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contents September 2011 Vol. 21, Issue 9

54

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cover story54 Find your BFF@CCHS

There have been many success stories in the adoption of unwanted and abused dogs from Collin County Humane Society—we have highlighted a few of them. CCHS will host its second annual “Give a Dog a Home” gala in October to raise funds for a permanent adoption facility.by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature24 Creating outside the lines

Allen’s own, Amanda Dunbar will open a special gallery in Watters Creek for the month of September. As part of the “Fall for the Arts”, Amanda will personally be in this Allen gallery at least once a week.by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

special sections26 kids korner Preschool Fun

by Deborah Dove

38 pet page Bella

42 calendar

49 business seen Happily Ever After Travel

Plano Floor Hut

ToLo’s Beer & Wine

by Nicole Bywater

62 people seen22


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

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Mark Robinson

Rhonda Selph

Marjorie Vaneskahian

Kathleen Vaught

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

40

departments civic forum8 Get Up and Give

by Jeff Mues

10 Biannual Li’l Lambs consignment sale

12 Thrill of a lifetime for one lucky fan

by Jeff Mues

14 Remembrance and Reflection

by Kathy Litinas

16 New art gives shape to life

by Jeff Mues

17 Keeping Allen and Texas beautiful

by Kathleen Vaught

18 Tet Offensive

Rodeo Fun

library20 Illustrator Raul Colón

by Tom Keener

Christopher Guest Mockumentaries

22 Author David Clary

by Tom Keener

29 Allen Folk Festival

by Tom Keener

education28 A taste of the real world

by Mark Robinson

cooking32 Recipes from the pumpkin patch

by Deborah Dove

helping hands36 Fun times at ACO

by Marjorie Vaneskahian

family40 Solving the date night dilemma

by Rhonda Selph

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civic forum

The Allen Parks Foundation will earn matching dollars for every gift donated online during the “2011 Get Up and Give North Texas Giving Day” to be held on Thursday, September 15, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Participation is easy. Log on to www.donorbridgetx.org on September 15, and make a donation to benefit the Allen Parks Foundation. Search “Allen Parks Foundation” anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and click “donate now.” By doing so, the Allen Parks Foundation will receive matching funds for all donations of at least $25. Each donor will receive acknow-ledgement from Communities Foundation of Texas and the Allen Parks Foundation after the day’s donations are processed.

Matching funds, estimated at more than $500,000, are provided through the contribution and support of many organizations in North Texas, including Communities Foundation of Texas, the Meadows Foundation, the Rees-Jones Foundation, Hoblitzelle Foundation and The Dallas Foundation. In 2010, more than $5 million was donated to local charities in only 12 hours.

By making a donation, you can assist the Allen Parks Foundation in enhancing the overall park system and recreational facilities in Allen. Consider that Allen residents and visitors currently enjoy more than 700 acres of parks, 40 miles of hiking and nature trails, five recreation facilities, and a

wide variety of programs and recreational activities. By making a contribution on this special day, you can do your part in helping to support the high quality of life that is so closely tied to the work of the Allen Parks Foundation.

“We are very pleased that the Allen Parks Foundation was selected to participate in the 2011 Get Up and Give North Texas Giving Day,” stated Jim Waldbauer, president of the Allen Parks Foundation. “We believe it is important that our residents have the opportunity to give where they live. By donating to the Allen Parks Foundation, you can make a direct impact on quality of life here in Allen.”

Recent projects of the Allen Parks Foundation are: kidMania playground in Celebration Park, promotion of Allen USA, enhancements to the Heritage Village and Senior Recreation Center and the purchase of handicapped-accessible swings in our playgrounds. In addition, the Allen Parks Foundation funded the

purchase of the “Tool Trailer,” a cargo trailer full of yard maintenance equipment provided to volunteer groups to be used for the maintenance of public green spaces.

The Allen Parks Foundation has also established a “Park Ambassador” program which allows interested citizens to become more involved in their park system and to become an integral part of enhancing Allen’s recreational system.

Consider donating between 10-11 a.m. or between 2-4 p.m. as those times have proven in years past to have the least amount of traffic on the DonorBridge website.

For more information, contact Kelly McGinnis, Grant/Project Coordinator with the Allen Parks & Recreation Department at 214.509.4722 or [email protected]. v

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

L to R: David Lindner, Kevin Pierce,

Mary Jane Hamilton, Stephanie Brittain,

Joey Herald and Jim Waldbauer.

Give! Get Up and

by Jeff Mues

A lle n I m A g e x S e p t e m b e r 2 0 11 9

Water RestrictionsEffective August 19, Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Response Plan will be implemented!The map indicates watering days per neighborhood. These are the ONLY days permitted. Items included in Stage 2 are:

• Limit landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems to no more than two days per week, as per the map. ET/Smart irrigation systems are NOT exempt from this twice-weekly watering limitation.

• Water may not be trucked or otherwise transported into the city for irrigation purposes.

• Prohibit landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hand-held hose or permanently installed drip system watering of plant materials during this time may be permitted as long as no runoff occurs.

• Prohibit planting/watering of cool season grasses (such as rye grass or other similar grasses).

• Prohibit watering of impervious surfaces. (Excessive sprinkler runoff on sidewalks/streets NOT permitted.)

• Prohibit outdoor watering during rain or freeze events.• Prohibition of the use of treated water to fill or refill

residential amenity, and any other natural or manmade ponds with a surface area of 500 square feet or more.

• Please wait until the current drought or emergency situation has passed before establishing new landscaping.

For more information visit our website at: www.cityofallen.org, or call 214-509-3111.

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The biannual Lil’ Lambs consignment sale of seasonal items will be September 22-24, at Greenville Oaks Church of Christ, 703 S. Greenville Ave. The sale features fall/winter items, infants’ and children’s clothing, maternity clothing, toys, nursery items, children’s furniture and relevant accessories. All items are individually inspected to ensure they meet the highest standards for cleanliness, repair and condition. One exciting change this year is that focus will be given to a new “Tween Scene” department featuring fun and funky items for those in-between ages.

You can shop with confidence on up to 18,000 quality spring and summer items. Each item is carefully inspected to meet the highest standards.

Since its inception in 2002, Lil’ Lambs has benefited the causes of women, children and families in Collin County. All proceeds—30-40% of total sales—and unsold, donated items are given to local outreach ministries. To

date, over $100,000 has been donated to beneficiaries including Allen Community Outreach, Samaritan Inn, Family Promise, Hope’s Door, Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Children and Community Health Center of McKinney and others.

Registration is now open online. Lil’ Lambs sellers receive 70% of their proceeds if they volunteer to work a shift during the sale. The remaining 30% goes to benefit outreach programs in Collin County. Those who are

unable to volunteer will receive a 60/40 split.

Other benefits include two days of opportunities to drop off your spring and summer items and easy and free inventory and tagging software that takes the hassle out of getting your items ready. We know how busy you are and want to make things easy for you! After the sale, sellers will know precisely which items sold and for how much and get their check the same day as pick up. Sellers and volunteers receive early shopping privileges on Thursday. The registration fee is only $10 which will be taken from the final sales total.

This consignment sale would not be possible without volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please register at www.lil-lambs.net. For more information, please call 972.727.2551 or visit us online. v

Biannual Li’l Lambs consignment sale

Public Shopping Times

Thursday, September 22, 5-8 p.m.;

Friday, September 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;

and Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Most items will be half price on Saturday


Have you ever wondered what it would be like to share the spotlight with the biggest musical acts in the world, or to perform in front of a huge audience at Allen Event Center? Earlier this summer, Fort Worth resident, Sybil Lane, a mother of four boys, got that chance—performing with her favorite group, the biggest children’s music band in the world, the Wiggles.

To say Lane is a super fan is an understatement. Along with one of her sons, CJ, she helped to organize “Wags the Dog Bone Collection,” to make use of all the bones that children bring Wags, one of the costumed characters who performs with the Wiggles. Thanks to Lane, thousands of bones—more than 15,000 from over 240 concerts—have

been donated to the ASPCA, rescues and local animal shelters across the U.S. and Canada.

The Lane family has attended more than their fair share of concerts too. In fact, Lane estimates that she has brought her family to approximately 100 Wiggles concerts across eight states, and even taken in a show in the Wiggles’ native Australia. But at each and every one of those performances, she’d always watched the show from the seats. She’d never dreamed of partaking in a show on the stage until she caught wind of a video contest in which local parents were asked to submit footage of them singing one of the Wiggles signature sing-a-longs, “Fruit Salad.” The contest offered the chance to actually become a member of the band for the day—to perform as the “Fifth Wiggle.”

For her entry, Lane wore a fruit hat and a homemade fruit-themed t-shirt. While the costume was certainly eye-catching and her singing was enthusiastic, what may have really distinguished her performance was her use of sign language. Lane teaches baby sign language and offers sign language resources via her website, babysignsprogram.com/withsybil. For the Wiggles, whose tour raised money for a nonprofit that seeks to increase literacy, Lane’s audition showcased that she was the perfect candidate to join the band in Allen.

“To perform on stage at the Allen Event Center with the Wiggles for their 20th Birthday was the thrill of a lifetime,” said Lane. “The venue was wonderful. I really enjoyed the personal feel it had during the show.”

While the Lanes have shown a willingness to travel

Thrill of a lifetime for one lucky fanby Jeff Mues


long distances to see their favorite group of performers, the convenience of Allen Event Center, its cleanliness, free parking and helpful staff have made a favorable impression and one that will likely lead to a future visit.

“Of course, if the Wiggles come back, my boys and I will be back,” said Lane. “I asked my boys who they hope Allen Event Center will have in the future. My nine-year old, Brendan, hopes for Miranda Cosgrove while my 14-year-old, Damian, says he hopes for Weird Al. Of course for my 19-month-old, Aodhan, it’s all about the ‘Wigg O’s’!”

Accounting for diverse musical tastes for different families, generations and demographics is difficult to accomplish but Allen Event Center’s upcoming entertainment schedule offers a wide array of choices. Rock and Roll icon Eddie Money will perform such hits as “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Take Me Home Tonight” at Allen Event Center on September 17.

A week later, the Peddler Show, a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, will be held September 23-25. On October 16, a triple bill of hard rock and heavy metal with Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and Black Label Society comes to town.

Great family entertainment returns November 10-12, with the Texas Stampede, one of the most exciting rodeos in the country, and Disney on Ice, a fantastic production featuring Mickey and the whole Disney gang, scheduled for November 23-27.

Sign up for the Allen Event Center newsletter at www.alleneventcenter.com or “like” Allen Event Center on Facebook to be the first to learn about show announcements and giveaways. Who knows when your chance to meet and greet, or even take the stage with your favorite entertainer, will come along next? v



In observance of the tenth anniversary of September 11, the Allen Symphony Chorus, in collaboration with members of the Chancel Choirs of Suncreek United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Allen, will present “Remembrance and Reflection”, a concert performance.

The concert is on Saturday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott Drive in Allen. Proceeds will benefit the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund, a foundation estab lished to provide benefits to Allen police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are injured in the line of duty.

Highlights of the concert include

Fauré’s “Requiem”, Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Anthem of Peace”, the John Rutter arrangement of “Down by the Riverside”, and the premiere of “Psalm 130, A Song of Ascents”, arranged by James Miller, a member of the Allen Symphony Chorus and resident of Allen. The blended chorus and members of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra will perform under the direction of

Rusty King, Director of the Allen Symphony Chorus.

The “Requiem” was composed in 1888, when Fauré was in his forties, quite probably in response to the recent death of his father. Shortly after its first performance, Faure’s mother also died, giving the work an added poignancy. “Anthem of Peace” pays homage to two different folk traditions.

This tune is paired with the stateliness of “We Shall Walk Together in the Valley of Peace”, another American spiritual. “Down by the Riverside” (also known as “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More” and “Gonna Lay Down My Burden”) is a traditional gospel song. It was first published in Carl Sandburg’s The American Songbag in 1927 and there are at least 14 gospel recordings dating from before World War II.

Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling our office at 972.359.0656 or online at www.allenphilharmonic.org. v

Kathy Litinas is the president of the Allen Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra board.

Remembrance and ReflectionKathy Litinas


In A Midsummer’s Night Dream, William Shakespeare wrote that, “The object of art is to give life a shape.” At summer’s end in Allen, two artists have successfully given shape to the natural beauty of life in Allen and honored the lives of our ancestors through their art. Andrea Myklebust and Stanton Sears’ creation, Blackland Prairie Song—a large-scale piece of artwork sculpted in limestone and stainless steel—pays homage to the natural history of the blackland prairie and the agricultural heritage of Allen. A masterpiece that truly lives up to Shakespeare’s edict that art should give life shape, Blackland Prairie Song is now permanently on display for residents and visitors to admire and enjoy outside Allen City Hall.

After studying the history of the area, Myklebust and Sears wisely chose to incorporate some classic images into the design as they began work in August 2010. Among the carefully selected images they chose to recreate is an exquisitely carved Texas bluebonnet flower, representing the wildflowers found in this area. A cotton blossom and bolls are featured also, representing the thousands of acres of cotton fields that were farmed in and around Allen by our ancestors. A stainless steel crown features images of wheels, calling to mind the wheels of the agricultural tractors, stage coaches, wagons and steam engines that were such a part of daily life in Allen.

While these images trigger a visual response, Blackland Prairie Song, plays to other senses as well. One can experience the art through touch and actually sit on either of the seatwalls which flank the sculpture. Clad in limestone, like that which was used in the architecture of City Hall, the seatwalls and central sculpture create a plaza perfect for a small gathering.

Further contributing to the total sensory experience, energy-efficient, programmable LED light fixtures have been incorporated into the design. Dramatic internal lighting illuminates the stainless steel crown and on the ground, landscape-based fixtures wash warm, white light across the intricately carved limestone. Three-dimensional cast glass elements have also been installed within the

artwork and they respond dramatically to changing light, appearing to flicker on or off, or to change color entirely under different lighting conditions. The long-lasting, energy-efficient fixtures are even capable of shifting through a rainbow of colors and patterns and thus, can be utilized to mark special events, holidays or significant dates during the year.

Overall, the combination of ancient sculptural form (the stone column carved with plant imagery) and a high-tech material and production process (the laser-cut stainless steel crown) speak to both the past and the future in Allen. With this new art now giving shape to life in front of City Hall, both past and future look better than ever before. So have a look. Allen City Hall is located at 305 Century Parkway. v


New art gives life shape by Jeff Mues


At any given time of any given day, Allen residents might see city trucks labeled “Code Enforcement” around town and not realize how closely connected their duties are tied into keeping Allen beautiful. In addition to the multitude of residential and commercial issues resolved each year, the Code Enforcement Division provides education and awareness to help engage residents to take responsibility for improving the community. The Code Enforcement division is led by Code Enforcement Supervisor Kathryn May, and staffed by three code officers—Donna Giles, J. Potts and Rodney Noles.

In 2010, 7,099 code violations reported, resulting in 52 citations issued and 64 abatements processed—an impressive 98% compliance rate.

“That speaks volumes when you have that many cases and that low a number of citations,” City Manager Peter Vargas commented, “This

demonstrates the fact that we are not in the business of citing people, we are in the business of educating people.”

For these efforts, Keep Texas Beautiful recently awarded the City of Allen Code Enforcement Division with first place in the Government Awards. This award recognizes the outstanding environ mental programming con-tributions of government agencies, departments and divisions (at the city, county or state level), as well as military programs and installations.

The Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Awards recognize the efforts and leadership of young people and youth-oriented organizations who beautify their community and create cleaner, greener campuses, parks and neighborhoods. Jordan Boyer (Girl Scout Gold Award) and Tyler Gerdes (Eagle Scout) were awarded 2nd Place in the Scouting category for their creation of an outdoor learning area known as the E-Lab (Environmental

Laboratory), which winds along the creek at Dayspring Nature Preserve.

The Ebby Halliday and Maurice Acers Business/Industry Award recognizes businesses with sound environmental principals that support the mission of Keep Texas Beautiful. Community Waste Disposal (CWD) was awarded 1st Place in the Local Business category.

The Media Award recognizes the public awareness and education efforts of media in supporting environmental issues. PAMRO was awarded 2nd Place in the Electronic category.

The Governor ’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) is presented to communities in ten population-based categories for exhibiting the best grassroots volunteer environmental programs in the state and recognizing the efforts of these communities to involve citizens, businesses, schools, local government and youth to keep their city, county or region beautiful. The GCAA Program is one of the most prestigious environmental awards presented to communities in Texas.

The City of Allen was honored with a 2nd Place in the Governor's Community Achievement Award (GCAA) competition. Keep Allen Beautiful was recognized for a Sustained Excellence Award with a submission score of 95.75. Sustained Excellence Awards recognize GCAA applicants that submit consecutive applications that consistently score 90 or above. Keep Allen Beautiful was also awarded Gold Star Affiliate recognition for the 7th year in a row.v

Kathleen Vaught is the marketing specialist for the City of Allen.

Keeping Allen and Texas beautifulby Kathleen Vaught

Left to right: Kathryn May, Code Enforcement Supervisor; Donna Giles, Code Enforcement Officer; J. Potts, Code Enforcement Officer; Rodney Noles, Code Enforcement Officer; and John Howard, president of the board of Keep Texas Beautiful.


SnippetsSnippets

Tet OffensiveThe Readable History Book Club invites all Viet Nam veterans and their families to a discussion at Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive, on 7 p.m., Thursday, September 15. We will be discussing This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive by James S. Robbins.

Washington Times senior editorial writer James Robbins argues that the Tet Offensive was actually a failure for the North Vietnamese and that the U.S. media and left-wing academics created a false impression of its importance.

Robbins teaches International Relations at the National Defense University in Washington, DC., and is a frequent commentator on national security issues for many publications.

For more information, please call 214.509.4911. v

Rodeo FunRancher’s Reserve Steaks and Tom Thumb are teaming up with the Texas Stampede to once again bring the Ranchers Reserve Longhorn Cattle Drive to Allen on October 26. Soon after—November 10-12—the Tom Thumb Texas Stampede will return to Allen Event Center with an Invitational Rodeo and Championship Bull Riding, the Western Festival and Christmas Stampede Marketplace. Josh Turner and Joe Nichols will be live in concert at the Stampede as well. To find out more about the Tom Thumb Texas Stampede, including rodeo and concert events, the 3-day Western Festival and how to get tickets, please visit www.texasstampede.org. v

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Raul Colón is one of America’s award-winning children’s book illustrators and he will be at the library at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 10. Colón has illustrated over two dozen acclaimed books, including Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt, Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and How to Bake an American Pie. Colón will discuss the creations and designs of some of his illustrations and afterwards, answer questions from the audience. Sponsored by Bach to Books and Storyopolis Global Entertainment, this program is free.

Raised in Puerto Rico, Colón exemplifies the classic wisdom, “a bad loss can become a good thing.” Colón explains, “As a child I had chronic asthma and would frequently be so ill that I could not leave the house for days or even weeks at a time. But all those times I spent locked up inside, I spent filling up dozens of composition note books with all kinds of drawings. I even tried to write my own comic books…. So my illness as a child, which kept me from going outside to play, became a blessing.”

Colón’s goal is to stimulate the imagination within a child’s mind. While preparing Angela and the Baby Jesus, Colón’s creative processes were inspired by a warm fireplace on a frigid night. In the story, Angela’s little brother, standing near a fireplace, gives up the secret that the “Baby Jesus” is in the bed upstairs. Colón captures the children’s emotions—Angela displays fear on her face, since she quietly snuck the “baby” into the house.

Throughout the story, “I hardly show any of the adult faces, focusing mainly on the children’s world. It gives the scene intimacy, as if the viewer is there taking a snapshot with his camera.”

For more information, call 214.509.4911. v

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

Illustrator Raul Colón by Tom Keener

All films are on Tuesdays and begin at 7 p.m. Please call 214.509.4905 for more information.September 6

Best in Show (2000), starring Jay Brazeau, Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock. Owners (and handlers) of five show dogs head for the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. A film crew interviews a diverse group of characters as they prepare for the trip, arrive at Philly’s Taft Hotel, and compete for the acclaimed competition.September 13

A Mighty Wind (2003), starring Jim Moret, Stuart Luce and Mary Gross. The reunion of 1960s folk trio the Folksmen is featured as they prepare for a show at The Town Hall to memorialize a recently deceased concert promoter.September 20

For Your Consideration (2006), starring Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey. Three actors discover that their respective performances in the film “Home for Purim,” a drama set in the mid-1940s American South, are generating award-season buzz.

September 27Waiting for Guffman (1996), starring Catherine O’Hara,

Eugene Levy and Fed Willard, is a parody of community theater set in the small, fictional town of Blaine, Missouri. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of a handful of utterly delusional residents as they prepare to put on a community theater production led by eccentric director Corky St. Clair. v

Christopher Guest Mockumentaries

library


Fortunately for this country, George Washington garnered the lessons learned from his youthful mistakes to win a war with the British Empire against overwhelming odds. David Clary discusses his book, George Washington’s First War: His Early Military Adventures at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 22, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. Sponsored by Bach to Books and the Bernardo de Gálvez chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, this program is free and no reser-vations are required.

Clary demonstrates that in his first and challenging period of his military career, the youthful Colonel Washington was given sensitive responsibilities that were inapprop riate for his age and experience. Superiors provided little guidance, but Washington’s resiliency and ability to learn from mistakes enabled him to take on an undefeated British Empire and win.

When asked what inspired him to write this book, Clary replied, “After exploring the close relationship between the middle-aged George Washington and the adolescent Marquis de Lafayette during war and revolution, I became curious about Washington’s own adolescence during an earlier time of war, in the 1750s. I

concluded that his unfortunate record during that period was owing to the fact that it happened during his painful transition from boy to man, without guidance from a trusted elder. If there is a lesson here for all of us, it is that the mistakes we make as youngsters are less important than our willingness to confront and learn from them. When

it came to learning from hard experience, Washington proved himself the supreme master.”

DAR Vice-Regent Alice Blanchard points out, “This is a revealing, well-documented picture of the young Washington as he proceeds to naively tackle the call to action presented

by the French and Indian War. His initial self-importance diminishes as greater principles surface and his personal growth is melded by experience in the blunderous skirmishes of politics and war. Clary’s research mingles the paths of the famous and infamous that deal with an immature Washington in his

twenties. This is an important, fast paced read for those who appreciate the history and background of a burgeoning nation.”

David A. Clary became the first Chief Historian of the U. S. Forest Service in 1976, following a career in historical and historic preservation programs of the National Park Service. Clary is the author of 11 books including: Before and After Roswell: The Flying Saucer in America, 1947-1999; Rocket Man: Robert H. Goddard and the Birth of the Space Age; Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution; Eagles and Empire: The United States, Mexico and the Struggle

for a Continent; and George Washington’s First War: His Early Military Adventures.

Please call 214.509.4911 for more information. v


Author David Clary by Tom Keener


Allen resident Kevin Vaught opens the festival. A graduate of the University of North Texas, majoring in theater, Kevin is an adherent of the philosophy that music is too important to be left solely to professionals.

“I’m certainly no one’s idea of a virtuoso player, but I don’t want to let that stop me from making music. That’s why folk music really speaks to me and so many others. It’s a form where I can be a participant, not just an audience. I hope this festival continues as a tradition.”

Bruce Balmer and Lisa Markley perform an exciting blend of jazz and folk. Bruce played lead guitar for rock, jazz and country bands, and composed for dance performance and film.

A multi-instrumentalist, Lisa received “Honorable Mention” in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for two of her songs (in both the jazz and in the folk categories). That same year she went on to win the B.W. Stevenson Songwriting Contest. Her solo projects include “Goddess of Groove”, “The Sky Is Blue and Sometimes Cries” and “One Word”.

The musical duo, Twice As Far, delight and engage audiences with music that ranges from traditional mountain dulcimer tunes to contemporary and original songs. Jeannie Clark Fisher began her career as a singer/songwriter in Red Bank, New Jersey, where she opened for Bruce Springsteen in his early days. Jeannie also sings with the Dallas Opera Chorus.

Judi Altstatt Allen earned a bachelor of music education degree and a master’s degree in clarinet performance. She plays with the Allen Symphony and teaches band at Ereckson Middle School in Allen.

An ever-popular staple of folk music venues across North Texas, the duo of Ann Armstrong and Steve Hughes have been enter-taining audiences with their blend of Texas blues, folk and rock for over 20 years. They have shared billings with Albert Collins, Jerry Jeff Walker, Hot Tuna, Arlo Guthrie, Guy Clark and many more.

Their recent venues have included the South by Southwest Convention, and they are regulars at the intern ationally-acclaimed Kerrville Folk Festival. In addition, they were the winners of the 1990 Best Blues Act in the Dallas Observer readers’ poll. v

Do you enjoy playing and singing folk music? Allen Folk Music Society is sponsored by the Allen Symphony. You can join Judi and Jeannie on the third Saturday of each month for an informal time of playing and sharing folk music,

7:00 p.m. at the Blue House Gallery 102 S. Allen Drive. For information, call 214-509-4911. v

Allen Folk Festival by Tom Keener

Emanating from the heart and soul of all cultures, folk music brings people together in a way no other musical genre can accomplish. The Allen Folk Festival holds its inaugural event at the Allen Public Library, Saturday, September 17.

An audio interview of Pete Seeger will be broadcast at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. with live performances from popular local folk musicians. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required.


Amanda Dunbar’s art defies limiting definitions, as does the artist herself.

The relocation of her Amanda Dunbar Studios last December to a more spacious and curiosity-seeker-friendly environment in the Design District of Dallas reflects this refusal to be boxed in.

Stand anywhere in the gallery space and you are treated to a feast for the eyes and spirit. The art displayed here ranges from a passionately brilliant re-creation of Caddo Lake, to a gently curved, 28-panel painting of a cool

and serene scene from the Italian village of Positano on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Then settle on the chaise lounge and watch the play of light from the chandelier made of 12 one-of-kind, crystal-encrusted guitars.

Over the years, this Canadian-born artist has amassed fans, friends and collectors from around the world. But among her greatest admirers are those in Allen—the people who have supported her growth as an artist since she was a teenager. In turn, Amanda continues to give back to this community that claims her as one of its own.

While still a teenager, Amanda was featured twice on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and over the years she has continued to garner awards and accolades. These include being named to the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006, honored as Person of the Week on ABC World News in 2007, and presented the Emerging Leader Award as a Distinguished Alumni of SMU in 2009.

“I love people and I love artwork, and I want people to love artwork as much as I do,” she smiles. “I want to bring as many people along with me on that journey of discovery and finding their own power to create.” This attitude is particularly evident in her years of supporting a number of not-for-profit organizations, including her own charitable foundation that encourages artistic development in children.

Following her graduation from Allen High School, Amanda earned her bachelor of fine arts from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. As part of her studies, the then-19-year-old Amanda traveled to Brittany for four weeks to study at the Pont-Aven School of Contemporary Art. Today she laughs about declaring to the instructor that her intent was to paint “en plein air,” only to find the weather disagreeably cold and rainy the whole time she was there. She refused to let this set her back, and working under a makeshift canopy and wearing “just about every piece of clothing I brought,” she persevered and succeeded at her goal. She continues to demonstrate this can-do attitude today as she explores new opportunities to express herself.

Creating

Amanda Dunbar with “Beloved Lady”

feature

outside theLINESby Peggy Helmick-Richardson


Amanda returned to France for a semester as part of her post-baccalaureate work. It was here she further developed her ongoing fascination with printmaking, particularly with the work from a Parisian lithography facility that still creates prints as they have been done for hundreds of years. “There hasn’t been much written about it, and there is all this important historical significance that has been overlooked for the flashier,” she points out. “It is the coolest place ever—they even have Picassos thumbtacked up on the wall!”

She continues, “Any artist that I have had a real passion for at one time or another was a pretty voracious printmaker. And the kind I love is the same process that Rembrandt was using with copper plates. If all the electricity was turned off tomorrow, I could still make it work.”

With her interest in early twentieth century artists and printmakers, Amanda names Gauguin as one in particular whose art she is drawn to. She then adds with a laugh, “His work, but not so much his personal life choices.”

Amanda has now finished the required coursework, with only the completion of her thesis needed to receive her master’s degree in art history from SMU.

A woman of multiple artistic skills and diverse interests, Amanda’s “Precious Rebels Collection” is one of her current consuming passions. Starting with performance-quality stringed instruments, Amanda uses genuine Swarovski crystals to create artwork on the body of the instruments. These have been offered for the last two years in Neiman Marcus’s popular Wish Book, seen on stage with groups such as Nickleback and The Black Eyed Peas, and featured on American Idol. In addition, Amanda presented her “Beloved LadyÆ guitar to her friend and mentor Oprah Winfrey.

Amanda insists that her musical creations are meant to be played. “When they are on stage and lit, they are on fire!” she grins. “It is hard to go wrong when you start with an incredible piece of art to begin with and you have incredible materials to add on.”

Although her Precious Rebels are primarily a variety of electric and acoustic guitars, Amanda is branching out to create pieces from violins, mandolins and cellos. “I don’t play any of these instruments,” she emphasizes. “I am fascinated with the shape first and foremost. They are like the canvases.

“I’m using larger and tinier crystals so there is a difference in surface texture,” Amanda explains about her efforts to adorn her first cello. “I’m exaggerating it more than I normally do because I have more of a surface to work with and I can create brushwork looks.”

For the month of September, as part of the “Fall for the Arts” to benefit the Allen Arts Alliance, Amanda Dunbar Studios will open a special gallery at Watters Creek, directly across from the newly-opened Anthropologie. “I will personally be there at least once a week,” she notes. “I will be doing an artist talk or creativity workshop or something along those lines.”

On September 3, Amanda will also be presenting a very special Precious Rebels violin to the organization Dallas Strings, based in Allen, to honor their support of the arts. For those who miss the event, this Precious Rebels violin will be on display in her Allen gallery throughout September.

For more information about the September gallery opening at Watters Creek in Allen, go to www.amandadunbar.com. v

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.

Caddo Lake



kids korner

“Dr. Lisi”Elisabeth Rowold-Garciamendez, D.D.S., M.S., 335 N. Allen Drive • Allen • (972) 727-0011

Hablo Español • Spreche Deutsch • www.kidspediatricdentistry.com

PediatricDentistrykids

Sponsored by:

Indoor Safari Park—6050 Coit Road (@ Spring Creek), Suite 200, Plano, 972.599.1080This indoor play area just opened this summer in Plano (in addition to the original Southlake location) and features all kinds of “wild” fun regardless of the weather. For $9.99, kids can have one ride on a robotic animal (kids choose from an elephant, cheetah, bison, zebra or dinosaur), two rides on the miniature safari train, unlimited free play in the play area with a ball pit, slide, trampoline and hands on play areas, and unlimited miniature golf on the eight hole course. For $14.99, kids can do all of the above plus paint a ceramic art piece. There is also an animal factory similar to Build A Bear where children can choose and stuff their own animal friend such as a bear, giraffe, panda, lion, unicorn, monkey or dog. Animals are priced individually at $9.99-$14.99. There is also a toy store filled with cute safari animals and toys, so be prepared!Legoland Adventure Center—3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway (in Grapevine Mills mall), Grapevine, 972.539.9386This fun new discovery center with a Lego theme is perfect for preschoolers. Visitors start with a guided tour with Professor Brick-a-Brack to learn how Lego bricks are made. After the tour, they can participate in activities such as a ride aboard a chariot equipped with laser guns to zap skeletons and trolls, a 4D movie (a 3D movie with flurries of real snow, rain, wind and lightning), a miniature version of Dallas created with nearly 1.5 million Lego bricks, a pedal-driven Merlin’s Apprentice ride, and a McDonald’s type play zone with a Lego City theme. There are also plenty of opportunities to build with Legos. Boys will love building race cars and testing them on the speed test track, girls will love the Princess Parlor, and there are larger sized Duplo blocks for younger guests. Avoid long lines at the door and save 15% by buying your tickets online at www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Online prices are $16.50 for adults 13+ and $12.75 plus tax for kids. Standard admission at the door is $19 and $15, respectively.Sea Life Aquarium—3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway (in Grapevine Mills mall)This new 2-story, 45,000-sq.-ft. aquarium’s main attraction is a “360 tunnel,” a glass hallway filled with sea life that surrounds guests as if they were in the ocean. The aquarium also has 30 display tanks, an interactive rock pool where kids can touch crabs and starfish, a shark walk and a submarine themed kids play area. Check their website at www.visitsealife.com for feeding and “talk” times when visitors can learn more about octopus, stingrays, seahorses and more. Admission is $19 for adults and $15 for kids. Save money by purchasing tickets online, including combination tickets to Legoland and the Sea Life Aquarium at a discounted rate.Dallas Arboretum—8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, 214.515.6500Take your prince or princess to the Dallas Arboretum before the end of the year to see “It’s a Fairy Tale World” featuring the castles of Beauty and the Beast; The Princess and the Pea; Aladdin, Rapunzel; The Little

Mermaid; Jack and the Beanstalk; and Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters placed throughout the gardens. For added fun, go online before you go (www.dallasarboretum.org) to print out the Fairy Tale Scavenger Hunt with hints for things to look for in each castle, such as a golden egg in Jack’s house. Kids will also enjoy hunting for the numerous bronze animal sculptures throughout the Lay Ornamental Gardens. Every Monday and Tuesday between 10-2 is geared for moms and kids 5 and under, with a petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting and Kindermusik. All activities (except face painting ) are free with garden admission. Garden Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-12 (plus $7 parking). Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales This show at the Allen Event Center combines three favorite kid’s tales—Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and is presented by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and the gang. Award winning music, storytelling, costumes and special effects. Shows are October 23 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42.

Mall Play AreasVillage at Allen—Stacy and I-75 (south side), AllenKid attractions: Free kid sized play houses, caboose and Texas shaped hedge maze; Toys R Us; looking at the animals at PetSmart; Gymboree Play & Music.Village at Fairview—Stacy and I-75 (north side), FairviewKid attractions: Beach area with lots of sand and a small play structure; interactive fountains; Splittsville Bowling; 2,000-sq.-ft. children’s section at a Real Bookstore, plus story times Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and pajama storytime on Fridays at 7:30; purple ice cream at The Purple Cow; Toys Unique; repurposed tractor to climb on outside of Whole Foods, plus Whole Foods’ free Kid’s Club Craft Wednesdays at 10:30 (recent projects have included an egg carton ant, hanging name plaque, and fish made from old CDs).Stonebriar—121 and Preston in Frisco, FriscoKid attractions: Carousel in the food court ($2/ride); ice skating; free soft play area with telephone slide and over-sized, soft surface household utilities to climb and explore; AMC movie theater; Barnes & Noble morning story time with craft and a cookie every Thursday at 11:00 a.m.; Build-A-Bear workshop.Collin Creek—I-75 between 15th and Plano Parkway, PlanoKid attractions: Small train that takes its pint sized riders through seasonal landscapes; free soft play area with a sculpted foam car, ambulance and bridge; Amazing Jakes with go-karts, laser tag, climbing wall, bumper cars, bowling, and miniature golf.Galleria—Dallas Tollway at 635, DallasKids attractions: ice skating ($9 admission plus $3 skate rental); free jungle themed soft play area; American Girl Boutique and Bistro.

Preschool Funby Deborah Dove

Take advantage of the older kids being in school (meaning everything is much less crowded)

to enjoy some of these preschooler pleasing outings.


education

In this job market, the smallest advantage can make a difference.

In the world of IT and networking, competition is fierce. The Convergence Technology program at Collin College is charged with equipping their

students with the knowledge, skills, credentials and opportunities to put them head over heels above the others seeking employment in the workforce.

“It’s great to have experience,” said Brent Vickery, a Convergence

Technology student, who undertook a cooperative work experience (co-op) opportunity with Baylor Medical Center at Frisco.

“In the IT industry, it’s about experience. You can have a four-year degree and certifications, but a guy with an associate degree, certifi-c ations and experience may get the job instead.”

Experience, Vickery thinks, is what got him the co-op with Baylor in the first place. He’d previously worked at his father’s IT company at the help desk and with troubleshooting.

Vickery started at Baylor in January 2010 and, within a couple of weeks, the hospital hired him as a full-time employee, a status he held until June when he decided to put all of his focus on his degree at Collin College.

His responsibilities were varied. Vickery said he worked with several others providing help desk support, maintaining and managing servers, building servers for VMware (virtualization desktop software) and creating a self-service password reset system at the hospital.

Convergence technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the world. It is the “convergence” of voice, video, data and images into one network. A good example is the iPhone or the MP3 player where you can listen to the latest hit song, watch a movie, call your mom and read a news story.

“We had some voice-over IP at the hospital and it was an NEC (a provider of IT, network and communications products and solutions) system,” Vickery said. “But I still understood the basics of what was going on so it was good that I had the foundation

A taste of the real worldby Mark Robinson

Brent Vickery


that I got at Collin College. A lot of the courses I’ve taken fed right into the job. It’s not like you take a course and you go work and never use what you learn. It was right in line with what the professors said.”

According to Helen Sullivan, director of the Convergence Technology Center, there are some lessons you cannot recreate in the classroom or lab.

“For our convergence students, the co-op experience offers an entry into the business environment where they can see first-hand how their college learning translates into real work activities,” Sullivan said. “They will have the opportunity to meet employees who have been working in the field who will share their knowledge, and they will learn how to work under the supervision of a manager. When they complete their course of study, these students will have applicable experience to add to their resume, plus contacts in the business world that will help them explore employment opportunities.”

Michael Cole had a different route, but a similar result during his co-op.

Cole had finished a networking degree from Tarrant County College. After a business venture and getting married, Cole attempted to get a job in the networking field and the 34-year-old Frisco resident found his skill set obsolete.

“I found that employers wanted Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), voice and wireless security,” Cole said. “Instead of continuing to send my CV to companies, I decided to come to Collin College and pick up those extra things that people are looking for.”

Cole plans on graduating with a degree soon.

“The Convergence Technology Program is really good,” he said. “The classes are fun because you get to play with the new technology. Convergence spreads out to wireless and voice so you can plug in and fuse them together.”

Last summer, Cole was alerted to


a co-op at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco. Before questioning why a church would need a co-op student from the Convergence Technology program, know that more than 4,000 people worship at the mega-church every Sunday. The demands—technologically—are high.

“The church is huge. It took two hours to walk around,” Cole said. “It was amazing how big the church was. It is the size of the Preston Ridge Campus. The network is big and it spans three buildings and a staff of 100.”

A lot of Cole’s responsibility dealt with networking. All those buildings house visitors, members and staff, and they all have office phones and computers. Cole also was thrust into a role of learning about broadcasting, as sermons and presentations are broadcasted. Impressed with his ability, the church kept Cole on as a contract worker after his co-op ended, and he was recently hired as a part-time employee with potential of becoming full-time.

“You learn you have to go in there and figure out things for yourself. It’s good seeing what the real world is like,” Cole said. “We’re actually in a stage of updating the monitoring tools of the church’s network. I’d just finished a security class and there were a lot of things I’ve been able to apply from the program to what we’re doing at the church.”

“The Collin College co-op program provides a complete package for our students,” said Ann Blackman, program manager of the Convergence Technology Center. “In addition to gaining relevant work experience, the co-op program provides assistance in the process of setting goals and career planning. With the co-op program, students not only gain work experience but also self-confidence.”

For example, Vickery was not only setting up servers, but also providing technical support to hospital staff. During his time there, Baylor Medical Center was in the middle of transferring

medical records into digital form. Vickery learned quickly how to handle nurses and staff unfamiliar or uncomfortable in front of a computer.

“In addition to becoming a subject matter expert in computer networking subjects, it is critical for our students to gain experience in good inter-personal and presentation skills,” Blackman said. “A co-op allows students to sharpen those ‘soft skills’ while applying technical knowledge learned in the classroom and labs at the work place.”

Cole encourages other students to seek out co-op positions.

“I think the co-op experience has been the best for just sheer real-world experience. It’s one of the most educational parts of the convergence degree,” he said.

Visit www.collin.edu/academics/ctc for more information about convergence technology. v

Mark Robinson is the public relations associate at Collin College.Photos by Nick Young/Collin College

Michael Cole

barbarapeavy

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Allen Image 9-11 first half

barbarapeavy

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Allen Image 9-11 first half

Although the temperature gauge says otherwise, fall is just around the corner (we promise). Fall means cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and every thing pumpkin—pumpkin patches, pumpkins displayed on porches, carved into jack-o-lanterns and overflowing from huge bins at the grocery store.

It’s no wonder pumpkins are so readily found; they are so easy to grow that they can be grown on every continent but Antarctica! So take advantage of the abundance of this vegetable and incorporate some pumpkin into what you’re cooking this fall.

Pumpkins are highly nutritious, so even when you’re adding pumpkin to pies, cookies, muffins or bread, there’s still some redeeming nutritional value. Years ago, pumpkins were believed to help eliminate freckles and were used to treat snake bites, although we can’t vouch for those claims. However, like most other orange fruits and vegetables, pumpkins are high in beta-carotene, which helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, as well as the risk for heart disease.

Pumpkins are also naturally low in sodium, high in fiber and potassium and have zero cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds have even been shown to reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. So what are you waiting for?

Fresh pumpkins can be boiled or baked to prepare the pulp for use in recipes. To boil, cut the pumpkin open and clean out the seeds and membrane.

cooking


Recipes from the pumpkin patchby Deborah Dove


Cut the pumpkin flesh in pieces; cover with water in a large saucepan and cook until tender. Drain, and then peel off outer skin. Put the cooked pumpkin into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

To bake, slice pumpkin in half and clean out the seeds and membrane. Place cleaned pumpkin halves cut side down in baking dish. Add 1/4 inch of water and bake uncovered at 300º for an hour, or until tender. Peel outer skin and put cooked pumpkin through a food processor or blender, or mash with a potato masher. Refrigerate the cooked, puréed or mashed pulp until ready to use. Baked pumpkin will yield the most flavorful meat. Alternately, canned pumpkin can also be used in any recipe. Southwestern Pumpkin Soup2 Tbs. butter 1 large onion, chopped1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and

chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 5 c. chicken broth 1 large baking potato, peeled and

chopped 1-1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 2 c. pumpkin puree 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro 2 c. milk 3 Tbs. fresh lime juice

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeño pepper and garlic and sauté 15 minutes. Add chicken broth and next four ingredients. Cook 30 minutes or until potato is tender, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly—about 5-10 minutes.

Process potato mixture, pumpkin and cilantro in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth (or add pumpkin and cilantro to pot and mix with a stick blender until smooth). Return to pot. Stir in milk and simmer 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in lime juice. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of cilantro.

Pumpkin Butter1 (29 oz.) can pumpkin purée or 1-1/2

to 2 cups of fresh pumpkin purée3/4 c. apple juice2 tsp. ground ginger1/4 tsp. ground cloves1-1/2 c. white sugar (or 3/4 c. brown

sugar + 3/4 c. white sugar)2 tsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine pumpkin, apple juice, spices and sugar in a large saucepan

and stir well. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently with a whisk. Transfer mixture to sterile containers and chill in the refrigerator until serving (use within a week).

Spread on toast, pancakes, waffles or bagels; stir into yogurt or oatmeal; mix with a vanilla shake; mix into butter pecan ice cream; or spread on a panini with cream cheese, turkey and sliced apple.


* Can also be cooked in a crockpot. Pumpkin Pie1 (9-in.) unbaked deep dish pie crust3/4 c. white sugar1 tsp. ground cinnamon1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. ground ginger1/4 tsp. ground cloves2 eggs1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk2 Tbs. rum (optional)

Preheat oven to 425º. Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Stir in rum and pour into pie shell. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce

oven to 350º and bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.Pumpkin Gingerbread3 c. sugar1 c. vegetable oil4 eggs2/3 c. water2 c. pumpkin puree2 tsp. ground ginger1 tsp. ground allspice1 tsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. ground cloves3-1/2 c. all-purpose flour2 tsp. baking soda1-1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 325º. Lightly

grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans or seven miniature loaf pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin and mix. In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, baking powder, ginger, allspice, cinnamon and clove and stir. Add dry ingredients and blend just until all ingredients are mixed.

Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes for two large loaves or 45 minutes for small loaves.Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Remove seeds from pumpkin and rinse well. Spread seeds on a buttered cookie sheet. Toast at 350º 10 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle with salt. Pumpkin Vinaigrette4 Tbs. pumpkin puree1/4 c. cider or balsamic vinegar1 clove garlic1 tsp. sugar1/2 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. pepper1/2 c. olive oil

Finely chop or mash garlic. Put all ingredients in a bowl, except olive oil, and mix with whisk. Add olive oil and whisk again until well blended. v

HomePlace



helping hands

With fall in the air, it’s time for some fun! Get out and walk, run, golf or bowl—all to help local families in need. Allen Community Outreach will host several fun-filled events for the community to benefit our programs and services.

Top Golf will host the 6th Annual Charity Golf Classic on September 16, at 2 p.m. For $125 you’ll get to play at the premier golf entertainment center, playing individually or in a team of six, in the three-level upscale bays. You’ll also be included in the party following play, with appetizers, drinks and a silent auction. If golf isn’t “your thing” you can join the fun at the party. Party tickets are $50 per person. It all benefits the cause of transforming lives of local families in need.

Embarrassed about being seen at ACO by friends and neighbors, *Donna changed her appointment time twice to go to the ACO Food Pantry. It was so hard for her to ask for help in the first place, she couldn’t imagine being judged by the volunteers working inside the pantry. Some were her neigh-bors and parents of her kids’ friends. But she needed the food; her fridge and shelves at home were empty.

When she finally got the courage

to come inside the pantry she was greeted by kind, caring individuals there to help and make sure she got plenty of food to feed her children. The pantry let her shop with a grocery cart to choose the foods her family would prefer. She was surprised at the selection the pantry offered and the produce and dairy items available. She left with bags of groceries, a hug from a supportive volunteer, and a sense of relief that dinner would be on the table tonight. Events like the Golf Classic make it possible to keep staples on the shelves and meat in the freezers.

For more information about the Golf Classic and registration, visit the website www.acogolfclassic.org. Sponsorships are also available.

If a Fun Run is more to your taste, we’ve got an event for the entire family planned for October 22. The annual FallFest 5K, 10K and 1-mile walk will be held again at the Village at Fairview on Stacy Road at Highway 5. The added 10K will attract more serious runners, while the 5K will still be challenging and the 1-mile walk is designed for everyone. New routes have been mapped out for an enjoyable and scenic course. Childcare with crafts will be provided by The Goddard

School in Allen and held at Real Bookstore in the Village at Fairview, close to the race start and finish line. All of this fun begins early on Saturday morning with registration and warm up at 7 a.m. and the runs begin at 8 a.m. After the run, stay and enjoy a breakfast buffet at The Purple Cow for just $10 per person. Registration is available at www. acocares.org. There will be bounce houses, face painting, entertainment and more! There is a small entry fee that benefits ACO programs and services.

*Mr. Thompson has lived alone since his wife died two years ago. He rarely leaves his house and his health has deteriorated in past months. If not for the volunteer who delivers Meals-On-Wheels to him, no one would check on him at all. While the meal is nutritious and a volunteer comes every weekday at noon to bring it hot and ready to eat, it’s the visit from that smiling friend of ACO that he most looks forward to. The Meals-On-Wheels Volunteer is his reason to get out of bed and dress each day.

Some days, volunteers may leave his house for last on their route so they can stay and visit with him. Last spring, a volunteer found Mr.

Fun times at ACOby Marjorie Vaneskahian


Thompson on the floor where he had fallen and couldn’t get up. Had that volunteer not come by, who knows how long Mr. Thompson would have lain on the floor. The volunteer contacted the ACO Office, who in turn called 911. Funding from events supports programs like ACO’s Meals-On-Wheels & More program. While it may seem like just a Saturday morning run to you, your entry fee may pay for much needed meals.

Something new added this year—Ten Pins To Transform Bowling Tournament—will be held on October 29, from 9 a.m.- noon. Gather your co-workers, friends or family and register for this fun morning at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, located in the Village at Fairview. Cost is $25 and includes one hour of bowling, shoes and a $20 donation to ACO. There will be six bowlers per lane. For more serious fun-seekers, get a $50 VIP ticket, which also includes a breakfast buffet and a Bloody Mary bar. Donations will fund programs to transform lives by assisting with rent, utilities, clothing, food and more.

It was two weeks before school started when *Connie realized that all three of her kids needed clothes and shoes, and she was looking at three school supplies lists that would cost her about $50 for each child. With no money and two more weeks until payday she panicked.

Once she calmed down and met with an ACO caseworker she was offered free new school supplies for her children and vouchers to shop at the ACO Resale Shop to get the things needed for school clothes. There were three smiling kids as they left, each with their own bag of new supplies to take on the first day of school. Connie smiled too and said a little “thank you” under her breath as she walked out of the Resale Shop with an armful of pants, shirts and shoes for the kids.

Without the donations from the community to fill the store with mer-chandise, it would not have been possible to provide items for Connie.

And without the support of donors and funds raised at events, more than 300 students would not have new school supplies and gift cards to purchase new shoes.

While all of these events are “fun” for us, they are vital to so many of our neighbors that need some help to transform their lives. Without funding, programs are not possible. Sponsorships for all events are available on the ACO website at www.acocares.org or by contacting Stacy Cooper at 972.727.9131 or [email protected]. *Names have been changed. v

Marjorie Vaneskahian is the director of volunteer services at ACO.


pet page

Sweet Bella and her little family of four were rescued from rural Texas about two weeks after she gave birth. It was truly a New Year’s miracle that she made it out alive with her babies—she was living outside in the elements, protecting them from both predators and man.

Bella is a very sweet and tender soul who is about five years old and weighs 65 pounds. She loves people of all shapes and sizes and does okay with other dogs and cats. She is potty trained and can be trusted to have free roam of the house. Because her previous family did not keep her current on heartworm preventive, she tested positive, was treated and now tests negative and is back to regularly scheduled activities. Once heartworms are treated and the dog tests negative, they are gone for good.

Will you consider taking Bella into your home as your furever family member? This sweet dog just needs someone to love her—she has so much love to give! She has been spayed, microchipped and is current on vaccinations.

If you are interested in sweet Bella, please complete an application at http://www.collincountyhumanesociety.org/Forms.htm.

Bella has so much love to give!

“Bella”

For Your HealthMarketPlace



family

“Where would you like to eat on our date tomorrow night?” Turning off his razor, my husband stared at me in disbelief. “You mean a real date—just the two of us?” A few months earlier, our family of four had moved to Allen. With extended family over four hours away, our date life had been non-existent. I daydreamed about the endless romantic possibilities. The thought of going out to a restaurant with a menu absent of fries and chicken nuggets was thrilling.

The next day I had a bounce in my step as I worked to get the house in order, ran my errands, cooked dinner for our two preschoolers, showered, dressed and drove to pick up the babysitter. As we left for dinner, I plopped onto the car seat exhausted. Dinner and the movie were both enjoyable, but we spent a great deal of our date just staring at each other not really knowing what to say. Let’s face it—when the hatchlings are still in the nest, all the chirping revolves around them.

Arriving home, I remembered why date nights were scarce. Bedtime had been ignored, the house was somewhat dismantled, and I had to take out a loan to pay the babysitter. I went to bed thinking there had to be a better way to spend time alone with my husband.

According to the National Marriage Project by the University of Virginia, the most stressful time of marriage comes immediately after the birth of the first child. I realized we needed these retreats while our children were young in order to stay in touch with each other’s lives. Couples who fail to keep their romantic fireplace aglow can wake up one morning to an empty nest with nothing left but ashes.

A few months later, I was visiting a close friend. She had heard of families cooperating to give each other not only a few hours alone, but an overnight date. She had my undivided attention! Because our children already enjoyed playing together and our families shared similar values, we decided to give it a try.

The rules were simple. Drop off time was at 5 p.m. on Friday, with pick up on Saturday at noon. The host home would provide dinner on Friday as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Driving the crew to other destinations was not allowed unless prior permission had been secured. Besides meals, the host family was encouraged not to spend any money for entertainment. Bedtime arrange ments consisted of sleeping bags and pillows. Our families would alternate being the host home once every other month.

What a treat it turned out to be! My husband and I had a date night once every other month for three years.

We re-learned the art of meaningful conversations. Our children loved their sleepovers, begging us to let them have the next one this weekend. Furthermore, hosting became our second favorite night. Cherished memories of shows performed, games played and treasures hunted for, filled our dinner table. Dating no longer had to be deleted from my dictionary of life.

Date nights are much easier to manage now that our kids are older, but our families are still reaping the benefits of those special weekends. The creative and social skills our children have practiced during that time have enriched their lives and influenced their college and career choices. Our habit of staying in touch as a couple has helped prepare us for the quiet nest looming on the horizon. Finding that just-right family may take some time, but the payoff can last a lifetime. v

Rhonda Selph is from Allen.

Solving the date night dilemmaby Rhonda Selph

For Your HealthMarketPlace



calendar


SEPTEMBER

The Collin County Master Gardener Association’s 8th Annual Fall Fundraiser: Bulbs for North Texas Landscapes. Runs through October 3. Selling a mixture of spring blooming bulbs, including lovely species tulips,

narcissi, Blue Magic Iris and more. Brochure, description of bulbs available for sale and order forms are available for downloading at ccmgatx.org. Please mail orders to Paulette Compton, 2011 CCMGA Treasurer, 4401 Waterford Dr., Plano, TX 75024. For more information, call 972.548.4219 or 972.548.4232.

Remembrance and Reflection, a concert observing the 10th anniversary of September 11 by the Allen Symphony Chorus and members of the Chancel Choirs of Suncreek United Methodist and First

United Methodist Churches of Allen, 7:30 pm, sanctuary of Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 W. McDermott, Allen. Proceeds benefit the Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund. Call 972.359.0656 or visit allenphilharmonic.org.

Addison Oktoberfest, Thursday, 6-11 pm (free); Friday, 6 pm–midnight ($10), Saturday, noon–5 pm ($5), 5 pm-midnight ($10); Sunday, noon-5 pm ($5), 4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison. An authentic

recreation of the Munich Oktoberfest. Please call 1.800.ADDISON or visit www.addisontexas.net.

ACO Charity Golf Classic, 2 pm, Top Golf, Allen. $125 to play the golf entertainment center plus the party and silent auction following play. $50 for party tickekts only. Benefiting ACO programs and

services. For information visit www.acogolfclassic.org.

McKinney Oktoberfest, Friday, 4-11 pm, Saturday, 10 am-11 pm, Historic Downtown McKinney. Guests can enjoy authentic German beer, wine and German cuisine. Interactive activities for kids—face

painting, petting zoo and arts and crafts of all types. Call 972.547.2660 or www.downtownmckinney.com.

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SEPTEMBER

1 Collin College THE ARTS gallery hosts “THE ARTS faculty,” through the 15th, showcases work of professors at Collin College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Free and open to the public. For more info: www.collin.edu/THEARTSgallery.

7 Muslim for Life 9/11 Blood Drive, locations: 7 & 8—UTD Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson; 9—Asia World Market, 240 Legacy Dr. #200, Plano; 10—Allen Community Church, 801 E. Main St., Allen, Cabela’s, 1 Cabella Dr., Allen and Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd., Plano; 11—Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, 1850 Hedgcoxe Blvd., Allen, Unity of Richardson, 300 Coit Rd. #179, Richardson.For more info: www.muslimforlife.org.

14 2011-12 Auteur Film Series presents The Truman Show, 7 pm, Angelika Film Center, Plano. Free and open to the public.For more info: www.collin.edu/academics/csce/auteurfilmseries.

CITY OF ALLENAllen Event Center

17 Eddie Money. Rock and Roll Icon, Eddie Money, will perform chart-topping hits like “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Two Tickets to Paradise”. Tickets on sale now.For more info: www.alleneventcenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com

23-25 The Peddler Show. This three-day shopping event will debut for the first time in Allen. Celebrating 34 years of one-of-a-kind shopping excitement for the whole family, the Peddler Show features unique shops and artisans offering home décor, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, gourmet treats and much more!For more info: www.alleneventcenter.com.

Parks and Recreation EventsFor more info go to www.allenparks.org.

1 Tennis Lessons. Register for lessons offered for ages 4+.For more info: 214-509-4910.

1-30 Industry Appreciation Month at Chase Oaks Golf Club. Show your work identification or business card and receive $5 off the prime rate.

3-5 Patriot Golf Days. More than 8.6 million dollars has been raised and more than 1,600 scholarships have been awarded to children and spouses of military men and women killed or disabled while serving our nation. Your $1 donation will assist deserving young men and women who are pursuing a higher degree of education.

9 Dance for Adults with Disabilities features live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a commemorative photo mailed to each participant’s home. For complete information or to get on email distribution list, contact [email protected].

17 Harvest Craft Festival, 9 am-3 pm, Allen Senior Rec. Center. Take advantage of this shopper’s dream. With entertainment, raffle prizes, food and most importantly a variety of vendors and artisans, it’s certainly an event you won’t want to miss. For those interested in being a vendor, both indoor and outdoor booths are available.For more info: Contact Linda Kyriakopoulos at 214.509.4820 for more information.

Adult Athletic LeagueRegistration Deadlines

Men’s Basketball Registration ends: Sept 13 ($425). Late

Registration: Sept 14–18 ($440). Format: 8 game season + Single-elimin. tournament. Play begins October 4.

Volleyball Registration ends: Sept 13 ($235). Late

Registration: Sept 14-18 ($250). Format: 8 game season + Single-elimin. tournament. Play begins October 3. Athletic Information Hotline: 214-509-4810.

Adult Hockey Instructional League (I-League) Play Begins: September 1Adult Hockey D-League (entry competitive) Play Begins: August 28


Jr. Americans Youth Hockey League Practice Begins: Early Sept-11

For more information: visit the Allen Community Ice Rink page at AllenParks.org or call 972-912-1097.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARYChildren

12 Fall Storytimes for children will begin.For more info: conttact the Children’s Department, 214-509-4906.

Teens10 Volunteer Job Fair, 2 pm, Meeting room.

The Volunteer Job Fair will showcase community organizations that offer a variety of experiences and opportunities for the teen volunteers to earn service hours for school or for clubs.

17 Talk Like A Pirate Day, 2 pm, meeting room. Celebration of “International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Wear your pirate costumes and compete for prizes in games, puzzles, video games, trivia contests, and enjoy a bounty of pirate snacks.For more info: 214-509-4913.

Adults6 Noontime Pageturners, Noon, Sarah’s Key

by Tatiana de Rosnay.15 Readable History Book Club, 7 pm, This

Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive by James S. Robbins.

20 Mom’s Night Out Book Club, 7 pm, Meeting room. Moms, come out and join other moms in a discussion of The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall. Registration required.For more info: 214-509-4905.

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCY

Connemara Meadow Preserve4 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.

10 Habitat Walk with Rich Jaynes, 9-11 am, The Meadow. Come explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas.

25 Meadow Preserve Open House, 12-5 pm. [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 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, 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;

Texas Health Presbyterian offers a variety of events.For more info: www.texashealth.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 appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help.For more info: Debbie Moen, 972-712-5711.

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.

Allen AA Welcoming those with a desire to stop drinking, 601 S. Greenville, 7 pm, M-F; 9 am Sat.For more info: Joe G. 214-564-9403 or Tina P. 214-566-7581.

Every Monday Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Atrium

Building, 1333 W. McDermott #100, Allen. Guests welcome.

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].

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

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Road, Plano.For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214-497-4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

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

For more info: 972-359-7383.


Second Monday American Association of University

Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, Davis Library, 7501 Independence, Plano. Open to anyone with 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.

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

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

Third Monday Allen Retired Educators, 11 am, Patrizio’s

Restaurant, 101 Fairview Station Pkwy, Village of Fairview, Stacy Rd. and Hwy. 75. For more info: 972-727-5372.

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 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.

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

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

Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148.For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214-477-5183.


Every Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, Dodie’s Place in the Villages of Allen (Stacy & Central). $1 member/$7 non-mem.. 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.

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

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.

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.

Schlotzsky’s Summer Chess, 5-7 pm, 502 W. McDermott, Allen. 10% of all purchases directly benefit Lovejoy Leopard Chess booster club. Fifteen chess boards will be set up in the lobby for kids that want to play some chess.For more info: Lovejoy Leopard Chess at [email protected].

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.

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

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:30 am, social; 10 am, meeting. SMU in Plano, 5528 Tennyson Pkwy., Plano. Program: Annual NFGP Activities Fair followed by

Dave Tanner, “Hollywood: Where the Inmates Run the Asylum” and “The Top Ten Romatic Songs from the Movies”. Guests welcome. For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org or Linda Frageman, [email protected].

Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen.For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214-893-3643.

Collin County 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.

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.

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

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

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

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, Welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month.

For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.Fourth Tuesday Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce

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

Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art.For more info: Gayle Harry 214-509-0787.

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


Every Wednesday 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.

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.

First Wednesday Collin County Master Gardeners

Association guided tour of Myers Park, McKinney, 10 am, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Reservations requested.For more info: 972-548-4232 or go to [email protected].

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 Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N.

Central Expwy, parking lot between Chipotle and Stacey Furniture.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano.For more info: 214-509-0085 or www.namicco.org.

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


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.

Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Parkway, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.For more info: [email protected].

Community Bible Study (September 8, 2011 to May 10, 2012), 9:30-111:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Daniel and Hebrews. Registration required.For more info: [email protected] or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Second Thursday 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.

First and Third Thursday Allen’s Community Theatre hosts Improv,

102 S. Allen Dr. For more info: [email protected].

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 Collin County Republican Men’s Club,

7 pm, locations vary.For more info: Mark Rutledge, 214-544-0309.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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].

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 0-5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church, 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.

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

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

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].


business seen

by Nicole Bywater

Chrissy and Jason Vorderbruggen, Allen residents for over 12 years, are happy to be sharing their passion for Disney destinations through their agency, Happily Ever After Travel. “We know Disney,” Chrissy says. “And we can make sure you have the best possible vacation for your money and your time.”

The couple and their four children have visited Disney parks as many as four times a year for the past 10 years, and have learned many secrets regarding the ins and outs of the resort. In addition to their knowledge of park attractions, Chrissy and her team of Disney specialists have been trained by the College of Disney Knowledge and have stayed at every property in the Disney World resort.

“Our goal is for you to go knowing more than most folks (even those who have been many times) and get the most from your vacation dollar—eating in the best locations and navigating the parks like a pro—all while staying within your budget, so you can come home loving Disney as much as we do.”

Chrissy and her team have been making Disney dreams come true for over three years and have a passion for helping families create a vacation of lifelong memories. Their specialty goes beyond Disney World in Florida and includes Disneyland Resort California, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney global destinations and Disney Fairytale Honeymoons.

For more information or to begin planning your Disney vacation, visit www.HappilyEverAfterTravel.net or call 214.274.1522.

Happily Ever After Travel

Plano Floor Hut is a local, family-owned company that offers a wide variety of home and business flooring solutions. Their showroom features fashionable carpets, smooth and hand-scraped hardwood flooring and a variety of tiles and wood-look laminates, all with guaranteed professional installation services.

“At Floor Hut, we believe that the cheapest option is not necessarily your best option,” explains owner Creswell Rozario. “You need to carefully think about the product in terms of quality, price and sustainability before making such a great investment in your home. Our pledge is to give clients the best value for their money.”

By listening closely to their customers’ needs and providing professional, honest advice, Creswell and his employees make sure that every client gets assistance in choosing the most appropriate flooring for their business or lifestyle. Their range of floor coverings include the latest designs, colors, qualities and patterns to suit every taste and budget. Installation is done at a time and date that is convenient for the client, with minimal disruption.

“We take pride in providing the best quality flooring products, as well as the highest quality customer service,” Creswell says. “You can be comfortable knowing we’ll do the little things that make a difference and ensure the service you receive is second to none.”

The showroom is located at 2929 Custer Rd., Suite 306 in Plano. For more information or to schedule an in-home estimate, call 972.964.2300 or visit www.floorhutinc.com.

Plano Floor Hut

To-Lo’s Beer & Wine is the only dedicated beer and wine store in Allen, offering selections from around the world at prices to fit every budget. The boutique opened in April and is named for owners and Allen residents Todd and Lori Tucker.

“After I retired from being a police officer for 28 years, my wife and I decided to pursue our dream of opening up a store where people could buy beer and wines that you don’t find everywhere else,” says Todd. “The number one thing our customers tell us is that they love the convenience of being able to quickly pick up a few beers or a bottle of wine without having to make the trip into a ‘big box’ retailer or grocery store.”

In addition to convenience, products at To-Lo’s are always kept at the ideal temperature, ensuring they remain at their highest quality. “We don’t have a large warehouse or a big stockroom that’s kept at high temperatures,” Todd explains. “Everything we have is on our shelves and in our coolers, greatly reducing the degradation from the heat.”

Along with their wide selection of in-stock domestic and imported beer and wines, To-Lo’s can accommodate almost any special request, including kegs. On Saturdays, they also offer free tastings of their ‘wine of the week.’

To-Lo’s Beer & Wine is located in the Village at Allen, between Saxbys Coffee and RadioShack, 190 E. Stacy Rd., Suite 405. For more information, call 972.678.4014 or visit www.tolosbeerandwine.com.

To-Lo’s Beer & Wine

For Your Health



cover storyAllen Image readers may remember

5-year-old Malak, the featured Collin County Humane Society (CCHS) pet for the May 2011 issue. The summer before, Malak was one of 29 malnourished and tick-covered greyhounds and greyhound/salukis rescued from a Fort Worth home. Due to the size of the seizure, the dogs were distributed to several area rescue organizations, and Malak was taken in by CCHS.

DeDe Whitcombe of Anna had followed the Fort Worth seizure and immediately signed on as a CCHS foster for Malak. Well-experienced in providing a temporary home for rescued dogs, DeDe keeps vigilant watch on the activities of shelters across the Metroplex and volunteers as a shelter walker for several community animal shelters. She is also starting Collin County Castaways to provide foster homes for hard-to-adopt canine breeds such as pit bulls.

When Malak arrived at DeDe’s home, he weighed 43 pounds and required treatment for several tick-borne diseases. “He was aloof, but I was not familiar with the breed and that is how they are,” DeDe reminisces. “But he was also friendly and affectionate, and had a good disposition, especially considering what he looked like. His spirit was still intact and bright.”

When DeDe handed Malak off to Melissa, her husband Chris, and sons, Ethan,13; Luc, 6; and Robby, 3, to begin a new life at his forever home, he had gained a healthy 30 pounds and was disease-free.

DeDe notes that several adoption applications had been submitted for Malak but she had special reasons for selecting the Tomczaks. “Their home had what I was looking for,” she explains. “First, they were greyhound savvy. Greyhounds are not for everyone; they have such different personalities from other dogs. And they had rescue experience. And Malak

loves children, other dogs and cats, and the entire package was there.”

Melissa admits that she and Chris had not originally planned on having greyhounds, but found themselves drawn to the breed when they happened upon a pet rescue meet-and-greet at a local pet supply store six years ago. As a result, they adopted the now nine-year-old Hanna from Greyhounds Unlimited. This organi zation had rescued her from a farm where she had been used to chase coyotes.

The Tomczaks soon began fostering other rescues for Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT), eventually taking in twelve before forever homes could be found for them. Six-year-old Jack was one of the fosters from GALT they opted to keep as a family pet.

“We knew about those dogs that

were rescued in Fort Worth last year,” Melissa recalls. “When I saw Malak in the Allen Image, I fell in love with him. I got on the (CCHS) website on Monday and by Saturday he was in our home!”

Melissa points out that even though most rescued greyhounds are taken from racing environments, Malak was one of the unusual exceptions. “If you look inside their ears, they both have green tattoos,” she explains pointing to Hanna and Jack. “Their racing number is in one ear and in the other ear is their birth month, year and order in the litter.” She also notes that farms that pit greyhounds against coyotes commonly file the dogs’ teeth down “so when they catch a coyote, they can’t kill it.” As a result, she continues, “Hanna’s teeth are terrible; she couldn’t bite you if she tried.”

With the addition of Malak, the

Tomczaks decided their lives were full enough and opted to take a break from fostering. Stroking the still reclining Malak’s head, Melissa laughs, “They are some of the laziest dogs on the planet. They are commonly referred to as 40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes.”

She continues, “If you take them for a 20-minute walk at a good pace, when you get back they are done! Hanna will find a spot on the tile floor where it is cool and she won’t move for the rest of the day.”

Bringing racing grey hounds into a home can be challenging because they are usually completely unfamiliar with many common household features. “Jack took quite a while to get used to being in a house; he had never seen ceiling fans or TVs,” Melissa explains. “People who have sliding glass doors

have to teach the dogs not to go through them. And we’ve had numerous fosters that had to be taught how to go up stairs. They just don’t know where they are!”

But Malak isn’t the only success story that

came as a result of having a featured photo in the Allen Image.

Traveler, the three-legged Treeing Walker Coonhound featured last March, also has a tail-wagging tale. As the result of being hit by a car, one of his back legs was so badly mangled it had to be amputated. Today, this one-and-a-half-year-old waif has happily settled in at his forever home in Allen with Vanessa Burch and Jiffy, his airedale terrier new best friend.

“I call him Hopper now,” Vanessa asserts. “He got a fresh start with a new name. I thought of all kinds of names but he really seemed to like that one.” She adds that the name is also particularly fitting. “He is a handful!” she laughs.

“When I saw him in the Allen Image, I thought he was so cute and, of course, my heart went out to him since he didn’t have a leg,” she recalls.

Although Hopper had paid a few

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

—Mahatma Gandhi


visits to other prospective forever homes, he had yet to find a place where he fit in and was happy. “When the foster lady, Alison, brought him by the house, he and Jiffy immediately started playing together. He hadn’t been that way at the other homes he visited,” Vanessa recalls. “It was important to her to find a home where he was comfor table. And Hopper and Jiffy still wrestle and rough house together. It is quite a sight. They are the best of friends and so happy!”

Romping in the backyard baby

pool has become another of Hopper ’s favorite activities, espe cially after a hot summer walk. He also requires a lot of chew toys and a favorite is a Kong filled with peanut butter.

Although Vanessa enrolled Hopper in obe-dience classes, she admits, “Let’s say he wasn’t number one in his class. He is a bit of a clown and quirky, but if you ask him to sit, he will sit.”

Despite the physical challenge of missing his back leg, Hopper hasn’t let that deter him. “He doesn’t know he is handi-capped and there just isn’t anything he can’t do,” Vanessa boasts. “When I take him to the

dog park, he runs and he loves to go swimming at the lake.”

When quizzed about problems she has en countered with Hopper, Vanessa admits that Hopper doesn’t like for her to pick him up and set him in her lap. “But if you sit there, he will come and sit on you. You have to let him do things in his own time,” she adds.

Does the idea of putting in that little bit of extra effort to foster or provide a forever home to a rescue dog sound appealing to you? But what if the featured dog of the month is too

big or too small, too young or too old, or already adopted by someone else?

CCHS has many more dogs in need of forever homes, and a visit to the organization’s website will yield photos and descriptions of all kinds of dogs that deserve a loving fresh start.

Freda Stobaugh was surprised when her husband, John, suggested they adopt the 15 pound, 6-year-old Torrie featured in the October 2010 Allen Image Pet Page. Feeling she would make a wonderful companion for their 3-year-old Yorkshire terrier Toby, they sent off an e-mail inquiring about her. But, Torrie had already been adopted.

Busy with Texas Woman’s University graduate school classes and a related corporate internship, Freda passed the quest to John. A few months later, he ran across a photo of Fiona on the CCHS website and scheduled a home visit.

“When they brought her, that was all it took,” Freda grins. “She was pitiful, bless her heart! She was frail and her ribs were showing. She was about 9½ pounds then, and now she is 14 pounds. That’s a big difference for a little dog.”

There was one significant problem with this Silky terrier. She was terrified of all people and refused to have anything to do with her new family.

“Being unsocialized, she was scared to death of us,” Freda explains. “She had no idea what toys were and was unfamiliar with affection. She had been kept in an outdoor facility, thrown in with other dogs, even when it was getting down to 10 degrees at night.”

Like Vanessa, Freda and John opted to change their newest family member’s name. They felt “Phoebe” suited her more and would honor her new place in their home. Then they went slowly and cautiously to work teaching Phoebe how to live happily with people who love her.

“It probably took her two months to warm up to me,” Freda continues. “It was two or three months before she would take a treat out of my hand and

Inset: Malak when rescued


she still won’t get up in my lap. To get her to calm down and get near me, I just laid on the floor and she would gradually get closer and closer.”

Although Phoebe and Toby are now good buddies, the little Silky is still cautious around John and ex hibits high-anxiety behavior—like non-stop running around the dining table—when visitors are in the home. She also continues to wolf down her food out of fear that Toby will eat it.

Would Freda tackle another challenging rescue? “Absolutely!” she declares. “It was a good idea and she is the most precious little dog.”

These are just three of numerous families whose lives have been en riched by adopting an abused, neglect ed, abandoned or unwanted animal via the Collin County Humane Society. Rewards for their efforts are returned in count less ways every day.

But even if you are not in a position to add a pet to your home, there are many other ways you can aid this

organization dedicated to saving pets by placing them in loving homes.

Starting the not-for-profit Collin County Humane Society in 2008, the director/president, Molly Peterson credits its on-going success to a hard-working board and an army of dedicated volunteers.

She also empha sizes that the

or ganization is named the Collin County Humane Society because it is where she lives, but animals, volunteers, foster homes and adopters are not limited to Collin County.

The organi zation’s planned adoption facility, slated for com pletion in 2015, will be built in Collin County, even though the “where” has yet to be

New best friends—Hopper and Jiffy


determined. Steps are now being taken to see these goals come to fruition.

Even without a central facility, CCHS has demonstrated remarkable success. Molly estimates that they adopted out about 500 dogs in their first year of operation and today, the group averages between 50-57 adoptions a month, peaking at 77 last May. In order to successfully manage this number of canines, CCHS relies on dependable foster homes to provide transitional housing until forever homes can be found.

Molly emphasizes that even with the opening of an adoption center, the organization will still rely on their trusted base of foster homes. “What this facility will be is temporary transitional housing for dogs that are ready to go to new homes,” she explains. “They will first go to foster homes and get fully vetted.” This also allows experienced volun teers to spot possible diseases or behavioral problems. “You get to know the dogs

better through fosters than through shelters,” she concludes.

CCHS takes all breeds of dogs except pit bulls. “They don’t get adopted because so many apartments and homeowner associations won’t allow them, and we only have so much foster space,” Molly explains. “We can take in one pit bull or 20 other dogs.”

Justice, the first CCHS dog featured in the Allen Image, was one of the group’s rare exceptions to this rule, and he was fostered for two-and-a-half years before the decision was made to pass him on to a dedicated pit bull rescue group. The happy ending for Justice is that this group found him a forever home within a month.

Molly can recount many horror stories of dogs in our area being neglected, abandoned and abused—dogs left behind when a family moves or chained in a backyard for days without food or clean water. Lax state animal laws, coupled with insufficient space or funds have resulted in a few animal rescue groups penning animals outside in inclement weather and failing to spay or neuter the animals in their care, resulting in more puppies being born. She notes that some of the most egregious cases are now resulting in animal cruelty charges and even jail time for some offenders.

Surprisingly, Molly’s own interest in fostering rescued dogs was because she wanted a cat.

She explains, “Eleven years ago in California, I went to a shelter to get a cat for our apartment. There were so many dogs and an emaciated Dalmatian who was nursing eight puppies. I was appalled!” It was a sick Labrador retriever puppy being pulled out to be euthanized that won her heart. “I came home eight hours later

Phoebe


with that puppy and signed up with a rescue group.”

After battling pneumonia for a month, the puppy bounced back and soon grew too large to conceal in an apartment that didn’t allow dogs. In turn, Molly’s parents rescued them by adopting the orphan Labrador. After that, Molly and her husband, Eric, stuck to fostering only small and much quieter puppies, so their efforts would go undetected.

When the Petersons moved to North Texas, they opted to work with Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel rescue. As Molly’s experience with various canine rescue groups grew, she recognized the need for combining the best of their practices into one strong organization. Thus, the Collin County Humane Society was born.

Today, the Peterson family includes one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Mackenize Rose, as well as Kali, a Labrador rescue from the SPCA, and another Lab named Abby. Molly describes the latter as her “guilty dog” because she came from a family whose pet Lab had a litter of puppies. Their third dog is Rizzo, whom Molly describes as being a canine of “unknown parentage.” The newest member of the family, a son, is expected to join the Peterson pack in mid-August.

And of course, there is an almost non-stop stream of foster dogs in the Peterson home all hoping to find their forever family.

Molly emphasizes that CCHS is always looking for more foster homes as well as forever homes for their rescued dogs. Both opportunities require submitting applications and meeting the regulations of CCHS. Foster applicants are provided a foster manual to prepare them for issues that may arise when dealing with mistreated or neglected animals.

Reviewing daily e-mails for foster or adoption inquiries or lists from area shelters with dogs scheduled for euthanizing is a more than full-time job for Molly. She passes the shelter lists on to the registered CCHS

volunteer list in hopes of finding homes willing to take in some of these dogs. “If a foster is interested in a dog, they e-mail me back that dog’s ID number,” Molly explains. “Then we contact the shelter to make sure the dog is still available. At that point, we tag the dog and start working on transportation.”

If health issues are involved, these dogs will first be taken to one of the veterinarian offices in Irving, Coppell and Plano that work with CCHS by

providing low cost treatments. “They understand that we are rescue and we have to cut corners,” Molly sadly shrugs. “We treat when there are issues, but we can’t do the sun, moon and stars for every dog. Rescue means a whole different kind of setting.”

At the end of July, CCHS had 68 foster homes with 115 dogs in the program. These homes are scattered in communities across the Metroplex including Euless, Arlington, Flower Mound, Gun Barrel City and Coppell.


Molly points out that CCHS has a five foster dog per household limit, with the exception of a mother with a litter of pups.

“When you get too many dogs, they will not get the attention that is needed, especially if the fosters have their own dogs, and they may not notice issues which that dog may have,” she explains.

Another CCHS rule is that fosters cannot adopt the first three dogs they bring in. “Fostering is such an emotional thing, and we find that once people get over the first three, they realize that there is always another dog in need,” this well-experienced foster explains. “And they can keep in touch with the dog they adopted out.”

On Friday, October 21, CCHS hosts its second annual “Give a Dog a Home” at City Place in Dallas. All proceeds will go to the construction of the organization’s proposed adoption facility. Attendees will be treated to a cocktail hour with appetizers, drinks, a three-course dinner, live music, a silent and live auction and live entertainment.

Tickets are $100 per person or $700 for a table for eight.

In addition to celebrating achieve-ments, raising building funds and enjoying the camaraderie of other animal lovers, CCHS will be presenting a special award that night to Scotlund Haisley and his Animal Rescue Corps. Molly states that this, yet unnamed, award will be the first of an annual recognition to “a group going above and beyond to help animals.”

Guests will also have chance to see the proposed design for the CCHS building, created by Hinojosa Architecture and Interiors in Dallas. Gus Hinojosa will be on hand to present the organization’s new plans for the 10,000-sq.-ft. facility to house both dogs and cats, and include boarding and grooming areas along with the adoption facility. Molly explains that the boarding and grooming services will bring in additional income for the organization.

“The proposed plan is a 4.2 million dollar project, but that is turn-key—it includes the furniture, pictures on the

Molly Peterson and Abby


BUSINESS

CARDS


walls, landscaping…,” Molly points out. “And everything is top of the line. We can use cheaper quality products but we will just have to go back and redo it. And we don’t want all our good work to go to waste.”

Molly also emphasizes that CCHS aims to create an aesthetically attractive center that would fit in many neighborhoods and encourage people to visit. “We want to do right by our donors, our supporters and our dogs.”

If you want to know more about CCHS, want to provide a foster home for a dog, adopt a dog, or purchase tickets for their second annual “Give a Dog a Home” Gala, please visit www.collincountyhumanesociety.org. v

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer and she and her husband are pack leaders to three rescued dogs, a black Lab/mix named Loki, a one-eyed black dachshund, Uno, and Dalet, a 4-pound black Chihuahua/terror…errr, terrier.

allen image september 2011

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