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Matt Lafata’s Weekly Newsletter |
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April 5, 2007 – Volume 6, Issue 14 |
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Erika & I were able to visit Las Vegas recently for a speaking engagement and conference I had for my job at HRchitect. We were lucky to mix business with pleasure and had a great time. Here we are at our hotel, The Wynn, in front of the beautiful pool area
The Neighborhood of the Month for April is Stonebriar Village. Pictured with me, from left to right, is Vicki Cavnar-Hunteman and Erica Hunt who are Co-Chairs of the New Neighbor - Welcome Committee of Stonebriar's Neighborhood Committee. Read about why they were selected in this issue and how your can submit your neighborhood for consideration.
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 thirty-eight 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:
“Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” – Robert Kennedy
For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com
In this jam packed issue you will find lots of great information. There is something for everyone including the following…
Matt Lafata’s Weekly Newsletter Newsletter Sponsor – The Power of a Song: An Evening with Nashville Songwriters: Spotlight on…the Texas Tornado: Mrs. Texas United States® Pageant – Be a Part of It: The Embassy Suites Frisco Presents Champagne Easter Brunch: Tornado Talk…by Junior Sports Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata: Summer Fashion Show and Silent Auction: The Trails of West Frisco Spring Yard Sales and Flea Market: Internet Safety Parenting Class at Bright Elementary: Sparks Elementary Looking for Volunteers for Carnival: Isbell Elementary Carnival & Silent Auction: April Neighborhood of the Month Winner – Stonebriar Village: Third Annual Frisco Special Olympics Golf Tournament: Frisco Rotary Club’s Annual Tee Off For Kids Golf Tournament: Golf Tournament Benefiting the Frisco Ballet: Fourth Annual Curtsinger Elementary Golf Classic: Hector and Friends---The Four Seasons!: Collin County Songwriters Association News: The American Cancer Society, Applebee’s and YOU Team up to Fight Cancer: Want to “Tee It” Up For a Round of Golf at Craig Ranch?” Women’s Professional Golf Returns to Frisco - April 9-15, 2007, The Trails of Frisco Golf Club: Happenings in Frisco ISD by Sarah Ianace: Businesses Needed to Sponsor $100 Cancer Fact Signs: How to Prepare Your Child for Hospitalization Free Seminar: Texas Hold’em Tournament (04/13/2007) Benefiting the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community: Saturday, April 28th 20007, Arbor Day 5K and 1K Seedling Run: 2nd Annual Motherless Daughters Day Luncheon: Frisco Special Olympics Seeking Volunteers: Tin Star Fundraiser Night - Benefiting Autism Speaks - Tuesday April 17th 5pm-9pm: Frisco Residents of Color to Host a Soiree for the Senses: Frisco Football League 2007 Registration and Skills Assessment: Cornerstone Living presents Saturday Gardening Fun!: First United Methodist Church Easter Sunday Services: Genesis Metro Church Easter Services: Preston Trail Community Church presents "Showers & Flowers": Easter Extravaganza at the Frisco Commons Park Sponsored by C3 (Cornerstone Community Church): Good Friday at Legacy Church~ Evening with Mr Vic!: St. Philip’s Episcopal Announces Holy Week Schedule: First Baptist Church Frisco Charity Golf Tournament: Mayor’s Golf Classic to be Held Monday, May 7, 2007: ITIP Golf Classic to be held on May 14, 2007: Frisco Square to Host “Fair in the Square” with State Fair Carnival Operator – Talley Amusements: April 11th Frisco-OnLine.com Mix and Mingle at Bonnie Ruth’s in the Shops at Starwood: Advice From Dr. Checo – Allergy Rankings: Collin County Ballet Theatre "Sleeping Beauty Tea": City Council Elections This May: Dallas Baptist University Free Summer Basketball Camp: City of Frisco Homebuyer Training Class: Boy Scouts Circle 10 Council Value Card and 2007 Scout Show: Frisco Community Band Spring Concert: Aggie Muster. The Tradition Continues… Ways To Help You Reduce Water Usage and Save Money: Grass Clippings and Trimmings: Update From Recent Planning and Zoning Meeting: Parks and Recreation Department Update: Capitol Steps by Rep. Ken Paxton:
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.
Matt’s Blog - Blog - an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page – LAST 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
Joe Hockaday, CPA – Today’s Tax Talk From Joe!:
State Representative Ken Paxton -- Capitol Steps
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 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.
April Neighborhood of the Month
The April neighborhood of the month goes to…Stonebriar Village!!! Resident Erica Hunt submitted Stonebriar Village and was chosen the winner. In Erica’s write-up, you can feel her pride when you read the wonderful things she wrote about Stonebriar Village and why they are so deserving of this recognition.
Wine Question of the Week:
Since we enjoy a glass of wine from time to time, we have become more fascinated with wine in general and in trying to learn more about wine. This week’s question…
Q. What does all of that information on the label mean?
A. The following can be
found on the label of a wine produced in the U.S.:
City of Frisco Related Question of the Week:
Q. I would like to get a report that would show the number of cars that travel this road between El Dorado and Meadow Hill. Is that possible?
A. You can visit the maps
portion of the city website.
Deep Thoughts from The Boss
Since I am a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, and he is such a profound and prolific songwriter, I’ve decided to include some of my favorite lines from his vast collection of music.
“Well my soul checked out missing as I sat
listening
This Day in History – April 5, 1614: Pocahontas Marries John Rolfe
From the History Channel…
1614 : POCAHONTAS MARRIES JOHN ROLFE:
Featured Holiday of the Week - Easter: April 8
Easter, the principal festival of the
Christian church year, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on
the third day after his Crucifixion. The origins of Easter date to the
beginnings of Christianity, and it is probably the oldest Christian
observance after the Sabbath (observed on Saturday). Later, the Sabbath
subsequently came to be regarded as the weekly celebration of the
Resurrection. The preparation takes off as early as on the Ash Wednesday from which the period of penitence in the Lent begins. The Lent and the Holy week end on the Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection.
April is Autism Awareness Month:
What is Autism Awareness Month?
Autism Awareness Month, celebrated every year in April, provides an opportunity for families, friends, and local communities to raise public awareness about autism. It is sponsored by the Autism Society of America (ASA). Individuals and communities can get involved by participating in activities sponsored by their local ASA chapter or by promoting services related to autism.
What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual's social interaction and communication. It is known as a spectrum disorder, because it affects each individual in different ways and to varying degrees. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001), autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 of every 1,000 individuals. Overall, the incidence of autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and typically appears during the first 3 years of life. Children and adults with autism tend to have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communications, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
What causes autism?
There is no single known cause for autism. However, it is generally agreed that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans have shown differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism when compared to those without the condition. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including a link between heredity, genetics, and birth-related medical problems. Psychological factors are not believed to be the cause of autism.
How is autism treated?
Experts agree that early intervention is important in addressing the symptoms associated with autism. Most professionals also agree that individuals with autism respond well to highly structured, specialized education programs that are designed to meet the individual's particular needs. In any treatment plan, it is important for family members and treatment providers to address areas of social skill development, communication, behavior, and sensory integration.
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.
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.
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 2nd 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 21st 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
Since 2001, Matt has produced this very popular e-newsletter that goes out every week to over 38,000 people which keeps the Frisco community in touch with local events and businesses.
Matt recently became engaged to Erika Howe of Frisco, who also has three children.
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.
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Dear Friends,
Many of you are aware that Erika & I really enjoy music, and thought that this week’s Sponsor, The Power of a Song: An Evening with Nashville Songwriters, is a win-win for many people. You can go out and hear an incredible evening of music for no admission charge, and the best part is that it benefits Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball, Senior Pastor of Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen. Kathleen was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in late December 2006. A love offering will be taken at the end of the show. Also check out the spotlight on your Texas Tornado hockey team. The Tornado are entering the playoffs this weekend looking for their fourth straight national title. April 13 and 14 will be home games so come on out and support the Tornado! 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.
The April Neighborhood of the Month is…Stonebriar Village! Read more about why they were chosen, a little further down in this newsletter, and how your neighborhood could be next!
Join 100.3 JACK FM next Saturday, April 14, at Dick’s Sporting Goods from 2p-4p. They will be giving away JACK gear, free MySonic cards, & tickets to upcoming shows.
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 38,000 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 – The Power of a Song: An Evening with Nashville Songwriters:On Sunday, April 22 from 5-7:30pm, all are invited to attend The Power of a Song: An Evening with Nashville Songwriters. The event was created by Celia Whitler to celebrate and support Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball, Senior Pastor of Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen. Kathleen was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in late December 2006. Recently, she received some very encouraging news that her tumors have shrunk dramatically.
Artists currently scheduled to appear include: Billy Montana, Nicole Witt, Don Poythress, and Celia Whitler. The concert will be held in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Richardson at 503 North Central Expressway. This is an extraordinary opportunity to hear some of the nation’s best songwriters perform their songs. A free-will offering will be taken during this benefit concert. There is no admission charge.
Billy Montana has two #1 singles to his credit with Bring On The Rain (Jo Dee Messina) and Suds In The Bucket (Sara Evans). Montana's songs have been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, BlackHawk, Sister Hazel and more. Don Poythress has songs recorded by Willie Nelson (You Remain), Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw (Comfort Me), Darryl Worley (Shiloh). Nicole Witt has songs recorded by Diamond Rio (The Box) and The Kinley's (Love Train). Country newcomer Rodney Atkins and pop artist Kimberly Locke have recorded signature cuts of her songs. The namesake of this concert, Power Of A Song was recorded by Diamond Rio (with Amy Grant and Vince Gill). Terri Clark sang Nicole's first radio single entitled She Didn't Have Time.
The writers will play in a popular Nashville listening format: In the Round. They will be accompanied by David Flint on acoustic guitar and Joe Smyth of Sawyer Brown on percussion. This is an evening for youth and adults; childcare will not be provided. Don’t miss this amazing evening of country and inspirational music.
For the latest event information go to http://www.celiamusic.net/benefit.
Spotlight on…the Texas Tornado:
Great wins this past weekend
After two incredibly exciting games this past weekend, where the Tornado beat the first place St. Louis Bandits in overtime, in both games, the Tornado are ready to defend their national championship. Read the article from our Tornado Junior Sports Reporter a little further down in the newsletter and you will feel the excitement just from reading that!
For the 8th consecutive season, the Texas Tornado have qualified for the NAHL Robertson Cup playoffs, an ongoing NAHL record. Qualifying for this year’s playoffs means the Tornado have earned their chance at an unprecedented fourth straight National Championship.
The first round of the 2007 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs will be a best of 5 series, which will begin in Santa Fe against the Roadrunners on Friday, April 6th and continue through Sunday, April 15th, 2007. Games 3 and 4 of the series will be hosted by the Texas Tornado on Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th and played at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco at 7:30pm each night. Tickets for the 2007 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs are on sale now and are available by stopping by or calling the Tornado office at 972-335-9800, or fans can purchase playoff tickets online.
If you have been to a Tornado game before, you know it is hard to find anything more exciting than watching the Tornado play…and it gets even better in the playoffs.
If you haven’t been to a game before, get yourself some tickets and help cheer on the Tornado to another national championship.
What does it take to win a national championship?
If there is one team in the North American Hockey League who knows what it takes to win in the post-season, it is the Texas Tornado. The three-time defending National Champions, have had a target on their chest since they entered the league. "It is part of it," says Head Coach Tony Curtale. "Everyone wants to beat you, and the playoffs are a time when it matters the most." After a successful regular season campaign in which the Texas Tornado finished 4th overall in the NAHL, but third in the difficult South Division with the second youngest team in the league, the National Champs are confident heading into their semi-final series with Santa Fe beginning this weekend. "I think we have proved we can play with them, no matter where the game is," said Curtale. Play with them is right. Consider that during the regular season, the Tornado had a 7-4-3 record against the Roadrunners. Also consider that three of those Santa Fe wins came via the shootout, which is not an option during the playoffs. The Tornado were the NAHL's best road team in 2006-07 posting a 21-8-2 record on the road, including a 4-1-2 record in Santa Fe. "We place a premium on playing on the road," states Curtale. "We have won everywhere this season, so beginning a series on the road is not a problem." And why should it be for a team that has had to win the National Championship away from home the past two years?
Population of Frisco:
The estimated residential population of Frisco is 95,409 people as of April 1, 2007.
Mrs. Texas United States® Pageant – Be a Part of It:
The Mrs. Texas United States Pageant is the premiere competition for married women. The state contest has called Frisco home for the last three years, with this year’s competition May 11-13 at the host hotel Westin Stonebriar Resort. A souvenir program book, with a long shelf life, is produced each year. Ads and event sponsorships for activities during the pageant weekend are available, tailored to your business’ needs. Contact the pageant office at info@mrstexasunitedstates.com for advertising and sponsorship information.
Additionally, entries are still being accepted until April 15th. If you want to have a fun, girls’ weekend meeting new friends, consider entering the competition. Contestants must be married, living in Texas, and children are not a factor. Our winners have been all over the age and lifestyle spectrum; we’ve had stay-at-home moms win, as well as those with full-time jobs outside the home. No experience is necessary, and there is no talent competition. Most of the women who enter a pageant for married women have never done so previously. The new Mrs. Texas competes at the televised Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas this summer. Limited local titles are available |