Dear Friends,
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by the Gift Giving Gala 2006 which takes place THIS Sunday at the Plano Centre. They have a great offer for the first 500 families that respond from this newsletter where they will waive the entry fee. Don’t miss this great event!!! Also check out the spotlight on the PAYjr Prepaid MasterCard. 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.
With the arrival of major temperature changes and winter right around the corner, please do your part and turn off your automatic sprinkler. As I was driving down Main Street around 8am on Thursday morning, with temperatures hovering around freezing, I saw a sprinkler going off. There is really no reason to water during the winter so please help us conserve and avoid major problems next summer. Although we received a decent amount of precipitation, it barely made a dent in our water supply.
Don’t forget Merry Main Street this Saturday night from 6-9pm at Frisco Square. In fact, Frisco Square has an amazing light show every night from 6-10pm along with many other weekend events. Visit www.friscosquare.com for more information.
The “clickable” table of contents has now arrived! Woo-hoo!
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 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 – Gift Giving Gala 2006:
Your holiday season ONE STOP SHOPPING SPOT making available gifts of the spirit, heart, mind, body, and soul in a family fun environment!
THIS SUNDAY, December 3rd at The Plano Centre @ 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy Plano from 10am to 8pm
Join us this festive holiday season, for MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER VENDOR SHOW as we bring you:
Over 60 vendors to complete your holiday shopping with gifts for men, women, youth and children!
Over 120 Free Drawings & Giveaways to assist w/ your Christmas shopping list and most importantly, to save you $$!
Enjoy Food & Holiday Fashion, Accessory, & Kitchen Shows with Party & Gift Giving Tips & Ideas, Chair & Table Massages by "The Massage Corporation",
Live Holiday Music by "Quicktrain" Records International Recording Artists & European CMA Duo of the Year 2004, The Matekis AND local area dynamic artists, Ronald Julian & Ladrell James!
Bring The Kids to Enjoy Our Kids Korner Offering:
Entertainment for the kids including: FREE FACE PAINTING & BALLOON ANIMALS, Holiday treats & Santa Is Also Coming To Town!
Also, don't miss you chance to tour a $500,000 fully furnished and loaded LUXURY RV, and opportunity to win a FREE RV Weekend, designed to take you and your family on the most memorable getaway ever, compliments of ReCreation Vehicles.
Tired of mall photography waiting lists and crowds but don't want to Miss your chance to take affordable Holiday Family Portraits? Bring your entire family & get your packages just in time for Christmas! Grandma will love you for the photos.
Also, learn ways to give the gift of "protection" to your children from the increasing number of child predator crimes. Don’t miss 1 of 3 NEW, Family Protection Technology demonstrations by Frisco-based, Invinc-A-Kid, featured on WB 33 News & other media.
Get Your Autographs & Pictures w/Former New England Patriots Super Bowl Champion, CEDRIC JAMES, as he shares with YOU and your children the gift of " inspiration & perseverance"!
Also come witness the gift of "passion" in a live performance and Hair Show, as was featured at the Texas Beauty Show & Vive Collin County, but now for the public's appreciation, International Platform Artist, Alexander Antonio & The Hair Warrior Nation!
Adult Tickets are $5 (A Portion of ticket sales will go towards selected charities of your choice - list will be provided). Children under 13 attend free!!!
For tickets and/or additional information and updates: visit us online at www.somproductions.com or give us a call at 469-656-3218. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
AS A SPECIAL PROMOTION & APPRECIATION OF YOU, THE COMMITTED SUBSCRIBERS OF MATT'S INCREDIBLE NEWSLETTER: THE 1st 500 FAMILIES TO E-MAIL US THEIR NAMES (ADULTS-FIRST & LAST FOR VIP LIST) & THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN(UNDER 13) THAT WILL BE ATTENDING WITH THEM, WILL GET IN COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
E-MAILS SHOULD BE SENT TO SOMPRODUCTIONS@SAVEONEMOREINTL.COM- DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS, SERIOUS FAMILIES ONLY PLEASE
SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY!
Spotlight on…the PAYjr Prepaid Mastercard:
This interview was conducted with owner and Frisco resident, David Jones…
David, what is the PAYjr Prepaid MasterCard?
The PAYjr Prepaid MasterCard is a re-loadable debit card for teenagers 13 and up. The card can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted including ATM machines. The card is a prepaid card, meaning teens can’t spend money they don’t have. The program is also designed to help teens learn about managing their finances. The PAYjr prepaid debit card can be used as a tool for parents to not only connect with their teens, but to instill a sense of financial responsibility in which they will use for the rest of their life.
My teens still use cash for spending today, why should I get them a PAYjr Prepaid MasterCard?
There are several reasons to choose PAYjr. First, the card is a safer substitute for cash and easier for teens to track and save money. Also, if the card is lost or stolen it is easily replaced, unlike cash. Advantages for parents include instant access to the teens account activity and knowing where their teen is spending their money. Parents don’t have to worry about teens attempting to buy online adult services or products because PAYjr blocks them. Theoretically, when teens do become adults, chances are they are going to have a bank account with a debt card and won’t be carrying cash. Don’t let your teens be the victims of nasty credit cards…doesn’t it make sense to teach them about using debit cards instead of throwing them to the wolves when they turn 18? Who are they going to turn to when they run up thousands of dollars in debt on their credit cards because they don’t know how to use them properly?
Why should I choose the PAYjr Prepaid card for my teen instead of other programs?
PAYjr has many advantages for both parents and teens that other competitors don’t provide. First, the PAYjr Prepaid program is the most affordable program on the market, designed to help teach teens, not take advantage of them. Second, PAYjr provides the most robust set of tools and features for parents and teens – it’s not just a debit card, it’s a financial management solution. Apart from the other cards, we offer a variety of tools so that as a parent you have total control. From the teen’s perspective, we also offer an easy way to get online to access the card and the balance, so they are updated on how much they have on the card. The world around us is filled with chaos and stress, and we at PAYjr want to eliminate as much as possible by providing your teen with a safe alternative to carrying cash. Don’t let your teens money slip through the cracks, keep track!
That’s great David. Where can people get more information about PAYjr?
The PAYjr website is www.payjr.com. Plus PAYjr has a MySpace for teens to check out at www.myspace.com/payjr. Here your teens can escape to a place to learn useful saving tips, be involved in card design and voting, and even post their own thoughts and comments about the card. We at PAYjr want to combine financial knowledge and creativity for teens to apply and use in everyday life.
Make this holiday season a memorable one by giving the gift of financial education to your teen!
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—rescheduled date announced: 7
2006 Frisco Ornament On Sale Now!: 7
Boy Scout Annual Christmas Tree Sale: 8
Tornado Talk…by Junior Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata: 8
Fifth Annual Frisco Christmas Nativity Exhibit: 9
2007 Winter Games of Texas: 10
Buy a Brand New 2007 Honda Accord LX Today: 10
Collin County Ballet Theatre – Sugar Plum Fairy Teas: 10
Holiday Pet Pictures Event At Pet Supplies Plus: 12
Crossroads Family Services Looking For Volunteers: 13
Frisco Music Teacher's Association, Student Holiday Recital: 14
Rudolph Run – December 2 – City of Allen: 14
Preston Trail Community Church is hosting a Women's Christmas Brunch & Market: 15
Chili's Playhouse Raffle benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County: 15
Texas Tornado Upcoming Home Games: 16
Texas Tornado Holiday 6-Pack Stocking Stuffer: 16
Book on Early Schools Now Available from Frisco Heritage Association: 17
Feb 2nd Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle: 17
Collin County Songwriters Association News and Recommendations: 18
Family Hope Seeks Host Families for Visiting UKRAINIAN Orphans: 18
Texas Senators 11U Select Baseball Club playing in McKinney & Frisco - 2007 Spring Evaluations: 18
North Texas Bombers 10U Select Baseball Club: 19
Frisco RoughRiders 10U Select Baseball Tryouts: 19
Texas Blaze 12U Baseball Looking For Players: 19
14U Select Softball Tryouts: 20
Blake, Bryans and Fish to Headline Tennis Event Here in Frisco: 20
Wakeland High School Choir Presents a Renaissance Festival & Feast: 21
Brown Bag Lunch Parenting Class at Bright Elementary: 21
Frisco Association for the Arts Board of Directors Taking Applications through December 13, 2006: 21
The Celebration Begins for Merry Main Street 2006 at 5 PM on December 2, 2006: 22
Don’t Miss a Holiday Must-See – “The Nutcracker Ballet”: 23
Community Book Sale to Support Boy Scout Troop 51: 24
Holiday Happenings at Frisco-OnLine.com: 25
Merry Main Street Needs More Volunteers!: 25
Frisco Chorale presents…Positively Christmas: 25
Frisco Community Band Holiday Concert: 25
DBU-North: Frisco’s Premier University for Adult and Graduate Education: 26
Celebrate the Season with the folks of small-town Smackover, Arkansas: 27
Nationally Known Speaker, Author to Address Frisco Chapter of ABWA: 27
Dunn Bros Coffee Frisco - 1st Anniversary Celebration: 28
Advice From Dr. Checo - Medicare: 28
Severe Weather Update From Neil Sperry: 30
Landscape Design by Glenn Everett Kopanski, United States Navy Retired: 31
Frisco Square’s Christmas in the Square To Feature Holiday Veteran Salute: 32
Frisco Independent School District (FISD) Namesakes – Isabel Pierce Sem Elementary: 33
SH 121 Construction Update From Independence to Western City Limits: 34
I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving last week.
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Erika and I headed to Florida for a few days. We flew into Orlando the night of November 17th and stayed at the Hilton Walt Disney World for a couple of nights. On Saturday, we headed to Epcot Center and had a great dinner in Italy. I love visiting all the different countries there in Epcot and they have a fairly new ride called “Soarin’” which simulates flying over parts of California. It is incredibly realistic, so much so that you can smell the pine trees when flying over them. It’s an amazing ride that you need to make sure you don’t miss if you go there any time soon.
On Sunday morning, we drove to Busch Gardens in Tampa where we met up with my sister and her family and my dad. We spend the day in Busch Gardens, which I was not overly impressed with but there were parts of it that were pretty good.
That night we drove down to Port Charlotte to visit my folks’ other home (they live in the Boston area most of the time). I love Florida but we were amazed at how bad some of the drivers are down there! I only say this because we must have had 3 or 4 people try to run into us in just a short period of time, and I don’t even think they realized it!
We had a great Italian dinner (have I told you how much we love Italian food?) at an authentic Italian restaurant with my family in Port Charlotte before driving back to Orlando that night since we had an early flight on Tuesday.
On Tuesday we headed back to the great state of Texas in time for Tuesday night’s City Council meeting and to get ready for Thanksgiving. Erika’s folks and some of her brothers came up from South Texas for Thanksgiving and we had Thanksgiving for 12 in the newly painted dining room. We watched the Cowboys and the Aggies both have impressive wins! Erika’s dad is a former student at A&M, so there was lots of joy in her house! Personally I was neutral on the game as my daughter loves the Longhorns!
That Friday and Saturday night we headed to the Tornado hockey games and saw the Tornado win with an impressive effort on Friday and lose with an equally unimpressive effort on Saturday. It was the first time Erika’s family went to a hockey game and they are hooked now! If you haven’t been to a Tornado game yet, do yourself a favor and go check them out. You too will be hooked!
Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th we cooked a couple of meals from Rachel Ray’s cookbook and they were both great. We spend lots of time watching The Food Network.
On Wednesday night, my kids and I watched the weather reports hoping for enough snow or ice to call off school on Thursday. As you know, it didn’t happen but they are hoping for at least a late start on Friday.
We are in our fifth week of our working out with our personal trainer and things are going great. Well be telling you more about Tony and the great work he does in a future newsletter.
Have a great weekend and I’ll write again in a couple of weeks.
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.
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.
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
Troop 51 is sponsoring a Christmas Tree Lot to raise money to send scouts to Summer Camp.
The Tree Lot is located on the front lawn of First United Methodist Church, located at 7659 Preston Road in Frisco (across from Kroger’s and Sonic). We are open weeknights from 5-9pm and Saturdays from 9am-9pm and Sundays from 12 noon until 8pm. All trees are fresh cut and range in height from 6’-12’. We offer Scotch Pines, Douglas Firs and Frasier Firs for sale at the best prices in town. If you have any questions you may call Scoutmaster Dave Simmers at 972-335-1426.
Thank you for supporting Scouts from Troop 51 in Frisco. Happy Holidays!
Michelle the Pet Sitter is an insured pet sitting company serving the Frisco area, caring for pets while their humans are away. She comes to your home and cares for your pets, just like you do!
The company is owned and operated by Michelle Bollinger and supported by her husband Rick of twelve years and son Alec. Michelle personally handles all visits so that a loving relationship with your pet can be established from the very beginning. Her previous experience being a life-long pet owner, two-year kennel experience and her keen organizational skills makes her uniquely suited to this profession.
Michelle is available at a moment’s notice, so call her today for a last minute business or pleasure trip. Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and Spring Break will be here soon.
Services offered: custom pet care plan; changing blinds/curtains; setting out garbage/recycling; bringing in mail/packages/door hangers; text updates with photos; checks & major credit cards accepted.
For new clients, please mention this ad and receive two complimentary daily visits with a multi-day booking - up to a $30 value. Rates start at $15 per day.
Michelle the Pet Sitter can be reached at (972) 849-9046, info@michellethepetsitter.com or www.MichelleThePetSitter.com
This past weekend your Texas Tornado played a half and half series. Friday night they had an action packed win, 5-2. Saturday, was a turn around as they lost a sad game 3-1.
Saturday must have been the most action packed game so far this season. Starting it off, 12 seconds into the game, Ryan Fuller crushed someone into the boards and the glass shattered. It took 16 minutes to clean it up, so the game was delayed before it truly started. That was a first at the Dr. Pepper Star Center. The 1st period was all Tornado as they had 2 goals out of 8 shots. Adam Flink scored the 1st goal, soon after the game was started back up. Ryan Fuller put the second one in on a power play with Colin Long and Stephane Da Costa assisting. The 2nd period was more Tornado time. But first, Santa Fe had to sneak one goal in there right when the period started. Then, Tom Brooks answered that goal a minute later on a power play with John Bullis and Nielsson Arcibal assisting. Sean Roadhouse had the last goal of the period with Tom Brooks assisting to end the period 4-1. Now for the action packed part. Apparently 4 goals wasn’t enough for the boys, so John Bullis scored one 28 seconds into the 3rd period with Colin Long and Ryan Fuller assisting him. About 2 minutes later a HUGE brawl started by Sean Roadhouse getting slashed. Nielsson Arcibal started talking some with the Roadrunners captain Colin Long and the captain started the first fight of the match. Soon after Tom Brooks and Tom Kleidon, Jake Newton and Tom Hill, and Sean Roadhouse and Tibor Kutalek all went at it. Soon after Paul Yovanic and Naaman Morman went at it for about 2 minutes. Of course, there are only 3 referees on the ice and 10 guys fighting so this wasn’t stopped for a while. After all the madness, it took a few minutes to sort out all the penalties and game ejections. Only 10 seconds after that all ended, Santa Fe scored their 2nd goal of the night on a power play. The game should’ve ended 5-2, but Santa Fe put their last one in with 10 seconds left so the final was 5-3 with shots on goal 21-20 and the 3 stars: Ryan Fuller, John Bullis and Jake Newton.
All the players that were in the brawl were out for the Saturday game except a couple guys. The 1st period was unbelievably horrible. 3 goals were scored all in the first 10 minutes by Santa Fe and Tragust was pulled from the net and Corson Cramer was sent in. The second period had John Bullis scoring the solo Tornado goal. Sean Hayden and Rob Blanchette assisted on the play. The 3rd period was a period of no scoring, so the Tornado could not gain a win. Santa Fe completely out shot us 26-14. As of now the Tornado are in 3rd place and 14 points out of 1st.
The Tornado travel to Alaska to play two games against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs this weekend and three against the Alaska Avalanche next weekend. Both of those teams are tied for last place so it is a great chance for the Tornado to pick up some points. The next Tornado home game is on December 15 and is skate with the Tornado and Santa night. For tickets call 972-335-9800 or go to www.tornadohockey.com.
Thanks for reading and have a good week!
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.
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
$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)
Collin County Ballet Theatre Guild is excited to announce the dates for this year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Teas.
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.
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.
Santa’s Family Portraits:
Don’t get malled this year. Have Santa come to your home for holiday
portraits. Naturally bearded Santa is available to come to the privacy of your
home to do children and family portraits. Santa is also available for
corporate parties, HOA’s, and children's parties. Portraits with or without
Santa are available. Experienced photographer will bring professional lights
and camera to get the best quality portrait. All sizes of prints available.
Please call Steven W. King at 469-878-6914 and visit our website at
www.santasfamilyportraits.com
If booking a party we will have special discounted pricing for your event!!!
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
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 and assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation. 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.
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
This event is a great opportunity for Frisco children who are interested in learning to play the piano or taking voice lessons to watch other children perform. All ages and levels will be represented from beginners to advanced.
Willow Bend Mall, Plano, TX, Dillard's Court (1st level in front of Dillards) on Saturday, December 9th, 2006 from 10am to 9pm
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.
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.
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, which is located at 7700 E. Main Street in Frisco. 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.
December 16th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Frisco Commons Park Amphitheatre, 8000 McKinney Road in Frisco
A Community Family Christmas Event - Live Music-Bring a Blanket- A New Family Tradition
Hosted by TrueNORTH Church – www.truenorthchurchfrisco.com
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.
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.
Friday, December 15 vs. Wichita Falls Wildcats, 7:30pm - It is another battle with the Wichita Falls Wildcats in a pre-Christmas showdown. It is the annual Skate with the Tornado and Santa following the game. All fans, young and old, are encouraged to bring their skates to the game and afterward, skate with all the Tornado players and Santa. If fans need to rent skates, skate rental is $3.00 at the front desk at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco.
Friday, December 29 vs. Wichita Falls Wildcats, 7:30pm - A pre-New Year's battle against the 'Cats! You won't want to miss this game. Have relatives in town for the holiday season, or just looking for something fun for the kids to do? This is the perfect night for you and your family, and remember... all kids 5 and under are free for every single Tornado home game throughout the 2006-07 season!
Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased at the Tornado office by calling 972-335-9800 or visiting www.tornadohockey.com
Introducing... the Texas Tornado Holiday 6-Pack Stocking Stuffer... It is the perfect gift for any Tornado fan.... the Texas Tornado Holiday 6-Pack Stocking Stuffer. For as low as $67.00, you receive: Six (6) tickets to any regular season Tornado home game of your choice, a Texas Tornado hat, a Texas Tornado team poster, and your choice of a mini-stick, puck, or mug. To order this perfect gift for any Tornado fan, call 972-335-9800.
Take care of the FC Dallas fans on your holiday list with the Hoops Holiday Pack. For only $60, you get four tickets to FC Dallas' 2007 home opener at Pizza Hut Park, four FCD visors & a FC Dallas holiday card. Plus, the first 100 Holiday Packs ordered will come with a FREE FC Dallas soccer ball. Visit www.fcdallas.net to order an FC Dallas Holiday Pack today and give the soccer fan on your list a gift that they're sure to love.
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
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:
Proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and community outreach.
Dunn Bros. Frisco will celebrate their one-year anniversary for a whole week, culminating with a party and performances by CCSA members on Saturday, December 2, at 7:00 PM. Expect Michael Reames, Dan Scott Parr, Ryan Michael Galloway and more TBA. Reames and Galloway will also be celebrating their December birthdays, but don’t ask them how old they are!
CCSA members join to form “Mudcat,” the definitive Rockin’ Blues band. Having launched the group at the Earful of Texas Music Festival in Hubbard last October, look for more appearances soon. Check out their website at www.MudcatBand.com, and see a review blog at http://songs-from-ryan.blogspot.com/2006/11/mudcat-rocks.html. Members include Scott O. Thomas, Chad Ireland, and Michael “Mudcat” Reames.
Got Gigs? You may be looking for a unique holiday gift for that rising or returning performer on your list. Consider sending them to the Gigster Clinic, a five-and-a-half hour program for serious performers, presented by Ryan Michael Galloway on January 20, 2007. More information at 972-841-0226 or www.GigsterClinics.com. The message: Build your band; Get your Gear; Make some news; Rock the world!
Family Hope, in association with International Family Services (a Texas-based 501(c)(3) licensed child placing agency), will be welcoming a group of Ukrainian orphans, ages 6 to 12, next month as they arrive at DFW marking the beginning of their 3 week American cultural encounter. The purpose of the program is to give the orphans a chance to experience American culture and a wholesome family environment. The program will also create awareness about the need for adoptive families for older children residing in Ukrainian orphanages.
During their visit, the children will be fully immersed in American culture. The children will attend a day camp three days a week where they will be introduced to typical American activities like sports, the mall and museums. Once a week, there will be a public event where interested families can interact with the children still available for adoption.
Families interested in adopting an older child and/or welcoming a child in their home as a host family, are encouraged to contact John Peterson or Stacy Zonis immediately. Interested families can contact John Peterson, DFW Family Hope Coordinator, at 817-291-8676 or email him at john@ifservices.org. Stacy Zonis can be reached at 972-678-0922, or email her at stacyzbzbee@tx.rr.com .
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
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
The defending champion 10U Frisco RoughRiders are going to be back in the saddle for 2007! Tryouts will be held in mid-December for the Spring 2007 season. Our team emphasizes fundamentals, good sportsmanship and a team-first philosophy. We foster a fun and competitive environment. The Frisco RoughRiders were League champions for the 2004, 2005 & 2006 seasons. The RoughRiders have qualified for the USSSA state tournament in Spring 2007 as a result of their successful 2006 Fall season. This will be Coach Hockaday's 30th season to coach youth baseball. Coach Hockaday instilled a love of the game and taught the fundamentals of baseball to several collegiate and high school ballplayers during the formative years of their early baseball careers. Contact Coach Joe Hockaday at 214-460-2096 or at