Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Frisco community newsletter, as presented by Matt Lafata and the Matt Lafata Marketing Group. This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by Wayne Lancaster and Banker’s Financial Mortgage Group. Wayne is a Frisco resident who has been assisting home buyers in the Frisco/Plano area for over 20 years. Wayne has sponsored the newsletter several times over the past few years. Also check out the spotlight on DFW Diamonds and their UGLY JEWELRY contest. A lot of work goes into putting this newsletter together and I greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors so please patronize them wherever possible.
This newsletter and information source is designed to bring us all a little closer together each week by providing coverage of so many things going on in our community. There are so many amazing things in this newsletter, as there are every week. Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive it themselves. They will greatly appreciate you for it as no citizen should be without this important information at their fingertips. Let’s work to get all Frisco citizens on this list as a more informed society is a more functional society.
I would like to personally wish everybody a very Happy New Year! I hope 2007 is all you could hope for and more.
There are several great events in the Frisco area that take place on New Year’s Eve. Three are mentioned in this newsletter and one was mentioned in the December 7 newsletter, which you can view on my web site. This issue talks about the events at The Embassy, and last week we talked about the event at Bonnie Ruth’s and at The Abbey Grill. Three weeks ago we talked about Josephine’s Wine Bar & Bistro. Be sure to try and get to one of these and let them know that you heard about it through this community newsletter.
The Texas Tornado plays this Friday night here in Frisco and good seats are still available. Call 972-335-9800 or visit www.tornadohockey.com
If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, fundraising events, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than thirty-five thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send 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.
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are
interested in advertising and
reaching more than 35,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the
surrounding areas, please email us at
sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details on the various options
available to you. The newsletter is also included on the web site
www.mattlafatamarketing.com and
www.frisco-online.com for additional exposure. It’s a great way to promote
your business, promote an event at your place of business and is the most cost
effective and efficient way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population.
You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers
only.
Newsletter Sponsor – Bankers Financial Mortgage Group:
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION - GET A FIXED RATE MORTGAGE !!
If you have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) now would be the time to refinance to a fixed rate loan or if your fixed rate is 6.25% or higher, refinancing at today’s rate may make sense.
CURRENT RATES – PURCHASE OR REFINANCE
5.875% 30 year fixed or 5.625% 15 year fixed - no points
5.50% 30 year fixed or 5.375% 15 year fixed - one point
Zero closing cost or zero out of pocket options available on purchase or refi.
Call for a no obligation evaluation of your current loan or for a comparison rate quote if you plan to purchase a home.
Wayne Lancaster- Sr. Loan Officer- Bankers Financial Mortgage Group
(972) 712-9835 direct – waynelancaster@bfmgltd.com
Spotlight on…DFW Diamonds:
This interview was conducted with Amy Clarke, the owner of DFW Diamonds here in Frisco…
Tell us about your business, Amy
DFW Diamonds is the fresh face of jewelry in Frisco. We are excited to have our showroom and design studio in the Shops on Starwood (located at Lebanon and the Tollway). My name is Amy Clarke, and together with my husband Mike Clarke, we have provided custom jewelry design and loose diamonds in Addison, since 1993. We noticed in recent years that many of our clients, whom we consider friends, have moved north of Dallas to raise their families. By moving to Frisco we have made it easier for our friends to visit us, and we are making many, many new friends.
I have a Fine Arts Degree in Fashion, and have spent the last 13 years designing engagement rings and re-designing old jewelry into wearable treasures for my clients. Mike is a GIA Graduate Gemologist with over 25 years of experience working with diamonds. He invented and produced the Jewel Jet, a fashionable looking personal steamer which enables you to clean your own jewelry at home. You may have seen it on television, or in many independent jewelry stores around the country.
In addition to our custom design services, we offer loose diamonds, repairs big and small, as well as some exquisite in-stock merchandise.
Amy, there are a lot of jewelry places in Frisco, what makes you different?
What makes us different is that we are true boutique jewelers who use their education and talent to create pieces as individual and unique as each of our valued clients. Unlike the larger, faceless, corporate owned stores which promote only their own designs, we specialize in creating or re-designing custom pieces uniquely for you! If you have a design idea, I will discuss it, sketch it, and plan it together with you. If you do not have your own design in mind, together we will create one, and yes, we can even use your own diamonds and other precious stones. The final design is then delivered to our master craftsmen who will skillfully bring your vision to life. In the end, you will have an amazing piece of jewelry, at a very competitive price, that you can truly call your own. We promise you friendly personal service, and a fun and relaxed environment where you can enjoy competitive prices for any class or category of diamonds. To see what we have done for our other friends, you can view our design book at www.dfwdiamonds.com
Ok Amy, the part that everyone is waiting for. Since everyone loves specials, do you have something going on for our readers?
Yes, I have learned that ugly jewelry is among the leading causes of depression. So, in an effort to lift spirits and bring more joy to the world, we are holding an UGLY JEWELRY Contest. Everyone who enters will receive a FREE redesign consultation with me. However, the person that brings to us the ugliest piece of jewelry will WIN a FREE restyling valued up to $2000.00. Second place will receive a FREE restyling valued up to $1000.00 and third place will receive a FREE restyling valued up to $500. For the contest rules visit www.dfwdiamonds.com
Table of Contents:
To go directly to an item of interest, highlight that item, hold down the CTRL key and click. For those of you who submit things to me to be added to the newsletter, you may want to consider using descriptive titles for your submission in the future, otherwise I will continue to make them up..
Enter Today to be the next Mrs. Frisco: 4
2006 Annual New Year’s Eve Family Festival at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco: 4
Celebrate New Years Eve with friends and family at the Abbey Grill Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: 5
Residential Trash/Recycling Service for First Week of January: 5
Feb 2nd Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle: 6
The Frisco Area Children’s Theater Announces Acting Classes Starting in January: 6
Strikz Entertainment New Year’s Eve Party: 7
North Texas Baseball Alliance: 7
Frisco Retired Teachers Association Meeting: 9
Business Compass 2007 - Mark Your Calendar: 9
Plano Symphony Orchestra Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream - The Music of Shakespeare”: 9
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano – Upcoming Events: 10
Cooper Aerobic Center's Cindy Kleckner - Lose weight with simple changes: 11
DBU-North: Collin County’s University for Christ-Centered Education: 12
Check Out Those Articles on Frisco-Online.com: 13
Commission-Based Sales Positions At HRchitect: 13
Frisco House and Garden Show: 14
One Man’s Plight With Aids by Todd Shilling: 15
St. Philip’s Episcopal Preschool Announces Expansion and Enrollment Schedule: 16
Flu Season Underway in Denton County: 16
Landscape Design-Detail by Glenn Everett Kopanski, United States Navy Retired: 17
Dallas North Tollway South End Construction: 18
As wives and moms, sometimes we get so busy with the day-to-day activities of life that we forget to do something for ourselves. Sound familiar? If so, you could be on your way to a new journey of self-exploration, all the while making new friends! If you are a resident of Frisco and married, you’re eligible to compete for the title of Mrs. Frisco United States® 2007. Represent this amazing city and have a year you and your husband will always remember! The new Mrs. Frisco will get her state entry fee paid to compete at the Mrs. Texas United States® competition next May in Frisco! The state winner gets an all-expense paid trip to compete at the televised Mrs. United States® competition next summer in Las Vegas.
Contestants should wear a dressy suit (or something worn to a job interview) and will be judged solely at the Frisco local level on a panel-style interview and one-page biography form. Contestant interviews will be held Saturday, January 20th, in Frisco, and the winner will be announced immediately following the judges’ tabulation.
There will be complimentary preparation sessions to get all Mrs. Texas United States® contestants (including the new Mrs. Frisco) ready for the state competition, so no experience is necessary. Most women who compete have never done a pageant previously and find it a fun, new and self-enriching experience.
Entry fee to apply for the Mrs. Frisco title is $75. For an entry form and more information, please email info@mrstexasunitedstates.com. More on the state event next May can be found at www.mrstexasunitedstates.com Deadline to enter Mrs. Frisco is January 7th.
This is going to be an incredible family event that will sell out fast so call and make your reservations right away and enjoy New Year’s Eve at this beautiful hotel. Kids and adults alike will come away with a memory you won’t soon forget…
* Beautiful two-room suite
* International Buffet Dinner
* Activities for kids of all ages: Bounce house, face painting, balloon artists, wax hands, dance revolution
* Disc Jockey, karaoke and dancing
* Family souvenir photo
* Free movie in your suite
* Dessert Extravaganza at midnight as you watch the Embassy Lighted Ball descent from the 14th floor in the Atrium
* Cooked to order breakfast buffet the next morning
* Late checkout
* Free Parking
All centered around the family – $349.00 per suite for two adults and two children. Extra adult price $59.00, extra child $10.00. Prices do not include applicable taxes.
Entertaining, fun, exciting and close to your home in the heart of down town Frisco, this special production of our popular murder mystery dinner theater is produced by the Actors Company of Dallas. Join us for this 15 year tradition with two shows starting at 5:45 pm or 9:15 pm. Dinner, show, champagne and party favors for just $49.00 or $59.00 per person.
Please call us at (972) 335-3812 for more information and reservations. www.abbeygrill.com
The Abbey Grill also has a great New Year’s Day Brunch planned. Call for reservations and be sure to let them know you heard about these events from this community newsletter.
Residential trash/recycling service will be delayed one day due to no service on New Year’s Day Monday, January 1st.
Monday trash/recycling service will be done on Tuesday, January 2nd
Tuesday trash/recycling service will be done on Wednesday, January 3rd
Wednesday trash/recycling service will be done on Thursday, January 4th
Thursday trash/recycling service will be done on Friday, January 5th
Friday trash/recycling service will be done on Saturday, January 6th
The 2007 Winter Games of Texas are quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance to register for one of 13 sports being featured at this years’ Games. The Winter Games of Texas are unique to Frisco, and are a partnership between the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Frisco Parks & Recreation department. Athletes from the area, as well as across the state, will compete January 13 & 14, 2007 in venues throughout Frisco. For registration information or to volunteer for the Games go to www.taaf.com/wintergames.asp
This year, the Celebration of Athletes will be January 13, 2007 at FISD Memorial Stadium. The Winter Games Village will feature a snow village, live entertainment, face painters, bounce houses and much more. The Athlete Parade, lighting of the Winter Games torch, fireworks and more will follow inside Memorial Stadium. Entrance this year is free with the donation of a canned good or non perishable item to benefit Frisco Family Services. You can drop your donation off at Merry Main Street at the Winter Games of Texas tent, at all of the Capital One locations in Frisco and one in Plano, or at GattiTown. For more information contact 972-963-9225
Frisco Residents of Color (FROC) a newly established non-profit community organization within Frisco is currently seeking exhibition space for a forthcoming Youth Art Show/Reception. This will be one night event in February 2007. Please contact twofromdbayou@yahoo.com or (214) 387-6902 for additional details and/or questions.
2006 was the coolest event in town, 2007 will be the hottest! Mark you calendars for Friday, Feb 2, 2007. The Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 is hosted by Knights of Columbus #12480. Come prepared to enjoy live music and Cajun food in the Crescent City. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler…Let the Good Times Roll!
In addition to a great Mardi Gras Celebration you will have an opportunity to participate in our 2nd annual Reverse Raffle. For those of you not familiar with this type of fun, simply stated, the last person standing in the raffle will win. Prizes will be awarded in American Express gift cards. Complete rules and details are now available at: www.mardigrasfrisco.org
Proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and community outreach.
For more information or to register online, please visit: www.FriscoACTs.com or Call Aileen at 972-377-2675
Acting I (Ages 7 to 18) - Learn the basic of acting!
"What’s the Story?" (Ages 4 to 6) - Act out a different classic story every class!
Be A Star (Ages 4 to 6) - Be a different Character each class. Learn the Basic of Acting and Auditioning.
Acting II (Ages 7 to 18) - Perform a show! You've learned to act now use it to perform a show!
Home School Acting II (Ages 7 to 18) - Perform a show! You've learned to act now use it to perform a show!
PLEASE NOTE!
We keep our classes small so that every child gets attention. No one is left out! Class size is limited for all classes so sign up early so that you can avoid being on a waiting list!
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BEFORE THE DAY OF CLASS.
The Frisco Area children's Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the IRS tax laws.
Ring in 2007 with Strikz Entertainment!
Celebrate the new year with Strikz Entertainment! Enjoy unlimited soda, pizza, arcade games, cosmic bowling, billiards, and lazer tag!
Join us during one of our two party times:
Family Fun Night – 6-8:30pm – Children $20 and Adults $25
Big “Kid” Bash (includes champagne toast and noise makers) – 9pm-1am – Children $25 and Adults $35
The North Texas Baseball Alliance was established in 2004 to help support inter-city competition in North Texas. The alliance is built on strong relationships while maintaining independent leagues. We agree to provide combined competitive baseball for all age groups to develop skills, enhance learning, and cultivate personal growth
The experience of visiting neighboring cities, playing on different baseball fields, and meeting new people allows coaches and players alike to see different levels of competition and explore learning tools. We have coaches and players from all over including Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, The Colony, Garland, Dallas, Plano, Carrolton, Richardson, Anna, Melissa, and more playing on teams associated with each select league.
Today, the alliance is supported by city leagues in Frisco, McKinney & Little Elm.
* Frisco Baseball/Softball Association (FBSA)
* Triple Crown Academy at Triple Creek Complex (TCA)
* McKinney Baseball Association (MBA)
* Little Elm Area Youth Sports Association (LEAYSA)
NTBA welcomes all teams and players to visit league websites for more information or just visit www.ntba.us for the latest 2007 spring league information.
COST: $1500 for all age groups U9 - U14
Offering both AA & AAA USSSA League
USSSA Roster and Proof of Insurance Required
Equipment and game balls supplied by teams
Determined by players age on 4/30/2007
18 Games Guaranteed
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in League
Both single and double-header games will be scheduled to accommodate teams
Games are played in Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney
SEASON STARTS - March 9th 2007
National & State Qualifying League
Two State qualifying AA & AAA Tournaments
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in tournament
INCLUDED
DEADLINE TO ENTER - February 15th 2007
Start the New Year with the Frisco BPW on Thursday, January 4 where our speaker Sarah Handy will give us tips to keep nutrition simple and effective.
Frisco BPW meets at the Frisco Embassy Suites' Cyprus Grille's Garden Room, 7600 John Q. Hammons Drive, just west of Stonebriar Mall. Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner and speaker at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. Please email/call Nina Barr at ngbarr@tx.rr.com or 972-377-0335 to make a reservation or for more information. Guests are always welcome. The Frisco BPW meets on the first Thursday of the month for dinner, guest speaker and networking.
Also on display at this meeting will be the quilt made for the grand opening of the Women’s Museum in Dallas in September 2001. It was to be featured at the dedication ceremony by Ann Richards, when 9/11 happened and the ceremony was cancelled. This double-sided quilt is handmade with squares individually signed by most of the nation’s first ladies, celebrities, entertainers, and important women leaders in Texas and around the country. Many women not only returned their signed square, but sent a note of congratulations to the Museum. These notes are assembled in a scrapbook also available for viewing.
Members and guests are invited to come between 6pm and 7pm to view the quilt prior to the dinner meeting at 7pm.
The Business and Professional Women (BPW) is a national organization of women helping women through education, support and advocacy. Members and guests are encouraged to network with other professionals, share career strategies and interests and to learn from guest speakers on topics of interest to women as community members, individuals, business owners, employees, those advancing their careers, changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
Visit www.friscobpw.org for more information.
The Frisco Retired Teachers Association will meet Tuesday Jan 9th, 9:30-10:00am for continental breakfast and 10:00-12:00 for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Our featured speaker this month will be Glenda Covington, Frisco Police Officer. She will be giving a presentation about personal safety.
Mark Your Calendar for January 24th, 11:00—1:00 at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. An overview of the direction of growth and real estate in Frisco presented by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce School of Business will be the focus of this event. This session will feature John Lettelleir, the Director of Planning for the City of Frisco, Jim Gandy, President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, and private sector real estate developers in both the commercial, retail, and office areas. The goal is to map, as clearly as possible, for business owners the locations and supporting markets for commercial expansion in the city. Please make your reservations by calling the Chamber at 972.335.9522 or you may register on line at www.friscochamber.com. Lunch is provided. $5.00 for advanced reservations—$7.00 at the door.
with Maureen Thomas and Jenni Till - Soprano, San-Ky Kim - Tenor, Rebecca Campbell - Mezzo Soprano, and the Texas Voices Choir – Alan Dyer, Director
What: Music and theatre are special partners that through the years have offered some of the most thrilling and moving human experiences possible. Don’t miss this semi-staged version of one of the most beloved combinations of music and story – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with music by Felix Mendelssohn. Prior to this famous story coming to life, enjoy the mesmerizing romance of both Gounod’s and Tchaikovsky’s interpretations of “Romeo & Juliet.” Don’t miss this unique evening of music and drama!
Guest Artist: Canadian actress Maureen Thomas has accomplished much in her long career. With a full length film, television, voice over, commercial, and theatre career, Ms. Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades from Canadian television and professional organizations. Her unique staging of “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” performed all over Canada and the United States, has been described as “a dazzling revelation” of what symphony programs can be.
Program: 1. “Nuit d’hymenee” for soprano and tenor
2. “L’amour, l’amour” for tenor
3. “Je vieux vivre” for soprano
From “Romeo and Juliet-----------------------------C. Gounod
Romeo and Juliet--------------------------------------Tchaikovsky
Midsummer Night’s Dream-------------------------Mendelssohn
When: Saturday, January 27 - 8:15 PM
Where: Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson, TX 75082
Tickets: To order, call the Plano Symphony Orchestra Ticket Office at 972-473-7262. Reserved Seating tickets: $9-$70. Add $2 at the door.
Plano Symphony Orchestra’s 2006-2007 Season sponsors include The Dallas Morning News/DallasNews.com, American Airlines and major funding from the City of Plano.
January 2007:
Want some help with your New Year's Resolution to lose weight? Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano invites all women from Plano and surrounding communities to attend on Tuesday, January 9. Cindy Kleckner, Cooper Aerobic Center's dietician, presents "Nutrition You Can Live With" and will motivate us with simple changes that will make a big difference in our lives. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano, Mapsco 556S). Coffee & Social at 9:30a, Meeting at 10:00am, followed by optional After Meeting Lunch. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Janet O'Pella at 972 672-4763 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org
February 2007:
You don't want to miss our fabulous Valentine's Tea on Tuesday, Feb 13. Suzi Checki will entertain us with "Blonde Highlights of Hollywood", a comedic one woman show with songs and impersonations of famous Hollywood Blondes. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano). Social at 9:30am, Tea & Goodies & Entertainment at 10:00am. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Suzanne O'Malley at 972 208-1232 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org
About Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano is a social organization of warm, caring women, which provides a supportive environment for new and established residents of Plano Texas and all surrounding areas. The Club assists women in their transition to the community by introducing them to others, fostering friendships and encouraging participation in the group’s many activities.
We invite women to join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There is always an interesting speaker and you’ll meet a lot of fun, new women! We also host a wide array of monthly activities, including: Potluck Lunches & Dinners, Bunco, Canasta, Arts & Leisure Outings, Quilting, Movies, Wine Tasting, Book Club, Bridge, Gardening Group, Needlework, Couples Activities, a monthly Welcome Coffee and more. We are a sociable group of over 200- women who meet year ‘round and we love to see new faces!
Prospective members are invited to try our activities for one month before joining the group. Our monthly newsletter highlights our activities. We’ll be happy to send you one if you call Janet O’Pella at 972-672-4763. Look for us online at www.newcomerfriends.org.
Want some help with your New Year's Resolution to lose weight? Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano invites all women from Plano and surrounding communities to attend on Tuesday, January 9. Cindy Kleckner, Cooper Aerobic Center's dietician, presents "Nutrition You Can Live With" and will motivate us with simple changes that will make a big difference in our lives. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano, Mapsco 556S). Coffee & Social at 9:30 am, Meeting at 10:00 am, followed by optional After Meeting Lunch. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Janet O'Pella at 972 672-4763 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org.
All women from Plano and surrounding communities are invited and it is FREE.
Who is Cindy Kleckner, RD, LD?
As the registered and licensed dietitian and culinary specialist for the Cooper Aerobics Center Craig Ranch in McKinney, Cindy helps clients improve diet, lose excess pounds, and enjoy optimal health.
A specialist in cardiovascular wellness, weight management, sports and culinary nutrition, Cindy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her dietetic internship at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. She is a former President of the Dallas Dietetic Association and Texas Dietetic Association Media Spokesperson and continues to be very active in her profession in many dietetic practice groups. Additional accomplishments include Co-authoring “What’s Cooking at the Cooper Clinic” and a contributing author of nutrition chapters for Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper’s, “Overcoming Hypertension, Preventing Osteoporosis, The New Aerobics for Women”. When she’s not helping others meet lifestyle goals, Cindy loves travel and gourmet cooking, and stays fit playing competitive tennis. Married 25 years to her college sweetheart, she is a Mom of two sons, ages 19 and 14.
This is a new section that will appear regularly in the newsletter from the newest addition to my newsletter staff, Sarah Ianace…
December 21-January 2 is a Frisco ISD Student Holiday, Enjoy!
Mark you calendar – January is Frisco School Board Appreciation Month – Let’s all take the time to thank a board member for a job well done!
How neat is this? Frisco ISD participates with Safety Town
Safety Town is a facility and program that teaches children what to do in times of emergency. Two fourth grade classes and two second grade classes from Bright Elementary assisted with trying out the curriculum and streamlining operations. Curriculum is as follows, kindergarten is introduction to emergency services; first grade - motor vehicle, school bus and pedestrian safety; second grade is fire safety and burn prevention; third grade is bicycle safety and pedestrian review; fourth grade is severe weather and disaster preparedness; and fifth grade is internet safety and privacy concerns.
Frisco ISD study trips to Safety Town will begin in January 2007.
Congratulations
Shannon Keller, kindergarten teacher at Curtsinger, and Kimberly Weber, special education teacher at Ogle, were awarded the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award by Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas for work they did last year at Bright Elementary.
Don’t forget Frisco ISD is on TV
Available in Little Elm, Frisco, and Plano
Frisco ISD TV provides access to FISD Board Meetings, announcements, select campus events, student broadcasts and special projects.
Check out FISD site for the channel in your area http://www.friscoisd.net/news/channel76.htm
Attend any of these upcoming Information Sessions on Tuesday, January 2, at 5:45 p.m. at DBU-North for adults interested in completing a degree. The information session will involve a discussion on DBU’s master’s degrees as well as detailed information on how an adult can gain up to 30 hours of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree based on knowledge gained from life and work experience. You can earn an entire bachelor’s degree in Communication, Psychology, Business Administration, and Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Management, Master of Education, and a Master of Education in School Counseling at DBU-North in Frisco. The information session will be held at DBU-North’s new regional academic center located right here in Frisco at the corner of Warren and Internet in Hall Office Park (3211 Internet Blvd, Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75034). If you have any questions or would like to reserve a seat please contact DBU-North at (214) 333-5777 or dbunorth@dbu.edu. For more information about the new Frisco location go to: http://www.dbu.edu/dbunorth/infosessions.asp
Financial Aid Seminar: Wednesday, January 3, at 6:30 p.m.
DBU-North is hosting a free seminar on Financial Aid for students interested in applying for Financial Aid, not just at DBU, but all colleges and universities. The financial aid seminar is open to all students. RSVP 214-333-5777 or sara@dbu.edu.
Dual Enrollment for Frisco ISD Juniors and Seniors:
Attention Frisco ISD juniors and seniors! Are you interested in taking up to 15 hours of Dual Credit courses at DBU-North in Frisco for only $100 per course? For more information, contact Sara Petroff at (214) 333-5777 or go to: www.dbu.edu/dbunorth
DBU-North’s new regional academic center is located right here in Frisco at the corner of Warren and Internet in Hall Office Park (3211 Internet Blvd, Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75034). If you have any questions please contact DBU-North at (214) 333-5777, dbunorth@dbu.edu, or visit us on the web at www.dbu.edu/dbunorth.
Have a Happy New Year in Frisco with www.Frisco-OnLine.com
Have a Happy! Have a Happy! Have a Hap Hap Happy New Year with www.Frisco-OnLine.com New Year’s in Frisco is for celebrating all that is new! You, for instance. Read about the newly resolved Wenter Blair in her hilarious article “My New Rear’s Resolution!” Find the perfect place to ring in the merriment with your sweetie or the entire family. Celebrating at home? Log on to www.Frisco-Online.com for how to decorate and what is fun fair to serve at your gathering. From what to wear, how to wear it, what to serve and what is being served where in Frisco – it’s all available for you on the remarkable www.Frisco-OnLine.com!
HRchitect, a small nationwide and fast growing human resources technology consulting firm based in Frisco, TX, is a leading provider of consulting services to major corporations. We sell our services to mid-size and Fortune 500 companies.
We are currently searching for highly motivated individuals to drive sales within existing and new clients. We are searching for entrepreneurial-minded people who would like to work in a unique environment with independent and flexible work hours (part-time or full-time territories available), and great earning opportunities. Primarily focused on inside sales – you’ll be able to work from home and our new offices in Frisco Square.
Sales representatives earn a straight forward and lucrative commission. The majority of leads come from HRchitect, our business partners, and numerous other sources. This is a commission only position where our sales representatives make great money and enjoy uncapped commissions. The right candidates have the potential to build a six figure income stream very rapidly.
This is the perfect opportunity for people who want the flexibility to enjoy their family life, enjoy what they do and make great money while doing it.
Requirements:
* Outside or Inside, commission sales experience
* Proven record in a challenging, fast-paced environment
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Commitment to excellence and customer service
* Ability to work independently
* Very Organized
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
If you are a success-minded, goal oriented person who enjoys a family friendly work environment, we are ready to give you the opportunity to achieve your goals.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Matt Lafata
Director, Sales and Marketing
HRchitect
Presented by: Show Technology and located at Frisco Conference Center at the Embassy Suites
Turn your house and garden dreams into reality! With thousands of square feet of exhibits you'll find the latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays/materials, kitchenware, and much more.
Seminars include:
"Common decorating mistakes and how to fix them "
"Basic decorating on a budget"
Major Giveaways
Master Spa
Giving a way an Exeter Spa. It is a 7x7 spa with two pumps and 57 jets valued at $9,999.
Town and Country Foods
Giving away a $3000 Stainless Steel Outdoor Grill
Register to win the ULTIMATE BACKYARD including a state of the art Exeter Spa and Webber grill!!
Date(s) of event:
Start date: January 5, 2007
End date: January 7, 2007
Time and dates:
Friday Jan 5: 2 pm - 7 pm
Saturday Jan 6: 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday, Jan 7: 11 am - 5 pm
Admission price of the event:
Adults 17+ $8
16 and under and active military are free
65+ are $5 on Fri only
Phone number the public can call: 210-408-0998
About Brian Santos:
Brian Santos - Friday - Sunday Jan 5-7, 2007
"The Wall Wizard" - ALL NEW SEMINARS!!!
With more than twenty years of experience, The Wall Wizard, named for his magical ability to create stunning, decorative effects with simple, quick, low-cost techniques, is a seasoned home improvement specialist.
Web site: www.showtechnology.com
This story is about my friend Glenn Everett Kopanski, who is United States Navy Retired and has Aid's. He has been persistent the past 7 years in attaining a goal of speaking to our Youth in area High Schools about what he has been through for 23 years surviving Aid's and the many opportunistic infections that come along with this virus. In October through a good friend he was put in contact with Frisco Independent School District Superintendent's Debra Nelson, who then sent out a Plea to all Principals to let Mr. Kopanski speak to their kids about his Virus. Since then he spoke to a school that sent the first plea out Liberty High School's Principal Mike Waldrip. Glenn spoke to many classes in several weeks before he had to fly home to visit with his father John Kopanski who lives in Oregon in fear that the Cmv Virus may be affecting his walking again, upon return he spoke to two large classes totalling 200. The Responses were so positive that rumor got to the next school, Centennial High also in Frisco. He was put in contact with Kari Bendsend and Cecil Vega who scheduled him to speak to many multiple classes in Health and Team Leadership and once again the response was nothing but positive. The kids listened intently, I was there to watch many of the classes and the kid’s eyes were so focused on him speaking about what happens to a persons true potential in life you could have heard a pin drop on the floor. After each class kids would stay after and ask questions, some even had hugs and grateful thank you's to him for sharing his life with aids.
I have known Mr. Kopanski for three years and he feels the burden is on him to address this issue as he knows his time is limited and has outlived aids already, what he wants to do with his life in retirement now is to educate and continue to move on to other areas here in the Metroplex to let teens know the consequences of getting aids. He feels fortunate he had a 20 year career in the Navy and has a pension for life and insurance he will get the meds he needs to survive, his main question is where does a 15-20 year old get the money needed to ensure they can live with this Virus, one that costs over $70,000 a year to keep him alive to speak to these teens. A total of 66 pills a day and a Chemo Therapy additive to keep him from getting Cmv (Cygomegavirus), the Virus that threw him Comotose in 1999 and woke to find he was a total Parpoligic and would never walk again, yet he is, the self determination of this person is so strong I had to write this article to let our public know there is a man out here that wants and is making a difference and I and many others admire him for his will to make a difference in our part of the world. He is now in contact with Dallas Independent School District in hope he will address the council in January and be speaking in the Dallas Schools in 2007 the year that he will turn 50, Glenn was 25 when he contracted aids from the blood transfusions he had while in surgery.
My Christmas Wish is for him to survive and continue to enlighten us with his story so that Aid's is an issue 365 days per year not just on World Aid's Day ( December 1st). He is loved for all he does and he is wished well.
Admirably,
Mr. Todd William Shilling
St. Philip’s Episcopal Preschool is pleased to announce its expansion beginning in Fall 2007. The preschool will offer both a 3-day (M/W/F) and 2-day (T/Th) program to students aged 2½ through 5 as of September 1st. School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The mission of St. Philip’s Episcopal Preschool is to provide a joyful learning environment for children that fosters academic excellence and grows faith that impacts the world for Christ.
Enrollment for Fall 2007 will begin at a Registration Open House Saturday, February 3rd from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 6400 Stonebrook Parkway in Frisco.
For more information, or to schedule a tour of the school, please contact Mary Ecret, Preschool Director, at 214-387-4700 ext. 23 or maryecret@stphilipsfrisco.org. Additional information is also available by visiting www.StPhilipsFrisco.org.
The holidays are upon us, and in Denton County, so is flu season. Denton County Health Department’s hospital surveillance systems have noted an increase in influenza (flu) like illnesses. Area physicians have also started to see an increase in patients diagnosed with influenza. Dr. Jessica Gullion, Chief Epidemiologist for the Denton County Health Department says, “I think we can officially say that flu season has started in Denton County, but we are still at the beginning.” Schools around Denton County are reporting sporadic flu activity. Dr. Gullion notes, “It is not too late for people to receive their flu vaccinations.” Denton County Health Department has flu vaccine in both our Denton and Lewisville offices and will be distributing those during normal business hours on a walk-in basis.
Flu shots will be available for the general public, but DCHD especially encourages those at high risk of complications from the flu to receive a flu vaccination. Those individuals that are considered high risk include:
The cost of the flu shot is $20, payable in cash only. Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP will also be accepted as payment.
Vaccinations are not the only way to help prevent the flu. Here are steps you and your family can take to stay healthy this fall and winter:
Dr. Gullion also adds, “If you feel ill, stay home from work and keep sick kids home from school or daycare. This will help to reduce the spread of all illnesses this winter.” For additional information or for specific treatment options, contact your health care provider.
For January there are still many things in the yard that need attention that most do not realize. Keeping your weeds under control is important even in the winter months. I would recommend pruning any trees that you want to take what I call "Suckers" out those are branches that interlink making the tree/shrub look like a maze. You want healthy branches that will produce the best results. What I also recommend is cleaning out debris from the gardens especially if the bushes are nearest to the house. The one thing that I see in my neighborhood is multiple shrubs right up against the house, while one would think that is attractive, it is working against your home. The constant shade they provide will keep that soil so moist even during dry periods that it will begin to erode the concrete to your foundation, the brick work too can be breached. Best thing to do is to prune every shrub from bottom to top, clear away as much debris as you can against the house so wind and sun can penetrate that soil. While it is good to keep the foundation wet in the summer months, it is not in the winter, not unless we go more than two months straight with no precip.
Thatching the lawn is a good thing, use a tooth rake to get dead grasses out that are strangling the yard. It is hard work, but rewarding and best thing great exercise. Get excess weeds dug out right away if they are spotted. By doing that you are not encouraging those weeds to grow and seed, with the wind we get in North Texas it would take nothing to have that one weed turn into hundreds and not only on your lawn but your neighbors.
The last thing I would like to remind everyone is to prune all ornamental grasses down to the ground, it will provide fresh new looking foliage in the spring. Clip off dead seedlings off of your Crepe Myrtles also, this provides growth in the spring and will double color. Any flowers that have dead ends on them, prune them off too. Mainly winter is used for maintenance and you will see the results in March-May.
This month's tree/flower/shrub:
Tree: River Birch - Deciduous tree / Full Sun / 30-50ft tall / provides for a flacky white bark after several years and is a great tree for any garden. Hearty to drought however does require water in the hottest months.
Shrub: Bougainvillea - Tropical Vine - Full Sun / 15ft High / Purple, red, gold, pink, orange and whiteflowers called Bracts. Does require good drainage, but a hearty plant.
Flower: Crunium Lily - Perrenial Wildflower / Full sun to shade / 24-40" / White/Pink & Rose Color / Clumping Perrenial.
I will be back in February to give you some hints for spring. Hope this gives you some advice on plants that will make it in Texas. Happy Gardening.
As part of the North Texas Tollway Authority’s (NTTA) continuing improvements
at the south end of the Dallas North Tollway, it has been necessary to reduce
the number of lanes available to motorists at the Wycliff Toll Plaza.
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, southbound lanes at the Wycliff
Toll Plaza were reduced to four lanes – two cash lanes and two TollTag lanes.
The northbound lanes at the Wycliff Toll Plaza will be reduced similarly to
four – two cash lanes, and two TollTag lanes by mid-January, 2007.
By reducing the number of lanes through the plaza, the NTTA will be able to continue with pavement reconstruction through the plaza, safety enhancements and the construction of the new toll plaza canopy and booths. The lane reductions are anticipated to last until mid-summer 2007.
The reconstruction of the Dallas North Tollway south of Lemmon Avenue, which is now almost 40 years old, includes pavement replacement, improved overpass bridges, widening of Oak Lawn Avenue as it approaches the Tollway, new ramp access to Oak Lawn Avenue, and the construction of a new toll plaza at Wycliff Avenue.
Upon completion, the improvements will provide a state-of-the-art toll plaza, streamlined traffic flow, additional safety enhancements and will relieve traffic congestion. All improvements are estimated to be completed by late 2008.
Please check our Web site, www.ntta.org, for frequent updates, or call the project update line at (214) 224-3030.
Matt Lafata - matt@mattlafata.com - Cell 214-336-3355
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.
Newsletter Staff Members and Contributors:
Kaleigh Lafata – Tornado Talk
Sarah Ianace – Happenings in Frisco ISD
Glenn Kopanski – Landscape Design
Pedro Checo – Advice from Dr. Checo
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.