Allen Image November 2018 by Allen Image

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Allen Image INSIDE THIS ISSUE

November 2018

Vol. 28, Issue 11

FEATURE

HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALLEN STYLE Not so long ago, Allen residents had to travel to a mall or big box store in Frisco, Plano or Dallas to do their holiday shopping, or possibly downtown McKinney if they were looking for a unique boutique-type item. Those days are clearly past, as shoppers from around the metroplex now come to Allen to do their shopping.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

18 CALENDAR 32 KIDS KORNER

Teaching Gratitude in a World of Gimme

PET PAGE

Uncle Julios

28 46

32 4

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8 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIVIC FORUM

HELPING HANDS

COOKING

Allen’s Holiday Events are Getting Even Jollier!

Allen Recycles Day

St. Jude Craft Fair

Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy

Journey to Christmas

18th Annual Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show

Allen Community Outreach

LIBRARY 26

Juror No. 10

Tea with the Roosevelts

Veterans Day Concert

Marie Tippit

Everything is Coming Up Pumpkins

Sherlock Holmes Symposium

The Nutcracker

EDUCATION

Allen Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

Ribs N’ Raptors Fundraiser

Wings Take Flight at Lowery Freshman Center

The Ability to Change

26 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Barbara Peavy

ADVERTISING SALES Sherri Russell

COVER PHOTO Larry Fleming

ON THE COVER Premium Outlet Mall

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34 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsey Aprill Matt Cobb Heather Darrow Deborah Dove David Hicks Tom Keener Daniela Mesquita

38 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

Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Events Are Getting Even Jollier! by Matt COBB

Happening annually on back-to-back days, two favorite, community-wide traditions in Allen help ring in the winter holiday season: the lighting of the City of Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas tree and the 5K Rudolph Run. This year, both events are getting even bigger, offering more fun and a new exciting spin on these timeless Allen traditions that bring the community together to kick off the holidays with fun festivities for all ages.

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Holly Jolly Celebration Allen is getting a new 46-foot Christmas tree with over 20,000 lights, and along with it comes an even bigger tree lighting event in a new location! The Holly Jolly Celebration featuring the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which is free to attend, will take place from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, November 30 in the circle

at North Allen Drive and St. Mary Drive. “Allen’s annual Christmas tree lighting event has gotten so popular, we decided it was time to move the event to a larger space outside of Allen Public Library,” said Tony Hill, Recreation Services Manager for Allen Parks and Recreation. “Along with the lighting of the taller tree, the Holly Jolly Celebration will offer an expanded variety of fun festivities, ranging from live entertainment to carriage rides and even a food court.” At the event, there will be a Jingle Bell Stage, which will feature a diverse variety of live entertainment and performers. Candy Cane carriage rides will be available around the event, and the Comet Express will be offering toy train rides that will especially delight children. Attendees will also be able to stroll up and down a row of uniquely decorated Christmas trees in the Merry Meadow and browse specialty items from Dallas-Fort Worth vendors at the Holiday Bazaar. For those who work up an appetite from all of the festivities, food will be on sale in the Gourmet Sleighs food court, and adults can enjoy beverages at the Scrooge’s Tavern beer garden. “The fun doesn’t stop there,” Hill

said. “There will be plenty of additional festivities at the Holly Jolly Celebration, including crafts, book readings of holiday stories and, of course, the official lighting of the Christmas tree!”

Rudolph Run and Donner Dash The morning after the Holly Jolly Celebration, lace up your running shoes and get ready to burn off all of the food you enjoyed the night before in the Gourmet Sleighs food court. The annual 5K Rudolph Run and new .5K Donner Dash will kick off at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, December 1 on Main Street in downtown Allen. The first race will be the .5K Donner Dash, which is a long sprint or short walk on an extended route that will be about .5 miles and will include a cup of hot cocoa. Immediately following will be the timed 5K Rudolph Run, which is a USATF registered run. “The new .5K Donner Dash will be an exciting way to participate without having to complete the full 5K Rudolph Run,” said Joey Ramos, Athletic Programs Supervisor for Allen Parks and Recreation. “Donner Dash participants are more than welcome to run or walk and will be rewarded with hot cocoa!” Both races are open to all ages and skill levels. The top 3 runners for each gender and age division in the Rudolph Run will receive a medal. Prizes will also be awarded to the top overall and Master’s (40+) male and female winners of the Rudolph Run. Those who register by November 18 are guaranteed a race shirt. Registration will remain open through the event, including on the race day. For more information about the Holly Jolly Celebration and to register online for the Rudolph Run/Donner Dash, visit AllenSpecialEvents.org. v Matt Cobb is the senior marketing coordinator for the City of Allen. Allen Image | November 2018

ALLEN

RECYCLES

DAY

by Chelsey APRILL

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Not sure what to do with that pile of outgrown baby clothes, box of ill-fitting contact lenses or pet carrier Fido outgrew three years ago? Allen Recycles Day, held November 3 at Allen City Hall, offers a convenient collection point for local organizations putting those unwanted items to good use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the most out of this free event for Allen residents.

1. Gather Your Items Spend a few minutes raiding your closets, cabinets, attic and garage for items you no longer want or need. Accepted items include furniture and household goods, clothes and accessories, pet products, bikes and tricycles, gently-used athletic shoes, books, electronics and prescription eyewear. You can also donate durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and hospital beds. “A lot of people hold on to things—especially expensive things—because getting rid of them seems like a waste,” says Kliewer. “But, when you participate in Allen Recycles Day, you get the satisfaction of knowing those items will help someone who truly needs them.” In addition to donations you can bring clean, flattened cardboard boxes and personal documents to be shredded on-site. Allen Recycles Day also offers safe and anonymous disposal of unwanted prescription and non-prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and medical sharps. A full list of

accepted items is available at CityofAllen.org/AllenRecyclesDay. However, there are a few items the city won’t accept at this event. These include batteries, tires, trash and chemicals. To learn how to safely dispose of those items, call 214.509.3100.

2. Grab Your I.D. When you arrive at Allen Recycles Day, you’ll need to show a copy of your current City of Allen water utility bill and driver’s license with matching Allen addresses. “We don’t charge admission, but you must be an Allen resident to participate,” says Kliewer. If you opt for paperless billing, you can pull up the utility statement on a smartphone or tablet. Customers can log in at CityofAllen.dpnetbill. com to access their statements.

3. Head To City Hall If there’s one piece of advice Kliewer has for Allen Recycles Day, it’s not to trust Google Maps. “We’ve designed this event so traffic flows as smoothly as possible,” says Kliewer. “That means the route you’d usually take to City Hall might not work as well on November 3.” To access Allen Recycles Day, attendees should enter the event from the south using Bethany Drive. From there, donations and medications can

be taken to the City Hall parking lot; electronics disposal, cardboard recycling and document shredding is available on Butler Drive. Signs and city staff will direct you to each location. Volunteers are available to help unload and sort items. “Last year on Allen Recycles Day our residents donated more than 83,315 pounds of recycling or reusable

materials,” said Kliewer. “It’s one, easy way to keep Allen beautiful.” Allen Recycles Day will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 3 at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway. Learn more at CityofAllen.org/AllenRecyclesDay. v Chelsey Aprill is the Senior Marketing Specialist for the City of Allen.

Allen Image | November 2018

St. Jude Craft Fair Come one, come all! The Women of St. Jude will host the 33rd annual Holiday Craft Fair on November 2 and 3. Enjoy two relaxing days of early holiday shopping with the opportunity to purchase handmade items provided by vendors from Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Florida and Louisiana. All proceeds will go to support the charitable community projects that the Women of St. Jude will sponsor in 2019. Talk about spreading some holiday cheer! The first 2000 shoppers will receive a free holiday tote to help carry all the goodies. Vendors will have such an abundance of holiday gift items for sale that we have expanded to two buildings! There will be a representative from REECII, (eco friendly crafts hand made by women in the Saint Kitts and Nevis area to teach at risk teenagers and young adults life skills). You will also find exclusive, handmade items including wooden furniture, decorative glass pieces, homemade scented candles, one-of-a-kind jewelry, floral

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arrangements, children’s and women’s boutique clothing and purses, gifts for pet and baby, school spirit items, quilts, original ceramic pieces and hand painted decorative art. You can not only pick up gifts for everyone on your shopping list, but you can get yourself a gift as well— you deserve it! Also on hand will be a delicious variety of homemade goodies—cakes, pies, breads and cookies—supplied by our tiny holiday angels, the Sunshine & Rainbows Early Learning Center. If you’re hungry for more, stop by the St. Jude kitchen for lunch. The Women of St. Jude will be featuring homemade soups, chili, baked potatoes and other yummy treats. The very popular Bistro Box and salads will be back again this year. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and drawings will be held daily. Enter to win prizes donated by the craft fair vendors. Winners do not have to be present to win. The Women of St Jude will sell tickets to their Annual Christmas luncheon at

Heritage Ranch as well. The AMA Food Pantry will also be collecting non-perishable food items to help everyone have a happy holiday season! Mark your calendars for Friday November 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday November 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking and admission are free! St. Jude Catholic Church is located at 1515 N. Greenville Avenue in Allen between Exchange Pkwy and Stacy Road. For more information visit www.stjudeparish.com. We can’t wait to see you there! v

Snippets Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy Come celebrate Allen’s holiday family tradition at Allen Civic Ballet’s 20th Anniversary “Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy,” on December 1, at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Sugar Plum Fairy invites you to have tea with her and her loyal subjects in the Palace of the Snow Queen. Meet all of your favorite Nutcracker characters while you are served sweet and savory treats, along with your choice of tea or pink lemonade. Mother Ginger tells the story of the Nutcracker with the help of the characters, but beware the Evil Mouse Queen, who will try to enlist you in her wicked plans to defeat the handsome young Nutcracker Prince! Then the Kingdom of the Sweets will come alive during a brief, but magical, performance featuring excerpts from Allen Civic Ballet’s upcoming production of the Nutcracker ballet. Tea times are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25. For more information, please visit allencivicballet.org or call 972.727.5959. v

Journey To Christmas St. Paul Lutheran Church presents a new and updated “Journey to Christmas” featuring a Christmas Concert and Live Nativity on December 7 and 8. This free event begins inside the church’s sanctuary, where visitors will enjoy Christmas music and a special children’s Christmas nativity video. They are then guided through six live action scenes depicting the major events leading to the birth of Christ. This lively production is performed by members of the church and community, dressed in costumes from that era. The whole family will enjoy the special effects provided by live camels, donkeys, sheep and other animals. Following the outdoor scenes, visitors will finish up with refreshments inside the Fellowship Hall. Visitors will get a brief taste of the sights, sounds and smells of a Middle Eastern marketplace from over 2,000 years ago. The drama scenes start every 10 minutes on Friday, December 8, 7-9 p.m.; and Saturday, December 9, 6-9 p.m. The program is presented rain or shine (outdoor scenes will be moved indoors in case of inclement weather). St. Paul is located at 6565 Independence Parkway in Plano, between Spring Creek and Legacy. v Allen Image | November 2018

Snippets 18th Annual Holiday Boutique Arts & Crafts Show Don’t miss this incredible shopping opportunity on Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Gabriel Community Center, 110 St. Gabriel Way in McKinney.

The Nutcracker As the holiday season approaches, that means it’s time for Dallas Repertoire Ballet’s annual production of the beloved family classic, The Nutcracker, which will be performed December 7-9 at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson.

Sponsored by the St. Gabriel Women’s Club, there will be over 80 artisans displaying and selling unique items that are all handcrafted. You will find Christmas and home décor, jewelry, paintings, decorative art, clothing for children and adults, scented candles, pottery, holiday wreaths, woodwork, gifts and more! There will also be a raffle of vendor items throughout the day.

This year marks Dallas Repertoire Ballet’s 26th year of presenting this timeless storybook ballet with a cast of over 130 dancers, which features critically-acclaimed choreography and costumes that rival that of many professional dance companies. Dallas Repertoire Ballet is again offering a special “sensory-friendly performance” at the 2 p.m. show on Saturday, December 8. This performance is specifically designed for children with sensory processing disorders like autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome and other special needs.

A delicious snack bar and lunch will be available for hungry shoppers. Also, stop by the bake sale booth, which is sponsored by the Women’s Club, for delicious desserts. This is a great place to start your holiday shopping or to find that special item you can’t resist. Admission is $1 (children under 12 are free). Donations of canned goods for Thanksgiving baskets are always welcome. For additional information visit www.stgabriel.org/ holidayboutique. v

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The special performance will have discounted ticket prices and will feature special adaptations such as capped/ reduced decibel sound, no strobe lights or startling noises, house lights lit at half for the entire performance, “quiet areas” for audience members, plus additional help and guidance from behavioral specialists to assist ushers, security and theatre personnel. The Nutcracker performance times are: Friday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 8, at 2 p.m. (sensoryfriendly performance) and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.danceada.com. To reserve tickets for Dallas Repertoire Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, visit www.eisemanncenter.com or call 972.744.4650. v

Snippets

Allen Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa As is tradition, to help kick off the Christmas holiday season in Allen, a pancake breakfast will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Allen and Allen High School Key Club. Individuals participating in the City of Allen’s annual Rudolph Run are encouraged to fuel-up before the run or celebrate their finish. A breakfast of pancakes, sausage and drinks will be served from 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 1 at First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott Drive. As a special treat for children, the ol’ jolly man himself, Santa Claus, will be available at the breakfast to hear Christmas wishes and pose for photos. Music and entertainment will also be provided. Advance tickets are available for a donation of $7 adult and $4 child (ages 6-11) from any Allen Kiwanis member or $8 adult and $5 child at the door. All proceeds benefit the many Kiwanis Club of Allen programs, which primarily help support the needs of children within the Allen community. To learn more about the Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Kiwanis Club of Allen, please visit AllenKiwanis.org or call 214.914.0000. v

Ribs N’ Raptors Fundraiser The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center (BPRC) is having its 4th Annual Ribs n’ Raptors fundraiser, Saturday November 10, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 1625 Brockdale Park Road, Lucas. There will be BBQ, local craft beer, live birds of prey and live and silent auctions to support BRPC, one of the 10 largest raptor centers in the country. This fundraiser is the main event of the year and will help fund the expanding needs of the center including a digital X-ray machine and other medical equipment. BPRC received 764 patients in 2017. The center’s recent celebrity patient was Snowy, a Snowy Owl, found in North Texas in December of 2017, about 1000 miles off course. After a two-month rehabilitation period, Snowy was flown to Minnesota where it was released. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is a state and federally permitted facility in Lucas, whose mission is the rehabilitation and release of birds of prey in North Texas, as well as outreach programming with live raptor ambassadors. For more information, please contact Erich Neupert, 469.964.9696, Erich.neupert@bpraptorcenter.org or visit our website at www. bpraptorcenter.org. v Allen Image | November 2018

HELPING HANDS

Allen Community Outreach by Daniela MESQUITA

About 40 percent of adults throughout the U.S. said that if faced with a $400 unexpected expense they would either not be able to pay it or would have to sell something or borrow money to do so. This is based on a Federal Reserve’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2017 (Federal Reserve, 2018). That is a scary reality for millions of families in our nation, and it can perhaps be your own situation today or your next door neighbors’. There are thousands of nonprofits in Collin County serving many different causes, and one in particular that provides social services and education and employment programs is Allen Community Outreach, also known as ACO. “Many people may think that ACO only serves Allen, Fairview and Lucas, but ACO has been helping thousands of individuals and families from all over our county with food, utility and rent assistance, GED preparatory classes, financial coaching and more,” said Monty Moore, ACO CEO. As the holiday season approaches, while many people are thankful for all they have accomplished this year, many others are facing financial hardships due to a job loss, or an unexpected tragedy that changed their reality overnight.

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ACO Holiday Food Drive November 1-15

for a list of needed food items see

www.acocares.org

A few years ago, Amy (pictured) and her family were hurting. As a mother of four and a grandmother of a precious little boy, Amy has shown her family that we all have struggles, but with help we can overcome! After having two heart attacks and a job loss, Amy’s life turned upside-down. Feeling like she was drowning in medical bills and without a second income to supplement her husband’s, Amy sought help from ACO. “I remember the relief I felt when I was able to get help from ACO to keep my family afloat. My husband and I attended ACO’s financial class and it was a turning point for us—it helped us both realize what we

needed to do to get our future together,” shared Amy. The money that Amy’s family was spending on groceries every month was allocated to pay for medical bills because she was able to shop at ACO’s Food Pantry and choose all the free food items and household supplies her family needed. Throughout those hard years, Amy also received help with her rent, clothing and school supplies for her children, and she was diligent with their money to make it stretch further every month. During her visits with the education and employment staff at ACO, and with support from her husband, Amy decided to go back to school to pursue her college degree. For over three years, Amy went to the ACO office weekly to use the computer lab to print her class assignments and research projects for her courses. After learning how to budget as a couple, and to

save for when an emergency happens, Amy is proud to share that her family is in a much better place today. This past May, Amy went to ACO to show her college graduation pictures. “Now that I have an associate degree, I am not going to stop here. I plan to continue my education to earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Amy. What if there were no agency like Allen Community Outreach in our area to provide a path to independence for families like Amy’s and to hundreds of men and women who go through the doors of ACO each month? Imagine if ACO had no support from the community to help our neighbors in need. That is why it is important to spread the word about ACO and to join hands with their mission to prevent hunger and homelessness and help families through their walk towards financial stability. To learn more about the kinds of services and programs ACO offers and how to become involved through volunteer opportunities, taxdeductible donations of gently used items for their resale shops or to give a financial gift this holiday season, please visit www.acocares.org and follow them on Facebook. v Daniela Mesquita is the Director of Fund Development at ACO. Allen Image | November 2018

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 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 South Carolina Stingrays

Allen Americans vs Kansas City Mavericks

10 Allen Americans vs Kansas City Mavericks 16 Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers 21 Disney on Ice Presents Frozen 23-25 Disney on Ice Presents Frozen 30 Allen Americans vs Wichita Thunder

PARKS AND REC EVENTS For more information about Parks and Recreation events, visit AllenParks.org. 9

SNAP Dance, 7-10 pm, ages 18+. SNAP your fingers and shuffle your feet at this Special Needs and Adapted Program at Allen Senior Rec Center! Enjoy music, a fun theme and snacks. This month’s theme is Texas Country! For more information, contact Ryan Patterson at rmpatterson@cityofallen.org. Cost: $10.

10 Suit Up For Success-Part II, 11 am-1:30 pm at Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Register for this free three-part, year-round professional development

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of its new 46-foot Christmas tree with more than 20,000 lights! Surprises, live entertainment, a visit from Santa and his elves and new festivities! For more information, please visit AllenSpecialEvents.org.

program. Part II includes tips and tricks for professional appearance, mock interviews, and salary negotiation. Open to ages 15+. (Attendance at Part I not required.) 12 Veterans Day Celebration, 11 am-noon, Allen Senior Recreation Center. This free event is open to the public on the officially observed date for Veterans Day. This is a new program in a new format. For details, call 214.509.4820. All ages. 17 Turkey Shoot, 10 am-2 p.m., Joe Farmer Rec Center ages 6+, cost is $5. Win a turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner! Teams of one adult and one child—each member will have 45 seconds to take 10 free-throws. The team with the highest combined total in each age division takes home the turkey. 19-21 The Edge Futsal Tournament, at The Edge, noon-8 pm, ages 18+. Tournament Futsal—a 6v6 fastpaced form of soccer, played with a smaller lowbounce ball. Futsal helps players improve dribbling and footwork ability. For intermediate to advanced players. Cost is $200 per team. 24 The Annual Great Turkey Skate, Allen Community Ice Rink, noon-4 pm, all ages. Various Thanksgiving-themed, on-ice games and activities, including Turkey Bowling. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Donate 2 non-perishable items, receive a free skate rental. Cost is $5 entry/$3 skate rental. 26-30 Letters To Santa. Children can write a letter to Santa and drop it in one of his mailboxes at Joe Farmer Recreation Center or Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. Letters will be delivered to Santa and he will send a reply to your home! Letters must be received by December 10. Open to ages 1-12. 30 Holly Jolly Celebration and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, in the Circle at N. Allen Dr. and St. Mary Dr., 5-10 pm, all ages. The City of Allen’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be bringing even more holiday cheer this year! Join us for the grand lighting

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. Fall 2018 storytime runs September 4-November 15 Baby and Me, pre-walkers with a caregiver, Wednesdays at 10:15 am. Fun Ones & Twos, ages 1 & 2 w/caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:15 am. Together Time, ages 3-5 w/caregiver, Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:15 am, All By Myself, ages 4-5 w/o caregiver, Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Pajama Time, ages 3-5 w/caregiver, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN For more information about events below, call 214.509.4906. All events are free and no pre-registration required. Events are in the Children’s Program Room except where noted. 8-16 In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Program, ages 4-12 only. Register at the Library’s Children Desk starting October 9. Children read five books to earn a coupon for a free In-N-Out treat. See Children’s Desk for full program details. 1

Diwali Story Time, 6:30-7 pm, all ages. Celebrate the festival of lights with a special story time and crafts! Limited to 80. A free ticket is required to attend. Free tickets will be available at the Children’s Desk 30 minutes before the program starts.

Paint by Stickers, 3-4 pm, families with children ages 5 & up. Create a work of art with the Paint by Stickers and Paint with Water activity books.

Music and Movement, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 2 & up with caregiver. Join us as we sing, dance and make music! Limited to 50. A free ticket required to attend. Free tickets available at the Children’s Desk 30 min. before program starts.

10 Frozen Story Time, 10:30-11 am, ages 3 & up with their families. Let it go and embrace the cold with this Frozen themed story time! Limited to 80. A free ticket is required to attend. Free tickets available at the Children’s Desk 30 min. before program starts. 12 Straw Weaving, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Come learn how to weave using straws and yarn. Make your own necklace or bracelet to keep or give to a friend. 13 How To Draw, 4:30-5 pm, ages 5-8. Learn to draw something new each month. All materials provided. 16 Sensory Play Day, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 0-3 with caregivers. Join us for a relaxed morning of stimulating sensory play stations. Limited to 100. 17 STEM Story Time: Robots, 10:30-11:30 am, ages 3 & up. Join us while we read, sing, and learn about robots. Children will have a chance to play with some of the robots the APL has purchased with donations from Shubha and Vatsa Ramanathan in memory of Mr. S. Ramanathan. 19 Wreck-It Ralph 2 Party, 3-4 pm, ages 5-8. Get ready for Wreck-It Ralph 2 with sweet crafts and games! 20 Thanksgiving Story Time, 10:30-11 am & 11:1511:45 am, ages 3 & up. Celebrate Thanksgiving and things that make us thankful at this special family story time with puppet show! Limited to 80 each session. A free ticket is required to attend. Free tickets available at the Children’s Desk 30 min. before program starts. 20 Family Movie: Wreck-It Ralph, 2-3:30 pm, ages 5-8, in the Auditorium. A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives. This movie is rated PG and is 108 minutes long. 26 Geo Creations, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 8-12. Combine art and math! Create geo patterns, shapes and designs using Styrofoam, nails and loom bands. 27 First Chapter Book Club, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-8. Have you read every Magic Tree House book and need something new? Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new series and enjoy a project inspired by what we read. 30 Starting Out WILD, 10:30-11 am, ages 1-3 and caregiver. Each month we explore a different environmental theme utilizing songs, stories, finger play, sensory discovery and hands-on activities. This month’s theme: Why I Recycle. Presented by Community Services Education Specialist Andrea Smith. Limited to 20 toddlers plus caregivers. A free ticket required to attend. Free tickets available at the Children’s Desk 30 min. before program starts.

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!

10 Games and Grub, 2:30-3:30 pm, in the Children’s Program Room. Bring your friends for an epic board game battle! From classics like Chess and Checkers to new finds like Sushi Go and Exploding Kittens, we have games for everyone! Not a board game fan? Try summoning a creature and use an enchantment during a round of Magic. Or even participate in a Dungeons & Dragons game! Oh, and did we mention there will be food?

Allen Image | November 2018

HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS All special events for home school students are held in the Children’s Program Room unless noted otherwise and are free. No registration is required to attend. For more information, call 214.509.4906. 7

Explore Horizons Workshop: Young Mathematicians Award, 1:30-2:30 pm, ages 8-12. Inspire and challenge yourself by participating in the 5th Annual Young Mathematicians’ Award. One team of four children will progress to Round 2 for the Regional Final!

14 It’s in the Bag! Environmental Education, 1:302:15 pm, ages 5-12. This three-month series focuses on recycling, litter prevention and waste management. The Litter Bag. This environmental education activity is from “Waste in Place” curriculum developed by Keep America Beautiful. Presented by Community Services Educator Specialist Andrea Smith. 28 Art Sparks: Art at Work, 1:30-2:30 pm, ages 5-12. ArtSparks is an art appreciation and visual literacy program designed by the Allen Arts Alliance. Children interact with and explore great works of art, participate in engaging discussion, and reinforce concepts with hands-on activities.

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 Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See, 12-1 pm. We offer a relaxed environment where, you can share the joy of reading. New members always welcome.

13 Talking History-Amber: The Gold of the Baltic, 7-8:30 pm. Explore how amber has influenced history of the Baltic region with travel writer and lecturer Sharon Hudgins. Over the centuries, Baltic amber has figured into art, politics, love and intrigue. Learn about amber’s importance in the region throughout history, as well as tips for purchasing amber and how to detect fakes. Ages 16 & younger with adult. 14 Twisted Threads—A Fiber Craft Circle, 6:308:30 pm. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, quilters and any other crafters who use thread or yarn. All skill levels welcome! Ages 18+; no childcare provided. 14 TheArts@APL—Knitting in the Round, 2-4 pm. Have you mastered the basics of knitting? Learn how to knit in the round. Bring 16” circulars or set of double pointed needles, size US 7 and 8 and we’ll provide yarn and cable needles. This is an advanced beginner level project. You must know how to cast on, knit and purl—these will not be taught. Limited to 30. Free tickets available 15 min. prior to program at Reference Desk. Sponsored by McKinney Knittery. 16 Library After Dark: Mystery in the Art Gallery, 7-9:30 pm, 1st Floor Gallery. There’s a mystery to solve in the Art Gallery! Use your puzzle solving skills to piece together clues in this after-hours event. Cocktail attire encouraged. Appetizers and mocktails provided. Presented in collaboration with the Friends of the Allen Public Library. Limited to first 50 people. Free registration opens 10 am, October 26. Register at AllenLibrary.org/LibraryAfterDark or call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905. Ages 18+; no childcare provided. 27 Armchair Travelers Visit Scandinavia & Eastern Europe, 7-8:30 pm. Come explore the world without ever leaving Texas! Join us for a tour of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, as Rebekah Tissell shares stories and photos from her travels through Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia. Scandinavian and Eastern European snacks are available to sample. Ages 16+, younger children welcome with an adult.

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28 DIY@APL- Santa’s Workshop, 10 am-noon. We have the perfect way to complete your gift list. This year’s theme: All about Nature! Use the beauty of nature to create handmade gifts that are excellent for teachers, coworkers and friends. Listen to holiday music and win great door prizes too!

CLUBS 2ChangeU Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday, 7 pm, Plano Family YMCA, 3300 McDermott Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.2changeu.org. A Place To Go (APT G), meets the third Saturday each month, (Sept-May), 7-9:30 pm, 1st UMC, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. Volunteers, high school age and up are paired with a special needs teen/young adult. Eat, play games and make crafts in a parent’s night out environment. Free. For more info: 214.385.8850 or email specialkids@fumcallen. 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. 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 Drive. 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 the 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.

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.

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.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen & Lucas), meets first and third Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas. For more info: kathrin_esposito@asus.com or 214.616.2460.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, meets 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 third Monday each month, 7-9 pm, Collin Higher Education Center, 3452 Spur 399, McKinney. For more info: www.beautifulviolets.com. 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.

Lone Star Parliamentary Unit, meets second Monday 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, meets second Thursday each month, Creekwood UMC, 261 Country Club, Fairview. Different topic & speakers. Free lunch; babysitting available for nominal fee. For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/LovejoyPreschool-PTA/. McKinney Amateur Radio Club, meets second Tuesday each month, 7 pm, Spring Creek Bar B Que 1993 North Central Expressway, McKinney. For more information: 972.814.4190. McKinney Area 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. McKinney Newcomers’ Club, meets third Tuesday each month, 9:30 am, social; 10 am meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. November program: Susie Ashbaugh, Education Co-Chair of DFW Society of Mayflower Descendants. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.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, 7:308:30 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, refreshments 9:30 am, meeting 10 am, Noah’s Event Center, 5280 Towne Square Dr., Plano. November program is The JFK Assassination, An Account from a Former Secret Service Agent, Mike howard. All 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. Plano Amateur Radio Klub, meets the third Monday each month, 7 pm, FUMC of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, all welcome. For more info: www.K5PRK.net. Plano Photography Club, meets the third Thursday each month, 7 pm, W. Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com. Plano Republican Women’s Club, meets the third Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, Reflections on Spring Creek, 1901 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. For more info: www.planorepublicanwomen.com.

Allen Image | November 2018

Prelude Clubhouse, community center for adults living with mental illness meets at Collin Creek Church, 1905 E. Parker Rd, Plano. Open Mon., Tue. & Thu., 10 am-4 pm. For more information, please call 469.301.6639 or www. preludeclubhouse.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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, 6:30 pm, Blue House Too, Watters Creek. For more info: www.allenquilters.org. Common Threads of Allen, meets the first and third Tuesdays each month, 7 pm, Whole Foods Market Café, Stacy Rd. Share needle-work projects, learn techniques, etc. For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or debik@verizon.net.

HEALTH Allen AA meets every Monday-Sunday, 601 S. Greenville. Mon.-Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 9 am; Sun., 7:30 pm. For more info: Joe, 214.564.9403 & Tina, 214.566.7561. Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group meets third Tuesday each month. Offers support and resources for parents of children with autism and other related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport. Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 pm, 1st UMC, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. For friends and family of alcoholics. More info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org. American Cancer Society Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appts. If you have a car and have time 9 am-5 pm, you can help. For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711. Baylor Health Care System support groups, medical info and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com. Cancer Support Ministry, meets second Sunday each month, 4 pm, 1st Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: Jimmy Smith, 972.727.8241. Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Meets monthly. Days & locations vary. For more info: www.75013.theheartlinknetwork.com.

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National Alliance of Mental Illness (for Collin County) Support Groups meet every Thursday, 6:30-8 pm at Custer Road UMC 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. For more info: NAMI Dallas, 214.341.7133. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Tuesday, 6:158 pm, Good Shepherd UMC, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas. For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org. Texas Health Presbyterian, variety of events. For more info: www.texashealth.org. 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 & 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, 103111 N. Central, parking lot of Stacy Furniture. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, meets second Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Collin College, Central Park Campus Conference Center, 2200 W. University Dr., McKinney. For more info: www.cchba.org.

Fit and Funky Fit Club, meets every Monday, 7:30 pm, & every Sunday, 7 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free. For more info: fitandfunky@att.net. Infinity Personal Fitness Charity Workout, meets every other Saturday at 9 am, 1201 W. McDermott, Suite 106, Allen. Min. donation $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more info: email cattaneo.ray@gmail.com. McKinney Chess on the Square, meets every Wednesday, 4-7 pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org. McKinney Chess Club, every Saturday, 10:30 am1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Free. And every Friday, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney. Adults 50+(Free). For more info: 972.547.7491. Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www. planobicycle.org. Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, second Tuesday each month, 5024 Custer, Plano, 7 pm., and at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, the last Saturday every month, 8 am. For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244 or www. planopacers.org. Skilled Motorcycle Riders Association promotes motorcycle safety through rider training. Monthly practice courses, social activities, etc. For more info: www.skilledmotorcycleriderassociation.com. Stroller Strides Classes. For class information, check out Fairview.fit4mom.com. First class Free. 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 care givers 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. required. For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634. 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. For more info: MckinneyMoms@yahoo.com.

Allen Image | November 2018

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, 9:3011:45 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 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 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. Third Saturday Nature Talks: Nature Journaling. Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! An intro to journaling techniques thru hands-on activities.

SENIORS Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, meets second Tuesday each month, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville. For more info: 214.509.4820.

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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, 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 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 Visit www.allenfairviewchamber.com for more information. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast meets quarterly at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 am. Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce MOB (Men of Business), meets second Monday every other month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Kelly’s at the Village at Allen, for networking. $20 mem; $25 non-mems/general public. 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.

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, Greater Collin County Chapter, meets third Wednesday, 10 am at Gleneagles Country Club, Plano. Guests welcome. For more info: 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, meets second and fourth Thursday each month, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S. For more info: Peter Young, 972.849.4952. Allen Kiwanis Club, meets every Thursday, noon, Bonefish Grill, 190 E Stacy Rd #100. Visitors welcome. For more info: www.allenkiwanis.org. Allen Masonic Lodge No. 1435, meets second Tuesday each month, 7:30 pm at 101 North Allen Drive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For more info: www:allenlodge1435.org. Allen Rotary Club meets every Wednesday, noon, 1st United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville, Allen. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

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.

MARKET PLACE

Allen Image | November 2018

LIBRARY

The Library presents… by Tom KEENER

Juror No. 10

Tea with the Roosevelts

Waymon Rose of Allen was Juror Number 10 during the infamous 1964 trial of Texas vs. Rubinstein, alias Jack Ruby. He will share his experiences of this infamous trial at 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 19, at the library. Jack Ruby fatally shot Lee Harvey Oswald two days after President Kennedy was assassinated. In one of the most highly publicized trials of the twentieth century, Ruby was found guilty of murdering Oswald, but the Texas Court of Appeals reversed the decision and Ruby died of lung cancer while awaiting retrial. At his wife’s suggestion, Mr. Rose maintained a journal of his experiences in a 25-cent spiral notebook, in which he detailed the living conditions and limited activities of himself and his fellow jurors. That notebook is now with the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas. In November of 1963, Rose was a traveling salesman and the assassination of President Kennedy would initiate a chain of events that would drag Mr. Rose, unwillingly, into history.

President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt guided this nation during two of the most tumultuous periods of American history—the Great Depression and World War II. After President Roosevelt died in 1945, Mrs. Roosevelt continued to support her husband’s efforts in establishing the United Nations.

“I said, I’m too busy to be on any jury, but I’ll get off it,” Rose recalled about his notice of summons. Because millions of Americans had watched the video of Ruby killing Oswald, finding an impartial jury was a daunting task. The prosecutors learned that Rose had a distinguished war record and they were determined that he serve on the jury. Mr. Rose recalls that after 30 minutes of deliberation, with the jury reviewing all details, the guilty verdict became unanimous. v

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While enjoying tea, you can hear Elliot Roosevelt Jr. and Liz Roosevelt Kelley recount stories of their esteemed grandparents and great-grandparents at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 18, in a free program at the library. Mr. Roosevelt will share recollections of FDR and the woman he called “Grandmere.” Liz Roosevelt Kelly will present stunning photos of Eleanor’s life and offer special insights and observations for the woman that President Truman declared the “First Lady of the World.” Elliot Roosevelt, the son of Ruth and Elliott Roosevelt, spent time with grandparents Eleanor and Franklin while growing up and celebrated Christmas at the White House during the later years of Roosevelt’s presidency. Liz Roosevelt Kelly is the daughter of Elliot and JoAnne Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt’s My Day column was at one time syndicated in 90 newspapers, and at that time, the second most popular newspaper column in the nation. She wrote the column six days a week from 1935 until her death in 1962. She also published a book called My Day. Although it is her diary, it simultaneously serves as an irreplaceable historical document. v

Veterans Day Concert

Celebrate the centennial of the armistice that ended World War One at 3 p.m., Sunday, November 11, at the library. The concert will begin with the National Anthem, led by Chris Xeros, Korean War veteran and founding conductor of the Richardson Symphony and Allen Philharmonic. The band will perform music made popular during, and after, World War I, as well as contemporary selections celebrating our Armed Forces. Arranged by Darren Jenkins, “Echoes From the Battlefield” commemorates World War I with four songs that were popular and widely performed during that historic era. Opening with Over There, followed by It’s a Long Way from Tipperary, Keep the Home Fires Burning and closing with Pack Up Your Troubles in an Old Kit Bag. The band will pay tribute to the early works of George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin. Members of the audience are invited to stand as the musical theme of their respective branch of service is played and the flag is presented on stage. This free concert is sponsored by the Allen Public Library, VFW 2195, Allen Community Band and Bernardo de Galvez DAR chapter. v

Marie Tippit Marie Tippit demonstrated courage and fortitude during one of the saddest periods in American history. Shortly after 1 p.m., November 22, 1963, on a quiet residential street in Oak Cliff, Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit observed 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald walking down the sidewalk and certain behaviors merited this experienced officer’s attention. He stopped to investigate and was shot four times. A passerby, Domingo Benavides, notified police using Officer Tippit’s own police radio. In a matter of moments, Marie became a widow with three small children. While the nation watched the funeral of its beloved President John Kennedy, another funeral occurred one hour later for the fallen officer J.D. Tippit at the Beckley Hills Baptist Church in Oak Cliff. Marie Tippit will recall those tumultuous days at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15, at the library. Allen Police Department officers will escort Marie to the library’s stage, and Chief Brian Harvey will help introduce the widow of a fallen officer. During this tragic weekend, a most endearing exchange of messages occurred between Jackie Kennedy and Marie. Also, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the new President, Lyndon Johnson, called Marie to express their condolences. When asked about how she wants the public the remember her fallen husband, she replied, “He was a good Christian man who took his family to church and worked other jobs to support us. No amount of time can take away my pain I feel for the man I loved.” v

Sherlock Holmes Symposium Footprints, intuitive powers of observation and advanced forensics help solve the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes. An enduring subject of film, stage, radio, comic books, animations and television, Sherlock Holmes mysteries are popular internationally. Created in the mind of doctor-turned-author Conan Doyle, his methodologies encouraged a change in the way police work was conducted and remains in practice today. Learn more about Sherlock Holmes at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 17, in a free program at the library. Presented by The Crew of the Barque Lone Star, a group that is a Sherlock Holmes literary society for the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and a scion society of the Baker Street Irregulars. Presenters include Angela Lusk, Allen Osborne, Tim Kline, Rusty Mason, Liese Sherwood-Fabre, Diane Tran, Dean Clark, Cindy Brown, Brenda Silvey Hutchison, Ben Everett and Ann Caddell. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. Allen Image | November 2018

FEATURE

Holiday Shopping Allen Style by Deborah DOVE Not so long ago, Allen residents had to travel to a mall or big box store in Frisco, Plano or Dallas to do their holiday shopping, or possibly downtown McKinney if they were looking for a unique boutique-type item. Those days are clearly past, as shoppers from around the metroplex now come to Allen to do their shopping. And now, thanks to careful planning by the Allen Economic Development Corporation over the years, Allen residents need never leave the city limits to do all of their holiday shopping. From deals on designer brand clothes and shoes at Allen Premium Outlets to big name stores at the Villages of

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Allen and Fairview Town Center, and from upscale boutiques at Watters Creek to a plethora of distinctive oneof-a-kind gifts and home dĂŠcor items at smaller shopping centers throughout the city, Allen has got your holiday shopping covered. Most of the shopping centers also offer special promotions and entertainment during the holiday season as well, so be sure and check their websites.

The Vil lage at Al len The Village at Allen offers a huge and varied selection of stores, from big box retailers such a Best Buy for

electronics, headphones, phone cases, smart phones, tablets, movies and more, to discount stores such as Ross, TJ Max, Tuesday Morning and HomeGoods, where you can find that perfect gift—be it a soft blanket or a coveted sweatshirt—without breaking the bank. If you can’t find it at the Village at Allen, you can’t find it anywhere (after all, there is a Target). Here you can truly shop for everyone on your list—athletic gear and sporting goods at Dick’s or Cabela’s; a special piece of jewelry for her from James Avery; the hottest video games for your tween or teen at GameStop or hard-to-find movies for the cinema buff on your list at Movie Trading Company; unique housewares and fun gifts at Kirkland’s or Pier One; a bottle of fine spirits or wine at Total Wine & More; or cigars for him at Lone Star Cigar Co. You can even find the perfect gift for your pet (or maybe even a new pet!) at PetSmart. And, it’s rumored that Santa himself has been known to get buy a bicycle or two at Bicycles Plus for the good boys and girls on his list. A

wide variety of restaurants—from quick bites like Mooyah Burgers and Paradise Bakery to full-service restaurants like Bone Fish Grill and the Olive Garden to fun venues like Bar Louie and Kelly’s for music and drinks—offer a respite from shopping. While information regarding holiday events and promotions wasn’t available at press time, be sure and check the events page on their website, www.thevillageshopping. com, for special holiday happenings.

Fairview Town Center Across the street, shoppers still have access to big name department stores such as Dillard’s, Macy’s and JC Penney at Fairview Town Center, as well as other popular clothing stores such as Old Navy, Buckle, Frenzi, Express, Motherhood Maternity, Pappagallo and Versona. Rally House and The Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop have you covered with gifts for the sports aficionado in your life, while Ulta has lots of stocking stuffers for her, from lip glosses and bath bombs to perfume and eyeshadow palettes. And, you can stuff everyone’s stockings (and get cute wrapping to boot) with fun gadgets you never knew you wanted, but won’t be able to live without, from The Container Store. Stumped on what to get the guy in your life? Elliott’s Hardware to the rescue! This guy nirvana opened in November and has a huge selection of tools, hardware, grills and more. When you need a break from shopping, you can bowl a few games at Bowlarama, catch a movie at iPic, enjoy live music at Killarney’s or indulge yourself with delicious food and drinks at a wide variety of restaurants such as Wild Salsa, Twisted Root Burger, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen or Gloria’s. Aka Hibachi and Destinations Wine Bar are slated to open soon. Although ongoing construction has curtailed the holiday decorations at Fairview Town Center somewhat this year, the new park area will open Allen Image | November 2018

with holiday performances throughout the season. The shopping center will also offer visits and photos with Santa at Santa’s Winter Woods, where each child will receive a wooden ornament to decorate. You can make your appointment online (no waiting in lines with cranky and impatient toddlers), as well as pick your own photo package.

Watters Creek In addition to offering a variety of stores and plenty of venues where people can enjoy food or drinks after a long day of shopping, Watters Creek turns into a magical wonderland during the holidays. Situated on fiftytwo acres with village greens, brick streets and a creek that runs through it, this outdoor shopping venue comes alive for the holidays. The centerpiece is the thirty-foot

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Christmas tree with lights that are synchronized to holiday music and plays every hour from 5:30-9:30 p.m. every night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Visitors can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides by DSW as they take in the trees wrapped with glittering lights. On Saturday, November 17, 4:306:30 p.m., Watters Creek kicks off the holiday season with the tree lighting, complimentary carriage rides, hot cider, caroling, face painting and more. The evening’s festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display. Throughout the season, there will also be photos with Santa, musical events and Christmas Eve on the Green— family caroling by candlelight led by Tangible Grace Fellowship Church at five o’clock on Christmas Eve. When it comes to shopping,

Watters Creek offers a unique mix of stores. Any woman on your list will be thrilled with a distinctive necklace or earrings from Kendra Scott or a colorful quilted bag or backpack from Vera Bradley. Francesca’s is the place to go for unique gift items or beautiful costume jewelry for a gift exchange, while Alter’d State offers boutiquestyle fashion apparel, jewelry, accessories and gift items such as inspirational signs and fun slipper socks, all with a Christian twist. You can easily stuff the stockings of every female in your life with affordable jewelry and fun accessories (sunglasses, earbuds, wallets, bags and more) at Charming Charlie’s or bath items from Bath & Body Works. Need something for the person who has everything? A sampling of scratch-made sweets from Sublime Chocolate, whose offerings include chocolate classics such as caramel, milk chocolate and dark truffle along with other unique flavors, is the perfect gift for anyone. Anthropologie, Z Gallerie, The Green Tuffet and Michael’s have you covered for all of your holiday (and year-round) home decorating needs, while Nothing Bundt Cakes and Market Street are the perfect place to stop to pick up a last-minute treat or dip to take to a party. Additional stores such as Pink, Victoria’s Secret,

Pandora, DSW, Eddie Bauer, the Sunglass Hut, Origins and more ensure you’ll find something for everyone on your list. And if all else fails, a gift certificate to Massage Heights is a one-size-fits-all gift everyone will love.

Al len Premium Outlets Putting Allen on the map shopping-wise as the only outlet mall of its kind in the North Dallas area, this is the place to get great deals on gifts for the brand-name lover on your list (or that cute Kate Spade bag for yourself). With over 100 designer outlet stores, Allen Premium Outlets provides an upscale shopping experience where you can find discounts and deals of up to 65 percent off. You’ll find designer wear from just about every retailer you can imagine— Aeropostale, American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, Brooks Brothers, Columbia Sportswear, Gap, Guess, J Crew, Levi’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nike, True Religion, The North Face, Under Armour and more. Outfit the little ones with deals from Gap Kids, Gymboree Outlet, Osh Kosh and the Children’s Place; shop for your teen at Converse, Journeys, Oakley or Vans; and find that perfect accessory for your wife, mother, sister, daughter or BFF at Coach, Kate Spade or Fossil. Need stocking

stuffers? Check out Claire’s, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company and the Kitchen Collection! After a renovation earlier this year, Allen Premium Outlets now also includes the following new stores: H&M (clothing for the whole family), Girlie Girl (southern, sweet and preppy tees for girls and women), Bulgerim burgers, Helzberg Diamonds, an Armani Outlet, Miss A (for make-up and beauty essentials starting at $1), Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop (for the Cowboys fan on your list) and a Bath & Bodyworks/White Barn Candle outlet store that opened in October. There’s also a newly opened Starbucks across from Coach, where you can relax and refuel with a Peppermint Mocha before taking on the next round of shopping. Janie &

Jack and Forever 21 will open stores soon. Allen Premium Outlets offers a free VIP Shoppers Club for exclusive deals and offers that are accessible right on your mobile device, so be sure and join before you go.

Boutique Shopping If you like giving one-of-kind gifts, shopping off the beaten path and supporting local businesses, Allen offers a plethora of small shopping centers with numerous boutique stores. Lone Star Mercantile, an indoor shopping mall featuring 200 stores under one roof, is a shopper’s delight with home décor (mostly shabby chic and vintage farmhouse), boutique clothing, antiques and collectible, and a variety of handmade and vintage items. It’s like going to Canton’s First Monday Trade Days anytime, and without the drive! Twin Creeks Village has a variety of gift boutiques such as Hallmark and Sample House, specialty stores such as Music and Arts, and stores such as Staples, Hobby Lobby, Stacy’s Furniture and Petco. Be sure and check out the numerous stores at all of the local strip centers, where you’ll find everything from fine jewelry and fine art to flowers. With all that Allen has to offer, your holiday shopping is in the bag! v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen. Allen Image | November 2018

KIDS KORNER

Teaching Gratitude in a World of Gimme by Deborah DOVE At Thanksgiving, we tend to stop and focus on the things we’re thankful for. But for children, it’s the day-to-day reminders to think of others that instills a lasting sense of gratitude, which later in life will lead to greater empathy, life skills and happiness. One of the best ways to teach children gratitude is—not surprisingly—by encouraging them to help and give to others. It’s notoriously hard to find places where children can volunteer, but in honor of the Thanksgiving season, we’ve rounded up a few kid-friendly opportunities, as well as suggestions families can incorporate on their own to help children develop a sense of thankfulness and thinking of others. Tango Tab’s Feed the City Allen

On Saturday, November 24, from 8:30-11 am, join other families from around Allen at Bar Louie’s at the Villages of Allen for Tango Tab’s monthly sandwich making event. Prior to the event, pick up your sandwich supplies. Each person attending should bring any combination of the following items: • Meat: turkey, chicken or ham (please no bologna or meat from the deli) • Cheese: 16 slices each of cheese • Loaf of bread (preferably wheat) • 1 bottle of yellow mustard • 1 bag of Halos, Cuties or tangerines • 1-2 bags of chips (not individual bags) • 100 count Ziplock sandwich bags They ask that everyone bring an equal amount of meat, cheese and bread. On the day of the event, everyone will make and bag lunches to be given to children in need. Tango Tab offers monthly Feed the City events on the fourth Saturday of the month in Allen. And on February 2, 2019, Tango Tab Dallas will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most sandwiches made in an hour. Like them on Facebook or visit www.tangotab.com for more information on how to join in.

Food Collection for Trusted World

EXPOW (Exponential Power of Women) is collecting food for Trusted World, an Allen-based charity that provides food, clothing and shoes to local case workers (CPS, foster care, CASA, etc.), charities, Title I school Care Coordinators and other non-profit organizations for the families they serve that are living in poverty. Let your kids learn the joy of giving while helping to provide urgently needed food to local seniors, families and children. 1) Print the shopping list below. 2) Take your kids and the list to the grocery store. 3) Let the kids help you pick out what to buy as you explain that there are seniors, families and kids who don’t know where their next meal will come from. Explain that the items that they choose will go to these families. You can share that even though they rarely see poverty, some of the people impacted likely go to their school. 4) Let the kids drop items off at one of the drop off locations below. 5) Talk about it afterwards, and discuss the positive feelings that come from helping someone else. 6) Celebrate with lots of love and attention, so they associate helping others with an experience they want to repeat. Tell them how important it is to help others and just how proud you are of them.

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Items Needed • Canned tuna and chicken • Canned pasta (SpaghettiOs, ravioli, beefaroni etc.) • Pasta sauce in jars • Bag/boxed rice • Granola/breakfast bars • Ramen noodles Drop Off Locations • Summer Smiles Dental, 913 W. Stacy Rd #180, Allen 75013 • 874 Paradise Circle, Allen 75013 • 1708 Clear Springs Drive, Allen 75002

Be a Secret Santa for City House Homeless Shelter

All of the City House children’s shelter residents need help this holiday season. Wish lists will be ready by November 9 and gifts need to be delivered to the City House Admin. Office no later than December 17.

Collect Soda Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Help support the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas by collecting the little tabs you pull to open soda, soup or other aluminum cans. The funds generated from recycling these aluminum gems help offset the House’s expenses. Tabs can be dropped off in the bin outside the House any day.

Survive The Holiday Gift-Giving Glut

Give experiences instead of things. Gift your child with lessons or a camp where they can pursue their passions or try something new, or give them coupons for special “dates” with mom or dad to a museum, ice skating, etc. Emphasize traditions instead of presents. Fill the holiday season with making memories together, such as baking cookies, caroling, decorating the tree or lighting the menorah, visiting relatives, etc., instead of focusing on presents. Have them make handmade gifts for friends and families. Giving, especially when it’s from the heart, really is more fun. Remember others who are lonely or away from home at the holidays, such as the elderly, troops serving overseas, and even the firefighters and policemen who give up time with their families to keep us safe. Make and deliver cookies or write cards. v

EDUCATION

WINGS Take Flight at Lowery Freshman Center

New group-mentor program launches for ninth-graders

by David HICKS

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ost parents can likely relate to the difficulty of getting a fifteen-yearold to talk about anything, much less what is happening at school. The age is a critical time for students as they enter freshman year and prepare for the transition to high school. This is where WINGS steps in, a new mentor-based leadership program dedicated to building a stronger bond between Allen High School and Lowery Freshman Center. The two campuses may be separated by Greenville Avenue, but WINGS is making them feel closer than ever. WINGS launched in the fall of 2018 and was created in coordination with a new class at Lowery called Connections. The goal is to build a rapport between freshmen and upperclassmen, as well as between freshmen and their teachers. The Connections class meets each school day for 35 minutes, and the teachers don’t assign homework or grade papers. It’s not a study hall, but instead a designated block of time to share good study habits, talk about smart decision-making, and build friendships.

The Wings program fits well into the new Connections class, explains Lowery Center Principal Jill Stafford. “The Connections class is focused on the social-emotional health of every ninth-grader in our school. WINGS allows our students to have that positive peer influence from our high schoolers during that time.” Twice a week, the WINGS students pile into school buses and

travel to Lowery, meeting with half the freshmen one day and the other half the next. The atmosphere is kept light; the WINGS welcome freshmen into the classroom with high fives and highlight student accomplishments such as earning an A on a Spanish quiz. The class activities change each week, but they usually center around positive character traits. The month of September was focused on respect,

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and the freshmen were asked to name actors, athletes, or historical figures they respect and explain why. JD Walker is the Student Leadership Advisor for Allen ISD, and he oversees WINGS, PALs, and Student Council. Walker says the idea for WINGS came from the desire to provide more leadership opportunities for high school students, and to create a groupmentoring program to contrast with the one-on-one mentoring conducted by PALs. “WINGS is all about building self-esteem and confidence in our freshmen, and getting them out of their comfort zone to build friendships with people that they may not otherwise talk to,” Walker said. “This program may be new, but we’re already starting to see these ninthgraders open up and build trust with the WINGS and their teachers.” The goal is to create an easy transition for students as they move from Lowery to the high school. Natalie Lockhart, a high school senior and member of WINGS, says the Connections class will allow freshmen to enter the high school with a larger circle of friends because many of the WINGS members are sophomores and juniors.

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“The freshmen are getting a chance to meet upperclassmen, so they’ll already know people in other grades when they get here,” Lockhart said. “Plus, the freshmen are building friendships with each other in the Connections class. It should provide for a much easier move to the high school.” Matt Williams, another senior in WINGS, recalls a Friday night at TopGolf where he spotted a few freshman boys he had mentored. Williams walked over to the boys and chatted with them for a few minutes. It’s likely that he wouldn’t have known who they were if it wasn’t for WINGS and Connections. While the social aspect of WINGS and Connections is an integral component, a strong emphasis is placed on academic achievement. Studies indicate that students are more likely to take advice from their peers than adults, so the WINGS share words of wisdom on topics like grade point average and SAT/ACT tests. Stafford can already see a difference that the Connections class and WINGS program is having on her campus. She’s heard directly from freshmen that have said that they appreciate the new class because they

see the purpose and vision behind it. Freshman Annabella Condran echoes those sentiments as she sits in her Connections class following a visit from the WINGS. “Even if it’s a tough day, the WINGS just brighten everything up. They’re always so positive whenever they come visit,” Condran said. “Even if I’m having a stressful day, I see my WINGS friends and know that they’re here if I need them.” It’s not just the freshmen that are benefitting, either. Walker notes that the WINGS are learning valuable leadership skills while also improving their public speaking and listening abilities. Annie Datcu, senior WINGS member, recalls how nervous she felt during her first presentation to the ninth-graders. “I’m a senior, and yet I was just standing there and was so incredibly nervous to talk to the freshmen,” Datcu said. “But now, I feel comfortable talking in front of the group, and I’m learning to connect with people from all different sorts of backgrounds.” For both the high school students and freshmen, the link between WINGS and Connections class will continue to pay dividends. The benefit will be noticeable at the beginning of next school year when the ninth-graders move to the high school and are ready to soar as Eagles. The WINGS are led by teachers Sarah Paa and John Olchak, with assistance from PALs teachers JD Walker, Jennifer Clements, and Corey Wallace. Follow the WINGS on Twitter at @AHS_WINGS. v David Hicks is the Director of Communications for Allen ISD.

MARKET PLACE

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The Ability to Change Collin Alumna Enriches Lives by Heather DARROW

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n 1975 just before the fall of Saigon, four-year-old Yen Tran and her family were airlifted out of Vietnam. Hardship was not new to Tran’s father, an interpreter for the U.S. Embassy, who lost his own father as a 10-year-old boy. Filled with hope for a better future, the political refugees waived goodbye to their homeland and entered America with their clothes and memories. “My dad was a big believer in education,” Tran said. “He was the first in his family to graduate from high school. He was raised by a strong, single mother, so there was never a question whether women could do as much as men. He told us, ‘You have to go to graduate school. In this society you have to be selfreliant.’” One of six children, Tran heeded her father’s sage counsel and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at

the University of Dallas in Irving and a law degree from The University of Houston Law Center. Recruited by a large law firm, she worked in corporate and regulatory health care. The position was lucrative and helped her pay off student loans but required long hours away from her children. “I spent hours drafting documents, sometimes until midnight, and the next day the client would want to negotiate other terms and make changes,” Tran said. “I decided the time I spent away from my kids had to be meaningful. I was looking for a human contribution.”

The Right Time for a Career Change Years before, Tran considered a career in occupational therapy (OT) but by then everything was in place for law school. Since that time, she witnessed the powerful impact of this field on individuals on the autism

spectrum. She observed family and friends who received early OT intervention and, sadly, the struggles of those who did not receive the treatment. “It changed these children’s lives,” Tran said. “The more I went back and looked at occupational therapy, the more it resonated with me. This field would allow me to coach and guide a person to physically and cognitively function better.” Tran decided to take the prerequisites she needed for a master’s degree program in OT at Collin College. A mother of four, she began taking one class at a time in fall 2012. “Dr. Amy Helms was my first professor at Collin College, and I will never forget her,” Tran said. “All of the professors at Collin are excellent. They give examples and teach you how to apply them. The classes are small, the focus is on teaching, and I felt very supported. The quality of the

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teaching will really prepare you and give you a good mastery of the material in the field you will be studying. The professors are approachable, and there is a collaborative environment among traditional and nontraditional students from all walks of life.”

Making a Difference In May 2017, Tran earned a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University. Currently, she works in the inpatient rehabilitation unit at UT Southwestern Zale Lipshy University Hospital. “At UTSW every minute you spend with a patient is optimized,” Tran said. “When you are in an environment like that, it pushes you to be your best and provide the best for your patients.” Tran explains that with OT everything comes down to the brain. “The brain can adapt and change,” she said. “You may lose basic skills to take care of yourself

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with injury, but because there are salient neuromotor patterns that drive tasks that people do daily without thinking about it, these are the first skills to come back. It takes 10,000 repetitions to master a skill, and all patients deserve the opportunity to redevelop the ability to optimize their independence and fully participate in a meaningful life,” she said. Today, Tran has seen countless individuals who have benefitted from OT, like one patient who re-learned how to dress herself. “We spent an hour putting on her shirt,” Tran said. “By the end of it, she was crying because she could do it without any help. Occupational therapists help people with their basic needs and give them the self-dignity to be who they are. We are all human, and at one time or another we will find ourselves needing help. I draw life and meaning from this kind of work,” she said. Today, Tran doesn’t wonder whether the time she spends away from her children is impactful. She receives continual affirmation that she chose the correct career.

“One morning I checked on a patient who had lost her ability to walk,” Tran said. “She said, ‘I had a dream that I was moving my legs.’ I looked under the sheet, and I said, ‘It is not a dream.’ She had regained some movement at her feet and knees. She said, ‘You are like an angel. I saw your eyes when I woke up, and now I am moving my legs.’ It was really emotionally moving to share that moment with her.” Tran and the patient spent the next hour practicing standing up and sitting down to re-engage neuromotor pathways. “She was crying because she could pull herself up with equipment and stay standing for several seconds, and she hadn’t been able to do that in months.” For more information about classes at Collin College visit www. collin.edu. v Heather Darrow is a public relations writer at Collin College. Photos by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

FOR YOUR HEALTH

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COOKING

Everything Is Coming Up

PUMPKINS by Deborah DOVE It’s that time of year when pumpkins—and pumpkinflavored everything—start showing up everywhere. It seems like every year there are more and more foods flavored with the seasonal orange gourd, including pumpkin spice M&Ms, pumpkin pie blizzards at Dairy Queen, pumpkin spice marshmallows, pumpkin Pop-Tarts, pumpkin flavored tortilla chips (we see you Trader Joe’s fans), and even pumpkin flavored beer and vodka. And why not? Research shows that our infatuation with the flavor of

Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix 1/4 c. brown sugar 1 Tbs. pumpkin pie spice 1/4 c. butter 2 tsp. vanilla 2 c. Cinnamon Chex cereal 2 c. Wheat Chex cereal 2 c. Honey Nut Chex cereal 8 oz. pecans In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on high about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In a large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated. Microwave uncovered on high for 5 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in an airtight container.

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pumpkin actually has more to do with our olfactory system—aka our sense of smell—than it does taste. In fact, about 70 percent of our perception of taste is actually smell. So why do we like the scent of pumpkin so much? Because it’s the scent of fall. Even when it’s still a bit warm outside, it makes us think of cool crisp weather, the leaves changing colors, and boots and comfy sweatshirts. So welcome fall to your table with these recipes that will not only give you the aroma of fall, but also the delicious taste.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes 1 egg, beaten 1-1/4 c. skim milk 2 c. Bisquick mix 1/2 c. canned pumpkin puree 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 3/4 c. chocolate chips In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. Spray griddle with cooking

spray and heat over mediumhigh heat. For each pancake, pour approximately 1/4-cup of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form around edges of the pancake. Turn pancakes, cooking an addition 3 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing (from Paula Deen) 4 eggs 1-2/3 cups granulated sugar 1 c. vegetable oil 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin 2 c. sifted all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda Icing: 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened 2 c. sifted confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar Preheat the oven to 350Âş. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, mix together eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until batter is smooth. Spread into a greased 13 x 10-in. baking pan. Bake 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars. Icing: Combine cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with electric mixer and blend until smooth. Add sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars. Allen Image | November 2018

Pumpkin Apple Butter Spread itÂ on toast, biscuits, muffins or pancakes in the morning or stir it into your oatmeal 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree 1 c. unsweetened applesauce 1/3 c. brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg Stir all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium

heat. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and creamy (thin with more applesauce if mixture becomes too think during cooking). Cool and store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler 1 c. + 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 c. granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cloves 1/2 c. pumpkin puree 1/4 c. milk 1/4 c. melted butter or vegetable oil 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

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Topping: 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/4 c. chopped pecans 1-1/2 c. very hot water Preheat oven to 350Âş. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and spices. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, butter and vanilla together to

combine. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to create a thick batter. Pour into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides. In a separate bowl, stir sugar, brown sugar and pecans together. Spread over top of batter evenly. Pour hot water over entire thing (no need to stir) and bake for 40 minutes or until the middle is set. Cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve.

Pumpkin Bisque Soup with Smoked Gouda 4 bacon strips, chopped 1 med. onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 6 c. chicken broth 1 (29-oz.) can solid-pack pumpkin 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. pepper 1 c. heavy whipping cream 1 c. shredded Gouda cheese 2 Tbs. minced fresh parsley In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 1 Tbs. drippings. SautĂŠ onion in drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 min. longer. Stir in broth, pumpkin, salt, nutmeg and pepper.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 min. Cool slightly. In a blender, process soup in batches until smooth. Return all to pan. Stir in cream and heat through. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Sprinkle each serving with parsley, bacon and, if desired, additional cheese or croutons. v Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Allen Image | November 2018

PET PAGE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uncle Juliosâ&#x20AC;? Uncle Julios is a neutered male 4-year-old German Shepherd/Shar Pei mix that weighs 62 pounds. He is calm, gentle and smart. He has visited community centers and organizations advocating for the shelter. Julios was picked for these assignments because of his wonderful personality with people and other doggies. Julios is a total goof ball whose favorite activity is watching TV on the couch and having someone rub his tummy! Julios would not be good in a home with a cat. He is house and crate trained and walks great on a leash and loves to ride in the car. It is now time for this sweet gentleman to find a family of his own, he is looking for a spot where he will be a loved member of the family forever. Julios is neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, micro chipped and heartworm negative. If you think you might be the family for him, please complete an application on our website at http://legacyhumanesociety.org/ adoptfoster/adoption-application/, and his foster mom will be in touch. v

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