Matt Lafata’s Weekly Email Newsletter

February 1, 2007 – Volume 6, Issue 5

matt@mattlafatamarketing.com – www.mattlafatamarketing.com

Erika and I at the recent Chamber of Commerce Banquet – January 20, 2007 (thanks to Michael Rathbun for the photo)

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 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.

In this action packed issue you will find the following…

Denton County Days by Denton County Commissioner, Cynthia White: 32

A Healthier You!

Do you want to get healthy but aren’t sure how to begin? Check out www.smallstep.gov. The site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has a list of over 100 “small steps to better health,” so you can find what works best for you. They have a section for Adults & Teens, and one for Kids. They also provide a great selection of resources to help you separate health facts from fiction, an activity tracker that will graph your progress and recipes and tips to make healthful cooking easy and painless.

Useless Wine Facts

Since we enjoy a glass of wine now and then, I recently received the following in an email and thought I would share it with you…

1 grape cluster = 1 glass
75 grapes = 1 cluster
4 clusters = 1 bottle
40 clusters = 1 vine
1 vine = 10 bottles
1200 clusters = 1 barrel
1 barrel = 60 gallons
60 gallons = 25 cases
30 vines = 1 barrel
400 vines = 1 acre
1 acre = 5 tons
5 tons = 332 cases

Matt’s Blog - Blog - an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page – UPDATED 1/30/07

Newsletter Staff Members and Contributors

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

Kaleigh Lafata – Tornado Talk

Sarah Ianace – Happenings in Frisco ISD

Glenn Kopanski – Landscape Design

Pedro Checo – Advice from Dr. Checo

State Representative Ken Paxton -- Capitol Steps

Question of the Week:

Q. How do I establish new water, sewer, sanitation, and recycling service?

Option 1:
Please come by City Hall. You will need to bring the following:
­­• A valid picture identification (Driver's License). Out of state checks and drivers licenses are accepted.
•$75 deposit in cash, check or money order only

You will also need to fill out a small application.

Option 2:
You may download the Application, fill it out and return it to City Hall in person, by mail or fax at 972-292-5585. You will need to include a copy of your Driver's License with your faxed or mailed applications.

Cart Delivery:
For all options, your trash and recycling carts will be delivered in five business days.

Transferring Service:
In order to transfer service from one residence to another in Frisco, a $10 transfer fee will be collected. Please stop by or call to have your transfer processed.

Just a reminder - this newsletter is put together with information from many different sources. You can also view this newsletter and past newsletters in the News section of my web site at www.mattlafatamarketing.com. If you do not receive your emailed newsletter for some reason, please visit www.mattlafatamarketing.com each week as some mail servers block emails that are sent to multiple recipients. Just remember that if you don’t get it by each Friday, you can read it on the web site.

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com

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.

About Matt Lafata:

Matt Lafata is the proud parent of three children and moved to Frisco from Gloucester, MA in January, 1999. Mr. Lafata has helped build several highly successful businesses for more than 20 years. A long-time business consultant and entrepreneur, he is the Director of Sales and Marketing with the Frisco-based HR 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, strategic supervision of marketing and 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 is also 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
• Community Advisory Board member for the Frisco Women’s League
• 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
• Co-Director of the Mrs. Texas United States Pageant

Matt recently became engaged to Erika Howe of Frisco, who also has three children.

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

Dear Friends,

This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by Spa Botanica at the Embassy Suites here in Frisco. Check out their great Valentines Day specials and do something special for the Valentine in your life! Also check out the spotlight on Frisco Square, one of the most exciting developments happening in Frisco. 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.

Friday is Groundhog Day. Let’s hope that Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow so that this cold winter will end soon. Traditional weather lore says that if it is sunny in Punxsutawney, PA, and Phil sees his shadow, he will get frightened, run back in his hole, and we will have six more weeks of winter. By the time you read this, you probably already know whether Phil saw his shadow or not.

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.

Newsletter Sponsor – Spa Botanica at the Embassy Suites Frisco:

Embassy Suites Frisco Pampers Valentine Couples !

Reserve your Suite today for you and your special Valentine.

Choose from any of the Packages below:

Spa Romance Package at $289 Includes a 2 room suite with a balcony, complimentary full cook to order breakfast, evening manager's reception, $150 spa credit, champagne and  chocolate dipped strawberries, turndown service, free valet parking and a free In-suite movie.

Chocolate Ecstasy Massage and Body Wrap at $175 per person/$325 per couple (suite accommodations available at an additional charge)

Indulge yourself in a Chocolate Ecstasy as you experience a relaxing Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Raspberry or Sinful Chocolate Cake Massage. Then Revel in the pleasures of Chocolate with a Hydrating Chocolate Body Wrap! Relax as your body is taken away to Chocolate Paradise and your skin is re-hydrated and repaired.

Chocolate Ecstasy Facial and Pedicure at $200 per person/$350 per couple (suite accommodations available at an additional charge) Start with a  customized facial designed to cleanse, replenish, and nourish the skin for a healthy glow. Then indulge yourself in a Chocolate Ecstasy as you experience a relaxing Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Raspberry or Sinful Chocolate Cake Massage  Followed by our signature chocolate pedicure.

All Packages above include a glass of Champagne and Chocolate Truffles

Spa Botanica Valentines Day Packages are available now through Feb 28 , 2007

Other Spa Services

Purify Facial

A deep pore cleansing facial customized to your specific skin type, repair and restore your skin. Begin with a deep pore cleansing and exfoliation, and end with a soothing mask and a pampering face massage. This treatment exfoliates and revitalizes your skin.

Relaxing Swedish massage

Close your eyes, relax and exhale as your therapist applies proven effective Swedish massage techniques to help you de-stress, unwind, and enjoy a deep sense of relaxation. Your body’s circulation is boosted as sore joints and muscles are quickly relieved.

Replenish

This scientifically-proven muscle relating treatment was used by ancient civilizations.  After relaxing in a ten minutes steam, your body is deeply exfoliated using scintillating aromatherapy salts. A warm aromatic moor mud is then generously applied. You will feel stress melt away as your sore muscles are relaxed and your body’s circulation is stimulated. Ideal for those prone to rheumatism and arthritis pain!

Repair…

Caviar and Pearl

The most advance defense against aging. This opulent signature treatment lavishes your skin with 100% pure Caviar within a revolutionary process, a natural alternative to Botox®. Promoting cellular renewal, it visibly resurfaces and reduces lines & wrinkles.

Call Today To Book Your Spa Experience

972-963-9222

Spotlight on…Frisco Square:

Frisco Square is a multi-generational, master planned development consisting of 147 acres and as much as 4.4 million square feet of office, retail, multi-family and municipal facilities. When complete, the pedestrian-friendly urban environment will include approximately 1.5 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of retail space, 1400 apartments, 500 town homes/stacked-flats/condominiums, and 144,000 square feet of municipal facilities.

A true town-center concept, Frisco Square was designed by world-renowned architects to create a unique urban community centered around the pedestrian. Located at the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Main Street, Frisco Square is at the nexus of the growing Frisco/North Dallas area.

Frisco Square has something no other development in the area has—access to local government. Frisco Square is the official town center for the City of Frisco, home to Frisco’s new City Hall, Library and Heritage Center.

For more information, including an interactive map, please visit www.friscosquare.com

Population of Frisco:

The estimated residential population is 93,988 people as of February 1, 2007. By the time you read this, we have probably gone over 94,000!

Two New Columns - Citizen of the Month and Neighborhood of the Month

Starting in February, we will have two new monthly columns.

The Citizen of the Month will focus on a person in Frisco who has been nominated by another individual. He or she could be a person 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.

Please send an email to community@mattlafatamarketing.com to nominate and explain why a Frisco citizen or a neighborhood should be honored with this monthly recognition.

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 Association Directory
• 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.

Dear Neighbor Column:

Hi Neighbors, in attempt to assists The City of Frisco Residents with their Spring Projects this newsletter would like to start a ‘Dear Neighbor’ column for questions and inquiries about home improvements.  Such improvements might include questions regarding accessory buildings, sheds, patio covers, gazebos, fences (new or replacements) foundation repairs, re-roofing projects, arbors, room additions or alterations, tall grass, trash, outdoor kitchens, fire-pits, spas and pools.

It would be something similar to the famous ‘Dear Abby’ or ‘Heloise’ column, where readers submit their questions or concerns and the response is printed in this newsletter.  This newsletters’ reader’s, as the citizens of Frisco, will be able to ask for information in regards to home improvements, general building practices and property nuisances. 

So, if you have questions or home improvements, general building practices property nuisances or any newsworthy items you would like to ask and have shared with more than thirty-five thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send them to me at community@mattlafatamarketing.com so I may include them.

Frisco Salsa Company wins coveted 5th Straight National Fiery Food Award …winning 1st Place in the 2007 Scovie Awards!:

Matt’s note: I first tried this Salsa at the Great Steak of Texas festival this past October. It is one of the best salsas I have ever tested and I highly recommend it. Stop by Kroger today and stock up for the Super Bowl…

In case you haven’t tried it yet, RoBear's Hickory Smoked Salsa is taking North Texas by storm.  RoBear’s Hickory Smoked Salsa combines the natural sweetness of hickory smoke and fresh vegetables, with just the right amount of heat from the hand smoked and roasted jalapeño peppers.  

The Scovie Awards are among the world’s most competitive gourmet food competitions with the industry’s most rigorous blind tasting standards. “The 5th straight national award has been a huge honor for us,” commented Robin Craft, Frisco resident and the “Ro” in “RoBear’s”, “however, we are more honored that Frisco has shown us so much support since we have been able to offer it locally.” 

Where you can find it

RoBear’s Hickory Smoked salsa is currently available at all three Kroger stores in Frisco, and the Kroger store located at 121 and Coit in Plano.

Now get your RoBear’s in High Quality, Cost Effective Gift Baskets

RoBear’s also offers gift baskets featuring RoBear’s salsa and other Texas gourmet food products.  RoBear’s gift baskets can be easily customized to meet your needs, and they range from $20-$75. These baskets make great gifts for any occasion, and they also make great “thank-you” gifts for real estate agents and other professionals.

Learn more about RoBear’s salsa and gift baskets at www.ro-bears.com.  You can also reach them at (214) 212-0574.

Smoking Vehicles:

I recently renewed my driver’s license and on the letter that came with the license was a little blurb about reporting smoking vehicles. We’ve all seen these and I don’t know about you but it always bothers me and I was never sure of who to report these to. So next time you see a smoking vehicle that is polluting our environment, call 800-453-SMOG (7664) or visit www.smokingvehicle.org

Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle:

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:

www.mardigrasfrisco.org

Event tickets are just $35 and are available at Classique Jewelers in the Tom Thumb shopping center, or by visiting our website at www.mardigrasfrisco.org or by calling 972-814-0152.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and community outreach.

12^th Annual Spelling Bee:

I will once again be a judge for this event and hope that some of you can get teams together and enter…

The Friends of the Frisco Public Library are sponsoring the 12th Annual Adult Spelling Bee on February 24, 2007 at 2:00pm in the City Council Chambers located on the first floor of the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center. 

Teams of three adults compete for trophies and are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a cheering section.  The best costumed team will also win trophies.  Our theme this year is “007”   License to Spell”.   

There will be an Audience Participation Game, Silent Auction, and then after the Bee the Friends will be serving pie, coffee and Library Punch in the McCallum Room. 

An entry fee of $30.00 per team is collected and then each team is supplied with a “Top Secret” Study List.   Mulligans can be purchased for $25.00 each. The mulligan or “pass” may be used when a team decides before spelling the word that they want another team to spell it. 

Spectator Seats are just $2.00 and include pie, coffee and punch.

The proceeds from this year’s Spelling Bee and Silent Auction will be used to enlarge the foreign language collection at the Frisco library.

You may pick up an entry form at the Library or by contacting Judy Clark at 214-387-0128 or Vivian McCallum at 972-335-2656.   A Study List and the Rules will be mailed to your address.   We are limited to 15 teams, so round up your spellers and get your entry form in soon.  

2007 Honda Accord LX  $239 Month**:

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

Tornado Talk…by Junior Sports Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata:

Well mission not completely accomplished, but it was a success. The Tornado came so close that they were tied for second place going into the third game of the weekend, but with the one loss they remain in 3^rd. A good portion of the three game battle against the 2^nd place Santa Fe Roadrunners ended up the way we wanted it to. Strangely, it ended up the same way as last weekend. They couldn’t achieve a sweep, but did win 2 out of 3.

Thursday night was a low scorer but we will take any win possible. Colin Long scored a power play goal with Jake Newton and Ryan Fuller assisting. The 2^nd period was also started on a power play goal but this time Santa Fe scored it. Luckily that was their only goal of the night. Julian Mikola had the 2^nd Tornado goal. Ryan Fuller made the score 3-1 in the 3^rd period with a power play goal to finish off the game strong. The Tornado were out shot 29-25.

Friday night was quite the big win. Rookie Ben Miller started off the game real nice, with 2 goals in 5 minutes. Brian Reagan and Colin Long assisted on the 1^st one and newly acquired defenseman Dan Siira and Troy Puente helped on the 2^nd one. Oh yeah and Santa Fe scored one little goal. The 2^nd period was quite a thriller. Stephane Da Costa snagged a goal 45 seconds in and Justin King assisted. Jake Newton got an amazing shorthanded and unassisted goal. Nobody was willing to stop at 4-1. Rob Blanchette put in the 5^th goal with Adam Flink and Julian Mikola assisting. About a minute later, Colin Long scored the 6^th but not final goal for the Tornado as they still had a 3^rd period to play. That was also Colin’s 4^th point of the weekend. Santa Fe managed a power play goal, which Stephane Da Costa followed up with his own power play goal a little while later. Santa Fe had one more power play goal to end the game 7-3. The Tornado won by 4 points but shots on goal were 29-28.

Saturday was a 0 to 0 game the whole way through, so it resulted in a shoot out. Nielsson Arcibal was the only Tornado to pull through in the shoot out, and it wasn’t good enough as two of Santa Fe’s shooters scored. The Tornado were out shot 32 to 23.

The next Texas Tornado games are this Friday and Saturday at Springfield and the next home games are February 9^th and 10^th vs. the Springfield Jr. Blues. Buy your tickets now at www.tornadohockey.com or call 972-335-9800. Have a great weekend!!

Pros vs. Prospects III:

For a third year in a row the Pros vs. Prospects Tornado Charity Classic will return to the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco.  This year's event will take place on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March 17th at 7:00pm.  Tickets for the game will go on sale to the general public at Noon on Wednesday, February 7th and can be purchased by stopping by or calling the Tornado office at 972-335-9800.  Tickets will also be available for Purchase Online.  The Texas Tornado will be taking on a collection of former NHL pros in a game for charity.  The pros team roster will be announced shortly.

Frisco Cycling Club Upcoming Meeting:

Calling all local Frisco cyclists: men, women and youth! The Frisco Cycling Club (FCC) will meet Tuesday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Richardson BikeMart- Frisco location.  Whether you are a true beginner, or a competitive cyclist, FCC has something for you.  Founded in 1998, the FCC offers local group rides (beginner to advance), supports a variety of cycling styles (e.g., Track, Road, Triathlon), promotes local cycling events and helps maintain the Frisco Velodrome track, yes, right here in Frisco!  Don’t miss this great way to be part of the larger cycling community.  Questions about the meeting, please contact Tom Ernst of RBM @ 972-335-7600.

Relay For Life Frisco Seeking Teams:

The American Cancer Society is seeking teams for the Relay For Life of Frisco. Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest overnight fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life teams are encouraged to sign up early for the 9th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Frisco that will take place April 20, 2007 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. The planning committee is hosting an Informational and sign-up event at Starbuck’s on Preston Road in Frisco next to the

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. On Wednesday, February 21, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information on Relay Teams and the fight against Cancer one step at a time, mark your calendar now for coffee and pastries with Relay!

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 next committee meeting, or if you would like to volunteer on a Relay For Life committee, please contact Wendi Self at 972-712-4763 or wendiself@comcast.net. Or Shannon Swarbrick at 214-298-7084 or shannon.swarbrick@cancer.org.

For more information or to register a team log onto www.friscorfl.com.

FISD Youth Art Month Show:

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!

Sweetheart Dance:

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:

The Daddy Daughter Dance is one of Frisco’s premier events, and we are proud to boast it is one of the largest in the nation! The dance will be held in the beautiful ballroom at the Frisco Conference Center. A third dance has been added, which will allow for more dancers to attend than ever before!

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2007

Dance Times:

Ages 4 – 6 4 – 5:30 pm

Ages 7 – 9 6 – 7:30 pm

Ages 10 – 12 8 – 9:30 pm

Location: Frisco Conference Center, 7600 John Q. Hammons Drive

Dance Fee: $10 per ticket ($2 Convenience Fee will be assessed to tickets sold online)

Parking: Limited FREE Parking available at the Conference Center

Parking Garage – $3 per vehicle

Valet Service – $12 per vehicle

FREE Shuttle service provided from the Dr Pepper Ballpark

Visit www.FriscoFun.org to download a map

Theme: “Once Upon a Time…”

Portraits: Innovative Images will be onsite to commemorate your special night with professional portraits. Portraits are $20 (cash or check only) and include two 5 x 7 prints and eight wallet-size photos.

Ticket Sales Information:

TICKETS ARE LIMITED & WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY!

1. Online tickets sales at www.FriscoFun.org.

2. Walk-in ticket sales beginning Saturday, January 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Frisco Superdrome, located on the campus of Collin County Community College at 9700 Wade Blvd.

Any remaining tickets will be sold during regular business hours at the Alumni Hall Fitness Center or online at www.FriscoFun.org.

For more information call the Frisco Special Event Hotline at 972-292-6520.

Third Annual Trick-A-Trout Kid Fish:

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.

Battle of the Bands:

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.

WOGA Classic International Women's Invitational:

February 3-4, 2007 at the Frisco Conference Center

WOGA Gym is the home of the 2005 World Champion Carly Patterson and the current US National Champion, Nastia Liukin.  This International Invitational Event will showcase National Team Member athletes from all over the world, from the youngest to Elite Levels of competitions.  The athletes are fan-friendly and always remain after the competition to greet their fans and sign autographs.  If you are a fan of gymnastics or want to see the sport's future stars compete live, this event is a must see!  For more information call WOGA Gymnastics Academy at 972-985-9292 or visit www.woga.net .

2007 Kurt Thomas Invitational Women’s International Gymnastics Competition:

February 16-18, 2007 at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco

Hundreds of gymnasts ages 7-18 from 45 teams across the U.S. and Canada will compete in this exciting event!!!!

The 2007 Kurt Thomas Invitational, the 5^th Kurt Thomas Invitational in Texas, will take place at the Deja Blue Arena in the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco, Friday through Sunday, February 16-18, 2007.  This gymnastics meet is hosted by 3-Time World Champion and Olympian Kurt Thomas, head coach of Kurt Thomas Gymnastics in Frisco.  45 teams from across the United States and Canada with 650 top gymnasts Level 4-Elite will be competing in this exciting event.  The meet has grown to be one of the largest meets in Texas and one of the premier gymnastics competitions in the United States.  Known for setting the standard and raising the bar for all other gymnastics invitationals, the Kurt Thomas Invitational is unique in using a prelims/finals format, patterned after the large national championship meets. The top athletes in levels 8-10 will compete for prizes in a finals competition that will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 18^th. The Invitational recognizes the accomplishments, hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaches and judges that make up this great sport of gymnastics. 

“We have created a first-class event that teams look forward to attending year after year.  The athletes have an opportu