CO2 – carbon dioxide – laser resurfacing uses targeted beams of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. This type of laser treatment can remove skin cancer, address cosmetic skin issues, such as fine or keep lines, wrinkles and acne scars; and treat areas of skin discoloration, like sunspots or age spots.
As a parent to three amazing kids—Ash, Averly, and Jaxx—and a proud pet parent to our spirited trio (Hulk, our seven-pound chorkie with the heart of a lion, and our two curious cats, Vinny and Rocket), I know firsthand how much joy—and occasional chaos—comes from a life filled with little feet and furry paws.
This Kids & Pets issue is close to my heart because it celebrates the bonds that shape our daily lives in the most genuine, messy, and beautiful ways. Whether it’s a quiet cuddle on the couch, a backyard adventure, or a spontaneous living room dance party involving toddlers, teenagers, and tail-waggers, these shared moments are what turn a house into a home.
Our community is truly special in the way it embraces families of all kinds. From weekend festivals to pet patios and kid-friendly community events, there are always new ways to connect, explore, and make memories together. It’s a joy to see how local events and opportunities continue to bring kids and pets together in fun, meaningful ways—helping them grow, learn, and form the kind of friendships that last a lifetime.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Here’s to the everyday magic that comes from sticky fingers, muddy paws, and unconditional love.
ANGI BURNS,
PUBLISHER @PLANOCITYLIFESTYLE
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Student, Nonprofit, or First Responder of the Month? Contact us for information on how you can be included in upcoming articles and share your events and ideas. We would love to partner with you to host our events in your neighborhood! Just give us a shout. We want to meet you.
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hang Le | hang.le@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Morganne Eikelbarner morganne.eikelbarner@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Angela Martinez | angela.martinez@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Ken Crawford, Deborah Dove, Travis Hager
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Aranza Perkovich: Jamileth Photography, Carey-Lynn Zarate
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Pam Reid
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Hanna, Sara Ellis August 2025
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn how to start
Summer in Texas doesn’t play around. From triple-di git temps to surprise storms, your HVAC system is about to clock some serious overtime. At Big D Mechanical , we believe comfort shouldn’t be a luxury it should be your standard. Here’s how to make sure your A/C is ready to carry you through the season like a champ.
1. Start with a Tune-Up
Before you crank it down to 68 and cross your finge rs, schedule a professional maintenance visit. A season al check-up can prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency , and lower your energy bills—because no one wants a surprise repair bill on top of a sky-high electric one.
2 . Call in the Pros
Whether you’re prepping for a heatwave or planning ahead for future upgrades, Big D Mechanical offers expert service, honest advice, and a team that trea ts your comfort like it’s our own. We’re not just HVAC techs—we’re your neighborhood’s cool-down crew.
DONT SWEAT IT! BEAT THE HEAT!
Call Big D Mechanical today to schedule your summer service. Let’s make sure your system is running col d, quiet, and cost-efficient all summer long.
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 - 7: Local Elected Welcome Reception! It was a packed house as community leaders, Chamber members, and supporters came together to celebrate and connect with our newly elected and reelected officials from the Plano City Council, Plano ISD Board of Trustees, and Collin College Board of Trustees. Thank you to the presenting sponsor, Olsson, food sponsor, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab, and the beautiful floral arrangements by JKS By Design. We’re proud to support the leaders shaping the future of our city and schools.
Flamant is a European live fire cocktail bar and bistro from the Michelin and James Beard recognized team behind Rye and Apothecary in Dallas. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, Flamant brings bold, seasonal flavors to life over open flame—from wood-fired wagyu and octopus to pasta and crème brûlée cheesecake. 5880 State Hwy. 121, Suite 103-b, Plano, TX
Plano’s new state-of-the-art cancer center is a $120 million investment in our community and a major step forward in advancing cancer care.
This future facility will bring all of Texas Oncology’s Plano locations under one roof—offering a more streamlined, accessible, and patient-centered experience. With cutting-edge treatment options, high-tech imaging, infusion therapy, and advanced diagnostics, this center represents a bold vision for the future of healthcare in Plano.
Congratulations to Texas Oncology on this incredible milestone!
We are excited to welcome the newest Inspire investor, Argano, to the Plano Chamber community! As a leader in digital transformation and high-performance operations, Argano is driving innovation and creating meaningful impact—locally and globally. Here’s to bold ideas and building a stronger business community! Learn more about Argano at argano.com!
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE
DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS, CREATE MEMORIES, AND EMBRACE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.
Welcoming a new baby is a joyous and transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming as you navigate the challenges of motherhood. From managing sleepless nights to understanding your baby's needs, every new mom deserves a helping hand. The following local resources can ease the journey, allowing you to savor this precious and all-too-fleeting time.
Karen Laine Photography | karen-laine.com or (469) 9270225 | Capture the first precious weeks with newborn photos you’ll cherish forever, from stunning color-saturated artistic shots to first smiles to black-and-white photos of ten perfect, tiny toes.
Amma Lactation Services | (972) 439-5412 or amma lactation@gmail.com | Certified lactation consultants are available to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey. Services include a home visit, televisit, and in-clinic, depending on your preference and needs. Most insurances accepted.
Modern Pediatrics | https://www.modernpediatrics.com /classes | This in-home pediatric provider offers free online classes via Zoom geared to help new parents care for their newborn. Choose from Newborn Care 101, Breastfeeding 101, Infant Sleep 101, and Infant CPR and Choking, or take all four.
Southern Stork | 5809 Preston Road, # E-579, Plano, TX This boutique stocks everything you need for baby and more: adorable outfits, baby essentials, playtime favorites, and unique gifts.
Emler Swim School | 4621 W. Park Blvd #104, Plano, TX | Geared for infants two to five months old, Bathtime Babies classes allow you to bond with your baby while you enjoy one-on-one pool time and learn water safety skills.
WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS, AN ESTATE PLAN HAS YOU COVERED
“Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the retired. It’s for families. It’s for you.”
If something happened to you tomorrow, what would happen to your children? Are you sure they would be protected? And let’s not forget your four-legged “kids.” Who’s stepping up for them?
The attorneys at Burch Law know this is the kind of thing that’s really hard to think about, but it’s absolutely essential to plan for. Whether it’s your toddler, your teenager, your tabby cat, or your 12-year-old rescue mutt who still acts like a puppy, if they depend on you, they deserve protection.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the retired. It’s for families. It’s for you. And it’s how you make sure your loved ones—human or four-legged—are never left in limbo.
LET’S BE REAL: COURTS DON’T KNOW YOUR FAMILY
Here’s what most people don’t realize: if you haven’t made your wishes legal and official, then the state of Texas gets to decide what happens to your kids and pets.
Burch Law has seen what that looks like, and it’s not pretty.
Without a will that names guardians, a judge will choose who raises your children. That might mean someone you wouldn’t have chosen…or worse, multiple family members arguing over it while your kids sit in temporary custody.
And your pets? Under the law, they’re considered property. That means they could end up with whoever gets your stuff, not necessarily the person who knows their quirky feeding rituals or that they’re terrified of thunderstorms.
When you create a plan with Burch Law, you’re not just filling out forms. You’re making sure your children don’t land in a system. You’re making sure your dog
doesn’t end up in a shelter. You’re keeping your family together, even if you’re not around.
One of the biggest things that holds people back is the feeling that you need to have all your ducks in a row before you can start planning. Not true! You don’t need to know every asset you own. You don’t need to have chosen the “perfect” guardian. You don’t even need to have talked to your in-laws yet. That’s where an estate planning attorney comes in.
Burch Law can guide you through the process stepby-step, with no judgment and no pressure. Most of their clients have their full estate plan signed and in place in four to six weeks. That’s less time than it takes to potty train a puppy. (And far less stressful!)
Your plan can be as simple or as comprehensive as your family needs. For most parents, that includes:
• A Will that names guardians for kids and outlines your wishes.
• Powers of Attorney to give someone you trust decision-making power if you’re incapacitated.
• Medical Authorizations for Minors, so babysitters or relatives can get your kids medical help in an emergency.
• Instructions for Pet Care, including who gets them and how they’re to be cared for.
• Trusts (optional), if you want to avoid probate court or leave money to your kids or pets with conditions, like age limits.
Because it’s emotional. Burch Law gets that! They’ve walked hundreds of families through these conversations, and yes, sometimes they’re tough. But they’re also empowering. Once you’ve made these decisions, once it’s all on paper and legally binding, there’s a huge sense of relief.
Because now, no matter what happens, your kids and your pets are covered. You’ve done your part. You’ve protected them. And that feeling? It’s worth everything.
Estate planning isn’t just a legal service. It’s a love letter to your family. It’s how you say: “If I can’t be there, here’s how I want them cared for.”
So, whether your house is full of sticky handprints and squeaky toys, or you’re raising teens and senior dogs
side by side, it’s time to get a plan in place. Your future self (and your future caretakers) will thank you. More importantly, your kids and pets will feel the security of the love and thought you put into protecting them.
Burch Law has been helping Plano families secure their future for over twenty years. While others may view estate planning as a mere legal necessity, they see it as a profound responsibility to honor your life and the lives of those you cherish.
When you're ready, Burch Law is there to help. Visit www.burch-law.com, give them a call at 972-385-0558, or shoot them an email at hello@burch-law.com. They'll help you protect what matters most, because if you don’t have a will, the state of Texas has one for you!
SERVICE DOGS OFFER LIFELINE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
ARTICLE BY KEN G. CRAWFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CRAIG HANNA
Children living with autism, severe allergies, or psychiatric conditions know everyday life can present extraordinary challenges. But with the help of specially trained service dogs, many of these children are gaining safety, independence, and the confidence to navigate their world in ways that once seemed impossible.
According to experts at United K9, a Texas-based training academy with nearly three decades of experience, service dogs are increasingly being recognized as vital support partners for children and their families. These dogs are trained not only in obedience but in life-saving tasks—tailored to the unique medical and emotional needs of their human companions.
One of the most common service dog placements today is for children and adults on the autism spectrum. These dogs are trained to serve as “anchor dogs,” physically preventing a child from bolting or running into dangerous situations. Elopement, or bolding, is a common behavior for individuals with autism, and may result from sensory overload, anxiety, or fixation. As that urge builds, the chemical signals emerge, enabling the dog to scent them and signal the need for additional care. Dogs may also be trained as psychiatric support animals, alerting to a coming meltdown or panic attack.
“Our dogs are trained to detect the chemical change before a panic attack or meltdown happens. It’s scentbased, like diabetic or seizure alert dogs,” explains Craig Hanna, United K9 founder and former military K9 handler.
This kind of training begins as early as six months of age and often starts with scent imprinting—introducing dogs to the unique chemical cues produced by their handler. Every emotion or medical event—anxiety, anger, low blood sugar—triggers a specific body chemistry. Dogs learn to associate these changes
with rewards, eventually learning to alert or intervene before a visible episode occurs.
Obedience, socialization, environmental desensitization, and behavior shaping follow in a structured and consistent progression. “It’s more than training a trick,” says Hanna. “We’re building a responsive, reliable teammate for the child.”
The breeds best suited for this type of work, according to United K9, include retrievers, labs, shepherds, beagles, and poodles—all hunting breeds with strong scenting ability and trainable temperaments. Trainers source dogs through a network of breeders, rescues, and shelters, and United K9 maintains a breeder directory and Verification Seal Program to help families find dogs with the right temperament and health.
The impact of these dogs is profound. In one case, a child with a severe peanut allergy was finally able to go to a movie theater with friends. His allergy-alert dog was trained to detect even trace amounts of peanut dust. The dog entered the theater first, signaling the need for cleaning before the child arrived. “That dog made it possible for the boy to have a normal night out with his friends,” says Hanna.
Although these dogs can cost thousands of dollars to train and place, Hanna points out one thing everyone can do to help: respect service dogs in public.
“Do not approach or even make eye contact with the dog, which teaches the dog to ignore its handler—and that ruins the dog’s training,” he explains. “The best way to support their work is to let them work.”
Service dogs are loyal companions, protectors, emotional anchors, and bridges to fuller lives. Through training, trust, and dedication, they offer children and families more than help—they offer hope.
“Our dogs are trained to detect the chemical change before a panic attack or meltdown happens. It’s scent-based, like diabetic or seizure alert dogs.”
“Do not approach or even make eye contact with the dog, which teaches the dog to ignore its handler—and that ruins the dog’s training. The best way to support their work is to let them work.”
BUILDING STABILITY, ONE YOUTH AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY KEN CRAWFORD
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CITY HOUSE
City House has been a safe haven for youth in crisis since 1988. From its start as a six-bed shelter to five properties serving youth from birth through age 22 today, the organization offers emergency housing, transitional living, street outreach, counseling, and life skills support. Built on a foundation of dignity and trust, City House gives young people the resources and relationships they need to rewrite their future.
City House’s mission is simple yet profound: meet youth where they are—with compassion, care, and community. Serving Collin, Dallas, and surrounding counties, it is the only youth shelter of its kind in the region. From emergency shelter for children and teens to transitional housing for young adults, every program is trauma-informed and grounded in dignity.
With 48 beds across multiple properties, City House specializes in supporting youth who are homeless, aging out of foster care, or escaping abuse or neglect. Some are part of large sibling groups. Others are in vulnerable subgroups and have been displaced. All are welcomed with respect and provided with meals, clean clothing, therapy, case management, and connection.
The Street Outreach team meets unhoused youth where they gather, offering food, supplies, and an invitation into care. When ready, these young people can access job coaching, transitional housing, and mental health support. Many graduate from the program with jobs, savings, and stable housing—some even returning years later to give back.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of City House. Over 600 individuals donate their time each year to sort clothing, provide meals, teach life skills, or support job readiness. Others serve through “workgroup” days with corporate or faith partners. The Clothing Closet—YOUnique Boutique—provides only new clothing in styles the kids would want to wear. It is maintained by volunteers on a weekly basis, rotating items based by season to keep it fresh.
Volunteers also help organize items for schoolwork, snacks, and personal care at the main office in East Plano. Donations of time, talent, and treasure—especially pro bono health and dental care—make a lasting impact.
“Every child deserves safety, dignity, and a future—and we build that future together.”
Even the therapy dogs play a part. City House’s pet therapy program helps children process trauma, offering a comforting presence and calming support during some of their hardest days.
This work is both urgent and hopeful. To see how you or your organization can get involved, visit cityhouse.org or schedule a tour.
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI
Welcoming a new pet into the family is a joyous initiation. However, with it comes a responsibility that begins the moment you start thinking about a new comrade.
The journey of adjustment to a new home for a pet varies immensely. Success in acclimating will depend on a host of factors, including the pet’s history, health, personality—and you.
We asked the experts at VEG ER for Pets (Veterinary Emergency Group) for their top tips. VEG is a 24/7, open-concept veterinary emergency facility, and staff is highly trained in both surgical and nonsurgical solutions. However, providing education for the community is a core element of their work too.
“My first tip is for families to consider their lifestyle and be conscientious about it: How much time do you spend at home, how many children and prior pets are at home, and how much attention can be devoted to your furball?” explains Dr. Annie Kwok, medical director at both the Allen and Grand Prairie hospitals.
“WHILE, AT VEG, WE TREAT PETS like people, WE
SHOULD REMEMBER THEY DON’T COMMUNICATE OR ACCLIMATE LIKE PEOPLE. WE NEED TO GIVE THEM MORE time, grace, and patience AS THEY ACCLIMATE.”
“While, at VEG, we treat pets like people, we should remember they don’t communicate or acclimate like people. We need to give them more time, grace, and patience as they acclimate. They are sensitive to changes in routine, and new pets absolutely need 24/7 supervision for the first several weeks.”
“When selecting a pet, think breed-specific,” advises VEG’s nursing manager, Cheyenne Palma. “For example, an Australian cattle dog is an active, working dog and needs a job to do! This breed wouldn’t be a good fit for someone who needs a more calm/cuddly pet.
“Have this specific breed in mind before going to the animal shelter to adopt. Teach your children what animal behavior looks like. Explain how dogs and cats get scared. Remind children about how they felt when they were scared—like maybe when the family went on vacation to a new, strange place. Your reaction is like the animal’s reaction! Let the animal smell you first. Reach out your hand and let them check you out. Same with cats, who don’t like sudden movements or loud sounds. Don’t be afraid if a cat lightly brushes their nail across your skin. Explain to children that it doesn’t mean they’re aggressive; this is the way they play.”
Once home, acclimating pets is another rite of passage. “Generally with cats, it’s important to give them their space. They are known to be more territorial and may be hesitant to welcome a new kitty. The best way to introduce them is to keep them separated at first but allow their scents to comingle. For example, give the new cat a whiff of your current cat’s favorite blanket, or vice versa. While scent is important for dogs too, it is helpful to let them see each other by having both of them on leashes in a generally “neutral” zone outside the house. Slowly you can graduate them to being in a shared space inside the house.
“Always supervise your animals when outside, even in the backyard,” emphasizes Cheyenne. “Predator animals roam our neighborhoods, and it’s their nature to prey on smaller animals as they are looking for the easiest catch. Turn on all the lights and make some noise so predators will be less likely to attack.”
“Many emergencies are avoidable,” reflects Dr. Kwok. “Sometimes we see animals brought in for ER care as a result of stress; stress that was induced because they just didn’t fit into the lifestyle of their owners. When people don’t select the right animal for their household, it sometimes results in neglect of the animal.”
“MY FIRST TIP IS FOR FAMILIES TO CONSIDER THEIR LIFESTYLE AND BE CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT IT: How much time do you spend at home, how many children and prior pets are at home, AND HOW MUCH ATTENTION CAN BE DEVOTED TO YOUR FURBALL?”
“This “mismatch” manifests in many ways: for example, the senior dog who is fearful of small children gets adopted into a noisy and chaotic household and develops anxiety; or an active, attention-seeking, playful dog who is always let out in the backyard unsupervised gets bit by a snake. While these may seem like minor things, they can turn into something major if left unchecked. Don’t underestimate the impact of your lifestyle on your pet.
“Cats are sensitive to change. Transitions trigger stress (such as cat owners who leave the house frequently for multiple days at a time). This stress is often at the bottom of their health issues. In the ER, we see this as feline idiopathic cystitis. In male cats, the lower urinary tract is where the stress manifests, causing inflammation and blood, crystals, or stones in
the urine. Sometimes the swelling of the tissues obstructs the urinary tract and can be life-threatening.
“With dogs, it’s their GI tract that 'captures' the stress. It shows up as vomiting or acute hemorrhagic diarrhea, where the diarrhea is bloody. This can require immediate stabilization and IVs in the ER,” Dr. Kwok continues.
“While emergency is our middle name, we like to think of ourselves as the calm in the midst of storms,” reflects Cheyenne. “Our responsibility to keep our pets healthy doesn’t include just preventative care and ER care. It starts with patient education early on during the selection of a pet.”
Got questions? Contact https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com/
BETTY TALAMANTEZ Director of JumpStart for Arts
ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS
For over two decades, Betty Talamantez has been the dedicated director of JumpStart for Arts, a free summer art camp that has served Plano families since 2003. What began as a program from the ArtCentre of Plano—and now run in partnership with Chamberlain Ballet—has become a beloved summer tradition thanks to Betty’s tireless leadership.
Each summer, Betty ensures that every camper is not only having fun but also seen and supported. If a child needs extra attention, she makes sure it happens— whether through a counselor, a teacher, or herself. Her care doesn’t stop at camp’s end: Betty often connects families to vital community resources like food pantries, counseling, or tutoring services.
Her dedication extends throughout the year. Even in retirement from education, Betty continues to volunteer with both the ArtCentre and Chamberlain Ballet, helping with outreach programs like Head Start and other community events. Her work ensures JumpStart is more than just an art camp—it’s a place where families feel cared for and welcomed.
"She always makes sure every kid feels special," says her daughter-in-law, who met Betty while working at the camp in 2006. "Her love for the kids doesn’t end at five p.m."
Betty Talamantez isn’t just running a summer camp— she’s building a legacy of compassion, creativity, and community. For that, Plano celebrates her as this month’s Good Human
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
AUGUST 1ST - 3RD
Extra! Extra! Newsies Takes the Stage
Genesis Children's Theatre: 3100 Independence Pkwy. #324b, Plano, TX
This dynamic children’s theatre production of Disney’s Newsies gives young performers a powerful platform to express themselves through storytelling, music, and movement. Watch as a cast of talented kids brings heart, courage, and charisma to the stage! Visit genesischildrenstheatre.org for tickets and information.
AUGUST 2ND
Courtyard Theater: 1509 H Ave., Plano, TX | 7:30 PM
National Ballet of Texas debuts with Poetic Beginnings, an all-female choreographed performance celebrating the beauty of fresh starts. Featuring original works, intimate artistry, and live music by Resonance Collective, this immersive evening invites audiences into the heart of contemporary ballet. Visit nationalballettx.org for more information.
AUGUST 3RD
Texas Pool: 901 Springbrook Dr., Plano, TX | 6:30 PM
Dive into an enchanting evening of saltwater fun with mermaids, pirates, treasure chests, swishy treats, steel drum beats, and souvenir photo ops. Sea creatures of all kinds are invited to bring their swim fins and celebrate in style! Learn more at texaspool.org/event/mermaid-tea-party.
AUGUST 8TH - 9TH
Plano Event Center: 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX | 9:00 AM
Experience over 300 stunning quilts, creative workshops, and a delightful mini quilt auction at this beloved annual event. From seasoned stitchers to curious newcomers, everyone will find inspiration in the vibrant artistry and community spirit on display. Learn more at qgplano.org/quilt-show.
AUGUST 15TH
The Boardwalk at Granite Park: 5880 State Hwy. 121, Plano, TX | 6:00 PM
Enjoy a breezy evening by the water with handcrafted goods, lawn games, and DJ-spun tunes. Dine at one of The Boardwalk’s standout restaurants, then explore a curated market of local artisans and makers. It’s the perfect laid-back night out. Learn more at granitepark.com/event
AUGUST 23RD
My Possibilities: 3601 Mapleshade Ln., Plano, TX | 5:00 PM
Join a lively evening of Texas Hold ’Em, casino games, delicious food, drinks, live music, raffles, and a silent auction—all in support of ALS awareness and assistance. It’s a night of community, cards, and cause-driven camaraderie. Visit susiesallin.com for tickets and event information.
AUGUST 24TH - 26TH
Plano Event Center: 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX
Discover amazing deals on quality kids’ apparel, toys, and gear! Browse gently loved items, refresh your child’s wardrobe, and save big—while supporting eco-friendly shopping. Perfect for growing families looking for stylish finds at a fraction of retail. Visit DivineConsign.net/plano for more details.
AUGUST 26TH - 31ST
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: 8401 Preston Rd., Plano, TX
Lazy Dog is serving up comfort for a cause! When guests order a Dog Bowl in-restaurant, $1 supports Pet Partners’ incredible therapy dog teams. Pups can enjoy a nutritious treat, and owners will walk away with a free Dog Bowl card for a future visit.
AUGUST 30TH
Meyerson Symphony Center: 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX | 7:30 PM
Experience Broadway royalty as Bernadette Peters joins the Plano Symphony Orchestra for a breathtaking evening of music and legacy. With a voice that’s graced stages from Into the Woods to Hello, Dolly!, this unforgettable performance celebrates timeless talent and theatrical brilliance. Visit planosymphony.org for more information. Want
Sponsored by Talamantez Therapy
We love to highlight the exceptional students in our community. This month we are proud to showcase student and entrepreneur Aditi Karthik.
A rising ninth grader at Greenhill, Aditi is not your average student. Brimming with curiosity, creativity, and determination, she is already leaving a meaningful mark far beyond the classroom walls.
When she isn’t pouring over one of the countless books in her personal library— her goal of reading 100 books a year is no small feat—Aditi can often be found in the kitchen learning the treasured recipes of her mother or lending a hand in her father’s garden. Her love of the outdoors shines through in simple pleasures: fishing at the lake with friends or strolling through her neighborhood, smartly savoring the slower moments of life.
But what truly sets Aditi apart is her enterprising spirit. Inspired by the frustrations she witnessed in the daily school pickup routine—long car lines, weary parents, and teachers juggling clipboards— Aditi set out to design a better way. Thus,
her app iPickup was born. This clever platform uses geofencing and license plate recognition to streamline the process, alerting teachers when parents arrive and notifying them when pickups are complete. It's a simple, elegant solution to a problem that touches nearly every family and educator—a testament to Aditi’s thoughtful approach to everyday challenges.
While iPickup is still in development, Aditi’s vision has already caught the attention of local investors, earning her not only interest but double the funding she initially sought. With a mind for technology and a heart for service, she (along with her brother) is also laying the groundwork for a nonprofit venture, Elevate Tomorrow, aimed at refurbishing and donating used electronics to underserved schools.
Her days may still be filled with books, art, and neighborhood walks, but Aditi Karthik is clearly a young innovator on the rise—proving that curiosity and compassion, when paired with creativity, can spark ideas that make the world just a little bit better.
Talamantez Therapy helps kids and teens feel empowered to grow and learn. We offer therapy for kids and teens who are navigating grief, ADHD, and anxiety. We also offer educational services supporting students with learning difficulties, including dyslexia.
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