Welcome to the launch issue of Plano City Lifestyle! City Lifestyle publications has over 160 magazines nationwide which have been successful in sharing community-based content combined with stunning photography and relevant editorial. It is my goal to uphold the standard of our brand with my publication by providing you with engaging, relevant content about the people, businesses, and must-see events and attractions in Plano.
Our community is blessed with incredible leaders and abundant resources. I am excited to honor our hardworking students, selfless first responders, and dedicated nonprofits each month, along with our incredible community supporters. Our advertising partners are chosen with the utmost discernment and represent the "best in class" within their industries. We strive to refer our readers to those who consistently offer great services or products with the highest level of customer satisfaction. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to spread positivity, support, and inclusivity through quality, hyper-local content.
For those of you I have yet to meet, allow me to introduce myself: I'm Angi Burns. I was born and raised in the North Texas area. I am a Plano Senior High alum who served as a local educator for thirteen years. I am highly involved in the arts and nonprofit sectors of our community. I have a wonderful husband and three amazing children who have greatly benefited from the family-centric culture in Plano and surrounding areas. My love of people and penchant for servant leadership have led me to my current role as publisher for Plano and Allen City Lifestyle. I am privileged to connect members of the community and highlight local businesses and events in this exciting new publication. I cannot wait to meet each of you and learn what you love about Plano!
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katelyn Reed | katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Alisa Hauser
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rachel Webb, Tyler Grace Photography, Joseph Rivers, Jay Sonata Photography, Zaharra Hemani
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery
ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @PLANOCITYLIFESTYLEAngi Burns
Plano City Lifestyle Publisher Advantage Blinds advantageblindstx.com
Battle House Laser Tag Plano battlehouselasercombat.com/plano
Big D Mechanical bigdmechanical.com
Caddo Offices Reimagined | Plano South caddooffices.com/plano-south
Centurion American Development Group centurionamerican.com
Delahn Realty delahn.com
Draft Cleaning Partners draftcleaners.com
Ebby Halliday Realtors in Plano West | Brian Briars brianbriars.ebby.com
Gatsby Glass gatsbyglass.com/plano
Genesis Children’s Theatre genesischildrenstheatre.org
Jeff Simpson at Guaranteed Rate | NMLS #2065086 people.rate.com/jeff-simpson-2065086
Memro Music memromusic.com
Powersports Wholesale Warehouse powersportswholesalewarehouse.com
Luxury Lifestyle Training luxurylifestyletraining.com
ProNail Roofing & Solar pronailroofing.com
Rustic Lanai rusticlanai.com
The Franchise Consulting Company
Rudy Frederico franchisewithrudy.com
Veterinary Emergency Group veterinaryemergencygroup.com/locations/allen-tx
We are the premier comfort experts; our team specializes in high efficiency solutions for your business and home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning. No matter the weather―if it’s too hot or too cold― we have you covered. We have a solution for all your needs with 40 plus years of experience in the industry. We combine our superior service with top of the line products to offer our customers the first class experience and peace of mind that everyone deserves. Investing in your comfort is our top priority.
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For 39 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community, motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations. This signature program spans nine months from September through May and is designed to enhance individual and community leadership skills. Participants gain invaluable insight as they explore the inner workings of the community, which forms the foundation for long-term involvement in Plano in a variety of leadership roles.
First United Bank hosted a grand opening event for its new Plano location. The building boasts an open floor plan with a glass-walled workspace, a large community room available for meetings and events for customers or organizations, and a technology table with Wi-Fi and relaxed group seating. The bank’s new Plano location is 3930 Dallas Parkway.
Get ready for an electrifying experience at Battle House! Their tactical laser tag arena offers a variety of game modes. Whether you prefer to play solo or in a team, they’ve got you covered. Discover all the exciting game modes they have to offer! Great Father’s Day Specials — Dad Plays FREE! Visit or call to reserve your game today! 2300 Coit Road #400, Plano, TX (972) 809-9164
Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ Plano
Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-inducing day, weekend, or guys’ night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.
BATTLE HOUSE LASER TAG - PLANO: Massive indoor arena designed to mimic an urban tactical combat environment with multiple two-story structures and catwalks. 2300 Coit Road #400, Plano, TX 75075
GLENEAGLES COUNTY CLUB: Two championship 18-hole golf courses beckon avid and novice golfers alike. 5401 West Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093
ELITE CIGAR CAFE : Check out this cigar bar that boasts an impressive collection of craft beer, single malt scotch, and fresh food. 4291 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX 75001
BOARDROOM STYLING LOUNGE: A relaxing environment where you can grab a beer and meet an expert stylist to help you express your personal style or create a new one. 4001 Preston Road, Suite 506, Plano, TX 75093
MOVEMENT PLANO: Come check out an incredible 5,000 square feet of indoor bouldering with 20,000 square feet of top-rope, lead, and auto-belay climbing. 525 Talbert Drive, Plano, TX 75093
Melanie Brigante is the owner and founding broker of Delahn Realty. She brings over 25 years of experience as a broker to her clients and specializes in selling luxury residential homes. She has extensive experience representing commercial and land investors as well. The team she's assembled with Delahn Realty is the crème de la crème and includes realtors Anthony Brigante and Julia de Torrens, along with their support team made up of Dee Dee Baker and Lynda Larson-Cherne. Delahn Realty has built a reputation as a trusted real estate advisor. Melanie knows luxury living and she knows Plano. She sat down with Plano City Lifestyle
to share about her passion for Plano and her love of selling real estate in our community.
Plano is referred to as a City of Excellence owing to its abundant cultural and recreational outlets. With its lively downtown scene, its uptown vibe, its luscious parks and trails, its uptown shopping options, its art scene, and the Collin College system, there is no lack of entertainment, learning and cultural opportunities in Plano. One of my favorite aspects of Plano is the city’s commitment to the revitalization of downtown and its investment in the arts.
I’ve lived in Collin County for over 30 years and have developed an extensive network of friends and professional relationships through my participation in the Plano Sports Association, Plano Art Association, Plano Chamber of Commerce and the Plano ISD PTA. I’ve also taken advantage of the art and photography classes offered at Collin College. Plano ISD and the Collin College system are great assets for the community and provide us with incredible opportunities to grow and learn.
From condos to mansions, the Plano real estate market is solid. While marketing times for properties have increased, home prices remain stable and there are many submarkets experiencing continued appreciation. My success in real estate has largely been achieved through establishing myself as the “Trusted Real Estate Advisor” for my clients. We guide our buyers and sellers through life transitions beginning with their first home-buying experience, through upsizing, investing, and downsizing. We even offer a free property tax appeal guide on our website to anyone who is interested. Our goal is to support our clients as they work toward “Building wealth through Home Ownership and Strategic Real Estate Investing.”
My grandchildren keep me busy during my free time, and we love art and visiting the local parks and walking trails. A couple of our favorites include the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. I enjoy putting on my hiking boots and taking long strolls in search of those perfect landscape photo ops and plein-air painting sites. As a foodie, I enjoy meeting up with friends to experience established and new Plano restaurants.
The word “brunch” was first used in the publication, 'Hunter's Weekly' by Guy Beringer in 1895. Beringer felt tired after long, large traditional post-church meals and suggested possibly something lighter. He wrote the article “Brunch: A Plea” in which he argued for a meal between the regular times of breakfast and lunch on Sundays that would connect people to each other.
Wherever the initial spark of genius came from, the tradition caught on in the United States in the 1930s, supposedly because Hollywood stars making transcontinental train trips frequently stopped off in Chicago to enjoy a late morning meal. According to Grubhub.com's article "The History of Brunch," the biggest push came during a massive moment of progress for women in America. When women entered the workforce, they needed a break from cooking and pushed the family to start going out for a meal on the day they would generally sit around the table as a family – Sunday.
The year's biggest brunch holiday is Mother's Day. The National Restaurant Association reported that 92 million Americans dined out last Mother's Day: one-quarter of them went to brunch.
But it's not just a meal, it's kind of a feeling. Weekend mornings can be a special time to relax, see friends, and catch up on the events of the week. Brunch is the perfect time to get a crew together and enjoy a meal and some great conversation. It's generally eaten mid- or late morning, so it can't be done on a normal working day. One must take time off from one's usual schedule in order to eat brunch.
So why do men typically not share the same admiration for the weekly tradition? Well, some do!
Sunday Funday has become a weekly practice for my husband and his buddies. Each Sunday they gather at one of their homes mid-morning to kickstart the week ahead. It is a chance to unwind and forget about the stress of the everyday grind. The group may play a hand of poker, take a dip in the pool or even partake in a round of golf, then they share a few laughs in the kitchen or around the grill while swapping their favorite recipes. The sun is shining, the smoker is lit and the fellas have gathered to talk shop and chow down.
A January 2023 blog on Opt Health dove deeper into the benefits of men spending quality time with their counterparts and the role male support networks play in men's mental health. They discovered that male friendships are an essential but often overlooked aspect of men’s mental health. Research has shown that having close friendships with other men can provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose, which can help men to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Brunch has historically been aligned with high society, big hats and breakfast entrees. However, these societal norms are growing stale and a new wave of brunch goers and doers is on the rise. The best part is that there are no set rules! Whether you gather the family and visit a local hot spot or create your own brunch tradition with your besties, brunch is best served with a side of fun.
I want to say a special thank you to my husband and his brunch buddies for allowing us a glimpse into their coveted "Bro Time." The food is always delicious and the company can't be beat. I hope you enjoy some of their favorite menu items next time you decide to have a Sunday Funday of your own.
• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• ¼ cup red onion
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 large avocado, cubed
• ½ cup feta to toss, ½ cup to top
• 3 – 4 mint clusters cut chiffonade (reserve some to top)
• 1 Serrano or Fresno pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt to taste
1. Combine in large bowl and gently toss.
2. Top with mint and feta to garnish. Serves 4-6.
• 1 – ½ lb (16-20) rock shrimp
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon of blackened or Cajun seasoning
Melt butter over medium high till slightly bubbly, add shrimp, sauce and seasoning, and cook over medium till shrimp are just cooked through. Do not over cook.
Rye Not
• 8 - 10 lbs pork butt
• 5 tablespoons of canola oil or yellow mustard
• Kosher salt, cracked black pepper and favorite dry rub. This version used carnitas, Ragin Cajun and Angelo’s pork seasoning equally. John Henry’s, Salt Lick, and especially Grub Rub are also great pork rubs. Make your own with 2 tablespoons each of sugar, dark brown sugar, paprika, coarse salt, cracked black pepper and garlic powder, 1 tablespoon each of onion powder, ground chipotle chili, adobo or cayenne powder and guajillo chile, and 1 ½ tsp each of ground cumin and dry mustard. Experiment and sub ingredients and portions for preference.
1. Set up your smoker for temperature of 225 - 250°. Use chunks of pecan or apple, hickory and mesquite are too harsh for long pork smoking.
2. Prep your pork butt using oil or mustard as a binder and liberally coat with dry rub.
3. Place your pork on the smoker, spritzing every hour with apple cider vinegar and/or apple juice. Apply more dry rub once more halfway through until you wrap it. About 4 hours total initial smoke.
4. Once you hit the stall and you like the bark, wrap it in butcher paper or tin foil with an additional ½ cup apple juice.
5. Continue smoking until you get to an internal temp of 205°.
6. Remove and let rest for 30 minutes.
7. Shred and serve while hot.
8. Serve with warm slider buns of choice, pickles, sliced onion, pickled Fresno or jalapeño peppers and Carolina BBQ sauce.
• 1 ½ oz Still Austin Rye
• ½ oz Paula’s Orange Liquor
• ½ oz Aperol
• ½ Amaro Nonino
• ¼ oz simple syrup
1. Combine over ice in cocktail carafe and stir.
2. Strain into rocks or double old fashioned glass over a large ice cube and garnish with dehydrated lime.
3. Dehydrated lime: slice a fresh lime in 1/8 inch rounds and place on a heavy cookie sheet (rack lined optional) heat at 225° until desired color is achieved, which may take a couple of hours. This may also be done in a dehydrator, sourced online or store bought.
Recipes by Ron Taylor Certified Sommelier, CMS
Pulled Pork Sliders
It’s summer break!
What are your family plans? Beach or mountains? Rest or adventures?
This is a highly anticipated time of year for many families, but there are others who dread the time off from school.
Why?
For many children, school meals are their only meals of the day. Enter Lovepacs: a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to serving children in our community who would otherwise go hungry during breaks from school. Through coordination with local schools, and direct relationships with school counselors and administrators that help properly identify children in need, Lovepacs feeds about 6,500 children each school break.
In addition, they provide school counselors with stocked snack closets and hygiene products to distribute to children who demonstrate a need.
The Vision: Lovepacs desires that communities experience God's love by serving together to provide food for children in need. We truly are stronger together.
The Mission: Lovepacs engages communities to feed children in need as an expression of love.
The Impact: Lovepacs has a powerful and positive impact on the community, providing essential resources to those in need in 13 communities, serving over 200 schools in North and Central Texas, and donating over 3 million meals.
Lovepacs is a 100% grassroots organization comprised entirely of volunteers. “It’s amazing the power of what can be accomplished when we come together. We couldn't do the work we do without tremendous support from donors and volunteers,” says Mimi Conner, Lovepacs' Plano Chapter Lead.
Donate | Collect food items, host a packing party with your neighbors, church group, team, or business.
Volunteer | Lovepacs is kid-friendly; there is no age limit for volunteers, so families can take advantage of this rare and wonderful opportunity to volunteer together. Is there anything more heartwarming than kids helping kids?
Adopt a Lovepac | Gather food from the community, pack a box, and decorate it for delivery to local schools. Each box feeds a family of four for one week: two meals and one snack for each day. Directions for what to pack are found on their website.
To learn more or to sign up to volunteer or donate, visit their website at www.lovepacs.org
Ron Jones’s vibrant 50-year journey with music started at age six. “My dad was a pastor. We had an organ in the home that neither of my older siblings played. I’m the baby of the family, and my dad was determined that somebody was going to play that organ for his church. Since I was the last one left, I started taking lessons and I’ve been playing ever since.”
Jones doesn’t resent the parental pressure. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. “I praise my dad every chance I get for making me play.”
Jones is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education.
Music has always been a part of his journey. A proud veteran, Ron served in the Army as a commissioned officer flying UH-1 helicopters. While in the service, he played piano for military base church services. After an accident he miraculously survived during which the engine blew out of the helicopter he was flying, he returned to his hometown of Memphis, TN.
It was there that a very influential person in his life encouraged him to become a music educator. He first taught in Memphis City Schools then later moved to the Dallas area where he’s taught for over 20 years.
ARTICLE BY ALISA HAUSER
Jones’s idol growing up was Stevie Wonder. So just imagine his sheer joy when he was invited to play the piano for Stevie Wonder when he was singing at a local relative’s memorial service that just so happened to be held at the church Jones attends. They played “Falling in Love with Jesus.” “He pulled out the harmonica and everything!” says Jones, “It was absolutely amazing.”
Two years ago, Jones started his own business, Memro Music (a clever combination of his hometown and his first name), full-time. “It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own school and use the gifts that God has given me to pour into others.”
He loves the side of his work that provides him the opportunity to help students to receive music scholarships to college.
It may surprise you to learn, however, that half of his clients are adults. “Many adults regret quitting when they were younger,” says Jones. “They’ve always wanted to start up again.”
He enthusiastically notes that playing the piano has many benefits for adults. It requires using both sides of the brain, which improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration. “That’s why most musicians don’t suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s,” he explains.
For children, studies have shown that taking music lessons helps them to perform better academically, particularly in math and reading.
Jones has a unique approach to teaching. “Most music teachers teach with a book, I teach my students to use their ears,” says Jones. Once they’ve learned the basics, he starts them off with playing songs they like and hear every day. “Because they’re playing songs they want to play rather than songs they’ve never heard before, they remain interested.”
Being an educator has given Jones a connection with students that allows him to understand how they think and operate. “I take pride in my students learning so quickly and well,” he says, “I try to keep them not only motivated, but interested in what they’re playing.”
Jones lives by the lyrics of his idol Stevie Wonder’s songs: "If you're feelin' what you hearing, well, don't you know, it's just the music, that friendly music talking to your soul. It can make you blue or make you feel glad, oh it's the best way of talking that man has ever had.”
What is keeping you from achieving your financial goals?
Time? Your boss? Inflation?
A global pandemic?
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP CAN CHANGE THAT. ALL OF THAT.
I’m a 32-year veteran of franchising and I help people assess themselves, their goals, their capacities and guide them toward the RIGHT franchise for them. I also help local businesses expand using a franchise model. Don’t let “circumstances” hold you back.
My name is Rudy Frederico and I Make Entrepreneurial Dreams Come True.
www.franchisewithrudy.com
214-725-4867
rudy@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com
Hi! I am Angi Burns, a Plano Senior High alum who is proud to live and work in my hometown. I served as a local educator for thirteen years and am highly involved in the arts and nonprofit sectors of our community. I have a wonderful husband and three amazing children who have greatly benefited from the family-centric culture in Plano and surrounding areas. I love traveling, sports, concerts and all things entertainment! My love of people and servant leadership has led me to my role as publisher for Plano City Lifestyle. I am blessed to connect members of the community and highlight local businesses and events in my publications.
01 - 03
My beautiful family: husband, Gary, children, Ash, Averly, and Jaxx. // 04 I frequently travel to NYC to see shows on Broadway with my theatre enthusiast daughters. I am also a local theatre director and producer. // 05 My family loves to cruise! A fruity drink on a beach near crystal blue water is my idea of paradise. // 06 As a Board Member for the Red Lamp Foundation, I love attending Allen American hockey games as well as supporting our Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys!
Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
Music Bingo Mondays
LEGACY HALL, 7800 WINDROSE AVE., PLANO, TX 75024 | 7:00 PM
Get rid of the Monday blues with Monday Music Bingo! Music Bingo combines your favorite tunes with some fun-titled themes throughout the decades with a classic game in a great atmosphere!
JUNE 8TH-10TH
Rover Dramawerks Presents "Lobby Hero" by Keith Lonergan
COX PLAYHOUSE, 1517 H AVE., PLANO, TX 75074 | 8:00 PM
Jeff is a young security guard trying to get his life together after being thrown out of the Navy. He is drawn into a local murder investigation involving his supervisor, a tightly wound young man called upon to bear witness against his troubled brother, and a rookie cop who finds she must stand up to her seasoned partner.
JUNE 10TH
Plano Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Gala — A Ruby Affair
7121 BISHOP ROAD, PLANO, TX 75024 | 5:30 PM
40th Anniversary Gala – A Ruby Affair. Darlene Morford and Deborah Hendrix, Co-Chairs. Entertainment features the Plano Symphony Orchestra, silent auction, live auction, dancing and much more!
JUNE 11TH
Family Concert Series: Summer Fun Up Late!
WILLOW BEND CENTER OF THE ARTS, 6121 W. PARK BLVD. B216, PLANO, TX 75093 | 3:00 PM
Join a PSO trio for a summer beach party! Kids will join in the fun making music, dancing, and playing while learning about instruments and the orchestra. Bring a beach towel to enjoy music from the sand and sea including Moana, Teen Beach Movie, and more!
JUNE 12TH
Heritage Farmstead Museum Hosts Pioneer Camp
1900 W. 15TH ST., PLANO, TX 75075 | 9:00 AM
Summer Camp at the Heritage Farmstead Museum is an unforgettable opportunity for children to get outside, explore nature and connect with history. Open to students entering kindergarten through sixth grade, their week-long camps offer outdoor activities that focus on history and farm life in the heart of Plano. June 12-16 @ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
JUNE 16TH-18TH
Genesis Children's Theatre Presents "Annie Kids"
3100 INDEPENDENCE PARKWAY, #324B PLANO, TX 75075
Little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts in 1930's New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. June 16th & June 17th @ 7 p.m., June 18th @ 3 p.m.
JUNE
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Plano
SOUTHFORK RANCH 3700 HOGGE DRIVE, PARKER, TX 75002 | 9:00 AM
Third Monday Trade days is a monthly event featuring over 300 different booths! Local artisans selling and showing their goods. Hand crafted items such as jewelry, furniture, candles, charcuterie boards, etc. Food vendors, antiques, axe throwing, blacksmith, a psychic, entertainment and so much more! June 16-18 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
6121 W. PARK BLVD. B216, PLANO, TX 75093
North Texas Performing Arts Repertory Theatre presents Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.
URBAN RIO, 1000 14TH ST. #100, PLANO, TX 75074 | 6:30 PM
Join us for four cocktails featuring your favorite celebrity’s liquor brand! Chef Salvatore will pair four courses with these starry-eyed cocktails! Tickets are $70 and include all taxes and gratuity.
A ballerina is an artist who uses movement to convey emotions, stories, and ideas.
Jensen Leedy, a student at Plano East High School, is just such an artist. According to her mom, Jensen's been dancing ever since she could stand. She has trained hard in pursuit of mastering her craft and expresses herself through dance with grace, precision, and artistry.
Balancing extracurriculars can be a challenge, but it's possible with careful planning and precision. It also requires sacrifice. For Jensen, who maintains straight A's, this means her primary focus outside of school is dance. In 2021, it also meant pushing through performances of "Nutcracker" with a broken foot.
But it's not without its rewards.
Jensen sees her dance academy as a second home, but adds with a laugh, "It's actually like a first home because I'm there more than I'm home!" She views her fellow dancers as sisters.
Dancing has helped Jensen develop her confidence. While building confidence to perform on stage can be challenging, it can be achieved with the right mindset and preparation. Jensen also notes, "You're not really a dancer until you fall on stage." She believes that having fun and being yourself will increase your confidence and result in a better performance.
WHAT SHE’S WATCHING:
“A list of classic movies from my friend!”
WHO SHE’S FOLLOWING:
Marianela Nunez from The Royal Ballet
5 DANCE LESSONS:
1. Don’t give up
2. Take criticism and keep on going
3. Be disciplined
4. Learn to juggle
5. The future is bright
