Matt Lafata’s Weekly Community News

July 12, 2007 – Volume 6, Issue 28

matt@mattlafatamarketing.com – www.mattlafatamarketing.com

Erika and I are currently in Las Vegas for the Mrs. United States Pageant. As the Directors for the Mrs. Texas United States Pageant, we came out here to cheer our delegate on. Of course it’s been over 100 degrees each day so it feels like what Texas should be like this time of year.

One of the judges for the contest was Christopher McDonald, a.k.a. Goose in Grease 2 and Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore.

I approached him and said, “Hey Shooter, my daughter loves Adam Sandler so I’d like to get a picture with you to show her.” He said, “What, just Adam Sandler? What about me??” Erika replied, “But we like you too!” So he agreed to the above picture.

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:

"I like to see a man* proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln

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…

NTTA’s “Five in Five” Projects: 34

Issue of the Week:

I’ve started this new column where I will post a different issue each week for discussion. Your opinions mean a lot to me and I’d love to get your feedback on the subject. Please send me an email with your thoughts. While your feedback is for my own use at this time, I may publish comments in a future issue with just your first name…

This week’s issue is about Public Transportation – How important is it to have in Frisco? For the past year or so, we had a limited bus system that got very little usage. Some people feel that we should be part of the D.A.R.T. system, however that would take 1% of our sales tax that currently funds our EDC (Economic Development Corporation) and CDC (Community Development Corporation). Another option is a separate rail system in and out of Frisco. Public transportation could even mean something entirely different. In any event, what are your thoughts on public transportation in Frisco?

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!:

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.

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.

City of Frisco Related Question of the Week:

Q. I haven't found anything on the future expansion of Rogers Road from Meadow HIll Drive to El Dorado Parkway. There is a small portion that is 4 lanes but not open to traffic between Warren Sports Complex and Fisher Rd. but all other parts of the road are two lane and the houses that face Fisher in front of Warren Sports Complex often have cars parked in fron of them forcing you to drive on the wrong side for periods of the road. Can you let me know what the plans are to complete to 4 lanes?

A. At this point, there are no plans to finish this area as a four lane road. This road functions as a residential street and is not identified on the thoroughfare plan as a multi-lane arterial. We are finishing up plans to widen Eldorado and flare out Rogers at Eldorado. This widening will include a northbound right-turn lane, northbound through lane, and northbound left-turn lane on Rogers. It will also include the construction of a traffic signal at Rogers and Eldorado.

As you mentioned, there are a limited number of homes that face Rogers and have parking out front. We have monitored the area in the past and do not believe the parking causes a safety issue. It does require drivers to slow and let oncoming traffic go by because of limited width. I believe this operation can occur safely under the existing conditions. If traffic volume on Rogers increases significantly, then we will consider prohibiting the parking in this area.

This Day in History – July 12, 1984: Ferraro Named Vice Presidential Candidate

From the History Channel…

Walter Mondale, the leading Democratic presidential candidate, announces that he has chosen Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York as his running mate. Ferraro, a daughter of Italian immigrants, had previously gained notoriety as a vocal advocate of women's rights in Congress.

Four days after Ferraro was named vice presidential candidate,
Governor Mario Cuomo of New York opened the Democratic National
Convention in San Francisco with an impassioned retort to Republican
President Ronald Reagan's contention that the United States was a "shining city on a hill." Citing widespread poverty and racial strife, Cuomo derided President Reagan as oblivious to the needs and problems of many of America's citizens. His enthusiastic keynote address inaugurated a convention that saw Ferraro become the first woman nominated by a major party for the vice presidency. However, Mondale, the former U.S. vice president under Jimmy Carter, proved a lackluster choice for the Democratic presidential nominee.

On November 6, President Reagan and Vice President George Bush defeated the Mondale-Ferraro ticket in the greatest Republican landslide in U.S. history. The Republicans carried every state but Minnesota--Mondale's home state.

Ferraro left Congress in 1985. In 1992 and 1998, she made unsuccessful
bids for a U.S. Senate seat. During President Bill Clinton's administration, she was a permanent member on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month:

Last week we covered UV Safety…

Worldwide, Group B streptococcus is a leading infectious killer of newborns. It is the leading cause of blood infection and meningitis in newborns. The good news is that it can be prevented, and you can help!

In regions where awareness and prevention efforts have been implemented, infant deaths from GBS have decreased as much as 70%.

Visit the Group B Strep International web site for more information.

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

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.

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, 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
• 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.

Earlier this year, Matt became engaged to Erika Howe of Frisco, who also has three children, and they will be getting married in late 2007.

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.

Dear Friends,

This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by S.T.A.R. (Speech Therapy And Recreational) Music^SM. S.T.A.R. is a great music based program, designed specifically for the young child who requires speech and/or language intervention. Also check out the Spotlight on Monte Carlo Night 2007. This is their 4th annual event and is a Frisco event that you don’t want to miss! Find out more information below about all the fun, excitement and prizes and how you can get tickets. 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.

Thank you to everybody who responded to last week’s “Issue of the Week: Dog Park – Does Frisco Need One?” I really appreciate everybody’s input and if I haven’t emailed you back personally, please know that I will. Every person’s response is important to me. This week’s issue, “Public Transportation – How Important is it to have in Frisco?” is now posted in the left hand column. If you have an opinion on this, please write in.

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 – S.T.A.R. (Speech Therapy And Recreational) Music^SM:

What is S.T.A.R. (Speech Therapy And Recreational) Music?

S.T.A.R. Music is a language rich, music based program, designed specifically for the young child who requires speech and/or language intervention.  S.T.A.R. Music offers children the opportunity to work on their individualized communication objectives in a small group setting.

Who Can Enroll?
S.T.A.R. Music has programs for children between the ages of 16 months and 6 years, and their parents.

Why Include The Parents?
S.T.A.R. Music was created as a parent-child program because current research continually states the benefit of children learning from their best teacher - a parent. 

By having parents in class, they can observe how the speech-language pathologist assists their children, and learn how to best empower their children.

How Can I Learn More About S.T.A.R. Music?
Contact the director, Sheryl B. Ambers, M.S., CCC-SLP (972) 839-0312 or director@startherapyprograms.com, and visit www.startherapyprograms.com.

S.T.A.R. Music Sounds Great!  How Do I Enroll?
The Fall Schedule is on the web site, www.startherapyprograms.com.  Select the class that is appropriate for your child's age, and contact Sheryl B. Ambers, M.S., CCC-SLP (972) 839-0312 or director@startherapyprograms.com.

What Is The Next Step?
Speak with the director, Sheryl B. Ambers, M.S., CCC-SLP (972) 839-0312 or director@startherapyprograms.com to arrange for your Private Personalized Planning Meeting.  At this meeting you and the speech-language pathologist will discuss which objectives to target during the 12 week session.  Bring your IEP, IFSP, current assessments, and of course your child - so the speech-language pathologist can gain a clear understanding of your child's needs.

Who Is Sheryl B. Ambers, M.S., CCC-SLP?
Sheryl B. Ambers is a certified speech-language pathologist.  She has had a private practice for eight years, and will begin her third year of leading S.T.A.R. Music classes.  Sheryl writes the curriculum and the songs for S.T.A.R. Music.  Prior to practicing privately, Sheryl practiced with the Plano Independent School District for seven years, serving in a variety of capacities, including team leader and speech-language pathologist for the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD).  Sheryl holds a Masters of Science in Communication Disorders, specializing in speech-language pathology, and also has numerous additional certifications.

You are invited to join S.T.A.R. Music and experience the warm, fun-filled, stimulating atmosphere our classes provide.  Best of all you will
         
Watch Your Child Shine!

Spotlight on Monte Carlo Night 2007:

Monte Carlo Night 2007 is extremely proud to be in the spotlight for this week's edition of the Matt Lafata newsletter.

Monte Carlo Night was envisioned as a night when our fast growing community can come together, share laughter with old friends and good times with new friends.  The night is a chance to celebrate, play, cheer and grow together, making it a wonderful evening bringing together the Frisco community in shared fellowship, fun and laughter.

MCN-Frisco presents our 4th annual Monte Carlo Night:  'An Evening Under the Stars.' Join us in an evening of fun, fellowship and food.  The date for this spectacular event is Saturday, August 4, 2007.  Tickets are on sale now! ( www.mcn-frisco.org )

This year there will be gaming with casino tables with professional dealers provided by Vegas Image Parties.  From blackjack, pai gow, the roulette wheel or the friendliest craps tables this side of the south of France, our event is special.  The evening includes a Texas hold'em tournament challenging your skills and cunning.  Less we forget, BINGO!

Here is a sampling of our gaming raffle prizes and auction items:

* A Maurice Lacroix watch donated by: Classique Jewelers

* A trip to Las Vegas donated by:  The Palms Casino Resort

* A ride in a Mig jet donated by:  MCN-Frisco Committee

* A week stay in Myrtle Beach donated by:  Brig. General and Mrs. A. E. Brewster USMC Ret.

Frisco musician Ryan Michael Galloway will be performing live.  Come and enjoy his distinct and unique sound!  Our silent and live auctions feature exceptional and distinctive items, and there are also terrific raffle prizes.

And we can't forget the delicious hors d'oeuvres, desserts and refreshments. Ticket sales are limited, so please don't delay in getting your tickets.  You won't want to miss this 'Evening Under The Stars"

You can get tickets through the 'Tickets' link on our website www.mcn-frisco.org. Tickets are $40 per person donation in advance, $50 at the door.  The TX Hold'em Tournament is an additional $50 per person donation with $25 per person re-donation.

All proceeds from this event go to the St. Francis of Assisi building fund.

Frisco Soccer Association Registration Now Open:

Players must be 4 prior to August 1st. Official birth certificate required for all new players

Games start September 8th

REGISTER ONLINE ANYTIME.  NO LINES, NO WAITING. WWW.FRISCOSOCCER.ORG
 

Walk in registration at the FSA office Saturday, July 14th. Registration also accepted during regular office hours

Regular Registration: June 4- July 14

*Late Registration Period:  July 15 - July 21

(*add $10 per player, online only)

Mailing Address:  Frisco Soccer, PO Box 1479, Frisco, TX  75034

Office Location:  9741 Preston Rd, Suite 303, Frisco 75034

Phone:  972-712-GOAL (4625)

www.friscosoccer.org

American Idol Season 7 Auditions Coming to North Texas:

The auditions will be Monday, August 6 at Texas Stadium. Visit www.myfoxdfw.com for more details.

I thought about auditioning but not sure how I would juggle my already busy schedule if I became an overnight rock star.

Frisco Baseball and Softball Fall 2007 Registration:

Walk-up registration will be Saturday, July 14 from 10am to 3pm at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Stonebriar Mall.

Online registration will be available through July 14, 2007 at www.fbsa.org.

Registration fee is $50 per child and family/sibling discounts are available. Visit the web site or call 214-537-3272 for more information.

Frisco Special Olympics Volunteers!:

Frisco Special Olympics is looking for volunteers to help with swimming practice on Wednesday evenings from 7 PM to 8 PM at the Frisco Natatorium through the end of August. If you are interested in volunteering your time please contact Tony Deyoe at 214-551-1057 or send him an email at volunteer@friscospecialolympics.org. Thank you for your consideration!

Stonelake Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale!:

Stonelake Estates is having a multi-family garage sale on Saturday, July 21st from 8am-1pm. 

We are located in Frisco at the SW corner of Eldorado and Custer.  Just follow the signs to the participating neighbors.  Hope to see you there!!

Frisco Cares Children's Clinic "Kids Helping Kids" Car Wash Fundraiser:

Please help Frisco Cares Children's Clinic raise funds to provide low-cost health care to uninsured children in our community by getting your car washed at the "Kids Helping Kids" Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday July 21, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., located at the Wendy's restaurant parking lot, 7201 Preston Road in Frisco.

Second Annual Chandler Jackson Youth Foundation Event:

It's time for the Second Annual Chandler Jackson Youth Foundation event at the Frisco Rough Rider Stadium!  This year the event will be held on Saturday, July 14th at 7:00.  It promises to be an exciting game with the Rough Riders playing against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Last year's event was a real success allowing The CJYF to send 7 underprivileged children to Sky Ranch summer camp! We hope to be able to send even more children to camp this summer and continue to help children in need.

The Chandler Jackson Youth Foundation needs your help!  What can you do?  Tell all of your friends and family members to come join us for a night of family fun!

The Chandler Jackson Youth Foundation hopes you will step up to the plate and hit a home run for underprivileged children and to help celebrate Chandler's life!

If you are unable to attend, you may still sponsor a family or make a donation to the Foundation to help make a difference.

For information on this event please visit the web site at www.chandlersfoundation.org  and go to the "Events" page. Please contact Charmane at char@chandlersfoundation.org or Scott Ruede at 469-667-6290.  As you know the event is coming up very soon, so please contact us today. 

On behalf of Charmane and all the children whose lives will be enriched because of your time and generosity, we thank you!

Southern Style Soiree:

Frisco residents of Color (FROC) is hosting a "Southern Style Soiree" to highlight it's first annual summer membership drive.  The Soiree will be held at the home of FROC's Executive Director, 9612 Saw dust Drive, McKinney 75070.  Anyone who is interested in learning more about the organization should plan on attending, and you will also have the opportunity to meet current members in an informal setting and obtain information regarding FROC.  For further information please send email inquiries to karen.griggsby@sbcglobal.net or call Karen at 972.978.3216.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 14 from 7-10pm

First Annual Grace Avenue United Methodist Church GAMMA (Grace Avenue Missions, Ministry and Assistance) Golf Tournament:

Sunday, September 14, 2007. Check-in is 11:30am with a 1pm shotgun start. It will be held at the Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club at 2701 Ridgeview Drive in Plano. The entry fee is $100 and all proceeds go to the GAMMA funds.

To register or for more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rob Cruson at 972-896-3851 or at robcruson@sbcglobal.net

97.5 KLAK Summer Concert Series at McKinney’s Myers Park:

Wakeland High School's Band Boosters is teaming up with Sidebar Entertainment to promote the 97.5 KLAK - Summer Concert Series at McKinney's Myers Park. 

    Fri., July 13          America

    Sat. Aug. 4           Joan Jett

    Sat. Aug. 18         KC and the Sunshine Band

In addition to these concerts, Weird Al Yankovic will appear Saturday, July 14.

The Wakeland Band Boosters will receive a commission on all tickets purchased using the club code "Wakeland".  Directions are simple:

• Visit the 97.5 Summer Concert Series web site www.sidebarent.com
• Click on "tickets" for the concerts the buyer would like to attend. 
• Order the tickets online, just like any other online purchase, except: to have the ticket buyer type wakeland in the “Enter Club Code Here” box.
• Ticket buyers can also call in orders to 214-592-0002, during 8am-5pm.  Remember to credit "Wakeland".

If you have any questions, please contact Wakeland Band Booster Ways & Means Chairperson Barbara Polarinakis at bpolarinakis@tx.rr.com, or Wakeland Band Booster President Keith Lesko at Keith.Lesko@udfc.com.

Thanks for supporting the arts in Frisco!!!! 

Grace Avenue MOPS 5th Annual Back-to-School Children's Consignment Sale:

Saturday, August 11^th from 8:30a.m. - Noon   (Half-Price Sale from 12:30-2:00p.m.)

Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, 3521 Main Street, Frisco (located between Legacy & Teel Parkway)

Please save this date for great shopping!  If you are interested in consigning your child's gently used items, please contact Sara Cowan at 972-731-5196 or saracowan@sbcglobal.net for a seller number & guidelines.  Sellers who volunteer receive 70% of sales and sellers who choose not to volunteers will receive 60% of their sales.

Want to beat the crowds?  Call to work a shift!

Please tell your friends & neighbors about us

21^st Annual John Weinberg Golf Tournament:

Monday, September 10^th at the TPC Course at Craig Ranch in McKinney

Four-person scramble - 8am morning flight, 2pm afternoon flight

Sponsorships available.

Contact the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at 972-335-9522 or www.friscochamber.com for more information.

August 26th Auditions for Cross Timbers Youth Orchestras:

WHAT:         Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra to host auditions, August 26th, for string, woodwind brass and guitar musicians with at least one year playing experience from Collin and surrounding counties.  Placement auditions must be scheduled in advance to participate.  For application, requirements and more information, visit www.ctyo.org or call 972-658-4227. 

WHEN:         Auditions by appointment between 4:00 -6:00 p.m. August 26th, and by special arrangement for guitar.

COST:  &nb