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contents May 2011 Vol. 21, Issue 5

54

22

cover story54 Roots grow deep in Allen’s rich

soil

After we are gone, photos will fade, the money will be spent and the land will be covered with houses. The accounts of our triumphs and tragedies, celebrations, sorrows and madcap escapades are the treasures that will remain for generations to come. Kenneth and Jo Bolin generously share their time and tales—keeping the stories alive and passing on some of their family stories for Allen Image readers.

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature22 Teamwork takes the ice

The Allen Revolution synchronized skating team provides another outlet of competition for girls who are passionate about ice skating. The ice rink, located next to the Allen Event Center, is a pretty great place to be, the parents say, especially given the alternative.

by Nicole Bywater

special sections8 people seen

24 kids korner

Fresh from the garden

by Deborah Dove

41 calendar24

6 w w w. a l l e n i m a g e . c o m

Allen Imagepublisher/editor

Barbara Peavy

graphic design

Kevin Valdez

production assistant

Carrie McCormick

advertising sales

Jill Edelman

contributing writers

Nicole Bywater

Deborah Dove

Tom Keener

Jeff Mues

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Mark Robinson

Regina Taylor

Marjorie Vaneskahian

cover photo

Larry Fleming

Allen Image © 2011 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 Allen Americans enjoy success on

the ice, quality of life off the ice

by Jeff Mues

12 Summer Sounds Concerts

by Jeff Mues

14 2011 Spring Garden Tour

16 Ms. Senior Allen 2011

by Jeff Mues

helping hands18 A reason to volunteer

by Marjorie Vaneskahian

library20 Author Brandon Mull

by Tom Keener

Steel Guitar Jamboree

by Tom Keener

education26 AHS students learn independence

by Regina Taylor

30 Sustaining the green

by Mark Robinson

beauty/fashion34 Create a healthier you with spa

treatments

by Nicole Bywater

gardening38 Welcome hummingbirds and

butterflies into your garden

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

34

26

14

civic forum

Player: Chris WhitleyNickname: WhitsPosition: GoalieNumber: 83Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario,

Canada Favorite restaurant: Brio Tuscan

GrilleFavorite place to hang out in

Allen away from the ice: Havana Jim’s

Favorite thing about playing at home in Allen Event Center: Getting the opportunity to play in front of great fans.

Player: Erik AdamsNickname: Rico, or Uncle RicoPosition: DefensemanNumber: 32Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario,

Canada Favorite restaurant: Brio Tuscan

GrilleFavorite place to hang out in

Allen away from the ice: Dodie’s Place Sports Grill to watch football.

Favorite thing about playing at home in Allen Event Center: Seeing the fans dressed in red jerseys and shirts! Player: Colton Yellow Horn

Nickname: YellowPosition: ForwardNumber: 15Hometown: Brocket, Alberta,

Canada Favorite restaurant: Allen Café and

Brio Tuscan Grille Favorite place to hang out in Allen

away from the ice: With my dog at the dog park.

Favorite thing about playing at home in Allen Event Center: The fans and pregame naps in my own bed.

Allen Americans enjoy success on the ice, quality of life off the iceby Jeff Mues

After winning the Southern conference and making it to the Central Hockey League (CHL) finals as an expansion team last season, the Allen Americans ran away with the best record in the CHL this season. In doing so, they clinched the 2010-11 Bud Poile Governors’ Cup as well as a home ice advantage, playing most of their games at Allen Event Center, in their quest for the 2010-11 Ray Miron President’s Cup. As of press time, their quest for the championship is alive and well, so be sure to check www.allenamericans.com to follow their progress and/or to get ticket information.

“To win the Governor’s Cup in only our second season is something to be proud of,” American’s President Matt Canavan said. “Coach Mullins, Coach McDonald and the players have worked hard to earn this accolade and home ice advantage for the postseason. It has been a special season that we are honored to share with our fans.”

With an international roster spanning from Arizona to Canada, the players have become fond of the quality of living in Allen and a few of them readily offered up a some of their favorite things about life in Allen. If you see your favorite player out and about in Allen, make sure to congratulate them! Visit www.allenamericans.com for more information. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks & Recreation Department.

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What could be better after a long Monday than spending the evening with family over a picnic dinner on the lush, fresh grass of the Joe Farmer Recreation Center Amphitheatre, enjoying live music filtering through the evening air? How about every Monday for six weeks?

The 14th Annual Summer Sounds Concert Series kicks off on Monday, May 16, and continues with different guest performers every Monday through June 20. The music will range from tropical sounds to rockin’ country to contemporary pop hits and more.

May 16Local favorite, Hunter Sullivan,

and his 14-piece big band will set the stage as they open the concert series. Complete with large horn section, Hunter Sullivan’s music will include traditional big band sounds like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “King For a Day.” Hunter and his band deliver an energetic authenticity, reinvigorating a genre of music popular long ago.

May 23Havana NRG! (New Rhythm

Generation), a highly-charged and energetic group—all hailing from Cuba—graces the stage. This group is definitely not your typical tropical orchestra. They produce hot salsa-themed music and very intense Cuban timba, merengue, bachata and even a mambo rap titled “Wrap the

Mambo.” The true exuberance of Cuban culture prevails with their amazing live show.

May 30The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra

and Symphony Chorus continues its wonderful tradition—Memorial Day concert and tribute. Not only will you delight in traditional patriotic pops music, there will be activities designed to honor our veterans and servicemen and women. The event will conclude with a patriotic fireworks show.

June 6The concert series goes rockin’

country with GOODnGONE, a homegrown Texas country band with rock-n-roll roots. GOODnGONE performs its own brand of original music, alongside radio favorites from such country music icons as Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney, as well as hits from regional sensations like Cross Canadian Ragweed and The Randy Rogers Band.

June 13Ready to check into the Hotel

California? Then you won’t want to miss FastLane with a tribute to the Eagles. Formed in 2005, these talented musicians play to thousands each year at festivals, clubs and special events. This 6-piece tribute to the super group of the 70s plays all the hits from the Eagles extensive catalog and is sure to have you on your feet dancing, singing

and enjoying that “Peaceful Easy Feeling” once again.

June 20The final concert features Signed

Sealed Delivered, a band that has been performing throughout DFW for over 10 years and features multiple vocalists, piano, guitar, bass, drums and horns. Their versatile style and high energy has made them a popular choice for special events, wedding receptions, private parties and local nightclubs. With this group, you will know every song and won’t want to stop dancing and singing along!

Thanks to the City of Allen and the Parks and Recreation Department, all concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. each Monday night. Light concessions and snow cones are available for purchase. Ground blanket seating is preferred so that concertgoers of all ages can enjoy the best line of sight.

Certainly, this is one of the most impressive and diverse lineups of entertainment ever offered by the Summer Sounds Concert Series, which has been a mainstay of the Allen Parks and Recreation Department for well over a decade. For more information on the free concert series, visit www.allenparks.org. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.

SummerSoundsConcerts by Jeff Mues by Jeff Mues


The Allen Garden Club will present their 2011 Spring Garden Tour on Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Keep Allen Beautiful, a community group that hopes to make Allen a cleaner, healthier and more attractive city, is a contributing sponsor of the tour. According to Denise Webre, president of the Allen Garden Club, “The 2011 tour will offer community members a rare opportunity to travel through six privately owned and beautifully maintained Collin County gardens.”

One garden along the tour will be a delight for children of all ages, with more than 1,000 pieces of frog art and several refreshing water features. The collection began as a reminder for the gardener, a cancer survivor, to Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.).

Another garden on the tour has been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The tour also includes a stop at a garden

designed with both year round enjoyment and water conservation in mind. Visitors also will view displays of native and drought-tolerant plants, colorful perennials, herbs, as well as water features.

“We hope visitors will bring their cameras,” said Webre. “Taking pictures helps people remember their favorite parts of the tour, and we hope it will help them create beautiful gardens of their own.”

Homeowners and Allen Garden Club members will help visitors identify plants and share tips on backyard gardening in North Texas. The Allen Garden Club will sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a gardening gift basket filled with gardening items and gift

cards donated by Allen Garden Club members, Keep Allen Beautiful and Puckett’s Nursery. At various tour stops, club members will distribute bottled water and free seed packets.

Tour books are available at Puckett’s Nursery, 811 East Main in Allen, and from club members for a $10 donation by cash or check made out to Allen Garden Club. Tour books include a $5 coupon for purchases at Puckett’s Nursery. Proceeds from the tour will be used for education and outreach activities of the club.

The Allen Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St. in downtown Allen, unless otherwise noted on the club’s web site. For information about the Spring Garden Tour or to join the Allen Garden Club, visit www.allengardenclub.org or call Denise Webre at 972.390.8536. For information about Keep Allen Beautiful, visit www.cityofallen.org/c o m m s e r v i c e s / k a b _home.htm. v

2011 Spring Garden Tour


The Allen Senior Recreation Center is already making plans for the fourth annual Ms. Senior Allen Pageant, which will be held Saturday, September 17. The pageant honors Allen Senior Recreation members who exemplify the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of a senior adult woman. Women, ages 50 and older, who have a positive outlook on life, are active in the com-munity and are leaders among their peers, are encouraged to participate.

Contestants will be judged on an interview, philosophy of life, evening wear and talent. The talent portion is always a favorite—previous contestants have showcased their singing voice, poetry reading, artwork and dance.

“While the title comes with a certain prestige, the most rewarding part of the experience is the opportun-ity to build new friendships and to get even more involved in the community,” said Leslie Doran-Cope, Allen Senior Recreation Center Supervisor.

The winner of the pageant will be able to serve as an ambassador at several events, such as participating in the city’s tree lighting ceremony and

the Allen USA celebration. In the past, the winner of the Ms. Senior Allen Pageant has also been called upon to participate in various grand openings in the city.

“Being named Ms. Senior Allen was unbelievable,” said former Ms. Senior Allen, JoAnn Ratcliff. “Joining the senior center and moving to

Allen are among the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

To learn more, or to apply, contact Leslie Doran-Cope at [email protected] or 214.509.4821. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.

Ms. Senior Allen 2011by Jeff Mues

L to R: Darlene Zumo, Isabell Moore—1st Runner Up & Miss Congeniality, Nhung Tran, Harmie Moncion, Glenda Miller and Marianne Griffin—Ms. Senior Allen.


helping hands

One of the first things they teach at “Volunteer Director School” is the reasons people volunteer—they are asked to be part of a group; to meet people; to give back to their community; and for recognition…to name a few.

At ACO we currently have 1820 background-checked adult volunteers on our rosters. Many volunteer on a regular basis at the Food Pantry, Meals-On-Wheels and the Resale Shop. Others volunteer for projects and special events like holiday programs, or our FunRun and golf tournament. They all have their own reasons for volun-teering. And all are good reasons.

Leading this volunteer army are our Volunteer Board members and officers. They also have motivations for what they do.

Matt Duncan of Independent Bank is ACO’s 2011 president. “I volunteer because of the people involved with

ACO and for the quality of services we provide. ACO provides genuine, high quality services, especially now that we operate the only ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for basic human services in Collin County. The fact that we can provide all of that assistance to help families and children is why I volunteer.”

Vice President of the ACO Board and long-time volunteer is Robin Franz of ColorDynamics, Inc. “Frankly, I’m always amazed when I meet someone who isn’t volunteering in some capacity,” says Franz. “You can learn and understand so much about the struggles of our neighbors by volunteering for such programs as Meals-On-Wheels or the ACO Resale Shop.”

Seven years ago ACO Board member Sheacy Thompson, District Director of State Representative Ken

Paxton’s office, became involved with ACO. “I am personally driven by faith to serve others who are less fortunate, and I was raised to believe that it is an obligation of a community to care for its neighbors in need,” Thompson comments.

Allen Community Outreach has five officers and ten board members who serve as leaders and decision makers of the organization, as well as being responsible for the vision of ACO. Matt Duncan serves as this year’s president and Robin Franz is vice president and incoming president. Robert Puster, long time educator and community volunteer, is secretary, and treasurer is Dr. Frank Martinez. Randy Sandifer of Sandifer Law Office is the immediate past president.

Board members are Nicole Frazier, Allen Police Department; Reverend Todd Harris, First United Methodist Church of Allen; Brad Hempkins, Hempkins Insurance; Michael Moran, Simpson Strong-Tie Company; Nick Nuspl, Pittenger, Paxton, Nuspl & Crumley; Bill Serafini, community volunteer; Reverend Wayne Stafford, Fellowship Christian Church Center; Carol Sutton, community volunteer; Sheacy Thompson, State Rep. Ken Paxton’s Office; and Dr. Maroba Zoeller, Allen ISD.

For the last 16 years, the staff and board have been directed by Glenda May who serves as the Executive Director. Supporting the mission of “transforming lives by addressing basic human service needs for Allen, Fairview and Lucas,” and driving the vision has been priority for May. “We are so fortunate to have an outstanding board who is focused on the community needs and determined to be a driving

A reason to volunteerby Marjorie Vaneskahian

Matt and Sharon Duncan

A l l e n I m A g e x M a y 2 0 11 19

force for the vision for ACO’s future,” says May.

For Matt Duncan—“the driving force behind the vision is the ACO staff itself. My vision, near term, is that ACO would secure permanent and reliable funding sources that allow us to increase our capacity to serve those in need. Long-term, my vision is to help build an organization that continually provides transparency in our operations and seeks to operate with exceptional efficiencies allowing for more funds for client services.”

Franz adds that her vision includes educating the community members regarding the variety of services that ACO provides. Thompson agrees that education and increasing public aware-ness is key. Mike Moran’s vision is simple—“to continue to serve those in need in our communities at the highest level, easing burdens and making life a little easier for those in need.”

The vision, the financial support of programs and a strong board and staff are only possible with the support of the community. The residents and businesses of Allen, Fairview and Lucas are generous, kind, and offer support with donations of funds, food items for the ACO Food Pantry, gently-used items for the ACO Resale Shop, and also by donating their time.

Last year ACO volunteers gave more than 27,000 hours of their time. Board member and long-time volunteer, Carol Sutton, explains, “Volunteering seems like a way to not only help those in need, but to say thank you for all I have.”

Laura Feld dedicates as many as 50 hours each month to the ACO Resale Shop, working in the book section. “The highlight of my day is when I get to tell someone new about ACO and what a deserving organization it is. Soon they realize that when they shop at the Resale Shop it is a win-win situation; not only are they finding great deals on books and many other fabulous items but they are also supporting ACO!” says Feld.

Moran volunteers because “it’s the

best way to feel good about yourself.” For community volunteer, Carson Doss it’s—“to repay society for my extreme good fortune!”

There is no one big “Volunteer Director School” to attend and learn all you need to know to motivate and coordinate volunteers. But in my 20+ years of working with volunteers and attending seminars and conferences, I’ve learned that ACO volunteers are the most giving of their resources and that residents and businesses of Allen, Fairview and Lucas are the most generous I’ve seen. I am proud to work with such wonderful volunteers, I am proud to be a part of ACO and I am proud to live in a community that takes care of its neighbors.

If you have the motivation to give your time and resources please contact me at [email protected] or 972.727.9131. v

Marjorie Vaneskahian is the director of

volunteer services at ACO.


library

Fablehaven author, Brandon Mull, visits the Allen Public Library, 1 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at 300 N. Allen Drive. After the program, patrons can ask questions, purchase books and have them signed by Mull. Sponsored by

Bach to Books and Storyopolis Global Entertainment, this program is free.

Mull declares, “Fablehaven is a fantasy adventure about a wildlife park for magical creatures. I figured that if I could learn to write a good scene, I could eventually write a good novel.” His works about imaginary creatures offer a realism that helps the reader launch into fantasy while discovering their inner self.

Mull also wrote The Candy Shop War. Because many young readers are interested in his books, Mull crosses the country talking to students, sharing the message that, “imagination can take you places.”

As a child, Mull lived in his head, creating adventures, daydreaming and sometimes sharing imaginary games with siblings and friends. Daydreaming

was part of his life, but as an adult, his stories grew to be more elaborate and he shares them with all who are willing to enjoy his imaginary possibilities.

Mull is writing a new three-book series called The Beyonders, and the first book was released March 15. A sequel to The Candy Shop War, titled The Arcadeland Catastrophe, is scheduled to be released later in 2011.

Having worked as a comedian, filing clerk, patio installer, movie promoter, copywriter, and briefly as a chicken stacker before becoming a published writer, Mull now lives happily with his wife Mary and their four children.

Call 214.509.4911 for information.v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with

the Allen Public Library.

Author Brandon Mullby Tom Keener

Take your musical experience to another level when the East Texas Steel Guitar Association presents a Steel Guitar Jamboree, 7 p.m., Friday, May 13, at the Allen Public Library. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this event is free and tickets will be issued at 6:30 p.m. that same evening.

The performance will include masters of the steel guitar and lap steel—Maurice Anderson and David Wright—and a presentation on the history of the steel guitar.

Originating in Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the roots of Hawaiian guitar music are generally credited to the Mexican and Spanish cowboys who were hired by King Kamehameha III around 1832. Hawaiian cowboys established the tradition of Hawaiian slack key guitar

music. Although steel guitar popularity became firmly entrenched in Hawaii, its teachers spent most of their time performing and the technique was almost lost by the 1960s.

Hawaiian steel guitar has now been fused into multiple genres of America and international music including blues, country and western, rock and pop, as well as the music of Africa and India.

Maurice Anderson and David Wright will be accompanied by Josh Rogers on drums, Lou Carfa on bass and Mark Gheen on keyboard. Based in Tyler, Texas, the East Texas Steel Guitar Association is

dedicated to promoting, preserving and developing steel guitar music throughout the world.

For more information, please call 214.509.4911. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with

the Allen Public Library.

Steel Guitar Jamboreeby Tom Keener

David Wright

The Allen Revolution synchronized skating team provides another outlet of competition for girls who are passionate about ice skating. Every Saturday morning, parents gather at the Allen Community Ice Rink for their daughters’ 45-minute practice with their competitive synchronized skating teams. The ice rink, located next to the Allen Event Center, is a pretty great place to be, the parents say, especially given the alternative.

“It certainly beats being outside in the Texas summer heat next to a soccer field,” says team manager Jennifer Zarate with a smile. Her 11-year-old daughter Ashleigh is on the team. In addition to providing a nice, cool practice environment, synchronized figure skating offers girls a way to get the character-building benefits of team sports—such as sportsmanship and camaraderie—in an activity they might not otherwise get these traits in.

“Just because of the nature of the sport, it’s a pretty isolated activity,” Jennifer explains. “Ashleigh loves skating, but she really was ready to quit before she found this team. Now, because of synchronized skating, she’s having more fun and can enjoy the best of both worlds—skating by herself, as well as with the friends she’s made through the team.”

Two team levels Allen has two synchronized ice skating teams

consisting of girls aged 5 to 16. The Senior Youth Team and the Junior Youth Team is collectively known as the Allen Revolution. In August, the senior team will compete at the State Games of America in San Diego, California. They earned their spot in this national event in January by winning second place at the State Winter Games of Texas, held in Frisco. The junior youth team’s most recent competition was the ISI Love to Skate Competition, held in Plano in February, where they won first place.

The teams have also enjoyed opportunities to perform in front of crowds during holiday events, and have done a show before an Allen Americans hockey game.

“Honestly, not every girl who loves to do figure skating is going to go to the Olympics,” says senior team coach Debbie Stallings. “This gives them something to channel their energy into, and another way to perform something that they love.”

Synchronized skating—known simply as synchro by those involved in the sport—uses the same judging system as singles, pairs and dance figure skating and is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and

feature


Teamwork takes the ICE

2 2

by Nicole Bywater

Allen Revolution

The Allen Revolution synchronized skating team provides another outlet of competition for girls who are passionate about ice skating. Every Saturday morning, parents gather at the Allen Community Ice Rink for their daughters’ 45-minute practice with their competitive synchronized skating teams. The ice rink, located next to the Allen Event Center, is a pretty great place to be, the parents say, especially given the alternative.

“It certainly beats being outside in the Texas summer heat next to a soccer field,” says team manager Jennifer Zarate with a smile. Her 11-year-old daughter Ashleigh is on the team. In addition to providing a nice, cool practice environment, synchronized figure skating offers girls a way to get the character-building benefits of team sports—such as sportsmanship and camaraderie—in an activity they might not otherwise get these traits in.

“Just because of the nature of the sport, it’s a pretty isolated activity,” Jennifer explains. “Ashleigh loves skating, but she really was ready to quit before she found this team. Now, because of synchronized skating, she’s having more fun and can enjoy the best of both worlds—skating by herself, as well as with the friends she’s made through the team.”

Two team levels Allen has two synchronized ice skating teams

consisting of girls aged 5 to 16. The Senior Youth Team and the Junior Youth Team is collectively known as the Allen Revolution. In August, the senior team will compete at the State Games of America in San Diego, California. They earned their spot in this national event in January by winning second place at the State Winter Games of Texas, held in Frisco. The junior youth team’s most recent competition was the ISI Love to Skate Competition, held in Plano in February, where they won first place.

The teams have also enjoyed opportunities to perform in front of crowds during holiday events, and have done a show before an Allen Americans hockey game.

“Honestly, not every girl who loves to do figure skating is going to go to the Olympics,” says senior team coach Debbie Stallings. “This gives them something to channel their energy into, and another way to perform something that they love.”

Synchronized skating—known simply as synchro by those involved in the sport—uses the same judging system as singles, pairs and dance figure skating and is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and

Two team levels

challenging step sequences. Generally the Allen Revolution teams learn one or two three-minute routines a year. Team members have to keep even spacing on the ice and mirror each other’s movements, right down to their matching hairstyles and makeup. When they’re competing, the girls’ hair is sewn into a bun hairstyle because a stray bobby pin could be detrimental on an ice rink, Debbie explains.

“They all look out for one another because if one team member goes down, they all do,” Jennifer adds. “There’s a huge amount of teamwork involved.”

“Many of the girls also compete in solo figure skating events, where they’re happy to have their teammates to cheer them on,” says the junior youth team coach Amanda Holmes. Besides learning great life skills such as teamwork and leadership, the sport is a great form of exercise. “Kids these days have access to so many forms of electronic entertainment, that any activity that gets them up and moving is a good thing,” she continues.

Team leaders Senior team captain, McKenna Brown, 15, and assistant

captain, Hannah Chalker, 14, hold a place of honor on the team, with many of the younger members admiring their skating skills and character.

Roni Amos’ daughter, Cameron, began skating at the ice rink for fun about a year ago, and decided to join the team after seeing what McKenna and Hannah were doing. “When Cameron met McKenna and Hannah, she really thought they were celebrities—they were just rock stars to her,” says Roni.

McKenna loves the sport because of the fun she has in it and the friends she’s made on the team. “With synchro, you have to depend a lot on other people, but you also get to share in your awards together. The team is like a giant family to me,” she says. “McKenna has been ice skating since she was in the first grade, and been coached by Debbie for the last six years. In addition to her synchro practice, she’s usually at the skating rink practicing two days a week after school.”

Hannah has been skating for just three years—a relatively short amount of time compared to others in the sport. Her passion and dedication to the sport can be seen in the fact that she wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to practice before school. She thinks the best thing about synchro is the teamwork and getting to have fun together.

“It’s like watching 30 Dorothy Hamills figure skating, and they’re all doing the same thing,” says Hannah’s mom, Julie Chalker, who enjoys watching the teams perform. Her 8-year-old daughter, Phoebe, is on the junior youth team.

Gaining popularity Most of the team members got started in figure skating

by taking public group lessons at the Allen Community Ice Rink, Debbie says. The Allen Revolution team began in

November 2009, although some of the girls have skated together previously on other area teams.

According to the U.S. Figure Skating association, synchronized skating began nearly 50 years ago, when a group of skaters was organized to perform at University of Michigan ice hockey games. It has since grown into a competitive discipline of skating with thousands of athletes participating all over the world. Because there is no governing body, like UIL, for the sport, team members are required to be part of both U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Skating Institute. They currently have one business sponsor, with hopes of attracting additional sponsors to help cover the costs of competition and travel fees.

“Interest is definitely growing in Allen,” Debbie says. “I’ll get a call from a new parent at least once a week wanting information about the team.” Many parents have girls that love figure skating and are thrilled to discover there’s a way to pursue ice skating as a team sport.”

For more information about the team, visit www.allenrevolution.com or contact Debbie Stallings at 214.418.3237 or [email protected]. v

Nicole Bywater is a freelance writer from Allen.

A l l e n I m A g e x M a y 2 0 11 23

Teamwork takes the ICE

November 2009, although some of the girls have skated

23

Senior team

Junior team

challenging step sequences. Generally the Allen Revolution teams learn one or two three-minute routines a year. Team members have to keep even spacing on the ice and mirror each other’s movements, right down to their matching hairstyles and makeup. When they’re competing, the girls’ hair is sewn into a bun hairstyle because a stray bobby pin could be detrimental on an ice rink, Debbie explains.

“They all look out for one another because if one team member goes down, they all do,” Jennifer adds. “There’s a huge amount of teamwork involved.”

“Many of the girls also compete in solo figure skating events, where they’re happy to have their teammates to cheer them on,” says the junior youth team coach Amanda Holmes. Besides learning great life skills such as teamwork and leadership, the sport is a great form of exercise. “Kids these days have access to so many forms of electronic entertainment, that any activity that gets them up and moving is a good thing,” she continues.

Team leaders Senior team captain, McKenna Brown, 15, and assistant

captain, Hannah Chalker, 14, hold a place of honor on the team, with many of the younger members admiring their skating skills and character.

Roni Amos’ daughter, Cameron, began skating at the ice rink for fun about a year ago, and decided to join the team after seeing what McKenna and Hannah were doing. “When Cameron met McKenna and Hannah, she really thought they were celebrities—they were just rock stars to her,” says Roni.

McKenna loves the sport because of the fun she has in it and the friends she’s made on the team. “With synchro, you have to depend a lot on other people, but you also get to share in your awards together. The team is like a giant family to me,” she says. “McKenna has been ice skating since she was in the first grade, and been coached by Debbie for the last six years. In addition to her synchro practice, she’s usually at the skating rink practicing two days a week after school.”

Hannah has been skating for just three years—a relatively short amount of time compared to others in the sport. Her passion and dedication to the sport can be seen in the fact that she wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to practice before school. She thinks the best thing about synchro is the teamwork and getting to have fun together.

“It’s like watching 30 Dorothy Hamills figure skating, and they’re all doing the same thing,” says Hannah’s mom, Julie Chalker, who enjoys watching the teams perform. Her 8-year-old daughter, Phoebe, is on the junior youth team.

Gaining popularity Most of the team members got started in figure skating

by taking public group lessons at the Allen Community Ice Rink, Debbie says. The Allen Revolution team began in

November 2009, although some of the girls have skated together previously on other area teams.

According to the U.S. Figure Skating association, synchronized skating began nearly 50 years ago, when a group of skaters was organized to perform at University of Michigan ice hockey games. It has since grown into a competitive discipline of skating with thousands of athletes participating all over the world. Because there is no governing body, like UIL, for the sport, team members are required to be part of both U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Skating Institute. They currently have one business sponsor, with hopes of attracting additional sponsors to help cover the costs of competition and travel fees.

“Interest is definitely growing in Allen,” Debbie says. “I’ll get a call from a new parent at least once a week wanting information about the team.” Many parents have girls that love figure skating and are thrilled to discover there’s a way to pursue ice skating as a team sport.”

For more information about the team, visit www.allenrevolution.com or contact Debbie Stallings at 214.418.3237 or [email protected]. v


Team leaders

Gaining popularity


kids korner

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“Pick Your Own” FarmsThe Merry Berry FarmPick your own blackberries from May 15 to July 15 at this Balch Springs farm that follows organic practices. The farm is open on Mondays and Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon; blackberries cost $3 per pound. To get there from I-30 and 635, go south to the Seagoville road exit, turn left on Seagoville road, go approximately 1/2 mile, turn left on Shepherd Lane. Turn right at the second driveway marked by The Merry Berry Farm signs.

Duck Creek Blackberry FarmThis no-frills, pick-your-own farm near Sanger offers over 5,000 blackberry plants (most of them thornless), no pesticides, a shady picnic area under a 100-year-old shade tree, and small baskets for children to use when picking to add to the family bucket. Crops are typically available in June and July. Hours are Saturdays from 7-10 a.m. (although they usually sell out by 9) and Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. Call 940.458.3217 for availability or more information. Berries cost $15 per level bucket (about a gallon), cash or check only. To get there, take I-35 north to the Sanger/Keaton Rd. exit #477. Go west over the overpass to “3 way” stop sign. Turn right on Keaton Rd. and continue until it tees into Duck Creek Rd. Turn left (west) on Duck Creek Rd. and go about 2 miles to the farm.

R & C Dairy and FarmsteadA visit to this farm, located about 18 miles north of McKinney off highway 377 in Tioga, will truly give kids an understanding of how good (and fun) farm fresh food can be. The farm sells farm-raised goat meat and beef that are free from hormones or antibiotics, seasonal fresh picked vegetables that are free from pesticides, fresh dairy products including milk, yogurt, cream and buttermilk, farm fresh eggs from free range chickens, local raw honey and even goat milk soap. There are also plenty of opportunities for budding farmers to pick their own food, from strawberries (mid-April to mid-May) to blackberries (May-June) to summer crops such as green beans, black-eyed peas and sometimes tomatoes. Morning picking times are the standard, but picking days vary, so check out the blog at www.randcdairy.com for more information. The farm will also host an open house June 4 for visitors to see how the farm works.

Jenkins FarmThis pick-your-own farm north of Bonham is open daily in June and July, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with blackberries and plums in June and peaches in June and July. To get there go north on Hwy 78 ten miles north of Bonham, then west/left on FM 274 for 1.25 miles. Call ahead at 903.583.2220 for crop availability.

Blueberry Ridge FarmAlthough it’s a bit of a drive, this Mineola farm offers a day’s worth of family friendly activities. Five acres of blueberries will tentatively be ready for picking June 10, and cost $10 per bucket. Bring a picnic to enjoy, then drive five miles to the Mineola Nature Preserve which has extensive hiking trails, a fishing pond and a playground; or Tyler State Park for canoeing, swimming and fishing. The farm is located at 2785 East Highway 80 in Mineola. Call 903.569.1550 for more information.

GardeningThe Village at Fairview Community GardenDon’t have the space or inclination to garden in your backyard? The Village at Fairview offers 4x20 or 20x20 plots in its community garden to individuals and groups to use to grow whatever they wish for a mere $10 processing fee. There is currently a waiting list for garden plots, but you can call or e-mail to get on the waiting list.

Garden in a BucketLet kids create their own personal, portable garden to enjoy all summer. Let your child pick out a colorful bucket and decorate it with permanent markers, stickers and glued-on bling such as buttons, rhinestones, beads, etc. Then visit a plant nursery or home improvement store to pick out a few small bedding annuals or herbs such as zinnias, marigolds, parsley or dwarf cherry tomatoes. Poke 3-4 holes in the bottom with a nail or drill. Fill the bottom with 1-2 inches of Styrofoam peanuts for drainage. Have the kids fill the bucket half full with potting mix. They can then sprinkle in a handful of time-release fertilizer pellets and mix with the soil. Carefully remove the plants from their containers and plant inside the bucket, adding more soil as necessary. Water daily.

Hairy Grass BuddyFor each buddy, you will need one knee-high nylon stocking. Fill the stocking toe with 1-2 heaping tablespoons of grass seeds (rye grass grows the fastest, but any type will work). Add potting soil (about one cup) until you have a ball about the size of a baseball. Tie off with a rubber band. Shape with your hands to make a head shape. Pull out a small section for the nose and tie with a small rubber band. Do the same for ears if desired. Hot glue wiggle eyes onto the face. Use fabric paint to add a mouth, nose, eyelashes, etc. Shaped pipe cleaners make great glasses. When paint is dry, stand “Hairy” or “Hairyette” in a small plastic bowl or empty, rinsed out yogurt cup filled with water. Make sure the tail of the stocking sits in the water to act as a wick to draw the water up to the soil. In a few weeks, your buddy will have hair and be ready for a haircut.

Fresh from the GardenBy Deborah Dove

We all want our kids to eat healthy and the best way to accomplish that is toget them involved in picking, or even growing, what they eat. To that end,

following are some ideas on where to go to pick your own produce as well as ideas for getting kids interested in gardening at home.


education

Lydia and Hayden are heading out for their weekly shopping trip at Kroger’s Grocery in Allen. For these Allen High School students enrolled in the Functional Academics program, this is a field trip that they have taken many times over the last three years, but one that offers them new learning opportunities each time.

These students are part of the Functional Academics program at Allen High School. For the last three years, they have benefited from a grant awarded by the Foundation For Allen Schools called, “Working Towards Independence”.

“My students need experiences that enable them to function as independently as possible,” explains Kelly Brown, special education teacher at AHS. “As a result of the ‘Working Towards Independence’ project, they are gaining valuable skills and developing confidence in all areas of daily living. Their activities include planning meals and snacks, making grocery lists, learning to read the signs in the aisle, asking for help from store personnel, paying for groceries, storing food properly, using appliances safely, and doing many things that are often taken for granted.”

Research with special education students has shown that to maximize learning they must be provided with hands-on experiences in real-life setting and that they require many instructional trials. If given these opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting, these students will be able to function in the community, at home and in a work setting to the maximum extent possible. “I don’t

refer to our class activities as ‘field trips,’” said Brown. “I call it community-based instruction and consider them an extension of the classroom. We’ve seen so many benefits from the program, including improved social skills and self esteem as well as increased participation of the student in family life,” Brown added.

Tammy and Michael Hermann’s daughter Kristine is one of Brown’s students. “Kristine seems to want to take more responsibility around the house and in her daily life. She also seems happier and more fulfilled in her experience at school.

“Kelly had the idea of getting Kristine the exact kind of microwave oven for home that she uses at school. She is a slow eater and we had been spending so much time during dinner operating the microwave on her behalf (the microwave is above the cooktop

and is too high for Kristine to safely manage.) So when Kelly suggested this to help her with independence in meal prep, it was brilliant! Kristine’s self-esteem and confidence has really increased as she has been working in meal prep and other activities in Kelly’s class.”

The Functional Academics classroom at AHS has many unique features including a refrigerator, dishwasher and oven. The classroom is set up to help students develop and improve their skills for everyday living. Every drawer, every cabinet, every bin is labeled with a word and a photograph of what is inside. Whether a student can read or whether they rely on photo cues, they can find and return all supplies to the correct place.

The classroom even has a washer and dryer, which were donated last year by Rodenbaugh’s Flooring

AHS students learn independenceby Regina Taylor

Lydia and Hayden

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America and Appliances. Charts and photos show the students how to properly sort items, add soap and start the machines. The student’s volunteered to wash the practice uniforms for the AHS girls JV basketball team—so they are providing a service to their school while practicing their laundry skills. They also wash towels and sheets for a special group of AHS teachers. “They can tell when they are doing ‘real’ laundry and when they are doing the practice laundry that I keep for them,” Brown explained.”They prefer to do the real stuff!”

Hayden, 18, must wear a helmet at all times in case he falls from a seizure. He is a talkative and charming young man and has been one of Brown’s students for the last three years. “Every time we go to the grocery store, Hayden finds a way to solve a problem,” said Brown. Hayden took his grocery list—containing the name and photo of two items he was to purchase—down Aisle #7 at Kroger. He knew his items would

be somewhere on the “baking supplies” aisle and in short order, he had a can of baking powder and package of shortening. Students locate items in the store by reading the labels or by matching photos on their cards.

Once back in their classroom, the students put away their purchased items—carefully sorting things that go in the refrigerator from those that go into the pantry. All items will be used the next day in class to prepare a snack or meal.

“Before we received the foundation grants many of my students had not been shopping at a grocery store, or maybe never helped prepare their families meals,” Mrs. Brown explained.” We’ve learned to create a menu, find the ingredients at the store, pay for the groceries, and then come back to our school kitchen and chop up ingredients, cook and serve each other. Now they can help prepare a meal, do laundry, make up a bed and be much more functional in their home.”

“I like to go to the grocery store,” said Lydia. “I make the list and go with my dad every Saturday. And I pay for them.”

“Lydia is much more independent now than she was before,” explained her mother Carolyn. “She does a lot more for herself at home and sometimes tells us, ‘Let me do it myself!’ She is more independent in the community as well. She is able to make simple purchases on her own and enjoys eating out and is able to place her own order with just a little help.

“All these wonderful improve-ments are quite simply because her teacher, Kelly Brown, believes in these kids and their abilities. She has been able to get Lydia to do so much more than I ever could have, simply because she believes.”

The Functional Academics students attend a math class at AHS; their math teacher works with Brown to reinforce their counting skills and helps them practice counting money


and making change. They also work on measurements, addition and subtraction. “Math is my best subject. I’m very good at it,” said Hayden. This year Hayden, along with all his classmates, has learned to use the

scanners at the grocery store, to read how much money they need to put into the machine, and how to collect their change. Each student also completed an application and received their own grocery discount card.

In addition to the grocery store, we make other shopping trips and we eat out at restaurants. The Allen community has been so supportive of our program. Today, one of the Kroger employees told each of my students what a great job they did after they checked out using the self-scanner. These types of experiences really make the students feel independent and more confident. “

Watching Lydia at the scanner, her movements are careful and meticulous. “I like to go shopping,” she explains, “but I’d rather shop for clothes than for food.”

The students in the Functional Academics class provide many other services for the school and their community including shredding paper, collecting recycling and folding and stuffing mail outs.

“Special needs students really need this real life laboratory to learn these essential skills” added Hermann. “We as parents work to help our children gain independence, but another set of trained eyes looking into the lives of our children often spot areas we can improve on and make simple modifications to that will raise their ability to move to a higher level of independent function. Kelly Brown’s love, compassion and true caring show through in all she does for Kristine and all her students. The things Kelly has been able to do with the grant money has made a significant impact not only on Kristine’s life, but the life of our family. Thanks so much”

The Foundation For Allen Schools—a nonprofit education foundation—supports grants for educators in Allen ISD, as well as student and teacher scholarships. To date, the foundation has awarded $463,000 in grants to Allen teachers. For more information on the foundation, visit www.allenisd.org/foundation or call 972.727.0362. v

Regina Taylor is the foundation director/grant

coordinator for The Foundation For Allen

Schools.

and making change. They also work scanners at the grocery store, to read scanners at the grocery store, to read


The term “green” is no longer a buzzword, it’s a call to action. In archi-tecture and interior design, it’s a must.

“If you look at the jobs section on the Internet or newspaper, you will find that (those in our industry) need an understanding of green design or to be active in green design,” Ali Kholdi, professor and chair of the Architectural and Interior Design program at Collin College, said. “We had one of our students last year get jobs because she knew about sustainability.

Sustainability in Kholdi’s field is like knowing Spanish in the business world. It’s a game-changing, career-altering facet of one’s skill set that puts the student ahead of the rest.

Kholdi initially began researching the inclusion of sustainability practices within the program about five years ago. In 2009, he started an associate of applied sciences in green interior and architectural design. Two certificates in green design have since been added.

“When I came to the college seven or eight years ago, my priority was to get the program into the sustainable environment. As far as I know, we were the first college to offer a green program,” Kholdi said. “The green job market is widening every day. Most positions in design are looking for at least the understanding of what sustainability is.”

Kholdi is as passionate about sustainable design as anyone. This enthusiasm gushes in the classroom and to his students, including Valerie Wiley. The 53-year-old had earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Pittsburg State

Sustaining the greenby Mark Robinson

Valerie Wiley and Ali Kholdi

A l l e n I m A g e x M a y 2 0 11 31

University and worked off and on as a contract graphic designer. She thought green design was the wave of the future. It was certainly part of hers.

“The program has opened my eyes to sustainability and the potential for more. It also has opened my mind to the amount of thought that goes into anything you do from the bottom up,” Wiley said. “When you start your design, you look at sustainability at every step you take.”

Green interior and architectural design is, according to Kholdi, “a set of concentrations that would create a healthy environment for people and minimize the impact on resources.”

Essentially, green design is “everything.”

It is the futureHerve Brechoteau knows the

science of home energy like a professional who has worked in the field for 30 years. Brechoteau, 40, however, has only been involved with alternative energy solutions for about two years. The Plano resident took solar panel installation courses with Collin College’s Continuing Education. That has led him to Greenland Energy Dynamics, an Addison-based company that installs sustainability energy solutions to residences around the Metroplex.

“I’ve always been interested in alternative energies. I took the classes, and they taught me about electricity and solar power. I quickly found a job in that field and realized how excited people are about solar energy and how

If you don’t build efficiently now,

don’t complain 10 years from now

when your electricity bill is

too high.


bad they want to save on their electric bill. Most of us live in non-efficient homes and before investing in solar energy people need to reduce their summer electric load significantly,” Brechoteau said.

He commented that people generally don’t understand electricity or the way their homes are heated and cooled.

Although Greenland Energy

Solutions is working on homes around the Metroplex, generally, the sustain-ability idea hasn’t caught on amongst the general public, according to Kholdi. On the other hand, corporations are leading the charge.

“The numbers are unbelievable, globally, of how many corporations are getting certified for sustainability. They have short- and long-term plans,” Kholdi said. “A good plan can save

money, energy and the company brand. From that point of view, a corporation that is not involved in environmental strategies is losing their edge. There are many examples around the world where corporations are trying to compete with each other to become more environmentally correct.”

The call to actionIf you want to quickly and easily

witness the sea of change taking place with energy, go to Google. Type in “Dallas-Fort Worth energy” or “DFW solar” or “Texas renewable energy.” Seek out the countless news stories.

Find schools installing solar panels on the roofs of their buildings to help cut energy costs down. Read stories about companies in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio renovating their buildings to Gold LEED certification. Some buildings and companies will be carbon neutral by 2015, 2020 or 2030.

Politicians at the local, state and federal level are passing legislation left and right, impacting everything from homeowner associations to tax credits to awarding contracts to renewable energy companies to raising energy efficiency standards. The call to action has been sounded. And Brechoteau, Wylie and Kholdi believe they are at the forefront.

“Electricity will be 15 cents or more a kilowatt hour in the next five to 10 years or so, and unless wages increase significantly, it’s a big chunk of your money,” Brechoteau said. “People that are building inefficiently today are making a mistake. If you don’t build efficiently now, don’t complain 10 years from now when your electricity bill is too high. The same is true for small businesses.”

Visit www.collin.edu/ce for infor-mation about solar installation classes.Visit www.collin.edu/academics/programs/interiordesign.html for information about the green interior and architectural design program. v

Mark Robinson is the public relations associate

at Collin College.

Photos by Nick Young/Collin College.

Herve Brechoteau

Beyond just a haircut or standard pedicure, more women—and men—are seeking beauty treatments that can take them to the next level of healthy living and offer a much-needed chance for relaxation. It’s only natural that people like to look good and feel good. Spa treatments, like massage, skin care and facials, can help do this.

In just over a decade, the number of spa visits made by Americans has grown from 90.7 million in 1999, to 143 million in 2009, according to the International Spa Association.

“Men and women should receive some sort of spa treatment on a regular basis, not just for the pampering experience, but for the health and wellness benefits as well,” says Kathy Reynolds, owner of Zenity Spa in Allen. “Spa services are relaxing, rejuvenating and revitalizing to the body, mind and spirit.”

Health benefits of massage The Journal of Alternative and Complementary

Medicine found that people who went for a single deep-tissue massage showed an average 7-point reduction in their systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Over time, these lower blood pressure numbers could add as many as six years to a person’s life. Massage alone is proven to not only reduce stress, but to decrease anxiety, enhance sleep quality and improve concentration, as well as aiding in injury prevention and recovery.

Zenity Spa offers several massage techniques, including Swedish massage, a relaxing, ‘feel good’ massage

that is very common among spas and deep tissue massage, which is designed to work out knots in the body and relieve tense muscles. Another popular choice is their hot stone massage—a combination of Swedish massage that incorporates hot stones rubbed on the body. Other options include the addition of aromatherapy or extra pampering treatments, such as a Shea Butter sugar scrub, into their massage experience.

Indu Bharti offers holistic massage services at her suite at Mattison Avenue Salon Suites and Spas in Watters Creek. She has been providing massages for approximately ten years. In addition to traditional massage techniques, Indu provides reflexology, Reiki, polarity therapy and Shamballa, which means “universal life-force energy.” These techniques aim at treating the individual as a whole in order to induce a state of balance and harmony.

While some of her clients seek massage treatment simply for relaxation, others are looking to cure health ailments, such as one woman who couldn’t rotate her arm properly. “After about a month and a half of massage, she was feeling better overall and could move her arm much better and put on clothes without struggling.

“When you increase circulation, you allow the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into its tissues and organs which helps them work better,” Indu continues. Regular massage also helps to promote healthy lymph flow by working to reduce fatigue and stress, and stimulating the body to remove potentially damaging waste products, thus maintaining its natural defense system.

by Nicole Bywater


beauty/fashion

Facial treatments In addition to massage, many spas provide beauty

treatments such as facials and skin treatments. The most popular beauty treatment at Zenity Spa is the organic micropeel facial. Great for reducing blemishes, scars, sun/age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, blackheads, and evening out the skin tone, this treatment includes microdermabrasion, an organic peel and a customized facial. “The diamond wand microdermabrasion is pain-free and causes no redness over time,” adds Kathy. “Facials are customized to each client’s skin type and goals, providing results that are immediate and progressive.”

When considering skin treatments, natural or organic ingredients are ideal. “The skin is our body’s biggest organ and it absorbs everything we put on it, good or bad,” Kathy says. ”The vast majority of skin care products contain parabens and other harmful ingredients. We choose to use products that are natural, safe, active and beneficial to the skin and body.

“Many people have skin allergies, sensitive skin or certain health issues that require them to need natural skin products,” she adds. “Others seek natural spa services because they love how it feels on the skin; they enjoy the awesome aromas; and they know that it works just as well, and in many cases better, than conventional skin and body care.”

Men’s treatmentsBeyond their obvious appeal to women, there is also an

increased demand for spa services for men. The Boardroom Salon for Men opened in Allen in 2008 to provide a “cool, comfortable, masculine place for men to get a great haircut, shave, facial or other spa service,” says founder and owner Bruce Schultz. “Our clients are partaking of spa services to relax and to look and feel better.”

Many of these clients visit the salon for the first time after receiving a gift card for a special occasion such as their birthday, Christmas or Father’s Day. “They then become aware of the health and wellness benefits of massages and the fantastic way their skin looks and feels after a facial,” Bruce says.

The salon’s most popular spa services are the Executive Facial and Foot Grooming. Massage options are also available, in lengths from 12 minutes to one-and-a-half hours.

The Boardroom is specifically designed to feel like a sophisticated men’s club. Bruce says, “It combines the community and nostalgia of an old-time barbershop and a 1920’s country club environment to create a masculine salon where men can relax and unwind.”

Whether you’re treating yourself, or treating someone else with the gift of spa services, there are plenty of options in Allen. These spas offer a precious refuge from a frenzied pace—a time and place to relax and disconnect from the world as you recharge your mind, body and spirit and help create a healthier lifestyle. v


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MarketPlace


For Your HealthMarketPlace

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There is little more glorious than a sunny May day. Warm breezes are heady with the earthy fragrances of flowers and freshly mowed grass. Windows and doors open up, and I am in heaven. Gardens across Collin County are showing off some of their finest moments. Lawns, trees and shrubs are displaying new lush, green growth. Veggies and herbs planted earlier this spring promise a bountiful summer harvest, and colorful annuals and perennials brighten the landscape.

My garden is a source of great joy. With the hot, triple-digit days of summer just around the corner, my husband and I enjoy the warm days and cool nights of spring, spending as much time in our outdoor sanctuary as possible. Showy splendors of flowers sparkle in beds, pots and hanging baskets across our property providing not only stunning color from spring until fall, but offering a welcome haven to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Butterflies and hummingbirds are wonders of nature. There is a bit of charm and mystery about them. They

delight us with their antics, flying from flower to flower in search of nectar, and dazzle us with their beauty. It is easy to lure enchanting hummingbirds and butterflies to a

Texas garden by growing plants that they love and creating an inviting habitat for them. Hummingbirds are smart and remember good places to visit year after year.

While there are hundreds of hummingbird species, the ruby-throated is the one most commonly seen in Collin County. The smallest birds in the world, hummingbirds fly over 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico each year from their winter home in Central America to spend the summer with us. So give them a proper Texas welcome this year. Offer a combination of feeders and flowers to give them a rich

nectar supply, and they will provide hours of entertainment for you.

Hummingbird lives

Welcome and

into your

“Beautiful and graceful, varied and

enchanting, small but approachable,

butterflies lead you to the sunny side of

life. And everyone deserves a little

sunshine.”

– Jeffrey Glassberg

gardening

into your

garden

WelcomeWelcome andhummingbirds

into your

hummingbirds andhummingbirds

and

butterflies


A l l e n I m A g e x M a y 2 0 11 39

revolve around food. These tiny birds have big appetites, eating one half their body weight in sugar every day! Hummingbirds tend to be attracted to brightly colored flowers. Trumpet- shaped flowers in red, orange, or dark pink hues are preferred. Plants hummers seek out include: bee balm, salvias, honeysuckle, cigar plant, cardinal flower, butterfly bush, morning glory, lantana, petunias and impatiens to name a few.

Many people supplement the hummingbird’s diet by putting out feeders. There are many varieties available at local garden centers and the hummers will thank you for them. Fix their favorite beverage by mixing one part sugar and four parts water. Use only white sugar. Don’t use sugar sub stitutes or honey. And, don’t add

red food dyes, as they are unnecessary and harmful to the birds. Clean feeders on a regular basis to discourage bacteria growth.

Hummingbirds are very territorial and will fight over a favored food source. They dive at and chase each other at amazing speeds. Hummers fly at speeds up to 50 mph. Their slow, cruising speed is about 35 mph—faster than the speed limit on most Allen residential streets! Play peacemaker and offer several feeders and plant locations for them to dine. A shady perch or resting place will be appreciated, too.

The sight of a butterfly fluttering around my garden is mesmerizing.

I could watch for hours as this graceful winged wonder sails effortlessly over the flowerbeds searching for the perfect bloom on which to feast. Butterflies are attracted to a variety of colorful, fragrant flowers, especially those with purple, white, pink, or yellow blooms.

Ideally your butterfly garden should receive six to eight hours of sun a day, so be sure to select plants that thrive in full sun. Salvia, daylily, purple coneflower, clematis, daisies, butterfly weed, s u n f l o w e r , garden

hummingbirdsbutterflies


lantana, lavender, mari golds and zinnias are not only lovely additions to the garden, but they are excellent food sources as well. Place flat rocks in your garden so butterflies have a place to rest and bask in the sun. Butterflies are cold-blooded and can only fly if they are warm enough.

You need more than nectar-rich plants to attract butterflies. First, you must provide them with host plants. Host plants provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs, and are a source for caterpillars to munch on. A few butterfly favorites include: parsley, dill, fennel, milkweed, passionflower, pansy, snapdragon, violets and willow.

Use a variety of plants. This will attract several species of butterflies, and while the caterpillars are eating one plant, you can enjoy the ones growing next to it. Many people treat the caterpillars as pests. Don’t kill them, plant extra parsley instead!

Don’t forget a water source. It is crucial to attracting butterflies and hummingbirds—as well as other wildlife to your garden. Hummers love

water—especially on hot days. Watching them hover in midair to grab droplets of water from a sprinkler or mister is an amazing display of precision and intelligence!

Make butterflies happy by putting sand in a shallow dish and add water to it. They will be drawn to the moisture and get nutrients from the mineral-rich soil.

It takes just a little planning to make your garden a location sought out by butterflies and hummingbirds. Create areas in your garden where they can find food, water and shelter. As your plants grow and mature, the number of butterflies and humming-birds calling your garden home will increase, too. Their presence will make your garden a more beautiful and lively place, bringing a smile to your day and great joy to your heart.

For more information about plants that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your landscape call the Collin County AgriLife Extension office at 972.548.4232, or visit the Collin County Master Gardeners Association website, www.ccmgatx.org. v

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

Don’t forget a water source. It is water—especially on hot days.

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2018

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MAYDentistry from the Heart at Allen Dental Center, 300 W. Boyd. Registration will begin at 7 am. Fillings and extractions at no charge to persons over the age of 18 on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more information visit www.dentistryfromtheheart.org.

Cottonwood Art Festival, 9 am-6 pm, Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Beltline Rd, Richardson. This 2-day bi-annual festival features works from the nation’s top visual artists. Now in its 42nd year, the prestigious show is rated the fifth best art festival in the United States, and is the premier fine arts event in North Texas. Parking and admission is free. Visit www.cottonwoodartfestival.com for information.

Youth Fishing Derby, 7:30-11:00 am, Joe Farmer Rec. Center, Allen. Prizes will be given for the largest fish caught per age group and the largest overall. Enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes and give your child the opportunity to have a fish story to tell for years to come. Pre-registration required by May 6 at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 214.509.4750.

3rd Annual Watters Creek Fine Arts Festival, Fri., 4-7 pm, Sat., 10 am-7 pm, Sat., 10 am-6 pm, Watters Creek, US 75 and Bethany Dr., Allen. Over 55 artist’s booths, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Scavenger hunt Sat. and Sun. at 11 am. Contact 972.747.8000 or visit www.watterscreek.com.

Miles for Maddie 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run benefitting the Maddie James Foundation. Fun Run begins at 9 am, and 5K starts at 9:30 am at Bethany Lakes Park, 1201 E. Bethany Drive, Allen. Runners receive Miles for Maddie T-shirt. Cost is $30 for both races and you must pre-register at www.milesformaddie.com. There will be NO race day registration.

Summer Sounds Concerts through the 30th. 16—Hunter Sullivan and his 14-piece big band will include traditional big band sounds. 23—Havana NRG. A highly-charged and energetic group all hailing from Cuba. who produce hot Salsa-themed music, Cuban Timba, Merengue, Bachata and even a Mambo Rap. 30—Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus continues its wonderful Memorial Day concert and tribute event. Will conclude with a patriotic fireworks show! All concerts are at 7 pm, at the Amphitheater, Joe Farmer Rec. Center, Allen. For information, contact 214.509.4707 or allenparks.org.

Allen Area Young Life Charity Golf Tournament, noon, Heritage Ranch Golf Club, Fairview. Lunch at noon, shotgun start is at 1:30 pm. $100 per player. Sponsorships available. To register visit www.allenareaYL.com.

Dallas Summer Musicals presents 9 to 5: The Musical, Music Hall at Fair Park, in Dallas, through the 29th. Straight from Broadway, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Call 214.421.5678 or visit www.dallassummermusicals.com for information.

Taste Addison 2011, Friday, 6 pm-midnight, Sat., noon-midnight, Sun., noon-5 pm, Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison. A tasty weekend of food, music and family fun, including live music by Chris Young and Tracy Lawrence on Friday, new band Cody Canada and The Departed and Third Eye Blind on Saturday. Food from over 60 local restaurants will be featured as well as carnival rides and games for the kids. For further information, visit www.facebook.com/addisonspecial.events or call 1.800.ADDISON.

Bike the Bricks 2011, 5-11 pm, in Downtown McKinney. 2nd annual closed course “crit” bike race. The event will include interval races along with a mayoral cup invitational, live entertainment, food and drink. The climax of the event will draw in racers from across the state and beyond as these cyclists chase a purse of $20,000. Contact McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.

Summer Sounds Concerts through the 30th. 16—


MAY1-8 Collin College Theatre Center

will stage Unnecessary Farce May 4-7, 8 pm, May 1 and May 7-8 at 2:15 p.m. The May 1 & 6 performances will be sign interpreted. This play may not be appropriate for young audiences. $6/students and seniors; $8/general admission.For more info: www.collintheatrecenter.com.

4 Collin College Student Artist Pottery Sale, 9 am-8 pm, Spring Creek Campus Atrium, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. Bowls, plates, bottles, vases, pitchers, teapots, mugs and sculptures—for reasonable prices. A portion of the sale’s proceeds benefit Collin College’s ceramics department.For more info: www.collin.edu/.

5-7 GEM Preschool Spring Market, 9 am-2 pm, 2000 Estates Parkway, Allen. Shop a collection of businesses and home-made goods Proceeds from this event will be used for playground improvement.You could have your own booth.For more info: Contact Amy Rattleff, [email protected].

15 Allen High Noon Lions Club 2010 Duck Derby, 2 pm, Watters Creek, US 75 and Bethany Dr. Contestants adopt a numbered duck(s), ranging from $5 to $300 (can by purchased online at www.watterscreek.com). Winning ducks have a chance to win $50,000. Proceeds will be used to fund local charitable activities.For more info: www.watterscreek.com.

21 Flag Retirement Ceremony, 2 pm, Gabe Nesbitt Park on El Dorado Parkway, McKinney. There will be a Color Guard to present colors, patriotic songs, and one American flag will be retired in ceremony. Please call if you have flags to retire. For more info: Don Babbs, 972-540-9033, or Linda Wilcox, 214-504-9557.

Stonebridge Ranch Ladies Association Spring Yard Sale, 7 am-noon, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, McKinney.For more info: www.stonebridgeranchladiesassociation.com.

22 Girl Scouts Honor Our Troops, noon-5 pm, Heritage Farmstead


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Museum, 1900 West 15th Street, Plano. Activities include speaker Max Glauben, Holocaust Survivor, hay rides, historic crafts, World War I and II exhibits and more. Free. Food and drinks for sale. Items for USO Operation Send-Off program (snack or drug store items) will be collected.For more info: [email protected].

Allen Event CenterTBA Allen Americans in the Playoffs (As of

press time, the Americans were in the playoffs with Home Ice advantage. The quest for the President’s Cup runs through May 25. Check www.alleneventcenter.com for details and schedule.).

7 Allen Wranglers vs. Nebraska Danger, 7:05 pm.

21 Allen Wranglers vs. Amarillo Venom, 7:35 pm.

CITY OF ALLENParks and Recreation

1-31 Take your Son/Daughter to the Course Month, Chase Oaks Golf Club, Sawtooth course. All juniors age twelve and under play for free with a paying adult. For more info: Chase Oaks, 214-509-4653 or [email protected].

7 Spring Community Arts & Craft Fair, 9 am-4 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Take this opportunity to bring the family, walk around and enjoy all the creative holiday crafts.For more info: Interested vendors should contact Steve Nagy at 214.509.4754 or email at [email protected].

7 Mother’s Day Make A Memory, 2.-3:30 pm, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Kids and Dads creating a Mother’s Day gift together with tons of love—priceless... well actually, only $10. Dad out of town? No problem! Senior volunteers will be there to assist kids with their projects!

13 Dance for Adults with Disabilities, 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall, 105 S. Anna, Allen. Live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a commemorative photo that is mailed to each participant’s home! For more info: or to get on the email distribution list, email [email protected] or call 214-509-4707.6th Annual Senior Health Fair, 9 am-noon, Allen Senior Center. Information on everything from financial services to fitness and nutrition will be available as will screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, cholesterol and hearing.For more info: 214-509-4820.

21 Family Bike Day, 10 am-noon, Joe Farmer Rec Center, Allen. Families can ride their bikes to JFRC for a bike safety check up performed by bicycle experts. Kids will enjoy games and learn safe and

fun cycling techniques from the local bike advocacy group, Bike DFW.For more info: allenparks.org.

26 Free Family Tennis Day, 6-7 pm and 7-8 pm, Tennis Courts/Ford Park, Allen. Ages 4-6. Parents and children learn tennis together. Instructors will teach techniques to parents that will enable them to teach/play with their child.For more info: 214-509-4810.

City of Allen Adult Athletic League Registration Deadlines

Softball—April 11-May 16, late reg. thru May 22. Cost: $325/$340. Play begins June 6.

Coed Line Drive Softball Tournament—Thru May 30. Cost: $175. Age: 15 years+. 6/04, 8 am.

Men’s Line Drive Softball Tourn.—Thru Aug. 22. Cost: $175. Ages 15+, 8/27, 8 am.

Flag Football—April 18-May 23. Late reg. thru May 29. Cost: $350/$365. Play begins June 14.

Men’s Basketball—April 11-May 16. Late reg. thru May 22. Cost: $425/$440. Play begins June 7.

Ultimate Frisbee League—April 18- May 29. Cost: $265. Play begins June 17.

Volleyball—April 11-May 16. Late reg. thru May 22. Cost: $235/$250. Play begins June 6.Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810.


ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Teens

Applications for Summer VolunTeens available May 2 online or at the library.For more info: 214-509-4913.

AdultsPrograms

3 Noontime Pageturners Book Club, 12 pm, The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa.

9 Mom’s Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson.Registration required. Call 214-509-4905.

19 Readable History Book Club, 7 pm, A Bright and Guilty Place by Richard Rayner.

24 Armchair Travelers tour Southern France, 7 pm., presented by Jo Long and Mary Jane Hamilton. Light refreshments. Registration required. Call 214-509-4905.

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCYConnemara Meadow Preserve

1 Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm, 8-11 am, bring your binoculars, about 30+ species, 3 hours. All ages. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent are recommended.

14 Habitat Walk with Rich Jaynes, 9-11 am, all ages. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen & insect repellent recommended.

22 Family Nature Walk, 2-4 pm, the Meadows, all ages welcome. [email protected].

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.

Kids Helping Kids, Bring your new or gently used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry to be donated to children in the community. Plus receive a chance to win a prize.For more info: 972-727-0011 or www.kidspediatricdentistry.com.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings and newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972-964-2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

MOMS Clubs McKinney/East, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, baby sitting co-op, etc. Monthly business meeting.For more info: [email protected] or www.momsclub.org;

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

Chronic Hugs: Chronic Pain Support Group, Grace Community Church, 4501 Hedgecoxe, Plano. Call for times.For more info: Jackie Smith, 214-726-9060 or 214-636-7461.

American Cancer Society - Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to treatments and doctor appointments. If you have a car and can spare a few hours 9-5, you can help .For more info: Debbie Moen, 972-712-5711.

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

Collin County Allergies in Courage, support group for those who are dealing with food allergies. Playgroup, quarterly meetings, Mom’s Night Out, activities.For more info: Amy at [email protected].

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. Class for kids, one for a parent. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214-544-8050 ext. 109, [email protected] or www.creekwoodumc.org.

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

Every Monday

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Atrium Building, 1333 W. McDermott #100, Allen. Guests welcome.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.


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Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC.For more info: Henry Lessner, 214-893-5360 or [email protected].

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcomeFor more info: Per Treven, 972-583-8273 or [email protected].

Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday

Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville.For more info: 972-359-7383.

First Monday

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, Wysong Medical Center, 130 S. Central Expwy, 1st floor educational rm., McKinney.For more info: 972-886-0442.

Second Monday

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req.For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972-712-3634.

Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm.For more info: 972-562-5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence Pkwy, Plano. Open to anyone with a bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women.For more info: Carol, 972-862-3460 or www.aauwplanocc.org.

McKinney Childcare Association, non-profit organization of state-listed, registered and licensed home childcare providers in McKinney area, 7 pm, locations vary.For more info: Alice Lang, 972-346-2280 or www.mckinneychildcare.com.

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.

Third Monday

Allen Retired Educators, 11 am, Patrizio’s Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Parkway, Village of Fairview, Stacy Road and Hwy. 75. The meeting topic is Celebrate our Association’s 10th year with birthday cake, installation of officers, awards ceremony and the year in review.For more info: Dale Howard, [email protected].

Collin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell.For more info: 972-382-3124 or www.collincountyaggiemoms.org.

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, everyone welcome.For more info: www.K5PRK.org.


Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, North Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney.For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972-540-4984.

Fourth Monday

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas.For more info: [email protected] or 214-616-2460.

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.

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

Every Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, Dodie’s Place in Villages of Allen (Stacy & Central). $1 member/$7 non-member. 1st visit FREE.For more info: 972-727-5585.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, First 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.

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, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome.McKinney CEA-HOW Anonymous, 7 pm, Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr., Rm 104. A disciplined and structured approach to the compulsive eater or food addict.For more info: 214-5014-4927 or www.ceahow.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

Collin County Event Professionals, networking group for wedding & special event professionals.For more info: Wendy Kidd, 214-542-1317 or www.collincountyeventpros.com.

Heard Museum Native Plant Society meeting.For more info: 972-562-5566.

First and Third Tuesday

Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Nate’s Seafood, Stacy Road, Allen.For more info: [email protected].

Second Tuesday

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville.For more info: 214-509-4820.

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].

Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.For more info: 972-542-1263.

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm.For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972-678-2244, or www.planopacers.org.

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, social; 10 am, meeting. SMU in Pano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy. Speaker: Kay Seamayer, singer/songwriter/speaker/basketball player/coach.For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org or Linda Frageman, [email protected].

Second and Fourth Tuesday

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 11:45 am-1 pm. Verona Restaurant (inside Stacy’s), 111 Central Expressway N.For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598.

Third Tuesday

Allen Area Republican Women, 7 pm, Community Room-old library, 301 Century Pkwy, Allen.For more info: Susie Bartlemay, 972-396-1923.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May.For more info: 972-727-3090.

Allen Dialogue Support Group, 7-8:30 pm, First UMC, Wesley House, Rm. 1.For more info: Audrey, 972-519-1405.

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

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speaker Robin Knuuttila, a life and career coach will present “Simplify Our Lives by Focusing on What Truly Matters”. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

Fourth Tuesday

Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone,


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beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art.For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest.For more info: www.allenchamber.com.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm.For more info: 972-562-5566.

Every Wednesday

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle.For more info: 972-673-8221 or www.asrotary.org.

Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Dr., Allen.For more info: Dan Dodd, 972-571-7527.

2ChangeU Toastmasters, 6:45-8:15 pm, Custer Rd United Methodist Church, Rm B11, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.For more info: [email protected] or www.2changeu.freetoasthost.us.

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 and enjoy.For more info: 972-569-6909 or www.headcraig.org.

Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society,

7 pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano.For more info: 972-231-4190.

VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main, Allen.For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972-727-9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Second and Fourth Wednesday

Mothers of Preschoolers, 9:15-11:30 am, First Baptist Church, 1300 E. 15th, Plano.For more info: Debbie Parker, 972-424-8551.

Mocha Moms of North Dallas, support group for stay-at-home moms of color, 10 am, at Douglass Com. Center, Plano.For more info: www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com.

Every Thursday

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.

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.

Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.For more info: 972-517-6473 or www.nntchorus.org.

Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, 7460 Warren Pkwy (NE corner Warren Pkwy & tollway), rm 110-114.For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws.

First Thursday

Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St.For more info: Denise Webre, 972-390-8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

North Dallas Newcomers, meets Sept. thru June, 11 am, Prestonwood Country Club—The Hills, 6600 Columbine Way, Plano. Luncheon and an activity fair. All women in the North Dallas area. For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Call for location. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for


women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless res. cancelled 48 hrs. in advance.For more info: www.allenchamber.com

Allen Garden Club, meets at 7 pm, Second Thursday

Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church.For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1-888-529-5277.

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies.For more info: Renetta at 972-382-3220.

Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2.For more info: 972-747-6036.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen High Noon Lions Club, Verona’s Italian Bistro (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expressway SouthFor more info: Tony Pritchard, 214-293-1598.

Third Thursday

Men of Business, networking and discussion of men’s issues for men of the Allen Fairview Chamber. Call for location. $20 member/$25 guest. RSVP required.For more info: www.allenchamber.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: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309.

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.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. Our goal is simple—to support you in any way we can.For more info: James Craver, 972-727-8241.

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

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Room-Medical 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 and enjoy social activities.For more info: [email protected].


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Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). Beginning April 1.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. Non-Allen residents $24/annually. Allen resident annual membership/$5.For more info: 214-509-4820.

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.

Second Friday

Allen Early Childhood PTA, monthly meeting, 9:30-11 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville. Activities include play groups, field trips and educational opportunities, baby sitting co-op and more. Nursery reservations are available for children 6 mo.-5 yrs.For more info: www.aecpta.com. or [email protected].

Second & Fourth Friday

Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Enjoy snacks, fellowship and

games (dominoes, Skip Bo and other table games). Event is open to the entire community, no reservations are required.For more info: 972-727-8241 or Eddie Huckabee at [email protected].

Fourth Friday and Second Saturday

USA Dance, promotes the joys and benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing. Free lesson at 7:30, open dancing until 10:30 pm at McKinney Performing Arts Center. For more info: http://www.usadancenct.org.

Second Saturday

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting.For more info: 972-562-5566.

Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas.For more info: Mike, 972-530-6712 or 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.

Fourth Saturday

The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of America, 10:30 am, North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. Garden talks and programs by local experts are open to the public.For more info: Beth DiGioia, 972-658-6852 or www.northtexashsa.org.

American Sewing Guild, 10 am- noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in PlanoFor 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.

First Sunday

“The Health Report” with Dr. Michelle Miller, Ph.D, monthly public service health talk show KXEZ-FM 92.1, 9:05 am and KHYI 95.3, 10 am.Scleroderma Support Group, 3 pm, Allen Presbyterian Hospital, Conference Room 1.For more info: Cindi Brannum, 972-954-7185.

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].

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coverstory“I was born in Twin Creeks!”

Kenneth declares. “Grandma and Grandpa Bolin owned Twin Creeks at that time.”

Luther, Kenneth’s father, was born south of Frisco in the community of Lebanon. Shortly after this, his parents, William Ellis and Annie Young Bolin, moved to a farm west of Custer Road and later purchased the West Allen property now known as Twin Creeks.Kenneth’s ties to Collin County also go back through several generations of Whisenants on his mother’s side.

R.C. Whisenant settled here in 1844, and son R.B. (Bent) was born in Allen. Bent was the father of Forest Benton Whisenant, grandfather of Anna Mae Whisenant Bolin, and great-grandfather of Kenneth.

Noting that his mother “was born right down the road on April 13, 1911,” Kenneth then recounts one of his sadder family tales.

“There were six girls. It was January and Lucille went out barefooted to get a bucket of water. She stepped on a piece of an old clock and got blood poisoning. Grandfather was about to

go blind because he had sugar diabetes, but he rode the horse into Allen and it was snowing.”

Despite Forest Benton Whisenant’s heroic efforts to fetch medical help to save his 12-year-old daughter, his efforts ended in tragedy.

“She was buried Wednesday, January 16, 1917, in the southeast corner of Allen Cemetery. Dr. Compton was also treating Grandpa because he took pneumonia. Grandpa was buried that Saturday.”

At that time, Forest’s brother, Milton Whisenant, owned the lumberyard, grain mill and several homes and farms in and around Allen. Since Forest’s widow, Sarah, was unable to continue paying on the loan for their farm, Milton moved her and the remaining five girls into one of his homes in northern Allen.

“About two years later, that two-story house burned, so Uncle Milton moved Grandma and those five girls into a house he owned on Anna Street,” Kenneth continues. “That’s where Momma and Daddy got married on March 8, 1930.”

“I was born October 16, 1931, out on Grandma and Grandpa Bolin’s place. ” Kenneth recalls. “When I was born, I had asthma so bad and the doctor said we don’t have medicine for asthma. All we can give him is cough medicine and rub Vicks on his chest and nose.”

Asthma continued to impact Kenneth, even as an adult. He played football in high school for one year—long enough to earn a letter jacket, before breathing issues forced him to quit. “I could barely run,” he laments, “so I became manager of the team.” Asthma was also the reason he was sent back home by the U.S. Army in 1952, one week before being deployed to Korea.

Although Luther Bolin attended Brantley Draughon Business College and took a bookkeeping position for City Service Oil Company, he found the job unsatisfying. “He asked grandpa if he could borrow his tools and mules and rent a farm, which is now on Alma, north of McDermott,” Kenneth notes. “He farmed there two years.

“Uncle Milton told him ‘I’ve got a farm east of Allen and I’d like you to move on it and run that farm, and I will give you a team of mules, a wagon, a cultivator, a planter and a cow.’ That was right beside the Joe Farmer Recreation Center, where the Kroger is now,” he continues. “That is where I lived from December 31, 1931, until we got married in 1950.”

Shuffling through a stack of yellowing black and white photo-graphs, Kenneth pulls out several and begins to share stories that relate to the subjects and object in the frame.

“This is the house my mother was born in,” Kenneth explains. “Someone burned it down a few years ago.”

Holding up another, he states, “This is the picture of the old house. Uncle Milton said the house was in pretty bad shape that that he would build a new one when he could get around to it, and this is the new house Uncle Milton built for us about 1932-33,” he comments of the next photograph. “Momma and Daddy ran that farm until about 1954, when they moved into the house south of the [Bolin Elementary] school.”

Although this new house did not

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have electricity until Kenneth was a sophomore, the family did have a telephone much earlier. “Vinnie Tucker owned the telephone system in Allen,” Kenneth states. “Mrs. Zelpha Goeman, who was a good friend of Grandma and the girls, was a part-time operator, along with Betty Bell Howlett.” He laughs about how Mrs. Goeman would occasionally allow him to come into the telephone office and connect the telephones. He still remembers his parents’ party-line number and ring tone: “17 and a long and two shorts.”

“The farm had sheep, cows, hogs. We raised cotton, corn, wheat and everybody had oats for their mules. And later on, we started raising maize because it is good cow feed.” the Allen farmer recollects. “I don’t remember when Daddy got rid of the mules, but he eventually bought an F-12 Farmall tractor from Bill Christie Farm Equipment in Plano.” Kenneth was allowed to drive this steel-wheeled machine when he “got long enough to punch the clutch,” about the age of 9. By 14, he had a hardship driver ’s license. “At that time, Greenville Avenue was Highway 75 and Daddy didn’t want me to get a ticket when I hauled cotton and corn to Allen.”

Like most family farms, Luther Bolin’s farm had plenty of animals and Kenneth has the stories to match.

“Every year in March we would get 100 chickens from Missouri,” he recalls. “They would come down on the Interurban and when they arrived, Miss Viola Rose, the postmistress, would call and say, ‘Luther and Anna Mae, come get your chickens.’ We would have our brooder heated with kerosene to keep the babies warm.”

But this many chicks resulted in a large number of unwanted roosters plus a need to remove older hens no longer laying eggs to make room for the new pullets—all without benefit of a freezer. “So we would start eating chickens,” Kenneth grimaces as he and Jo started listing the innovative ways to prepare tough older chickens for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

One of Kenneth’s childhood chores was to help milk the family’s four cows in the morning before school. “We would pour the milk into a cream

separator that held about 10 gallons and came down to a cone at the bottom,” he recalls. “By the next morning, the cream would have risen to the top. Then you would open the spigot and run it out into a bucket until the cream started coming down. Then you would take that and churn it into butter.”

The Bolin’s earned extra income by selling their leftover butter, as well as eggs, milk and produce.

Kenneth then explains that the milk leftover from separating out the cream was called blue john. “It had a bluish color to it and tasted just as flat as anything. We would go to McKinney and get whey from the old Cabell’s Dairy plant on highway 380 and Highway 5 and put it in a 55 gallon barrel with bran from the McKinney Grain Company, and then pour the blue john on it. Then we would feed it to the hogs.

“One time Daddy came back and told Momma that something was wrong with the hogs and he had to call the veterinarian,” he recounts. “They were running into the fence and into each other. Dr. Gossett, who had his office over Smith Drug Store (in McKinney), came down. He went over and smelled the whey and bran, and said, ‘You know what’s wrong with these hogs? They’re drunk! And Luther, you should have known better!”

Kenneth then pulls out a photo dominated by a large mound of dirt. “This pile of dirt is here because they had to dig a well since there was no water,” he reminisces. “Hester Lewis and his son dug the well.” Laughing, he continues, “He had a 1932 Chevrolet car and he told his 16-year-old son, ‘When I light the fuse of this dyna-mite, don’t panic, just drive the car slow and pull me out of the well.’ Well, the boy panicked.”

Kenneth goes on to tell how his father and another neighbor, “Mr. Boren, who was the former Allen chief of police’s grandpa,” had to pull Hester Lewis out of the well by hand since the boy stalled out the engine of the car. “Mr. Lewis was a big ol’ man, and he said, ‘don’t worry about it, I put a long fuse on it so you have plenty of time.’”

Some of the photos include a taller, barefoot boy, Kenneth’s younger brother Forest.

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“He didn’t hardly talk at all and they finally realized there was something wrong with him,” Kenneth shares. “He never went to school, there were no programs for him. We were just barely able to keep the schools open then. But he was always just as happy as can be.”

Forest, who worked for many years at Collin County MHMR, passed away two years ago. Many long-time residents in Allen still remember him fondly, particularly for his life-long aversion to wearing shoes. “My brother never did like to wear shoes,” Kenneth grins, “even when it was cold!”

In one of Kenneth’s photos, several young men seem to be dressed in peculiar attire. Pointing at the picture, Kenneth grins as he admits how the boys in his senior class of 1950 would pick on the freshmen—“We would dress them up in diapers and things like that!”

Pulling out another group photo, Kenneth explains that it was most of the 13 seniors of the class of 1949 “fixing to go to Turner Falls [Oklahoma] on their senior trip,” accompanied by Superintendent Walter Mosley. Kenneth’s reason for being there was “They needed a car to go to Turner Falls and Daddy let me have the car. The school couldn’t afford to send a bus because that was the time they were about to close the school.” He points out that the short girl on the left

is Jo. “She was valedictorian of her class,” he boasts.

Jo also has bragging rights to a long Texas heritage. “My grandmother and my Daddy’s little sister died in the flu epidemic of 1918, and my grandfather [George Duncan] and his

four sons came to Texas after that. My daddy’s older sister was already married and living in Texas.”

For the first 10 years, this family lived and worked on several different Rasor farms.

She continues, “In 1929, my grandfather bought a part interest in a threshing machine, and he and his partner went to West Texas to thresh the grain. That’s where my parents met and were married in 1930. I was born in 1931.”

Shortly after she was born, Jo’s parents, Jim and Foy Duncan, decided to return to this area. “My Daddy worked for Kenneth’s uncle and we lived on their farm which is west of Custer and North of McDermott. Then we moved over to Camey, which is now The Colony.” Camey was absorbed into the Lewisville School District when Jo was in the fifth grade, and she continued attending Lewisville schools until 1945. At that time, her parents decided to move to a farm south of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Cemetery.

Although the two knew of each other for years, they didn’t meet until

Back l-r: Betty, Bobby, Benny, Kim Bolin; Front l-r: Jerad, Jo, Kenneth, Erica Bolin.


both were in high school. Kenneth explains, “Uncle Ervin and Aunt Annie [Bolin] came over to Momma and Daddy’s to play dominoes on New Years Eve and she was with them and Oma Lee, my first cousin. And I said, that sure is a pretty little girl, so I called over there the next morning and asked, ‘Can I have a date with you?’”

And what did teens in rural Allen do on dates?

Jo grins, “We went to the drive-in theater in McKinney.”

Kenneth adds, “It was a nice drive-in on 380 and Highway 5.”

“And on Tennessee as you went into McKinney there was a hamburger place. A hamburger didn’t cost but 15 cents!” Jo continues. “So we would go to the picture show and then went down to get a hamburger.”

Jo graduated from Allen High School in 1949 and Kenneth graduated the following year. Sweethearts for two years, they married September 14, 1950. The new couple began their married

life on a 180-acre leased farm where Curtis Middle School now sits. To make ends meet, shortly after the birth of their first son, Bobby, Kenneth went to work for the A&P grocery store at Snider Plaza in Dallas, in January of 1954. First relying on a car borrowed from his parents, he quickly saved up for and purchased his grandmother’s 1941 Ford. Because of the mud, the car had to be parked out on the road rather than near the house.

“I would get up and feed the hogs, milk the cows, and then walk down to the car. I had to be at the store to unload the produce truck by 5:30 in the morning,” he notes. “I worked for them until March and it was time to plant the crops. I worked for them during the wintertime for three years.”

In 1955, Kenneth and Jo leased 311 acres where El Dorado Boulevard and Central Expressway now intersect. Not long after that, Central Expressway, which previously stopped at Highway 121 between McKinney and Allen, was

extended north to Denison. The new highway intersected the farm, so the couple opted to move to the 160-acre farm south of Bethany Road that had been purchased by Luther and Anna Mae nine years earlier. And in 1956, Kenneth and Jo’s second son, Benny, was born.

In 1957, Kenneth took a night job with Capital Wire in Plano. It was then that the couple purchased their first telephone and television. In 1964, Kenneth went to work for Collins Radio in Richardson, which, by the time he retired 34 years later, was Alcatel. Jo was employed in the office and gift shop at the Lake Lavon Baptist Encampment for 36 years.

Today, the couple own and raise cattle on 47 acres of the original 160 acres passed on from his parents. Kenneth explains that because the farm had been left to both him and Forest, a large section had to be sold to cover Forest’s medical expenses. In addition, Bobby and Benny have been given two acres.

The value of education was always emphasized in the Bolin household. Luther Bolin was a trustee on the school board from 1948 to 1953. In addition, Milton Whisenant was trustee on Allen’s first school board. Kenneth also points out that even though he attended school only in Allen, the family lived in the Cottonwood Creek School District. Jo also chose to attend Allen High School even though her family lived in the McKinney School District. She shrugs, “People didn’t go particularly by the rules back then. You just went to the closest school.”

Because of the family’s respect for education, and in particular, the Allen school system, Kenneth and Jo donated 13 acres of the northeastern edge of their farm to AISD in 1998 for the construction of Luther and Anna Mae Bolin Elementary School. The school opened in 2000.

Today, the couple host annual visits to the farm by the school’s kindergarten class. In addition, Kenneth visits the second graders once a year, sharing photos and anecdotes to help the children understand what life in early rural Allen was like.

Kenneth notes that not only does his father’s youngest brother Albert’s

Kenneth and Jo Bolin on their farm (Bolin Elementary in the background)

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widow, Fannie Bolin, still live in Allen, there are four generations of Bolins still living on the family farmland.

Son Bobby and his wife Betty live “right across the creek” in the carefully relocated and renovated house that Luther and Anna Mae moved to on the family farm in 1954. Kenneth points out that during the process of moving the home, records written on boards

in the house indicated that it was built in 1915. Grandson Jared, his wife Mandy, and children, Tristan and Sophia, live directly behind his parents. Granddaughter Erica lives in Huntsville, Alabama.

Benny and his wife Kim have a home built by Bobby “just a little farther up the hill.” Grandson Brandon will graduate from Allen High School

this year. Following in the family tradition, Benny currently serves as a trustee on the Allen Independent School District Board.

This September Kenneth and Jo Bolin will be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary and countless years of priceless stories. v

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.


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