Dear Friends,
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Countrywide Financial, and they want you to come work for them. Also, check out the spotlight on USA vs. Debt and how they can help you get out of debt. 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 35,000 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.
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. 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.
Since this is the last newsletter before Thanksgiving, I want to wish everybody a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. I have so much that I am thankful for and I hope that you do as well.
Our Texas Tornado plays this weekend on Friday night and then they have games on Wednesday night (day before Thanksgiving) and then that Friday and Saturday. Visit www.tornadohockey.com to purchase tickets and for more information. If you have family in town for Thanksgiving, what better way to spend it than to bring them to a Tornado game?
Ever want a piece of Frisco heritage or learn more about the origins of Frisco? The Heritage Association of Frisco has books and other Frisco logo items such as clothing, hats and toys that make great gifts. Visit www.friscoheritage.org to purchase items or just to learn more about this great organization. You will also find a press release later in the newsletter about their latest book offering.
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.
Newsletter Sponsor – Countrywide Financial:
Jason Reeder, Call Center Manager, Countrywide Financial.
I had done various types of customer service in retail and banking. Each job never felt like much more than a job. From day one I knew this was different. I was very impressed with not only how detailed the training was but how evident it was that my trainers, coaches, and supervisors truly wanted me to succeed. I have been lucky enough to hold many different supervisory/management level positions and each one has been challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding. I thought Countrywide was the bridge, it turns out it was the destination.
· What does Countrywide offer?
- Advancement and growth opportunity. Countrywide has developed a highly organized and detailed program to ensure that we are finding the right people and getting them into the right positions to allow them to be successful. We come to you, that's how much we value good leaders.
- Stability. Countrywide has been servicing loans for over 30 years and has
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If someone is looking for a stable work place, then this is the
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- Recognition. There is constant recognition for hard work and to showcase the
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- Amenities: We offer a fantastic cafeteria and fitness center for our
employees.
Customer Service for Countrywide is a fast paced and performance oriented call center with challenging work related situations. This is easily the most enjoyable and fun work environment I have ever experienced.
·
How can
people find out more about employment opportunities at Countrywide?
We have hundreds of openings available right now throughout the Dallas
metroplex for Customer Service Call Center Representatives. The quickest way
to get your resume in front of one of our hiring managers is to submit it
online at
www.countrywidecareers.com/cscareers.
Countrywide is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to
create great opportunities for our business and our people. EOE. M/F/D/V.
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. 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.
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Table of Contents:
Because this newsletter continues to grow in size with so much going on in Frisco and the surrounding areas, I have added a table of contents. It’s not a clickable table of contents, yet, but that will be happening soon. For now, it is simply a listing, in order, of everything in this newsletter. 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..
Matt’s Blog:
Blog - an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page
Since the last time I wrote in my blog, back on November 2, it’s been a typically busy time.
On Friday, November 3rd, Erika and I attended the Legacy Christian Academy fundraising event at the beautiful Embassy Suites. The event was extremely well done and was one of the best silent auctions I have seen in a long time.
The next night, we had a great party at my apartment that was once again catered by the good guys at Snookies. The food was amazing as Chef Joe, who used to be the personal chef for Eric Clapton, once again dazzled us with some amazing dishes.
The following week I had a City Council meeting where the big item of the night was the decision to ban smoking in restaurants and other public places. This ordinance goes into effect on November 18.
That Wednesday, November 8, I attended a groundbreaking for another professional office building at Baylor Medical over on Warren, east of Legacy.
I stopped by the Rotary Club on Thursday, November 9, and had the privilege of hearing the Rotary District Governor speak about all the wonderful programs that the Rotary does.
That night, Erika and I attended the grand opening of The Shop at Starwood (SW corner of Lebanon and Legacy). There are some great restaurants and shops here and well worth your time to pay them a visit real soon. The grand opening event was first class all the way.
Friday night, November 10, my daughter and I went to the Tornado game and saw another exciting game go to an overtime shootout but it unfortunately ended in a loss for the Tornado.
Saturday November 11 brought some cold weather as the first annual Frisco Community Parade took place that morning. My kids and I rode on the fire engine and it was great to see so many people come out and salute our veterans and enjoy a great parade at the same time.
That night, Erika and I stopped at a wine tasting party for a short while and tried some great new wines. Then the night got really interesting. I left her house around 9:30 to go pick up my daughter, her son and their friends from the Tornado game. No more than 10 minutes later, she called me in hysterics as an intruder had been in her living room. Apparently this person had been entering several houses in the neighborhood that night and through the amazing work of our incredible police force, he was caught later that night and is now enjoying some quality jail time. I was very proud of how she stayed calm and escorted this criminal out of her house. She is currently going through the Citizens Police Academy and her ability to stay calm during a situation where most of us would have acted quite a bit differently is a great testimony to this program offered by our police department.
Sunday the 12th brought the MLS cup back to Frisco with a sell-out crowd and a national tv audience. A great match between the New England Revolution and the Houston Dynamo ended in an exciting shootout with the Dynamo being victorious. We took my three kids and Erika’s three boys to this packed-audience event.
Monday afternoon, my monthly Frisco Square meeting took place (2nd Monday of every month), where we got an update on projects going on in Frisco Square and potential new retail and restaurants that could soon be locating here in Frisco Square.
On Tuesday, Nu Image Custom Painting came and painted our living room and did a fantastic job. Let me know if you would like their contact information.
On Tuesday night, November 14, we were invited to and attended the National Bartending Championship at Fridays here in Frisco. It was very entertaining and I wish more people had known about it.
Thursday morning I got to read to a couple of different classes at Curtsinger Elementary, which I always love doing. I also forgot to mention that I responded to about 20 letters over the past couple of weeks from third graders at Pink Elementary. They were studying government and I love the questions that kids ask!
Thursday night, November 16, my girlfriend graduated from the Citizens Police Academy and we were all there to congratulate her.
We are now in our third week of working with a personal trainer and things are going great. Both of us have reduced our body fat and are feeling great.
Have a great weekend and a great Thanksgiving and I’ll write again in a couple of weeks.
Advertorial Opportunity:
Advertising meets editorial! Do you like to write? I am looking for new monthly columns for the newsletter, similar to the “Advice From Dr. Checo” column. It has to be an informative topic for our readers and this is a great opportunity for you to showcase and grow your business. Just ask Dr. Checo what kind of positive impact it has had on his business. In any event, I have two advertorial spots available for a monthly column and you would need to make a minimum three month commitment. If interested, please email sales@mattlafatamarketing.com with your idea and we will get back to you with details and pricing. This is a very unique opportunity and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2006 Frisco Ornament On Sale Now!:
The Friends of the Frisco Public Library are proud to announce the arrival of the 2006 Frisco Heritage holiday ornament. This year's hanging ornament depicts the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, which houses both the Frisco Public Library and City Hall. The building was dedicated just a week ago at its Grand Opening, this ornament is sure to be a collector's item!
You can purchase your finely-detailed brass ornament at the first floor library reference desk in the new library, for just $15. They make a wonderful gift or addition to your collection!
If you need to add to your collection, the library still has a few of the 2005 Frisco Caboose ornaments for $16. The 2004 Water Towers are now sold out. Don’t lose out on your chance to own the 2005 or 2006 ornaments before they are gone.
For more information, go to www.friscostorytellingfestival.org For library hours, go to www.friscolibrary.com
Multi-Family Garage Sale:
Saturday, November 18th at 8 am in the Stonelake Estates Neighborhood in Frisco (SW corner of Custer and El Dorado Parkway)
Angela Patterson's Farm Fresh Pecans:
You'd be nuts to miss out on our delicious pecans!
Angela Patterson's Farm Fresh Pecans is a home-based business. I live in
Frisco but my pecan orchard sits in the middle of a wheat field in some of the
most fertile pecan soil in the state, near the Red River.
We specialize in the Pawnee variety. It is one of the first pecan varieties harvested each season -- excellent for eating right out of the bag or topping a pecan pie!
We offer pecans by-the-pound cracked or shelled. Gift containers are available. We feature the Great State of Texas plastic container filled with almost a pound of pecans. We would be happy to ship your holiday orders.
We do not have a store front, but will be happy to meet you to deliver the freshest pecans available.
Call us for the freshest pecans in the area. My pecans were harvested around
Halloween. They have also been refrigerated. I will receive more pecans in the
coming weeks -- freshly picked from my trees.
Special pricing for newsletter readers has been extended through November
30th. Farm Fresh Pecans will close for business December 14th and reopen in
January. Shop early!
If you're looking for pecan-based recipes, just let me know! My pecan and cream cheese filled Pumpkin Roll received Second Place on two occasions at a North Texas Pecan Festival. It would be a simple but elegant addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table!
Please email me at angelaMpatterson@aol.com or call 214-707-2544. I will be happy to email you a Pricing Sheet.
Loving Expressions Seeking Donations:
Loving Expressions is a non-profit charity that supports Foster families and children in care. We are seeking out donations to re-stock before the holidays. If you have any unwanted baby or children's items please call us to arrange a drop off or pick up! We are need of any and all things.
We are also holding our 1st Annual Toy Drive to support local Foster care shelters. We will be collecting toys for ages newborn to 17. These kids live in these shelters instead of foster homes and we want to give them a wonderful Holiday this year. If you would like to donate funds or an unwrapped toy please contact us.
Open your hearts this season to these kids, for further information call: Suzanne Hollman @ 214-315-4331 or email suzanne@heartfeltexpressions.org
Crossroads Family Services Looking for Volunteers:
Crossroads Family Services is looking for individuals who are available to assist victims of family violence in Collin County as volunteers with the Crisis Response Team. Once trained, volunteers go out in teams of two to provide ON SCENE crisis intervention (police officers will be on site), assist in locating family violence shelters, and provide information on how to get protective orders, Crime Victims’ Compensation, and social service. Opportunities are also available for ON-CALL Coordinators – these volunteers are responsible for dispatching the on-site volunteers and may volunteer from home. Requirements: 21 year age minimum. For information on how to become a Crisis Response Team volunteer, please call 972-578-2802 or visit www.crossroadsfamilyservices.org.
Frisco Environmental Services Presents “Chunk Your Junk” and Truck Load Sale:
“Chunk your Junk” Saturday, 18th November 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Frisco Public Works building, 11,300 Research Road. For directions call 9072-292-5900 or visit our website at www.friscotexas.gov. Bring the following items for safe disposal, recycling or donation.
Appliances*, brush, batteries**, carpet, cell phones, computers, exercise equipment, fax machines, fencing, furniture, household hazardous waste ***, metal, printers, tree limbs, old clothes and other items that you may wish to donate to charity.
*Refrigerators and freezers must be tagged Freon free ** Car, boat, cell phone, computer, AA, AAA, B, C, D, 9 volt etc *** Paints, pesticides, pool chemicals and solvents.
Truck Load Sale – Saturday, 18th November 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Frisco Public Works Building, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 2 cubic ft bags of organic colored wood mulch on sale for $2.25 per bag. Available colors: red, brown, black. Wood is collected from Frisco green building sites and recycled into organic colored mulch by Consolidated Construction Recycling Services. Supplies are limited – so be sure to get here early!
Buy a Brand New 2007 Honda Accord LX Today:
$18,146 00 * - BRAND NEW - 2007 Honda Accord LX
or
O Down $259 Month, for 36 months*
See Mack Parker at David McDavid Honda of Frisco: Northwest corner of Hwy 121 and the Tollway 972-731-3000 www.myhondacar.net mack@myhondacar.net
*(on in-stock units only offer can not be used with any other incentive programs. Limited Supply, excludes Destination & Handling and any supplementary equipment. Plus Tax, Title & License. CM5547EW Offer expires 11/30/2006)
Catholic Singles Volunteering Social!:
Come Meet & Greet, Mix and Mingle at Randy's Steakhouse, Piano Lounge, Main Street, Frisco, Sunday, November 19Th at 7:30pm. Learn more about Catholic Singles Volunteering at St. Francis of Assisi, the many projects and events coming up and how you can join us. RSVP one of three ways to if your attending: E-mailing CSV_SFOA@Yahoo.com, Call 972-292-2692 or sign on, Join and reply to the RSVP Poll at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CSV_SFOA/
Collin County Songwriters Association News and Recommendations:
Open Mike night every Thursday at Tres Meridas, 8:00 PM. Stevie G. hosts talent from all over. Come by and bring your guitar, or just listen. Cover songs or originals welcomed. Tres Meridas is a great Spanish/Mexican restaurant in front of Toys R Us on Preston Road in Frisco.
This weekend well known music blogger and veteran performer Ryan Michael Galloway once again offers his critically acclaimed Gigster Clinic. 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, Frisco Chamber of Commerce, 6843 Main Street (enter from behind the building), Frisco, Texas 75034. This is a serious nuts-and-bolts program for rising or returning performers. Lunch, snacks, drinks included. Textbook included for full participants. For more information call 972-841-0226 or sign up at www.GigsterClinics.com. Previous attendees may audit the clinic for free…please RSVP.
If you have a music event that you want CCSA to help you publicize, please contact them at 972-841-0226.
Fifth Annual Frisco Christmas Nativity Exhibit:
More than 500 privately owned nativity sets from around the world will be on display at the 5th Annual Frisco Nativity Exhibit. This popular family-friendly event features a self-guided, museum-type experience and includes both indoor and outdoor live nativities. Local musicians, including Tracie Reveal Shipman, St. Francis Choir, Frisco High School Choir, Centennial Orchestra, Wakeland High School Choir, Frisco Chorale and Frisco Community Band will perform holiday selections throughout both days and truly make this a community-wide event. The exhibit will again be hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 5095 Coit Road in Frisco, just north of Highway 121. The event is free and will be open to the public Friday and Saturday, December 1st and 2nd from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. For concert schedule or more information, please visit our website at frisconativity.com or call Ginger Upshaw at 972-898-5300.
North Texas Athletics Baseball Club - 9U, 10U, & 11U Teams:
PLAY WITH US! The North Texas Athletics are currently seeking player and coach candidates for the spring 2007 season. Our teams are comprised of North Texas area players that compete in USSSA sanctioned leagues in the North Texas area. We also participate in Regional and National USSSA Qualifiers and DFW area Super Series Tournaments. To contact us, or for more information please visit our team website at: http://www.ntathletics.org If you wish to be notified of our upcoming tryouts you will need to fill out our “Player Evaluation Request” through the link at the bottom of our homepage.
Texas Senators 11U Select Baseball Club playing in McKinney & Frisco - 2007 Spring Evaluations:
Come play with a winning team – championship winners back-to-back seasons 10u spring & 11u Fall 2006
If you are interested in a player evaluation, please contact Tim at 214-546-4723 or timmurphy2004@tx.rr.com
The Texas Senators will begin scheduled practices February 1st, 2007 to prepare for tournament games. Team will qualify and attend the Super Series National Championship or Dixie World Series or USSSA World Series in the summer. Player evaluations are available anytime. Strong catchers & pitchers with select baseball experience a plus. Please visit our website for more information www.texassenators.org
North Texas Bombers 10U Select Baseball Club:
The North Texas Bombers 10U Select Baseball team will be holding tryouts Saturday December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd. And the final tryout date will be Sunday December 10th.
The North Texas Bombers’ mission is to provide an environment where the athletes will receive top level instruction that will prepare them physically, mentally and emotionally to successfully compete at a higher level of baseball, while still having fun playing ‘America’s Favorite Pastime’.
If you would like more information on where the tryouts will be held, please contact Head Coach Billy Heath at BHeath@MoodyNational.com
2007 Winter Games of Texas:
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
St. Philip’s Episcopal Hosts “Gifts of Grace” Market November 18th; Announces Thanksgiving Eve Service:
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco announces its 2nd annual “Gifts of Grace” Market on Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 a.m. ‘til noon at 6400 Stonebrook Parkway. “Gifts of Grace” is a fair featuring crafts and products available for sale which are made or sold to benefit people in need in other countries. Touch the lives of people you will never meet, while at the same time honoring those you cherish the most!
Just a few examples of the many items that will be available…
* Note cards and Photography– featuring photographs taken in Peru by David Chalker, one of our St. Philip’s missionaries. The cards truly capture the beauty of the country and the Peruvian people and would be a great gift for a friend, teacher or co-worker. All sales will benefit the San Felipe Mission.
* Belizean Jewelry/Wood crosses – come check out the selection of pendants, charms and other items that men in the Central Prison of Belize’s Prison Ministry have handmade. All sales go directly back to these men to help them support their families while in prison.
* Arpilleras – these exquisitely detailed, hand-sewn, three dimensional textile pictures, illustrate stories out of the Bible and of the lives of the women of the shantytowns of Lima, Peru and provide essential income for their families. Products include wall hangings, pillow covers, bible covers, oven mitts, Christmas stockings and more.
* Heifer International – help a family escape poverty and hunger by providing them with a sustainable means of supporting themselves – give the gift of a Heifer animal in a loved one’s name. This is the gift that keeps giving because each family receiving a Heifer animal agrees to “pass on the gift” and donate the female offspring to another family, so that the gift of food is never-ending.
Other available items include Bishop’s Blend Coffee, Holding Crosses, Pottery, Baskets, Christmas Ornaments and much more! For more information, call 214-387-4700 or visit www.StPhilipsFrisco.org.
St. Philip’s also announces a Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at 6400 Stonebrook Parkway in Frisco. For more information, call 214-387-4700.
St. Philip’s meets for worship each Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. at 6400 Stonebrook Parkway in Frisco. For more information, call 214-387-4700 or visit www.StPhilipsFrisco.org.
Collin County Ballet Theatre – Sugar Plum Fairy Teas:
Collin County Ballet Theatre Guild is excited to announce the dates for this year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Teas.
Sunday, November 26, 2006 and Sunday, December 10, 2006 from 2-4pm.
The Collin County Ballet Theatre Guild is pleased to announce the dates for this year’s much-anticipated Sugar Plum Fairy’s Teas. The teas have become a tradition for families in Frisco and the surrounding communities to kick-off the holiday season! This premier mother-daughter (or grandparent-grandchild) event is always a desirable destination and the seats sell out quickly.
Make your reservations early for either date and the elegant Westin Stonebriar in Frisco is again sponsoring the ballet guild fundraiser.
The tea is a great value; all tea guests are treated to a parade of all the Nutcracker ballet characters led by Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. There will be short performances of dances from the Nutcracker.
In addition to a lovely high tea service complete with sweets, finger sandwiches, scones, strawberries and cream, each guest will get a photograph of themselves taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and other beloved characters from the ballet. Mice, soldiers, Clara’s friends and other surprise characters mix and mingle with our wee guests during the tea for informal photo and dancing opportunities! There is a raffle for a ballerina bear and other nice gifts; and finally a goodie-bag for our small guests to take home!
There is a holiday boutique with special ballet treasures and ornaments for purchase.
Put on your holiday clothes to come enjoy an old-fashioned tea.
For tea reservations please call: 469.951.1399. Price: $25. Master Card/Visa accepted. More information at www.CCBallet.com
Please note that the full Nutcracker Ballet will be performed by the Collin County Ballet Theatre at two sites again this year. The first performance is at the elegant Eisemann Theatre in Richardson on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00p with the Plano Symphony Orchestra. There will be two performances in Frisco at the new Wakeland High School’s “state of the art” auditorium, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00p and 7:30p. You won’t want to miss this traditional holiday event! Nutcracker performance tickets may be purchased from the Plano Symphony Box Office at 972-473-7262.
Frisco Association for the Arts, along with honorary hosts Mayor and Mrs. Mike Simpson Present “Frisco Home For The Holidays” with Laurie Gayle Stephenson, Soprano, and Steve Powell as Scrooge:
What: Hector Guzman and your Symphony Orchestra bring y`ou a new program sure to delight the entire family. Enjoy a musical version of “Scrooge” as the famed character takes you on a journey of musical Christmas’s past, present and future. The performance also features Broadway star Laurie Gayle Stephenson, soprano, who has performed in Phantom, The Secret Garden and others. Enjoy one of Broadway’s leading ladies in a joyous holiday celebration.
Guest Artist: Laurie Gayle Stephenson made her Broadway debut in the Tony award -winning The Secret Garden where she performed the role of Lily. She starred for two years on Broadway as Christine Daae in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera, and made her debut as Christine in Phantom with the first national touring company at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Laurie was an original cast member of The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber In Concert. She toured the U.S. singing opposite Michael Crawford and made her debut in London’s West End at the Palladium with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Most recently Laurie performed An Evening Of Andrew Lloyd Webber In Concert at The Hummingbird Theatre in Toronto, as well as The Kennedy Center where she has also performed with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra in A Tribute To Richard Rodgers. Laurie is very proud to have been part of Stephen Sondheim’s 75th Birthday Celebration Concert at The New Amsterdam Theatre. Laurie had the honor of performing highlights of Phantom of the Opera in concert with the late Skitch Henderson and the New Haven symphony, and she was one of four Broadway stars chosen to perform with the Bolshoi Symphony in Moscow.
Program: Enjoy classic holiday favorites such as Deck the Halls, My Favorite Things, We Need a Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas with soprano Laurie Gayle Stephenson, plus orchestral holiday arrangements and a traditional sing-along.
Saturday, December 16 –7:00 PM at Centennial High School, 6901 Coit Road.
Tickets: To order, call the Plano Symphony Orchestra Ticket Office at 972-473-7262. Reserved Seating tickets: $9-$29. Student tickets $8. All tickets $2 more at the door.
Message from the Savvy Source for Parents:
Parents…We Need Your Help!
If you are the parent of a preschool aged child, we need your help. An online resource project called the Savvy Source for Parents is being compiled now. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of preschools in Frisco and the surrounding areas. It is intended to help parents weed thru the overwhelming amount of preschool information that is out there so that they feel they can make an informed decision about what school is the best fit for them and their child. The site will include information and parent feedback on 33 Frisco preschools, as well as links to school web sites and application information, where available. The web site will include the nuts & bolts information about tuition costs, teacher/student ratios, admissions process, etc. The most vital part of the project however is the parent feedback. This is your opportunity to help your friends and neighbors by completing a survey highlighting your experiences at your child’s preschool.
The survey is designed to get specific parent-focused information on things like the quality of teaching and the school's parent community that will help round out the review of each preschool. The survey takes about 15 - 20 minutes. All information is kept confidential. You can find the survey at www.thesavvysource.com. Just follow the link to “Review a School” and you will find Frisco located under the Dallas heading.
Thanks in advance for your help and support. Please ask your friends and neighbors to complete a survey as well. The information we can provide as parents is invaluable. If you have any questions about this project or just want more information before filling out a survey, contact, Elizabeth King, Frisco Savvy Source Coordinator & Frisco mom of 2 at 469-384-8002 or Elizabet-k@sbcglobal.net
Always a big night... Tornado Junior Jersey Night on Friday, November 17th:
As the Texas Tornado host the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Friday, November 17th
at 7:30pm at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco, fans will get to enjoy one of
the best promotions all year! November 17th is Associated Orthopedics &
Sports Medicine Tornado Junior Jersey Night. The first 1,000 kids 12 and
under receive a FREE Texas Tornado Junior Jersey sponsored by Associated
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Also remember, all kids 5 and under receive
FREE admission to any Texas Tornado home game. So don't miss it! A free
jersey for your kids and a great night of hockey... what else can someone ask
for? The doors will open for the giveaway at 6:30pm. Call 972-335-9800 or
visit
www.tornadohockey.com to purchase your tickets now.
Sem Elementary Hosts Spirit Night at Pete’s Pizza:
On November 30th bring the entire family out for a night of Karaoke fun and delicious food at Pete’s Pizza located at 2995 Preston Rd. Mention you’re there for Sem when placing your order and a portion of the proceeds will go to the school. We look forward to seeing you!
Holiday Pet Pictures Event At Pet Supplies Plus:
Have Mercy, a non-profit group based in Frisco, Texas is hosting a fundraiser! Have Mercy works to educate the public on how to identify and prevent animal cruelty, and raises reward money to assist authorities in arresting felony animal abusers in our community.
We will be taking holiday-themed pet pictures Pet Supplies Plus, located at 4100 Legacy Ste. 402 in Plano, next to Sprouts Grocery store at Coit Rd. and Legacy. We will be offering a Christmas or Hanukkah theme! Dates and times for pictures are:
· Saturday, December 2nd from 10-4pm
· Sunday, December 3rd from 1-4pm
Costs are $10 per picture or 2 for $15.00. All proceeds will benefit Have Mercy, and are tax-deductible. Come support a great cause and get a keepsake holiday photo of your pet to cherish forever! For more information on Have Mercy, please visit their website at www.havemercyfoundation.org.
For questions, please contact Karen Hensley at 214.705.0099, or email at celinaduo@yahoo.com
16th Annual Merry Main Street to Feature New “Festival of Trees”; Activity Proceeds to Benefit Senior Center at Frisco Square:
Help deck the halls of the Senior Center at Frisco Square by trimming a tree! Participate in ‘Festival of Trees’ – a new addition to the 16th annual Merry Main Street celebration to be held on Dec. 2.
The Frisco Senior Adult Center Advisory Council, a non-profit organization, is inviting citizens of all ages to decorate Christmas trees, which will be displayed at a silent auction. Participants are asked to donate decorations.
Fifteen artificial, 3 ft. trees are ready to be decorated and can be picked up at the Senior Center at Frisco Square, 6670 Moore Street. A $20 deposit will be required at the time of pickup and refunded when the trees are returned decorated. The deadline to return decorated trees is November 27, between noon and 7 p.m. at the vacant store front on 6100 block of Frisco Square, next to Bella Cosa. Auction proceeds from the trees will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the Phase II addition of the Senior Center at Frisco Square, which is currently under construction.
“We’re so grateful voters approved bond monies to build the Phase ll addition to the center,” said Judy Florence, Senior Center Supervisor. “But we’ll still need some help filling the additional space with the equipment and supplies we need to serve our growing senior population.”
Some of the items the Frisco Senior Adult Center Advisory Council plans to purchase with event proceeds include a portable stage, table coverings, exercise equipment, blinds, ceiling fans and a ceramic kiln and supplies.
“We plan to make the Festival of Trees a regular feature of Merry Main Street,” said Florence. “We hope folks will help us raise funds for the Senior Center and have fun helping us make Merry Main Street more festive than ever!”
The Festival of Trees will be displayed alongside the entrees in the City of Frisco’s Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Trees will be available for viewing and bidding between November Nov. 28 and Dec. 2. For more information on the Festival of Trees, call 972-335-5515 or e-mail jflorence@friscotexas.gov
Christmas in the Square Presented by Frisco Square and NBC 5 – Schedule of Events:
I’ve included the press release later in this newsletter that was included in the November 2 issue. It has more information about this very unique event…
Featuring…One-of-a-kind Computerized Holiday Light Extravaganza, Friday, November 24th through Tuesday, January 2nd from 6:00-10:00 pm
Designed By…Illumimax, LLC, Nationally recognized holiday lighting expert and Frisco resident—Jeff Trykoski
Each Weekend in December - Friday, Saturday and Sunday Evenings –
Family-friendly Holiday Activities Including:
* Holiday Light Extravaganza
* Snow machines
* Santa Claus
* Holiday Village
* Holiday Treats
* Outdoor Movies
* Carriage Rides (Friday’s only)
* Bounce House
Admission is Free! (Small fee for Carriage Rides and Holiday treats)
Featured Family Activities…
Sunday, December 3, 5-9pm – Outdoor movie: Christmas with the Kranks
Saturday, December 9, 5-9pm – Frisco Square Holiday Veteran Salute; Parachuting Santa Claus and Elves; Outdoor movie: Elf
Saturday, December 16, 5-9pm – Outdoor movie: The Grinch
Sunday, December 17, 5-9pm – Inner-tubing Snow Slide
Saturday, December 23, 5-9pm – Outdoor movie: Polar Express
Rudolph Run – December 2 – City of Allen:
Celebrate the season with a fun 5K competitive race or one-mile non-competitive run/walk at the Rudolph Run hosted by the City of Allen Parks and Recreation Department. Registration for the 1 mile Elf Run is $15.00 and the 5k Rudolph Run is $20.00 for advance registration and $25.00 the day of. Now in its 11th year of existence, the 5K run and 1 mile run/walk have succeeded in their efforts to make fitness a family affair while continually supporting the fight against childhood obesity. The Event features prizes, giveaways and bounce houses along with special appearances from Rudolph and Santa's elves. Go to www.allenparks.org and click on the Rudolph Run logo for detailed information.
Frisco’s Frosty 5K:
The City of Frisco is excited to introduce Frisco’s Frosty 5K to promote wellness over the holiday season. The race will be held on December 9th, with a run time of 8:00 am. It will begin and end at the new City Hall Plaza. A one-mile fun run/walk will be held in conjunction for those who do not want to run/walk the five-kilometers. Cost to run is $15 for pre-registration, or $20 race-day registration. Awards and T-Shirts, All ages welcome and Strollers are allowed. Visit www.friscofun.org to learn more.
Breakfast with Santa:
Have you ever wanted to have breakfast with Santa????? Then wait no longer, Santa will be available Saturday morning December 9, 9:00-11:00 at Cornerstone Community Church. We will be serving breakfast for $5.00 and taking pictures with Santa for $10.00. Beat the lines at the mall and still have that professional picture. Call Michelle Reavis for more details, 469-644-0255.
Carols by Candlelight:
December 16th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Frisco Commons Park Amphitheatre
A Community Family Christmas Event - Live Music-Bring a Blanket- A New Family Tradition
Preston Trail Community Church is hosting a Women's Christmas Brunch & Market:
The event will be held at The Tribute Golf Club in The Colony on Saturday December 16th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
This year's event will include a hot breakfast of green eggs and ham, music, video and a special message from our Women's Director, Carla Moss. We will focus on the chaotic nature of society's holiday and how to enjoy peace and tranquility with your family during the season. Our theme, How Our Culture Stole Christmas. Tickets are $15 and available by sending a check to Preston Trail Community Church Women's Christmas Brunch, PO Box 490 Frisco, TX 75034.
Do you sell a Product or Service?
This is a great opportunity to promote your business, sell your wares and services, network with like-minded professionals and meet lots and lots of potential clients, all in the inspiring, comfortable and invigorating environment that is part of our ministry.
If you are interested in renting a booth, please download, read and complete the application which is available at our website www.prestontrail.org/family/women-christmas.htm or you can send an email to info@prestontrail.org and we will mail you a vendor application. All details to reserve your space (dimensions, fees, and terms) are provided in this document.
Holiday Happenings is Here!:
The holiday season has begun and the festivities are abundant - like the generous offerings of many venues in and around Frisco. Need an idea for where to find Santa, what to do to keep kids creatively engaged or an appetizer recipe that will satisfy party goers? Then make Holiday Happenings on the homepage of www.Frisco-Online.com a favorite place to visit! Frisco On-Line is actively collecting an enormous assortment of all the things that our residents need to plan for this favorite time of year. If you have a Taste of Thanksgiving recipe to share, a story of generosity or clever craft, please feel free email your idea to wendi@frisco-online.com.
Chili's Playhouse Raffle benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County:
Still looking for the perfect Christmas present? Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County’s Chili’s Playhouse raffle and you’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime.
This one-of-a-kind Chili's Replica playhouse will put a smile on a child's face Christmas morning, and you'll be supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, as well.
Hand-crafted by Brinker International employees using authentic restaurant materials such as awnings, pictures, a mosaic table, a chili pepper door handle on a solid mahogony door and more. . .
The only thing missing is "YOUR CHILD'S NAME" inserted on the sign and, it will be!!!
Chili’s Playhouse is on display at Market Street located at the corner of El Dorado Parkway and Ridge Road in McKinney.
Tickets are just 1 for $10 or 3 for $25. You won’t find a better investment anywhere! The drawing will be held December 15 and you do not need to be present to win.
To purchase raffle tickets and the opportunity to win this one-of-a-kind playhouse, contact Angie Toles at 214-544-8924 x113 or email her at atoles@bgccc.org.
Thank you for supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County.
Stage 3 Water Restriction Update:
On the morning of November 6, the City of Frisco was very fortunate to receive approximately three inches of rainfall. Although it seems like a significant amount of water, it has made relatively little impact on our lake levels. We would like to re-emphasize the need to conserve, through the following points:
- Turn off your automatic sprinkler systems and water by hand-held or soaker hoses only if necessary. Dormant turf grass, in the winter, needs very little water for survival.
- We have exhausted the water supply from Lake Cooper and can no longer use it to supplement Lake Lavon.
- Lake Lavon remains about 16 feet below normal storage, or only one-third of capacity.
It is extremely important to use no more water than absolutely necessary to avoid severe consequences for landscape next summer. There is no guarantee that it will rain enough to fill our lakes before that time. Every gallon that we save now could be vital for our future needs. We hope that we have your support and cooperation in reducing consumption this fall and winter. If you have any questions on drought conditions or water conservation measures, please contact the Department of Public Works at 972-292-5800. Access the City of Frisco homepage, www.friscotexas.gov, and click the “Drought Information” icon.
Book on Early Schools Now Available from Frisco Heritage Association:
Early schools of the Frisco area is the subject of the latest book, ‘Reading,’Riting and’Rithmetic, published by the Heritage Association of Frisco. The book covers nineteen schools of the area prior to 1938. The oldest known schools were Robertson and Rock Hill, both established in 1850.
Research for the book was conducted by a special committee of the Heritage Association and includes first person accounts from former students and teachers such as Ruth Borchardt who graduated from Frisco High School in 1924 and began her teaching career at Hackberry School in 1925.
According to Linda Sutton, Publications Committee Chairman, the book was a two-year project that began when the Heritage Association office received several inquiries from people wanting information about old schools. “At first we were going to put together a reference book for our own purposes, but then we began to see old documents and hear fascinating stories from some of our older citizens. It was just too good not to share!”
Colorful stories from the book include accounts of a first grade boy who was spanked for kissing his classmate, a dog that went to school, a student who anticipated a painful paddling and wore two suits of clothing to school, and an asthma remedy that involved chicken gizzards.
The book is richly illustrated with photos of schools, students, and documents. Lists of students, teachers, principals and trustees are provided when names were available. The book is 153 pages, hard bound and indexed, making research easy. The Heritage Association dedicated the book to Dr. Erwin Pink, former president of the Heritage Association and Frisco High School team doctor.
The Heritage Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization founded in 1998. “Every penny we receive goes to our mission to “research, preserve and share Frisco’s history,” said president Bob Warren. Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic is the fourth book published by the organization. To order a book or for more information, call 972-335- 6684 or visit www.friscoheritage.org
Blake, Bryans and Fish to Headline Tennis Event Here in Frisco:
No. 1 ranked American singles player James Blake, ATP World No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan and ATP Tour Star Mardy Fish will headline the Dallas FedEX Shootout Series presented by Saab and Baylor Medical Center at Frisco on Saturday, December 16th at 7:00pm at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco.
People magazine named James Blake as one of the sexiest men alive. The former Harvard “All American” just might seem to have it all with 10 career titles. James Blake is on top of his game, and is excited about the opportunity to come to the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex to play tennis. “This is a great opportunity to bring world class men’s tennis back to Dallas. I’m also looking forward to playing Mardy Fish. It will be a great match. Mardy and I reached the doubles finals in Memphis and semi finals in Houston earlier this year. We know each others game. So the match will be tough.”
Rising U.S. tennis star Mardy Fish won a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic games and has played in five Davis Cup ties for the U.S. “James Blake and I won the deciding doubles point against Slovakia in Oklahoma City,” says Mardy Fish. “I look forward to returning to Dallas and playing James. It will be a b