Dear Friends,
This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by Bounce For Fun – your one stop party shop. My good friend, Ed Mahoney, is the owner of Bounce For Fun and he has a special offer just for newsletter readers. Give them a call today for your next party. Also, check out this week’s spotlight on Frisco Square, one of the most interesting developments in the entire metroplex. 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.
If you would like to advertise in this newsletter and reach more than 33,000 captive residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding communities, many different opportunities are available to you. It’s the most efficient and cost effective form of advertising in this area so please email sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more information.
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.
School begins in Frisco on Monday so please be aware of school zone speed limits and please be aware that more kids will be on the roads than usual as they walk or ride bikes to and from school. Please slow down and drive carefully so that our children, and all our citizens, are safe.
Don’t forget the Frisco Ducks Unlimited Banquet is at the Frisco Convention Center this Thursday, August 17 starting at 5:30. Simply mention this newsletter and you can get a dinner ticket for just $40 (regular price is $75). Contact Ron Geels at 972-743-5230 or email ron.geels@eds.com.
Next week I will include a full update on road construction projects but a couple of notables are that Coit Road is now open from FM3537/Main Street to El Dorado Parkway and the Stonebrook crossing over the Dallas North Tollway will be open before Monday.
You’ve probably heard the commercials but Texas Select, a company that was insuring 150,000 households in Texas, is being shut down by the Texas Department of Insurance effective August 23rd. Please visit one of the many insurance companies in Frisco, many of whom are offering free, no-obligation quotes, to anybody affected by Texas Select’s failure.
Your City Council is beginning the 2006-2007 budget process, something that was started by the city staff many months ago, and there will be a budget worksession this coming Monday, August 14th, at 6pm in the City Council chambers. There will be a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, August 15th, during the City Council meeting which starts at 6:30pm. A copy of the budget can be found on the city’s web site at www.friscotexas.gov if you are interested in seeing where your local tax money goes.
Don’t forget that if you have to fly, you cannot carry on any liquids with you due to the security level being raised. I flew back from Atlanta today and it wasn’t bad. Security line was slightly longer as lots of people had to empty this stuff into trash cans so you should allow a little extra time as a result.
Lots of great information in this newsletter as always including information on the Gene Autry Festival, Arts Gala Annual Event, Great Steak of Texas, upcoming Frisco Fire and Police Department classes for citizens, StarFest, upcoming bazaars, the youth math challenge, FISD important dates, mall events, SH 121 construction update, community theatre auditions and shows, community events, charity events, and so much more. As a result of so much going on, this newsletter is long, so sit back, relax and enjoy.
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-three thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send them to me at matt@mattlafata.com so I may include them. The newsletter goes out each Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Wednesday if you want something to be included.
Newsletter Sponsor – Bounce For Fun! Your One Stop Party Shop!:
Special Offer! Rent any inflatable and get a concession for only $30! We’ll also include up to 50 servings for FREE! Call 469-633-1500 for details!
Bounce For Fun is your own Frisco based full service party rental supplier. With the largest selection of inflatable games in Frisco, we can host your event large or small!
What we have:
We supply bounce houses, obstacle courses, waterslides, giant slides, and more! See our website at: www.bounceforfun.com for more details. We currently have over 40 inflatable games to choose from! We inventory over 15 carnival games, 8 concessions, a portable rock wall and the best staff available!
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Where have you seen us?
You’ve seen us at Frisco’s Freedom Fest, Liberty by the Lake, The Great Steak of Texas, and many school functions. We are one of the few companies that are ISD approved so we can host your PTA or ISD event!
We also host a number of charity events including: The Gary Burns Fun Run, Frisco’s Police Health and Safety show, and Hero’s for Children.
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Bounce For Fun - 469-633-1500 - www.bounceforfun.com
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 33,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please email us at sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details. 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 way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population. You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers only.
Spotlight on…Frisco Square:
Frisco Square is a pedestrian-friendly urban development that features a unique blend of shopping, dining, office space, apartment living, town homes, park space and Frisco's new city hall and library. When complete, the 147-acre project will include 4.4 million square foot project, showcasing 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. Designed by nationally renowned architect, David M. Schwarz and recently re-designed by RTKL, Frisco Square is located in the heart of Frisco at the southeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Main Street, directly across from Pizza Hut Park, the world’s largest soccer complex and home to FC Dallas. Additional information on Frisco Square is available at www.friscosquare.com or through the Frisco Square information center at 469-633-1721.
Pledge of Allegiance:
If you know of a deserving individual or group you would like to recognize by having them lead the Pledge at one of our City Council meetings, please let me know. If you have any kind of youth group, kids who have done something special, adult veterans, volunteers, or just anybody who would like to lead us in the Pledge at one of our meetings, please let me know. Our regular meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month and the Pledge is at 6:30 p.m.
Frisco StarFest:
Join us Saturday,
August 12, for Frisco StarFest at Frisco Commons Park as we view deep sky
objects and Jupiter (weather permitting).
This free event begins at dark for the night sky viewing and will conclude by
10:30pm. Bring the entire family for spectacular views through telescopes
operated by StarFest volunteers. The event occurs the second Saturday of every
month at Frisco Commons Park. Inquiries can be sent to
starfest@comcast.net.
The Texas Astronomical Society's public observing website (check here for
cancellations due to weather):
http://www.tasobserving.org/
Special Rate at Hawaiian Falls
Sunday, August 20th is JACK FM Day at Hawaiian Falls in The Colony on Sunday, August 20th. They will be offering a special admission for that day only of $10.03 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.jackontheweb.com in the coming days to download and print your discounted coupon. Be sure to stop by when Jack is there from 2pm-4pm to play the Jackpot machine and win prizes!
First Annual Labor Day Party – Looking For Donations:
Westfall Village HOA is proud to announce our 1st Annual Labor Day Neighborhood Party on September 4, 2006. We are looking for companies or organizations in Frisco who would like to donate items for our raffle. Any company who makes a contribution will be given recognition in our HOA newsletter.
Please contact Stacy Herrington at 972) 987-5174 if you are able to provide a donation. We appreciate your support of our community!
The Saint Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 5th annual holiday bazaar is October 28th this year:
Crafters and home-based businesses, we are now taking booth reservations for our 5th annual bazaar.
The front room prices are: $50.00 for one 6x8 space or $95.00 for two
All other rooms are: $45.00 for one 6x8 space or $85.00 for two
Tables are $5.00 apiece for any room. Please call: Mary Lamanno @ 972-712-8941 for reservations and/or information
Vendors Wanted for Holiday Bazaar at Grace Avenue UMC:
The 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2006. Sixty booths are available inside two buildings on the Grace Avenue campus. The Bazaar will be held in conjunction with the last weekend of our pumpkin patch, Pumpkins on the Prairie, and will be well-advertised in the month of October through this newsletter, signage around Frisco, the Frisco Enterprise and other outlets.
If you sell hand-crafted items or have a home-based business and would like to participate, please contact Lisa McDonald at barryandlisamcdonald@comcast.net and you will receive a contract and all the details about the Holiday Bazaar.
(Sorry, we have already accepted vendors selling Mary Kay, Arbonne, Cookie Lee, Homemade Gourmet, Stampin' UP!, Tastefully Simple and Southern Living for this year's Bazaar.)
Crafters needed for Fall Festival - October 28, 2006:
First United Methodist Church Frisco will be having the 2nd annual Fall Festival and craft show on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fall Festival was a huge success last year. Booths are available for crafters and home-based businesses. If you would like to participate or need more information, please call the church at 972-335-4380 or logon to our website www.friscofumc.org.
Vendors Wanted for Fall Bazaar:
It's still summer, but we're busy planning our annual Fall bazaar. The 2006 Frisco High School drill team's Star Bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 11th from 9am-4pm at Frisco High School. With lots of booths and tons of advertising, this will the THE event for fall and holiday! The deadline for early bird registration is Sept. 30th. Booths and categories are limited, we recommend you act quickly! If you are interested, please email Sheri Dyer at starbazaarmom@sbcglobal.net (make sure you put "bazaar" in the subject line, please) and we will forward to you the necessary information. This bazaar benefits the Frisco High School Drill team, the Stars.
Only Ten More Days Before the End of Frisco's Youth Math Challenge on Water Use in the Home:
More challenge cards were handed out at the Green Health and Safety fair by Frisco's Water Education Coordinator David Hylton and volunteer Lisa Westbrook. Local artist John Elliott came by with a poster of a boy sitting at a desk working on a math and science project about water - to encourage Frisco's youth to enter the contest and practice their knowledge of math and science on the topic of water use in the home. Several teens attending the fair who stopped by Frisco's Waterwise booth said they were "working on it."
Mayor Mike Simpson came by and acknowledged their efforts. Environmental Services staff were there too, with creative fun games like recycling basketball (and more). It was nice to see the people who are working together to encourage awareness in recycling and wise water usage.
There has been increased advertising lately of water issues, and there's no denying that it has been relentlessly hot this summer. It makes sense to spend a little extra time thinking about water.
Teacher Sherry Hammons who teaches third grade in Amarillo said she is going to bring a gallon jug to class and integrate discussions about water use as streaming topic that addresses the TEKS for math and science. "I can see a place for water as a common theme in many of the essential skills," she said. Hammons said she added a measuring cup and measuring spoons to the student's school supply list this year. She added that she would be bringing jugs of different sizes, pepples, dirt, sand and beans. She said if you ask teachers what the common theme of this summer's teacher education was, you would probably hear repeatedly "connect the subject you are teaching to real world examples." Last year, she included data from the weather in 1867 and the 1930's (taken from census data and youth historical fiction) in her literature circles as dates to compare with the present.
At the Onebranch Interactive Library, researchers pay attention to these creative ideas, both to encourage teachers, engage parents, and to facilitate family stories. Our public statement is simply, "here's our library, we hope you find something useful." Westbrook said. The incentive to collect math and science resources is based on interest and the now common knowledge that we can all benefit from becoming smarter about our own resource use. Frisco Youth can practice their math and science knowledge in their home and community.
Some kids who decide to enter in the next ten days, might need a jumpstart or encouragement from their parents. They may not know where to start to express their idea. Judith Gasser, Ph.D, associate professor of reading at Texas Women's University suggests that linking an event to information facilitates cognitive processing.
It was more than a year ago that Gasser told Westbrook that cognitive development thrives on personal connection to the information. She said, "One component of engagement becomes activated when the reader makes connections to what is being read and then carries these connections to other texts and information about the world." She said real live family history is a great way to facilitate connections in learning.
So if your kids need a starting point, a common event we have in Frisco is the rainstorm we had on the fourth of July this year. Who didn't breathe a sigh of relief on that day Parents might encourage their young, whether they have a budding artists who may think of drawing the water tower as a theme, a young quilter who might work with a grandparent or senior to make a quilt block with a water theme, or a young script writer who has an idea for a short skits for reader's theatre. There's even a possibilities for Frisco's young journalists, who might want to interview seniors at Frisco's Senior Center. Whatever ideas a child wants to enter, we encourage Frisco parents to facilitate the process.
More details about the Youth Math Challenge can be found in the e-science room challenge board at www.onebranch.org. Contest entries can be sent to OneBranch Math Challenge - Frisco P.O. Box 825 Frisco, TX. 75034 and must be in the post office box by August 20, 2006. For additional information, please call 214 705-8220. Onebranch.org is an e-library, registered as a 501 C 3 educational organization in Texas since 2001.
Update! - Eagle Scout Project to Collect Food:
This is Alex Cottam, the Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 51. I wanted to update you on my Eagle Project. Last week we held a food drive at Kroger’s and Brookshire’s (both on Preston Road) which was very successful. In a little over 4 hours, we collected nearly 1200 pounds of food which was delivered to Frisco Family Services Center. Based on the success, we will be holding another food drive this Saturday, August 12th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. We are increasing the number of locations in hopes of collecting even more food. Scouts will be collecting food at Kroger’s on the corner of Lebanon and Legacy, Albertson’s on the corner of Lebanon and Legacy and at Kroger’s on the corner of Teel and Main. Due to the increased number of grocery stores, we will NOT be holding the food drive at First United Methodist Church, however, donations can be dropped off at any of the grocery stores on Saturday.
Thanks for any help that you can give,
Alex Cottam - alex_cottam@hotmail.com
Frisco Community Band Hidden Cove Concert:
August 19th, 2006 – 6:45pm – Hidden Cove Park, Frisco
Come join the Frisco Community Band as we celebrate the end of summer with music on the lake! The Concert Band will be performing at Hidden Cove Park at Lake Lewisville on Saturday, August 19th, starting at 6:45pm. Bring the whole family and a picnic and enjoy an evening of delicious food and wonderful music with the Frisco Community Band. The concert is free, but the park charges an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. The concert is sponsored by JT’s Boat Rentals at Hidden Cove Park.
Karen Strauss, Vice President of Public Relations for the Frisco Community Band, says the band is excited about performing at Hidden Cove Park again and is enjoying a larger audience. “It’s been an awfully hot summer and we’re looking forward to celebrating the end of it with new music, great food and the perfect location.”
The Frisco Community Band was formed in Spring 2004 as a non-profit, all volunteer organization benefiting the City of Frisco and its neighboring communities. The band provides local musicians with the opportunity to expand or continue their experience in the performing arts with the ultimate purpose of making live, symphonic and ensemble music accessible to all segments of the community.
The Frisco Community Band is funded by grants from the Frisco Association of the Arts and Target, also by donations and member dues. All area musicians with at least high school experience are welcome and there are no auditions for the Concert Band. Performances are free to the public.
For more information please visit http://www.friscocommunityband.org. For the location of Hidden Cove Park and JT’s Boat Rentals see http://www.hiddencovepark.com.
Frisco Force 10U Softball Tryouts:
New Frisco Force
10U Girls Fastpitch will be holding open tryouts on Saturday, August 12th at
the Jerry Cotton Softball field which is where the Frisco High School Girls
play. The field sits between Staley Middle School and the Administration
Building. Workouts will begin at 4:00pm until 6:30pm.
We are looking to build two teams consisting of 96 & 97 birthdays. All
positions are open. These two teams will be headed up by Ricardo Cantu and
Emilio Villa.
If you have any question, please contact Ricardo Cantu @ 214-498-4134 or email
ricardocantu8@sbcglobal.net.
Thank You from Strikz Entertainment – Back to School Extravaganza:
Strikz Entertainment would like to thank everyone who participated in the USO donation drive! With your help, we raised over $6,000 worth of donations for our troops! Listen to 97.5 KLAK for information on our upcoming Back to School Extravaganza benefiting Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center held August 26th! Don’t miss this exciting event with giveaways, prizes, specials and more! For more information about the extravaganza or Strikz Entertainment, please contact us at 972-668-LANE (5263) or visit our website at www.strikz.com.
FISD Important Dates and Times:
School Start Times
8:00-3:00 Elementary
8:40-3:55 Middle School
8:45-3:55 High School
August 11 - Elementary Meet the Teacher/Bring your Supplies Night
August 14 - First Day of School; Kindergarten orientation session for parents
& students.
August 15 - First Full Day for Kindergarten
August 22 - Middle School Meet the Teacher Night
August 24 - Elementary Curriculum Night
August 28 - Frisco and Centennial High Schools Meet the Teacher Night
August 30 - Wakeland and Liberty High Schools Meet the Teacher Night
September 4 – Holiday
Peter Pan Auditions:
Audition Dates: August 12, 2006 at 2:30 PM Auditions will be held at the NewStart Church, 6810 Main St. Frisco, TX 75034 No appointment required. Auditions will be cold reading from the script and some improv. Children too young to read will be asked to pretend to be different characters.
Actors needed: Ages 4 and up. Including Adults.
The everlasting classic account of two boys and a girl who follow Peter Pan and the fairy, Tinker Bell, into Never Land, where children never grow old and where Captain Hook and his pirates are outwitted.
Special Audition Class
August 12, 2006 at 12:30 PM to 2PM. Refresh your audition skills with this class. Class will be taught by the Peter Pan Director. Tuition: $25
Character List: Nana, Michael, Mrs. Darling, John, Wendy, Mr. Darling, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Pirates,Tiger Lily, Indians, Fairies, Mermaids, Birds, Animals
Performance Date/Time
20-Oct-2006 Friday at 7:00 PM
21-Oct-2006 Saturday at 7:00 PM
27-Oct-2006 Friday at 7:00 PM
28-Oct-2006 Saturday at 2:00 PM
28-Oct-2006 Saturday at 7:00 PM
The Gene Autry 99th Birthday Festival:
2006 will mark the 99th Birthday of America's favorite singing Cowboy, Gene Autry. Traditionally, this festival has been held in his hometown of Tioga, Texas. This year the celebration, with an expected attendance of over 30,000, has gotten "too big for Tioga". It will be held October 6, 7, 8 at the world-famous Southfork Ranch in Parker, the site of the TV series “Dallas.”
The Festival opens Friday, October 6th, at 9am with the start of the National Finals of PoloCrosse. At 6pm , the Opening Gala Dinner and Auction will take place. Tickets are $100 and include a meal with concert by Country Hall of Fame member Ray Price, plus dancing featuring Texas Hall of Fame member Gary P. Nunn.
Booth space is available to showcase your items and/or company. Call Hoot Gibson at 214-538-3910 to purchase Gala tickets or booth space, or if you are interested in advertising in the program book.
Special room rates are also available ($69/night) at Southfork Hotel – call (972) 578-8555 (Be sure and mention Gene Autry Festival. Shuttle service provided to Festival for hotel guests)
For more info, email guichntex@yahoo.com . The weekend festivities will feature a broad spectrum of western entertainment for the whole family; details can be found at http://www.geneautryfestival.info/
Proceeds from the Festival will help build a museum to honor Autry through the Tioga Museum & Heritage Association, a tax-exempt 501 C-3.
Once Upon a Time…A Magical Evening Celebrating Arts in Frisco – Frisco Association for the Arts Annual Gala:
Frisco Association of the Arts presents its annual fundraising gala, “Once Upon a Time…A Magical Evening Celebrating Arts in Frisco” on Saturday, September 16, 2006. The black tie event is a dinner, auction and entertainment with a showcase of local arts at The Embassy Suites Frisco. The Frisco Association for the Arts supports more than 15 local arts organizations in Frisco and Collin County. Individual tickets are $125 per person. Advance reservations are required. You can reserve your tickets now by calling 972-668-5180. Sponsorship opportunities for this Magical Evening are also still available by contacting our Gala Chair Tracie Reveal Shipman at: tshipman@friscoarts.org
They are also looking for auction items. Please email Val Maso at vmaso@comcast.net if you have items you wish to offer for the auction.
Cattle. Concerts, Art and Kids in Frisco:
The Great Steak of Texas at Frisco Square announces festival entertainment
WHAT: 3rd Annual Great Steak of Texas at Frisco Square, a 2-day festival celebrating Frisco’s heritage on the Shawnee Trail features a steak cook-off, 5K ‘Running with the Bulls,’ daily cattle drives, Sunday Cowboy Brunch, stage coach rides, beer garden, family area with pony rides and games, “Great Art of Frisco” featuring Artists from around the nation, Rising Star of Texas art display and interactive arts activities for kids. Main stage artists include Uncle Kracker, Bleu Edmondson, and Ray Wylie Hubbard!
Saturday, September 30th from 10am to 11pm and Sunday, October 1st from 10am to 6pm. See www.greatsteakoftexas.com for complete schedule.
TICKETS: $5 per person (children 5 and under FREE). Free Parking
EXPECTED ATTENDANCE: 25,000
WHERE: Frisco Square, Dallas North Tollway at Main Street/FM 720)
School Days, school days…
Small World With Love will be hosting its 8th annual “Back To School” shopping spree for clothing and shoes on August 12th.
Small World has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of needy children in Frisco, Texas and surrounding towns for over 10 years through their Christmas Angel Trees, Scholarships, and Back to School Programs. This North Texas charity gives 100% of every dollar donated back to the children of our community.
How Does the “Back To School” Program Work?
We are asking you to open your heart and your wallet. A donation of $ 75.00 can give one child the opportunity to feel good about going back to school.
We would like to extend a really big “thank you” to our sponsors and volunteers for making this a very special day for so many.
With Love it is indeed a Small World.
To volunteer or to make a donation please call Denise Wharton at 972-743-0433 or visit www.smallworldwithlove.org
Liberty Redhawks (New Frisco High School) Football Team Looking for Inaugural Sponsors:
The LHS RedHawks are led by Coach Joe McBride, former defensive line coach of the State Champions Hebron Hawks. During 2006-2007, the LHS RedHawks will play a Freshman and JV Schedule against 13 area schools, primarily at Pink Stadium just behind Pizza Hut Park, including cross-town rivals Wakeland Wolverines, a game sure to draw a good crowd. Starting in 2007 - 2008, the LHS Redhawks will play a full varsity schedule and potentially several play off games with expected fan attendance of 1,000 - 1,500 and more, especially for the cross-town games against Frisco, Wakeland, and Centennial!
Coach McBride fully intends to re-create the winning tradition that he enjoyed at Hebron here at Liberty High School! You can imagine what that will mean in terms of fan attendance at the games.
Some of the areas we are looking for sponsors in are:
Liberty Redhawks Football Website (under development) :
$125 - 1/4 page ad and listing on web site sponsor page
$250 - 1/2 page ad and listing on web site sponsor page
$500 - whole page ad and listing on web site sponsor page
$750 - whole page ad and listing on web site home page (3 Available)
Seat cushion sponsor: $1000 get an ad on one side with LHS on the other side. Also will get a listing on the web site sponsor page.
Stadium cups: For $500 get your name on one side of the cup, with LHS on the other side.
If you are interested, please give me a call or email pas.kaufman@comcast.net and we can discuss a potential sponsorship!
Scott Kaufman, Secretary - Liberty Redhawks Football Boosters - Phone: 972-359-7011
Blood Drive:
Faithbridge Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Carter Blood Care blood drive Sunday Sept. 3rd from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. We would like to invite anyone who wants to donate to attend the drive. Appointments are encouraged for quicker service, but walk-ins are welcome. Please e-mail dannah.walter@comcast.net to reserve a time.
"Back to School Youth Bash" - August 20, 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.:
First United Methodist Church Youth Group is hosting the "Back to School Youth Bash" on Sunday, August 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Activities include: 70 foot obstacle course, dunk tank, inflatable Twister, and live Christian music. Cost is $5 for all activities, all day. Food will also be available for purchase at $1 a ticket and includes hot dogs, sausage on a stick, and drinks. The church is located at 7659 Preston Road, corner of Preston Road and John Wesley Dr. For information, please call the church office at 972-335-4380.
Frisco Women’s League New Member Social:
Frisco Women’s League will host a new member social at Stonebriar Country Club on September 7, 2006 at 7:00 PM. The new member social provides an overview of the volunteer organization and an opportunity to meet with current members. We are looking forward to an exciting year with many community service events. Please come join us! If you would like to attend please RVSP to Amanda Fuller at FriscoWomensLeague@yahoo.com
Frisco Women’s League is an organization dedicated to supporting and enriching the Frisco Community and surrounding areas. The League promotes community service through programs and projects that aid in civic, cultural and educational development of the city of Frisco. Please visit our website at www.friscowomensleague.org
Frisco Chapter of American Business Women’s Association (ABWA):
The Frisco Charter Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women's Association) would like to invite you to their monthly meeting on Monday, August 14th at 6:00 pm at the Embassy Suites, in Frisco, TX. This will be our passing of the gavel meeting where the current President Sandi Chance passes the gavel to our new incoming President Bonnie Peterson. The other board memebers also pass their duties to the new board members.
Please join us for the new officers installation. We will also be having a guest speaker, Vickie Marlett. She was the 2005 Chair Person for the National Convention of ABWA, and is a candidate for 2006 district Vice President. She will have some very inspiring things to share with us.
The cost is $20 per person, and this covers your meal provided by Embassy Suites. Networking begins at 6:00 and our meeting will begin at 6:30. All guests are welcome. If you have any questions, please visit our web site www.friscoabwa.com.
Frisco Noon Lions Club Charter Event:
Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 7-9:30pm at Dave & Buster’s at the Stonebriar Mall
Tickets may be purchased through the Frisco Noon Lions Club for $35 per person. Please contact a club officer to purchase your ticket, TODAY!
President Brandy Griffin 972-335-2487
Secretary Lynn Edmondson 972-335-2487
Treasurer Cheryl Hayes 972-335-7171
Lions Club is revived in Frisco, Texas! Men and women will celebrate the formation of the Frisco Noon Lions Club at the Charter Night celebration. The evening begins with an introduction of special guests. Dinner will be served and presentation of Charter and Charter gifts. We will have music and raffles! Everyone is invited, call today, tickets are limited.
Locally, Lions club activities include collection of eyeglasses for recycling. The Frisco Noon Lions Club plans to become involved in our community by offering aid to those in need of assistance with eyeglasses, diabetes awareness around town and in schools, global awareness projects in our schools, and scholarships. Our motto is “WE SERVE”.
Internationally, the Lions primary activity is assistance to the blind and visually impaired. They are also very involved with many youth initiatives. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more that 1.4 million members in more than 188 countries.
Support for your new Lions Club can be shown in many ways: cash donations, advertising in the Charter Night Brochure, purchasing tickets to Charter Night, becoming a member, donating raffle items, and spreading a good word about your local Lions.
www.friscolions.org - 7548 Preston Road #141-219 Frisco, TX 75034
Upcoming City of Frisco Events:
6th Annual
Mother-Son Dance
Saturday, Sept. 16
- Centennial High School
Attention Moms! Enjoy dancing and spending this special time together. Come dressed as your favorite famous duo, including actors, super heroes, musicians, cartoon characters or other celebrities! Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10 and are available Aug. 19 at Alumni Hall Fitness Center between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. or www.sportspilot.com.
Moms are invited
to bring their sons to this memorable dance and share a special time
together. For more information, please call 972-335-5517.
City Hall/Library Grand Opening Celebration
Thursday, Sept. 21, 5pm - George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, Frisco
Square
The public is invited to attend the Grand Opening Celebration and join the Frisco City Council in offering “congratulations” and “thanks” to City Manager George Purefoy. The Grand Opening Celebration will feature a monument unveiling, public tours and free souvenirs marking the momentous occasion.
Frisco
Storytelling Festival
Friday-Saturday,
October 20-21 - All day event - Frisco Commons - 8000 McKinney Road
The lost art of
storytelling is brought back to life every year with this festival. A
collection of some of the grandest storytellers in the country arrive in
Frisco at this time to regale those in attendance with stories ranging from
the humorous to musical to the outrageous. This is yet another event that
provides tremendous entertainment for people of all ages.
6th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Nov. 27 to Dec. 2
The holiday season is a time for baking. Join your friends and family in the kitchen and share holiday memories as you begin a new tradition. Santa will take a break from his North Pole duties to be a judge. Registrations cost $10 and will be accepted on a first come , first serve basis at the Alumni Hall Fitness Center, City Hall, Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Frisco Public Library, Senior Center at Frisco Square and from Ashley Blanchard, Special Events Programmer, at ablanchard@friscotexas.gov.
Merry Main Street
December 2 - location is still being discussed and details will follow.
2007 Daddy Daughter Dance
Saturday, February 17 at the Frisco Conference Center. Tickets will go on sale most likely in January but watch this newsletter for details.
The Gigster Clinics – for rising performers:
1. Build your band
2. Get your gear
3. Make some news
4. Rock the world!
Want to take your music career to the next level, but don't want to sell out to the commercial star-maker machine? Not sure about how to buy your equipment, run your sound and lights, promote your act, manage a show, or what to do next?
The Gigster Clinic is a half-day seminar designed for you. If you're a serious musician in any pop genre—from rock to hip-hop to punk to emo to funk to grunge to country to Contemporary Christian—this clinic will help you. You can run your own show. You don't have to be a piece of meat for the record companies to exploit (unless you want to be).
The clinic is lead by veteran rocker, songwriter, and business consultant Ryan Michael Galloway. His goal is to give you a five-year jump ahead of your competition. The clinic is an information-packed half-day, with a hands-on workshop in the final hour.
First clinic date: 26 August 2006 – more scheduled this fall. The inaugural session (8/26) has a VERY SPECIAL price that will not be repeated—a steal of a deal.
More information: http://www.GigsterClinics.com, 972-841-0226, or Ryan@RyanRocks.com
The Place to Find All of Your Back to School Information is on Frisco-Online:
Are you wondering what the first day of school will be like for your child and how you can make it an easier transition for him or her? Or maybe you are wondering when Frisco ISD will be hosting "Meet the Teacher Night"? Just log on to www.Frisco-OnLine.com for a guide to all of your back to school questions.
Also, join Frisco-OnLine for our monthly Networking Happy Hour on Wednesday, August 16th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Cyprus Lounge inside of Embassy Suites. The Embassy will be providing appetizers for us and we will be responsible for our own beverages. Happy hour is not just for open to businesses/business owners, it is open to everyone. So, bring your business cards and a smile and get ready to mingle!
Frisco Fire Department Now Accepting Applications for Upcoming Classes!:
Citizen’s Fire Academy – Class #18
The Frisco Fire Department will be hosting the Frisco Citizen’s Fire Academy (CFA) class starting Thursday, September 7th at Fire Station #4. Designed to provide the community with information about the organization and operations of the Frisco Fire Department, the academy is open to persons over the age of 18 who either work or live within the City of Frisco. In addition to classroom education taught by Frisco Fire personnel, CFA participants will also have the opportunity to spend time at Fire Stations and ride along with emergency personnel. Other hands-on activities include going inside a burning building while dressed in bunker gear as well as using powerful rescue tools during an extrication demonstration.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Class #9
The Frisco Fire Department is currently taking applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class starting Tuesday, September 11th at Fire Station #4. CERT classes instruct citizens about disaster preparedness and how to respond to a disaster or large-scale emergency situation within their communities. The program is open to persons over the age of 18 who either work or live within the City of Frisco. During classes, citizens study an all-risk, all hazards training program including CPR and Basic First Aid training. Once trained, CERT volunteers will be able to provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and provide critical support including collecting disaster intelligence to professional first responders.
Applications for both classes are available for download at www.friscofire.com or can be picked up at any Frisco Fire Station. Each nine-week program meets one night per week from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. If interested or for more information, contact the Frisco Fire Department at (972) 335-5525 during normal business hours.
Citizen’s Police Academy:
The Frisco Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is an interesting and informative program that educates citizens who live or work in Frisco about our police department and its divisions and practices. Instructors are officers and employees of the Frisco Police Department.
The Frisco CPA meets every Thursday for 11 weeks and includes an optional 12th week training session for the Citizens on Patrol (COPs) program – www.friscocops.org. The CPA is offered twice yearly (one session in the fall and the other in the spring). The program has recently been restructured to involve more hands-on activities, such as actual crime scene processing, hand to hand defensive tactics, pistol shooting, high-risk traffic stops and much more. Although each member is encouraged to take part in the scenarios, participation is optional and any member may choose to be a spectator in any portion of the CPA. The purpose of the CPA is to give our citizens an idea of just a few of the many day-to-day functions in the Frisco Police Department. In order to graduate from the program, participants must not miss more than two classes (not counting the optional firearms class or COPs training).
The next CPA is scheduled to begin Sept. 14, 2006. Classes are held in the training room at the Frisco Police Department, 8750 McKinney Rd.
Once you have completed the CPA curriculum, we hope you will want to become part of the Frisco Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and/or Frisco Citizens on Patrol. Both are active police/community support and educational organizations (visit www.fcpaaa.org for more information).
In order to participate you must fill out an application for the CPA, along with the waiver of liability. If you have any questions, or would like an application, please call (972) 335-5603 ext. 107 or e-mail, gcovington@friscotexas.gov. You may fax your application and waiver to (972) 731-4900. After your application has been reviewed and processed, your name will be placed on a list (applications are processed on a first come basis). Applicants will receive letters in August about the status of their application and additional class information.
Since the class size is limited to 20 participants, we encourage early enrollment. Once again, thank you for your interest.
Advice From Dr. Checo:
Hello Frisco,
In our never ending quest to catch disease before it catches us, some “technologies” seem so full of potential that almost by default, we embrace them in the hope that they pan out how we’d like. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work out. Thankfully, there are exceptions.
I’m sure all of you have been pummeled incessantly with ads about “whole body CT scans” and “heart CT’s” looking for calcium. This, in theory, would detect disease before it got to us. However, as is often the case, technology has a way of getting ahead of what we can actually do with it. For example, the older generation “detectors” would indeed make even the smallest bit of calcium glow- but it was unclear whether the calcium resided within the arteries or outside the arterial walls. This is an important distinction because it is almost invariably the intraluminal (inside the arteries) calcium that cause heart disease. Because of this and many other reasons too numerous to mention, I was, shall we say, a bit leery of this.
No longer. In part due to my good friend, great cardiologist and Frisco resident, Dr. Mark Shalek, I’ve had an epiphany of sorts regarding this test.
Dr. Shalek recently gave a lecture explaining the utility of this test, its health implications and, most importantly, how it may have the potential to save tens of thousands of lives.
Succinctly, with the latest iteration of this test, a patient can, within 20 seconds (literally) get a calcium score. No pain, no disrobing, no claustrophobia. The resultant calcium score is then taken and, in conjunction with other cardiac risk factors, used to asses the likelihood (or not) of said patient having a coronary event in the next several years. Calcium as detected by the scanner is a direct reflection of potential or existent coronary artery disease. In other words, this detects disease that’s already present but hasn’t advanced to the next step, which would be an actual heart attack, for example. Couple this information with blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, family history and other risk factors and you have a very powerful predictive tool.
The evidence is so compelling that the American Journal of Cardiology will be issuing guidelines recommending the use of non-invasive testing such as the above and carotid artery sonograms for all males 45-75 years of age and all females 55-75 age. Pretty powerful stuff.
Of course, there are “gotchas”. The most important is the fact that insurance will usually not cover the test- yet. The test is 200 USD. Real money. The same money can easily leave your wallet at any of the local steak houses with a good bottle of wine. Priorities? Your call. My personal feeling is that if the evidence keeps mounting, insurance companies will have no choice but to cover this. Consider these numbers. The researchers guestimates that if these guidelines are followed, a potential of 90,000 lives and 21 billion dollars annually could be saved. Pretty hard to argue against that.
As much as I’m propping this test, let’s not confuse this with other, more established methods for the detection and treatment of heart disease, such as coronary angiography, still the “gold standard” for diagnosis. This is not a substitute, but rather an important adjunct. Remember, the other test require more invasive, riskier interventions.
Lastly, what to do with the results? Of course, this would be left up to you and your physician but, in general, it would be a call to arms, of sorts. Huh? Well, if you’re an otherwise healthy 50 something male with no other risk factors but had a calcium score of 450, you, my friend, are a disaster waiting to happen. Immediate initiation of preventive measures such as cholesterol-lowering medication, aspirin, diet/exercise would be a start. Further testing would likely be warranted to further specify the severity of disease. Not what I would want to hear as a patient but would you rather the alternative? A heart attack that could have been prevented- no-brainer alert.