theMagazine - Fairview + Lucas - September/October 2025
There’s no question that this time of year is a favorite for our family and for so many others in our community. As the leaves begin to turn and the temperatures begin to cool, September and October also usher in one of the most beloved traditions of all: the start of football season.
This time of year also marks the beginning of a new school year. New grades, new friends and new experiences. Just as the school year sets the tone for setting new goals and creating new memories, Friday Night Lights sets the stage for shared traditions that bring us together.
For pee wee, middle school, high school, college and the pros, fall belongs to football, because let’s face it, without football there would no Friday Night Lights. But even more than the games themselves, it’s the way this season draws us together. Here in Texas, Friday Night Lights is more than a tradition, it’s a reflection of the pride, energy, and unity that make our community and schools so special.
Regardless of which school you cheer for, the focus is very familiar. Parents juggle carpools and practices, students balance studies and activities, and neighbors carve out time to show up for one another. Friday nights are more than just football – they become a time to celebrate all that we’ve built together.
As you flip through this issue, I hope you’re reminded that these
traditions are about more than wins and losses. They’re about the sense of belonging we cherish, the memories we work hard to create, and the connections that sustain us year after year.
So here’s to fall. To football. To family. And to community.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Municipalities
City of Lucas (972) 727-8999
Town of Fairview (972) 562-0522
Schools
Allen ISD (972) 727-0511
Lovejoy ISD (469) 742-8000
McKinney ISD (469) 302-4000
Plano ISD (469) 752-8100
Princeton ISD (469) 952-5400
Wylie ISD (972) 429-3000
Lucas Christian Academy (972) 429-4362
Hospitals
Medical City McKinney (972) 547-8000
Texas Health Presbyterian Allen (972) 747-1000
Police
Collin County Sheriff’s Office (972) 547-5100
Fairview Police Department (972) 886-4211
Fire & Rescue
Lucas Fire-Rescue (972) 727-1242
Fairview Fire & EMS (972) 886-4233
theMagazine
Publisher/Owner/Neighbor
Jonathan Price jprice@themagazinedfw.com (972) 922-8765
Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
Stephanie Murphy smurphy@themagazinedfw.com
Creative Director
Allison Michele Horwath
Resident Copy Editor
Jessica Deany
Community Writers
Christi Murphy, Farm and Garden
Dorothy Sailor, theComic Strip
Pamela Sailor, Giving
Tanya Donaghey, Education Outlook
Photographers
Aimee Louise
Paul J. Marto Jr.
Stephanie Murphy Photography
Creative Team
PPPublishing
www.theMagazinedfw.com
to
night
When Kim and Brent Oden sit side by side in their Heritage Ranch home, laughter comes easily. Their story like a patch quilt, stitched together by high school football games, baton twirls, longdistance phone calls, the bright lights of Texas Stadium, and most importantly, an enduring commitment to each other and their family.
Kim and Brent Oden grew up in Longview, Texas—neighbors, classmates, and eventually high-school sweethearts. He was the quarterback and she was the drum major. “She hit on me,” Brent laughs. “She was the most beautiful girl in school.”
Kim’s path led her to Kilgore College, where she fulfilled a childhood
dream of becoming a world-famous Kilgore Rangerette. It was no small feat, as Kim had never been on a drill team before. “I figured out what I had to do—and I did it,” she recalls. Her determination took her across the globe, performing in places like Hong Kong, Korea, and Romania. Brent headed to Southern Arkansas University to play football, and the couple spent years navigating a long-distance relationship. All the while, Kim’s mom kept them grounded, insisting they couldn’t marry until both had graduated college. The rule stretched their courtship to eight years, a test of patience that, in hindsight, gave their young love the foundation it needed.
After college, Kim was teaching high school English for Carlisle ISD when her principle handed her a magazine that featured a story on The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Next thing you know, 25
year old Kim decided she was going to audition. Out of 2,000 hopefuls, she made the team in 1982—the very same year she and Brent were married. “When she made it, I thought, ‘Well, I better marry that girl,’” Brent says with a grin.
Life quickly became a whirlwind. Kim performed in USO tours across the world, balancing the demands of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader with the responsibilities of being newly married. Brent was carving his own path in sales, and soon the couple moved from Dallas to New Orleans, where they began raising two daughters. Both daughters would eventually
follow in Kim’s footsteps, becoming Rangerettes themselves, with one even joining the ranks of the Cowboys Cheerleaders, Class of ‘07.
The family grew, and today their story extends into a new generation with three grandchildren— two energetic boys in Virginia and a granddaughter in Allen. “It’s a full circle moment,” Kim says, reflecting on how dance, football, and family traditions continue to ripple through their lives. Their journey, like so many, is not without it’s hardships. In 2020, just as the world was shutting down, Brent was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s
We’ll treat you just like a neighbor. Because that’s exactly who we are.
lymphoma. The timing made treatment especially difficult, but Brent’s resilience and Kim’s unwavering support carried them through. “I survived,” Brent says simply, though the weight behind the words is unmistakable.
When Brent retired in 2021 after more than four decades with Houston Polybag, the couple finally returned to North Texas. Heritage Ranch, with its golf cart community and neighborly spirit, quickly became their perfect fit. “Brent loves to drive the golf cart and talk to everybody,” Kim says with a smile. “He knows everyone now.”
This August, Kim and Brent celebrated 43 years of marriage—a milestone built on shared dreams, resilience through hardship, and an enduring partnership that began with a high school crush.
From Friday night lights to world stages, from young love to golden years, their story is more than a timeline, it’s a testament to faith, family, and finding joy in every season of life.
Aguirre Family
This summer, our family took an unforgettable European adventure from June 2nd to the 11th. We began with a direct flight into Frankfurt, Germany, and from there explored a stunning mix of charming towns and historic sites across
Germany, Austria, and Italy.
After Frankfurt we took the Autobhan to Salzburg, Austria—one of our favorite stops—where we joined the Original Sound of Music Tour. It quickly became Mom’s favorite part of the trip, mainly because we sang along to the
By Wendy Aguirre
soundtrack on the bus the entire way, just like true Von Trapps. While in Salzburg, we also took a hands-on pretzel and apple strudel-making class. It was a delicious and memorable experience, made even more special when one of the instructors began singing operatic arias while we enjoyed
Trip to Europe
our freshly baked treats.
We also visited Rothenburg, Munich, Innsbruck, the BMW museum, and the scenic Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps. In true fairy-tale fashion, we explored several breathtaking castles, including the iconic Neuschwanstein
Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Hohenwerfen Castle, each offering its own slice of history and architectural wonder. We ate our fair share of schnitzel along the way—an unofficial theme of the trip!
Our final destination was the romantic city of Verona, Italy.
There, we visited Juliet’s house and her famous balcony from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet before flying home from nearby Venice.
It was a trip filled with music, food, laughter, and unforgettable moments that we’ll cherish forever.
Most Fairview residents drive past Fairview Town Center, grab a coffee, shop for groceries, or head into their favorite salon without ever stopping to wonder how those businesses fit into the bigger picture of the town’s future. That’s where “Super” Dave Quinn, CEcD, comes in.
Quinn is the Interim Economic Development Manager for the Town of Fairview and a principal at Day One Experts, a consulting firm that provides economic development services. The Fairview Economic Development Corporation (Fairview EDC) is the entity charged with guiding Fairview’s growth, and Quinn’s role is to oversee its operations and ensure local businesses not only survive, but thrive.
“Most people don’t realize that Fairview even has an economic development
arm,”
Quinn says.
“Almost every city does, but most small business owners don’t understand how to use them. Our job is to be that connector¬—to make sure Fairview has the right commercial mix to support the lifestyle our residents value.”
That mix is no accident. Three decades ago, city leaders set aside a commercial corridor along Highway 5 to protect the town’s residential character while
This program reflects our commitment to small businesses and to the people who make Fairview such a special place... Open Rewards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for choosing to spend your dollars here. It supports our local economy in a smart, forwardthinking way—with zero burden on our business owners.
— Sim Israleoff, Chairman of the Fairview EDC Board
preserve the ‘keep it country’ lifestyle people love here.”
Protecting that balance is central to Quinn’s mission. Economic development, he says, isn’t about chasing smokestacks or changing Fairview’s character—it’s about safeguarding the community’s future. “It’s about asking: what businesses do we need here to keep this lifestyle sustainable?”
That philosophy led to Fairview’s newest initiative: a shop-local rewards program designed to put money back in residents’ pockets. Through a national platform called Open Rewards, shoppers simply upload a photo of their receipt from any Fairview business to earn cash-back rewards. “It’s five percent back at locally owned businesses and two percent at larger retailers like Dillard’s or Whole Foods,” Quinn explains. “The beauty is the business owner doesn’t have to do anything. The app tracks it, rewards you, and encourages you to shop Fairview first.”
“This program reflects our commitment to small businesses and to the people who make Fairview such a special place,” said Sim Israleoff, Chairman of the Fairview EDC Board. “Open Rewards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for choosing to spend your dollars here. It supports our local economy in a smart, forward-thinking way—with zero burden on our business owners.”
The program launched quietly this month with $5,000 in seed funding from the Community Development Corporation and will run through January 31st to capture holiday shopping. Every Lovejoy ISD employee is receiving a starter voucher, and city staff are testing it out. By the holidays, Quinn hopes hundreds of residents will be using the app— discovering, in the process, that Fairview has more than 100 participating businesses, far more than most people realize.
“Fairview stands behind its small business
community,” said Carey Lynn, owner of Artistic Endeavors. “As a shop owner, knowing that the town is investing in programs like this –ones that make it easier for people to walk through our doors—is deeply appreciated.”
For Quinn, the rewards program is more than a perk. It’s data. “We can see in real time where people are shopping and how much they’re spending,” he says. “That’s powerful. It allows us to measure the impact of shopping local and prove to our board that investing in these incentives pays off.”
Other communities are already proving the model’s value. Southlake invests $100,000 annually in its program, while Cibolo runs a holiday-only version focused on mom-andpop shops. Fairview’s pilot may be smaller in scale, but the potential is wide open. Special promotions—like “Double Points Tuesdays” or bonus rewards during community events— could be added to boost participation.
As a shop owner, knowing that the town is investing in programs like this – ones that make it easier for people to walk through our doors—is deeply appreciated.
— Carey Lynn, Owner of Artistic Endeavors
In the end, Quinn sees the program as another way to connect residents with the businesses that make Fairview unique.
“Shopping local isn’t just about convenience,” he says. “It’s about protecting the community you chose to live in. Supporting Fairview businesses is really just another way of choosing Fairview.”
friday NIGHT
On fall Fridays in Fairview + Lucas, you can hear the night before you see it – the band brass warming up, the sounds of car doors opening and closing, the squeak of a wagon pulling cases of water across the asphalt. Porch lights flick on along country roads as neighbors head the same direction, not just for a game, but for a gathering with its own rhythm and rules. What we call “Friday Night Lights” is bigger than just football. It’s a weekly standing date with your community – part pep rally, part parade, part family reunion; hosted by two neighboring municipalities lucky enough to hold both public and private traditions on the same map.
At Lovejoy, the walk toward Leopard Stadium feels like joining a current – just keep swimming, as Dory would say – sweeping you along with the crowd. Parents in spirit wear run point on everything from booster tents to card scanners. Elementary kids in oversized jerseys orbit the gates. Inside, the band tunes, color guard checks flags, and the Majestics mark their eight-counts one last time along the sideline.
Just behind the scenes, the Lovejoy Gridiron Club powers much of that rhythm. As mom to three Leopard football players and club member Angele Burton explains, the club is the quiet engine of
Friday nights – organizing concessions that require nearly twenty volunteers across three stands, feeding every player from seventh grade through varsity, and coordinating everything from chains and clocks to the inflatable tunnel and smoke that fire up the pregame run-out.
It’s not just football parents who pitch in; fine arts groups, swim and dive, cheer, and even theater families all rotate through the volunteer schedule, a sign of how the wider Lovejoy community owns the moment together. “Anything we can do to make the experience better for our players, parents, and community – that’s what we’re here for,” Burton says. “It really is about creating that smalltown, family atmosphere before kickoff, where everyone’s in leopard gear, kids are tossing footballs in the lot, and you can feel the pride before you ever see the lights.”
Students funnel into their corner as if pulled by a magnet – The Jungle – where theme nights, face paint, and handmade signs turn a section into a statement. They’ll stand the whole game, sing on third downs, and make first names out of last names. Around them, the rest of the show never really stops: cheerleaders flying, drumline echoing off the press box, a thousand small jobs stitched together by volunteers who know exactly when the
ketchup needs refilling and which spare battery fits a broken headset.
Ten miles south, Wylie runs the same play with a twist – two high schools, two tribes, one town. On one side, the Pirates carry on a tradition most Texans recognize by sound before sight: AHMO. It’s not just a chant; it’s a calling card, a shared story that gets retold to freshmen and transferred to T-shirts, flags, and hashtags. Across town, the Raiders answer with their own volume – Rowdy Raiders filling the student section in coordinated themes and the Pride of the East Band bringing a wall of brass that makes the end zone feel closer than it is. Cheer and drill carry distinct looks at each campus – the Pirate Pacesetters on one sideline, the Sapphires on the other – but the choreography behind the scenes is the same: parents staging props, measuring yards of fringe, and mapping halftime traffic like air-traffic controllers. The district’s game-night machine – ticket lines, bag checks, and parking lots that breathe in and out, makes room for the kind of crowds that prove how deep this runs.
Then there’s Lucas Christian Academy, right in the heart of Lucas, where the lights are just as bright but the scale shifts, both in venue and rules.
For starters, LCA doesn’t have any lights, so their home games are hosted at Allen ISD’s Lowery
Freshman Center. Additionally, because LCA is a small school, with limited enrollment, they play six-man football, which has a different cadence all to its own – faster snaps and a more open field. But the old adage rings true, size really doesn’t matter in this case, because they are still loud and proud. “Our cheerleaders are incredible and the energy and spirit they bring sets the tone every week. And then you add our drum line, which is so loud the officials are constantly warning us to quiet down. We’ve never been penalized but we have been warned, multiple times per game. Together, they create an atmosphere that makes our crowd feel bigger than we are,” says LCA Athletic Director, Trae Regier.
Small but mighty as one booster club often covers both athletics and fine arts, which means a choir parent is selling spirit shirts next to a linebacker’s dad, and everyone is on a first-name basis before the second quarter starts. The intimacy isn’t an absence of tradition; it’s a different version of it – faith-forward, close-knit, and just as proud.
Across all three, the through lines are easy to spot. Bands and color guards are not “halftime” – they are the heartbeat, pouring in hours that most folks never see. Cheer and drill teams aren’t filler; they’re culture carriers, the first faces at community events and the last ones stacking pom boxes after a road game. Booster clubs serve as both bank and backbone, paying for uniforms, tuning forks, and fuel, while giving parents a front-row seat to their kids’ effort. And the student sections – The Jungle, AHMO’s chorus, Rowdy Raiders – turn sound into identity. In a
region where families often move for schools, those sections are a promise: this is what you’re joining.
Fairview and Lucas feel the impact in the ways that make small towns tick. Local businesses jump on sponsorships because Friday nights put a crosssection of the community in one place. Churches and restaurants plan around kickoff, hosting pregame meetups or post-game debriefs. Police and volunteers run traffic and shuttles with the same calm repetition you see in the huddle. Everyone knows their assignment. Teachers, principals, admin, bus drivers, custodians – game night asks a little more of them, too, and they give it, gladly, because they know the value of a place where a secondgrader can high-five a senior captain and decide to start working on their own dream.
The differences are where the story gets texture.
Lovejoy’s sharpened identity – red and black, Jungle loud, everything branded and dialed – feels like a town fair wrapped in a uniform. Wylie splits the weekend spotlight and doubles it, letting two student bodies build separate traditions under one banner without losing the shared pride that shows up in parades and service projects. Lucas Christian Academy reminds everyone that the point isn’t the size of the stadium – access is its own kind of magic, and intimacy creates memories just as sturdy as any trophy photo.
pocket tools, moms swapping volunteer shifts so someone can catch the halftime solo, former players leaning in to teach a little kid how to hold a foam finger. And at some point, third quarter, maybe, you’ll look up and realize the lights aren’t the only thing pulling us in. It’s the work and the laughter, the shared language and the borrowed voices, the choreography of a town that has found a weekly way to gather and say: we’re in this together.
If you stand by the fence line long enough, regardless of venue, you’ll notice how the conversations jump from the scoreboard to scholarship applications, from playoff brackets to college essays, from the brass line’s new closer to a teacher who stayed after class to help a kid through algebra. You’ll notice dads fixing a broken sign with
That’s the truth of Friday Night Lights here in Fairview + Lucas. Football sets the stage, but the bright lights belong to everyone – the students who bring the noise, the athletes who bring the heart, the parents who make the machine run, the staff who open the gates, the neighbors who keep coming back. Public or private, big stage or small, we get to host it all. And on Friday nights, under the lights, it shows.
Howdy,
IIn the Words of Mackenzie Miller
f you’ve lived in Fairview long enough, you’ve probably crossed paths with MacKenzie Miller. Maybe you spotted her handing out Gatorades to first responders on a sweltering afternoon. Or maybe you passed her front yard in the fall—stopping to snap a picture in front of her pumpkin displays that look straight out of a Pinterest board. Either way, it doesn’t take long to figure out that MacKenzie has one mission: to live out what she feels she is called to do. She doesn’t “plan” to spread joy—it’s innate. She doesn’t do it for recognition, but because it’s who she is. For MacKenzie, there isn’t really a why. There is only do. And while she hopes the ripple effect of her actions encourages more good than bad in the world, her heart is simply to show up, act, and quietly brighten the lives of those around her.
MacKenzie is well-known as the “Pumpkin Lady,” a nickname that stuck after her over-the-top autumn displays became neighborhood landmarks. Kids and families stop to snap photos in front of her towering gourds and hay bales, all designed to spread what she calls “pumpkin joy.”
But MacKenzie doesn’t stop at decoration. Once the season wraps up, she makes sure the pumpkins don’t head to the landfill. Instead, she recycles them, feeding the famous Fairview Longhorns and connecting with local farmers and animal rescues. “It’s a full circle,” she explains. “We get joy from them, and then they go right back into the land/earth.”
That full-circle thinking defines her. She’s taken the same energy into community
service, helping with the Friends of Fairview First Responders Association to secure sponsorships and put on their annual awards dinner.
MacKenzie is active in her community and active on the tennis court, which is one place you’re likely to find her. Captain of her ladies’ tennis team, competitive might be one adjective also best used to describe her, but when she’s not swinging a racquet, she is just as likely to be spotted with a book in hand. Reading runs deep in her family (a nod to her father), recently joining the Allen Public Library Endowment Fund board. “I’m a total book nerd,” she admits proudly. “I’m never without one.”
For MacKenzie, joy comes in many forms—on the courts, in the pages of a novel, in the laughter of her kids, or in the smiles of neighbors who pause at her pumpkin patch. None of it is complicated; all of it is intentional. “Joy is contagious,” she says. “And I plan to spread it everywhere I can.”
BY JONATHAN PRICE
BY STEPHANIE MURPHY
When you arrive at Lori Bierman’s home and stable in Lucas, the first to greet you aren’t just Lori, her husband, Chris (ranch hand #1), and Lori’s parents, Larry and Rae (ranch hand #2 and #3), but the horses—the soft nickers of Cookie, Bentley, and Vegas. For Lori, her horses are far more than animals. They’re companions, teachers, and partners in a mission that blends horsemanship with one of the most influential self-development frameworks of our time.
Lori’s path to this point was not a straight one. After spending 25 years in leadership development and personality assessment, she was already well acquainted with Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book that has sold more than 40 million copies and shaped lives around the world. She had taught its principles in coaching sessions and boardrooms, but never imagined she would one day be teaching them in a barn.
That possibility took root when she stepped back from her career to spend more time with her daughter Gianna, a horse lover and accomplished competitive Western Pleasure rider. As her daughter prepared to leave for college, Lori found herself wondering what her next chapter might hold. She loved horses, she loved
teaching, and she loved seeing people grow. “I had actually said to my parents, ‘I would love to find a way to combine leadership development and horses,’” Lori recalls. “But I didn’t know where to start. It couldn’t just be ‘Lori’s Lessons in Leadership.’ I wanted something bigger behind it.”
The answer arrived in the way so many discoveries do these days—through a Facebook scroll. That’s where Lori first saw Bridle Up Hope, a nonprofit founded by Covey’s son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Rebecca Covey, in memory of their daughter, Rachel.. Its mission was simple and powerful: inspire hope, confidence, and resilience in women and girls by pairing horse lessons with the 7 Habits.
“It felt like lightning had struck,” Lori says. “This was exactly what I had been dreaming of, and it carried the Covey legacy. It was perfect.”
Soon after, Lori and her family flew to the Bridle Up Hope Headquarters in Alpine, Utah for certification. They returned with a vision: to launch Bridle Up Hope North Texas from their own barn in Lucas.
Every session begins not with saddles and reins but with conversation. In the upstairs classroom, participants gather around a table to reflect on the
PHOTOS
habit of the week. In the women’s program, which runs seven weeks, each habit is explored once. The girls’ program stretches across 14 weeks, with each habit repeated for reinforcement. “We talk first about life,” Lori explains. “What does Be Proactive mean for you? Where do you feel in control, and where do you struggle? Then we head down to the barn, and I say, ‘Now, let’s learn how to take charge of this thousandpound horse.’ That’s when it becomes real.”
For teens who sometimes roll their eyes through the lesson portion, the message still takes hold. “By the end of the ride, they’ll say something and I think, aha—you were listening. The horse makes the principle tangible.”
The horses themselves are central to the learning. Cookie, the “princess pony,” has been with Lori’s family for 17 years and is beloved for her gentle size and smooth gait, perfect for beginners. Bentley, the sleek show horse, challenges riders to sharpen their skills and “earn it.” Vegas, Lori’s own horse, brings a quiet patience that makes her a steady partner for those just learning. Each plays a role in showing students what it means to balance patience, persistence, and partnership.
But Bridle Up Hope is about more than riding. Lori has built service into the program, encouraging students to help with barn chores in exchange for free lessons. They sweep, groom, and even learn how to care for hooves or treat Cookie’s allergies. Holiday traditions add a sense of belonging, from “Deck the Barn” at Christmas to horse spa days and costume parades. “It’s about family,” Lori says. “Once you’re part of our barn family, you’re always part of the barn family.”
The program has grown steadily since its launch. At first, Lori worked with just one woman and one girl, testing both tracks. Now, through a mix of word-of-mouth and social media, participants come from as far as Denton, Mesquite, and Sherman. Scholarships, funded through
local donations and fundraisers, help ensure that cost is not a barrier. “I can tell a mom, ‘We want your daughter in this program, and here’s scholarship money from our donors to help make it possible,’” Lori explains. “It connects everyone—the student, the donor, the horse— in this bigger circle of hope.”
The principles at the heart of Bridle Up Hope are as practical as they are profound. The first three habits build self-discipline and confidence: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First. The last four strengthen relationships: Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw. Lori has watched the habits transform not only how students ride but how they live. “The horse reflects back exactly what you bring,” she says. “If you’re timid or inconsistent, the horse will see it right away. But when you step forward with confidence, the horse responds. That moment shows people they can do the same in life.”
As Bridle Up Hope North Texas enters its second year, Lori’s dream is to keep growing while preserving the intimacy that makes her Lucas barn special. She envisions one day adding more instructors so more women and girls can experience the program. Yet she treasures the fact that, here, lessons aren’t crowded or intimidating. They happen one at a time, in a quiet barn that feels more like a refuge than a classroom.
“People come out here and say, ‘I can’t believe this place exists, and it’s only minutes from the city,’” Lori says. “It’s my little slice of heaven, and I love sharing it.”
In many ways, Bridle Up Hope is a story of full circles—of
a horse-loving child who grew into a teacher, of a leadership framework that leapt from bookshelves into the barn, and of a family who built a haven where timeless habits and gentle horses combine to change lives. For every girl or woman who takes that first deep breath of barn air, the lesson is clear: hope is learned, one step, one habit, and one ride at a time.
Mark Your Calendar
SEPT
LUCAS FARMERS MARKET
LUCAS COMMUNITY PARK (NEXT TO LUCAS CITY HALL)
SATURDAYS, 8:00AM TO 12:00PM
SEPTEMBER 13, 27
OCTOBER 11, 25
Cost: FREE to attend
ST. JUDE COURTYARD CARNIVAL
ST. JUDE CATHOLIC
CHURCH IN ALLEN
SEPTEMBER 18, 19, 20, 21
Food, fun, rides and games.
Cost: FREE to attend
PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL
2801 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY
SEPTEMBER 18, 19, 20, 21
Hot air balloons, concerts, fireworks, food and so much more.
Cost: Visit planoballoonfest.org
COLLIN COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW
CUTX EVENT CENTER IN ALLEN
SEPTEMBER 19, 20, 21
Kitchen, bath, windows, remodelers, building supplies, and more.
Cost: Visit cutxeventcenter.com
MCKINNEY OCTOBER FEST
DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY
SEPTEMBER 26, 27, 28
Enjoy the tradition of authentic German food, domestic and imported beer, live music, games, and much more.
Cost: FREE to attend
ARMORFEST 2025
ARMOR BREWERY
SATURDAY, OCT 4, 10AM TO 11PM
Join us for a full day of beer, music, food, and family-friendly fun.
Cost: Visit armorbeer.com
ALLEN AMERICANS HOCKEY
CUTX EVENT CENTER IN ALLEN
OCTOBER 24, 25, 29, 31
Cost: For seat/suite pricing contact Randell Holmes, 214.391.6057
OCT
FRIENDS OF FAIRVIEW PANCAKE BREAKFAST
FAIRVIEW FIRE STATION 2, 1200 STACY ROAD
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 8:00AM TO 11:00AM
The event helps fund advanced medical screenings and protective gear for fire and police personnel.
Cost: FREE to attend
7TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE DEHONDT FAMILY LOVEJOY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 @ HERITAGE RANCH GOLF & CC 11:30 CHECK-IN, 1:00PM SHOTGUN START
Cost: Visit lovejoyprofessionalnetworks.com
A Night at
Revolving Kitchen
By Jonathan Price
If you’ve ever wanted to eat your way around town without burning a tank of gas, Revolving Kitchen in Fairview is the place. Think of it as a culinary speed-dating event—32 kitchens under one roof, each trying to win you over.
During our visit, seventy residents got to taste and hear from six of the different restaurant owners and operators, all based in this unique ghost kitchen, virtual food hall concept.
The evening kicked off in proper fashion— with glasses of complimentary, handbatched sangria (red and white) making their rounds. Light, fruity, and just the right kind of festive, it was the perfect drink given it’s many flavors, a complement to the many flavors we were about to enjoy.
Photos by Paul J. Marto
We started with Happy Tomato, where the chips and salsa had us questioning if it was rude to ask for a togo tub. And for the record, no to-go tub even necessary— everyone who wanted one left with their own jar of fresh salsa to stock the fridge. Thank you, Happy Tomato!!
Over at Burger Haven, the kid’s buffet was technically for the younger crowd, but let’s be honest—
nuggets and sliders don’t exactly have an age limit.
Coco Noodle mixed things up with savory curry puffs followed by mango peach bites that had just the right hint of sweet, while Fish Trap’n served up crispy catfish nuggets that disappeared almost as quickly as they landed.
Mr. Panda rolled out fried rice and orange chicken, the kind of comfort food
Jose Segura
you don’t argue with—because why would you? Then Smackin’ Smokehouse brought the heat with rib tips – smoky and tender enough to make you pause mid-conversation.
Finally, Sweet Arts Bakery closed the night on a sweet note with cake balls that were as rich as they were irresistible. I’d love to tell you how good it was, but I can’t…I got carjacked by two girls (possibly in the photos) and ordered to give them my cake balls. However, based on the facial expressions from those in the room, they were delicious.
For a complete menu of kitchens featured, their hours of operation, as well as upcoming events, please visit revolvingkitchen. com/fairview or click the QR code. And, for our less tech savvy readers, not to worry, the friendly staff at Revolving Kitchen are happy to help guide you through the ordering process.
Why Ashton’s Beauty Bar is Your New Obsession
BY STEPHANIE MURPHY
Let’s be real: mascara is a commitment. Clumping, smudging, scrubbing it off at night—who has time for that? Enter Ashton’s Beauty Bar, your new lash haven in Lucas where you can literally nap your way to fabulous. Ashton isn’t just serving up looks—she’s delivering confidence, one perfectly placed lash at a time.
Ashton grew up in the small Texas town of Bells before moving to Rockwall, where she graduated, and finally settling in the community. Now a local business owner and busy mom to her adorable four-year-old daughter, Ashton is as down-toearth as she is passionate about beauty. She lives in Lucas (alongside a small squad of girl-power cats), and her clients aren’t just appointments— they’re neighbors and friends.
From the moment you walk into her calming, cozy studio, you’ll feel like you’re in on a secret only the best-kept beauties know. And it’s not just
about the glam—it’s about the glow-up. Ashton is a licensed esthetician who does it all (waxing, brows, facials), but ask her where her heart is? Lashes, baby.
“I’ve always loved makeup and find the science of skin care so fascinating,” Ashton says. “But when I found lashes, something just clicked. Although I offer a variety of beauty bar services from waxing to facials, lashes are my true love.” It all started with watching beauty YouTubers as a teen, dreaming of becoming a makeup artist. But when she discovered the world of lashes—thanks to a mentor who helped unlock her talent— Ashton knew she had found her true beauty calling.
Whether you’re a lash newbie or a seasoned flutter queen, Ashton customizes every set to your eye shape and vibe. Think of it as your own twohour beauty sleep, complete with relaxing music and quiet self-care time. You close your eyes, and
voila—when you open them, you’ve got a fresh set of lashes ready to bat around town.
She offers it all—from barely-there Classic sets (a single extension per lash) to Hybrid (a blend of natural and glam), and full Volume sets for the bold and beautiful. Want something that mimics the look of mascara without the smudge? Her Wet Set is the go-to for that sultry, freshly-applied look.
And if you’re a blonde or redhead? Ashton’s got you. She’s currently training in color-matching lashes—think softer browns that enhance your natural tones. Because not all lashes need to be bold black.
What Ashton really loves is that moment— when her clients look in the mirror and see themselves, but just a little more fabulous. “I love when people say they feel more confident,” she shares. “They leave glowing, and that’s the best part of my job.”
And the best part for you? Once those lashes are on, you’re set. No more raccoon eyes, no more touchups. They’re waterproof, sweat-proof, and stay fabulous for weeks. Just book your quick fill appointment to keep your look fresh.
Every full set comes with a lash care kit— shampoo, brush, and a mini fan (yes, really!). Ashton makes it effortless to keep your lashes in tip-top shape between visits.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the mascara and wake up feeling flawless, now’s the time. As a little thank-you for reading, mention this article when you book and score 20% off any service. Your lashes—and your mornings—will never be the same. Book now at vagaro.com/ ashtonsbeautybar
972.977.2935, 2720 Country Club Road, #219, Lucas
ASHTON’S BEAUTY BAR
BJ Posey
This October, you’re likely to find Heritage Ranch resident, Billie J. Posey or ‘BJ’ as many know her, sporting pink on the golf course. BJ’s return to the tee serves as a powerful reminder to many affected by breast cancer that there is hope and resilience in the fight against this disease. Her journey exemplifies the courage it takes to face a diagnosis, endure treatment, and embrace each day with renewed hope.
“Breast cancer does not label you. It does not make you a lesser person. It is all about what you do once you are diagnosed that can make all the difference,”
said BJ. Her journey began in 1992 with a series of benign lumpectomies. In 2024, her annual mammogram showed stage-two, hormonereceptive invasive breast cancer.
“I never asked why me…what really scared me was the ‘cancer’ word itself,” said BJ. After discussing treatment options with her oncologist, BJ had a double mastectomy followed by six weeks of physical therapy.
She now volunteers in the Heritage Ranch breast cancer support group open to Ranch residents and nearby survivors. Along with monthly socialinformal oral meetings, the group hosts an annual fashion show and fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going to the
“It is important to avoid misinformation about the disease,” cautions BJ noting every journey is unique, and what treatment entails depends on the specific type of breast cancer you have. “Lead people to the professional sources for information, like Mayo Clinic. Find out the answers to your questions from real sources, not what others have gone through. Your surgeon and oncologist will be the best source through your journey.”
BJ credits her faith, family, friends and support group for getting her through the toughest times.
“The hardest thing was on the day of surgery, before they could begin, walking through doors with the big letters that spelled out ‘Oncology’That’s when reality really set in,” BJ reflects.
“If you have to have cancer, breast cancer is your best bet” – crediting the relative ease of diagnosis by having annual mammograms and everincreasing treatment options. As genetics may be one of the risk factors, both her aunt and sister had breast cancer – though the types they had were different.
BJ encourages women to get annual mammograms and follow up with a breast
specialist physician if the findings are suspicious.
“Walk a lot, get a good hobby, be around people as much as possible and give thanks. Vanity is my last priority, while living life to the fullest is my top priority. I had two handicaps removed and my golf swing has improved!”
If you would like to attend this year’s Breast Cancer Fashion Show and Luncheon October 23rd or 24th, please contact Eric B. Hoyle, Community Events Director at 972-886-4700 x101 for tickets.
When Averi Carlson first picked up a volleyball in first grade, she wasn’t chasing a future title, scholarship, or championship ring. She simply wanted to play alongside her cousins on a recreational team coached by her aunt and mom. Yet that first step sparked a passion that has since carried her from Lovejoy High School championships to collegiate stardom, international medals, and the threshold of a professional career.
Her family moved from McKinney to Lucas when Averi was entering fifth grade, drawn by Lovejoy ISD’s combination of strong academics and a powerhouse volleyball program. That decision proved pivotal. Under the guidance of dedicated teachers and coaches, Averi flourished. She helped lead the Leopards to three consecutive state championships, earned countless All-American honors, and was ultimately named the 2021–22 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Recruited heavily, Averi was long expected to commit to Texas, but a camp visit and the influence
of assistant coach Sam Erger flipped her to Baylor. Though Baylor initially encouraged her to reclassify and graduate early, Averi chose to finish her coursework on her own terms—still graduating a semester early to join the Bears for spring training. Ironically, by the time she arrived, both Erger and Jason Williams (another coach central to her recruitment) had departed for head coaching jobs.
Still, Averi thrived, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2022) and later AVCA All-Southwest Region First Team (2023).
After two seasons in Waco, Averi transferred to Texas for her junior year, stepping directly into the starting setter role on a team fresh off back-to-back national championships. In 2024 she logged 787 assists and four double-doubles before deciding once again to transfer—this time back home to Dallas, to reunite with Coach Erger at SMU. Her impact extends well beyond college courts. Averi has been a fixture with USA Volleyball, first competing with the U20 National Training Team, then representing the U21 National Team across Europe. Most recently, she earned a gold medal
with Team USA at the 2025 Pan American Cup as the squad’s starting setter.
Now a history major balancing studies with high-level athletics, Averi is also looking toward the future. With new U.S. professional leagues like LOVB and MLV emerging— complete with a Dallas-based team—she sees an opportunity to keep pursuing the game she loves without leaving home.
“It’s cool that volleyball is growing so much that we have an opportunity to play in the U.S. now,” Averi said. “You used to have to go outside the country to play pro.”
From the little girl who joined a rec team to a Lovejoy standout, Big 12 star, and Team USA champion, Averi Carlson’s journey reflects persistence, passion, and the power of community. Her advice to the next generation echoes the lessons learned at Lovejoy and beyond: “Enjoy the process because it goes by so fast. Soak it all in, learn as much as you can, and just love the game.”
Report Cards
The Texas Education Agency assigns districts an A-F rating using three weighted domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps.
District ratings are calculated by aggregating campus-level domain scores proportional to each campus’s student enrollment in grades 3–12.
Raw scores in each domain are converted into scaled scores and then averaged to produce a composite score ranging from 0 to 100, which maps to a letter grade.
