allen image january 2013

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contents January 2013 Vol. 23, Issue 1

42

24

cover story42 A dose of reality Allenite and talented singer-songwriter,

Arielle O’Keefe, debuted nationally this summer, opening for rock legend Rod Stewart on television’s Opening Act and also singing “Have I Told You Lately” with him as a duet.by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature24 Sharing the road A group of about 30 cyclists ride together

through Allen and Plano every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The “Rudy Ride” is a 42-mile get together for cyclists of all skill levels.by Simon Valentin

special sections26 kids korner Hands on science

by Deborah Dove

36 business seen Marc Samuels Jewelers

The Law Office of Natalie Gregg Temporaries of McKinneyby Nicole Bywater

50 pet page Ritzy

51 calendar

59 health & fitness 74 Waking up to the American nightmare

by John Truitt

76 Five tips for muddling through by Jennifer Slingerland Ryan

80 Moving forward to reverse aging by Dr. James Ralston

82 people seen

50

8 www.a l l en image . com

Allen Imagepublisher/editor

Barbara Peavy

office administrator

Carrie McCormick

advertising sales

Jill Edelman

Joy Dickschat

contributing writers

Meg Benner

Nicole Bywater

Heather Darrow

Deborah Dove

Tom Keener

Jeff Mues

Heather Newman

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Dr. James Ralston

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Jennifer Slingerland Ryan

John Truitt

cover photo

Larry Fleming

Allen Image © 2012 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area.

Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year.

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage.com.

contents

38

departments civic forum10 Beware spoilers

by Jeff Mues

12 Get fit, get involved in January

by Jeff Mues

14 Allen’s Community Theatre

16 Allen’s New Year starts off in active gear

by Heather Newman

18 Doc Severinsen entertains

20 Saturday Sports Talk

5th Annual Allen Eagle Run

22 Cool like Steve McQueen

Sophomore of the Year

Fill a Squad Food Drive

education28 Dancing with the stars

by Heather Darrow

30 Pop rocks!

by Meg Benner

library32 Salt Creek Bluegrass

by Tom Keener

Benny Binion

by Tom Keener

33 Healthy living and growing

by Tom Keener

beauty/fashion34 Ensemble essentials

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

travel38 Does Fort Worth ever cross your

mind?

by Deborah Dove

30

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1 0 www.a l l en image . com

civic forum

Have you heard about that new eco-thriller? The one with Tom Cruise… Mission Compostable is the name and we hear it’s going to be a blockbuster! In the film, the Compostable Missions Force, Polly, Ethel and Ian (Cruise), come to Allen, where they identify a slew of recycling bins mistakenly earmarked for toboggan use. SPOILER ALERT:

Just when it looks like the mission will go hopelessly wrong, Polly, Ethel and Ian escape a massive landfill slide, narrowly avoiding death as they make their way to safety in their recycling bin toboggans. Planet earth is effectively saved with 84 toboggan recycling receptacles installed at Allen Event Center!

Okay—so we made at least 67

percent of that up. But that’s only because the City of Allen has recently set a goal of diverting 33 percent of the recycling stream from waste generated at Allen Event Center, thereby diverting tons of recyclable materials from the local landfill.

To help achieve this goal, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has stepped up through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, providing the Allen Parks and Recreation Department a $35,685 grant for a recycling program.

The recycling program, which began in late October, includes the purchase and installation of 84 recycling receptacles throughout the arena and construction of the recycling

container enclosure with two commercial-size recycling containers outside. Education and signage for staff, vendors and visitors are also included in the grant award.

The new receptacles will allow arena visitors and staff the opportunity to “do the right thing” by recycling their empty plastic beverage bottles/caps, aluminum cans, paper, paperboard and cardboard. SPOILER ALERT:

If an eco-thriller ever gets made, trust us when we say you don’t want to be cast as the villain. Everyone wins by recycling. Don’t be a spoiler! v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.

Beware spoilers, Allen Event Center recycles!by Jeff Mues

Dr. Rascheda Long realized a life-long dream when she opened her dental practice, Panache Dental, in Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms last October.

“I wanted to be a dentist since I was in third grade,” says Long.

Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Long remembers re-enacting television commercials with her sister.

While her sister was doing hair and makeup commercials, Long was singing the praises of toothpaste. Thinking her parents couldn’t afford dental school, she instead earned her degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern University in 1996, while also serving in the Louisiana National Guard. Long looked into pursuing her master’s degree and decided instead to follow her dream of being a dentist. Despite the added challenge of having her three children during that time (and with lots of help from her close friends Barbara Green, Sonya Turner and Dora Stuart), she graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2010.

After working for several dental practices in the area, she opened her own practice so that she could focus on what her patients really needed without the pressure to do a procedure simply to bring in money.

“The patient experience is more important (to me) than getting the crown done,” says Dr. Long.

In her own practice, Dr. Long personalizes a patient’s treatment for what they need at that time. This integrity, along with her commitment to providing an easy going and relaxed dental experience while making sure her patients understand their treatment, has earned her a loyal following.

Dr. Long provides patients with expertise in all areas of dental

treatment, including preventive care (cleanings and sealants), restorative care (fillings, crowns and bridges), simple extractions, root canals and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and Invisalign. In the future, she hopes to incorporate full orthodontics and CAD/CAM technology that allows for same day crowns into her growing practice. Her staff, which includes office manager Shannon Woods and dental assistant Mattie Paz, bring more than 30 years of combined experience to the practice and share Dr. Long’s desire to take the fear out of dentistry by providing a comfortable and soothing environment.

A resident of Allen since 1997, Dr. Long chose Watters Creek as the location for her dental practice because it fits her own personality. She chose the name Panache—a French word meaning flair and style—for similar reasons.

“I want my patients to feel at home but still have a classy and upscale experience at my office,” she explains.

Dr. Long feels blessed to be able to help people while realizing her dreams. “I hope to be an inspiration to those to pursue their childhood dreams,” she says.

Dr. Rascheda Long

Conveniently located in Watters Creekat Montgomery Farms

977 Garden Park Drive • Allen

214.383.9406

panachedental .com


It’s that time of year when many people look forward to a fresh start in life and resolve to exercise regularly

and make healthier food choices. Others plan to get more involved in the community, to volunteer and to serve

worthy causes. Countless resolutions are made, but how many are actually realized? Unfortunately, many of our best intentions are often derailed and abandoned within a few short weeks. Without anyone to hold us accountable, success can be difficult to find.

If only there were an entity right here in Allen that could serve as your advocate in fulfilling such goals as improving physical fitness and increasing involvement within the community…

If you’re thinking along these lines or if excuses are already starting to rear their ugly heads, stop it right now! Such an entity does exist in Allen. The Allen Parks and Recreation Department can absolutely help you to make 2013 the year you finally make good on all those great intentions!

If getting off the couch and getting into a regular exercise routine is your top aspiration, then you’ll certainly want to take advantage of Member Appreciation Month. In January, Allen Senior Recreation Center (ASRC), Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium (DRN), The Edge Visitor Center (TEVC) and Joe Farmer Recreation Center (JFRC) are

Get fit, get involved in Januaryby Jeff Mues

A l l e n I m A g e x J a n u a r y 2 0 1 3 13

all offering a 15 percent discount on new memberships throughout the month. If you’re keeping score at home and had saving money and exercising both on your resolution checklist, then this offer will make you two for two!

All four recreation facilities mentioned above offer numerous avenues for getting active and healthy in the New Year. The new Watters Creek Golf Course is opening its doors in January for the first time, so it too is a great venue for recreation in 2013. Don’t miss an opportunity to be among the first to play the new course!

Allen Community Ice Rink also has a special, free program set for Saturday, January 26. The It’s Great to Skate clinic allows all ages to experience ice skating and learn the basics from professional instructors in an enjoyable environment. With free skate rental and a free one-hour open skate session following the lesson, you definitely don’t want to miss out.

However, space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information and registration, please call 972.912.1097.

Current members, as well as new members, at ASRC, DRN, TEVC and JFRC can look to a special calendar for Membership Appreciation Month with a suggested activity for each day to get you into the swing of things. Highlights include complimentary sports drinks and juice Monday through Friday and guests will be admitted free with a paid member on January 5, 9, 19, 21 and 30. Additionally, each Friday in January members can win great prizes through a series of chance drawings with a grand prize drawing on Thursday, January 31.

Other highlights include free ID Cards for the first 10 members during Saturday Night Rec N Roll on January 12, Staff Challenge days at The Edge on January 17 and 31, Chair Volleyball at Allen Senior Recreation Center on January 18 and Deep Water

Challenge evenings at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium on January 7 and 28.

Those looking for volunteer opportunities and new ways to get involved in 2013 will want to circle January 31 on their calendars. On that day, Allen Senior Recreation Center kicks off its volunteer recruitment drive. An informative session from 10 a.m. to noon will educate potential volunteers on many of the numerous opportunities for giving back here in Allen.

No matter what your New Year’s aspirations are, chances are Allen Parks and Recreation can help you attain them. A dedicated team of “resolution advocates” at all of Allen’s recreation facilities take great pride in helping you to achieve your goals. Visit AllenParks.org today for more information, and get started on turning those resolutions into reality! v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.


Allen’s Community Theatre (ACT) starts off the new year with the classic tale of an unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider. Charlotte’s Web is the story of Wilbur the pig, portrayed by Allen resident Camryn Smith and the enduring friendship he develops with a poetic spider named Charlotte, played by Nicole Holbert, also an

Allen resident. The show is directed by Robin Coulonge.

Life on a farm can be difficult for a small pig like Wilbur, but Fern Arable (Rebecca Darling) promises her parents, played by Tyler Rogness and Kasey Bush, that she will take care of him. She enlists the help of her Aunt and Uncle (Debbie Patton-DeLeGarza

and Bert DeLeGarza) to make sure Wilbur has a big enough barn to grow up in. Along the way, Wilbur makes friends with lots of the other farm animal residents like Templeton the rat (Brendan Perrotta), a goose and a gander (Jo and Russ Schenck), a sheep (Stephanie Kelly) and a lamb (Savannah Kelly).

Then he meets the most amazing creature—a special spider named Charlotte who plays a very important role in the course of Wilbur’s life.

The show runs Fridays and Saturdays, February 1, 2, 8 and 9, at 8 p.m. There will be a special matinee performance on Saturday, February 9 at 3 p.m. ACT is excited to offer this heart-warming family production at the historic Allen Christian Church located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Drive. Ticket prices are $15 adults/$13 seniors/$10 students. To make a reservation, please contact [email protected] or you may visit www.AllensCommunityTheatre.net.

For a sneak peak at Wilbur and Charlotte’s adventures, as well as a unique opportunity to learn how the actors bring these characters to life, ACT is proud to be working with this year’s ALLen Reads program to present a special, interactive event at the Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium on Monday, January 21. Visit AllenFriends.org for more information. v

Allen’s Community Theatre presents…

“My goal is to keep my patients well.”

While other doctors may focus on treating

the sick, Dr. Rosemary Bates is passionate

about wellness and prevention, primarily

through weight management, hormone

optimization and age management

medicine when appropriate (she does, of

course, see and treat sick patients as

well, usually with same day

appointments).

To that end, Dr. Bates is in the process of

becoming board certified in Age Management

and Regenerative Medicine, as well as

pursuing a fellowship in Age Management. The

UK born doctor, who earned her degree in

chemistry from Lamar University in

Beaumont, Texas, and her medical degree

from UT Southwestern Medical School in

Dallas, is also board certified in Internal

Medicine.

“There is a paradigm shift in medicine

towards wellness,” says Bates. “It’s not just

about the quantity of life, but quality.”

According to Dr. Bates, as we age, thyroid and

hormone levels needed for good health go down

while more harmful levels, such as blood sugar, tend

to increase. Preventive medicine, combined with diet,

exercise, vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D and

Omega 3 and bio-identical hormones (hormones that

act in the body like the hormones the body naturally

produces) can modulate these numbers, resulting in

people not only being disease free, but also looking

and feeling good.

Dr. Bates is committed to personalizing this care for

the individual needs of her patients. She recommends

regular annual physicals with age-appropriate tests.

She is also keen on weight management and has

multiple weight loss programs that can be

customized based on the needs of the individual.

“Everyone’s needs are different,” explains

Bates. “Some people travel, others have

small children, or hate exercise or

vegetables.” This knowledge, along

with gene testing and measuring an

individual’s resting metabolic rate,

allows Dr. Bates to determine

what weight loss plan will work

best for that individual. All weight

loss programs are physician

supervised and clients are seen at least

once every four weeks, depending on

the program, to help ensure their

success.

To further assist her patients in

optimizing their health, Dr. Bates will

open a wellness center with a spa-like

atmosphere near her office in January.

She will also host free seminars to

discuss nutrition, supplements and weight

loss.

In addition to helping her patients

optimize their wellness, Dr. Bates treats

and manages high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid disorders and

other common ailments. Thanks to the

friendly, happy, high-energy atmosphere of

the office, most patients feel right at home

in Dr. Bates’ care. “We are high end on

service and friendliness,” says Bates.

Rosemary Bates, MD

drbateswellness.com

6300 Stonewood Drive, Suite 302Plano

972.943.8597


After launching the new Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) brand marketing campaign last summer, the ACVB has continued its dedication to attracting groups to our city, as well as coordinating efforts with local organizations. Over the last six months, Allen has been host to Miss Texas beauty queens, rough-riding cowboys competing in The Tom Thumb Texas Stampede and even Taekwondo masters.

The New Year promises to be just as action-packed with a few new exciting events coming to Allen, in addition to welcoming all your returning favorites.

It all starts when Allen Eagle Stadium will enter the national spotlight by hosting the Texas vs. The Nation all-star football game on February 2. This all-star game will feature some of the nation’s top college players who will compete in front of NFL and other professional football scouts. The exhibition game, previously held in El Paso and San Antonio, has paved the way for more than 500 college players to sign NFL contracts since its beginning in 2006. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. and will be watched by a nationally televised audience.

During the week leading up to the game, be sure to give the numerous players, coaches and family members who will be in town practicing and participating in the festivities a genuine Allen welcome! Tickets and more information are available at www.TexasVStheNation.com.

March brings back basketball madness when the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference (LSC) Men’s and Women’s Conference Championship Basketball Tournament returns to Allen Event Center. From March 6-9, teams from schools such as Abilene Christian University, Angelo State University, Cameron University, Eastern New Mexico University, University of the Incarnate Word, Midwestern State

Allen’s New Year starts off in active gear!by Heather Newman


University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas Woman’s University and West Texas A&M University will all compete for a chance to play in the NCAA Division II Basketball Championships.

To learn more about the four-day basketball championships including many ways you can volunteer and purchase tickets, please visit www.LSCChampionshipAllen.com.

The sporting excitement marches on with the National Collegiate Wrestling Championship and Convention, coming to Allen Event Center March 14 -16. The championship, organized by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA), attracts close to 600 of the best college men and women athletes from more than 160 major universities across the country. In addition to the competitors, Allen expects close to 3,000 visitors to come to town for the conference and to watch the competition.

More information about the wrestling championship can be found at www.NCWANationals.org.

“These and similar events not only bring excitement and great competition to Allen, they also make a positive impact on our economy,” commented Karen Cromwell, ACVB Tourism Manager. “From hotel rooms and meals to shopping, the athletes and their friends, family and fans spend a great deal of money while they’re here. Each of these events is estimated to generate a positive economic impact of between $800,000 and $2 million.”

The ACVB is actively working to keep the early 2013 momentum going strong throughout the entire year to bring more tournaments, as well as meetings and conventions, to Allen. Make sure you to go to www.VisitAllenTexas.com to stay up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest events headed our way. v

Heather Newman is the CVB Specialist for the

City of Allen.


Legendary trumpet player and entertainer Doc Severinsen is scheduled to perform as a part of the Allen Philharmonic’s 15th Anniversary Gala Concert on Saturday, March 2. Severinsen, for 30 years the sound of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, is loved by audiences world-wide

for his incredible musician ship and repertoire which includes pop, jazz, ballads, big band and more. A Grammy award winner, he has produced more than 30 albums.

When he performs in Allen, he will add the Allen High School band, orchestra and choir and the Allen Philharmonic Symphony to a long list of organizations with which he has collaborated including the Phoenix Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Colorado Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Richard Giangiulio, Conductor and Music Director for the Allen Philharmonic, sees this event as a tremendous event for our community. “We really want to raise awareness of the great arts and education relationship here in Allen. We have wonderful arts programs that deserve our support and encouragement and this will be a great opportunity to showcase an incredible performer with our professional orchestra and our high school students.”

In addition to the performance, which will be followed by a gala reception, Severinsen will conduct master classes with Allen High School fine arts students. Ticket information will be available soon at www.allenphilharmonic.org or by calling 972.359.0656. v

Doc Severinsen entertains at AHS Performing Arts Center!

At Allen Dentistry, Dr. Justin Nylander and his staff pride themselves on creating an atmosphere where patients feel at home. “I’m grateful to have landed at an office with such good people,” says Dr. Nylander, who began leading the practice in July.

Dr. Nylander practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from root canal and dental crowns to porcelain veneers and bridges. He can correct a wide variety of so-called permanent cosmetic dental problems and can redesign a person’s smile. The office treats both adults and children, making it convenient for families. They also offer same-day emergency services, sedation dentistry and Zoom whitening.

“I really do enjoy my job,” Dr. Nylander explains, “getting to interact with and help so many people on a regular basis is a big blessing.”

In addition to providing quality dental services, customer service is a priority at Allen Dentistry. Many patients have been with the office since it opened 10 years ago. Dental hygienist Rima Makki has also been with the practice since it began and says that these patients have now become

more like extended family. Office manager Angela Jackson joined the staff in 2004 and dental assistant Nancy Saucedo joined in 2010.

Having grown up in a military family, Dr. Nylander has had the opportunity to see many parts of the United States and the world. He has lived in various locations outside the U.S. including Panama, Germany and Argentina, as well as many states across the country. Dr. Nylander’s staff shares his multi-cultural background. Rima is originally from Lebanon and speaks three languages. Nancy is from Mexico

and both she and Dr. Nylander speak Spanish.

Of all the places he has lived, Dr. Nylander claims Texas as home because he graduated from high school in San Antonio while living on Fort Sam Houston. He continued his studies and received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University. During this time he received various awards and scholarships and participated in athletic and service activities. Dr Nylander went on to attend dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where he received his DMD degree.

Today, Dr. Nylander is grateful to be setting down roots in Allen with his wife, Megan. “We have been really

well received by our patients and other people here in the community,” says Dr. Nylander, “We really couldn’t have chosen a better place.”

Allen Dentistry551 W. McDermott Drive

972.359.9950


SnippetsSnippetsSaturday Sports Talk

Usually folks don’t link-up libraries and sports at the same event, but the Allen Public Library wants to challenge that misconception.

At 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 12, sports enthusiasts are invited to come to the meeting room for a morning devoted to sports. This is your chance to discuss how an intercepted throw should have been executed or how the referee failed to make a facemask call. Saturday morning quarterbacking is perfectly acceptable! Also, take some time out to view some of the sports books the library has in its collection.

For the first program, former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Tony Hill will be on hand to talk with participants. In 1978, Tony garnered a Super Bowl XII ring when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27-10. Known for his agility and unparalleled acceleration, Tony was described by the late Dallas Cowboy coach Tom Landry as “Our Home Run Hitter.” Sports Talk participants will have a chance to view Tony’s Super Bowl ring.

A bottomless coffee pot will be on hand, along with bagels and doughnuts.

Sponsored by Adult Services, this program is free. For information, call 214.509.4910. No reservations are required. v

5th Annual Allen Eagle Run

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 2, and come run with the Eagles at the Fifth Annual Allen Eagle Run. The Allen Eagle Run is a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run that will take place inside the new Eagle Stadium this year! All registered participants will get to experience what our winning Allen Eagle football players do each week, as they race to the finish line across the football field. Park Place Lexus is the title sponsor for the Allen Eagle Run and will have cars on display along with registration for prizes.

Participants will be able to register early online for $15 until February 8, at midnight; registration increases to $20 during February 9-26. The day of registration cost will be $25.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age category; all children age 11 and younger receive a participation ribbon. The run—benefitting student and teacher scholarships—is sponsored by the Foundation For Allen Schools and the Allen Council of PTAs. To register for the run or for more information on sponsorship opportunities and maps of the course, please visit www.AllenEagleRun.org or call 972.727.0362. Or, you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AISDfoundation. v

Ernie Ianace, executive chef and founder of Savour Tasting Room and Social Club in Watters Creek, enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines from across the globe as a traveling technology executive. At Savour, he brought together his favorite dishes and flavors from that experience.

“All the traveling really culminated in this place,” explains Ernie. “I especially loved the tapas bars in Spain, and I wanted to bring that concept here, but with a broader appeal. So, I took my favorite dishes from around the world and rounded that out with some American classics.” These socials or share plates, include American, Italian, Mediterranean and Latin flavors portioned to share among friends or family. The most popular share options include ahi tuna nachos, duck quesadillas, shrimp and Manchego cheese pizza and Mexican street tacos (available with pork, chicken, steak or fish).

“It’s not your typical style of dining where each person starts with their own appetizer or salad and moves to a main course and dessert,” he says. “The dishes are brought out as they are ready so you can share them with friends and family and have a casual, relaxed meal with a wide variety of flavors.”

Of course, diners seeking a traditional experience will be pleased to know the menu includes a large selection of sliders, salads and sandwiches, as well as delicious specialties and desserts. This high-quality approach can be seen in Savour’s drink selection as well, with about 20 specialty cocktails you might not find anywhere else—all handmade with fresh-squeezed juices and muddled fresh herbs.

Savour is open nightly for dinner, and offers lunch and brunch on weekends. A big hit—their Breakfast Buffet and Fajita Bar is offered Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $10 unlimited mimosas.

“The social club is also a great place to hang out late at night,” Ernie shares. They offer a late night happy hour from 10 p.m. to close at 2 a.m.

“I wanted to bring an upscale but casual place to the Allen area, with a feeling you might expect to only find in downtown Dallas or the Uptown area,” explains Ernie.

Savour takes full advantage of its location overlooking the creek side green at Watters Creek. An indoor/outdoor bar allows guests to enjoy the Saturday night live music hosted by the shopping center. When that entertainment concludes, Savour hosts its own live music.

It’s the type of place that makes it fun and easy for people to get together in groups big or small. Whether people are enjoying a date night out, getting together with friends or simply enjoying happy hour, Savour fits the bill.

“We called it a social club because we wanted people to be here with friends and family, share great food, relax with a drink, enjoy the view and have a good time,” Ernie says.

Savour Tasting Room & Social ClubVillage Green Drive in Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm

214.383.7979 • savourtasting.com

Ernie Ianace, executive chef and founder of Savour Tasting Room and Social Club in Watters Creek, enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines from across the globe as a traveling technology executive. At Savour, he brought together his favorite dishes and flavors from that experience.

“All the traveling really culminated in this place,” explains Ernie. “I especially loved the tapas bars in Spain, and I wanted to bring that concept here, but with a broader appeal. So, I took my favorite dishes from around the world and rounded that out with some American classics.” These socials or share plates, include American, Italian, Mediterranean and Latin flavors portioned to share among friends or family. The most popular share options include ahi tuna nachos, duck quesadillas, shrimp and Manchego cheese pizza and Mexican street tacos (available with pork, chicken, steak or fish).

“It’s not your typical style of dining where each person starts with their own appetizer or salad and moves to a main course and dessert,” he says. “The dishes are brought out as they are ready so you can share them with friends and family and have a casual, relaxed meal with a wide variety of flavors.”

Of course, diners seeking a traditional experience will be pleased to know the menu includes a large selection of sliders, salads and sandwiches, as well as delicious specialties and desserts. This high-quality approach can be seen in Savour’s drink selection as well, with about 20 specialty cocktails you might not find anywhere else—all handmade with fresh-squeezed juices and muddled fresh herbs.

Savour is open nightly for dinner, and offers lunch and brunch on weekends. A big hit—their Breakfast Buffet and Fajita Bar is offered Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $10 unlimited mimosas.

“The social club is also a great place to hang out late at night,” Ernie shares. They offer a late night happy hour from 10 p.m. to close at 2 a.m.

“I wanted to bring an upscale but casual place to the Allen area, with a feeling you might expect to only find in downtown Dallas or the Uptown area,” explains Ernie.

Savour takes full advantage of its location overlooking the creek side green at Watters Creek. An indoor/outdoor bar allows guests to enjoy the Saturday night live music hosted by the shopping center. When that entertainment concludes, Savour hosts its own live music.

It’s the type of place that makes it fun and easy for people to get together in groups big or small. Whether people are enjoying a date night out, getting together with friends or simply enjoying happy hour, Savour fits the bill.

“We called it a social club because we wanted people to be here with friends and family, share great food, relax with a drink, enjoy the view and have a good time,” Ernie says.

Savour Tasting Room & Social ClubVillage Green Drive in Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm

214.383.7979 • savourtasting.com


SnippetsSnippetsCool like Steve McQueen

Free films begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights at the Library.

January 8—The Cincinnati Kid (1965), starring Steve McQueen, Ann Margret, Karl Malden and Edward G. Robinson. An up-and-coming poker player tries to prove himself in a high-stakes match against a long-time master.

January 15—The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Oscar winner for Best Music and Original Song, starring Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway and Paul Burke. A debonair bank executive believes he has pulled off the perfect multi-million dollar heist, only to match wits with a sexy insurance investigator who will do anything to get her man.

January 22—Bullitt (1968), starring Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Vaughn. This Oscar-winning film for Best Film Editing features an all guts, no glory San Francisco cop who becomes determined to find the under-world kingpin that killed the witness in his protection.

January 29—The Getaway (1972), starring Steve McQueen, Sally Struthers, Slim Pickens and Ali MacGraw. A recently released ex-con and his loyal wife go on the run after a heist goes awry.

Sophomore of the Year

The “Walter Hurst Sophomore of the Year Scholarship” award is not based on academics, but on leadership qualities. Our goal is to seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential commencing with high school sophomores and to encourage and prepare the next generation of civic and corporate leadership for America’s future.

This year, after reviewing the top eight applications, the Kiwanis Club of Allen is proud to announce that Kaitlyn Wilson is our 2012-2013 Sophomore of the Year. Kaitlyn has a love for animals and has volunteered at the Wags and Waves event the past few years. As captain of the sophomore cheerleading squad for Allen High School, she is passionate about taking care of each team member and has earned the nickname “Mom”. Congratulations, Kaitlyn.

For information, or volunteering opportunities with the Kiwanis Club of Allen, contact Becky Brown 469.342.3944, or visit the Kiwanis website, www.allenkiwanis.org.

Fill a Squad Food DriveOn November 3 and 4, the Allen Police Association (APA) hosted the first annual “Fill-A-Squad Food Drive” at Market Street in Allen. This effort benefitted the Allen Community Outreach Food Pantry in its drive to provide food to many local families in our community for the holidays. With the generosity of the citizens of Allen, APA was able to donate over 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food items, as well as $500 cash to the ACO Food Pantry.

The Allen Police Association is a voluntary organization made up of members of the City of Allen Police Department, whose goal is to provide community service and promote brotherhood within our department and a positive image of the police profession.

Colleen Biggerstaff and Kaitlyn Wilson

Paul Holland, APA, Melissa Everett, APA and Harry Manning, ACO Food Pantry


feature

Sharing the roadby Simon Valentin

he pack of thirty cyclists pumped along in the right hand lane at twenty-five-miles-an-hour. The lead rider gave a quick glance over his shoulder, saw it was clear, snapped his left arm up and motioned to the empty lane next to him.

Without a word, all riders slid seamlessly into the left lane and rolled to a stop at a red light.

As traffic stacked up behind and beside them, they became more attentive, trying to read what motorists would do when the light changed.

When it turned green, a flurry of hand signals guided everyone safely through a left turn and into the right lane again where the pack kept a tight formation rolling at a brisk thirty-miles-an-hour.

“Hand signals are extremely important, you rely on them. Riding this fast you get a lot of wind and traffic noise. Voice commands can get lost in all that, someone might not hear you,” says the ride’s organizer, Rudy Andrea.

He and dozens of other cyclists take part in the Rudy Ride on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, described by some participants as a forty-two mile social ride through Plano and Allen. The riders vary in age from seventeen to seventy-five and in skill levels from newbies to professional cyclists.

“Your pro-riders will help the less experienced riders improve, they mentor them and help them get better,” emphasizes Rudy.

Get better at what? Pedaling? Ringing the bell on the handlebars? How hard can it be?

“This isn’t like when we were kids and you just jumped on the bike and took off,” says Rick Gurney of Plano Cycling and Fitness. “These rides can be much more complicated.”

“It’s a real challenge, scary sometimes, you always need to keep your mind focused on what you’re doing,” says cyclist Camille Hughes. “You have to watch the cyclist in front of you. You’re inches from their wheel, one wrong move and you hit someone else then everyone goes down.”

And there’s always traffic to deal with, everything from pick up trucks to little pocket cars shooting past. Some drivers give enough room to the riders. Others, with agitated people at the wheel, get close enough to make hearts beat a bit faster.

And it doesn’t have to be full-blown car versus cyclist battle to be dangerous. “Something as simple as the side view mirror hitting us, we’d go down and be badly hurt,” says Camille.

To help prevent that, the City of Allen is participating in the Share the Road program. By spring 2013, twenty-

T


eight lane miles of road will be marked as “sharrows”. A reflective graphic of a bicycle placed on the roadway will remind motorists to give cyclists space.

Matt McComb, Division Manager of Planning and Development, Allen Parks and Recreation, says the program benefits everyone. “This shows Allen is progressive, whether it’s with Share the Road or the arts programs, we provide quality, unique infrastructure that helps the community flourish. It helps draw new residents and big businesses which add to the tax base.”

While the City of Allen works to remind vehicles to share the road, cyclists are also reminded of their responsibilities.

“They have the same rights to be on the road as a vehicle, but they’re also obligated to obey all traffic laws,” says Lt. Johnny Thomason of the Allen Police Department. “That includes stopping for red lights and stop signs. If they don’t, they can be ticketed for a violation of the bicycle laws.” (The citation would not go on their driving record.)

Besides working to be law abiding and watching out for the occasional fear-inducing motorist, riders also search out road hazards. “On our last ride we dodged blocks of wood in the right lane,” says Louise Bourassa. “We kept an eye out for potholes, cracks in the road. I’ve seen riders catch their wheel in a crack and just go flying.”

Despite destructive debris and wheel munching road defects, Rudy’s Riders can’t get enough. “You get a huge physical rush, you’re outdoors and the scenery is always changing,” says Rick. “Cycling takes you places you’ve never been. You’re breathing fresh air; out of the house; out of the workplace. There’s a sense of adventure.”

The adventure has a price tag. You’ll need a helmet,

glasses, cycling clothes, shoes, a water bottle and wheels. Serious riders say buying a bike at the local big box store isn’t wise.

“We know that fitting yourself correctly on the correct bike makes riding easier.” says Rudy. “Only a qualified bike store can help you find the right seat position, the best handlebar position. They will fit you for a bike.”

Once you’ve invested about five-hundred-dollars and look like you’re ready for the Tour de France, you’ll need lessons. Remember, this isn’t just pedaling around, popping a wheelie or riding with your hands off the handlebars.

You have to learn hand signals, energy effective riding techniques, how to ride in a pack of cyclists, how to handle road rage—even things that seem beyond simple—like how to use your water bottle as you ride.

All this may sound like a lot of work but cyclists on the Rudy Ride say it’s worth it and they admit part of the draw to their group is Rudy.

“One thing I like about Rudy and others in that ride, they’re community minded,” says Rick Gurney. “That separates one group from another. Rudy gives a lot to the community —time, money, efforts.”

“‘The Ride’ is our passion,” says long time cycler Chris Rossow. “When you ride, there’s no troubles, no worries, you’re doing what you love. Physically you get that rush, you get the endorphins flowing. And best of all, you can drink beer and not get fat!”

Now there’s a reason a lot of us can embrace. If you’re interested in the Rudy Ride, contact Rudy

Andrea at [email protected]. For information on safety classes visit the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org. v

Simon Valentin is a freelance writer from Allen.


kids korner

Perot Museum of Nature and Science2201 N. Field Street, Dallas (www.perotmuseum.org)The outdoor plaza, park, lobby, café and gift shop are open to the public at no charge. There is a ticket price for the exhibits and theater—exhibit hall: $15/adults, $12/students 12-17, $10/children 2-11; Film Theater: $8/person; Combo admission to exhibits and theater: $20 for adults, $17 for students and $15 for children. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sundays noon-5 pm.The building itself is phenomenal, with an exterior that mimics geological layers, a sky-lit atrium, see through floors and a unique glass enclosed escalator that extends outside the building and is sure to be many children’s favorite aspect of the museum. It was designed to minimize its impact on the environment, so rainwater tubes near the entrance transport rainwater to storage tanks and heavy rain creates a 10-foot waterfall that siphons the rain runoff to cisterns for storage. The grounds surrounding the museum provide delightful fun for kids with a petrified tree log from an Indonesian forest, a musical forest consisting of metal poles that produce harmonious notes with a touch, a 90-foot-long stream that ends in a pond and 13 frog sculptures nestled in a cluster of trees that glow after sunset. Inside, six levels offer a plethora of interactive science exhibits and nature displays. The lower level houses the Moody Family Children’s Museum—with a climbable Dallas skyline, musical stairs and miniature farmer’s market—and the Sports Hall, which is designed to demonstrate how physics, physiology and health relate to sports. The Museum Café, Shop and Hoglund Foundation Theater reside on Level 1, along with the lobby with its rooftop deck, Malawisarus fossil skeleton and dancing water molecules. Level 2 is devoted to exhibits on Being Human, the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall demonstrating the science behind everything from bridges to musical instruments and Discovering Life Hall with biodiversity displays and Texas habitats. Visitors can touch a tornado or feel an earthquake in the Dynamic Earth Hall on the third level, as well as learn how electricity works in the Energy Hall and how rocks are made in the Gems and Minerals Hall. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love Level 4, with its giant reptile displays, as well as the journey through the solar system in the Expanding Universe Hall. Stairs take visitors to the mezzanine, which is devoted to birds and their evolution from dinosaurs.

Science Experiments to Try At HomeInvisible InkSqueeze a lemon (or use lemon juice concentrate) and write a message with a cotton swab dipped in the lemon juice on a white piece of paper. Once it’s dry, hold it up to a heat source such as a candle, iron or light bulb to reveal the secret message (have an adult do this or supervise closely so that children do not get burned).How it works: Lemon juice is acidic and acid weakens paper. The acid

remains in the paper after the juice has dried. When the paper is held near heat, the acidic parts of the paper turn brown before the rest of the paper does.Lava Lamps Clear jar with lid Water Food coloring Glitter Vegetable oil Salt FlashlightFill the jar 3/4 full with water. Add drops of food coloring until you get the desired color. Sprinkle in glitter. Fill the jar almost to the top with vegetable oil and let the mixture separate. Pour salt into the jar until you see the lava lamp effect. When the bubbles stop, add more salt to see it again. Shine a flashlight behind the jar to make it glow.How it works: Oil is lighter (less dense) than water, so it rises to the surface. Salt is heavier (more dense), so it sinks to the bottom. When you add the salt, blobs of oil attach to the grains and sink. When the salt dissolves, the oil returns to the top. Elephant Toothpaste (like baking soda/vinegar reaction, but cooler) Clean, empty plastic soda or water bottle 2 Tbs. of warm water 4-5 drops of food coloring 1 Tbs. of yeast Squirt of liquid dish soap 1/2 c. 6% Hydrogen Peroxide (on Amazon or at beauty supply stores; 3% kind sold at grocery stores does not work as well)Place plastic bottle on a tray for easy clean up. Mix water and yeast in a separate container and swirl together for a few minutes. Set aside. Mix hydrogen peroxide, food coloring and dish soap in the plastic bottle. Pour the yeast mixture into the plastic bottle and be amazed!How it works: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) naturally breaks down into water and oxygen. Catalase (an enzyme in all living things, including yeast) speeds up the reaction. Dish soap catches the oxygen and makes bigger bubbles and the food coloring makes it look cool.Magic Slushees (no TV gimmick needed) Kool-Aid, juice, or soda Quart size zip lock bag Gallon size zip lock bag 2 cups of ice 1/4 cup of saltFill quart size bag with your favorite drink and zip it closed (make sure the bag is zipped well). Put the quart size bag inside the gallon bag. Add the ice and salt to the gallon bag. Zip the gallon size bag closed. Shake well. In about 15 minutes you will feel the ingredients in the quart size bag starting to firm up. When it feels done, take the quart size bag out of the gallon size bag. Rinse it off in clean water. Open the bag, squeeze the slushee into a glass and enjoy!How it works: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, which causes the ice to melt at a lower temperature. The lower freezing point provides the temperature difference needed to transfer heat between the freezing slushee liquid and the melting ice.

Hands on scienceby Deborah Dove

Kids and science go together like peanut butter and jelly, especially when the science is interactive and hands on. The grand opening of Dallas’ new signature Perot Museum of Nature and Science is sure to delight kids and adults alike, and will undoubtedly inspire many a young scientist. Here’s the low down on this amazing new museum, plus some experiments for kids to try themselves at home.


education

Life is a series of unexpected, wonderful surprises for Diane Perrotta. One minute she is waiting tables in bustling Los Angeles and the next she is stepping onto her hotel balcony to view the pristine, Alaskan mountains. A third minute brings a moose and her two babies into view. The juxtaposition of the wild and the civilized worlds merge into one exhilarating memory. But it is all just a day in the life for Perrotta who finished one job in Alaska and started a new job with Olympians and movie stars.

Perrotta’s first job in Los Angeles was as an executive assistant for Sarah Palin’s Alaska, and today she swaps between working as a story assistant for Dancing with the Stars and a story associate producer for Big Rich Texas. She spends her days in rehearsal studios with celebrities like Pamela Anderson (model and actress), Joey Fatone (NSYNC), Drew Lachey (98 Degrees), Helio Castroneves (Indy 500 driver), Bristol Palin (activist and reality TV star), Sabrina Bryan (The Cheetah Girls), Kirstie Alley (Cheers), Gilles Marini (Sex and the City), Shawn Johnson (Olympic gold medalist, gymnastics), Kelly Monaco (General Hospital), Apolo Anton Ohno (Olympic gold medalist, speed skating), Melissa Rycroft (Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight correspondent) and Emmitt Smith (NFL running back and MVP).

Perrotta is one of only four people in the rehearsals, including the star, the professional dancing partner and the field producer.

“It becomes like a dormitory. You spend so much time with the same people in the same space that you get

to know them really well, really fast. I’m grateful for Dancing with the Stars because being part of that crew is just so much fun. Everybody is very supportive of each other. It’s a dream,” Perrotta said.

Live Log Every week, Perrotta spends time

with a different couple. She has to be constantly aware of potential story ideas to highlight prior to the live performance. She “live logs,” which

means she documents everything, including dance moves, technique and positions as well as the times things occur. The notes are sent to the editors, and the detailed description provides an agenda for each tape. She also writes and submits interview questions for the celebrity and pro dancer master interviews each week. On Mondays, the stars perform and voting occurs. On Tuesdays, stars are eliminated. It is Perrotta’s job to document live

Dancing with the starsFormer Collin student spends her work days with celebrities

by Heather Darrow


moments from Monday nights, such as backstage golden moments between celebrities or impromptu hallway rehearsing, for video packages that will be shown on Tuesday’s results show.

“It’s very much a family environ-ment and second home at the studio. One of our pro dancers was generous and arranged for a food truck to come by the rehearsal hall for lunch one day. The cast and crew got to have as much as we wanted, and we all took a break from rehearsing and ate together outside. Another time, a celebrity from season 13 surprised everyone with an enormous ice cream sundae station, complete with all the fixin’s. One celebrity from season 14 would pop in to various couple’s studios and greet them with a, ‘Hi family.’ It’s so nice to see strangers become close on this show,” Perrotta said.

A Theatrical BeginningSurprisingly, everything this Allen

High School graduate learned in television she says stems from working in her high school news station KGLE 3 and also her live theater experience.

“I got my start here at Collin College. I chose Collin because the theater department has a very good reputation and great professors. Like any play or musical, you have rehearsals every day and then the live performance. Dancing with the Stars is very similar: we have rehearsals, and then the live show.”

At Collin College, Perrotta was the costume builder for “How I Learned to Drive” and the dresser and costume builder for “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” She took radio and TV, film, theatrical makeup and worked in the college’s costume shop after school hours.

“At Collin, I learned how a show goes from a table read to closing night and everything in between. Learning that process was very educational and useful.”

After Collin, Perrotta worked at many Dallas area professional theaters, transitioning from costumer, assistant stage manager and stage manager. She moved to California because L.A. is

known as the entertainment capital of the world, so it just “made sense” to jump in the middle of it.

Though her life has been a whirlwind of marvelous surprises, behind the scenes she has worked very hard every step of the way.

“When I work long, late hours that seem endless, sometimes I think, ‘This feels so overwhelming. I never sleep or see my family or friends.’ But, you have to remember that it’s only for a moment in time. When the dust settles and you’ve completed some-thing, you think of why you do this in the first place. I love showbiz, so I keep going back to it.”

Perrotta’s heart has always been behind the scenes with production. She says she has a profound appreci-ation and respect for actors and dancers from watching how hard they work, working along with them and seeing the things that can go unnoticed. While her coworker celebrities become increasingly more famous as time goes by, Perrotta cheers them on from behind the camera and silently cherishes personal achievements of her own, like the fact that she was

recently accepted into the Producers Guild of America.

“I owe a lot to what I was taught at Collin College because I used those skills to help me break in to the Dallas professional theatre world. The work experience in Dallas theatre con-tributed to the skills I needed to get my start in TV production. Having a producer title is one of my greatest achievements because that’s what I set out to do. Now, I have the opportunity to work with other producers from different realms of entertainment who mentor me along the way. ”

The amazing job experiences are still a bit surreal for Perrotta who reflects back on the last few years of her life with a big sense of gratitude.

“It’s one thing to see something you worked on come to life on the stage or on screen, but it’s a big feeling of accomplishment when you’re the one helping all the pieces come together.”

You may visit Collin.edu for more information about classes at Collin College. v

Heather Darrow is a public information writer

for Collin College.


In 1968, pop artist Andy Warhol declared, “everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Allen ISD elementary students had a full evening as celebrated artists with the opening of the Pop Rock art exhibit in the gallery at Allen High School’s Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 13.

The art exhibit, organized by local elementary school art teachers and Allen Art to Go, featured artwork from over 150 elementary students from all 16 area elementary schools. About 250 family members, teachers, and adminis trators mingled in the gallery with the young artists who smiled proudly as they showed off their creations. With Allen High School orchestral students providing music for the evening and refreshments served to the exhibit visitors, the Performing Arts Center gallery took on the feel of an art world opening night gala, to the delight of all.

Art teacher Emily Brown calls pop art “bold, up-front artwork. Eye-popping art!” With the art movement that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney and Claes Oldenberg became famous for their depictions of everyday subjects from the world of commerce and entertain-ment. Warhol’s celebrity portraits and paintings of Campbell’s Soup cans are now some of the most recognizable images of 20th century American art.

Students learned about the pop art movement in art classes and with the encouragement of teachers, created their own pop art-inspired works—this time with a 21st century influence. The young artists looked to the world of technology, Manga comics, popular video games and high-visibility com-mercial brands as they embraced iconic pop art styles.

Emily Brown said her students

loved creating visual “explosions” influenced by the comic-book style of Roy Lichtenstein. Brown’s students crafted brilliantly colorful three-dimensional paper sculptures that popped into the viewer’s space, many with an emphatic “Pow! or “Zing!” Melissa Haynes’ Story Elementary art classes created Warhol-inspired self-portraits in vivid colors.

“The kids had a blast creating the artwork,“ art teacher Justin Preston raved. “And they were even more driven when they found out their art would be featured in a show.”

Teacher Tracy Henderson com-mented that she could see her students’ personalities shine as they discovered “the inspiration for art is truly everywhere.” v

Meg Benner is the program coordinator for

Allen Art To Go.

Photos: Tim Carroll.

Pop rocks!AISD Elementary Art Show features pop art-influenced creations

by Meg Benner

If you’ve made the same resolution every year to get in better shape, but never had success, then maybe it’s time to try something different—TITLE Boxing Club. The club’s total body boxing and kickboxing group classes offer a cardio workout that burns up to 1,000 calories an hour.

“TITLE Boxing is not about fighting—it’s about fitness,”

said Michelle Currier, who co-owns the Allen and McKinney franchises, along with husband Tom. “People come here, have fun and get results.”

In addition to losing weight and getting healthier, people

often find confidence through the workouts. “This is such an empowering thing to do,” Michelle says. “Once you make it through one of these workouts, you really feel like you can accomplish anything. Plus, there’s not many places that you

can go and take out all of your stress and aggression on a 120-pound heavy bag.”

Each class is led by a professional boxer or kick boxer and can be adapted to fit any fitness level or ability. The ‘Power Hour’ starts with a 15-minute warm-up, followed by 30 minutes of fundamental boxing and kickboxing strikes and combinations. The final 15 minutes are spent doing a variety of core exercises such as jumping rope or working with a medicine ball.

“This is a true boxer’s total body workout,” Michelle explains. “The music is loud and there’s a high energy vibe. From the very first time I did this workout, I just fell in love with it.”

With its 64 heavy bags, the Allen location is one of the largest in the country. In addition to the boxing equipment and a 16x16’ ring, the gym includes treadmills, elliptical machines and a full set of weights and power rack.

Children as young as seven can work out alongside a parent, making TITLE Boxing Club a family activity.

To try your first class free or for more information, call, visit our website or facebook/titleboxingcluballen.

w w w. t i t l e b o x i n g c l u b . c o m

TITLE Boxing Club Allen300 N. Greenville Avenue • Allen

214.644.2640

TITLE Boxing Club McKinney5080 Virginia Parkway

214.856.7007

Enrollment specials, food and fun to kick off your New Year and the New You! Join us at the Allen location on January 5 for our Open House Celebration from 10am to 1pm.

FIRST SHOT FREE trial classes at 7am, 9am and noon!


library

Many consider Benny Binion the general of Collin County’s most noted soldiers of fortune. You can learn more about his colorful life from Jim Gatewood, author of Benny Binion: The Legend of Benny Binion, Dallas Gambler and Mob Boss, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 24, at the Allen Public Library.

Born in the “four corners” region of Collin County, an area where Collin, Fannin, Grayson and Hunt Counties converge, he accompanied his father, a

January usually brings cold fronts but the heat is on when Salt Creek Bluegrass Band performs its foot stompin’ music at 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 18, at the Allen Public Library.

Although the roots of Bluegrass music are truly American, no two bluegrass bands offer exactly the same style. Like different amounts of cayenne will sure change your chili, the high-energy Salt Creek Bluegrass adds subtle twists to their standard bluegrass and contemporary tunes that will whet your appetite for more.

On mandolin, Al Stenzel began his career as a classical musician, and as early as high school, he became enthralled with the sounds of bluegrass.

A fiddle is a must in Texas music and Tommy Swan will not disappoint you with his exciting solos and back-up licks.

Inspired by country and Texas swing, lead and harmony vocalist

Terry Solomon also provides the lead with his bass. His creative vocal arrange ments give Salt Creek Bluegrass its impressive sounds.

The lively rolls and soft melodies from Don Patrick’s banjo add that soupcon of special effect to this gifted band. And, Mike Carpenter adds smooth vocals along with a dynamic guitar with a Texas slant. His arrangements keep the Salt Creek repertoire fresh and progressive.

“I like the emotion behind bluegrass music, and our approach to interpreting tunes helps create an exciting program,” Al Stenzel notes. “Due to the acoustic nature of the instruments, few chances exist to cover up mistakes but an extempo-raneous jamming session can be achieved fairly quickly, which is the soul of bluegrass.”

Sponsored by Allen Public Library, this program is free. Tickets are issued at 7 p.m. v

Benny Binion

The Allen Public Library presents…by Tom Keener

Salt Creek Bluegrass


Howard Garret, “The Dirt Doctor,” is teaming up with top experts to present useful information on many aspects of natural living and health, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 19, at the Allen Public Library.

Author, talk show host, landscape architect and arborist, Garret is known for his expert advice and knowledge on natural organic gardening, landscaping, pet health, pest control and natural living.

Other topics include:• Anupdateonhowthe

City of Allen and the Parks and Recreation Department integrate natural living and a look to the future, presented by Brian Bristow, assistant director of Parks and Recreation.

• GeneHelmick-Richardson,Ph.D.,discusses new developments in, and a historical perspective of, pesticides. With 20 years of experience in least toxic method pest control, Gene brings a wide range of experience to the discussion.

• EvenathletesarecrazyaboutCarolElder’s world famous Crazy Water. She will discuss her natural mineral water bottled in Mineral Wells by Famous Mineral Water Co.

• AnISACertifiedArborist,TysonWoods discusses how to make trees the most valuable aspect of our gardens and have the greatest long-term impact to a garden’s development.

• AmandaLoveteachesfamilieshowto master the power of simple, nourishing cooking and lead happier, healthier lives.

• DarylSproutuseshumortobreakdown barriers and enables audience members to conquer learned and unnecessary fears of snakes.

• FrankShultzwilldiscuss“SoilFertility and Plant Nutrition: What to Know Before You Plant.”

• MartieWhittekinhighlightsdietarysupplements; toxins; medical practices and Dr. Ohhira Probiotics.

• TonyManasseripresentsOrganicVegetables All Winter.

This free program is sponsored by the Allen Public Library, Organic Club of America and the Parks and Recreation Department. v

Healthy living and growing horse trader, on trips to county fairs across the countryside to swap horses.

At 17, Binion left Collin County and moved to El Paso where he undertook risky moonshining and rum running across the border. There, he learned to gamble and how to manage the numbers racket. He ran illegal craps games in hotel rooms and served in prison for selling liquor during Prohibition.

In 1931, he moved to Dallas where he soon became a formidable force. Acquiring dominance in this underworld meant numerous bloody turf wars took place.

In 1946, Binion moved to Nevada to take advantage of legal gambling and five years later bought a casino on Fremont Street. Renamed the Horseshoe Casino, it immediately became popular because of the high limits on bets.

Benny Binion’s flamboyant pro-motional efforts also included an annual month-long “World Series of Poker” for high-stakes players.

In the vanguard of Las Vegas casino innovation, Binion was the first in the downtown casinos to replace sawdust-covered floors with carpeting, dispatch limousines to transport customers to and from the casino and offer free drinks to players.

An insurance executive, Jim Gatewood became interested in the Dallas gambling, drug and liquor wars because of a childhood experience. A well-dressed corpse had been found in the cotton rows of his family’s farm on Duck Creek in Garland. At that time, Dallas County Sheriff Smoot Schmid’s chief investigator Bill Decker, who later became Dallas County Sheriff, told Gatewood’s father that the victim was just one more casualty of the underworld war for control of Dallas gambling. v

The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. For more information on these programs, call 214.509.4911.

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with the Allen Public Library.


beauty/fashion

anuary ushers in a New Year and people resolve to be more in-tune with their bodies, seeking personal growth or change; vowing to eat healthier, exercise, reduce

stress and get more sleep. While inward reflection is great, what about what you put on your body?

Clothing that is outdated or doesn’t fit is hanging out in your closet like a bad habit. We are our best selves in clothing that not only looks good, but feels good, too. This year, add wardrobe changes to your resolution list, pledging to wear clothes that are as comfortable as they are chic.

You won’t need to travel far to make good on that ‘fashion forward’ resolution. Located in The Village at Fairview, Sand Dollar Lifestyles is a store that offers its customers a unique shopping experience. According to store manager Sammy Bock, they have over 200 different brands of jackets, boots, shoes, active wear, watches, purses, wallets and sunglasses; with brands like North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Costa, Sperry, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Kavu and more.

Every day you decide how you are going to represent yourself to the

world by the clothing you wear. That includes what you wear to protect yourself from the elements. Save the baggy, elbow-worn hoodie for yard work and the plastic poncho for the log ride at theme parks. Be kind to your tootsies and put your best foot forward with shoes and boots that embrace fashion as much as they do healthy feet. Function comes first, but outerwear can be beautiful, too.

“People should look great and feel good in what they wear, no matter what they are doing. Traditional black and white and pretty pastels are still en-vogue, but outer wear styles in earthy and natural, or vibrant and bold colors,

offer optimistic and fresh options for 2013,” Sammy says.

“There are many trends from 2012 that will continue in the New Year. Brands like Birkenstock, Chaco, Merrell, Toms and Sperry will continue to be a force in the fashion industry. Comfort plus style

is a trend we’ll continue to see grow. The youth are really

embracing and pushing environmentally-friendly

products because they understand their purpose

and the need of giving back. They embrace

it!” Sammy enthuses. “Boots will

continue to be a major fashion trend in 2013—from ankle, to knee high, to cowboy boots with a modern twist.We’ve seen an up-trend in classic riding boots for women. And, for men, the ‘driving mock’ is a comfortable,

“Create your own style…let it be unique for yourself and yet

identifiable for others.”

–Anna Wintour

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield essentials

J


popular trend. The stylish, European leather shoe has a ‘pad’ on the heel that makes contact with the automobile floor mats and offers traction while cushioning the heel,” Sammy says.

“Sandals are seeing a new trend—the old flat sandals are going away and women who love flashy heels won’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. They can have both! Designers are integrating and implementing comfort in their designs,” he continues.

This time of year North Texas weather can be very fickle. Warm one day, cold and snowy the next, so we need a variety of coats in our closet to adapt to our ever-changing climate. Sammy shares, “I’ve seen variations on the classics, but trench coats and pea coats have never gone out of style. North Face jackets will be one of the must-have items in 2013. This stylish brand is very popular and meets the

needs of today’s active adults—whether they’re hitting the ski slopes or running daily errands. And, scarves will continue to be a trend for both women and men as well.”

Sammy says, “There will be a resurgence of the 1980’s style in 2013. Bright colors and more patterns are going to be big in women’s fashions this year. While men have a tendency to prefer the neutral and plain, they’ll need to think outside the box and start experimenting with the bolder colors and patterns that are there.

Don’t forget, accessories complete the outfit! Sunglasses are an essential accessory any time of year because we need to take care of our eyes. Scarves, hats, or something as simple as a watch or bracelet, can make or break how we look each day.

Let us embrace our new year, our new selves, and our new wardrobe in a new mantra. Quality versus quantity plus luxury equals comfortable. v

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

Photos: Larry Fleming Photography.


by Nicole Bywater

business seen

Marc Samuels Jewelers carries some of the finest jewelry, timepieces and loose diamonds at wholesale prices, in a high-end retail environment. Even after the sale, the staff is committed to helping customers maintain their jewelry with their experienced and professional in-house jeweler.

“Marc Samuels Jewelers takes pride in expressing gratitude to its very valued customers,” says owner Murad Ajani. “We focus on meeting our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations. The smile on a bride-to-be’s face when her fiancé buys her an engagement ring motivates us each day to serve our customers better through exceptional customer service, exquisite jewelry and prices that are about 48 percent less than comparable retail stores.”

The store specializes in custom orders and can turn imagination into reality through their interactive custom designing process. They offer both new and pre-loved timepieces at extraordinary deals. Murad has been in the wholesale diamond business for about 15 years and his experience and contacts serve in getting attractive deals on merchandise, which he passes on to his customers, resulting in low prices on loose diamonds.

“We look forward to becoming a part of the most cherished memories of our customers,” Murad says. “Whether someone is shopping for a gift, an engagement ring or a ‘please-myself’ purchase, we have something for everyone.”

Marc Samuels is located at 8549 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 113 in Frisco. For more information, visit marcsamuelsjewelers.com or call 469.362.8786.

Marc Samuels Jewelers

Not many people hope to find themselves in need of a family lawyer, but when they do, the Law Office of Natalie Gregg is there. Unlike other firms that may see divorce as a battlefront, Natalie and her team focus on collaborative family law.

“I like to problem-solve and I love helping families,” says Natalie, the firm’s managing partner. “My passion is finding a way to help my clients achieve their goals with the least amount of collateral damage.”

Natalie is an Allen resident, entrepreneur and mother of two. She was recently named a “2012 Rising Star” by Texas Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for less than 2.5 percent of practicing attorneys in Texas. She earned her law degree from SMU in Dallas, and is also a trained mediator and collaborative law professional. These skills help her to diffuse her client’s anger against the other party while coaching them to become effective co-parents.

“You can love your kids or hate your ex-spouse, but you can’t do both,” she recently wrote in an article for Huffington Post Divorce. “I help divorcing families build a plan for navigating the rest of their lives together as co-parents.” This approach enables Natalie to save her clients a significant amount of time and money while producing superior results for their entire family—especially their children.

Because of the firm’s growth, they recently moved to a larger office space, located at 1420 W. Exchange Pkwy., Bldg C in Allen. For an appointment or more information, visit www.NatalieGregg.com or call 972.829.3923.

The Law Office of Natalie Gregg

Whether you’re an employer looking for extra help or an employee seeking work, Temporaries of McKinney is the place to go. This independent staffing agency has been providing friendly service in Collin County for over 35 years.

“We can fill any employment need, whether it’s replacing an employee who’s on leave, seasonal overload or a long-term position,” says office manager Sharron Edwards. “Our clients love us because we’re able to provide reliable, quality employees at very competitive rates.”

The agency specializes in temporary placement but also has many employees who enter temp-to-perm positions and are hired full-time by a company at the end of their contract. They staff a variety of industries including: secretarial, industrial, clerical, custodial, accounting, construction and medical.

Employee screening is always conducted, as well as any other requested screenings such as drug testing and criminal background or motor vehicle record checks. Many clients, such as Collin College, have been using Temporariess of McKinney for years.

When an employer uses the agency for the first time, Sharron personally visits the worksite. “I always want to make sure that it’s a safe environment for our employee and also get a better feel for the job so that we can select the right person,” she says. “One of the best things I hear from our employees is that they really like what they’re doing.”

Temporaries of McKinney is located at 500 W. University Drive, Ste. 104 in McKinney. For information, call 972.542.5586 or 972.562.6401 or visit tempsofmckinney.com.

Temporaries of McKinney

Getting a sleep study and treatment for snoring or sleep apnea (OSA) used to be difficult. You had to visit your primary care physician, who would likely refer you to an ENT. They might suggest surgery or a sleep specialist who would then refer you for an “in lab” study. After all of that, you would be left with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device to use at night. The CPAP basically blows air down your throat to splint your airway open, in hopes of reducing snoring and apnea. Many find the mask difficult or impossible to tolerate. Now a proven new solution is easily available.

Simple Sleep Services, located at 6101 Chapel Hill in Plano near Willow Bend Mall, has taken this process and made it more convenient and comfortable. They have streamlined the diagnosis and offer custom manufactured dental solutions for snoring and apnea, making everything easier on the patient.

At Simple Sleep Services, the testing is done in the comfort of your own home by wearing a soft headband with a small recording device. You take it home and sleep in your own bed. Then

simply bring it back to the office and the medical director, a board-certified sleep physician, interprets the test results and they contact you with a diagnosis.

The therapy and devices used by Simple Sleep Services have been around for a while, but they are the first to streamline the process, making it an all-around easier experi ence for the patient. In 2006, the American Association of Sleep Medicine recommended the oral device Simple Sleep Services provides as a first

line therapy for snoring, mild and moderate sleep apnea and second line therapy for

severe sleep apnea when patients fail or refuse a CPAP mask.

North Texas residents Robin and Ronnie Anderson decided years ago the only way to get a good night’s rest was to sleep in separate rooms. Ronnie’s loud snoring had become such a disturbance he started retreating to the couple’s guest room ten to twelve years ago.

The device from Simple Sleep Services worked on the very first night. “No matter what he tried before, it didn’t work”, said Robin. “We would start out together and I would leave at about

midnight or he’d fall asleep on the couch”.

They knew about sleep studies and the CPAP mask, but decided that the mask or surgery was not an option. “The couch was pretty much my bedroom”, Ronnie said. Then they learned how Simple Sleep Services is changing the way sleep issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea, are being diagnosed and treated. “I’ve been using the product for five months now. Every morning when I wake up I feel well rested, I get a good night’s sleep and I feel more energetic”.

If you are wondering if this is an affordable solution, the answer is absolutely. Simple Sleep Services works with all private insurance companies including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and others. Simple Sleep Services also offers affordable and convenient payment options including interest free financing.

Whether you’re looking to restore harmony in the bedroom or worried about sleep apnea, Simple Sleep Services is the streamlined, easy and effective solution for diagnosis and treatment.

To read more success stories or set up your consultation, please visit www.simplesleepservices.com or call 469.685.1700.

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To hear Robin and Ronnie’s story

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travel

Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind? If not, it definitely should, particularly if you’re looking for a fun, but close, weekend getaway. Although the classic George Strait song refers to lost love, we’re pretty certain you will fall in love with Dallas’ smaller sister city to the west with it’s unique combination of cowtown and culture.

CultureDespite its Cowtown nickname,

Fort Worth is surprisingly sophisti-cated and boasts the third largest cultural district in the United States with five internationally-recognized museums in a beautiful park-like setting. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is best known for its Western art, but also houses an amazing collection of American photography and American art. The Kimbell Art Museum is the jewel of the cultural district and although small, represents international art from almost every period, including masters such as Cezanne, Matisse, Monet and Michelangelo.

Across the street from the Kimbell is the Modern Art Museum. The building itself is an architectural work of art—all glass and steel softened by

an exterior reflecting pool with unexpected nooks and angles in which to display the museum’s collection of paintings, sculpture, photography and video from 1945 to present.

Also part of Fort Worth’s cultural district, the Fort Worth Museum of Nature and Science is a kid pleaser with a variety of science and nature exhibits such as DinoLabs and DinoDig with dinosaur skeletons and a fossil dig, the interactive Energy Blast, Children’s Museum, Cattle Raiser ’s Museum, and Air Park that provides a hands-on look at the forces that lift planes, animals and insect. The Museum is also home to the first Omni Theater in the Southwest (an IMAX dome) with a 120-foot screen and the Noble Planetarium, which allows you to see more than 7,000 stars. A special Titanic Artifact exhibit runs through March. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame rounds out the cul-tural district’s offerings, with artifacts, photographs and interactive displays that exemplify the cowgirl spirit.

Although not technically in the cultural district, nothing says culture quite like the Bass Performance Hall, a building in the style of a classic

European opera house where the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and numerous other companies and individuals perform. The venue hosts the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra January 11-13 and 25-27, American composer John Bucchino on January 19, and the Broadway classic West Side Story runs from January 15-20.

Longhorns and LongnecksFort Worth’s western heritage is

evident throughout the city, but nowhere epitomizes the spirit of Texas like the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Once the last major stop along the Chisholm Trail and later a major shipping point for livestock, modern day Fort Worth gives visitors a glimpse into the past with The Herd—a real cattle drive occurring twice a day (at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.) where Texas Longhorns are driven by genuine Texas cowhands down Exchange. The best place to watch is in front of the Stockyards Visitor Center at 130 East Exchange.

Every Friday and Saturday night, cowboys and cowgirls take center stage along with horses and steers at the Cowtown Coliseum for the Stockyards

Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?by Deborah Dove


Championship Rodeo featuring bull riding, bareback riding, roping, barrel racing and more. Doors open at 6:30 for the 8 p.m. rodeo. Tickets are very affordable, at $10-$20 each, and can be purchased with a credit card ahead of time by phone or online, or at the gate (cash only).

On another evening, head over to Billy Bob’s for some boot-scootin’ western fun. At 127,000 square feet, it is most likely the world’s largest honky-tonk with its own indoor rodeo arena with live bull riding shows every Friday and Saturday night, a Texas-sized dance floor complete with a glittery saddle instead of a disco ball spinning above the dance floor, dozens of bar stations and restaurants and a Wall of Fame with celebrity handprints. Local bands play Wednesday through Saturday nights, with some of country music’s top entertainers performing on weekend nights after the local bands play.

If you like your two-steppin’ a little less glitzy and commercial, check out Pearl’s Dancehall & Saloon at 302 West Exchange, which is about as authentic as it gets with its gold pressed tin ceiling, live music and intimate dance floor. The White Elephant Saloon is


another good choice for grabbing a longneck, enjoying a live band, dancing and perusing the bar’s history.

During the day in the Stockyard District, visitors can check out the numerous shops for western wear — custom cowboy hats and boots, jewelry, art and collectibles—or pop into one of the many restaurants and saloons for a bite of lunch or a cold beer or margarita. You can’t go wrong with Riscky’s Barbeque for ribs, brisket, burgers and fried pickles. If you want to spend the night, the Stockyards Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Stockyards District and with its old world charm and cowboy feel, you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time.

Sundance SquareFort Worth is one of the cleanest,

safest and most walkable urban areas in the nation and the 35-block area of downtown known as Sundance Square is a testament to that designation. Numerous shops offer an eclectic mix

of gifts, home furnishings, jewelry and accessories and a variety of restaurants, nightlife spots and Bass Hall offer visitors plenty to do in the evening. Stroll along the red brick streets or climb aboard Molly the Trolley, a free service that circulates between down-town hotels and hot spots.

For an unforgettable meal, visit

Reata for southwestern fare and amazing rooftop dining with a great view of downtown Fort Worth. If you aren’t catching a performance at the Bass, consider seeing the interactive improvisational comedy show at Four Day Weekend, where the audience can participate in skits or submit ideas for ad-lib routines.

If you decide to stay overnight, the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Sundance Square consistently tops travel lists as one of Fort Worth’s best luxury hotels. The Omni Fort Worth and Embassy Suites also offer nice and spacious accommodations, while the Azalea Plantation Bed & Breakfast offers a romantic option surrounded by trees and gardens just ten minutes from Sundance Square.

MiscellaneousFor a unique side trip, visit the

Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency facility, one of only two locations in the U.S. that print money. Take a free 45-minute guided tour on weekdays, stroll along an elevated walkway and actually see money being produced below you and check out displays, artifacts and exhibits. Uncut sheets of currency can be purchased at the Money Store.

For more information on Fort Worth, call 800-433-5747 or visit www.fortworth.com. v

Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

he loss of hearing can be a frightening, frustrating, and isolating experience. Social interaction becomes an effort, especially in noisy environments or large groups of people. The longer hearing problems exist without a solution, the greater the

isolation and frustration. And remember, assistance with hearing problems benefits not only the hearing impaired, but also those who also are frustrated by the difficulty in communication.

Local resident Laura S. first noticed she was having hearing problems while taking conference calls on a headset at work. Her cubicle was located in a high-traffic area near a breakroom so she asked to be moved to a more quiet area. Instead, her manager suggested she use earplugs.

Luckily, Laura decided to have her hearing checked out by Dr. Clay Mainord. She says, “He confirmed my suspicions that I did indeed have a hearing loss in both ears and could be helped with hearing instruments.”

That experience, two years ago, was life changing, Laura says. “My self-esteem has improved and I can hear everything at work, including conference calls. I can hear the TV at home without having to turn it up so loud and I’m no longer accusing my husband of mumbling when he talks to me.”

No matter what age they are, Laura encourages people to get their hearing checked and to purchase hearing instruments if they are needed. “Technology has improved so much in recent years that the new digital

hearing instruments are hardly noticeable,” she adds. “I wouldn’t wait a minute longer. It will change your life!”

Calvert Hearing Care has been helping people overcome hearing problems since 1978. Their staff of hearing professionals uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify and interpret disorders of human hearing. Through this evaluation, the type, degree, configuration, and symmetry of a person’s hearing loss will be accurately identified.

If a need for hearing instruments is indicated, the staff will discuss with you the appropriate technology and style that suits your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences and budget. The office understands the ‘private’ nature of hearing loss and works to help patients find a solution that keeps them in their comfort zone.

The audiologists at Calvert Hearing Care have each earned the highest obtainable degree for clinical audiologists, the Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology). By seeking help from an Au.D., you can be sure that you are receiving the best service from the most knowledgeable individuals.

*Dr. Clay Mainord and Dr. Susan Tseng Feinberg specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and rehabilitative treatment of hearing impairment as well as balance disorders.

Calvert Hearing Care109 N. Central Expwy. Suite 533, Allen

972.359.7800

Dr. Clay Mainord

Dr. Susan Tseng Feinberg

www.calverthearingcare.com

CALVERTHEARING CARE

T he loss of hearing can be a frightening, frustrating, and isolating experience. Social interaction becomes an effort, especially in noisy environments or large groups of people. The longer hearing problems exist without a solution, the greater the

isolation and frustration. And remember, assistance with hearing problems benefits not only the hearing impaired, but also those who also are frustrated by the difficulty in communication.

Local resident Laura S. first noticed she was having hearing problems while taking conference calls on a headset at work. Her cubicle was located in a high-traffic area near a breakroom so she asked to be moved to a more quiet area. Instead, her manager suggested she use earplugs.

Luckily, Laura decided to have her hearing checked out by Dr. Clay Mainord. She says, “He confirmed my suspicions that I did indeed have a hearing loss in both ears and could be helped with hearing instruments.”

That experience, two years ago, was life changing, Laura says. “My self-esteem has improved and I can hear everything at work, including conference calls. I can hear the TV at home without having to turn it up so loud and I’m no longer accusing my husband of mumbling when he talks to me.”

No matter what age they are, Laura encourages people to get their hearing checked and to purchase hearing instruments if they are needed. “Technology has improved so much in recent years that the new digital

hearing instruments are hardly noticeable,” she adds. “I wouldn’t wait a minute longer. It will change your life!”

Calvert Hearing Care has been helping people overcome hearing problems since 1978. Their staff of hearing professionals uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify and interpret disorders of human hearing. Through this evaluation, the type, degree, configuration, and symmetry of a person’s hearing loss will be accurately identified.

If a need for hearing instruments is indicated, the staff will discuss with you the appropriate technology and style that suits your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences and budget. The office understands the ‘private’ nature of hearing loss and works to help patients find a solution that keeps them in their comfort zone.

The audiologists at Calvert Hearing Care have each earned the highest obtainable degree for clinical audiologists, the Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology). By seeking help from an Au.D., you can be sure that you are receiving the best service from the most knowledgeable individuals.

*Dr. Clay Mainord and Dr. Susan Tseng Feinberg specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and rehabilitative treatment of hearing impairment as well as balance disorders.

Calvert Hearing Care109 N. Central Expwy. Suite 533, Allen

972.359.7800


cover story

If you consider this an unlikely, if not impossible, situation, think again. Last spring this is exactly what happened to 21-year-old Arielle O’Keefe of Allen and after briefly contemplating the first three choices, she opted to accept. On July 9, the premier episode of the E! network’s Opening Act aired, featuring Arielle not only opening for Rod Stewart in Las Vegas, but also singing “Have I Told You Lately” with him as a duet.

Bolstered by this experience and encouraged by her family, a fast-growing fan base and a cadre of music professionals, this Allen singer-songwriter now looks forward to moving ahead with her musical career.

Born and raised in Bay Shore, New York, and the youngest of John and Jamie O’Keefe’s four children, Arielle early on demonstrated a talent in music. “I have notebooks with my little songs in my 5-year-old handwriting. I didn’t start taking piano lessons until I was six, so before that I just used arrows for the musical notation,” she recalls. Pointing up, she explains, “That means higher.” Then pointing down, “And that means lower.

“I guess song is just in my blood,” Arielle shrugs with a grin. “It’s always been there and it’s just what I do.”

Over the years, Arielle has admired the unique and enduring talents of a number of cutting-edge singer-songwriters—Ingrid Michaelson, Tori Amos, Nina Simone, Ani DiFranco and Jamie Cullum—as well as the work of more classic entertainers like Billy Joel, James Taylor and Leonard Cohen.

Despite her love of music and admiration for these successful music industry notables, Arielle confesses, “I hated piano lessons! I hated to practice and people telling me what to do. But my mom wouldn’t let me quit so I took for eight years.”

The escape from the piano didn’t last long. “I was gone from it for maybe a month,” she admits. “I would keep looking over at the piano and I finally went over and started doing my own thing—a little more freely and without anyone looking over me. I completely rediscovered the instru-ment because I didn’t have rules to

follow. I was doing my own thing and we’ve been soul mates ever since!”

Soon, other instruments were added to her musical menagerie. “When I was 12, I picked up the guitar,” she notes. “I got a chord chart and started writing songs, which is how I learned to play.” In her New York middle school band, she took up the French horn because she “wanted to play an instrument not everyone else wanted to play.” Then she rented a cello and a violin to gain some rudimentary knowledge about them and, for a spell, experimented with drums. “Oh, and I play the ukulele and glockenspiel,” she adds.

Since she loved singing, Arielle also participated in school choir, beginning in fourth grade. “When I was in New York, for whatever reason, the directors never noticed me or gave me opportunities,” she recalls. “I would try out a lot but I wouldn’t get parts, so I was in the back of the chorus a lot.”

It was when her family moved to Allen when she was 15 and starting her sophomore year in high school that Arielle began seeing musical doors opening.

To showcase her skills to the new choir teachers, she decided to participate in a talent show. “I brought my guitar and played ‘Moon River’,” she recollects. “They put me in the front a lot more and gave me opportunities to explore my own art. They appreciated what I was doing without judging me.” Mr. [Brian] McKinney and Mr. [Michael] Bryson were such great guys and gave me opportunities I never had before.”

Eventually Arielle not only sang in the traditional Chorale, she also played the piano for the show choir, Encore, and served as choir president her senior year. “It was a great confidence boost for me,” she empha-sizes. “And it was a great community, not just the teachers. I also really admired the students I worked with. I had some friendships that made the whole high school thing a lot easier to take.”

Two of those friends, Segun Oluwadele and Catherine Klassen,

eventually formed a trio called The Practice Room with Arielle. “We did a lot of covers and would re-imagine pop songs of different genres, from Jay-Z to the Beatles,” the dark-haired singer recalls. “It was a fun way to make music together and we played at the Village at Allen when it first opened.”

“Arielle was special, “ Allen High School Choir Director Brian McKinney emphasizes. “She was always one step ahead of me when it came to thinking about doing things differently;thinking outside the box.”

Lowery Choir Direction and AHS Assistant Choir Director Michael Bryson concurs. “Arielle was fun to work with because she was always interested in improving her skills and art form with both her singing and the keyboard. You could tell she really wanted to learn.”

Noting that Arielle is his first student to achieve national recognition, McKinney also points out that her hard work in high school culminated in one of the highest rewards for a student in choir—selection for the 2009 Texas All-State Choir. “That’s a huge honor,” he points out. “About 20,000 start the audition process and after four rounds of auditions, 400 are selected.”

Arielle credits Allen High School’s music department for more than just giving her a chance to perform. “It saved me from what I was going through at the time—being a teenager and going through a big move,” she explains. “It brought me back to life. They gave me so many opportunities for my music; opportunities I would not have had in New York, so it was such a blessing.”

Following graduation, Arielle attended Oklahoma City University for a year on a commercial music composition scholarship. “But I always knew what I really wanted to do, so after a year I decided I needed to come home and tackle it head on,” she states.

“And my parents understood! I know it sounds cheesy, but I’m blessed to have a mom and dad who are so supportive,” she continues. “I can be pretty impulsive, but also somebody who follows her gut. I know when some thing is right.


They’ve always trusted my gut, lugged my stuff out to shows and sometimes been the only ones in my audience. They’ve been there for me and I don’t take that for granted!”

While still at the university, Arielle began posting videos of her songs on You Tube. “I found that I had a lot more free time than I had anticipated,” she notes. “Everybody around me was

very classical or music theory-basedand no one else was doing pop music. I was kinda ‘that girl’ at the school and I felt a little isolated. So I spent almost the entire year I was there in the practice rooms and I started recording what I was doing.”

She admits that, since these recordings were made by propping up her laptop on one of the pianos, the production quality was rather poor. Despite this shortcoming, the recording she made for a contest offered by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson (“The Way I Am,” “Be OK,” and “Everybody”) took first place. Arielle’s prize was the opportunity to perform “Everybody” with Ingrid on stage at a tour concert in Boulder, Colorado.

“That was the biggest audience I had been in front of and it was an incredible ‘This is what I’m supposed to be doing!’ moment,” she shares. “I realized I could get up there and connect with people and have an impact on them. They can be in the moment with you and it was really surreal.

“That was a catalyst for me getting out of school as well,” she adds. “I got all this attention at the time and it was a validation that I could do this and was ready.”

So, Arielle returned home and began working seriously on her music career. To support herself financially she took a job as a nanny. “I love kids and I’m great with them,” she points out, “and the families are flexible and can work with me when I have to go out of town. All through 2011, I took care of two kids and right now I am watching three girls—an 8-year-old, a 4-year-old and a baby that just turned 1.”

In her time off, she continued to make music videos and post them on You Tube.

Her efforts paid off when, unbeknownst to her, a panel of judges that included singers Martina McBride and Jason Derulo and songwriter-music producer Antonina Armato selected Arielle as the winner for the premier of producer Nigel Lythgoe’s (American Idol and So, You Think You Can Dance) Opening Act show. Their decision was based solely on her You Tube posts.

Practice run at Opening Bell Coffee before Arielle arrived.

For Your HealthMarketPlace



The challenge was to keep Arielle in the dark about this honor until five days before she was to take the stage in Las Vegas. To pull off their scheme and record the element of surprise for the television show, the production crew enlisted the assistance of Pascale Hall, the owner of Opening Bell Coffee at South Side on Lamar in Dallas.

“Arielle had been playing here for at least two years for our singer-songwriter night and open mic night,” Pascale explains. “We received a phone call from the producer Nigel Lythgoe’s son Simon. He said they had a new music-related TV series coming out and they wanted to surprise the artists where they played.”

A fan of Arielle’s work, Pascale agreed to play along with the ploy. To get the Allen singer-songwriter at her coffee shop, she scheduled a meeting under the pretense of discussing a possible new music series. On the appointed day, the crew from Opening Act arrived early to have everything in place, ready for the friendly ambush.

“They had cameras up in the

ceiling and at the register and they hid it all,” Pascale recalls. “Then the cameramen had to go crouch down in the storage room.” She also admits to being somewhat nervous that the whole scheme might not come off without a hitch. “It was very stressful

because we had 25 people all set up and waiting for Arielle and she could have cancelled! But it worked out and they really did surprise her.”

Arielle rolls her eyes as she recalls, “They surprised me on a Saturday and on the following Saturday I did the show in Las Vegas. It was pretty crazy and they took a lot of risks!”

She then admits that some of Pascale’s concerns were valid. “I was so close to rescheduling the meeting that morning. The night before, I got a piano lesson and that morning I got up and started playing all the stuff I had learned. I was really into what I was doing and thought about rescheduling with her. But thank God I didn’t…and thank God I put a little makeup on,” she concludes with a laugh. “I almost showed up wearing sweats and no makeup!”

Arielle describes the five-day, 14-hours a day Opening Act process as both “amazing” and “the most stressful week of my life.”

“Everyone kept telling me, espe-cially Nigel [Lythgoe], to just take in every moment,” she reminisces. “Nigel was there with me throughout the process. He told me to be sure and keep a journal and write everything down—how everything smells and feels, every moment, because I couldn’t get those moments back. It’s those little things that will bring me right back to it.”

Arielle with her parents, John and Jamie O’Keefe


There’s a lot of preparation required to perform on the Las Vegas stage, especially for a show that will be recorded for television. One of the decisions of the producers, later questioned by media commentators as well as fans, was requiring Arielle to sing “Once Again”, a pop genre song composed by other song writers for Selena Gomez. Performing a song different than her preferred style of music (“Pop-Jazz-Soul-Experimental”) meant even more effort on her part. Trouper that she is, the Allen singer tackled the challenge, took the stage and nailed it.

When her solo was completed, Rod Stewart joined her onstage and the two sang his famous hit “Have I Told You Lately” as a duet.

“That made all the stress so totally worth it!” Arielle notes with a smile. “That duet defined the whole moment for me.”

All the hard work and long hours reached the pinnacle on that Saturday night, April 8, at the Coliseum in Caesar’s Palace. “And as soon as I stepped on stage, I couldn’t believe how fast it was over,” Arielle sighs. “It was in a blink of an eye.”

What was her impression of Rod Stewart?—“He’s really nice!” she declares. “I was sitting at the sound check and Rod sat down next to me and started to sing. You hear that voice on the track all the time, but having it come out of the person sitting next to you!? I started to cry.”

Afforded the opportunity to visit with the rock star both before and after the performance, Arielle describes him as a “big sweetheart, very encouraging and complimentary.” She adds with a laugh, “He’s such a genuine guy and such a pro and I immediately had a sense that he lived a life that I knew nothing of.”

Once the show was filmed, Arielle had to keep mum about her experience for three long months—until the premier show aired in the United States on July 9. To celebrate, Pascale hosted a viewing party for Arielle, family and fans at Opening Bell Coffee.

Despite all the positive response on her Facebook fan page and You Tube

channel, Arielle hasn’t stopped to bask in the glow of fans’ admiration. “I look at this show as a great introduction,” she explains. “Since it aired, I’ve gone into crazy mode and have been working, working, working, trying to get everything packaged and brand myself, and get everything high quality. I want to establish my sound and my look.”

She continues to perform on stage locally, including opening for The Rocket Summer at TCU and Smile Smile at the Patio Sessions in Dallas,

and of course, Opening Bell. Another source for building her audience has been the web venue Stageit.com. She explains that this pay-what-you-can service allows her to offer live concerts via the computer. In addition, during these on-line concerts she has auctioned off a personal song written for the highest bidder. “This is awesome when you have fans from out of state,” she declares.

As part of the one-hour Opening Act program, a brief clip of her original


song “Monster” was aired. Because of the popular response to it, with the help of Brian Scott Hunt and Cory

Cleary-Stoner, she made a professional quality video of the song, filmed at a local piano store.

Last November, Arielle premiered a new music video for her song “Creature of Habit” at the Lakewood Theatre in Dallas, where it was also filmed. Directed by Brian Scott Hunt with The Agency Dallas owner Sooze Johnson as executive producer and backing from the Texas Motion Picture Association, over 30 people came together as cast and crew to see her song make it to the screen.

Keenly focused on her musical career, Arielle asserts, “I feel like I’m at the bare bones version of where I am heading. Right now I’m in the process of

trying to get a band together—a drummer, bassist and a guitar player probably. I’ll do keys and vocals. And I’d like someone to be a deejay; someone to be controlling the loops and maybe have some samples going, handling the technology on stage.”

When asked how her spare time is spent, she laughs. “There is no rest for me! I’m either nannying or working on my stuff. Other than that, I may take some time out to see some friends, but I’m not a big partier.”

Shaking her head, Arielle recalls, “I remember thinking in ninth grade that I wanted to be homeless and live on the streets and be a musician. I wanted to suffer for my art. But my parents didn’t like that, so…” she concludes with a shrug and a smile. Today, her ever-growing list of fans are grateful she chose a slightly different path to achieve her dream career.

To learn more about Arielle, go to her website www.listentoarielle.com. Here you can watch “Creature of Habit”, learn about upcoming performances, and find links to her You Tube channel and Facebook fan page. v

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance

writer.

For Your HealthMarketPlace



pet page

Meet Ritzy, a 3-year-old female black Lab/Shar Pei mix that weighs about 75 pounds. She likes living with her foster family, but really wants a family of her own. Ritzy was found lost and alone and taken to a shelter. When she was taken to the vet, she tested positive for heartworms, but has since been treated and is now heartworm free.

Ritzy is just so sweet and loves nothing more than being with her humans. She likes to snuggle and give kisses and stay close to people because she is still a little confused about her new surroundings. She likes car rides, but not loud noises like thunderstorms or big objects like brooms or ladders.

She is a sweet girl and gets along well with other dogs and with people of all shapes and sizes, but is unsure about cats. She is house broken and crate-trained and can be trusted to have free roam of the house. Currently, she is learning to walk on a leash, but likes to stop and smell the roses!

If you think you might like to be Ritzy’s new forever family, please complete an application online at http://www.collincountyhumanesociety.org/adoption-application.html and her foster family will be in contact within 24 hours.

“Ritzy”

This sweet girl needs a forever home

calendar


JANUARY12 Allen High School Cheer Clinic, 9

am- noon, Curtis Middle School. Ages K thru 8th grade. Attendees will perform at halftime at both AHS varsity basketball games on January 18, 2013. For more info: www.ahs-cheer.com.

18-20Winter Games of Texas,varioius venues in Frisco. Almost 4,000 youth and adult athletes will particpate in 13 different activities including basketball, fencing, skating, flag football, gymnastics, martial arts, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, volleyball, etc.For more info: www.taaf.com or 877.GoFrisco (463.7472).

25 Interested in health and nutrition? Train to be a Master Wellness Volunteer for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Tues. February 5, 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 9 am–3 pm. Learn about nutrition, health, food safety, childhood obesity and other topics. Trained volunteers are expected to pay back 40 hours of service. Reg. fee $80, includes lunch and all training materials. Application and fee must be received no later than January 25. For more info: Carrie Brazeal at [email protected] or 972.424.1460, Ext. 4233.

CITY OF ALLENAllen Event Center

Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center Box Office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com.

3 Dallas Sidekicks Soccer vs. Rio Grande Valley Flash

4 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Tulsa Oilers 5 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Rapid City Rush11 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Texas Brahmas12 Dallas Sidekicks Soccer vs. Chicago Mustangs18-19 5th Annual Dallas Cup hosted by Eagle’s

Wings Athletics and Team Eagle’s Wings Booster Club. Tumbling and Trampoline gymnasts of all ages compete for the Dallas Cup championship. Tickets are available at the door.

21 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Arizona Sundogs25 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Rapid City Rush26 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Bloomington

Blaze27 Dallas Sidekicks Soccer vs. San Diego Sockers29 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Texas Brahmas

Parks and Recreation Events5,9,19, 21 &30 Member Appreciation Month: Free

Guest Admission with a member. Guests accompanied by a member in good standing receive free admission at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Allen Senior Recreation Center and The Edge Visitor Center.


12 & 26Saturday Night Rec and Roll, Joe Farmer Recreation Center offers fun and safe social program for students grades 3-6. Gym games and dancing with music by a DJ, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, theme nights and contests with prize giveaways. Supervision provided & concessions available. Party Packs $12—$5 concession credit for only $4 (20% savings). ID card (one-time $5 fee) required and must be purchased at JFRC anytime before 5:30 pm on the day of the event.

13 SNAP Dance, (Disco Theme), 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Special Needs Adapted Program! Dances feature live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a commemorative photo. For complete information or to get on the email distribution list, email [email protected] or call 214.509.4707.

26 Dive-In Movie. Lounge around the pool at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium while enjoying one of the latest and greatest movies! Concessions will be available and noodles and tubes can be rented.

It’s Great to Skate Clinic allows all ages to experience ice skating and learn the basics from professional instructors in an enjoyable environment. With free skate rental and a free one hour Open Skate session following the lesson, you definitely don’t want to miss out. However, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 972-912-1097

31 Volunteer Drive Kick Off, 10 am-noon, Allen Senior Rec Center. An informative session will educate potential volunteers on many of the numerous opportunities for giving back in Allen.

For more info: 972.912.1097 or www.AllenParks.org.

Adult Athletic LeaguesFor more info: www.allenparks.org or call Athletic Information Hotline: 214.509.4810. Softball—Registration open Jan. 16. Cost: $345—8

game season + playoffs. Play begins March 12. Flag Football—Registration open Jan. 16. Cost:

$350—7 game season + playoffs. Play begins March 13.

Ultimate Frisbee League—Registration opens Jan. 16. Cost: $265—14 game season. Play begins March 15.

Adult Men’s and Coed Soccer League—Registration open Jan. 16. Cost: $515—8 game season. Play begins March 13.

Men’s Basketball—Registration open Jan. 2. Cost: $425—8 game season + single-elimination tournament. Play begins Feb. 21.

Volleyball—Registration opens Jan. 2. Cost: $235—8 game season + single-elimination tournament. Play begins Feb. 20.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARYChidlren

Winter Reading Program6 Last day to pick up a reading log13 Last day to turn in hours •Youngerchildrenread10picturebooksor

easy readers •Olderchildrenread3chapterornonfiction

books •Childrenwillreceiveafreebookandbe

entered in a drawing to win Allen Americans tickets

•Teens12-18read3bookstoreceiveafree

book and entry in a drawing for a Cinemark, Game Stop or Starbucks gift card.

2 beTween the Lines Book Club, 4 pm, grades 4-6. Please read the book before the meeting. Come by the children’s desk to borrow your copy (while supplies last).

8 Library Playdate, 10-11:30 am. Conversation for the grown-ups. Toys and play space for children ages 0-5. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9. Space is limited.

Globetrotters, 4 pm. Grades K-1. Space limited. 12 Crafternoon, 2:30 pm. Recommended for ages

3 +. Make as many crafty masterpieces as you like at this come-and-go program. Caregivers must stay with children under age 9.

14 Adventure Club, 4 pm. Must be ages 7-12. Medieval Times. Space is limited.

15 Kids Explore Book Club, 4 pm. For grades 2-3. Space limited.

16 Tween Art, 4 pm. Must be ages 9-12. 21 Allen Reads Children’s Progarm, 2-4 pm.

Check www.allenlibrary.org for more details.26 Read to Rover, 10:30 am. For children reading

independently.28 Made by Me, 4 pm. For ages 9-12. Come learn

and practice basic craft techniques to make fun and unique crafts.

Teens

Ages 12-187 Holidays at Hogwarts, 1-4 pm, for ages 7+. Do

you love Harry Potter? Then come join us at the library for a celebration of Hogwarts.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Meeting Room: Make your own wand, rune

stones, fold your own Patronus of origami paper, trivia—try to pass your N.E.W.T.S. and O.W.L.S.

Children’s Program Room: 2 pm, Astronomy lesson; 3 pm, Potions and Herbology lessons

Auditorium: 3 pm, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Movie.

Children’s Area: 1-4 pm, Care of Magical Creatures scavenger hunt; Prize drawings will take place at 2, 3, and 4 pm in the Children’s Program Room.

10 An Anime Afternoon, 4:30-5:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Join us for an hour of anime, Japanese candy, and fun!

17 Game On, 4:30-5:30 pm, 2nd floor Program Room. Come show off your incredible gaming skills on our Xbox!

Adults2 Noontime Pageturners Book Club, 12 pm, The

Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, Adult Program Room. Bring lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion!

8 2nd Tuesday Chess Night, 7-8:30 pm., 2nd Floor Program Room. Ages 16 to adult. Open chess play for all skill levels in a fun, noncompetitive setting. Free program. No registration required. Newcomers welcome. Chess boards and pieces will be provided. Contact Rebecca at 214.509.4913.

9 Twisted Threads Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm., 2nd floor program room. Twisted Threads is a social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters, and any other type of craft done with thread or yarn. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters.


11 Discover a Healthier You—Food Matters, 12-1 pm. Food Matters with Dr. Natasha Bonner & Dr. Julie Gruben of Allen Family Chiropractic. Discussion of the top 5 toxic foods that everyone should consider eliminating from their diet and simple changes in your diet that can save your life. Call 214-509-4913.

29 Armchair Travelers Visit Costa Rica with Brandy Rentz, 7 pm, 2nd floor Adult Program Room. Registration required. Register online or call the reference desk. Brandy will share stories, pictures and anecdotes from her time in Costa Rica. Costa Rican-inspired refreshments will be served. Free program. Registration required.For more info: 214.509.4905.

Connemara ConservancyConnemara Meadow Preserve

12 Astronomy Walk, 9-11 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, Join Clyde Camp for an Astronomy walk. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot at 9 pm sharp and walk to the Meadow the back way.For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

22 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve, join us to wander (and wonder) at the Meadow by hiking the trails, watching the flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONSCity of Allen offers a variety of affordable

recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770.For more info: www.allenparks.org.

Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of preschoolers. A new calendar each month with fun activities for all. Activities—play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads and Kids, and other great events. Come play with us!For more info: www.aecpta.com or [email protected].

Heart Link Women’s Networking group. Industry specific, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days and locations vary.For more info: http://75002.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com.

MOMS Club of Allen. New group for moms and their children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and local business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly.com or [email protected]

Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting.For more info: [email protected].

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, [email protected] or www.creekwoodumc.org.


Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events.For more info: www.texashealth.org.

Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. Something for everyone!For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout.

American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help.For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Support Group? Wanted: Anyone interested in starting a support group for Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder?) For more info: Megan at [email protected].

Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize.For more info: 972.727.0011 or www.kidspediatricdentistry.com.

Every Monday-Friday The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway

Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome.For more info: 469.854.9593.

Every Monday Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1

pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcomeFor more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or [email protected].

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome.For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC.For more info: [email protected]

Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.For more info: [email protected].

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano.For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville.

For more info: 972-359-7383.Second Monday The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm,

TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber members; $25 non-members/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. required.For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women.For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www.aauwplanocollin.org.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested.For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org.

McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm, Central Fire Station & Fire Museum, 301 N. McDonald St., McKinney. Please bring “regift” items for the upcoming fashion show silent auction baskets and/or gift cards to Albertson’s for fire station meals.

For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.Third Monday

Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell.For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney.For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984.

Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. For more info: or RSVP: Jerri Caldronia@ [email protected].

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome.For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Fourth Monday Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm, Allen

Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas.For more info: [email protected] or 214.616.2460.

Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148.For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214.477.5183.

Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$7 non-mem. 1st visit free.For more info: 972.727.5585.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome.

2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.2changeu.org.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics.For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer landscaping

& gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society, 7:30 pm,

One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.

First and Third Tuesday Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf

Club, 501 Twin Creeks Drive.For more info: [email protected].

Common Threads of Allen, 7pm, A Real Bookstore, 113 Praire Rd., Village at Fairview. Share needlework projects, learn new techniques, make friends.For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or [email protected].

Second Tuesday Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library

parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm.For more info: www.planopacers.org.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.bptmn.org or email [email protected].

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville.For more info: 214.509.4820.

Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen.For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643.

Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.For more info: [email protected].

Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen.For more info: Shirli Salter, [email protected].

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, refreshments, 10 am program, SMU in Plano, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Guests are welcome!For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

Third Tuesday McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, welcomes

new residents, 10 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Sweet Art Bakery where the owner will speak on her artistic creations, and her charity work. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May.For more info:[email protected].


Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce

monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest.For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.

Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art.For more info: Gayle Harry 214.509.0787.

Every Wednesday Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by

Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, Market Street, 985 W. Bethany Dr., Allen. For more info: Marlene Byndon, 816.456.6803.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle.For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.asrotary.org.

McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Chess promotes creativity, imagination and strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

First Wednesday Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage Center,

100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org.

Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch.For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig.org.

Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested.For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to [email protected].

First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community

Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano.For more info: 214-762-0037 or www.mopsofhope.com.

Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7 pm,

Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: [email protected].

VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen.For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Every Thursday Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas

Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.For more info: [email protected].

Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome.For more info: Sandy McNair, 214.548.5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org.


Community Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Registration required. For more info: [email protected] or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture.

Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter at the south entrance, second floor.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano.For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco.org.

Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, Frisco Chamber, 6843 W. Main St.For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws.

First Thursday W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise),

11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance.For more info: www.allenchamber.com

Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street.For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

Second Thursday McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7

pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies.For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am, Texas Instruments Gym with Casey Boswell followed by lunch from the Chocolate Angel. We love to have new members join the many fun activities that this group offers. Guests are welcome.For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2.For more info: 972.747.6036.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly gen. meetings at Creekwood United Methodist Church, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free and babysitting available for nominal fee. A list of speakers is available on website.For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/.

PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UM Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6, and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20.For more info: www.namicco.org.

Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church.For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1.888.529.5277.

Second and Fourth Thursday Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage

Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S.For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214.293.1598.

Third Thursday Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at

various member businesses. Free.For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen.For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary.For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241.

Allen Community Theatre presents Improv Night, 7:30 pm, Escape Coffee House, corner of Jupiter & Bethany. Free to watch or join in the fun!For more info: www.allencommunitytheatre.net.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville.For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. An inspiring group of retirees and soon to be returees who gather once a month for lunch and fellowship. Speakers and entertainers. For more info: [email protected].

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education Room-Med.Office Bldg. 2.For more info: 972.747.6036.

Fourth Thursday Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am,

Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. Meet new people.For more info: [email protected].

Every Other Thursday North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am,

Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). For more info: www.ntrg.info.

Every Friday Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages

50+. Members free/Non-member Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820.

McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free).For more info: 972.547.7491.

Every Other Friday MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), non-

denominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

First & Third Friday Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist

Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games (dominoes, Skip Bo etc.). Open to the community, no reservations are required.For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at [email protected]..

Every Saturday McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm,

McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free.For more info: 972.547.7491.

Second Saturday Heard Museum Nature Photography Club

meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.

Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas.For more info: www.bigd56ers.com.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community.For more info: 972.396.8010.

Third Saturday Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue

House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 15-100. Bring snacks to share.For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Fourth Saturday American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ

United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano.For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www.planoasg.org.

Last Saturday Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San

Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am.For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www.planopacers.org.

Every Sunday Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited

Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.For more info: [email protected].

First Sunday Readers Book Club, 2 pm, First Methodist

Church of Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Church Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting.For more info: [email protected].

Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Rm 1.For more info: 972.396.9400 or www.scleroderma.org.

Please keep us informed of any local activities or events of general interest to our readers by fax to the Allen Image at 972.396.0807 or email to [email protected].


ining in llen


BUSINESSCARDS


health & fitness profiles

Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano4700 Alliance Blvd., Plano • 1.800.4BAYLOR • BaylorHealth.com/Plano

Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano is a 160-bed hospital committed to serving our adult neighbors since December, 2004, by providing personalized care and advanced technology on a beautiful campus. We offer quality, compassionate care in a variety of areas, including scoliosis, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally-invasive spine surgery and weight loss surgery. Since 2005 Baylor Scoliosis Center—the first center of its kind in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex— has been devoted to treatment, surgery and care of advanced spine curvature in adults and adolescents. Baylor Plano also has several neurosurgeons on its medical staff with one fellowship trained in minimally invasive spine surgery. In addition, Baylor Plano offers three FDA-approved procedures for weight loss: laparoscopic Rou-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy, which reduce the size of the stomach and limit food intake. Baylor Plano is the first hospital in Collin County accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the only hospital in Plano designated as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. For a referral to a physician call 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit BaylorHealth.com/Plano.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen1105 Central Expwy. N. • Allen • 1.877.THR.Well • TexasHealth.org

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen has been serving residents in Allen, McKinney and surrounding Collin County communities since 2000. Texas Health Allen offers a broad range of health care programs and services with more than 500 medical staff physicians practicing in specialties including

breast surgery, cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, cosmetic/reconstructive surgery and urology. The Family Birthplace allows expectant mothers to labor, deliver, recover and bond with their new babies in the same location. The suites are equipped with free Internet access, a full-sized bathroom and a sleeper chair to help overnight guests rest comfortably. Texas Health Allen is also the first and only hospital in Collin County to offer cord blood donations through the Texas Cord Blood Bank. In December 2010, Texas Health Allen demonstrated its commitment to offering minimally invasive surgical options to patients by becoming the first hospital in north Texas to acquire a robotic surgical system for surgeons on the medical staff to use in performing partial knee replacements. Ideal candidates for the robotic surgery are younger individuals with pain concentrated in a single compartment of the knee. For more information visit TexasHealth.org/Allen.

Allen Dentistry551 W. McDermott Drive • 972.359.9950 • www.AllenDentistry.com

Dr. Justin Nylander grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to live in various locations including Panama, Germany and Argentina as well as many states across the U.S. This experience has allowed him the opportunity to enjoy a variety of people and environments throughout his life.

Dr. Nylander graduated from high school in San Antonio and received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University. He attended dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and after graduation he practiced for several years out of state before finally returning to his roots here in Texas. Dr. Nylander is excited to be here with Allen Dentistry and eager to become a part of the community.

One of the goals of Allen Dentistry is to have you feel confident in what we do. Competency, efficiency and providing a comfortable family atmosphere are important to us. We go to great lengths to make good communication our standard. Whether in answering questions on your treatment or insurance, we strive to communicate what is important to you. We are grateful for the opportunities to interact with our patients and hope to always make it a positive experience.

Brookwood Family Practice and Pediatrics865 Junction Drive • Allen • 214.547.8300

Practicing in Allen since 2005, family physician Adam Smith, MD, and pediatrician Kimberly Smith, MD, recently joined their practices to provide the best care for the entire family. Married for fifteen years and with two children of their own, our physicians understand the importance of long-term relationships and continuity of care. Whether it is for an annual checkup or the sniffles, we hope to provide convenient care with a down home feel.

We are proud of our newly constructed medical office located just south of Exchange between Watters and Highway 75 at 865 Junction Drive. Our medical family includes family nurse practitioner Happy Muigai NP-C and Sabrina Dorris, CFNP.

Call us today for an appointment at 214.547.8300, or feel free to stop by and check out our new office.



Dermatology Center of McKinney4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 303 • McKinney • 972.548.0333 • www.dermatologymckinney.com

James Ralston, MD, FAAD is an award-winning, board-certified dermatologist and President of the Dermatology Center of McKinney. He was most recently honored as Best Physician-Dermatologist for the second year in a row in McKinney Magazine’s 2012 Best of McKinney.At the Dermatology Center of McKinney, our goal is to provide you with the best skin care available. We offer a wide array of medical, surgical and cosmetic services for all ages. An accurate diagnosis and management of all diseases of the skin, hair and nails is our highest priority.

We understand how important it is for our patients to know they’re seeing a physician with extensive education, training and experience when seeking medical treatment or when considering cosmetic services to turn back the hands of time. We strive to give our patients excellent dermatologic care in a friendly and compassionate environment.

Dr. Ralston received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed his dermatology residency at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, where he was Chief Resident. He also completed a fellowship in cutaneous oncology (skin cancer) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the prestigious Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. There he explored leading edge technology to develop less invasive methods to treat skin cancer and pre-cancers. Dr. Ralston has had additional fellowship training in skin cancer surgery including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Furthermore, Dr. Ralston has contributed textbook chapters and articles to the medical literature and was awarded Best Clinical Science Report from Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

His professional interests include utilizing the latest technology to enhance the art and science of medicine for optimal skin health and best appearance through preventative and quality care.

Dr. Ralston was raised in The Woodlands, Texas, and now lives in McKinney with his wife and three children.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ralston, please contact us at 972-548-0333 or www.dermatologymckinney.com.

Allen Ophthalmology 400 N. Allen Dr., Suite 108 • Allen • 972.727.7477

Heritage Eye Center • 1501 N. Redbud Blvd. • McKinney • 972.548.0771 • www.heritageeyecenter.com

The city of Allen’s premier ophthalmology center is in the expert hands of Dr. James Norbury who provides state-of-the-art treatment while maintaining the personalized service of a small town practice. An avid hockey fan, Dr. Norbury was recently selected to be the team ophthalmologist for the Allen Americans, caring for team players and attending to any game injuries. By partnering with his associates at Heritage Eye and Surgery Center—Drs. Rudolf Churner, Sanjay Patel, Stephanie Tanck, Grant Gilliland (oculoplastics), Henry Choi (retina) and Santosh Patel (retina)—he can ensure quality care in all facets of eye care.

For patients who require surgery, the Heritage Surgery Center team specializes in the treatment of cataracts offering Crystalens and ReSTOR lens implants, as well as LASIK, laser treatments for a variety of eye conditions and oculoplastic surgery. For the best sight of your life, make an appointment with Dr. Norbury.

Allen Ophthalmology is open four days a week, Saturday morning appointments are available at the McKinney office.

Allen Dental Center, PA300 West Boyd • Allen • 972.727.3941 • www.allendentist.com

Allen Dental Center is a family and cosmetic dental practice that offers state-of-the-art dental services. Patients enjoy receiving regular check-ups with as much quality and care as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, root canals or cosmetic dentistry services. Whether it is a smile makeover or restorative work, we offer sedation dentistry for those apprehensive about dental treatment. Bringing over 30 years of combined experience to Allen, Drs. Jeff and Steve Williams provide a special brand of quality care. “The people who come to see me are more than just patients,” says Dr. Jeff Williams. “For me, practicing dentistry has always been about connecting with the patient,” adds Dr. Steve Williams. “That’s why we make sure that all of our patients know all about the procedure we’re performing and the status of their oral health. We offer the kind of care we would want for our own families.”

Allen Dental Center strives to consistently provide a superior level of treatment and comfort with state-of-the-art dental products and services at affordable prices. Call for an appointment today and see how Allen Dental Center is helping to make Allen more beautiful, one smile at a time.



Dr. Rosemary Bates, MD PA6300 Stonewood Drive, Suite 302 • Plano • 972.943.8597 • www.rosemarybatesmd.com.

Rosemary Bates, MD, is a board certified internist with a special interest in prevention, helping her patients achieve optimal wellness and better qualities of life. She and her caring staff offer personalized, progressive care with modern methods and equipment in a warm and friendly environment.

They encourage a healthy lifestyle including weight management, good nutrition and exercise. She offers diet and exercise counseling, nutritional and dietary supplements and has added a safe and effective rapid weight loss option using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

Originally from England, Dr. Bates has been in the U.S. since 1986 and is a citizen. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry at Lamar University and her medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Her internship and residency were completed at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and she has been in private practice since 1999. She is married and lives in Lucas with her husband and two young children.

For an appointment or more information, call the office or visit her online.

Texas Foot & Ankle Clinic / Dr. Jeffrey Radack8080 State Highway 121 • Suite 200 • McKinney • 469.742.0406 • www.TexasFootClinic.com

Dr. Radack and the staff at Texas Foot & Ankle Clinic are committed to providing the highest quality of care, utilizing the latest techniques and advances in the field of podiatric medicine and surgery. Dr. Radack provides a complete range of services for pediatric and adult patients. He specializes in

reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, trauma and diabetic limb salvage.

Dr. Radack has practiced in McKinney for 10 years and is located at the Medical Center of Craig Ranch. He attended the College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, and completed reconstructive foot and ankle surgery residency at West Houston Medical Center in Houston. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, tennis, snow skiing and travel. His wife, Jill, is a pediatric endocrinologist in Fort Worth and they enjoy spending time with their son, Elliot.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle problems, call for an appointment today or please visit the website: www.TexasFootClinic.com.

Allen City Dental1505 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 200 • Allen • 469.675.3890 • www.allencitydental.com

Dr. Reji Mathew enjoys creating beautiful smiles and helping his patients improve their oral health. Dr. Mathew greatly values the responsibility to bring the best dentistry can offer to his patients by staying current on the best dental technology and attending seminars to provide dentistry with the utmost comfort. He has a genuine desire to help his patients through prevention and believes in taking the time to get to know his patients to better address their needs and expectations.

After graduating from Euless Trinity, Dr. Mathew attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he completed his bachelors and doctorate degrees. After several years of private practice in Fort Worth, Dr. Mathew feels privileged to call Allen home, serving the surrounding communities where much of his family and friends reside.

Dr. Mathew looks forward to opportunities to support the local sports teams, stay active at church, travel with his wife and enjoy the outdoors. Call today and let the vibrant team at Allen City Dental brighten your smile!

Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes, DDS, MS604 S. Watters Road, Suite 150 • Allen • 972.390.1100 • www.AllenOrthodontist.com

Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes and her team have been specializing in creating healthy and beautiful smiles for patients of all ages since 1999. They provide their patients and their families with the highest quality of orthodontic treatment in a friendly and professional environment. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes uses the latest technologies and treatment modalities to customize unique treatment plans that emphasize comprehensive, preventative and interceptive therapy. They focus on patient education and personalized care, and they involve other specialists, as needed, to customize unique treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs.

Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M University with summa cum laude honors and went on to Baylor College of Dentistry to complete her DDS degree as the top graduating student. She then completed her orthodontic residency and masters’ degree at the world- renowned program of Baylor with top honors. Dr. Mojdehi-Barnes is active in her community and numerous national and local organizations.

To learn more about the practice visit their web site or call for information.



North Texas Orthopaedics and Spine4510 Medical Center Dr., Suite 312 • McKinney • 214.592.9955 • NTOSonline.com

Dr. Slabisak is Fellowship trained in diagnosing and treating conditions of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine. With his foundation in orthopaedics, he is also skilled in treating most general orthopaedic conditions. Utilizing some of the latest minimally invasive techniques, surgical treatment for spine conditions can result in improved healing times. Treatment plans are specialized for each individual patient, surgical or non-surgical.

Dr Lessner is an orthopaedic surgeon with specialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopy. His fellowship included active participation as an assistant team physician for the Cincinnati Bengals and The University of Cincinnati sports teams. Dr. Lessner is trained in all areas of orthopaedic care, but his special interest lie in the care of athletes of all ages and levels, as well as advanced arthroscopy and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee.

At North Texas Orthopaedics & Spine, our primary focus is high-quality patient care and our staff takes pride in providing excellent service. Dr. Lessner Dr. Slabisak

TLC Pediatrics1105 Central Expwy., Suite 250 • Allen • 972.747.5437 • www.tlcpedi.com

The mission of TLC Pediatrics is to provide exceptional health care to children—care that fosters their health and prepares them for the future. We strive to share with you in the nurturing of your child from birth to adolescence so that they may reach their full potential. We bring our skills, knowledge and passion to help care for your child’s physical, emotional and developmental needs. We invite you and your child to come experience TLC Pediatrics—Where Kids Come First!

Meet The Doctors! In order for you and your child to get to know us, we set aside a special time each month for you to come and meet our board certified pediatricians as well as our two certified pediatric nurse practitioners. Please give our office a call and plan to attend our next “Meet The Doctors” night!

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Dan Moulton established his pediatric practice here in Allen in October 2000. Dr. Dan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his residency training in pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. A board certified pediatrician, Dr. Dan’s special interests include childhood immune deficiencies, allergies and pediatric sports medicine. He is the proud father of three boys and enjoys being home with his family, as well as softball, flag football, fishing and the occasional video game. He is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan.

Dr. Jenna O’Brien is originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area and attended the University of North Texas as an under graduate. She graduated from UNT’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth and completed her pediatric residency training at Penn State Children’s Hospital. Dr. Jenna is board certified with the American Academy of Pediatrics and joined TLC Pediatrics in January 2012.

Her special interests include newborn, developmental and adolescent medicine, as well as ADHD. She is also educated in American Sign Language and deaf culture. She enjoys volunteering as a sorority advisor to the Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi at UNT.

Acupuncture & Herbs • Dr. Julie Qu2305 Coit Road, Suite D • Plano • 972.832.1584 • www.jqclinic.com.

Americans are increasingly interested in acupuncture and herb treatment because of the great results achieved and the lack of associated side effects. Dr. Qu has extensive training and 25 years experience in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

She graduated in 1985 from Hei Long Jiang University in China, a school of traditional Chinese medicine. In 1993, she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Chinese Medicine and became a member of the first generation of Ph.D.s in Traditional Chinese medicine.

Through combinations of acupuncture and herbs, Dr. Qu has treated patients with a variety of disorders including pain, injury, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine headaches, vertigo, TMJ, stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue, allergies, PMS, infertility, digestive problems, IBS and more. She can also help patients quit smoking or lose weight. She has been teaching Acupuncture and Herbology at the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine since 2003, where she works as a professor, a clinic supervisor and a clinic director. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call or visit her website.



Robertson Orthodontics2730 Country Club Road Lucas • 972.363.8020 • robertsonorthodontics.com

Dr. Robertson has been practicing orthodontics in the Dallas area since completing his training at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, where he was Chief Resident of his orthodontic class. He is proud to say that he is a native Texan and attended Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Dentistry.

Dr. Robertson discovered Lucas, Texas, last year and right away knew that it was where he wanted to work, live and raise a family. He is newly married and his new practice, Robertson Orthodontics, in Lucas is now open. Here, Dr. Robertson and his staff strive to create a warm, inviting orthodontic home for children, teens and adults alike, where state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced techniques are used to create the beautiful and healthy smiles that each patient deserves.“I learned that in working with my patients, enhancing their smiles improves their overall health and self-esteem. This role that I play in their lives really brings out the best in me. My continuing ambition is to provide the most comprehensive, compassionate care to my patients. By improving their lives, I am fulfilling mine.”

Fitness Together1201 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 106 • Allen • 469.675.3378 • www.fitnesstogether.com/allen

Fitness Together is a one-of-a-kind gym that helps their clients look and feel their best while achieving their fitness goals in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. The unique setup of three private training rooms allows trainers to focus solely on their clients, leading to maximum results. Whether it be one-on-one training or targeted group training such as PACK for Kids, PACK for Men and PACK for Women, the trainers design the workouts to fit each individuals needs. Numerous challenges and prize winning opportunities are conducted throughout the year to keep clients motivated and on their toes!

The trainers are all well educated and have experience training a variety of clientele including children, sedentary or active adults, diabetics, rehabilitating individuals and competitive athletes.

Whether your goal is losing weight, building muscle or getting and staying healthy, Fitness Together can design a program that is right for you.

Bethany Heights Dental1208 E. Bethany Drive, Suite 7 • Allen • 972.390.8500 • www.bethanyheightsdentalcare.com

Dr. Carla Spann earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the Texas A & M Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Before attending dental school, she graduated from Duke University School of Engineering in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. A believer in keeping her skills current, she has completed numerous continuing education courses and is an alumnae of the Pankey Institute in Florida where she has expanded her knowledge of principles of general dentistry to incorporate all aspects of patients’ oral health, nutrition and medical systemic conditions in her practice philosophy.

With a compassionate and conservative approach to dentistry, she believes that patient education is paramount to success in resolving and preventing oral health issues. She is particularly skilled in helping fearful patients relax during their dental care and is certified to provide sedation for these patients when necessary.

This former Associate Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Dallas County Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Her sons Carson and Cameron Lopez attend Chandler Elementary School here in Allen.

Title Boxing Club300 N. Greenville Ave. • Allen • 214.644.2640 • www.titleboxingclub.com

5080 Virginia Parkway • McKinney • 214.856.7007

Title Boxing Club is open in Allen! You’ll find the latest boxing and kickboxing fitness club in a convenient location.

Inside, you’ll discover a heavy bag station with over 50 heavy bags. Like the clubs before it, members can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour with the Power Hour, explosive total body boxing and kickboxing workouts taught in groups. Certified Title Boxing Club trainers help people of all fitness levels get the most out of their 60-minute workout. Title Boxing of Allen also offers free weights and cardio equipment. All necessary equipment is available for sale or loan in the retail area of your local Title Boxing Club.

You can learn more about the new club by calling 214.644.2640 or finding Title Boxing Club Allen on Facebook. Your first shot is free so you’ve got nothing to lose but pounds and inches! Get to the Title Boxing Club near you now. This Title Boxing Club is an independently owned and operated fitness franchise of Polar Bear, LLC.



Master’s Hand Dental935 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 300 • Allen • 972.359.2822 • www.mastershanddental.com

Your Smile. Our Passion. The entire team at Master’s Hand Dental is excited about the latest high-tech developments to make your dental treatment a high-comfort, low-stress experience.

Our practice features general dentistry, oral sedation, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, orthodontics, non-surgical periodontal treatment and so much more. With our popular oral sedation dentistry, you can complete your entire dental treatment while you sleep and wake up with a new smile!

We pride ourselves in individual service with state-of-the-art equipment and sterilization techniques. Dr. Koons and our caring, knowledgeable staff provide you with a comfortable and warm atmosphere! We would be delighted to welcome you to our office as our new patient!

Vision Source Fairview1546 E. Stacy Rd., Suite100 • Allen • 214.383.5400 • www.visionsource-fairview.com

Vision Source delivers exceptional service to maintain healthy eyes and a lifetime of good vision for the entire family. Dr. Carey Patrick, O.D, and Dr. Shannon O’Hare, O.D., provide comprehensive eye health care using digital retinal imaging and advanced technology to detect sight-threatening conditions before most symptoms are noticeable. As therapeutic optometrists, Drs. Patrick and O’Hare diagnose, treat and co-manage care of eye infections, eye injuries, Dry Eye Syndrome, ocular allergies, eye surgeries, macular degeneration and cataracts. Both are Certified Glaucoma Specialists.

Specialty services include pediatric eye health and vision development evaluations for patients 6 weeks to 4 years old; sports vision performance evaluations; custom contact lens designs for hard-to-fit patients; and CRT—Corneal Refractive Therapy—to reshape the patient’s eyes, without surgery, to see great without daytime glasses or contact lenses. Vision Source offers eyeglasses and sunwear from designers including Coach, Lisa Loeb, Adrienne Vittadini, Calvin Klein, Nautica and Nike. Advanced eye health care, fashionable eyewear and family-focused eye doctors—that’s the difference at Vision Source. Dr. PatrickDr. O’Hare

Plastic and Hand Surgery of North Texas1105 Central Expressway North, Medical Office Building 1, Suite 330 • Allen • 972.747.4271

The human hand is complex, intricate and essential for daily living, but we often take it for granted. Early diagnosis and treatment of a hand or wrist issue may resolve a problem before it can affect hand function. That’s why it’s important to see Nam Le, M.D., and the team at Plastic and Hand Surgery of North Texas for an upper-extremity condition or injury.

As a hand specialist, Dr. Le is committed to serving the plastic surgery and hand care needs of the Allen community and surrounding areas. Our caring hands care for patients of all ages—from newborns to seniors. We pursue the most advanced minimally-invasive and surgical procedures available to help patients heal quickly and return to an active lifestyle. From fracture care and treatment for nerve conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to management of arthritis, our goal is to make a difference in your body and your life.

Dr. Le is fellowship-trained in orthopedic hand surgery from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital–Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Both institutions are consistently ranked as top medical schools in the United States by U.S. News. He has published numerous scientific articles on cell differentiation and the peripheral nervous system in peer-reviewed journals, including Nature Neuroscience and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Le lives in the Allen area with his wife and three children.

At Plastic and Hand Surgery of North Texas, we are committed to ensuring that our patients have all the information and guidance needed to make the right treatment decision for them. We provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment, with a special focus on care for hand and wrist injuries; arthritis; peripheral nerve reconstruction and tendon conditions; hand or wrist masses; plastic and reconstructive surgery for facial trauma, congenital conditions and cancer reconstruction; and cosmetic enhancement, including breast and body contouring and post-Bariatric surgery.

Plastic and Hand Surgery of North Texas is conveniently located on the campus of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. Come see how our caring hands can care for your hands and general plastic surgery needs.



Allen Chiropractic/Dr. Jane Perry1506 N. Greenville, Ste. 260 • Allen • 972.727.1106 • drjaneperry.com

Dr. Jane Perry has brought relief to thousands of patients over the past 26 years, and your health is her number one concern. She and her staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve excellent health and increased vitality through chiropractic, and educating patients about long-term health and lifestyle changes.

“It’s important for me to offer effective chiropractic care that can be documented and proven to my patients. That’s why I’ve chosen the Activator method of adjusting, in which patients simultaneously experience state-of-the-art precision chiropractic along with a gentle, caring touch.”

Dr. Perry was also recently certified in Impulse IQ Chiropractic Instrument Adjusting, an innovative chiropractic technique that incorporates the use of a hand-held computerized adjusting instrument to apply treatment. Using this instrument allows her to specifically target problem areas of the spine and extremity joints with a controlled force in an effort to correct the underlying cause of the patient’s pain. This technique is used to help patients suffering from a variety of conditions including low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches and whiplash injuries. Dr. Perry joins an elite group of doctors to become certified in the Impulse IQ Adjusting technique.

North Texas Counselors305 E. McDermott, Suite A • Allen • 972.984.2071 • www.NTxCounselors.com

Does anxiety, stress, anger, family problems, low-self esteem or depression control your life? If you find yourself struggling with difficult emotions, it might be time to get help. North Texas Counselors offers a group of compassionate therapists who can successfully help guide you through the change process. Their wide range of counseling services include play therapy, individual counseling for children, teens and adults, ongoing group counseling and family counseling. They

offer evening and Saturday appointments. Counselors are trained to go beyond simple “talk therapy” and focus on creativity. Jackie Burson, Director of North Texas Counselors, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist, National Certified Counselor and author of seven books used by counselors nationwide.

“Our approach encompasses a wide range of techniques,” said Jackie. “We feel using creative means of expression can be appropriate for people of all ages.” For children ages four and older, they have a full play therapy room. “When working with children, parents are an intricate part of the therapeutic process and are included in sessions as needed. For teens and adults, we focus on determining the reason behind the pain and help manage healthy coping skills.”

McKinney Smiles2780 Virgina Parkway, Suite 201 • McKinney • 972.542.8400 • www.mckinneysmiles.com

Healthy. Happy. Smiles. That is his goal for each patient that visits his office. Dr. Lawrence is a family dentist who sees adults and children. He is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. He loves the opportunity to help people treat all aspects of their dental needs. Dr. Lawrence has additional training in cosmetic dentistry and has completed a masters series from the Center of Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association and the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Dr. Lawrence completed a two-year program through the Academy of GP Orthodontics to receive training to provide orthodontic services for his patients.

Dr. Lawrence loves the opportunity to visit with his patients and develop a long-term relationship with them. Those conversations with patients help him to better understand what they are looking for in a dentist. Life is about more than healthy teeth. It’s about healthy people and being happy in our lives. Family is what gives Dr. Lawrence his greatest joy. He and his wife, Mary Jane, are the proud parents of six beautiful children. Come by and see him today!

Allen Implant Dentist915 W. Exchange Pkwy., Ste. 280 • Allen • 214.509.9011. • www.allenimplantdentist.com

Dr. Robertson received her bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery simultaneously from the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a part of an accelerated degree program. She worked as a general dentist for three years prior to returning to the University of Missouri for an advanced education program in periodontics. According to Dr. Robertson, her experience in general dentistry has enhanced her ability to serve her patients as a periodontist.

“Having a background in general dentistry allows me to broaden my perspective a bit,” she says. “A comprehensive approach to oral health allows us to guide patients through ideal, properly-phased treatment plans and to encourage personal health and wellness.”

In addition to providing treatment of gum disease, much of Dr. Robertson’s surgical practice is cosmetic, including procedures such as tissue grafts to treat gum recession and dental implants. Dr. Robertson inherited an eye for design and the ability to use her hands creatively from both her mother—a seamstress and designer—and her father—a carpenter. As an adult, she has combined her talent with a love for science in her chosen career.



Children’s DentistryTammy Gough, DDS, MS • Jessie Hunter, DDS

201 North Alma Drive, Ste. 100 • Allen • 972.727.0737 • www.allenkidsdentist.com

Dr. Tammy Gough is a board certified pediatric dentist who has practiced in Allen since 1993. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas.

Dr. Gough has served as President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentists and the Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentists. She is the chairman of the Texas Pediatric Dentist’s Political Action Committee and is an advocate for children’s dental health issues in Austin. She has been selected as a “Best Dentist in Dallas” by D Magazine. Dr. Gough is honored to be appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas State Dental Board for a six-year term.

Dr. Jessie Hunter is also a board certified pediatric dentist. She was raised in Oklahoma and did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and received her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. Jessie earned her Pediatric Certificate from Louisiana State University. She currently lives in Frisco with her husband, Brandon, and their children, Haidyn and Austin.

As pediatric dentists, Drs. Gough and Hunter are experts in the growth and development of the oral structures of infants, children and adolescents and are specially trained in behavior management and sedation techniques for apprehensive or special needs patients.

“Our office is committed to making every visit a fun and positive, yet educational, visit for the children.”

The office provides its young patients plenty of fun, with a video arcade for their enjoyment before and after their appointment. A sports theme features Dallas professional teams and a wall displays a collection of sports memorabilia. The doctors and staff provide the highest quality of dentistry through continuing education on new procedures, products and equipment. Dr. Gough Dr. Hunter

Creekview Orthodontics1780 W. McDermott, Suite 100 • Allen • 214.547.0001 • www.forgreatsmiles.com

At Creekview Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Ghosh, Dr. Trent Lofgren and their team strongly believe in preventive care with a conservative treatment philosophy. In addition to practice experience, both doctors have taught orthodontics at the university level—Dr Ghosh full-time for many years. Their belief is to use the latest technology, but only that which is backed up by peer-reviewed research. While creating beautiful smiles is their goal for each patient, the most satisfying part of orthodontics are the relationships created with patients and their families.

Orthodontics provides beautiful smiles that improve self-esteem, while contributing to overall health. Other benefits include better function, ease of cleaning and greater longevity of teeth. Since detecting a problem early makes prevention and correction easier, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children be screened by an orthodontist at age seven. Since newer materials—like tooth-colored “invisible” braces and special alloyed wires—have made treatment more cosmetically appealing and comfortable and has shortened treatment time, more adults are accepting orthodontic treatment as well.

Premier Foot and Ankle 6309 Preston Road, Suite 1200 • Plano • 972.424.8999 • www.premierfoot.com

Dr. Jaryl Korpinen of Premier Foot and Ankle offers the newest technologies for the treatment of foot and heel pain. Podiatherm is a non-surgical, insurance approved treatment using radiofrequency to cure heel pain as well as pain in the ball of the foot called Morton’s neuroma. The EPAT is a non-invasive in-office treatment to heal conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Although Dr. Korpinen was surgically trained at the Harris County Surgical Residency, he has invested in these new, conservative technologies for better solutions for foot pain without the need for surgery.

As a former college basketball player, Dr. Korpinen has a special interest in sports medicine and works closely with various running clubs, triathlon clubs and races. Dr. Korpinen has been recognized by his peers as a D Magazine Best Doctors in Collin County. Premier Foot and Ankle also has on-site x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, treatments for neuropathy and vascular testing for diabetics. New technology for the treatment of toenail fungus is now available as well.

Please call for an appointment or more information.



I Choose Change PLLC 1514 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 310 • Allen • 214.547.1318 • www.ichoosechange.com

Love the couch. Love yourself. The couch has long been synonymous with psychotherapy and counseling and a red sofa has become a highly recognizable symbol of quality counseling and life coaching in the Allen area. Within easy reach of Fairview, Plano and McKinney, I Choose Change (ICC) offers

individual counseling, family therapy, life coaching and a women’s support group. Working closely with local pediatricians their registered play therapists and counselors work extensively with young children and teens.

The majority of clients choose to sit on that couch but those who live too far away to travel to Allen, or need to fit their therapy into hectic work and life schedules, find that ICC’s 21st century approach to counseling suits them better—counseling and coaching not only via traditional face-to-face but via email, telephone and Skype.

Jennifer Slingerland Ryan, founder and director of ICC, has worked in the mental health industry for almost 15 years and has been in private practice for over 10 years. She and her team look forward to helping and supporting you and yours. To learn more visit their website or call for information.

Allen Hearing915 W. Exchange Parkway, Suite 180-A • Allen • 972.746.2220 • www.allenhearing.com

Allen Hearing Clinic, founded in 2000 by Dr. Michele Gillentine, is an Audigy certified practice ranking among the top 3-5% of all private hearing care providers in the United States. Qualification is through a third party assessing core values and adhering to a best practice approach for use of advanced technologies, personalized hearing solutions, customer service and most important—overall value provided.

Individuals with hearing loss, along with their family and friends, experience frustration and isolation resulting in less communication. The Allen Hearing Clinic team believes when you can ‘hear life’ you can ‘live life’ to the fullest. They strive to provide a unique experience rather than just another appointment and when needed, offer well rounded treatment solutions, not just hearing aids.

The Allen Hearing Clinic team serves people in Allen, Midlothian and surrounding communities. Helping their patients doesn’t stop there! They partner with Allen Community Outreach, assist at Allen Food Pantry, have traveled to Honduras on a mission trip to fit over 2000 hearing aids in four days and will embark on an additional mission to Guadalajara, Mexico, in January 2013.

Craig Ranch OB-GYN7900 Henneman Way, Suite 100 • McKinney • 214.544.6600 • www.craigranchobgyn.com

Craig Ranch OB-GYN is conveniently located off of the Sam Rayburn Tollway between Alma and Custer. They provide OB-GYN services to the north Collin County area including Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney.

They offer complete obstetrical care with management of both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. They perform deliveries at several of the local hospitals including Medical Center of McKinney, Presbyterian of Allen and Baylor Medical Center at Frisco.

They are one of the leaders in all of Texas for in-office procedures such as endometrial ablation and the Essure for permanent sterilization. The group consists of Andrew Shimer, MD, Shea Joyner, MD, Sara Robert, MD, Heather Sloan, MD, Christine Wan, MD, Allison Atlas, WHNP and Kristan Rhone, WHNP. Please call for a consultation.

Stacy Ponder-Terry, Orthodontist, DMD, MS1505 W. McDermott Drive #145 • Allen • 214.736.3605 • www.ponderterryortho.com

Dr. Terry is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Milsaps College. She completed her dental school training at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, where she finished at the top of her class. It was there where Dr. Terry made history becoming the first African American female to be accepted into an orthodontic specialty program.

She completed her specialty training at one of the country’s top orthodontic programs—the University of Michigan. During her residency, Dr. Terry was named a Charley Schultz Residence Scholar for her distinguished thesis project on External Root Absorption.

A past orthodontic patient herself, Dr. Terry is committed to providing the best patient care possible. Dr. Terry closely listens to her patient’s concerns to develop individualized treatment plans. Dr. Terry currently lives in Allen with her husband Ryan and Shitzu, Gracey.



Allen Family Dental Dr. Lina Lizardi • Dr. Marisol Chaves-Trautmann

1420 W. Exchange Pkwy., Suite 170 • Allen • 469.342.6644 • www.allentexasfamilydental.com

At Allen Family Dental, we spend extra time helping our patients feel comfortable and understand their treatment. We are committed to giving our patients the personalized care they deserve in a beautiful and comfortable office setting with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Our core values are: understanding patients’ needs, presenting an honest diagnosis, giving a thorough explanation of treatments, providing quality care and creating a comfortable dental experience.

Dr. Lina Lizardi graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007, and from the University of Santo Tomas de Aquino in Colombia in 1994. She has been practicing dentistry since 1995. Dr. Lizardi lives in Allen with her husband, Rafael, and their two children, Alex and Sofia. She stays active in the community at a personal and professional level. Dr. Lizardi is a member of the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), The American Dental Association (ADA), The Texas Dental Association (TDA), the North Texas Dental Society (NTDS), the Hispanic Dental Association (HAD) and she is an Allen sports activity sponsor.

Dr. Chaves-Trautmann was born and raised in Costa Rica and came to the United States to pursue her post graduate dental education. She graduated in 1991, and in June of 1997 she completed the Ohio State University program of Advanced Prosthodontics—the field of dentistry that specializes in dental restoration associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Shortly after completing the program, she joined the Baylor College of Dentistry faculty in Dallas and taught at the Advanced Educations of General Dentistry Program, and then joined private practice. She enjoys watching her three boys play sports and spending time at the lake with family and friends. During her 20 years in the dental field, she has focused on delivering to patients the best possible care in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Experience the difference for yourself today.

Modern Family Vision906 W. McDermott, Suite 106 • Allen • 972.396.2021 • www.mfvallen.com

Modern Family Vision has been serving patients since 2003. Their patients have come to rely on both the personalized attention and the great value that is a staple here. And, a plus is the Patient Loyalty Program that provides loyal repeat patients with greater discounts.

The friendly, caring doctors and staff at Modern Family Vision provide exceptional eye care and treatment of eye injuries, diseases and emergencies for adults and children 28 months and older. In addition to providing quality eye care, Modern Family Vision carries a huge selection of frames, lenses, sunglasses and contact lenses that will fit any style or budget. The office also has a 24-hour patient care line that is always answered by the office staff for eye emergencies, making appointments, checking on the status of an order or any other questions you might have.

Modern Family Vision does accept medical insurance and even has an in-house insurance specialist who can help patients understand their vision coverage or search for coverage when necessary. In-house short-term financing (no credit needed), or longer-term credit plans are available.

Call to schedule your appointment now!

Simple Sleep Services6101 Chapel Hill Blvd. Suite 201 • Plano • 469.685.1700 • www.simplesleepservices.com

At Simple Sleep Services we provide proven solutions to stop your snoring and treat your sleep apnea. No painful surgery, no cumbersome CPAP. We start with a one-on-one consultation and assessment of your individual needs to determine the best treatment for your snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are undiagnosed, we may prescribe an inexpensive easy-to-use home sleep test. If you have already had a sleep study and cannot use or do not like your CPAP, then we will work with you to find the most comfortable, effective therapy to treat your sleep-disordered breathing. At Simple Sleep Services we work with all private insurance companies including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and others. We are a Medicare approved facility and we accept Medicare for our services. In many instances insurance will pay for our services, especially if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. We also offer 12 months 0% flexible financing with low monthly payment plans, and we accept a variety of payment options including health savings accounts and flex-spending accounts.

Please call us at 469.685.1700 for details, email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.simplesleepservices.com.

For Your Health



health & fitness

I am often asked, “Is snoring a very common problem”? In fact, research suggests that nearly half of all men and one-third of all women snore on a regular basis. It can put a strain on relationships, causing bed partners to lose sleep, night after night, or forcing the snorer to sleep in a separate room. Even worse, loud snoring can sometimes be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a serious medical condition that can damage overall health, productivity and safety.

What is snoring?Snoring noises are produced in the

back of your mouth and throat. When these passages are narrowed for any reason, the soft palate, tongue and throat vibrate as air flows over them and this creates the familiar sound.

What is sleep apnea?When people have sleep apnea,

the passages in the back of the throat are more than narrowed during snoring—they are blocked completely. Because no oxygen can reach the lungs, breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer. These pauses in breathing can occur 30 or more times every hour, all night long, and may include gasping for breath or choking. When this happens, restful, healthy sleep becomes impossible. Sleep apnea can affect all parts of your life. It impairs your memory and concentration and it places tremendous strain on your body—especially your cardiovascular system. High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and GERD are all co-morbidities of untreated obstructive sleep apnea.

If I snore do I have sleep apnea?Frequent, loud snoring may be a

sign of sleep apnea, a common and potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. The biggest indication is how you feel during the day. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea does, so you’re less likely to suffer from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day if you have simple snoring as opposed to obstructive sleep apnea. It can be tough to identify sleep apnea on your own, since the most prominent symptoms only occur when you’re asleep.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) and surgery are often used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Oral

appliances are another option. Patients generally find them easy to wear and when fitted and adjusted correctly, they are very effective. However, the “mouth pieces” sold directly to the public through TV ads and at the pharmacy are off-the-shelf items not FDA-cleared Class II medical devices and do not treat sleep apnea. These mouthpieces are not custom made for individual patients, have no or limited adjustability, are generally less comfortable and may even be harmful to you by causing jaw pain or TMJ.

If you think that you may have obstructive sleep apnea, please seek help from a medical professional. v

John Truitt is a founding partner and CEO of

Simple Sleep Services in Plano.

Waking up to the American nightmareby John Truitt


Being in a long-term relationship with someone isn’t always easy. In fact, being in a long-term relationship with someone is challenging, angering and maddening at times, even within a 10-minute span. Sometimes it’s blissful and joyous, but being in close quarters 24/7 with someone for a lifetime takes work.

When we’re in the crux of a difficult situation with a loved one, our heads are in two different places on seemingly small issues (they usually are in hindsight, aren’t they?). It’s nice to have some easy tools we

can reach for so we don’t completely damage our relationship.

Here are five tips every relation-ship should use each time a difficult topic comes up:

Honor who has the floor

When there’s a grievance, honor and respect your partner as they present their issue. Our first response is usually defensive. After all, who likes to be told they’re inadequate or didn’t measure up? Still, it’s a real issue for the person who brings it up, and it’s our job as their partner to respect their feelings, even if we disagree with their perception.

Feelings first, content second

Just as we allow our loved one to express their grievance openly, we need to honor their flood of emotions. Think about it: The main reason there’s a grievance is because there’s a hurt. Your spouse feels left out, rejected, lonely, ignored, sad, inadequate or disrespected and al though your interpretation of the situation went down totally different than your spouse’s understanding, it’s not nice to compound the grievance by discrediting emotions.

Plus, allowing your spouse to simply feel what they need to feel

Five tips for muddling through a disagreementby Jennifer Slingerland-Ryan

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about their perceived grievance will build a stronger connection between the two of you so you can talk about the content of the problem.

Validate feelings and thoughts

Nothing is more unnerving than laying your heart on the line, only to feel like you’re a big heap of irrational. We have to stay very in-tune

to what our spouse is saying. Further, we have to deduce what they are feeling based on what they have said and their body language.

If we’re going to really connect with our spouse, and validate their emotion, we need to listen for their feelings in their non-verbal cues. They may not say, “I feel lonely and disrespected,” but they may be showing you in their actions.

What’s important is that your spouse feels heard and validated—

however they feel and whatever they think is true and valid for them, even if it isn’t true and valid for you.

Just observe/be inquisitive

The opposite of getting defen sive is to listen and remain accepting. You may not like what your spouse says, but you have to honor it. (Unless you want to have more arguments on your hands.) Observe what he says; what he does; what he thinks; his body language; and what he seems to feel (even if he doesn’t tell you). And, be inquisitive.

You aren’t expected to be a mind reader, but you are expected to be tuned in—asking questions about the grievance. The more questions you ask, the more you’ll seem interested. The more interested you seem, the more emotionally connected your spouse feels.

Stay connected by getting as much information from her as you can, helping her to feel understood and heard. Her grievance is about her, it’s not about you, so let her have the floor and fully honor her emotions before you dig into any of the problem-solving content.

Be the audience

Your life is much like a theatrical production, and just as you are the audience in the theater, it is valuable to observe your disagreements in much the same way. Step back and observe your spouse and the argument from a different angle. This is the best way to attempt to put yourself in your spouse’s shoes. v

Jennifer Slingerland Ryan, M.Ed., LPC-S is

the founder and director of I Choose Change in

Allen.

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For centuries, humankind has searched for the fountain of youth. Through the latest medical advances we are getting close.

We’ve learned ways to both prevent future aging and reverse some of the damage that has already occurred without the expense, dis-

comfort and inconvenience of older and more invasive procedures.

To PreventExposure to ultraviolet (UV)

radiation is the main cause of premature aging and is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. UV radiation is emitted not only by the sun, but also by indoor tanning beds. Most individuals do not realize that UV radiation can alter your DNA. As part of a good skin care routine outlined by your dermatologist, sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent wrinkling and sun damage.

To ReverseTo treat wrinkling and sun

damage that has already occurred, there are several non-surgical treatments now available that have little or no downtime. It is important to remember that cosmetic treatments are medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified physician.

Moving forward to reverse agingby Dr. James Ralston


Some non-surgical options to reverse aging skin include:

Chemical peels A solution is applied to the skin to

remove aged, discolored, and/or irregular outer layers of the skin. Some superficial peels use natural, organic products to treat the skin gently with excellent results.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)Treatments for aging skin, brown spots, and red spots, that work by delivering pulses of light to affected areas without creating a wound. This usually requires no downtime.

Botulinum toxin A protein that is carefully injected

into the skin in very low doses. Botulinum toxin relaxes the affected muscle to soften frown lines, crow’s feet and other wrinkles.

Wrinkle fillers Naturally occurring substances

are injected into the skin to instantly reduce wrinkles and hollows in the face.

Fractionated Rejuvenation This is used to treat fine lines and

wrinkles, stretch marks and textural irregularities caused by excessive sun exposure. Advancements in skin resurfacing using lasers or radio frequency allow healing to occur much more rapidly and with minimal discomfort. In addition, improvements in radio frequency technology have allowed dermatologists to treat people of color safely and effectively.

When considering cosmetic skin treatments, you will need to ask these questions:

• Whatarethedoctor’scredentials?Is he/she a board certified dermatologist or other appropriately trained physician? What training has he/she had with this specific procedure? Is the procedure performed by the

physician, or is it being delegated to a staff member?

• Whatresultscanbeexpected?Askto see before and after photos.

• Whataretherisks?Willthedoctorbe available if any questions or concerns occur after the procedure?

• Whereistheprocedurebeingperformed? The procedure should be performed in a controlled medical environment with the proper equipment to treat any anomalies.

• Whatisthecost?Howmanytreatments are needed? What is the post-procedure care?

If you would like more information about these or other treatments, talk to your doctor. Dermatologists specialize in the medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nails. v

James P. Ralston, MD, FAAD, is a Board

Certified Dermatologist at the

Dermatology Center of McKinney.

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