Matt Lafata’s Weekly Community News

January 17, 2008 – Volume 7, Issue 3

matt@mattlafatamarketing.com – www.mattlafatamarketing.com

Congratulations to Carrie Himel who was recently named Mrs. Frisco United States 2008.

The Mrs. Texas United States Pageant is produced by Queen Bee Productions, which is owned by Erika and me, and is the official state preliminary to the nationally televised Mrs. United States Pageant, the premiere competition for married women.

Carrie will now compete in The Mrs. Texas United States competition to be held April 25-27, 2008 at the Westin Stonebriar resort here in Frisco, with the final show taking place at Wakeland High School’s Theatre. Visit www.mrstexasunitedstates.com for more information on this great event as well as how you can enter.

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.

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 forty thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send me an email 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 received this from somebody else and would like to be added to the list, just send me an email. Your email address will never be sold or given to anybody else for any reason. All newsletters can also be found on our web site at www.mattlafatamarketing.com.

Inspirational Quote of the Week:

"…And in your love, I’m born again. It takes a Leap of Faith…In your heart you must trust.” Bruce Springsteen from “Leap of Faith”

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com

As always, this newsletter is absolutely packed with information – something for everyone. There is always something going on in our great city and I try to include everything I can. In this jam packed issue you will find lots of great information. There is something for everyone including the following…

Last Year’s Boom Towns: Location Intelligence Firm Announces the ‘7 from 2007’; Gadberry Group names the seven most notable high-growth areas in the nation from 2007: 38

Newsletter Staff Members and Contributors

Matt Lafata – Editor and Publisher – 214-336-3355

Kaleigh Lafata – Tornado Talk

Sarah Ianace – Happenings in the

Frisco ISD

Glenn Kopanski – Landscape Design

Pedro Checo – Advice from Dr. Checo

Joe Hockaday, CPA – Today’s Tax Talk From Joe

Citizen of the Month and Neighborhood of the Month Details

If you have a citizen or neighborhood you would like to nominate, please send it to me.

The Citizen of the Month will focus on a person or group in Frisco who has been nominated by another individual. He, she or they could be a person or a group who has recently done something special that contributes to the well-being of our city and/or its citizens, or it could be somebody who has had (or currently has) an interesting career or experiences that could be shared with our readers.

The Neighborhood of the Month will highlight a particular neighborhood in our city. I am looking to hear from you as to why your Neighborhood is so special.

The Citizen of the Month for January is one of our FISD crossing guards. Frisco resident Jennifer Heard nominated this person and here is what she had to say:

“I would like to nominate one of the neatest people in our city to be the citizen of the month for the Frisco Community newsletter.  I have no idea what her name is but she is faithful to show up every school day to help the children of Frisco ISD. 

This beautiful lady is the crossing guard at the corner of Hillcrest and Lebanon on the east side of town. She is energetic and happy to see each and every child that crosses her path.  At one time, both she and her husband worked together for the Frisco ISD but his failing health has resulted in her doing this job with a different partner this year.  You will not pass by her corner during the after/before-school hours without hearing things like "good morning, kids!"  "how ya doing today?"  "alright!!!!"  She even brings cold water bottles for the children during the incredible Texas heat for them to have on their way home. 

This crossing guard is a jewel and my kids (not even in Frisco schools) LOVE to roll down the window and wave to her.  We all should have such a fantastic attitude about our jobs.  She is one of a kind.  Just drive by one day and you will see what I mean.

City of Frisco Related Question of the Week:

Q. Why did the city cut down those huge beautiful trees that were in the middle median? The trees were located on Teel near The Trails Parkway. And will they be replaced with more trees?

A. The trees you are referring to were native hackberry trees. Unfortunately, hackberries are not long lived trees. When they reach maturity they usually become diseased and structurally unsound, resulting in a lot of dead wood and a less than desirable appearance.

I had received numerous complaints from residents in the area regarding the appearance of these trees and concerns about larger dead limbs falling into the street. In fact, our crews had picked up numerous dead limbs that had fallen in the past.

After discussing these trees with one of our Planning Department’s Landscape Architects, we determined that given the proximity to the street and in the interest of public safety, they should be removed. We will be planting additional trees on this median within the next couple of months which will be higher quality and longer lived species.

This Day in History – January 17, 1950: Thieves pull off historic robbery

From the History Channel…

On this day in 1950, 11 men steal more than $2 million from the Brinks Armored Car depot in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the perfect
crime--almost--as the culprits weren't caught until January 1956, just days before the statute of limitations for the theft expired.

The robbery's mastermind was Anthony "Fats" Pino, a career criminal
who recruited a group of 10 other men to stake out the depot for 18 months to figure out when it held the most money. Pino's men then managed to steal plans for the depot's alarm system, returning them before anyone noticed they were gone.

Wearing navy blue coats and chauffeur's caps--similar to the Brinks
employee uniforms--with rubber Halloween masks, the thieves entered
the depot with copied keys, surprising and tying up several employees
inside the company's counting room. Filling 14 canvas bags with cash, coins, checks and money orders--for a total weight of more than half a ton--the men were out and in their getaway car in about 30 minutes. Their haul? More than $2.7 million--the largest robbery in U.S. history up until that time.

No one was hurt in the robbery, and the thieves left virtually no clues, aside from the rope used to tie the employees and one of the
chauffeur's caps. The gang promised to stay out of trouble and not touch the money for six years in order for the statute of limitations to run out. They might have made it, but for the fact that one man, Joseph "Specs" O'Keefe, left his share with another member in order to serve a prison sentence for another burglary. While in jail, O'Keefe
wrote bitterly to his cohorts demanding money and hinting he might talk. The group sent a hit man to kill O'Keefe, but he was caught before completing his task. The wounded O'Keefe made a deal with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to testify against his fellow robbers.

Eight of the Brinks robbers were caught, convicted and given life
sentences. Two more died before they could go to trial. Only a small part of the money was ever recovered; the rest is fabled to be hidden in the hills north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In 1978, the famous robbery was immortalized on film in The Brinks Job, starring Peter Falk.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month:

So far this month we have covered Cervical Cancer awareness and Rotary Club awareness…

This January marks the fourth annual observance of National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), started in 2004 by the NationalCenter for Victims of Crime. Since its inception, NSAM has become a unifying force for victim service providers across the country to raise awareness about the serious and deadly crime that victimizes more than one million women and nearly 400,000 men in America each year.

We encourage you to join us this year and help make the 4th National Stalking Awareness Month the best yet. Get involved by distributing materials, working with public officials on proclamations, holding events or trainings, contacting local media, and organizing or participating in other local activities that raise awareness of this terrible crime.

Visit the Stalking Resource Center web site for more information.

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com

Homeowner Association Meetings and Other Group Meetings:

If you have an upcoming meeting that you would like a city official at, just to be available to answer any questions, please let us know. If Matt’s schedule permits, he would love to attend.

Answering Questions for Kids and Young Adults:

As you know, communication and sharing information is something that I spend a lot of time doing. I frequently get asked to answer questions for kids and young adults for school projects or leadership programs. Usually the project involves getting these questions answered from somebody in a leadership position, and as a City Council member, I’m always happy to take the time to do this. If your son or daughter ever needs questions answered from a leadership figure for projects of any kind, please feel free to contact me or have them contact me directly.

Alternatively, if your child is interested in learning more about city government and has questions, feel free to contact me.

Finally, if you are looking for a speaker to talk to a group of kids or young adults about city government or Frisco in general, I’m happy to try and schedule something.

All the opinions, endorsements or recommendations in this newsletter are mine alone and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of any organization or group with whom I am affiliated or the individuals who are a part of such organizations and groups.  You should not rely on any statement made in this newsletter as evidenced of how I may act as a member of any organization or group.  Inclusion of news, events and other information in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement; it merely serves as my effort to be of service to the readers.

All About Frisco:

In our continuing efforts to bring information to our great community, we have updated our web site with listings of:

·         Frisco Neighborhoods and Homeowner Associations

·         Churches and other places of Worship

·         Clubs and Organizations

·         The Frisco Independent School District and other Schools

Visit www.friscocommunity.com to access this information and I look forward to your feedback. This site will continue to grow and evolve over time.

Clubs, Groups and Organizations in and around Frisco:

Frisco is home to a very diverse and numerous set of clubs, groups and organizations. If your group or organization is missing, and you would like to get it listed, please send me an email so we can list it and continue to maintain the most comprehensive list available.

 
AARP – 972-335-2478

Alcoholics Anonymous Frisco – 972-708-5086

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parent Group

American Cancer Society of Collin County – 214-819-1221

American Legion Post 178

American Red Cross of North Texas – 972-542-5642

Angel Food Ministries – 214-282-5576

AroundTown Kids

Arts of Collin County

Association of Frisco Retired School Personnel – 972-335-3040

Boy Scouts of America – 214-902-6754

Boys and Girls Club

CASA of Collin County – 972-529-2272

Celebrate Recovery – 214-282-5576

Chamber of Commerce

Christian Community Action – 972-436-4357

City of Frisco – 972-292-5000

Collin County – 972-424-1460

Collin County Association of Realtors – 214-618-3800

Collin County Community College

Collin County Community College Education Foundation

Collin County Connection – 214-544-0666

Collin County Early Childhood PTA – 972-712-3634

Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance – 214-521-5342

Collin County Genealogy Association – 972-231-4190

Collin County Republican Party

Dallas Athletic Rugby Club

Daughters of the American Revolution – 972-307-5906

Democratic Party of Collin County

Denton County

Downtown Advisory Board – 972-292-5108

Downtown Merchants Association – 972-292-5108

FamilyWatchdog.com

FC Dallas

Frisco A&M Club – 972-897-7765

Frisco American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)

Frisco Al-Anon Family Group – 972-978-8757

Frisco-Allen Texas Area Alumnae Panhellenic

Frisco Area Children’s Theater – 972-377-2675

Frisco Area Republican Women

Frisco Association For the Arts

Frisco Athletic Network

Frisco Bar Association

Frisco Baseball/Softball Organization – 972-712-2288

Frisco Business and Professional Women – 972-377-0335

Frisco Chamber of Commerce

Frisco Chorale

Frisco Community Band – 972-668-5315

Frisco Community Theatre – 972-377-3868

Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau

Frisco Cycling Club

Frisco Democratic Party

Frisco Dog Park

Frisco Ducks Unlimited – 972-712-5049

Frisco Early Childhood PTA

Frisco Economic Development Corporation – 972-668-5550

Frisco Education Foundation – 469-633-6066

Frisco Family Services Center – 972-335-9495

Frisco Family YMCA – 972-335-3222

Frisco Fire Department – 972-335-5525

Frisco Football League – 972-712-0558

Frisco Garden Club – 972-335-3812

Frisco Gymnastics Center – 972-377-0888

Frisco Humane Society – 972-498-8980

Frisco Independent School District – 469-633-6000

Frisco Kiwanis Club

Frisco Noon Lion’s Club – 972-335-2487

Frisco Music Teachers Association

Frisco Neighborhood Watch

Frisco Police Department – 972-292-6000

Frisco Post Office – 972-335-7453

Frisco Pride

Frisco Public Library

Frisco Quilt Guild

Frisco Republican Men’s Club

Frisco Republicans – 972-335-9176

Frisco Residents of Color

Frisco Rotary Club – 972-701-2801

Frisco RoughRiders

Frisco Soccer Association – 972-712-4625

Frisco Square

Frisco Sunrise Rotary

Frisco Swim Team

Frisco Thunder Professional Football

Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8273 – 972-712-5611

Frisco Women’s League – 972-712-8890

Frisco/Plano Christian Women’s Club – 972-668-4464

Frisco Youth Volleyball Leagues

Heritage Association of Frisco – 972-335-6684

Heroes for Children – 214-256-5824

Kids Kaleidoscope

KittiCo Cat Rescue – 214-826-6903

Labrador Retriever Rescue of North Texas

Lewisville Independent School District

Meals on Wheels – 972-562-6996

Miracle League of Frisco

MOMS Club of Frisco – East Central Chapter - 972-712-1789

MOMS Club of Frisco – South Chapter – 214-336-8001

MOMS Club of Frisco – SE Chapter – 214-2272418

MOMS Club of Frisco – SW Chapter – 469-384-8002

MOMS Club of Frisco – West Central Chapter

MOMS Club of Frisco – West Chapter – 214-504-9223

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) – 972-668-7458

North Texas Tollway Authority – 214-461-2000

OU Club of Collin County – 972-797-9708

Overeaters Anonymous – 972-832-5263

Play Pals – 972-839-0312

Senior Center at Frisco Square – 972-292-6550

SPCA of Texas – 972-562-7387

Speak Up – Frisco Toastmasters Group – 972-881-9989

Stonewall Democrats of Collin County

Texas Democratic Women of Collin County

Texas Tornado Hockey

Toastmasters Club of Frisco – 972-712-4611

Visual Arts Guild of Frisco

Volunteer Center of North Texas

Voter Registration Information – Collin County

Voter Registration Information – Denton County

Women Encouraging Business – 972-335-9522

Word of Mouth Productions

WOVI-Frisco: Women of Visionary Influence – 469-252-4528

Young Life Frisco – 972-424-6339

Youth Leadership Frisco

Churches and other Places of Worship in and around Frisco

One of the wonderful things about Frisco is the many diverse religions you can find. If your Church is not listed, please contact me at matt@mattlafata.com so we can list it and continue to maintain the most comprehensive list available.

Apostolic Temple – 972-712-5673

Assembly of God Cornerstone Community Church – 972-335-4704

Celebration Covenant – 214-387-9833

Central Christian Church – 972-377-2608

Church of God in Christ – 972-377-3649

Church of Living Stones – 972-335-3499

Compass Christian Church – 972-335-7546

Congregation B’nai Israel

Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church - 469-362-7844

Cornerstone Community Church – 972-335-4704

Crossroads Community Church – 972-712-0582

Crosswalk Community Church

Faithbridge Presbyterian – 972-377-9560

Fellowship of Frisco – 972-335-1700

First Baptist Church of Frisco – 972-335-9830

First Pentecostal Church – 972-292-3174

First United Methodist – 972-335-4380

Frisco Bible Church – 972-335-8150

Frisco Church of Christ – 972-335-2118

Frisco Trails Fellowship Bible Church – 972-731-5999

Genesis Metro – 469-450-6277

Grace Avenue United Methodist – 972-335-2882

Grace Church - 469-633-9104

Grace Pointe – 972-292-3174

Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church – 972-377-3348

Hope Fellowship – 972-377-8855

Kingdom Life Christian Center – 214-618-1500

Lebanon Baptist Church – 972-377-3348

Liberty Baptist Church – 972-625-3546

Living Waters Family Worship Center – 214-387-9602

Lone Star Baptist Church – 469-358-7089

Newstart Church of the Nazarene – 214-282-5576

Northstar Church – 972-712-8282

Praise Fellowship Worship Center – 214-387-9397

Preston Ridge Baptist Church – 972-712-7007

Preston Trail Community Church – 972-668-1244

Rejoice Lutheran Church – 972-335-6411

Revolution Ministries – 214-649-0623

Rock Hill Church of Christ – 972-346-2710

Shawnee Trail Church of Christ – 972-377-9106

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – 972-712-2645

St. Philips Episcopal Church – 214-387-4700

Stonebriar Church of Christ – 972-712-9264

Stonebriar Community Church – 469-252-5000

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 972-377-4724

The Journey – 214-529-8873

Turning Point CMA Church – 469-733-3196

Water’s Edge Lutheran Church – 972-712-7377

About Matt Lafata:

Matt Lafata and his wife Erika share six children between the two of them. In January 1999, Mr. Lafata moved to Frisco from Gloucester, MA. Mr. Lafata has helped build several highly successful businesses for more than 20 years. A long-time business consultant, entrepreneur and human resources professional, he is the Director of Business Development with the Frisco-based HR strategy and technology consulting firm HRchitect (www.HRchitect.com). He is also the founder of several marketing and public relations agencies including The Matt Lafata Marketing Group (www.mattlafatamarketing.com). Previously, Mr. Lafata was an Executive Vice President of a computer software company where he was responsible for corporate development, marketing, sales, product development and more. Mr. Lafata studied finance and business management at Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts.

Mr. Lafata is involved in numerous organizations throughout Frisco. He is in his 2^nd term as a Frisco City Council member and has been involved in the following…

·         Former Deputy Mayor Pro Tem on the Frisco City Council

·         Former Planning & Zoning Commissioner

·         Graduate of Leadership Frisco

·         2005 recipient of the “21 Leaders of the 21^st Century” by Inside Collin County Business

·         Graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy and a member of the Alumni group

·         Youth sports coach

·         Past board member for the Frisco Family Services Center

·         St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Member

·         Member of the Frisco Heritage Association

·         Member of the Frisco Association for the Arts

·         Member of the Frisco Community Theatre

·         Community Advisory Board member for the Frisco Women’s League

·         Friends of the Frisco Public Library Member

·         Board member for the Frisco Square Municipal Management District

·         City of Frisco Technology Committee member

·         City of Frisco Budget and Audit subcommittee member

·         Tax Increment Finance board member

·         Wakeland High School PTA Technology/Publicity Committee Chairperson

·         Co-Director of the Mrs. Texas United States Pageant

·         Honorary Chair for World AIDS Day 2007 in Collin County

Since 2001, Matt and his marketing company have produced this very popular e-newsletter that goes out every week to over 40,000 people and businesses which keeps the Frisco community in touch with local events and businesses.

In July 2007, Matt announced his bid for Mayor of Frisco in the May 2008 election. Visit www.matt4mayor.com for more information about his candidacy.

How to “Whitelist” this Frisco Community Newsletter in Your Spam Filter:

With the advent of outrageous volumes of unwanted email these days, of which I get a ton, it's unfortunate that legitimate email publications like this are not being seen by some of the readers who enjoy those publications. There is much fear today that the email publishing/marketing industry is in serious trouble, due to mistakes in filtering when legitimate email is erroneously tagged as unwanted email.

While we applaud the anti-spam industry for removing the plethora of unwanted email from many of our mailboxes, from time to time, some legitimate email publications are mistaken as unwanted.

Sometimes, this results in our mailings bouncing back, with requests for us to respond to challenge/response messages to prevent future filtering. However, due to the size of our list, it's nearly impossible for us handle the volume of such requests.

To that end, please realize that we want our readers to always anticipate and enjoy the valuable information that this community newsletter delivers.

If you currently use an anti-spam program or service, we ask that you take just a minute or two to add this newsletter to your "safe" or permitted email sender list. This usually involves simply adding our sending address (From:) to your whitelist, safelist, or list of privileged senders. This is commonly known as whitelisting a publication. Simply add the email addresses of matt@mattlafata.com and matt@mattlafatamarketing.com.

If you wish to be removed from this list, please send an email to matt@mattlafata.com.

Any Political Advertising contained in this newsletter is Paid for by Matt Lafata for Mayor - Sarah Ianace, Treasurer, 6061 Pintail Lane, Frisco TX 75034 

Dear Friends,

This week’s newsletter is Proudly Sponsored by DeBonair Custom Cleaning. Also check out the Spotlight on Joe Hockaday, CPA. Joe is introducing a brand new program called Optima and is offering newsletter readers a special offer as well as a discount on tax preparation fees. 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 is a community newsletter, YOUR community newsletter, and as such, I want to encourage you to send me community events as well as write-ups about people or groups who should be recognized and/or commended for what they do or have done. This is a newsletter about Frisco for all of us to play a part in. It is designed to bring our community closer together so please submit stuff to me at any time.

If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 40,000 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.

Newsletter Sponsor – DeBonair Custom Cleaning!:

DeBonair Custom Cleaning is starting our 3rd year servicing Frisco, Texas!  Many thanks to all of our current and loyal clients!    

Whether you need a one-time, bi-monthly or monthly cleaning, DeBonair wants to talk to you!

DeBonair Employees:

DeBonair hires top-notch employees.  A background check and references are conducted prior any employee working for DeBonair.  All employees are U.S citizens and speak and write in English.

DeBonair will send one or two employees into your home.  If you prefer one person only cleaning your home, DeBonair will meet that request.   DeBonair does not send more than two employees into your home at any time.  

Customized Check List:

Debbie Childers, DeBonair owner, will personally meet with you in your home to determine your specific cleaning needs.  She will develop a customized check list for your home. 

Reminders:

The owner will call or email you the day before each cleaning to remind you. 

Follow Up:

The owner will also follow-up with you after each cleaning to make sure you are pleased with DeBonair services.

Insured/Bonded:

DeBonair is fully insured and all employees are bonded.

DeBonair Uses Green Cleaning Products:

DeBonair uses Shaklee "Get Clean" Cleaning Products.  Our cleaning products are safe for you, your home and our planet.   For more information or to purchase Get Clean cleaning products click here: www.shaklee.net/debonaircustomcleaning

For more information, please contact:  Debbie Childers, DeBonair Custom Cleaning owner, at 214-886-2588 or email Debbie at dchilders@debonaircleaningfrisco.com  More information can be found at: www.debonaircustomcleaning.com

Spotlight on…Joe Hockaday, CPA:

Joe, please tell us about your business 

I offer tax preparation, bookkeeping and other financial and accounting related services to individuals and small businesses.  My 23+ years of experience as a CPA brings a wealth and depth of knowledge to the Frisco and surrounding area business community.  My goals are to minimize taxes, maximize refunds and reduce audit risk while taking full advantage of the Internal Revenue Code's opportunities for saving taxes.  There are many hidden treasures that competent research and a thorough knowledge of the Code can uncover.

With the growing number of CPAs and accounting firms in this area, please tell us more about what’s unique or different about your business?

Well, Matt, I have spent the last several months researching and developing an exciting new program that can significantly reduce the tax burden for self-employed people and their families.  The Optima program was initially conceived by a fellow CPA with 30+ years of experience.  I have refined the program, expanded its benefits and made it easier to implement.  It brings together IRS code-compliant tax saving strategies that not only pass IRS muster but they do not raise unwarranted red-flags.  In most cases it is simply a documentation of existing work practices inside the small, family owned business so that they are used to minimize the income tax bill.  I have seen tax savings of between $3,000 and $15,000 annually by the implementation of this program.  And at a cost of only $50 per month, you can see the terrific return on a client's investment that is possible by enrolling.  I have even had clients who were not initially self-employed develop a small business to take advantage of some of the features of the program.  There aren't many tax breaks out there for the typical taxpayer, so why not take full advantage of the laws as written and minimize what has become one of the largest expenses a family can have?  This program, coupled with my years of experience and tax planning know-how, helps my clients save money.  I take an aggressively conservative approach so that my clients do not overpay taxes.

In addition to tax preparation expertise, my years as a Chief Financial Officer for both large and small companies, along with my MBA from SMU, provide my clients with a powerful, knowledgeable resource to handle the issues that face businesses today.  From business planning to financial guidance to development of policies and procedures, Joe C. Hockaday, CPA is ready to help your small business grow and proper.

Obviously this is the time of year that people start to think about getting ready for tax season. How does someone find you?

I have recently secured office space on the southeast corner of Lebanon and Ohio just east of Preston Road.  Our office number is 214-705-2095 and my cell phone number is 214-460-2096.  I can also be reached at jhockadaycpa@yahoo.com.  If new clients mention this Spotlight piece, I will take $50 off of the enrollment fee for the Optima Program.  That is a savings of 33%!  For new tax-only clients, mention this piece and receive $25 off of one year's tax preparation fees.  So if you enroll in the Optima program and have your 2007 taxes prepared by Joe C. Hockaday, CPA, you can save $75!

This is the part of the spotlight where people get to know a little more about you. One of my passions is music. What kind of music do you like to listen to? 

Like any native Texan, I do enjoy country music but my favorites are older 70s and 80s rock and roll.  And the all-time favorite is Jimmy Buffett!  Yes, I fit right into his target demographic.  

It’s tough to beat 70’s and 80’s rock and roll! Another passion of mine is food and eating at the great restaurants we have in Frisco. What are some of your favorites?  Manny's is a favorite!  We also love Dickie's BBQ and Solare.  And we can't wait until Lochrann's opens!  For dessert, who can top Sheridan's Frozen Custard? 

Thanks Joe!

Come Out and Watch the Texas Tornado Heat Up the Ice This Weekend and Take Advantage of the Matt Lafata Group Offer!:

Don't miss the action when the Texas Tornado take on the Fairbanks Alaska Ice Dogs - January 18 and 19th.   Take advantage of the Matt Lafata Group Offer - for only $9.50 you'll get your ticket to the game and a hot dog, chips and Dr Pepper product!  The best part, games are played right in your backyard at the Deja Blue Arena in the Dr Pepper StarCenter, Frisco!  Don’t delay as there are a limited number of tickets available at this price!  Online orders, go to www.tornadohockey.com, tickets, purchase tickets online, pick the date of the game and enter the code "Lafata."  Tickets can also be purchased by phone - code "Lafata."  Find out more by calling 972-335-9800.

Please Register To Vote:

We have a very important election in May of 2008 where we will elect a new Mayor of the City of Frisco for the first time since 2002. I am running for Mayor in that election and appreciate your support.

If you are not registered in the City of Frisco, please take the time to register to vote, so that you can participate in this very important election. You need to register in Frisco if you have moved from outside the city and you also need to register if you have moved from Collin County to Denton County and vice versa.

For voter registration information, click on the county where you reside.
Denton County or call 940-349-3200
Collin County or call 972-547-1990

You can also visit the City Secretary’s office at City Hall to get a voter registration card.

Collin County Songwriters Association News:

Frisco composer, songwriter and filmmaker, C. Aaron Moore has released a new EP (five song release) into digital distribution.  The EP is entitled “MindNumbing Overtures and Preludes” and includes diverse instrumental tracks, from light jazz to techno.  He is known for his inventive use of keyboard synthesizers to create evocative ambient/emotronic soundscapes, perfect for soundtracks.  Mr. Moore often plays locally with his backup band, The Issues.  He is a graduate of the University of North Texas Radio, TV, and Film program.  You can acquire the tracks from www.Myspace.com/mentallycranked.

Performing songwriter, author, speaker and “Alpha Gigster,” Ryan Michael Galloway, has also released his latest EP into digital distribution.  Titled “Rock the Big House Down,” it is immediately available at the “set your own price” MP3 download site, www.Songslide.com.  The physical CD will be available at CDBaby.com in a few weeks, and CD download distribution will be available from Walmart.com, Amazon.com, ITunes, etc., in a few months. While the titular track is a high energy rock anthem, the remaining four songs feature rich harmonies and tasty acoustic work with intimate singer/songwriter vocals.  The songs have been getting approximately 3000 plays a day at www.Myspace.com/ryanmgalloway, where you can also give them a listen.  According to Myspace, Ryan is currently ranked the 7th top acoustic independent artist in Texas, and number 9 in the Folk Rock category.  Mr. Galloway’s new music career DVD and textbook package, “Live Sound,” is also available at http://www.gigsterclinics.com/livesound.

Carrie Himel Named Mrs. Frisco United States 2008:

Frisco’s representative for the 2008 Mrs. Texas United States® competition has been chosen in a formal interview competition by a panel of four judges. Earlier this week, Shei