Dear Friends,
This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by the Mrs. Texas United States pageant, the premiere competition for married women. You can represent Frisco’s married women. It’s the first step to become the next Mrs. Texas United States. Deadline to enter is THIS Sunday, January 14th, and you can find out more about it below. Also check out the spotlight on Einstein Kidz, a great program for young children, and their special offer of free trial classes for newsletter readers. A lot of work goes into putting this newsletter together and I greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors so please patronize them wherever possible.
This newsletter and information source is designed to bring us all a little closer together each week by providing coverage of so many things going on in our community. There are so many amazing things in this newsletter, as there are every week. Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive it themselves. They will greatly appreciate you for it as no citizen should be without this important information at their fingertips. Let’s work to get all Frisco citizens on this list as a more informed society is a more functional society.
The Texas Tornado play two big games this weekend against the Santa Fe Roadrunners on Friday night and Saturday night at the Dr Pepper StarCenter here in Frisco. Tickets for both games are available by calling 972-335-9800 or visiting www.tornadohockey.com. The first 1,500 fans on Saturday night will receive a free Harley-Davidson-Texas Tornado T-shirt.
Next month, Wester Middle School, will be launching a reading initiative entitled, “One Book, One School” where everyone in the school, students, teachers, staff, administrators, etc will read the same book and have discussions and mini plays and lots of fun learning and reading. The school is providing the books for everyone and they are looking for help to pay for the books. Please see the complete story later in the newsletter.
If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, fundraising events, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than thirty-five thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send them to me at matt@mattlafata.com so I may include them. The newsletter goes out each Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Wednesday if you want something to be included.
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 35,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please email us at sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details on the various options available to you. The newsletter is also included on the web site www.mattlafatamarketing.com and www.frisco-online.com for additional exposure. It’s a great way to promote your business, promote an event at your place of business and is the most cost effective and efficient way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population. You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers only.
Check out special offers in this issue from It’s A Grind Coffee House and their offer of a FREE drink, David McDavid Honda with special terms on a Honda Accord LX, DFW Diamonds and their ugly jewelry contest and job openings from LandPlan Development and HRchitect. Also, register to win a $500 gift certificate to Face and Body Day Spa in Frisco…go to www.jackontheweb.com and click on the house in Jack’s Pad for your chance to win!
Newsletter Sponsor – Represent Frisco’s Married Women…It’s the first step to become the next Mrs. Texas United States®! Deadline to enter is this Sunday, January 14th:
Many times, wives and moms get so busy with the day-to-day activities of life that they forget to do something *just* for themselves. Sound familiar? If so, you could be on your way to a new journey of self-exploration, all the while making new friends! If you are a resident of Frisco, at least 21, and married, you’re eligible to compete for the title of Mrs. Frisco United States® 2007. Represent this amazing city and have a year you and your husband will always remember! The new Mrs. Frisco will get her state entry fee paid to compete at the Mrs. Texas United States® competition at the Westin Stonebriar Resort this May in Frisco! The new Mrs. Texas gets an all-expense paid trip to compete at the televised Mrs. United States® competition next summer in Las Vegas. Other contestants interviewing for Mrs. Frisco also will have a chance to compete at the state Mrs. Texas pageant at a discounted entry fee!
Contestants should wear a dressy suit (or something worn to a job interview) and will be judged solely (at the Frisco local level) on a panel-style interview by local judges off a one-page biography form. Interviews will be held Saturday, January 20th, at Frisco Square, and the winner will be announced immediately following the judges’ tabulation.
There will be complimentary preparation sessions to get all Mrs. Texas United States® contestants (including the new Mrs. Frisco) ready for the state competition, so no experience is necessary. Most women who compete have never done a pageant previously and find it a fun, new, and self-enriching experience. Be prepared to have a great time!
Contestants in this competion for married women is diverse. The current Mrs. Frisco is Jennifer Gilchrist, who was 4th runner-up at Mrs. Texas. The reigning Mrs. Texas, Jennifer Hayden, is also from Frisco, and was actually named 1st runner up in the Mrs. Frisco competition (which Jennifer Gilchrist won) Mrs. Hayden still chose to compete at Mrs. Texas (as Mrs. DFW) and won the state title! Jennifer went on to make Top 10 at the televised Mrs. United States® competition in Las Vegas. She is 29 with one daughter; she and her husband, Jaz, are expecting their second child in June. Last year’s Mrs. Texas was Terri Jaggers of Montgomery, who was a 45 year-old stay-at-home-mom with 3 biological and 23 foster children, and also made the Top 10 at the national level out of 53 contestants!
Entry fee to apply for the Mrs. Frisco title is $75. For an entry form and more information, please email info@mrstexasunitedstates.com. More on the state event next May can be found at www.mrstexasunitedstates.com Deadline to enter Mrs. Frisco is this Sunday, January 14th.
Spotlight on… Einstein Kidz:
This interview was conducted with Cindy
Clark, owner of Einstein Kidz…
Cindy, tell us about your business:
Einstein Kidz number one goal is to prepare all young children (age 2 ½ - 7)
with the skills they will need to succeed in their future. Our one hour
computer classes take your children on an exciting adventure each and every
week. Our program is not only about teaching children technology skills, our
Einstein Kidz Classes are enriched with critical learning experiences designed
to build literacy and understanding.
Certainly sounds like something we need here in Frisco with the amount of children that live here. How does a computer class focus on literacy?
Matt, the answer lies in our unique design. Every Einstein Kidz class is based on a "story" of the day. Children are immersed in the story, participating in the adventure first-hand by taking on the role of a main character in the plot. Using proven literacy techniques, students advance through age-appropriate activities that continually improve their early literacy skills while always checking for comprehension. The result is an engaging early literacy experience that involves children in an adventure that is full of fun and learning.
How is this different from the computer classes kids are receiving at school?
At Einstein Kidz, we believe that it is so important to be in touch with the latest understanding of how children learn. Our world today, is very different than years past. The need for new ways to approach literacy, are just beginning to be better understood. Communications that in the past were verbal (by person or phone), now demand more reading and writing. Messages today are sent by email, Internet, fax, and can be read using a multitude of wireless and handheld devices. Children will need technology and literacy skills, together, to build their better future. We are proud to use a program that is progressively looking at these new, challenging goals, and reaching them with a high quality program that is unlike any other.
This really does sound great. So how does someone find you?
The Einstein Kidz Computer Center is at the Southwest corner of Preston Road and Stonebrook Pkwy (inside FasTracKids. They can also visit us at www.einsteinkidz.com, email us at info@einsteinkidz.com or call Cindy at 469.252.4521.
Ok Cindy, everybody loves a special. What can you offer our newsletter readers?
Matt, I would be happy to offer free trial classes for your readers, this could be on a one-on-one basis or a small playgroup.
That’s fantastic! Is there any additional information about your center or program which we should know?
Actually yes, Einstein Kidz in now enrolling for our Winter/Spring Session. We also offer birthday parties, camps, and parents night out on select Fridays. We also have a portable program where we offer computer classes to local preschools.
Table of Contents:
To go directly to an item of interest, highlight that item, hold down the CTRL key and click. For those of you who submit things to me to be added to the newsletter, you may want to consider using descriptive titles for your submission in the future, otherwise I will continue to make them up..
2007 Honda Accord LX $239 Month**: 6
Tornado Talk…by Junior Sports Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata: 6
Feb 2nd Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle: 7
DFW Diamonds and the Ugly Jewelry Contest: 7
Business Compass 2007 - Mark Your Calendar: 7
Plano Symphony Orchestra Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream - The Music of Shakespeare”: 8
LandPlan Development - Receptionist/Front Office Manager position: 8
LandPlan Development - Marketing/Sales position: 9
Sales Alliance Manager Job Opening: 9
Preston Trail Community Church moving into new location: 11
11th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance: 12
Third Annual Trick-A-Trout Kid Fish: 12
North Texas Baseball Alliance: 13
Program Helps The Homeless Rebuild: 14
Dallas Stars Cancer Awareness Day: 15
Wester Middle School Gears up for Reading Event: 16
Happenings in Frisco ISD by Sarah Ianace: 17
Crossroads Family Services Looking for Volunteers: 18
Hilarious, Harrowing and Happy Holiday Pictures Wanted!: 18
Tornado Continue Homestand Next Weekend Against first-place Bandits: 18
Tornado Player Banners Auction Begins January 13th!: 19
WOGA Classic International Women's Invitational: 19
Kurt Thomas Invitational Gymnastics: 19
First United Methodist Church Groundbreaking Ceremony: 19
St. Philip’s Episcopal Preschool Announces Expansion and Enrollment Schedule: 20
Resolutions that Last: 5 Steps to Making Real Change in Your Life: 20
Stonewall Democrats of Collin County General Meeting: 20
Texas Democratic Women Collin County General Meeting: 20
Frisco Residents of Color to Host Black History Month Celebration: 21
WOGA Gymnastics 10th Annual Classic International Women’s Invitational: 21
Word of Mouth Productions Winter Drama Classes: 22
Rover Dramawerks presents Private Eyes by Stephen Dietz: 22
Over 1.5 Million Fans Visit Pizza Hut Park in 2006: 23
City of Frisco 2007 State Legislative Agenda: 25
Johnson tapped to lead Republican efforts on Social Security: 27
Capitol Steps by Rep. Ken Paxton: 27
The County Line by Collin County Commissioner, Joe Jaynes: 28
If you haven’t been to this place yet in the Shops at Starwood at the SW corner of the Tollway and Lebanon, you should check it out soon, especially with this special offer for newsletter readers…
Just for You! Get a FREE drink, with the purchase of same drink and size, just by mentioning this newsletter.
Enjoy their famous Iced, Blended Mochas, delicious hot espresso favorites, fresh roasted coffees, toasted bagels served fresh, scones, muffins and indulgent desserts.
The 2007 Winter Games of Texas are here! The Winter Games of Texas are unique to Frisco, and are a partnership between the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Frisco Parks & Recreation department. Athletes from the area, as well as across the state, will compete January 13 & 14, 2007 in venues throughout Frisco. For registration information or to volunteer for the Games go to www.taaf.com/wintergames.asp
This year, the Celebration of Athletes will be January 13, 2007 at FISD Memorial Stadium. The Winter Games Village will feature a snow village, live entertainment, face painters, bounce houses and much more. The Athlete Parade, lighting of the Winter Games torch, fireworks and more will follow inside Memorial Stadium. Entrance this year is free with the donation of a canned good or non perishable item to benefit Frisco Family Services. You can drop your donation off at Merry Main Street at the Winter Games of Texas tent, at all of the Capital One locations in Frisco and one in Plano, or at GattiTown. For more information contact 972-963-9225
Collin County Songwriters Association news and recommendations:
CCSA songwriter showcase every Thursday night at Poppy’s Pizza in Frisco Square, 7-10 PM. A number of exceptional North Texas performers will present favorites and original music each Thursday night, starting January, 18, 2007. At least three performers will play each Thursday, with both new and returning acts cycling through each week. While it remains a family-friendly environment, this is the first CCSA venue that also serves beer and wine, as well as their famous pizza, so now you can have a glass of wine with your live music. On tap for upcoming performances are such notable acts as Brian Bertrand, C. Aaron Moore, Dan Scott Par, Diane Hart, Faith, Marty Sims, Mudcat Band (with Michael Reames, Chad Ireland and Scott Thomas), Paul Gorman, Ryan Michael Galloway, and others.
If you’re a Frisco musician looking to expand your fan base, consider joining Ryan Michael Galloway as he hosts the “Open Mic Dallas” event every Saturday night at Flips Patio Grill on 114 in Grapevine, from 8:00 - 11:00 PM. This is a safe, supportive environment for musicians who need to brush off the cob-webs, try out new material, get some experience, or just have some fun. Great networking, too. All skill levels welcomed. Dave Craver, the president of Open Mic Entertainment out of Atlanta will be there this Saturday, if you’d like to approach him about becoming a paid host for open mic events.
Faith will soon release her first single CD, Hold On/If God Could Sleep, as mixing is complete and package design and Internet marketing activities are underway. Her latest promotional photo shoot will be done in Frisco, she is a member of the CCSA, and is produced by CCSA co-founder, Ryan Michael Galloway.
0.9% Financing Available *
See Mack Parker at David McDavid Honda of Frisco: Northwest corner of Hwy 121 and the Tollway 972-731-3000 www.myhondacar.net mack@myhondacar.net
*0.9% available on 2007 Honda Trucks (Odyssey, Pilot, Element, Ridgeline) except CRV. Not available with any other offer. Contact Dealer for Details
**Contact Dealer for Details
This past weekend in Wichita Falls, the Tornado split the weekend games with the Wildcats. Friday night was a loss and Saturday was a better, but nerve-wracking game. They are still in 3rd place, only 5 points out of 1st and 2 points behind Santa Fe, who they play this weekend.
Friday started off slow with no goals in the 1st period, but then it heated up. Wichita struck first, about 2 minutes into the 2nd period. 5 minutes before the period ended, Adam Flink put in his 5th goal of the season, with Ben Miller and Nielsson Arcibal assisting. Ryan Fuller finished off the period strong with an unassisted goal to lead the Tornado 2-1. But, that would be the last goal of the game for the Tornado. In the 3rd period, the Tornado out shot the Wildcats, but they scored two goals to win the game 3-2, while the Tornado were left in the dust. Shots on goal were 37 to 34.
On Saturday night, the game didn’t start out so well, but it sure finished better. Wichita scored 2 goals in the 1st period to lead 2-0. They scored another goal in the 2nd period to make it 3-0. When the game was looking like a shoe-in for the Wildcats, Ben Miller wasn’t going to let them go with a shut out. He started off the Tornado scoring in the 3rd period only a minute and a half in. Dylan Cooper joined the quest to beat the Wildcats, as he scored a minute later, shorthanded. After their hopes got up at the beginning of the period, they slowly disappeared when they were losing 3-2 with about 30 seconds left. Amazingly, Colin Long put in a much needed goal to put the game into overtime. Only 58 seconds into over time, Justin King won the game with an unassisted goal to end it 4-3. Tornado dominated in shots, 39 to 16. Stars of the game were Colin Long, Ville Aman (Wichita), and Justin King.
The Tornado look to extend their winning streak a little more during their 5 game home stand starting this weekend. Their first two games are against the 2nd place Santa Fe Roadrunners Friday and Saturday. Saturday is Harley Davidson t-shirt night so don’t miss out! For tickets call 972-335-9800 or go to www.tornadohockey.com , where you can also listen to the games.
2006 was the coolest event in town, 2007 will be the hottest! Mark you calendars for Friday, Feb 2, 2007. The Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 is hosted by Knights of Columbus #12480. Come prepared to enjoy live music and Cajun food in the Crescent City. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler…Let the Good Times Roll!
In addition to a great Mardi Gras Celebration you will have an opportunity to participate in our 2nd annual Reverse Raffle. For those of you not familiar with this type of fun, simply stated, the last person standing in the raffle will win. Prizes will be awarded in American Express gift cards. Complete rules and details are now available at:
Event tickets are just $35 and you can get them at www.mardigrasfrisco.org or by calling 972-814-1052. Proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and community outreach.
DFW Diamonds is the fresh face of jewelry in Frisco. We are excited to have our showroom and design studio in the Shops on Starwood (located at Lebanon and the Tollway). My name is Amy Clarke, and together with my husband Mike Clarke, we have provided custom jewelry design and loose diamonds in Addison, since 1993. We noticed in recent years that many of our clients, whom we consider friends, have moved north of Dallas to raise their families. By moving to Frisco we have made it easier for our friends to visit us, and we are making many, many new friends.
Ugly jewelry is among the leading causes of depression. So, in an effort to lift spirits and bring more joy to the world, DFW Diamonds is holding an UGLY JEWELRY Contest. Everyone who enters will receive a FREE redesign consultation with Amy Clarke, owner of DFW Diamonds. The person that brings to us the ugliest piece of jewelry will WIN a FREE restyling valued up to $2000.00. Second place will receive a FREE restyling valued up to $1000.00 and third place will receive a FREE restyling valued up to $500. For the contest rules visit www.dfwdiamonds.com
Mark Your Calendar for January 24th, 11:00—1:00 at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. An overview of the direction of growth and real estate in Frisco presented by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce School of Business will be the focus of this event. This session will feature John Lettelleir, the Director of Planning for the City of Frisco, Jim Gandy, President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, and private sector real estate developers in both the commercial, retail, and office areas. The goal is to map, as clearly as possible, for business owners the locations and supporting markets for commercial expansion in the city. Please make your reservations by calling the Chamber at 972.335.9522 or you may register on line at www.friscochamber.com. Lunch is provided. $5.00 for advanced reservations—$7.00 at the door.
with Maureen Thomas and Jenni Till - Soprano, San-Ky Kim - Tenor, Rebecca Campbell - Mezzo Soprano, and the Texas Voices Choir – Alan Dyer, Director
What: Music and theatre are special partners that through the years have offered some of the most thrilling and moving human experiences possible. Don’t miss this semi-staged version of one of the most beloved combinations of music and story – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with music by Felix Mendelssohn. Prior to this famous story coming to life, enjoy the mesmerizing romance of both Gounod’s and Tchaikovsky’s interpretations of “Romeo & Juliet.” Don’t miss this unique evening of music and drama!
Guest Artist: Canadian actress Maureen Thomas has accomplished much in her long career. With a full length film, television, voice over, commercial, and theatre career, Ms. Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades from Canadian television and professional organizations. Her unique staging of “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” performed all over Canada and the United States, has been described as “a dazzling revelation” of what symphony programs can be.
Program: 1. “Nuit d’hymenee” for soprano and tenor
2. “L’amour, l’amour” for tenor
3. “Je vieux vivre” for soprano
From “Romeo and Juliet-----------------------------C. Gounod
Romeo and Juliet--------------------------------------Tchaikovsky
Midsummer Night’s Dream-------------------------Mendelssohn
When: Saturday, January 27 - 8:15 PM
Where: Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson, TX 75082
Tickets: To order, call the Plano Symphony Orchestra Ticket Office at 972-473-7262. Reserved Seating tickets: $9-$70. Add $2 at the door.
Plano Symphony Orchestra’s 2006-2007 Season sponsors include The Dallas Morning News/DallasNews.com, American Airlines and major funding from the City of Plano.
LandPlan Development Corporation, a Residential/ Commercial Developer in Collin County, seeks an experienced Receptionist/Front Office Manager.
Full-time, salary, with benefits
Must be energetic, professional, and have exceptional customer service skills
Must be able to use Word, Excel, Outlook, & the Internet
Job Description: General secretarial work (answer phones, sort mail, order office supplies, photocopy, set up meetings & events), oversee marketing collateral inventory, manage contract agreements, be familiar with residential lot/home sales info, interact with clients on a daily basis.
Please fax, email, or deliver resume to:
Heather Tomson
Phone: 214-618-3800
Fax: 214-618-3830
Email: htomson@landplan.net
LandPlan Development Corporation, a Residential/ Commercial Developer in Collin County, seeks an experienced Marketing Director.
Duties include creating an overall Marketing program to include community relations, builder relations, promotions, advertising, web site and collateral materials.
Experience is required in Master Plan Community development, Homeowner Association, Advertising and/or Custom Home Builder Programs. Communication and sales presentation skills to all levels of the community and customer base will be required.
Full-time, benefits, salary commensurate with experience.
Please fax or email resumes to:
Heather Tomson
Phone: 214-618-3800
Fax: 214-618-3830
Email: htomson@landplan.net
HRchitect, a small nationwide and fast growing human resources technology consulting firm based in Frisco, TX (Frisco Square), is a leading provider of consulting services to major corporations. We sell our services to mid-size and Fortune 500 companies.
We are currently searching for highly motivated individuals to manage relationships with sales representatives at our partner companies. We are searching for entrepreneurial-minded people who would like to work in a unique environment with flexible work hours (full or part-time) and great earning opportunities.
Primarily focused on networking over the phone and cultivating leads for our Regional Sales Managers, this position will have a base hourly rate plus commissions. The right candidates have the potential to build a six figure income stream within a year.
This is the perfect opportunity for people who want the flexibility to enjoy their family life, enjoy what they do and make great money while doing it.
Requirements:
* Proven record in a challenging, fast-paced environment
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Commitment to excellence and customer service
* Ability to work independently
* Very Organized
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
* Outside or Inside sales experience desired
If you are a success-minded, goal oriented person who enjoys a family friendly work environment, we are ready to give you the opportunity to achieve your goals.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Matt Lafata
Director, Sales and Marketing
HRchitect
How common is autism?
· Autism is a national crisis. It is the fastest growing disability in the United States. A child is diagnosed with autism every 21 minutes and it now affects one in every 166 children.
· More than a disorder, autism is a national crisis affecting at least one million Americans and costing the country more than $90 billion annual. As the rate of autism accelerates, so do our efforts.
The DFW Chapter of Cure Autism Now, which includes members in Frisco, is having a fundraiser on Tuesday, January 30th from 5pm-10pm at Tin Star Restaurant (NW Corner of Gaylord & Preston). That evening, 20% of dinner checks will be donated to CAN, but only when presenting the coupon found here:
Please call Joey at (972) 741-6914 for more information.
Registration for the Spring 2007 Baseball and Softball Seasons are now open. Please visit our website at www.fbsa.org to register. On-Line Registration will close on January 20th, 2007 at Midnight. We will also host a walkup registration that will be January 20th at Clark Middle School from 10:00AM-3:00PM. Thanks and have a great season!
Preston Trail Community Church has been known as "The Church in the Mall" for over four years now. But starting in 2007 it will be known as "The Church Across from Brinkman Ranch." PTCC began meeting in the AMC Theatres at Stonebriar Centre in September 2002 with forty people on the launch team and high hopes of reaching people who have given up on God or on traditional church. Four years later, the church is moving into the newly refurbished PC Dynamics Building on Frisco's Main Street, half a mile east of Preston Road.
More than 600 people now claim PTCC as their church home and are excited about the move. The new facility can seat 720 in worship, accommodate over 200 youth, and teach and care for over 500 infants and children. The manufacturing format of the original building has been incorporated into the new look. One of the senior pastors, Jim Johnson, calls it "Industrial Hip," while the other senior pastor, Paul Basden, simply says, "If you like Home Depot, you will love our building!"
Please join us for our grand opening on Sunday January 21 at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. For more information on the church and the new facility, visit us online at www.prestontrail.org.
Frisco Families and Friends Use Hearts and Feet to Fight Cancer:
Walkers (and joggers) will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Frisco.
Teams of Frisco residents will gather at Pizza Hut Park, Dr. Pink field on Friday, April 20, 2007 at 7 pm for an overnight relay against cancer. Relay For Life is a family-oriented team event where participants can walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Teams can include coworkers, club members, family and friends who have gathered donations prior to the event.
Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life unites friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools and churches ... people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of supporting a cure for cancer.
Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and lend their support in any way.
For more information on the April 20th event, or if you would like to volunteer on the Relay For Life committee, please contact René Sinclair at 972-816-9816 or Lisa Flowers at 972-365-6268. or visit www.cancer.org. Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
FISD's art program will shine once again this year as the community celebrates Youth Art Month which is celebrated each March. Frisco Art Teachers from every campus in our district will proudly display beautiful works of art created by many of their students. The show is to be held at Wakeland High School this year. Wakeland is located at 10700 Legacy Drive. Two receptions and viewing of artworks will be held on both Tuesday, February 27, 2007 and Thursday March 1, 2007 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The Tuesday evening open house reception will honor Wakeland High School, Frisco High School, and all feeder schools. The Thursday open house reception will honor Centennial High School, Liberty High School, and all feeder schools.
Please make the time to come out and support the district's art program and enjoy admiring these young talented artists' hard work!
Saturday, February 10, Senior Center at Frisco Square, 6670 Moore Street from
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Take a twirl with your sweetie or friend to the country rhythms of Southern Pride. Refreshments and exciting door prizes will be provided. Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center beginning Jan. 10. Any remaining tickets will be sold the night of the event. Attire is western or casual. For more information, call the Senior Center at 972-335-5515.
11th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance:
Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Frisco Conference Center
A third dance has been added to the Daddy Daughter Dance. The theme is "Once Upon a Time…" The cost is $10 per ticket. Purchase tickets online at www.friscofun.org starting Jan. 13. Tickets at the Superdrome at Collin County Community College go on sale on Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages 4 – 6, 4 – 5:30 p.m.; ages 7 – 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m.; ages 10 – 12, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Ages are recommendations only, not restrictions
Got bait? Want to fish? The City of Frisco Parks & Recreation Department will be releasing 3,000 Rainbow Trout in the pond at Frisco Commons Saturday, February 3, 2007 starting at 8:00 a.m. This will be the third annual Trick-A-Trout Kid Fish. The park is located at 8000 McKinney Road and the pond is at the north end of the park near the amphitheater.
The Trick-A-Trout Kid Fish is a great opportunity for first time anglers to come out and learn about the sport of fishing. Only kids ages 4-16 will be allowed to fish the first three hours. The average size of the fish will be eight to ten inches and the daily bag limit is five per person.
Everyone is encouraged to “catch ‘em and keep ‘em.” Trout cannot survive when water temperatures rise later this spring, and everyone is encouraged to keep whatever they catch. This event is rain or shine so everyone needs to come prepared for the weather.”
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regularly stocks the Commons Pond, as well as the pond at Warren Sports Complex, with channel catfish and largemouth black bass.
Commemorative t-shirts will be given to the first 100 kids at the event. In addition, rod and reel combo sets will be given to the first ten kids to catch a trout.
Tips for successful fishing include using a lightweight line (4-6 lbs. test), small hooks and small sinkers. Baits can include live worms, artificial lures, whole kernel corn, cheese, salmon eggs, marshmallows or your own “family secret”.
Open season for adult anglers will start at 11:00 a.m. that day. Anyone 17 years old and over is required to have a Texas fishing license, which are available at any sporting goods store. After the Trick-A-Trout, people can fish at the pond until the trout are gone. Park hours are from dawn until dusk.
For more information call 972-292-6500, or visit the web at http://www.FriscoFun.org.
Saturday, March 10 at 12 p.m. at Harold Bacchus Community Park - Rusty
Greer/Texas Rangers Championship Field
Get ready to see the most talented bands in Frisco. For a registration form,
click
here. For more information, contact Ashley Blanchard at 972-292-6507.
The North Texas Baseball Alliance was established in 2004 to help support inter-city competition in North Texas. The alliance is built on strong relationships while maintaining independent leagues. We agree to provide combined competitive baseball for all age groups to develop skills, enhance learning, and cultivate personal growth
The experience of visiting neighboring cities, playing on different baseball fields, and meeting new people allows coaches and players alike to see different levels of competition and explore learning tools. We have coaches and players from all over including Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, The Colony, Garland, Dallas, Plano, Carrolton, Richardson, Anna, Melissa, and more playing on teams associated with each select league.
Today, the alliance is supported by city leagues in Frisco, McKinney & Little Elm.
* Frisco Baseball/Softball Association (FBSA)
* Triple Crown Academy at Triple Creek Complex (TCA)
* McKinney Baseball Association (MBA)
* Little Elm Area Youth Sports Association (LEAYSA)
NTBA welcomes all teams and players to visit league websites for more information or just visit www.ntba.us for the latest 2007 spring league information.
COST: $1500 for all age groups U9 - U14
Offering both AA & AAA USSSA League
USSSA Roster and Proof of Insurance Required
Equipment and game balls supplied by teams
Determined by players age on 4/30/2007
18 Games Guaranteed
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in League
Both single and double-header games will be scheduled to accommodate teams
Games are played in Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney
SEASON STARTS - March 9th 2007
National & State Qualifying League
Two State qualifying AA & AAA Tournaments
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in tournament
INCLUDED
DEADLINE TO ENTER - February 15th 2007
Project Playhouse, numerous sources lend hand to area shelters
By BRIDGET BARRY THIAS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News – January 5, 2007 edition
Helping the homeless is child's play under a program run by the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas.
Its nonprofit arm, HomeAid/Home Builders Care, builds shelters for homeless families and individuals. That organization is hosting its second Project Playhouse fundraiser, at which local homebuilders and suppliers build elaborate children's playhouses.
A team of Dallas-area homebuilders is constructing five playhouses with fairy-tale settings that come alive with modern technology.
The playhouses will be on display for six weeks at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco beginning Jan. 13. The public can buy tickets for a raffle to win one of them, an African hut-styled house complete with a plasma TV. The other four houses will be auctioned at an event Feb. 24.
"It's such a wonderful charity because it helps give people a chance to rebuild their lives," said Peggy Heid, project co-chair and a title company executive. "Project Playhouse funds go toward helping families and individuals who are temporarily homeless as the result of domestic violence, job loss or health problems.
"Today, homelessness stands for a lot of different things. It's rewarding to give back to the community. We've had a great response as a lot of doors have opened for us now that people are familiar with this fundraiser," she said.
In addition to the homebuilders, partners that have donated services and supplies include building suppliers; mortgage companies; and carpet, plumbing and fencing companies.
"The proceeds garnered from the playhouse auction and raffle will benefit homeless men, women and children who otherwise might be living out of their cars or on the streets," said Sherry Turner, executive director of HomeAid/Home Builders Care.
The proceeds will fund several 2007 shelter-building projects in North Texas. This year, HomeAid/Home Builders Care plans to remodel Denton County Friends of the Family, a domestic-abuse shelter in Denton. The project will create a help center offering counseling and play therapy, laundry facilities, computers and training for shelter residents.
Proceeds also will go toward building a 9,587-square-foot, 20-bed emergency shelter for CITY House in Plano. The new shelter, My Friend's House, will serve children up to 9 years old.
Previously completed projects included renovations and additions to the New Beginning Center in Garland, Brighter Tomorrows in DeSoto and the Samaritan Inn in McKinney.
The playhouses will be displayed for six weeks beginning Jan. 13 between J.C. Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods on the lower level of Stonebriar Centre.
Tickets for the raffle of the playhouse can be purchased each weekend. A live and silent auction for the playhouses and other items is scheduled Feb. 24 at the Westin Galleria.
The American Cancer Society and the Dallas Stars have teamed together for the first ever Dallas Stars Cancer Awareness Day!
January 17 at 7:30pm
Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames at the American Airlines Center
Half price tickets plus a $10 donation to the American Cancer Society!!
Please join us on Wednesday, January 17th at the AAC for this game and help raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.
To Order Tickets go to www.DallasStars.com
Click on tickets - go to Group Tickets
Click on “Cancer Awareness Day” link on the left
Click on “American Cancer Society – Discount Tickets”
The American Cancer Society is the nation wide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer
For more information, contact John Higgins at JHiggins@DallasStars.com or via phone at 214.387.5541
Next month, Wester Middle School in the Frisco Independent School District, will be launching a reading initiative entitled, “One Book, One School.”
According to organizers, the purpose of the initiative is to promote reading for pleasure and enjoyment – a focused effort to let students know that reading is fun.
Every student and every teacher in the school will receive the book Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by new and award-winning author Jordan Sonnenblick. Sonnenblick is a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania, and this first novel and his second were consecutively placed on the Texas Lonestar reading list, an exceptional honor.
The synopsis of this young adult book is as follows: Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece. Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE is a heart warming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.
The book is fast-paced and has many aspects that middle schoolers and their teachers will be able to relate to, says Wester librarian Shelby Bivins.
The launch party is scheduled for January 19, and will officially introduce the novel and feature other fun activities such as a drumming performance and a pie-eating contest. Organizers say the reading emphasis should culminate after a month to six weeks. During this time, students and teachers will read the novel on their own and also during DEAR time. Drop Everything and Read is held each week during English for 45 minutes. In the true spirit of this being for fun, no grades will be given, Assistant Principal Angela Romney added.
“I look forward to hearing students and teachers having conversations about the book,” Romney said. “I believe this will help to show students what good books can add to your life.”
And not only do books enrich our lives, FISD Library Coordinator Leigh Ann Jones says that a concerted effort to create leisure readers is critical to the overall education of our young people.
She cites research that strongly suggests that free reading is key to building vocabulary and spelling development, along with our comprehension and writing skills. Documents show that in eight out of 10 studies that tracked pupils in long-term leisure reading programs (such as the DEAR program) of 12 months or more, students who read recreationally outperformed their counterparts in classes that lacked leisure reading.
“We are excited about One School, One Book, which is an American Library Association sponsored project,” Jones said. “We want to do everything we can to build a community of readers.”
Principal Kenny Chandler is looking forward to other activities that will take place at the school during the reading time. Students will make reflection quilts and participate in door decorating contests. These tangible activities will further demonstrate the power of reading and the fun it can produce, while making connections through all the learning, he said.
“Because the book features aspects of music, relationships and helping others, many groups should be able to extend the learning through real-world applications, such as efforts to raise money for cancer research,” he said. “This will be a great experience for us all.”
As they move forward with their plans, organizers are still working to raise money to help offset the cost of purchasing the books for the staff and students. If you are interested in helping with the program or learning more, contact Romney at 469-633-4800.
Don’t forget January is Frisco School Board Appreciation Month – Let’s all take the time to thank a board member for a job well done!
January 15th, Monday FISD Student/Staff Holiday – No School
The FISD 2007-2008 Calendar has been approved. FISD will start no later than the 4th Monday of August beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. The most prominent changes are the end of first semester will be after winter break and school will end after Memorial Day, June 5th.
Frisco Middle School News (next week Frisco High Schools)
Clark Middle School will be holding a contest between classes to see who can collect the most phonebooks for their recycling program. Collect as many phonebooks as you can from January 15th to February 9th. Good Luck!
Pioneer Heritage Middle School - The Lonestar Reading Program is in full swing at PHMS. Students who read books from the 2006-2007 Lonestar reading list will be eligible to attend a party in May.
Staley Middle School – The SMS/Dallas Morning News Spelling Bee for 6th-8th grades will be held January 24th at 4:15 in the SMS Library.
Wester Middle School – WMS has selected Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by award winning author Jordan Sonnenblick as the novel for One Book, One School Reading Initiative. All students and faculty members will receive a free copy of the novel and will attend the launch party on the afternoon of January 19th.
Crossroads Family Services is looking for volunteers to assist victims of family violence while officer remains at the scene. Weekdays and weekends. For more information, please call Maria Flores at 972-578-2802, Ext. 103 or email her at makinwunmi@fsplano.org.
Please visit www.crossroadsfamilyservices for a listing of educational programs and information about the Victims’ Assistance Program (FREE counseling to victims of crime). Located in Plano, off 75 and Park.
Frisco-OnLine.com is hosting a rousing photo contest looking for the best pictures taken over the holiday break. Did you have a hilarious, harrowing or happy picture that you snapped with your digital camera? Would you love to win a prize for being the person in the moment? Then log on to www.Frisco-Online.com to read all about this fantastic opportunity to share your picture. You will be directed where to upload your photo and any instructions that pertain to this Holiday Picture Contest. Join in the fun and relive the magic that you shared with friends and family this holiday season! You have one week – judging will be the week of Jan 17th so get to it!
The Texas Tornado continue their 5-game homestand next weekend against the St. Louis Bandits with three games on Thursday, January 18th, Friday, January 19th and Saturday, January 20th at 7:30pm at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco. The Tornado has teamed up with 93.3FM The Bone for a truly bone-a-fide weekend! Check out www.933thebone.com for all the details beginning next week. Thursday night is Faith and Family night, with special group specials for churches and youth groups. Friday night is Frisco Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Replica Championship Banner Night. The first 1,500 fans will receive a FREE replica Tornado championship banner honoring the Robertson Cup National Championship won last season.
The 2006-07 Texas Tornado Player Banners are going to auction on EBay starting at 12:00pm CST Saturday January 13th, 2007 Through Monday January 22nd, 2007. These are Players Banners that hang in the Deja Blue Arena during each Texas Tornado Home Game. Each banner is double-sided and has the player name and number on the front side. The Banners contain 3 different logos for each of the 3 consecutive years the Texas Tornado have won the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship. All the Banners will be autographed by each player before the season is over. The proceeds from this auction will be used to pay for the expenses in the banner materials for the 2006-07, 2