for kids in rural sections of Colombia

YOUTH SEEN

44 life in the fast lane

Rountree Elementary fifth grader Mia Rhodes started drag racing with a basic used dragster and by her second race she took first place. At the end of the first season, she was nominated for Rookie of the Year.

special sections

19 CALENDAR 30 KIDS KORNER

Spring Break on a Gallon of Gas

26 44

30 4

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

8

15

12

14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE civic forum 8 10

15

As Good as Dead

style

Your Pet’s Best Interests in Mind

The Selkie Girls

40 Mom on Spring Break in Style

“Trick or Treat” for Eggs at Eggscellent Family Adventure

16

We Were the War

11 Cyber Crime and Identity Theft 12

Allen Civic Ballet Performs Pirouettes for Pets

After Prom Needs You!

Fantastic Teeth

helping hands 18

education 32 More High School Students Can Earn College Credit

library 14 Coffee with the Fire Chief

Texas Tornadoes

The Hanson Family

36 Collin College Health & Safety Fair

36

18 publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

advertising sales Linda Ramirez

cover photo Larry Fleming

on the cover Martina Thompson

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

40

32 contributing writers Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr Tim Carroll Matt Cobb Kirk Dickey Deborah Dove Tom Keener Natasha Moser

6

10

A New Look for Allen Community Outreach

Peggy Helmick-Richardson Erik Waldbauer

Allen Image © 2018 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area.

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

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807, visit our website at www. allenimage.com or email us at contact@allenimage.com.

civic forum

Your Pet’s Best Interests in Mind

by Erik WALDBAUER

Walking into the Allen Animal Shelter, you might first notice the painted mural behind the front desk, or the photos of adorable (and adoptable) animals on the window to your left, or the smiling face of the employee or volunteer who is greeting you.

Deborah Michnick, Animal Control Supervisor and member of the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, wants to make sure that Allen residents know that Animal Control is here to provide a public service and help their furry friends.

“We would rather return dogs and cats in the field than take them back to the shelter,” said Michnick.

Though it is not always possible to avoid bringing an animal to the shelter, there are a few things pet owners can do to ensure their animals are returned quickly.

If your pet does become lost, the

8

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

first thing you should do is call the Animal Shelter. It is best to recall as many details as possible about your lost pet. You can even send a picture of your pet to animalshelter@ cityofallen.org.

While posting on social media sites like Nextdoor and Facebook can also help, make sure to reach out to the Animal Shelter as soon as you can, so officers have a description they can use to identify your pet.

Pet owners should also make sure their pets are registered with the Animal Shelter—in fact, it’s a city ordinance that all cats, dogs and ferrets must be registered.

Additionally, microchipping your pets greatly helps officers and speeds up the process of returning them home. Microchipping is available at the Allen Animal Shelter for $20.

“All dogs and cats are checked

for microchips or tags that will help us return them to their owners as quickly as possible,” said Michnick.

If a stray animal has no tags or microchips, they will be held for five to seven days. They are given extensive medical treatment during this stray holding period. Animals are given medical boosters and treated for worms, fleas and ticks.

If a stray animal is not claimed during this holding period, efforts are directed at finding these animals a new home.

“If the dog or cat is not reclaimed in the stray hold period and we feel they are adoptable, we then get them spayed or neutered and put them up for adoption,” said Michnick.

The Allen Animal Shelter has about an 85-90% adoption rate, and healthy animals typically do not stay un-adopted for very long. Officers

work with these animals and, on occasion, with trainers to ensure they are adoptable.

Animal Control Officers themselves often come from other professions involving animals, so they have a deeper understanding of animals and what they mean to their owners. At the Allen Animal Shelter, one officer was a veterinary technician, and one even worked at a zoo.

“I worked as a sworn police officer and a middle manager of a retail store,” said Michnick. “I missed public service, so I jumped at the opportunity to join the city.”

These diverse experiences help ensure that shelter staff are prepared for anything that comes barking, purring or hissing its way through their doors.

Animal Control officers can be thought of as teachers, as public education is a core duty at the shelter.

The hope is that through education, fewer people (and animals) are put at risk.

For example, the shelter does accept stray animals that residents find and bring in themselves, but if you encounter an animal that is aggressive, or you do not feel comfortable approaching it, call Animal Control. If this happens after hours, and you need to report a bite or a sick/injured animal, call the Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch at 214.509.4321. This can help minimize the risk for yourself and the animal.

Animal Shelter staff often conduct educational presentations for children and have worked with 4-H clubs, girl scouts and boy scouts.

Additionally, tours of the shelter are provided to anyone who wants to meet the current residents. To schedule a tour or presentation, give the shelter a call at 214.509.4378.

“Besides caring for the animals under our roof, one of our main jobs is to pass our knowledge on to the public,” said Michnick. “Whether it be educating the public about rabies

control, what to do when you encounter urban wildlife or how to adopt your next furry friend, we are here to provide a public service to the citizens of Allen.”

For more information on Animal Control and the Allen Animal Shelter,

and a full list of rules and regulations, visit CityofAllen.org/AnimalShelter, and like them on Facebook.com/ CityofAllenAnimalShelter. v Erik Waldbauer is the Marketing Coordinator for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | March 2018

9

“Trick-or-Treat” for Eggs at Eggcellent Family Adventure

by Matt COBB

One of Allen’s favorite springtime traditions will bring the community together and give children a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and “trick-ortreat” for eggs, while also incorporating a new educational activity and live entertainment!

The 2018 Eggcellent Family Adventure, which is free and open to all ages, will be happening from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 24, at Allen Civic Plaza, the outdoor public area directly behind Allen City Hall.

For this fun Easter event, children should bring their largest baskets because community organizations and local businesses will have tables lining the sidewalks at Allen Civic Plaza, giving away eggs filled with goodies along with special offers.

“Children will be able to walk from table to table to collect eggs, just like trick-or-treating,” said AnnaMarie Underwood, the Special Events

Coordinator for the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. “Eggcellent Family Adventure is the perfect way to welcome in the spring season while getting to spend time with family, friends and other members of our local community.”

In addition to collecting eggs, the Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures, so be sure to bring a camera or have your smartphone fully charged. Also, children will be able to play interactive games, create interesting crafts, get their faces painted and even jump in a bounce house.

With the importance of STEAM— Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics—programs, a new activity called the Eggcellent Eggdrop will be included in the event’s festivities. Individuals or teams will be given materials such as straws, tape and cardboard to build a

structure to prevent a raw egg from breaking from a 10+ foot drop.

Although the Eggcellent Family Adventure is free to attend, there is a $10 supply fee per individual or team to participate in the Eggcellent Eggdrop. With limited spaces for the activity, which is expected to fill up, be sure to register soon to save your spot by calling 214.509.4707 or emailing aunderwood@cityofallen.org.

Also new this year— entertainment, providing additional fun for the whole family. There will be performances from North Texas singer Maya Delgado and other exciting entertainers.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the new activities and performances being added to this year’s Eggcellent Family Adventure,” Underwood said. “The live entertainment and Eggcellent Eggdrop will help create an even more festive and interactive environment while hopefully putting an extra hop in everyone’s step!”

Other fun Easter-themed events happening in Allen include “Lunch With The Easter Bunny” on March 27, at Joe Farmer Recreation Center; the “Under the Sea Easter Adventure,” on March 31 at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium; and the “Easter Open Skate” on March 31, at Allen Community Ice Rink.

For more information about local programs, classes and events being hosted by Allen Parks and Recreation, please visit AllenParks.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen.

10

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

their thoughts. The visual arts of clay, paint, collage, drawing, and the verbal arts of music, dance, movement, drama are seen as Languages of the Child—a hundred languages, each giving children a vehicle for expression and development.

After running a Montessori school for thirteen years, we felt strongly that the development of creativity was not being encouraged in the Montessori classroom. Fixed on rigid methodology, they often fail to incorporate the need for creative and artistic learning, which helps develop problem solving, innovative thinking, and is a foundation for all future learning. At Wisteria Preschool, the partnership between Montessori and Reggio is a purposeful decision, because we believe it provides for a stronger early childhood foundation.

Wisteria Preschool in Allen is a privately-owned preschool nestled amongst trees with lots of windows, creating classrooms full of natural light to connect children with nature. It is a family and educator run school founded

by Shamsa Tanvir, Sabiha Tanvir and Hiba Tanvir, who have over forty years of collective early childhood experience.

They share a passion and vision for a quality preschool, which combines the Reggio and Montessori philosophies.

Our Montessori Journey with Reggio “We have combined the Reggio and Montessori approach because we do not believe any one approach can completely and adequately serve the needs of the ‘new child,’ who is more curious, has a need for more diverse experiences, is an innovative learner and has infinite potential. We believe by combining these two approaches and taking best practices from each we can give children a more well-rounded learning experience.”

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. A key tenet of the Reggio Emilia approach is that art helps children express

Our School We offer 2-, 3- and 5-day programs to cater to parents’ needs and provide a wholesome learning experience in a creative and aesthetically pleasing environment. Our custom-designed curriculum prepares our students by creatively using Reggio Provocations and academically incorporating Montessori materials and a language and reading program. We strive to ensure our little ones are well prepared for kindergarten. Courtyards, a yoga studio, an atelier, a computer lab and a children’s library provide children with varied learning spaces and experiences. We believe good nutrition is a very important part of a child’s development and are committed to serving only organic snacks at Wisteria. Our program allows all facets of a child’s personality to evolve and exposes them to a range of educational and extracurricular activities.

At Wisteria, children are meaningfully engaged in a prepared environment and seamlessly transition between works and materials. As a family run school with trained and experienced educators, we are involved, hands-on, in the day-to-day running of the school because education is not just our business, it’s our passion.

Call us to schedule a tour and see the difference.

694 S. Watters Road • Allen • 214.295.5342 • wisteriapreschool.com Allen Image | March 2018

11

Snippets

Allen Civic Ballet Performs Pirouettes for Pets It’s time for Allen Civic Ballet’s annual Pirouettes for Pets, where graceful choreography and stupid ballerina tricks combine to raise awareness for animal adoption and responsible pet ownership.

Share in the love of animals by joining the talented Allen Civic Ballet dancers for this free performance at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, in the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium. This fourth annual performance benefits the Allen Animal Shelter who will be onsite with a few adorable animals available for adoption. The shelter will also accept donations for the animals they temporarily house such as leashes, non-clumping cat litter, cleaning supplies, unopened bags of food and more. Visit CityofAllen.org/ AllenAnimalShelter for a complete list of items needed.

For more information about the Pirouettes for Pets event, visit AlleCivicBallet.org or CityofAllen.org/ PirouettesForPets. v

After Prom Needs You! After Prom is a fun-filled event for seniors and their guests that occurs after prom at the high school. The After Prom Committee has partnered with Bubb Fundraising to host a fundraising event on Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m.-noon. Your used or unwanted items— clothes, electronics, books, home and garden, collectibles, etc.—will be accepted in damaged, nonworking or working condition.

After Prom will make the most money on donated computer, electronics and phone items. Any businesses with electronics to donate, a separate pick-up time will be scheduled for Friday, March 2.

The fundraising event will take place in the north parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Allen, 201 East McDermott.

Come and drop off your junk after the Allen Eagle Fun Run. For additional questions regarding acceptable items or to arrange a business pick up, contact Susan Fleck at susan.h.fleck@gmail.com. v

Fantastic Teeth The Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435 presented their annual Fantastic Teeth Fan Club Program to the first graders of Story, Reed, Boyd and Rountree Elementary Schools. The Masons handed out 280 Dental Kits during the program to promote the proper care of the children’s and their families’ teeth.

Assisting the Masons at Rountree Elementary were Lara Utecht, Principal; Dr. Scott Niven, AISD Superintendent; Lane Worthen; Allen Mayor Steve Terrell; Dr. E.T. Boon; School Nurse Kelley Lawrence; and Carson Doss.

This program is just one of the many ways the Allen Masonic Lodge contributes to the local community through various and important venues. v

12

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Snippets

Cyber Crime and Identity Theft Cyber crime and identity theft confront everyone. Learn more about these issues from Leonid Shkolnikov, Investigator for the Allen Police Department and Eric Matthews, City of Allen IT Department Director in a free program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the Allen Public Library’s second-floor program room.

The audience will learn the origins of threats, how to recognize scam email and phone calls and how to guard against, and recover from, malware infections on PCs and mobile devices. Strategies for creating and managing passwords will also be discussed.

Leonid Shkolnikov specializes in cyber crimes, identity theft, financial crimes and computer forensics for the Allen Police Department’s Digital and Computer Forensics Lab, and serves as Crime Scene Investigator for Major Crimes. Investigator Leonid Shkolnikov will describe actual scams and schemes the criminals use to obtain information, money and identity from their victims.

IT Director for the City of Allen, Eric Matthews has spent more than 20 years in the IT field in both the public and private sector. Eric offers simple, more effective solutions to the increasingly complex world of technology. Developing applications for local government, Eric taught cybersecurity classes and is published in Domino Power magazine. Eric will address malware, ransomware, phishing emails, social engineering, adware and password recommendations.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4905 for additional information. v

Allen Railroad Days Exhibit The Allen Heritage Guild presents a free modular train exhibit at the Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main. Over 100 models of freight, passenger and work trains, drawn by steam and diesel engines, representing various southwestern railroads, including, Southern Pacific, Rock Island and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe will be featured. The Allen train depot, a typical Houston and Texas Central station is represented in miniature as it appeared in 1942 before it was destroyed by fire.

This year’s traveling exhibit of the Dallas Forth Worth O scale model railroad club will be a sixteen-foot long modular display of trolleys and interurbans.

Model train experts will be available during the exhibit for a free model train road show, free appraisals and identification will be given. Visit your closet attic and bring your trains for a free appraisal or to sell!

And, last but not least, on each Sunday, the kids can enter a drawing to win model train sets from the Allen Senior Center “Train Guys.” Winners need not be present to win.

Exhibit hours are Saturdays—March 17 and 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sundays—March 18 and 25, noon to 3 p.m. For more information contact Stan Schwartz at ss124@sbcglobal.net. v Allen Image | March 2018

13

library

The Library presents…

by Tom KEENER

Coffee with the Fire Chief

Texas Tornadoes

Share coffee with Allen Fire Chief Bill Hawley in a free program at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at the library.

Chief Hawley will discuss opportunities that challenge the Allen Fire Department. After this presentation, citizens can interact personally with him by submitting questions and expressing concerns.

Allen’s fire chief since 2002, he leads a department of 116 firefighters, apparatus operators, captains, fire prevention specialists and more. Allen’s firefighters are also highly-trained paramedics and passionate about prevention of loss of life and property, Chief Hawley observes, “We are committed to continuously improving the emergency services provided to our community and maintaining the Allen Fire Department as a world class organization.”

To prove this point, he notes, “While in an area ER, our paramedics noticed the hospital staff was experiencing challenges inserting a breathing tube in a young child. The hospital staff asked if our paramedics could perform the procedure and we are proud to say that our paramedics were able to perform this on the first attempt.”

Food For Thought Café will provide fresh coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. v

If you live in North Texas long enough, you will come to know someone who has been devastated by a tornado. The most recent local tornado disaster occurred December 26, 2015, in Rowlett and Garland, where over 1,000 homes were destroyed and 11 people were killed.

Dr. Marlene Bradford, author of Texas Tornadoes, The Lone Star State’s Deadliest Twisters, will discuss the history of Texas tornadoes and tornado forecasting in a free program at the library at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 15.

Dr. Bradford has spent most of her life in Tornado Alley, that area of the United States most frequently impacted by these devastating storms. After earning a degree in chemistry from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Bradford taught, served as a minister’s wife and earned an M.A. in history from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) and a Ph.D. in U.S. history from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Bradford is the author of Arkansas Tornadoes: The Natural State’s Deadliest Twisters, numerous journal and encyclopedia articles, and is the co-editor of Notable Natural Disasters.

Copies of Dr. Bradford’s books will be available for purchase and signatures. v

The Hanson Family The library’s auditorium comes to life with the vibrant energy of The Hanson Family—Lisa, Theresa and Daniel—in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 9, at the library. Winners of the 2014 Academy of Western Artists’ Duo/Group of the Year, The Hanson Family offers the best of Western swing, yodeling mastery, rousing fiddle tunes and blazing harmony.

Stunning vocal arrangements and layered harmonies helped The Hanson Family garner the 2016 Marilyn Tuttle “Best of the Best” Harmony Award and the 2013 Kamloops Cowboy Festival “Rising Star Showcase.”

The Hanson Family has entertained audiences across the United States and Canada, including the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, Alaska State Fair, Pendleton Roundup, Paramount Theater in Seattle, New York City Center Theater and the Wyoming State Fair. Their latest single “Star Spangled Courage” is featured on their new CD Rope That Rhythm. v

14

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

As Good as Dead

The Selkie Girls

Hear Stephen L. Moore tell the heroic story of eleven American prisoners of war who defied certain death during World War II in a free program at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 8, at the library.

Celebrate the enchanting music of the Celtic tradition with The Selkie Girls as they perform in a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at the library. With a repertoire including ancient laments, contemporary ballads, traditional Irish tunes, Scottish Gaelic folksongs and a few foot-stomping jigs and reels, there’s never a dull moment.

Irish dancer Jason Purcell takes the stage with rocket-speed leg and foot movements. A former Allen High School student, Jason was the champion for the Irish Regional Dancing Competition 2012 and 2013.

This talented band features Allison Johnson (vocals, guitar) is the featured singer and started performing professionally at age 16 in various Dallas-area venues.

Jaycie Skidmore (pennywhistle/flutes/vocals flute) is currently the principal flutist with the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and has performed at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Bass Performance Hall and New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Linda Mudd (harp) is a member of an ensemble called Harp Essence.

Dave Ervin (vocals, guitars) began his musical career playing clarinet and bass clarinet in the middle and high

As Good as Dead is his unforgettable account of the Palawan Massacre survivors and their daring escape.

Preventing the rescue of American prisoners of war by the advancing Allies on December 14, 1944, units of the Japanese Fourteenth Army, under the command of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, ordered the POWs back to their own camp. During an air raid warning, 150 of the POWs at Puerto Princesa hid in three covered trenches for refuge; the Japanese soldiers ignited the trenches using barrels of gasoline. Attempting to escape, most were shot and killed by machine gun fire. Eleven dared all odds and survived.

Stephen’s latest Texas book is the non-fiction companion to the History Channel’s Texas Rising, the 2015 ten-hour mini-series drama about the Texas Revolution and the early Texas Rangers.

A frequent lecturer for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at the Alamo, the San Jacinto Museum of History, and various historical organizations, Stephen has twice been a featured author at the Texas Book Festival in Austin and is a contributing book reviewer for the Dallas Morning News.

Copies of Stephen’s books will be available for purchase and signing. v

school orchestras, but soon realized the guitar was his passion. Joel Black (vocals, upright and electric bass), has performed at the Majestic Theater, Mardi Gras, Branson, Missouri and Hollywood.

Martin McCall (bodhran, percussion) has opened for Texas blues legend Delbert McClinton and for the Eagles’ superstar Don Henley. He has performed multiple times with three-time national fiddle and mandolin champion Mark O’Connor.

Joining The Selkies as a guest on fiddle, Ana Skrnich.

The Selkie Girls recently released third CD, Pirate Queen, has received rave reviews. 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 2018

15

We Were the War Stories of men in combat

by Tom KEENER

Paul Newman Most news about war revolves around military and civilian leaders who make the major decisions.

Movies and television shows focus on the actions of the men who put their lives on the line and these are often fictionalized for dramatic effect. See the war through the eyes of eight men who actually served in the Viet Nam War at 7 p.m., on Thursday, March 22, as the library.

Four of the speakers crawled through snake infested swamps, rice paddies and the mountains of Southeast Asia. Two others served in logistics, one folded parachutes and one was a combat photographer/ reporter. While these men confronted harrowing events and were surrounded by death, the home country was indifferent at best, disrespectful at worst.

Come listen to recollections about discovering an underground enemy

16

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

hospital; an ammo dump that blew apart; or how an ammo depot was saved through gallant effort. Learn about Ranger ambushes, assaults on the enemy in mountainous terrain and how supply convoys brought

Bob Wallace

provisions to the troops over heavilymined roads. Humanitarian missions, the challenges of distinguishing friend from foe and the tensions heightened by prevalent drug and alcohol addictions will also be recalled.

During March, view a display of Viet Nam era military gear and captured enemy artifacts displayed in the library’s downstairs gallery.

Artifacts include Vietnamese money, a Viet Cong flag, battle gear and more.

Five of the eight men have written books about their experiences.

One book chronicles the lives of the 21 Collin County native-born soldiers.

The books will be available for sale at the event.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Please call 214.509.4911 for more information. Â v Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.

Photos by Jack Bick.

helping hands

New Look for

by Marjorie Vaneskahian BURR When Allen Community Outreach began in 1985 as an assistance center, I am not sure that our founders could have dreamed just how vital to the community this agency would grow to become.

Now more than 30 years later, ACO continues to provide free comprehensive human services to help families avoid hunger and homelessness and gain financial security. ACO offers Income Support Services—food, clothing, housing assistance, medical visits and prescriptions assistance; and Education and Employment Services—GED classes, college assistance, financial literacy and career counseling.

For years, ACO’s tag line was “Real People Helping Real People” and the logo was a design of hands crossing. “Nothing could have said it better to explain Allen Community Outreach’s mission than to simply state that motto. But, as the agency has grown and expanded in services

and programs available to our community, we felt it was time for the image and brand of ACO to grow and change as well,” said ACO’s Chief Executive Officer, Monty Moore.

A new look with new colors was presented to the community at a ribbon cutting held last month with donors, volunteers, the Allen/ Fairview Chamber of Commerce and local media to unveil the new logo, along with a redesigned and interactive website. Moore and ACO’s Board of Directors President Brad Hempkins addressed the community leaders present and introduced the “new face of ACO.” “It’s an exciting time for ACO as we enter the fourth decade of serving families in need.” said Hempkins. “I am proud of our agency and the strength we add to our community by not only helping families in crisis, but by building them up and helping them out of poverty. Our programs, our skilled staff and our community support have never been stronger.”

With the new look, also comes an updated tag line. With each different location and program, the identifying words are underlined. Example: Allen Community Outreach and Allen Community Food Pantry. Then the tag line: bottom line—we care. ACO’s website URL has always been www. acocares.org, so incorporating the word “care” was also important.

Emphasis on “we care” is all encompassing of all ACO is and does.

You’ll notice the marquee with the new logo at the 801 E. Main Street location of ACO Offices, Food Pantry and Resale Shop. The new identity continues across town at the ACO Boutique in Watters Creek Shopping Center. Staff members are wearing new shirts and nametags with the logo and carrying new business cards and brochures. Over time, additional changes from the old to the new will be seen around town on the ACO fleet of trucks and additional signage.

Take note of the new face of ACO. Remember it when you receive future mailings or see ACO’s website and social media. While you notice all is new, fresh and updated, remember that the mission has not changed.

Providing vital income support to families facing hunger and homelessness continues. And growing programs to provide education and employment services are critical to see families rise from poverty to selfsufficiency. With the support and donations of our community, ACO will continue to be the premier provider of social services in our area.

ACO will continue to provide helping hands. Bottom line—we care. v Marjorie Vaneskahian Burr is the Chief Operating Officer at ACO.

18

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

calendar

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

2 Allen Americans vs Rapid City Rush 3 Allen Americans vs Rapid City Rush 8-10 National Collegiate Wrestling Association 21 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 23 Allen Americans vs. Kansas City Mavericks 24 Allen Americans vs. Kansas City Mavericks 28 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder 30 Allen Americans vs Colorado Eagles 31 Allen Americans vs Colorado Eagles

parks and rec events For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org.

9

SNAP Dance, Allen Senior Rec Center, 7-10 pm, ages 18+.

Special Needs and Adapted Program! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Mardi Gras! For info, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4753. Cost: $10 Pre-reg./$15 at 5 pm on Wednesday prior to dance.

10 Spring Break Open Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 11:45 am-1:45 pm. Come join the ACIR for a fun time before heading back to school. Open to all ages! Bring a non-perishable food item for ACO and receive free skate rental. Cost is $5 entry/$3 skate rental.

24 Eggcellent Family Adventure, Allen Civic Plaza, 9 am-noon. Grab your Easter basket and join us for eggs, candy, games, crafts, face paint, bounce house. All ages.

Free.

27 Visit the Easter Bunny, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 10 am-12:30 pm. Create fun spring crafts and enjoy story time with our furry friend. Lunch and Tiny Tots are included for children; parents’ lunch is additional $6. Ages 6 mo.-6 yrs.

Cost is $10.

31 Under the Sea Easter Adventure, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 10 am-noon. Collect as many eggs as possible from the pool. Bags provided to collect eggs. Get a photo with the Easter Bunny. Treats given to participants. Ages 1-12.

Cost is $10.

10 Easter Open Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, 11:45 am-1:45 pm. Come join the ACIR for the Easter Open Skate. Activities and photos with the Easter Bunny. Open to all ages! Bring a non-perishable food item for ACO and receive free skate rental. Cost is $5 entry/$3 skate rental.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES Story Times are held in the Children’s Program Room. All story times are free and no registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906.

Winter/Spring 2018 story times run Monday, Jan. 22 thru Thursday, April 26.

Baby and Me, for pre-walkers with caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am.

Fun Ones & Twos, for 1 & 2 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am.

Together Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am.

All By Myself, for 4-5 year-olds without caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am.

Pajama Time, for 3-5 year-olds with caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm.

Allen Image | March 2018

19

Events for Families & Children For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required.

Events are in the Children’s Program Room except where noted.

8 ArtBot, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Learn how to build your own robot and watch as it spins and moves to create unique works of art. All materials provided.

10 Musical Bonanza Story Time, 10:30-11 am, all ages. Join us for a special rhythm-filled story time as we play with instruments and make music!

12 Family Matinee Movie: LEGO Ninjago, 2:30-4:30 pm, recommended for ages 5 and up, in the Auditorium. Shunned by everyone for being the son of an evil warlord, a teenager seeks to defeat him with the help of fellow ninjas. Rated PG and 90 min.

13 Perot Museum TECH Truck, 3-5 pm, ages 7-12.

Experience a variety of STEAM activities in this come-andgo hands-on program provided by the Perot Museum TECH Truck, powered by Dell.

14 Outdoor Bubble Show, 2:30-3:15 pm, ages 3 and up in the Library Courtyard. Enjoy giant bubbles and bubble clusters in this fast-paced musical show featuring silly bubble-themed skits and audience participation.

16 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 3-4 pm, ages 5-8.

Celebrate the luck of the Irish in this St. Patrick’s Day themed celebration featuring crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt. Wear something green!

19 How to Draw, 4:30-5 pm, ages 5-8. Learn to draw something new and different each month. All materials provided.

20 American Girl Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 7-12. Join us every other month for this program celebrating American Girls!

This month, we’ll talk about Caroline and life in 1812!

21 Homeschool ArtSparks: Self-Portraits, 1:30-2:30 pm, recommended for ages 5 and up. Learn about how we experience the five senses in art. ArtSparks gives children the opportunity to interact with and explore great works of art.

Students will leave with their own works of art.

20

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

23 Music and Movement, 10:30-11 am, ages 2 and up with caregiver. Join us as we sing, dance and make music! Limited to 80. Free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before the start the program at the Children’s Desk.

27 First Chapter Book Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-8. Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new series and enjoy a project inspired by what we read.

29 Easter Egg STEM, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Join us for hands-on Easter eggs-periments including dyeing eggs, egg rockets, and more!

Teens (ages 12-18) For more information about any of the events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration is required to attend. Ages listed are firm.

8 Anime Evening, 6:30-8 pm, in the Upstairs Program Room.

Come enjoy an evening of anime, Japanese snacks and crafts!

15 The Arts @ APL: String Art, 3-4 pm, in the Children’s Program Room. String a piece of art! Pick a design template and use nails and embroidery floss to create a unique piece of art.

16 Mystery at Hogwarts Lock-In, 6:30-8:30 pm, in Library Meeting Room. Registration required. Can you solve the mystery at Hogwarts? While you sift through clues, you can create your own spell book! Harry Potter-inspired costumes encouraged. Prize drawing for solving mystery! Registration limited to the first 80. Call 214.509.4906 to register or register online at www.allenlibrary.org/teens. This is an after-hours party, signed parental form is required.

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

7

Noontime Pageturners Book Club, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore, 12-1 pm. Join us for a lively discussion! We offer a relaxed environment where you can share the joy of reading. New members welcome.

13 Talking History-Russia and the Great War, 7-8:30 pm.

Dr. Scott Palmer of the University of Texas at Arlington will explore Russia’s involvement in the war, its effect on the Russian Revolution of 1917, and how the war set into motion events that fundamentally changed Russia and much of the world. Ages 16+; younger children welcome with an adult 14 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30-8:30 pm.

A social group for knitters, crocheters, quilters and any crafters who use thread or yarn! All skill levels welcome!

Work on your latest project with other crafters. Ages 18+; no childcare provided.

21 DIY@APL, 10-11:30 am. Create modern, tasseled wall art with yarn and wooden beads. All supplies are provided. Ages 16+.

27 Armchair Travelers Visit the Silk Road Overland— Bangkok to Istanbul, 7-8:30 pm. Come explore the world, without ever leaving Texas! Travel along the legendary Silk Road as Martha Ohlson shares stories and photos from her trip. Ages 16+; younger children welcome with an adult.

CLUBS

2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.2changeu.org.

Allen Area Patriots, meets the fourth Thursday each month, 7-8:45 pm, Allen Municipal Building, 301 Century Pkwy. Allen.

Local Tea Party presents speakers, encourages citizens to participate.

For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen Garden Club, meets the first Thursday each month, 7 pm, gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main.

For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub. org.

Allen Heritage Guild, meets the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 pm, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main. Programs feature guest speakers on topics of historical significance.

For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org.

ALLen Reads meets the second Monday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org.

Allen Retired Educators meet the third Monday each month, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview.

RSVP: Sondra Long, billysondralong@tx.rr.com.

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, meets every Monday, 6:30 pm, Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome.

For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, meets second Monday each month, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with assoc. or bachelors degree interested in helping women.

For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460.

Art History Brown Bag Series, meets first Wednesday each month, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures by Annie Royer. Bring lunch.

For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.heardcraig.org.

Bible Study, meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Ave., McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Reg. req.

For more info: katpf@att.net or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Collin County Aggie Moms, meets third Monday each month, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, 17360 Coit Rd. For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms.aggienetwork. com.

Collin County Archaeology Society, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.

For more info: archaeology@netzero.net.

Collin County Genealogical Society, meets the second Wednesday each month, 7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano.

For more info: ccgs.programs@gmail.com.

Collin County Libertarian Party meets second Wednesday each month, at 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., Allen.

For more info: collinlp.org or email collinlp.org@gmail.com.

Collin County Master Gardeneers tour of Myers Park, meets first Wednesday each month, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Reservations required.

For more info: 972.548.4232 or mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, locations vary.

For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

Dallas Dog Lovers, events for dogs and owners in the Dallas area.

For more info: www.dallasdoglovers.com Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets second Saturday each month in Plano/North Dallas to share ideas.

For more info: www.bigd56ers.com.

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, meets every Monday, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcome.

For more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or per.treven@ericsson.com.

First Nighter African Violet Society, meets the third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. Promotes interest in African violets and study of growth habits.

For more info: 972.398.3478.

Friends of the Allen Public Library meets third Wednesday each month, Board Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. For more info, www.allenfriends.org.

Gaslighters Book Review Club meets third Wednesday each month September thru May at Heard Craig House, 205 W. Hunt Street, McKinney, refreshments noon, speaker 1 pm.

For more info: LaRue Whatley, 423.585.4983.

Allen Image | March 2018

21

Greater Collin County Kennel Club, meets third Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen.

For more info: www.greatercollinkc.org.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome.

For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

United Methodist Women’s Reading Group, meets first Sunday each month, 2 pm, FUMC, 601 S. Greenville. Book discussion & refreshments. We encourage women of all faiths to participate.

For more info: http://www.fumcallen.org.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first & third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas.

For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano.

Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping and gardening advice, every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.

For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Southfork Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expy., Plano.

For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com.

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, meets fourth Thursday each month, 10 am, Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club, McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas.

For more info: voyagersofmckinney@gmail.com.

Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets second Monday of each month September thru May, 10:30 am, Allen Public Library.

Promotes parliamentary education.

For more info: 972.727.3090, Mae Shaw, Pres.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly meetings at Creekwood UMC, second Thursday each month, 261 Country Club Rd, Fairview.

Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee.

For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/.

Prelude Clubhouse, a community center for adults living with a mental illness meets at Vintage Church on E. Lamar Street, McKinney. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.

For more information, please call 469.301.6639 or www. preludeclubhouse.org.

McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney.

For more information: 972.814.4190.

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, meets every Monday, 7:15 pm, Champions School of Real Estate in the Rangers Room at 3721 Mapleshade Ln, Plano.

For more info: Ed Meissner, 469.323.0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

McKinney Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. This month’s program: Jarrett Calvert, Shades of Green Nursery, discusses landscaping with native plants.

For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

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

For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

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

Nar-Anon Family Group, meets every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. Fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction.

For more info: Jerry or Carla, 972.837.6558 or pony100k@icloud.com.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, meets second Tuesday each month, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano. All are welcome to join.

For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

North Dallas Newcomers, meets first Thursday each month, 11 am, various country clubs.

For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Open Forum, meaningful discussions, meets first Saturday each month, 3 pm, Delaney’s Pub, 6150 W. Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney.

For more info: Charlie, 214.585.0004.

22

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Random Events Dallas, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups in Dallas area.

For more info: RandomEventsDallas.com.

Reasonable Faith Discussion Group, meets every Tuesday, 11am-12:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church Rm. B1116.

For more info: www.RFCCTX.org..

Reasonable Faith Collin County Chapter, meets second and fourth Thursday, 6:45-8:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Church, Rm B202.

For more info: www.RFCCTX.org and email: ReasonableFaithCollinCO@gmail.com.

Single Side Up, meets the third Saturday each month, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. Low cost childcare.

For more info: www.singlesideup.org or info@thissideupfamily.org.

Texas Nationalist Movement-Collin County Chapter, meets first 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.

For more info: Bill Peterson, 972.523.9425.

ART/MUSIC/THEATRE

Allen Folk Music Society, meets third Saturday each month, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Dr. Bring snacks to share.

For more info: www.twiceasfar.com/news.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, every Monday, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC. For more info: Henry@WealthManagementGroupLLC.com.

CRAFTS

Allen Quilters’ Guild, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville.

For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Common Threads of Allen, meets first and third Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needlework projects, learn techniques, etc.

For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon. net.

HEALTH

Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm.

For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/ group/autismparentsupport.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics.

More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help.

For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events.

For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101.

For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241.

Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings. Days and locations vary.

For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com.

National Alliance of Mental Illness Collin County Support Groups meet every Thursday evening, 6:30-8 pm at Custer Road United Methodist Church in the basement, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. There is one support group for persons with a mental illness and another group further down the hall for friends and/or family.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.

For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events.

For more info: www.texashealth.org.

The Shores AA Group, every Monday-Friday, noon, Raceway Prof. Bldg., 200 W. Boyd, Suite C, Allen. Open AA discussion group.

All welcome.

For more info: 469.854.9593.

Weight Watchers, meets every Thursday, 12:15 and 6 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. South entrance, 2nd floor.

HOBBIES SPORTS/FITNESS

Allen Classic Cars, meets every Thursday, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture.

Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney.

For more info: www.cchba.org.

Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.

For more info: fitandfunky@att.net.

Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities.

For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com.

McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons.

For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.

Adults 50+(Free).

For more info: 972.547.7491.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters.

For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am.

For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www.planopacers.org.

Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc.

For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com.

Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free.

For more info: Fairview.fit4mom.com, email Lolo@fit4mom.com.

The Experiment Aircraft Association, Chapter 1246, meets first Saturday each month, McKinney National Airport. Everyone interested in aviation is invited.

For times and directions: eaa1246.org.

MOM’S CLUBS

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of kids age 0-5. Fun activities. Play groups, park days, lunch w/ friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads & Kids, etc.

For more info: www.aecpta.com or information@aecpta.com.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new and expectant moms’ forum, meets third Thursday each month, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney.

For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, meets second Monday each month, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req.

For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

Allen Image | March 2018

23

Moms Club, meets the first Friday each month (Sept.-May), 10 am-noon, at Grace Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. For moms of preschool children. Relax with hot brunch and speaker.

Childcare-$3 per child/$6 max.

For more info: www.grace-efc.org/womens-ministry/.

MOMS Club of Allen, for moms and children in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips, business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more.

For more info: momsclubofallentx@gmail.com.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, parties, babysitting co-op, etc.

For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

Moms in Prayer, join prayer movement—bringing mothers together and seeing God change children through prayer.

For more info: MomsInPrayer.org or Amy Guthrie at amyguthrie@ verizon.net..

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), support group for moms with kids 0-5 years, meets every other Friday, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Allen. Childcare.

For more info: 972.727.8241.

MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community Church, meets the first and third Wednesday each month, 9:30-11:30 am, 3405 Custer, #200, Plano.

For more info: 214.762.0037.

Walking by Faith, offers prayer and practical support for mothers of children with special needs. Meets third Wednesday of each month (during the school year), 6 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm B214. Childcare is provided with advance reservations.

For more info: Stacie Smith, staciesmithslp@gmail.com.

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.

For more info: www.allenheritageguild.org.

Connemara Meadow Preserve Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 3-hour walk, monthly alternating first Saturday and first 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 and insect repellent; learn habits, calls and characteristics from Gailon and Rodney, Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society. All ages.

For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

HEARD MUSEUM Saturday Bird Walk Educational Program, 8 am. Learn more about birding! These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, meets the second Tuesday each month, 7-9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.bptmn.org or email info@bptmn.org.

Heard Museum Native Plant Society, meets first Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566.

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club, meets the second Saturday each month, 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, meets fourth Tuesday each month, 7 pm, 1 Nature Place, McKinney.

For more info: 972.562.5566.

24

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

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 High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952.

Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome.

For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org.

Active Agers 55+ meets second Saturday, 10 am, upstairs at Market Street in McKinney (Eldorado at Ridge). Pre-travel meeting monthly to plan activities—day trips, weekend getaways to fun local events providing the chance to experience new places, to meet new people, and the opportunity to make new lasting friendships.

For more information contact Sharon at rettmeier@sbcglobal.net or Pat at PatVanDyke@sbcglobal.net.

Allen Lions Club, meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7pm, Kelly’s at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Rd., #1204, Allen.

For more info: Bob Schwerd, Secretary, 214.402.0982.

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville.

For more info: 214.509.4820.

Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen.

For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, meets fourth Monday each month, 1 pm, Allen Seniors Center. Must be member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com.

Classic 55+ Game Night, first and third Friday each month, 6:30 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104.

Snacks, fellowship and games.

For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at huckgolf@hotmail. com.

Singles Mingle 60+, meets first Monday each month at Delaney’s Irish Pub, 6150 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Provides a social forum for active men and women singles who enjoy meeting new people and like getting together twice a month. We have various social activities throughout the month.

For more info: For meeting information on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm, call Bill, 214.544.5835.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, meets the third Thursday each month, 11:30 am, Sept. thru May, First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. Lunch ($5), fellowship, speakers and entertainers.

For more info: jgarling@swbell.net.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS allen/fairview chamber of commerce Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quarterly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday every other month, 11:30 am1 pm, Kelly’s at the Village at Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, every Tuesday, 7:30 am, Fairview Town Center, 311 Town Place, Fairview (formerly Wyland’s Ocean Blue restaurant). $1 member/$5 non-member first visit free.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, meets fourth Tuesday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Allen. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), meets second Thursday every other month, 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking and discussion of women’s issues. $20 member/$25 guest.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Breakfast, meets monthly at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 1790 N. Central Expwy., Allen, 8 am. $15 members/$20 nonmembers.

For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm.

For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, meets every Wednesday, 7 am, Warm Springs Hospital, 1001 Raintree Cir., Allen.

For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.allensunriserotary.com.

Assistance League® of Greater Collin County, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Stonebriar County Club, Frisco. Guests welcome.

For more info: www.algcc.org or call 972.769.2299.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, meets third Tuesday each month.

For more info:GenBernadoDeGalvez@gmail.com.

Fairview Rotary Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, Stacy Rd, Fairview.

For more info: 214.893.5360.

FUMC Legal Aid Clinic meets second Thursday each month, 6-8 pm, First UMC, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Provides legal assistance for civil matters to low income individuals in partnership with Legal Aid of NW Texas. No reservation required. Food & fellowship provided.

For more info: kim.klieger@gmail.com or www.lanwt.org.

Knights of Columbus, meets third Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen.

For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Knights of Columbus Council 13044 meets fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 pm, Our Lady of Angels, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen.

For more information contact Jason at jason.beckett.1@gmail.com, or visit us at https://kofcknights.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=13044.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, meets the second Monday each month, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, programs, etc. Open to anyone interested.

For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150,” meets second Monday each month, 1710 N. Church St, McKinney. Post Members, 6:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary at 5:45 pm; Men’s Auxiliary at 6:30 pm.

For more info: 972.542.9119, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit on web: www.vfwpost2150.org.

VFW “Lone Star Post 2150” Motorcycle Group 33, meets first Saturday each month, 10 am, 1710 N. Church St., McKinney.

For more info: “Driveway John” 971.822.4483, gmlsp2150@gmail.com or visit www.vfwpost2150.org.

VFW Post 2195, meets second Wednesday each month, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen.

For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, teaches children to serve their community, meets second Saturday each month.

For more info: 972.396.8010.

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

feature

C h ange Being the

Martina Thompson, a ninth grade Spanish teacher at Lowery Freshman Center, is the kind of teacher every parent wants for their child. Not only is she passionate about what she teaches, she’s equally passionate about connecting with the kids on a deeper level. She teaches her student how to say, “how are you?” in Spanish, but she also has a unique way of showing them, by example, that caring about the answer to that question is what really matters.

26

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Growing up in south Texas as one of five children, Martina’s family did not have a lot. Immigrants from Mexico, her father was a carpenter and her mother was a stay-at-home mom.

“But as little as we had,” says Martina, “my parents always gave.”

That mentality of giving stuck with Martina, and as a result, she quite freely and naturally gives from both her heart and her wallet, with two notable projects in the last year.

The first, Acompaname a la Escuela (which translates to “accompany me to school”), is a program she first ran across when perusing a website for educational resources for her students. She was struck by the program, based in Bogota, Colombia, that collects donations to purchase bicycles, shoes and helmets for kids in rural sections of Colombia who have to walk one to two miles (each way) to get to school.

By purchasing bicycles for the children to ride to school, they hoped to reduce the school dropout rate.

Martina showed the organization’s video to her students and had them write notes to the organization. “It was great seeing 14and 15-year-olds thinking about others,” Martina says.

She mailed the notes to Accompaname a la Escuela and they responded. Over the Thanksgiving break, she was even featured in a video interview for a Colombian broadcast news report about the organization. Wanting to help more, in February of 2016 Martina started a Go Fund Me page called WheelsforSchool to help raise money for bicycles. Because it wasn’t a school-sanctioned fundraiser, she couldn’t advertise it to the student body at large, but friends, family, fellow teachers and many of her own students donated money, and at the end of the school year she had collected close to a thousand dollars.

However, the problem was how to get the money to Acompaname, as they were not set up to accept

international donations. Martina, who had lived in Germany for five years before moving to Allen, had planned a summer trip to Europe to visit friends.

“I decided on my way back from Europe, I’d go to Colombia,” Martina says. John Rodriguez, a fellow teacher in Colombia whose class Martina’s students had skyped with for the past four years, also lived in Bogota, so she took the opportunity to meet him and his family while she was there.

“It was a very humbling experience,” Martina says. “It was a reminder of so much we take for granted.”

Rodriguez, his wife and daughter accompanied Martina to the Acompaname headquarters, where she presented them with the money and toured the facility, seeing hundreds of bikes wrapped up and

Be the change you want to see in the world.

– Ghandi

Allen Image | March 2018

27

it. This was better. This has been the best day of my life.”

“It melted my heart,” says Martina. “His picture is still in my classroom.” Her eyes become a bit misty as she says, “Sometimes, the homeless are forgotten.”

Flash forward several years. On their way home from a trip to Colorado over Christmas break, another encounter reminded Martina of the needs of the homeless—both for material things and for the opportunity to be seen as a person. She posted the following on her Facebook page:

labeled with the names of the children who would receive them.

Less than six months later, Martina saw another need and didn’t hesitate to step in. Several years before, on an

28

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

eastward trek to Tennessee, Martina, her husband Roger and their two children had stopped in Birmingham, Alabama, for the night.

“Everyone was tired but me,” she remembers.

Leaving her family at the hotel, Martina walked to nearby Kelly Ingram Park, which was populated with beautiful statues chronicling the civil rights movement.

“An African-American man in his sixties approached me and asked me for money,” she recounts. “I told him I don’t carry cash, but that I’d buy him some food. He said no, so I said, ‘Why don’t you walk with me a bit?’”

The man agreed, and Martina never forgot what happened in the next hour and half. As they walked along parts of the Civil Rights Trail, he told her about his life. He was homeless and lived under a bridge.

He had been in jail during the time of segregation, and when she asked what that was like in prison, he stopped and said, “In jail, it doesn’t matter.

Black or white, you stick together.”

“Those words stuck with me,” says Martina.

As they neared the end of the trail through the park, the man said, “You know that money? I don’t need

On our drive back home a few days ago, we stopped for gas, and a homeless veteran rode up on his bicycle with a very humble sign simply stating “Homeless veteran. Anything will help.”

How do the very people who voluntarily sign up to serve our country end up on the streets? I don’t understand.

All I know is that it always moves my emotions in so many different directions.

We had an SUV full of luggage, blankets and food for the road. We offered him a blanket and food and his gratitude was so genuine. He reminded me to follow up and be true to a small cause I wanted to do this winter—thinking of fellow brothers and sisters who don’t have a roof; who don’t have a warm bed; who somehow have slipped through the cracks and spend their days and nights on the streets.

We’re making fleece scarves to donate to the homeless along with beanies, gloves and sleeping bags that can keep them warm up to 30ºF. They’re small “warm” care packages, but I hope they make a big difference to the homeless in our area.

They all have a story. I want to hear it.

A colleague, Nancy Hodson, saw the post and contributed gallon-sized bags of toiletries, snacks and water.

Then, on the coldest day of the year, Martina, her husband (whom she credits as being her rock and constant

phone and he verified it. I signed my name next. He smiled and we hugged.

He gestured that he slept on the floor and that it was very, very cold. After I showed him the temperature classification on the sleeping bag, we gave each other a thumbs-up.

I signed “hungry” and he nodded yes. It didn’t matter that my sign language skills were extremely basic, we were communicating and we were both so happy!

When I gestured if we could take his picture, he nodded with a beautiful smile on his face. He quickly removed his beanie and put on the new beanie.

And with that, he smiled again and signed, “I love you.” He signed, “thank you,” and headed to the bus stop.

Marcus supporter), her son, her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend drove downtown. Their objective? To drive slowly through the streets of Dallas and find people who needed those things.

“I didn’t want to go to a shelter and just hand them over. I wanted to talk to them,” she says. So she did.

Here is one of their stories.

He sat covered with several blankets and a few bags around him. He was softspoken and extremely polite. He was so grateful for the warm sleeping bag and food. When I asked him for his name, his eyes filled with tears and so did mine.

The eyes, I believe, are the gateway to the soul. And there we were, two individuals sharing such a strong connection, simply recognizing each other.

He spelled out his name in sign language. My daughter and I were quite certain his name was Marcus, but just to verify, she typed the question on her

However, for everyone Martina helped, there were more she couldn’t.

This prompted her to set up another Go Fund Me page to enable her to continue helping the homeless, with material items and the equally important intangibles.

“The human connection is such that a mere acknowledgement whether it’s through eye contact, a nod, a handshake or time to simply sit and listen transcends everything and touches the soul with a sense of dignity that recognizes we are all human,” says Martina.

This semester will be Martina Thompson’s last at the Freshman Center, as she moves on to the next adventure life holds for her.

However, there’s no doubt giving to others will be a big part, as evidenced by this question she recently posed to her students.

“When I talk to my students about doing things for others, I always ask, ‘Who does it benefit?’

The answer is always, ‘It benefits us both.’”

To donate, visit: https://www. gofundme.com/ProjectSleepinBags or gofundme.com/wheelsforschool. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | March 2018

29

kids korner

Spring Break on a Gallon of Gas

by Deborah DOVE Not everyone has the luxury of time and money for a weeklong trip to the slopes or the beach, but there are plenty of great places to explore within driving distance of Allen for a quick (and inexpensive) getaway.

Tyler

Distance from Allen: 118 miles

u Known for its famous “Tyler roses,” the 14,000-acre Tyler Rose Garden boasts 38,000 rose bushes, along with fountains, gazebos, walking paths, and a children’s park with a butterfly garden, making it the perfect place to spend a beautiful spring day. Roses usually hit full bloom mid-April. www.cityoftyler.org

u Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 140-acre preserve that is home to more than 30 big rescue cats. Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the facility and see tigers, leopards, lions and smaller cats in their natural environment, then explore further on their own.

Admission is $18; ages 4-12, $14. www.tigercreek.org u Enjoy waterpark thrills indoors at the 25,000-square-foot, glass-

enclosed Waterpark at the Villages, with a lazy river, four water slides (two tower slides and two body slides), a wave pool and children’s playscape with dump buckets. Admission is $19.95; 48” and under, $16.95. www.waterparkatthevillages.com.

u Elementary-aged kids will love Discovery Science Place, a

hands-on STEM museum with tons to do: a play town with a fire truck, post office, vet hospital, grocery store and more; giant boat; mountain with tunnels to crawl through; interactive science and building stations; climbing wall; dinosaur fossil dig and more.

Admission is $8 for adults; $6 ages 2-12. www. discoveryscienceplace.org

Waco

Distance from Allen: 123 miles

u Take a self-guided tour of the Dr. Pepper Museum, the former bottling factory turned museum with displays of vintage bottles and advertising materials, along with an on-site artesian well, a working soda fountain and an animatronics-enhanced mannequin of Charles Alderton, the pharmacist who invented Dr Pepper. Afterwards, be sure to stop at the soda fountain for a freshly-mixed old-fashioned Dr Pepper or an ice cream float. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids five and older (four and under are free). www. drpeppermuseum.com u Get the best view of the Brazos River with a stroll on the Waco Suspension Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge still standing in Texas. There’s a park located on both sides of the bridge, as well as some cool bronze cattle statues and ducks to feed. Best of all, it’s free! u Learn about Ice Age animals that lived in Texas and explore an active, climate-controlled dig site at the Waco Mammoth National

30

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Monument. Kids will love seeing the wooly mammoth and saber tooth tiger remains and learning about how they were found, then exploring the excavation station where they can dig themselves (tools not included). Adults are $5 and students are $3-4, depending on age. www.waco-texas.com/cms-waco-mammoth/

u Cameron Park Zoo is a nicely laid out medium-sized zoo with lots of animals and playgrounds mixed in, making it perfect for an afternoon with smaller children. www.cameronparkzoo.com u The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum preserves the history of the law enforcement group and is chock full of Ranger memorabilia, including guns and a 40-minute video. www. texasranger.org u Be sure and stop by the Czech Stop in nearby West, Texas for world-renowned kolaches and pastries.

Jefferson Distance from Allen: 157 miles

u Kids will love a glimpse into the past and a slower way of life in this quaint and historic town. One way to see the town? Take a horse-drawn carriage ride over brick streets and past old mansions and cute cottages. There’s even a Cinderella shaped one! www. jeffersontexascarriage.com u Learn about the history of East Texas on a narrated tour aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway. Ride in an enclosed or open-air car of an antique gas-powered locomotive on a trip along the Big Cypress Bayou as you see native wildlife and historic remains of the 1800s. The trip includes a stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit to watch the daily alligator feeding. Spring break specials include $10 rides March 15 and 16, and a St. Patrick’s Day ride on the 17th with green punch. www.jeffersonrailway.com. u Kids will love the ghost stories (and get a little history in the process) during the Jefferson Ghost Tour—a guided tour filled with stories and “experiences” that takes visitors to eight destinations of historical and paranormal significance. Recommended for ages six and up. Cost is $15/adults and $8/children. www. jeffersonghostwalk.com u Explore Jefferson by water with a one-hour, narrated river boat tour (www.jeffersonbayoutours.com) or watch the sunrise on the beautifully eerie, moss-laden Caddo Lake on a private boat tour (www.bigcypresstours.com) u Step back in time with a visit to the authentic Jefferson General Store. Put a nickel in the jukebox, sip a root beer float from the oldfashioned soda fountain, play a game of checkers or shop for oldtime candy, toys, and souvenirs. v

education

More High School Students Can Earn College Credit

A

Allen ISD and Collin College will partner to build additional classroom and lab space at the proposed Collin College Technical Campus in Allen. The shared wing of the facility will expand dual credit availability for Allen High School students.

32

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

by Tim CARROLL

The Technical Campus, a 360,000-square-foot facility specializing in high-demand technical workforce education, will be built on State Highway 121 east of Exchange Parkway, adjacent to the Allen High School STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics)

Center. Under a partnership agreement, Allen ISD will fund construction of a 40,000-square-foot addition to the planned campus.

The addition will exclusively house dual credit programs for Allen High School students from 7:30 a.m.4 p.m. during the school year. Collin College will use the space when Allen High School classes are not in session, providing night and weekend educational opportunities for other students.

In addition to general education courses, the Collin College Technical Campus will offer classes in automotive technology, construction trades, HVAC, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing, supply chain management, welding and other areas supporting local businesses and industries.

The Allen ISD Board of Trustees has approved an expenditure of $12 million for the addition, which will include 15 classrooms, two computer labs, two science wet labs and breakout spaces for collaboration. The college will manage and maintain the addition as part of the Technical Campus. The Collin College Board of Trustees and Allen ISD Board of Trustees approved the 50-year agreement at separate meetings in November.

Dual credit courses allow high school students to take college-level courses in a variety of subject areas, for which students can receive both high school and college credit toward an associate degree, specialized certifications or to carry forward as students enter most two-or four-year colleges and universities. Through

this dual credit partnership, Allen High School students may be able to earn an associate degree by the time they graduate high school.

Dual credit offers several advantages for Allen High School students. The college offers many course options that the high school does not. In addition, some of those college courses may yield certifications that AHS courses do not.

Dual credit courses allows students to experience a college class before high school graduation. This opportunity helps them develop the skills/ resources needed to do well in college.

Finally, dual credit allows students to earn college credit while they are

still in high school, therefore reducing the cost of tuition that they would pay at their 4-year school. A high school student taking a 3-credit course through Collin College would pay $140. A 3-credit course at a university could cost between $1,100 and $2,000.

According to the AHS College and Career Center, students taking dual credit courses graduate with an average of 15.86 college credits and could graduate with up to 30 credits.

All Texas public universities accept the credits earned from community colleges although restrictions may apply for courses in the student’s college major area.

When considering their options,

Allen Image | March 2018

33

Allen High School students often compare advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual credit classes. All three offer college-level material, but serve different needs. Dual credit courses are taught by college professors while AP and IB courses are taught on the high school campus by high school teachers. Since all students are different, they may prefer one type of course over the other. Many students graduate with coursework in multiple areas.

Approximately 620 Allen High School students are currently enrolled in dual credit classes through Collin College. The college now offers 25 dual credit courses at AHS and students may take other courses at nearby Collin College campuses.

Allen High School will move all of its dual credit programs to the new Technical Campus when it opens in the fall of 2020.

34

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Assistant Superintendent for Learner Services Jennifer Wilhelm sees the new facility providing space for more students and also opening the door for a wider variety of course offerings.

“Expanding the number of dual credit courses provides students with the ability to customize their schedules and meet their long-term goals, according to Ms. Wilhelm. “It also establishes a foundation for them to continue their academic success in college.”

“This is a unique opportunity for our high school students and the community,” according to Dr. Scott Niven, Superintendent of Schools. “It brings our dual credit program under one roof and allows us to expand courses for our college-bound students. This opens many more opportunities for our students to earn college credit and certifications while in high school.”

Board President Louise Master added that, “Allen ISD and Collin College have had an excellent working relationship going back to 1999, when the college opened a facility within Allen High School. This innovative partnership takes that to the next level. It benefits our students, Collin College and the taxpayers.”

“Partnering with Allen ISD allows us to do the most good for the most students,” Collin College President Dr. Neil Matkin said. “Allen ISD students who take advantage of the dual credit offerings at this new facility will have the opportunity to start their college education while in high school. Collin College students will benefit from additional resources, making it easier to earn a degree or certificate close to home as Collin County’s population continues to grow.” v Tim Carroll is the Chief Information Officer for Allen ISD.

Collin College Health and Safety Fair

by Kirk DICKEY

Dr. Linda Muysson

36

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

T

here is a steady hum of talk throughout the room. If you listen, you can hear snippets of conversation about controlling high blood pressure and the best exercises to loosen up a stiff back. On one side of the room, a young man in scrubs is performing glucose checks and informing the woman across from him of the results. On the other side of the room, a firefighter cadet walks someone through the proper way to use a fire extinguisher using a simulator to give as lifelike an effect as possible without an open flame.

Each year, scenes like these play out at the Collin College Health and Safety Fair, a free event designed to bring community members together with health care providers, emergency responders and students studying the health sciences to explore a world of healthy choices. The Health and Safety Fair will return from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday March 9 at the Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2400 Community Ave. in McKinney.

The event will host more than 60 organizations providing information and free screenings across a wide range of health-related areas, including tests of glucose, hearing, spinal, mammography, blood pressure, HIV, body fat checks and more. Attendees will also have the chance to examine emergency service vehicles and speak with police and firefighters about their jobs and safety.

Whether it is just a conversation with a certified nurse aide about her career path, a short consultation with medical professional about healthier eating habits or one of the many screenings offered for free to attendees, Health and Safety Fair Committee Chairperson Dr. Linda Muysson says everyone who attends benefits in some way.

“People come out more knowledgeable about their personal health and health in general,” Dr.

Muysson, a professor of kinesiology at Collin College, said. “I’ve never had anyone come out and say they didn’t learn anything.”

In the 12 years of the fair’s existence, Muysson has seen thousands of people come through the fair, experiencing little epiphanies

Allen Image | March 2018

37

about health and sometimes getting an early warning about a potentially life-changing condition. Muysson said she knows of at least two women whose results of mammographies taken at the fair alerted them to potential breast cancer early.

“It was a lifesaving experience for them,” she said.

Dramatic experiences like those do not happen often, but even small interactions where a patient comes away with knowledge that can improve their health can be life changing. That is one of the reasons hospitals like Texas Health Presbyterian of Allen attend the Collin College Health and Safety Fair.

Director of Community Outreach Zelda Scott said that it is the perfect time to offer health assessments, discuss risk factors and options for pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

“Health care, for many, can be

38

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

confusing and overwhelming. Health fairs provide an opportunity for conversations about health to occur away from a hospital or doctor’s office,” Scott said. “We are on the community’s turf which allows us to interface with patients in a much different way. Participants are often more relaxed and are actively seeking information. It is a great opportunity for Texas Health Allen to initiate discussions with individuals and provides a valuable platform to correct any misconceptions patients may have about their health.”

Texas Health Allen plans to present information on a variety of topics this year, including heart health, stroke identification, sports medicine and physical therapy, in addition to offering health screenings.

Another provider, Community Health Clinic in McKinney will use the fair to spread information about

its free health care services for the uninsured and low-income families of Collin County.

“Our main purpose is to get information out to the community on our services and to let families know we are here to serve them for their chronic health issues,” Community Health Clinic Executive Director Jacqueline Rakowski said. “A lot of time people don’t know where to go for their chronic or acute health issues and they can’t afford a doctor. Our goal is to get as much information out there as possible, so they know they can come to us.”

Even people in peak physical condition can benefit from coming to the Collin College Health and Safety Fair by enjoying the warm feeling of donating blood at the Carter Blood Care collection busses, which have become fixtures at the fair.

“I always say that it’s one of the best health fairs that we attend, just because of the size of the crowd that comes out,” said Katie Huntsman of Carter Blood Care. “Our blood drives do really well there. People are really receptive to it.”

Last year, the organization collected 34 units of blood, which fair organizers thought was a good outcome. This year, organizers are hoping for even more donations because they will be raffling a gift basket. Every donor will be entered to win.

Of course, Dr. Muysson would argue that just attending the Collin College Health and Safety Fair gives people something to celebrate.

“When you come to an event like this, you are going to learn things that will benefit you for the rest of your life,” Dr. Muysson said. “That makes all of the attendees winners in my book.”

Kirk Dickey is a public relations writer at Collin College.

Photos by Nick Young, Collin College photographer

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | March 2018

39

STYLE

by Natasha MOSER

Spring Break is not just for teens and college coeds! Why can’t mom take the kids on Spring Break and look fabulous while doing it? We join our model Cassie and her three lovely daughters as they delight in spring break at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine.

Cassie looks amazing in this offthe-shoulder green palm print romper from designer Show Me Your Mumu. She completes the look with the Lola leather tassel earrings from Gemelli and a tan Bedford wedge from Spendid.

Jumpers and rompers are a great way to be fashionable this spring and summer while still being comfortable. It may look like a cute sundress, but allows you a lot more movement and less worry if you are dashing after kids around the playground.

40

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on spring break. Cassie is in a strapless navy and paisley printed Estelle jumpsuit by Show Me Your Mumu, paired again with wedge sandals, this time the camel straw wedge by Dolce Vita. The jumpsuit is accessorized with a dainty gold V necklace by Sarah Briggs, Ella pyrite earrings by Nicole Lee and a seaside clear teardrop bracelet by SGK. The wedged heel sandal is a great addition to any wardrobe it will keep you comfortable without looking too chunky and looks adorable paired with lots of spring and summer options.

Allen Image | March 2018

41

Go from pool side with the kids to cocktails with the husband in this tropical floral and white Jaden tunic with red fringe by Show Me Your Mumu. It looks as amazing over a swimsuit with flip flops, as it does with high heel sandals and large gold hoops by Lucky Star.

Thank you to Cotton Island Boutique at 1900 Preston Road, Suite 258, 972.769.1085 in Plano for providing the looks for our model. A very special thank you to Great Wolf Lodge of Grapevine, 1.800.693.9653, at 100 Great Wolf Drive in Grapevine for allowing us to shoot in this location.

Thank you to model Cassie Lee with Cassie Lee Photography, 469.307.8598 and her children Madeline Lee, Penelope Lee and Abigail Lee. v Natasha Moser is a freelance writer and stylist.

Photos by Amber Starling Photography.

42

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | March 2018

43

YOUTH seen

Life in the

FAST LANE

by Peggy Helmick-RICHARDSON

For the Rhodes family, a weekend drive means their 11-year-old daughter is ripping the 1/8th-mile in 8.90 seconds on the drag strip.

Rountree Elementary fifth grader Mia Rhodes sees the greatest benefits of drag racing being “friendship and family bonding!” Her grandfather was a motorcycle drag racer and her father, Roy, is a general manager at TNT Supercars in Forney.

44

w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

In the summer of 2014, Mia accompanied her father to Northstar Dragway in Denton where he was working on a client’s car. Here she met a junior dragster competitor who invited the then seven-year-old sit to behind the wheel of her car.

“I had told him that if Mia ever sees these little cars she is going to want to do this, so I was really careful not to have her around them,” her mother Lucy emphasizes. “So he takes her one night, and low and behold, one of the girls lets her sit in it, and it was game over!”

“A little girl driving a car sounds pretty scary until I saw all the safety precautions,” Lucy continues. “She wears a five-point safety harness, a fire suit, a helmet with a neck collar and her car has a metal roll cage so she is basically in a metal bubble.”

Mark McClaskey, a family friend experienced with junior drag racing, coached Mia so she could get her racing license. Starting out in the Sportsman class with a basic used blue dragster, by her second race Mia took first place. At the end of that season, she earned a nomination for Rookie of the Year. It also became a family affair with Mia’s older brother Jason taking on responsibility for maintaining her car.

“That second season we bought her a

better car because she did so good,” said Roy. On its flagship run at the Texas Raceway in Kennedale, Mia accidentally hit the gas pedal at the end of the track, lunged into a wooded area and destroyed the front end.

Lucy asserts, “She was fine, but felt bad about the car being hurt.”

“Because I broke a promise!” Mia blurts out.

“She promised the girl we bought the car from that she would take good care of it and felt she had let her down,” Lucy explains.

A few days later, Roy had a talk with Mia that included pictures of a recent dragster wreck that took the life of a friend. “I told her this is something you do not take lightly.

People get hurt doing this and people lose their lives. You have to understand you cannot lose your concentration for even a second.”

A few days later Mia announced that she wanted to fix the car and keep racing.

Once Mia’s dragster was restored, the family headed to the track again.

Jason recalls, “We put the helmet on and she started crying.”

“I didn’t want to see anything happen to it twice!” Mia grimaces.

“I said, ‘You are already here and it’s too late to go back now. All you have to do is this one time,’” Roy remembers. “She pushed through, but when she got toward the end of the track, she started taking it real slow. It was like all the confidence she had from her first year was absolutely undone by the wreck.”

“It’s crazy how something that had been what it was for years can be undone in just a few minutes,” Mia sighs.

What pulled her out of this slump? “It was when I remembered all the things I had done before,” Mia declares. “And the promise that I had broken, the death of Dad’s friend and all the trouble they went through trying to bring my confidence back up, and it worked.”

“And when she won her first

Wally,” Roy adds. “She had struggled all year after the wreck to get a win, and we got down to the second to the last race of the year…”

“And that’s when I got one of these bad boys!” Mia interjects, indicating one of her many trophies.

“It is signed by Angelle Sampey and Alexis Dejoiria—my idols!” The National Hot Rod Association’s “ultimate quest for every drag racer,” that Wally proved to be a major impetus for Mia to jump back into the next racing season “burning with fire!”

Another motivator for this miniature maverick was the money awarded at races. “She had been asking for a parrot,” Lucy explains.

“We told her if you make your own money, you can spend it on whatever you want.” Today, Mia now has her miniature macaw as well as a second Wally.

Mia recently ended her last season at the Sportsman level with a class championship, taking a first place from the Texas Motorplex series and a second from the Texas Outlaw ProMod Association. In three years, Mia competed at tracks across the region, including Tulsa, San Antonio, Temple and Evadale, as well as attended the Performance Racing Industry trade show twice in Indianapolis, representing DJ Safety.

This March, she advances to Junior class, competing with drivers up to age 18 in bracket racing and driving 8.90 seconds in the 1/8th-mile race.

When she turns 13, her allowable time bumps to 7.90 seconds.

Today, brother Jason races as a member the Rufenacht team. In addition, little brother Gage comes on board with the Rhodes team, competing at the 11.90 level.

Admitting that children participating in drag racing gets expensive, Roy has tapped a resource unusual at this level of competition— sponsorships. Mia now has quite a few, including DJ Safety, NecksGen, MagnaFuel, VP Racing Fuels and TNT. In addition, LSDG Roofing in Allen has joined this team. Roy notes that not only does having sponsors help fund Mia’s endeavors, but it also provides her the skills needed if she decides on a racing career. v Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

Mia and her father, Roy.

Allen Image | March 2018

45