McKinney & Prosper, TX December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

LifestylePubs.com/McKinneyandProsper

AUDI MCKINNEY: A SPECIAL CONNECTION

YOUR HAPPY PLACE AWAITS!

OUR OWN PIANO MAN

WE GROW WHERE YOU GO Officially Open in Prosper August 2018 Albin Roach is excited to announce that Jeff Yates has opened a branch office in Prosper.

As Prosper has become one of the coolest places to live, we could not resist the opportunity to be the first full-service law firm to open an office and serve its citizens! Albin Roach is committed to be the best law firm in Texas. Our diversity in practice areas allows us to develop comprehensive strategies for all your legal needs. We are confident you will not only like our lawyers, you will also love our results.

We hope you will take us up on it.

W E H E L P C L I E N T S R E S O LV E M AT T E R S I N VO LV I N G : Family Law and Divorce Business Transactions Litigation

Real Estate Employment and Labor Law Estate Planning, Probate and Guardianship

Prosper Location: 290 S. Preston Road, Suite 190 Prosper, Texas 75078

Frisco Location: 5665 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200 Frisco, Texas 75034

(Texas Bank building at Preston Road and 1st Street)

(NW Corner of Lebanon and Tollway)

214-423-5101 ALBINROACH.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays and Even Greater New Year!

YES, IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR. Beautiful decorations, visiting family, great parties and meals with friends and co-workers. While colder outside, everything

DECEMBER 2018 PUBLISHER

Sharon Duffy | sharon.duffy@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

seems to be a little warmer, glowing in the love that embodies our two growing cities.

Tom Bridges | tom.bridges@lifestylepubs.com

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle has been warmly welcomed, and we love how

Tom Bridges, Carly Bucklin

our readers are reacting to what we bring them each month. For people to tell us that they love seeing each new edition—well, it certainly keeps us motivated to continue to bring you the leaders among us and all they do for the needy citizens in our areas. And as we promise to continue through next year, we will

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christie Connell | Azure Photography, Jenifer McNeil Baker, Image Video Tours

be addressing that issue strongly. While our growing cities are probably considered "affluent," there are still many that we can help, especially at this time of year—but let's keep it up throughout the new year!

So, enjoy the season and have a very safe and happy new year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Sharon Duffy, publisher Sharon Duffy, Publisher Sharon.duffy@lifestylepubs.com

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin EDITORIAL Kate Baxendale AD MANAGER Chad Jensen AD COORDINATORS Cyndi Harrington | Alicia Huff | Jessica Soetaert LAYOUT DESIGNERS Cyndi King | Dana Rudolph | Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek | Adella Wrisinger FIELD SUPPORT Carli DiMarco | Victoria Perry PUBLISHER SUPPORT Melanie Carlisle ACCOUNTANT Austin Park APPLICATION ARCHITECT Michael O’Connell WEB DEVELOPERS Tejaswini Jagarlamudi | Harshith Potu

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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4

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 McKinney & Prosper™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the McKinney & Prosper areas’ 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 McKinney & Prosper™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate to advanced musician or just learning to play is simply something you have always wanted to do, we have a place for you at The Guitar Sanctuary’s Performance Academy.

Our faculty is made up of seasoned professional musicians that work in today’s music business.

Our atmosphere and environment is one of encouragement and a commitment to excellence while understanding that making music and an inquisitive spirit is essential to creativity. Music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Discover your creative journey at The Guitar Sanctuary’s Performance Academy.

972.540.6420 | www.TheGuitarSanctuary.com Adriatica Village: 6633 Virginia Parkway,McKinney, TX

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2018

FEATURES 12 Your Happy Place Awaits!

Custom Home at the Hills at Mallard Lakes

16 Audi McKinney Sewell Has a Special Connection with Collin County

25 From Across the Big Pond Our Own “Piano Man”

16 34

34 Bringing People and Nature Together But Not Just for the Birds

12

25

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Open House

25 Back Stage 28 Trend Setter 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Animal Kingdom

R EPUTATION

BEST R EA LTOR

MAGAZINE

RES ULT S

TOP ELITE PRODUCER LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST

Top 1% in DFW • #1 KW McKinney Team • Celebrating 19 Years in Real Estate 214-802-4680 | 7200 West University, Ste. #300, McKinney, TX 75071 JLClark@kw.com | JaneClarkHomes.com | ABR, SRES, ALHS

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

FUSE DYNAMIC WORKSPACE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY The new, beautiful and ultra-functional FUSE Dynamic Workspace has already become a great hit. Offering various types of meeting or working spaces, a fantastic NexGen fitness gym and even a HoneyLu's coffee shop, the facility meets business needs of all kinds.

4.

1. Well attended opening! | 2. FUSE donation to Grace Bridge | 3. HoneyLu made a personal appearance with her employees. | 4. Grace Bridge Kids, Prosper Kids Prosper

1.

2.

3.

Stronger Than Espresso Freedom Gala Stronger Than Espresso helps empower survivors of domestic violence with practical tools to reclaim what abuse has taken from them. Stronger is a catalyst for life-changing emotional

6.

healing and restoration and spiritual growth. The annual Freedom Gala brings them together to celebrate. This year's keynote speaker, Pat Smith, was a light of inspiration to those in attendance.

4.

5.

1. 3rd Annual Freedom Gala | 2. Dr. Brooke Jones and keynote speaker Pat Smith | 3. Pat Smith announces her personal contribution to the group. | 4. Lisa Hammett, Trina D’Elena, Pat Smith, Dr. Brooke Jones, Nicole Henrich and Sheila Steinmark | 5. A captive audience for Pat Smith’s keynote address | 6. Dr. Brooke Jones addressing the group 8

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

McKinney A

S E W E L L C O M PA N Y

Drive the all-new 2019 Audi Q8 at Sewell Audi McKinney.

Exceptional comfort and style, with customer service 107 years in the making.

AROUND TOWN

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SHOWCASE

When the festivities are finished, every parent

Join Shane Frame for the next Customer

leaves with the key ingredients for a merry Christmas:

Appreciation Showcase on Thursday, Dec. 13 at

• Six gifts per child • Stockings full of treats

7:30 p.m. on The Guitar Sanctuary stage at Zin Zen

and trinkets • New socks and underwear for their

Wine Bistro in beautiful Adriatica Village. Get out

children • A Christmas tree and holiday decor if

of the house, and check out some of the staff, cus-

desired • New coats for their children • Gently used

tomers and students putting their guitars to good

coats for themselves • A Bible • Enough food for

use. Come hang out in a casual environment with a

Christmas dinner and to help out during the two-

bunch of fellow musicians!

week school break Sunday, Dec. 16, 12-5 p.m.

This is what music should be like!

NIGHTHAWK HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K AND FUN RUN

301 Eagle Drive, Prosper

PROSPER CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL DEC. 1

Join us for a fun-filled morning of holiday cheer

The annual Prosper Christmas Festival is a tradi-

and a morning run. Please show your Christmas

tion, a true community experience for all ages. Come

and holiday spirit with costumes or festive attire.

to celebrate Christmas and have some fun! Get into

Food trucks will also be available and Hustle Gear

the holiday spirit! Saturday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 6 p.m.

(Santa hats and jingle bells) can be purchased for

Rotary Club Parade begins at 1:30 p.m.

$5. The 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk will begin and end in the west parking lot of St. Martin de

Rides, games and unique exhibitors will be all around Frontier Park.

Porres Catholic School. Both courses are on city

The 2018 Prosper Christmas Festival will fea-

streets, sidewalks and trails within Windsong

ture numerous attractions! Come enjoy shopping,

Ranch. Visit NighthawkHolidayHustle.Weebly.com

food trucks, rides and games, inflatables, a DJ,

to learn more.

community stage performances by local children,

CHRISTMAS FROM THE SANCTUARY Join us for "Christmas from the Sanctuary," a special family-friendly concert event featuring

fireworks, and, of course, Santa’s Workshop!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT, MARTYN LUCAS, WORLD PIANO MAN

an evening of Christmas spirit on Thursday, Dec.

Martyn Lucas was awarded the title of World

20 at The Sanctuary Music & Events Center. Doors

Piano Man, performed as The Phantom in Phantom

open at 6:30 p.m., music begins at 7:00 p.m.

of the Opera in London, and has toured around

Get tickets at TheSanctuaryMcKinney.com.

the world, on land and on board many of the fin-

The concert features Maylee Thomas-Fuller, Andy

est cruise lines. Now based here in Collin County.

Timmons, George Fuller and Gerry Fisher per-

Martyn is a proud member of the Lions of McKinney

forming songs from Maylee and Andy's Christmas

and wants to use this event to raise much-needed

album, Here Comes the Son.

funds to continue to do great work in the commu-

CORNERSTONE CHRISTMAS

10

Prosper High School

nity. Twenty-five percent of the ticket sales will be donated to the Lions of McKinney. This show is

When neighbors are going through a rough patch

also supported by Legends of McKinney, an orga-

financially, Christmastime can be an especially

nization that provides assisted living and memory

difficult time of year. With the help of community

care. During the concert, you will hear Martyn per-

volunteers, Cornerstone hosts about 200 children

form your favorite Christmas classics at the piano

and their families at Cornerstone Christmas. At this

and sing in many voices from Luciano Pavarotti,

festive holiday event, parents secretly shop for their

Josh Groban, Neil Diamond, Sir Elton John, Frank

children’s gifts while volunteers keep their children

Sinatra and many more.

involved in fun activities, turning the burden of

This will be a magical Christmas concert cap-

Christmas into a celebration with their family. For

turing all the magic of this festive time. Come and

the 500-plus volunteers, the spirit of giving is a

join him, and be enchanted by the power and ver-

cherished tradition that everyone can share.

satility of his voice.

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

OPEN HOUSE

YOUR HAPPY PLACE AWAITS! THE HILLS AT MALLARD LAKES

ARTICLE TOM BRIDGES PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGE VIDEO TOURS

THIS STUNNING, CUSTOM HOME IN THE HILLS AT MALLARD LAKES OFFERS ALL YOU NEED TO MAKE A HOUSE A WARM, BEAUTIFUL HOME. Inside there is enough to make you fall in love plus the pool-sized backyard and patio look over an oversized greenbelt.

If you need family space, this home with its four bedrooms and three and a half baths offers three separate living areas, including a large family room with fireplace. The formal dining room and study increase the ability for anyone to find some alone time.

The spacious master en suite has a separate sunroom. Even more is offered in the oversized master bathroom with a soaker tub and separate shower.

This home has elegant wood and tile mixed with in-laid wood flooring complemented by the extremely functional and attractive plantation shutters. The eat-in kitchen has brilliant white cabinetry, a large island, expansive pantry and stainless steel appliances.

You are within walking distance to the excellent McKinney District Schools, the community pool, a park and a pond. Mallard Lakes also has a playground and basketball and tennis courts.

Freshly painted and impeccably maintained, this home even has great handicap access including an elevator!

12

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

13

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

THE HILLS AT MALLARD LAKES The photos highlight the handsome, stately exterior with a gorgeous, wooden-doored three-car garage (on the side), wide driveway and greenery all around. The backyard is enclosed with an open metal fence that doesn’t block your great view! Inside, note the sitting area off the formal dining room as well as the fantastic design and details. The open nature of the house is perfect for entertaining a crowd.

With all of these beautiful features, the home, with more than 3,500 square feet, is listed at $469,900—very affordable living in McKinney with its great schools, quaint Americana town square and so much to offer a family!

Offered by Jennifer Irwin Remax Four Corners jenirwin@live.com 806.577.9922

14

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

Smile and photo by Dr Jensen

DR DOUGLAS JENSEN

You may have known

already that Dr. Doug Jensen is an orthodontist who has been practicing nearby in the McKinney/Prosper area for the last decade. But who knew that he is also a dual specialist in not only the art and science of orthodontics, but in the closely related field of prosthodontics as well?

If you weren’t aware, prosthodontics is the specialty of high level understanding of the various dental problems, advanced treatment planning, and the carrying out of the plan with uncommon skill and craftsmanship. People seek prosthodontists when the esthetic stakes are high or when they just prefer a more highly trained specialist from the get go. This blending of specialties provides for a skill set virtually unheard of among dental professionals.

3595 S. Custer Road, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75070

(214) 842-8106 JensenOrthodonticArts.com

In addition, he strives to provide what has become hard to find in most orthodontic practices, such as:

• Honesty and sincerity • Staying on time • Sharing progress at each appointment • Sweating the little things • Motivation to get your smile right • Keeping things light and fun But where the rubber really meets the road about you or your child’s teeth and all things smile—that is, expert care performed at the highest level—there is quite literally not a more highly trained and experienced craftsman in this area of dentistry than Dr. Jensen. And on top of that, he is quite inclined to listen to your concerns and work hard to create that beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming about.

Come experience a true craftsman and determine for yourself why so many patients refer their friends. Even dentists and other orthodontists themselves come to Dr. Jensen to get their own smile fixed properly. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

AUDI MCKINNEY ARTICLE TOM BRIDGES, CARLY BUCKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY JENIFER MCNEIL BAKER

EARLIER THIS YEAR, SEWELL AUTOMOTIVE OPENED ONE OF ITS NEWEST DEALERSHIPS, AUDI MCKINNEY. Interestingly, the Sewell family’s roots run deep in McKinney, Texas. Collin McKinney is Carl Sewell’s great-great-great-grandfather. So, guess who Collin County and the city of McKinney are named after?

Collin McKinney was born in New Jersey, a son of Scottish immigrant parents. In 1780, the family moved

A Special Connection with:

Collin County

16

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

to Kentucky, and in 1824, Collin migrated across the Red River and settled near present Texarkana.

Collin was a merchant, land surveyor, politician and lay preacher. He was a pioneer leader and one of five people selected to draft the Texas

Declaration of Independence in 1836. He signed the Declaration of Independence later that year. Collin later served as a member of the committee that drafted the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. His farm became part of what is now known as Collin County. As stated earlier, Collin County and its seat, McKinney, were named in his honor.

On July 10, 1848, Collin bought the Rob Whitaker survey from Anna Whitaker, paying $500 for 640 acres. The McKinney family was active in the region. They were instrumental in building the Mantua Road and in the organization of the town of Mantua and the Van Alstyne Christian Church.

This great pioneer divided his land among his heirs in 1857 and died in 1861, but Collin's legacy continues to influence the history of North Texas.

So, the history is strong, but now what is growing very strongly is the dealership. Located at 6650 State Highway 121 in McKinney, the dealership is poised to become a leader in the North Texas area for premier vehicles. Putting the relationship before the sale is Sewell’s strong point.

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

17

AUDI MCKINNEY

(CON TI N U ED)

Every customer, regardless of your experience with them, is treated as a lifelong friend. That kind of attitude keeps bringing customers back again and again—a trademark of all Sewell dealerships.

Offering a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to choose from, as well as onsite vehicle service, a vast collection of parts and a financing team that understands the needs of drivers, the car buying experience doesn’t get any better. Easily serving the communities of McKinney, Prosper, Frisco, Plano and Allen, this team is dedicated to offering you the finest car buying experience around.

The beautiful new Audis are defined by chiseled good looks, powerfully efficient performance and first-class comfort. With innovative safety and connectivity features, you can’t go wrong. The list of offerings includes the A3, A4, A5 and all-new 2019 A8 models, but don’t forget the sporty TT and—vroom—the 5.2L V10 R8. Talk about a head turner! The SUV line includes the Q5, the Q7 and the brand-new 2019 Q8.

At Audi McKinney, you will experience great benefits including complimentary loan cars and car washes with no reservation required, technology clinics, extended hours on weekdays and repair shop open on Saturdays. They also can get you in and out for minor repairs while you wait in a beautiful lounge area, complete with Wi-Fi access.

“We are excited to deliver the Sewell brand of exceptional customer service at Sewell Audi McKinney,” says Carl Sewell, chairman at Sewell.

“Customers who visit Audi McKinney will see firsthand the passion for quality and innovation shared by Audi and Sewell.”

18

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

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BUT OUR MEMBERS ARE NOT “MOST PEOPLE”!

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December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

21

ELDOR A DO

CIG ARS A CIGAR AFICIONADO’S DREAM—AND, OH, THE AROMA! ARTICLE TOM BRIDGES | PHOTOGRAPHY AZURE PHOTOGRAPHY, CHRISTIE CONNELL

2811 Craig Drive, Suite 108 McKinney, Texas

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE CIGAR BUSINESS? I was interested in owning a retail business and thought

469.952.9001

it was important to choose a business I would really enjoy. I

EldoradoFineCigars.com

have a passion for cigars and have a strong sense of customer service which makes a great fit for us.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT OWNING ELDORADO FINE CIGARS? The people you meet and relationships you build. Our customers all share the love of cigars and enjoy the camaraderie from others at the store.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE OPENING THE BUSINESS? Changing the image. Prior to Eldorado Fine Cigars, the store was under different ownership with a different business model. It was a grab-and-go cigar shop—grab your cigars and leave. I wanted to create an atmosphere centered around building customer relationships and provide a place where people could come sit down and smoke a fine cigar while making friends.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have been married to my wife, Kay, for 11 years and have two beautiful children. Our daughter, Kamryn, is 9, and our son, Slade, is 7. We are native Texans and enjoy spending time boating, golfing and swimming in the backyard with the kids.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PRODUCT? I have so many favorite cigars. It wouldn’t be fair to pick just one. We have a great selection of cigars that will fit almost any palate.

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS FOR THE BUSINESS? We want to continue to build our business by increasing locker memberships and expand our event calendar. As this grows, we may expand our shop to create more space and open a second store in a different location.

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McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

S C R ATC H M A D E C O M F O R T F O O D & S P I R I T S

1 9 1 0 N . S t o n e b r i d g e D r i v e S u i t e 1 8 0 M c k i n n e y, T X

|

w w w . e l e v e n 1 7. n e t

|

972.363.0031

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

23

BACK STAGE

From Across the Big Pond OUR OWN “PIANO MAN” ARTICLE TOM BRIDGES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

WE OWE MARTYN LUCAS’ WIFE, LEAH, MANY THANKS. The two met on a cruise ship, started dating, fell in love and decided to get married. While Leah loved Martyn’s home in the County of Cornwall in England—home of the legends of King Arthur’s tales—she couldn’t leave her job with a prominent bank here in the U.S. So, luckily for us, she convinced Martyn that, while they may live their later lives in England, he needed to move here to the McKinney and Prosper area.

Martyn is extremely appreciative of that decision as well. He has become involved in the communities and gives back a significant amount of his time and talent.

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

25

BACK STAGE

(CON TI N U ED)

HE LEARNED TO PLAY THE PIANO EARLY IN HIS LIFE AND PLAYED AT HIS CHURCH AT THE AGE OF 4. AT THE AGE OF 10, HE AND HIS BROTHER WERE PLAYING SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK—IN THE ENGLISH PUBS WE WOULD ALL LOVE TO VISIT.

It seems show business was always in Martyn’s

was extremely popular and was accompanied by

life in one way or another. His parents were prom-

musicians from the acclaimed British Philharmonic

inent musicians and singers. His godfather was

Orchestra as well as the One Night in Vegas

Kenny Baker, who was in the R2D2 robotic outfit in

Showgirls. His musical director for the show was

the early Star Wars movies.

Andy Compton, one of the most respected and pro-

He learned to play the piano early in his life and played at his church at the age of 4. At the age of

One of the most interesting aspects of Martyn’s

10, he and his brother were playing seven nights

vocal abilities is the fact that he can sing in 14 dif-

a week—in the English pubs we would all love to

ferent voices. These include Sir Elton John, Luciano

visit. He eventually played the church organ in

Pavarotti, Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, Richard

the famed John Wesley Chapel in London. His

Marx, Axel Rose, Sir Paul McCartney, Louis

notoriety grew quickly, and soon he was singing

Armstrong and many more. He also has a reper-

in musicals such as The Music Man, in which he

toire of about 650 songs.

played the role of Winthrop.

26

lific producers to come out of the UK.

Since moving to the McKinney and Prosper

From there, his stature only grew. He was the fifth

area, he has focused on playing events such

person to play The Phantom of the Opera in London's

as weddings, private parties, corporate events,

Covent Garden. He has played in every major cap-

charity events and concerts such as the upcom-

ital of the world, at Euro Disney in Paris and all the

ing Martyn Lucas Christmas Concert Dec.

major cruise lines. His show, One Night in Vegas,

21-22 at the Courtroom Theater. Tickets may

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

be purchased through the McKinney Performing Arts Center. This event is sponsored by the Lions Club.

Martyn had met George Matson, a former president of the Lions Club, and became involved in the community. He serves on the board for Crepe Myrtle Trails where he loves the fact that planting trees will endure long past anything else he has done. Martyn is very involved in sustainability and is proud that his new home seems to be focused on it as well.

When asked what his favorite song is, he hesitates, then says “Impossible Dream” simply because it evokes such an emotional response from those in attendance. But, following in the footsteps and playing the music of such iconic stars as Billy Joel Elton John and others, he seems to enjoy it all.

Contact Martyn at MartynLucas.com and book him for your upcoming wedding, house party or corporate event. Maybe he will wear the jacket that was made for Elton John. But, regardless, it will be a memory of a lifetime.

Glenn Adams a t t o r n e y

a t

l a w

BOARD CERTIFIED CRIMINAL TRIAL LAWYER EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL ATTORNEY DWI, DRUG CASES, ASSAULTS, ALL FELONIES 321 N. Central Expressway, Suite 365, McKinney, Texas 75070

(972) 516-4886 | hgadamslaw@gmail.com December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

27

TREND SETTER

W I N T E R’ S REVEL YOUR GUIDE TO A SIMPLE AND STYLIZED NEW YEAR’S SOIRÉE ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

28

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

FOLLOWING CLOSELY ON THE COATTAILS OF AUTUMNAL AND WINTER HOLIDAYS, THE CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR CAN OFTEN BE OVERLOOKED DUE TO AN UNDERSTANDABLE DESIRE TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE SEASON. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-of-the-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour.

1

THE DRI N K S

Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.

2

THE DECO R There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation.

Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.

WHAT YOU NEED + Cheese board or serving plate

3 THE SNACKS

Cheese is best served at room temperature, so

Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider

be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to

how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include.

According to WineFolly.com, sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation.

+ Assortment of cheeses (We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere) PUTTING IT TOGETHER

serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each.

Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors.

Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy!

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

29

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McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

Local lender.

National acclaim.

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MORTGAGE ORIGINATORS in America 2017

Gail Hillman

Sales Manager NMLS #312734 Waterstone Mortgage Corporation 3900 S. Stonebridge Drive, Suite 1104 McKinney, TX 75070 972.200.3253 GailHillman.com

2018

All loan requests are subject to credit approval as well as specific program requirements and guidelines. For some programs, income and property restrictions may apply. Information is subject to change without notice.

Equal Housing Lender. Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #186434) is a wholly owned subsidiary of WaterStone Bank SSB (NASDAQ: WSBF). State of Texas Licensee Exempt.

December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

31

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

violin and Ben Katzen on cello.

15

11

KRAKATUK: A NUTCRACKER PREQUEL

on vocals, Keyreel Raskolenko on

OPEN HOUSE AND GRAND OPENING OF “NETANYAH ORIGINAL ART” 750 Richland Drive, Suite 20, Prosper

Featured artist Joe Barbieri will be in attendance with a number of his Western landscapes and other paint-

Eisseman Center

EXPEDIA CRUISE SHIP CENTERS RIBBON CUTTING

2:00 PM and 7:00 PM Join the Youth Ballet of Texas, with students from the Texas Youth Ballet

7810 Eldorado Parkway,

Conservatory, in the annual pro-

ings recently on display at galleries

Suite 220, McKinney

in New Mexico. Also on display will

Expedia

will

duction of Krakatuk: A Nutcracker

be the 1,000-pound granite sculp-

offer a wide selection of cruises

Prequel. The story is a ballet about

ture of horse heads by Texas artist

on various cruise lines. The cen-

how a young man helps a princess

Rolando Saenz. From 5-7 p.m. at 750

ter can also plan other vacation

and becomes hopelessly entwined

Richland Drive, Suite 20 in the Gates

necessities

tours

in a mouse queen’s curse which

of Prosper. Located near Field and

and flights to hotels and resorts.

transforms him into a nutcracker.

Stream next to GNC.

469.712.7676. CruiseShipCenters.

972.744.4650

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ranging

from

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24 HOUR FITNESS RIBBON CUTTING 1614 N. Hardin Road

The new McKinney gym provides

NXTLVL CONSULTING GROUP RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

HOLIDAY FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP

Heard Natural Science

McKinney Chamber of Commerce

Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

a buzz of energy and inspiration. A

Come learn about NXTLVL Consulting

A midday gathering for a holiday

community ready to welcome you.

and how they may help your busi-

and nature-themed crafting using

And thousands of square feet of spec-

ness. They provide strategic problem

recycled and found materials. Pre-

tacular workout space, complete with

resolution and decision making, time

registration is required for planning

premium gym equipment, unmatched

management, best practices and

purposes. Heard Museum members

amenities and some of the best stu-

process efficiencies, change manage-

may enjoy their free general admis-

dio classes around McKinney. Come

ment and analysis, process and per-

sion before and after this program.

in and discover all you imagined and

formance improvement, and strategic

This program is open to partici-

more, under one gym membership

planning that drive results.

pants of all ages (children under 18 must be supervised by an adult).

and one enormous roof.

14-15

7 ALL-STAR JAZZY CHRISTMAS McKinney Performing Arts Center

32

22

HeardMuseum.org

CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL

McKinney Performing Arts Center

This concert is one of a kind. Like no

This classic holiday tradition tells

other Christmas shows, this is a true

a powerful story of greed and

collaboration of DFW's most talented

redemption. On Christmas Eve, the

musicians, maestro Jason Lim and

miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must first

We are always accepting submis-

the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra.

face his dead partner Jacob Marley

sions for events you'd like to see

Joining

and then the spirits of Christmas

included in our Calendar section.

Orchestra are William Foley piano

the

Odysseus

Chamber

Past, Present and Future.

Submissions are accepted via the

trio, Jason Davis on saxophone,

Dr. Andrew Harris' adaptation of the

Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/

Candace Miller and Robin Hackett

Charles Dickens classic.

McKinneyandProsper.

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

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December 2018 | McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle

33

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Bringing People and Nature To gether

BUT NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS

ARTICLE TOM BRIDGES | PHOTOGRAPHY AZURE PHOTOGRAPHY, CHRISTIE CONNELL RAISED BY A BOTANIST/BIOLOGIST FATHER,

A retired teacher, Cheryl wanted to do something that

CHERYL MILLER, WHO MANY REFER TO AS

would allow her to keep actively involved in the commu-

“BIRDIE,” HAS ALWAYS LOVED FEEDING THE

nity while also allowing her to have time for herself. Fate

BIRDS. She says she has always had a Hopper feeder,

stepped in one day when she made the 90-minute trek to

and it remains her favorite product. Cheryl now seems

the only WBU store in Dallas. She saw a real need for such

to have found her calling through her Wild Birds

a store locally, and fate indeed was on her side. WBU had

Unlimited store in McKinney.

only opened the opportunity in McKinney two days prior.

The store offers feeders, feed and other beautiful related items for the home.

Cheryl is justifiably proud of what she has accomplished. Her store is on track to be the highest producing in its inaugural year in the company’s history. She is a Certified Backyard Bird Specialist, which requires hours of classes and training. All but one of her staff, most of whom have been with her since opening in May 2017, are certified as well.

While the hardest part for the former teacher was learning how to become a retail presence in the area, it is something she has obviously done well. She feels her business fits well with McKinney’s “Unique by Nature” theme and looks forward to continuing to help our feathered friends.

34

McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle | December 2018

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