Allen, TX November 2022

LI F E + C U LTU R E

TH E M IN DSET SECRET

Grateful Thankful Blessed

FRIEN DSGIV I NG FU N A R T S + C U LTU R E

GRATEFU L GRATITU DE — N O N PRO FIT O F TH E M O NTH HOME + DESIGN

SCENTS O F TH E SE A SO N

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H D L I Q U I D C AT E R I N G . C O M @ H D L I Q U I D C AT E R

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Gravity of Gratitude

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Katelyn Reed | katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com

Oprah Winfrey once said, "Focusing on one thing that you are grateful for increases the energy of gratitude and rises the joy inside yourself." Finding something each day to be thankful for — no matter how small or seemingly trivial — can make a tremendous difference in your life. We often get so busy with the hustle and bustle of our lives that we forget to stop and take a moment to acknowledge the blessings surrounding us.

Our November issue is dedicated to giving gratitude, sharing what we are thankful for, and recognizing our blessings. From family-friendly events and fantastic food to philanthropic organizations, Allen and Fairview are filled with incredible amenities we often take for granted. In this edition of Allen City Lifestyle, our legal expert encourages us to recognize the gifts of the journey instead of just the destination. You'll also meet Lolo Roberts, founder of Grateful Gratitude, a local nonprofit focused on lifting spirits through showing gratitude and appreciation. We'll even check out a nontraditional take on Thanksgiving as we pop in on our editor's annual Friendsgiving tradition. Additionally, Allen City Lifestyle recognizes our first Student of the Month recipient and our November First Responder of the Month.

Personally, I am grateful for all of the support I have received while transitioning into this new role within our community. Allen and Fairview, you have truly made creating this publication a joyful experience. I am blessed to be a part of this community, and I'm thankful for the ability to share your remarkable stories.

I try to take a moment each day to give thanks for the small things in life: the gentleman who held the door for us as we entered Lazy Dog, the busy barista at Frogg Coffee who took the time to ask me how my day was and actually listen to my response, and for my eight-year-old who volunteered to help with the dishes even though he would much rather be playing video games. I am truly blessed to share this life with the best family and friends anyone could ask for.

I hope you will take a step back and find something to be thankful for this month.

I am thankful for you!

ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @ALLENCIT YLIFEST YLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ALLENT X |

STAFF WR ITER S

Alisa Hauser, Katelyn Reed STAFF PHOTOGR APHER S

Rebekah Ussery, Amy Wales AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Dana Palmer, Esq. CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Alyssa Carman

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Allen City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Allen area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Allen City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CITY LIFESTYLE INDUSTRY EXPERTS ALLEN

REAL ESTATE

PAINTING SERVICES

Kelly Pearson Realty

Phillips Home Improvements

Kelly Pearson, 720.281.3640 Lynda Roundtree, 214.500.3281 KellyPearsonRealtyGroup.com

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LEGAL SERVICES

ROOFING & SOLAR

Palmer Law Group

ProNail Roofing & Solar

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DENTAL SERVICES

JEWELRY

Allen Dental Center

Griffin Jewelry

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 The Mindset Secret

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

12

Business Monthly

14

Local Experiences

16

Family Care

20

Hometown Hero

LO CA L S ERV IC E S

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Party Planning

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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Local’s Choice

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Giving Back

30

Events

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Realty Report

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Education Corner

Be Grateful in All Things at All Times

22 Friendsgiving Fun Friends, Fun, and Fellowship

26 Scents of the Season Spotlight: Seasonal Home Scents

28 Grateful Gratitude

"All You Need is God, Grace & Gratitude" — Laurie "Lolo" Roberts

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Alyssa Carman, Lemon Drop Studios “Wish Granted” Model: Averly Belle Burns, Instagram: @AverlyBurns Lemon Drop Studios is located at 208 Anthony St., McKinney, TX 75069 Email: info@lemondropstudios.com Phone: 214-843-8714

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LI FE + C U LT U R E

HO ME + DES I G N

LI FE + C U LT U R E

R EA L ESTAT E EDU CAT I ON

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Contact Randell Holmes today at 972.912.1077 | 214.931.6057 RHolmes@CUTXEventCenter.com

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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ALLEN FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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HEART AND SOUL HEALTH & WELLNESS ALLEN FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CREDIT UNION OF TEXAS

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HERITAGE RANCH

CREDIT UNION OF TEXAS

1: Ana Gonzalez, Shahmeen Khan, and Buzz Kolbe representing Allen at the McKinney Silo Ribbon Cutting 2: The Alzheimer’s Association hosts various fundraisers and informative events at Heritage Ranch. 3: Chamber’s START breakfast featuring Jan Jungmann, Allen EDC. 4: The Panel for Bold Women Luncheon: Balancing Community and Career 5: CUTX hosts a “Be the Match and Be a Hero” event. 6: Andrea Patrick congratulating Cynthia Thompson on 5 years in business! 7: North Texas Giving Day in Allen raised thousands for numerous local charities.

CONTINUED >

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C I T Y SC E N E

ANGELA TUCKER Realtor & Resident Specialist

Fall in Love With a New Home

#1 Woman Owned Coldwell Banker in the U.S.

(214)549-1930 angela@homedfw.team

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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Allen City Lifestyle Launch Party at Accasia’s Event Venue, Fairview, TX 1: RaChic Boutique 2: Accasia’s Event Venue 3: Card my Yard Allen 4: The Franchise Consulting Company 5: Phillips Home Improvements & Kelly Pearson Realty Group 6: Memro Music 7: Dimples and Such Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @allencitylifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

Onsite Jewelry Repair Including Laser Welding Custom Design | Pearl Stringing Watch Repair Including Rolex GIA Certified Appraisals

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Stretch Zone Ribbon Cutting When you visit Stretch Zone, their trained stretch practitioners lead you through dynamic stretches designed to increase mobility and muscle function and make daily movements more efficient. They offer a welcoming environment, knowledgeable staff, and comfortable equipment. Their practitioners do all of the work for you, so simply relax and enjoy the benefits!

Scan to read more.

Photography by Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce

Blue Jug Alkaline Water Ribbon Cutting Blue Jugs is an alkaline water and health market individually owned by Jerome and Marianne Evangelista, a local family who knows the community and cares about the quality of local water, food, and air. Their team researches and chooses the good from the bad in all kinds of products. They use the utmost discernment and select only the best products — those they believe will "do no harm" to our health, bodies, and environment.

Scan to read more.

Photography by Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce

Talia's Cafe Ribbon Cutting Talia's Cafe is a family-owned hot spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. From their signature Croffle (croissant/waffle) to incredibly tasty skillets and healthy avocado toast, whatever you select is sure to leave you satisfied. Talia's is now open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Scan to read more.

Photography by Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/AllenTX

Roofing OnTop & Energy Ribbon Cutting Roofing OnTop is dedicated to providing the highest standards of workmanship and professionalism. They have over 20 years of industry experience and pride themselves on offering you, your family, and your home with service of the utmost integrity while paying close attention to every detail. They use materials of the highest quality and deliver the best cost value in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — on time and with competitive prices.

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

The holidays are here, and it's time to revel in all of Collin County's celebrations. From holiday markets to festive lights, pop up shops and Santa sightings, we know all of the best places to shop, dine, and explore to help get you in the holiday spirit.

Seasonal Pastimes 'NEATH THE WR EATH AT MAR R IOTT DALLAS ALLEN HOTEL & CON V EN T I ON CENTER : Shop home decor, gourmet food, gifts, and more at the Junior League of Collin County's 27th Annual 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market November 10th-13th! 777 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX HOLIDAY 20 22 AT FAIR VIEW TOWN CENTER : Enjoy six Saturdays with Santa at FTC beginning on November 12th from 3-7p.m. 100% of ticket sales will benefit Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County. 329 Town Place, Fairview, TX LIGHT THE NIGHT AT WATTER S CR EEK AT MONTGOMER Y FAR M: It's tinsel time! Visit November 19th from 4:30-6:30 to welcome the most wonderful time of the year as Watters Creek lights its magnificent tree. 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen, TX HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Ring in the season with the 41st Annual Home for the Holidays Festival in Downtown McKinney. Enjoy food, fun, and festivities November 25th-27th. Historic Downtown McKinney ALLEN R OTAR Y CHR ISTMAS PAR ADE: Enjoy festive floats at the annual Rotary parade sponsored by the Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs of Allen.

Begins Sunday, December 4th at 2 p.m. 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen, TX

Home for the Holidays

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

on select paints.

Exterior Painting | Interior Painting Roofing | Gutters | Siding | Windows

Call us and get a Free Estimate today!

Valid till November 30, 2022

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BE GRATEFUL IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES

Dana Palmer and wife, Summer Palmer

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FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

THE MINDSET SECRET The present is always all we have. We only ever live in the now. Consider the multiple meanings of the word “present.” The present refers to right now — the present time.

Present is also the word we use for “gift.”

The present truly is a gift.

Too many people let worry about the future or disappointment about the past ruin their present. To protect your gift, intentionally controlling your own mindset is key. The best strategy for having a healthy mindset is to look at everything that happens in your life as something that happens for you, rather than to you. Adopt the mindset that we either win or we learn.

There is no “losing” in a successful mindset.

Many times we desire the lives of people who seem to have achieved the goals we have for ourselves. However, the most successful people desire the process that delivers the results, rather than the results themselves.

When Tiger Woods was a boy, at sundown his father would call him in for dinner. Tiger’s response was always the same: “Just one more ball, Dad.” He longed to do the things that would help him achieve his desired result. The process is what made him happy.

The true key to success in life is very simple: have gratitude. Have gratitude in all things. Be thankful for all of the things that happen to you. Every experience is a gift.

View everything as the gift that it is. Pain is almost always able to be relegated to the past. The body has an immense capacity to heal itself physically, mentally, and spiritually. When you realize it is actually possible to heal from the past, your body, mind, and spirit will work together to fulfill that vision. Pain and disappointment serve a purpose. Exercise may be momentarily uncomfortable, but regular exercise builds the bodies we really want to live in.

When intentional mindset decisions are made, you are enabled to become successful in every aspect of life — from marriage, to business, to sports, and health.

Give thanks, in all things, at all times. Be thankful for the process. The more grateful you are, the more opportunities open up for you. The more grateful you are, the more you can help others. The more you help others, the more you receive.

True prosperity comes from gratefully giving. Receiving is just a natural consequence of giving.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY BY DANA C. PALMER, ESQ. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X

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A runner who doesn’t enjoy every step fights their body the whole way. The runner who decides to thankfully enjoy every step loves the running itself. The runner that aligns the mind with the body succeeds easily.

Create in yourself a lasting desire to do the activities that produce the desired results.

A grateful mindset in all things, at all times, is the key to life. The best prayers always give thanks.

Gratefulness allows you to love others. You’ll cheer for others without being jealous or resentful.

Gratefulness allows you to see the world’s abundance.

You’ll measure yourself against who you were yesterday, instead of against who someone else is today.

You’ll always live in the present — your gift.

If you found this article helpful, please subscribe to The Lawyer Dana Podcast on YouTube and on Spotify.

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FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

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Calm in Chaos FIRST RESPONDER OF THE MONTH: KATIE BRADLEY

ARTICLE BY KATELYN REED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY WALES

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

Katie Bradley is calm in the midst of chaos. Whether she’s evacuating a building, wrangling an unruly airline passenger, or chasing around her adorable toddler, Katie exudes moxie.

A paramedic for 17 years and a clinical educator for 10, Katie’s ability to handle, as she calls them, “ridiculous scenarios,” is what drew her to the EMS field before she even graduated from high school. As a junior, she attended EMT school at night and has never doubted her decision.

No matter the situation, Katie believes it’s crucial to take a step back and not panic. As she puts it, “Freaking out doesn’t help anything.” When it comes to emergencies, Katie’s unflappable disposition is the antithesis of “freaking out,” and is precisely what crises demand.

Her work as a clinical educator allows her to impart her medical knowledge and enviable approach to high-stress situations. Her students include everyone from paramedics and firefighters to lay rescuers and foster families – a group particularly close to Katie’s heart.

Four years ago, Katie and her husband, Adam, were relocated to the area, and now call Allen home. After three miscarriages, the couple decided to become foster parents, but were told it would be at least twelve months before a child would be placed with them. At least that was the word on December 1, 2019. A call on December 2, 2019 – just sixteen hours later – changed everything.

They were getting a baby. In three hours.

The call came on Katie’s work phone and, after some initial confusion, it finally sunk in. The social worker repeated herself: “Katie. In three hours you’re getting a baby.”

Katie called Adam and then their small group leader to share the news. When she arrived home an hour later, the front porch was covered with everything the couple would need to care for the infant headed their way.

In June of this year, Asher’s adoption was finalized. He’s officially a Bradley.

Between caring for him, staying up-to-date on the latest medical news, and teaching, Katie stays pretty busy. Right where she thrives.

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Friendsgiving Fun EMBR ACING NE W T R A DI T ION S ARTICLE BY KATELYN REED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBEKAH USSERY

While I would be hard-pressed to prove that we invented Friendsgiving, I can say with certainty that my friends and I were early adopters of the trendy tradition.

A born Texan, I spent my first two Friendsgivings in Nashville marveling at actual trees laced with actual snow. My friends and I divided and conquered in the kitchen – Claire cooked up a tantalizing turkey, I was on pie patrol, and some friends were there for…moral support.

My third Friendsgiving was a bewildering Colorado experience that required me to wear something called “warm layers” – even inside. I awoke every morning to the sun peeking through blue spruce and the smell of coffee brewing downstairs. I fell asleep every night in the glow of reflected moonlight, the whispery scent of bonfire in my hair.

Over the years, some Friendsgivings have involved watching every Thanksgiving episode of Friends next to the Rachel to my Monica. Others have been as much about making new friends as spending time with the old. This year’s Friendsgiving was celebrated in my home state where a dip in the pool after dinner wouldn’t have been completely out of the question, and considering the pool is where I met most of my guests, it might have been downright appropriate.

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PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

“WHETHER WE’RE ALL CURLED IN A CABIN TOGETHER OR JUST POPPING OVER FROM NEX T DOOR, PART OF FRIENDSGIVING’S CHARM IS THE OPPORTUNIT Y TO TRY SOMETHING NEW WITH YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE.” While the cities, climate, and cast have changed a little from year to year, one constant remains: Friendsgiving is nothing but fun.

Whether we’re all curled in a cabin together or just popping over from next door, part of Friendsgiving’s charm is the opportunity to try something new with your favorite people. It’s the chance to taste a delicious new entrée – I’m looking at you, “Funeral Sandwiches.” It’s partaking in a friend’s cherished family tradition.

It’s sipping your neighbor’s favorite wine.

Friendsgiving is piecing together a meal featuring everyone’s favorites. It’s eating dessert first. It’s dishes and dancing. It’s giving thanks for the people who came into our lives at just the right time.

This year, as Ericka, Jamal, Jason, Janna, Jared, and even baby Vivian pieced together a puzzle after dinner, I was reminded of one of my favorite Eavan Boland poems which ends with this: “These are not bits. / They are pieces. / And the pieces fit.”

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | HOM E + DE S I GN

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGI BURNS

Scent s of the Se a son Autumn is in the Air

That brisk, crisp, slightly sharp smell we associate with autumn brings back cherished memories of changing seasons and pleasures our senses. Here are some of our favorite seasonal scents!

JUNIPER SPICE REED DIFFUSER This delicious combination of cinnamon, roasted chestnut, and cedarwood from The Tried & True Collection warms the senses. Each dainty bottle features a glimmering gold lid to cradle delicate reeds and comes wrapped in shimmering metallic packaging. $27.99 each. Available at Marie Gregory Boutique.

APPLE & ALMOND BODY LOTION Breathe in the crisp scent of fresh apple and the cozy aroma of almond as you lavish your skin with the luxurious hydration it craves. The fragrant formula envelops you in a loving embrace, leaving you with soft, fragrant skin. $10 each. Available through your Mary Kay Consultant.

FALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT This striking autumnal arrangement boasts a big beautiful sunflower, crimson hearts roses, orange spray roses, red alstroemeria, safari sunset, and ornamental kale. The eye-catching bouquet is accented by millet, monbrecia, curly willow, and assorted fall foliage. $55-$300 each. Available at Edwards Floral, McKinney. edwardsfloral.com FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH CBD CANDLE A crackling, wooden wick melts this fragrant, CBD-infused candle, filling your home with earthy aromas that harken back to ancient times. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or creating a place of peace, a Mardi Gras Frankincense & Myrrh candle is the perfect addition to your home or office. Available in aromatherapy (non-CBD) 9 ounce jars for $15 each or 100 mg CBD-infused 9 ounce jars for $30 each at westsandybayouproducts.com PUMPKIN SPICE SOAP Don’t let its delectable appearance fool you — it’s soap! This classic scent is everything autumn. Inhale the sweet scents of pumpkin, simmering spices, and maple syrup as you’re swept away by memories of coffee shops and pumpkin patches. $7 each.

Available at Buff City Soap.

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Grateful Gratitude "All You Need is God, Grace & Gratitude" — Laurie "Lolo" Roberts

“On March 12th, 2018, at 1:38 p.m., God interrupted my day,” proclaimed Laurie “Lolo” Roberts when we met to discuss her nonprofit organization, Grateful Gratitude. “I felt Him telling me to write a blog about the blessings He was sharing with all of us and to help people be more appreciative. I knew that positivity and gratitude made a huge difference in our lives and the outcome of situations.”

She went on to explain how her blog developed into a nonprofit with various initiatives focused on helping people in the community show gratitude and feel appreciated. These initiatives include Project “I See You” and Gratitude Hearts, among others.

ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BY GRATEFUL GRATITUDE

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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Project “I See You” lets our community know that we see them and are with them. ​​When you see someone in our community that needs support, such as an individual experiencing homelessness, a struggling mom, a lonely senior, or a child playing alone at recess— someone sad or grappling with grief — you can share an “I See You” bracelet with them and tell them that you care.

Lolo considers every detail when she embarks on a new project. The “I See You” bracelet is available in three symbolic colors: teal for mental health awareness, white for community support and hope, and purple for cancer, illness, homelessness, and domestic violence. Proceeds from the bracelets go to support EXPOW and HOPE Restored Missions.

The Gratitude Hearts are soapstone hearts carved in Kenya by local artisans. Each heart begins as a piece of natural soapstone that is hit with a machete to split it into smaller pieces. Each smaller piece is hand carved into a unique piece of heart-shaped art. Each heart is then smoothed and either left in its natural state or dyed before a special design is carved into it. No two are alike. When asked the purpose of the stones, Lolo explained, “We use the gratitude heart as a reminder to anchor to God’s love. You hold the heart in your hand, place it over your heart, and give thanks for one thing that happened that day. We recommend using the gratitude heart at bedtime so you can go to sleep with a grateful heart.”

Lolo is often seen around town serving our community. She is always one of the first to volunteer if someone is in need of support. She graciously gives her time and sweat equity to make our community a better place to live and work. We could not publish a thankfulness issue without including this valuable organization and its selfless founder. We are blessed to have her in our midst.

To learn more about Grateful Gratitude and their mission visit gratefulgratitude11.com

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

NOV EM BE R 1 0 T H

Veterans Day Celebration

ALLEN S EN IOR R ECR EATION C E NT E R | 1 1 :0 0 A M Veterans Day is a special occasion at Allen Senior Recreation Center. Enjoy patriotic music, inspiration from a guest speaker, and a special tribute to the veterans present at the event. Open to the public.

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ComedySportz at The Comedy Arena

T HE COMEDY AREN A, MCKIN NE Y | 7 :0 0 P M This international comedy showdown is a high energy, hilarious experience, and appropriate for all audiences – all ages, all welcome, all the time.

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Turkey Skate

ALLEN COMMUN ITY ICE R IN K AT C UT X E V E NT C E NT E R | 1 :0 0 P M Come skate off your Thanksgiving meal at CUTX Event Center’s annual Turkey Skate! Includes fun festive activities, prizes, and more. Bring a non-perishable food donation for a FREE skate rental. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Food donations benefit All Community Outreach.

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Time? Your boss? Inflation?

A global pandemic?

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EVE N TS

N OV E M BE R 2 3 RD - 2 7TH

Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic

CREDIT UNION OF TEXAS EVENT CENTER | VARIOUS TIMES Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow-covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic. This action-packed extravaganza features Disney's Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters.

D E C E M BE R 3 RD

From Darkness to Light with Allen Philharmonic Chorus

F IRST U NIT ED METHODIST CH U RCH | 7 : 3 0 PM The Allen Philharmonic Chorus with members of the Chamber Symphony Orchestra present From Darkness to Light.

D E C E M BE R 3 RD

Boomerang Cares Toy Drive Gala

H ERITAGE RANCH COUN TRY CLU B | 6: 0 0 PM Attend Boomerang Cares' "Christmas in New York" Toy Drive Gala, based on the most popular entertainers in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s.

Think Frank Sinatra & The Rat Pack.

Formal attire. Get into the spirit and dress on theme, have fun, and help local children get the holiday they deserve. Remember to bring a toy for a child in need.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/AllenTX

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2022

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Allen.

N E I GH BO RH O O D

OR IGIN AL PRICE

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Montgomery Farm Estates

$1,600,000

90.60%

22

5

6

Oaks of Fairview

$1,549,900

93.60%

45

4

5

Hamilton Hills

$1,450,000

95.20%

59

5

6

Twin Creeks

$1,145,000

91.70%

49

5

5

Ridgeview Crossing

$1,000,900

100.00%

8

5

5

StarCreek

$999,900

96.80%

14

5

4

Twin Creeks

$995,000

98.40%

17

4

4

Ridgeview Crossing

$899,900

100.00%

44

5

4

Saddleridge

$875,000

103.10%

8

4

4

Ridgeview Crossing

$874,900

101.80%

153

4

4

Twin Creeks

$850,000

98.80%

48

4

5

Waterford Parks

$835,000

92.80%

53

5

4

Waterford Crossing

$800,000

100.00%

44

4

4

Montecito Estates

$800,000

99.00%

20

4

4

Twin Creeks

$799,000

100.10%

14

4

3

Ridgeview Crossing

$799,900

96.90%

123

4

3

Twin Creeks

$799,000

94.40%

14

3

3

Village at Twin Creeks

$775,000

98.10%

16

3

3

Waterford Trails

$769,000

100.10%

9

5

4

Landings

$760,000

100.40%

32

4

4

Twin Creeks

$750,000

98.70%

52

4

4

StarCreek

$750,000

95.30%

49

4

4

Cumberland Crossing

$740,000

97.30%

15

4

3

Lexington Estates

$734,936

99.90%

0

4

4

Waterford Crossing

$724,900

100.00%

11

4

4

32

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

November is

Diabetes Awareness Month

Dr. Carey Patrick and Dr. Dominic D’Orazio offer comprehensive eye examinations that include testing for diabetic eye diseases.

As therapeutic optometrists, they use the latest technology to detect vision problems related to diabetes, often before there are any noticeable symptoms.

Diabetes is a triple threat to sight.

Schedule Today!

Dominic D’Orazio O.D. Therapeutic Optometrist Certified Glaucoma Specialist

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Carey Patrick, O.D. Therapeutic Optometrist Certified Glaucoma Specialist

Persons living with diabetes are especially at risk for: Glaucoma · Diabetic Retinopathy · Cataracts

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33

Rylee Polk, Photo by Nicki Behm Photography

Rylee Polk — Allen High School STUDENT OF THE MONTH ARTICLE BY ALISA HAUSER

Rylee Polk is a rising star.

The first thing that strikes me about her is her confidence. She is cheerful, open, assured.

Chatting with her is a true delight.

What’s even more impressive than her charming personality? She landed the starring role of Belle in Allen High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast when she just was a sophomore.

“Isn’t that unusual?” I ask.

She giddily replies, “It was a huge shock for me! In all the movies it’s always the seniors in the lead roles!”

It all started when her parents noticed that she could sing in tune from a very young age, which, she jokes, “They thought was freaky!”

Spectacularly talented and dedicated to her craft, she takes voice, dancing, and acting lessons in addition to her active involvement in theatre and choir.

When asked to choose her favorite performance, she recalls playing Belle with a live orchestra. “It was so magical. The Allen High School orchestra is amazing, and performing with them was just surreal.

I look back at pictures every day to relive the magic.”

Rylee is a two-time All-Stater in Choir, accolades she won performing at the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio where over 70,000 students try out annually. After auditioning through four rounds of competition, she placed first chair soprano in the top choir in the state.

What’s Next for Rylee Like many high school juniors, Rylee is going on college campus tours. She’s interested in studying musical theatre, opera, or theatre performance and is currently exploring her options among schools with top-ranked performing programs.

What She’s Watching Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.

“It combines true crime and comedy…It’s SO good!”

Who She’s Following Kristen Chenoweth who played Glinda in Wicked.

“Everything she does is amazing.”

34

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

First Role: Apple Tree #2 She had three lines and still remembers them: “Give her back!”

“The audacity!”

“Get ‘em!”

5 Lessons Rylee Learned from Theatre: 1. Hard work pays off 2. Be kind to your teachers 3. Go with the flow 4. See the world through others’ eyes 5. Don’t get involved in “drama”

Allen High School's Beauty & the Beast, Photo by Amy K. Abney

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