Matt Lafata’s Weekly Community News

December 20, 2007 – Volume 6, Issue 51

matt@mattlafatamarketing.com – www.mattlafatamarketing.com

This picture was taken a few months ago in Half Moon Bay, CA. We discovered Half Moon Bay while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway during a trip to San Francisco. Half Moon Bay had a really cool downtown area, where we took this picture.

This newsletter and information source is designed to bring us all a little closer together each week by providing coverage of so many things going on in our community. There are so many amazing things in this newsletter, as there are every week. Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive it themselves. They will greatly appreciate you for it as no citizen should be without this important information at their fingertips.  Let’s work to get all Frisco citizens on this list as a more informed society is a more functional society.

If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, fundraising events, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than forty thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send me an email so I may include them. The newsletter goes out each Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Wednesday if you want something to be included.

If you received this from somebody else and would like to be added to the list, just send me an email. Your email address will never be sold or given to anybody else for any reason. All newsletters can also be found on our web site at www.mattlafatamarketing.com.

Inspirational Quote of the Week:

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but we aim too low and reach it.” - Michelangelo

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com

As always, this newsletter is absolutely packed with information – something for everyone. There is always something going on in our great city and I try to include everything I can. In this jam packed issue you will find lots of great information. There is something for everyone including the following…

Toll Violations Begin on January 3: 27

Newsletter Staff Members and Contributors

Matt Lafata – Editor and Publisher – 214-336-3355

Kaleigh Lafata – Tornado Talk

Sarah Ianace – Happenings in the

Frisco ISD

Glenn Kopanski – Landscape Design

Pedro Checo – Advice from Dr. Checo

Joe Hockaday, CPA – Today’s Tax Talk From Joe

Citizen of the Month and Neighborhood of the Month Details

If you have a citizen or neighborhood you would like to nominate, please send it to me.

The Citizen of the Month will focus on a person or group in Frisco who has been nominated by another individual. He, she or they could be a person or a group who has recently done something special that contributes to the well-being of our city and/or its citizens, or it could be somebody who has had (or currently has) an interesting career or experiences that could be shared with our readers.

The Neighborhood of the Month will highlight a particular neighborhood in our city. I am looking to hear from you as to why your Neighborhood is so special.

City of Frisco Related Question of the Week:

Q. I share the side fence with my neighbor. He planted a weeping willow last year in his side very close to the fence. Within one year, the tree branches already get into my side. I know the willow is huge when it gets into mature size. Is there any city code on what tree can be planted and at how far from structure or property line? As far as I know willow tree not only has problems of brittle branches, but very aggressive root system as well.

A. The City does not have code requirements for the planting of trees other than the one or two that are required with the construction of a new home. Willows are not on the list of tree species for required trees. The City does not limit where trees are planted other than to prohibit them in utility or drainage easements.

This Day in History – December 20, 1957: Elvis Presley is Drafted

From the History Channel…

On this day in 1957, while spending the Christmas holidays at Graceland, his newly purchased Tennessee mansion, rock-and-roll star Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for the United States Army.

With a suggestive style--one writer called him "Elvis the Pelvis"—a hit movie, Love Me Tender, and a string of gold records including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel," Presley had become a national icon, and the world's first bona fide rock-and-roll star, by the end of 1956. As the Beatles' John
Lennon once famously remarked: "Before Elvis, there was nothing." The
following year, at the peak of his career, Presley received his draft
notice for a two-year stint in the army. Fans sent tens of thousands of letters to the army asking for him to be spared, but Elvis would have none of it. He received one deferment--during which he finished working on his movie King Creole--before being sworn in as an army private in Memphis on March 24, 1958.

After six months of basic training--including an emergency leave to
see his beloved mother, Gladys, before she died in August 1958--Presley sailed to Europe on the USS General Randall. For the next 18 months, he served in Company D, 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Corps in Friedberg, Germany, where he attained the rank of sergeant. For the rest of his service, he shared an off-base residence with his father, grandmother and some Memphis friends. After working during the day, Presley returned home at night to host frequent parties and
impromptu jam sessions. At one of these, an army buddy of Presley's
introduced him to 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, whom Elvis would marry some years later. Meanwhile, Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, continued to release singles recorded before his departure, keeping the money rolling in and his most famous client fresh in the public's mind. Widely praised for not seeking to avoid the draft or serve domestically, Presley was seen as a model for all young
Americans. After he got his polio shot from an army doctor on national TV, vaccine rates among the American population shot from 2 percent to 85 percent by the time of his discharge on March 2, 1960.

December is Universal Human Rights Month:

So far this month we have covered AIDS Awareness, Identity Theft Prevention, and Safe Toys/Gifts Awareness…

Some things to ponder...

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would be something like the following:

• 57 Asians
• 21 Europeans
• 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
• 8 Africans 
• 52 would be female
• 48 would be male 
• 70 would be non-white
• 30 would be white
• 70 would be non-Christian
• 30 would be Christian
• 89 would be heterosexual 
• 11 would be homosexual 
• 6 people would possess 59% of the entire wealth

• 80 would live in substandard housing
• 70 would be unable to read
• 50 would suffer from malnutrition
• 1 would be near death, 1 near birth
• 1 would own a computer
• 1 (one) would have a college education

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.
• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
• If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada.
• If you can read this, you are more fortunate than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@mattlafatamarketing.com

Homeowner Association Meetings and Other Group Meetings:

If you have an upcoming meeting that you would like a city official at, just to be available to answer any questions, please let us know. If Matt’s schedule permits, he would love to attend.

Answering Questions for Kids and Young Adults:

As you know, communication and sharing information is something that I spend a lot of time doing. I frequently get asked to answer questions for kids and young adults for school projects or leadership programs. Usually the project involves getting these questions answered from somebody in a leadership position, and as a City Council member, I’m always happy to take the time to do this. If your son or daughter ever needs questions answered from a leadership figure for projects of any kind, please feel free to contact me or have them contact me directly.

Alternatively, if your child is interested in learning more about city government and has questions, feel free to contact me.

Finally, if you are looking for a speaker to talk to a group of kids or young adults about city government or Frisco in general, I’m happy to try and schedule something.

All the opinions, endorsements or recommendations in this newsletter are mine alone and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of any organization or group with whom I am affiliated or the individuals who are a part of such organizations and groups.  You should not rely on any statement made in this newsletter as evidenced of how I may act as a member of any organization or group.  Inclusion of news, events and other information in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement; it merely serves as my effort to be of service to the readers.

All About Frisco:

In our continuing efforts to bring information to our great community, we have updated our web site with listings of:

·         Frisco Neighborhoods and Homeowner Associations

·         Churches and other places of Worship

·         Clubs and Organizations

·         The Frisco Independent School District and other Schools

Visit www.friscocommunity.com to access this information and I look forward to your feedback. This site will continue to grow and evolve over time.

Clubs, Groups and Organizations in and around Frisco:

Frisco is home to a very diverse and numerous set of clubs, groups and organizations. If your group or organization is missing, and you would like to get it listed, please send me an email so we can list it and continue to maintain the most comprehensive list available.

 
AARP – 972-335-2478

Alcoholics Anonymous Frisco – 972-708-5086

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parent Group

American Cancer Society of Collin County – 214-819-1221

American Legion Post 178

American Red Cross of North Texas – 972-542-5642

Angel Food Ministries – 214-282-5576

AroundTown Kids

Arts of Collin County

Association of Frisco Retired School Personnel – 972-335-3040

Boy Scouts of America – 214-902-6754

Boys and Girls Club

CASA of Collin County – 972-529-2272

Celebrate Recovery – 214-282-5576

Chamber of Commerce

Christian Community Action – 972-436-4357

City of Frisco – 972-292-5000

Collin County – 972-424-1460

Collin County Association of Realtors – 214-618-3800

Collin County Community College

Collin County Community College Education Foundation

Collin County Connection – 214-544-0666

Collin County Early Childhood PTA – 972-712-3634

Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance – 214-521-5342

Collin County Genealogy Association – 972-231-4190

Collin County Republican Party

Dallas Athletic Rugby Club

Daughters of the American Revolution – 972-307-5906

Democratic Party of Collin County

Denton County

Downtown Advisory Board – 972-292-5108

Downtown Merchants Association – 972-292-5108

FamilyWatchdog.com

FC Dallas

Frisco A&M Club – 972-897-7765

Frisco American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)

Frisco Al-Anon Family Group – 972-978-8757

Frisco-Allen Texas Area Alumnae Panhellenic

Frisco Area Children’s Theater – 972-377-2675

Frisco Area Republican Women

Frisco Association For the Arts

Frisco Athletic Network

Frisco Bar Association

Frisco Baseball/Softball Organization – 972-712-2288

Frisco Business and Professional Women – 972-377-0335

Frisco Chamber of Commerce

Frisco Chorale

Frisco Community Band – 972-668-5315

Frisco Community Theatre – 972-377-3868

Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau

Frisco Cycling Club

Frisco Democratic Party

Frisco Dog Park

Frisco Ducks Unlimited – 972-712-5049

Frisco Early Childhood PTA

Frisco Economic Development Corporation – 972-668-5550

Frisco Education Foundation – 469-633-6066

Frisco Family Services Center – 972-335-9495

Frisco Family YMCA – 972-335-3222

Frisco Fire Department – 972-335-5525

Frisco Football League – 972-712-0558

Frisco Garden Club – 972-335-3812

Frisco Gymnastics Center – 972-377-0888

Frisco Humane Society – 972-498-8980

Frisco Independent School District – 469-633-6000

Frisco Kiwanis Club

Frisco Noon Lion’s Club – 972-335-2487

Frisco Music Teachers Association

Frisco Neighborhood Watch

Frisco Police Department – 972-292-6000

Frisco Post Office – 972-335-7453

Frisco Pride

Frisco Public Library

Frisco Quilt Guild

Frisco Republican Men’s Club

Frisco Republicans – 972-335-9176

Frisco Residents of Color

Frisco Rotary Club – 972-701-2801

Frisco RoughRiders

Frisco Soccer Association – 972-712-4625

Frisco Square

Frisco Sunrise Rotary

Frisco Swim Team

Frisco Thunder Professional Football

Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8273 – 972-712-5611

Frisco Women’s League – 972-712-8890

Frisco/Plano Christian Women’s Club – 972-668-4464

Frisco Youth Volleyball Leagues

Heritage Association of Frisco – 972-335-6684

Heroes for Children – 214-256-5824

Kids Kaleidoscope

KittiCo Cat Rescue – 214-826-6903

Labrador Retriever Rescue of North Texas

Lewisville Independent School District

Meals on Wheels – 972-562-6996

Miracle League of Frisco

MOMS Club of Frisco – East Central Chapter - 972-712-1789

MOMS Club of Frisco – South Chapter – 214-336-8001

MOMS Club of Frisco – SE Chapter – 214-2272418

MOMS Club of Frisco – SW Chapter – 469-384-8002

MOMS Club of Frisco – West Central Chapter

MOMS Club of Frisco – West Chapter – 214-504-9223

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) – 972-668-7458

North Texas Tollway Authority – 214-461-2000

OU Club of Collin County – 972-797-9708

Overeaters Anonymous – 972-832-5263

Play Pals – 972-839-0312

Senior Center at Frisco Square – 972-292-6550

SPCA of Texas – 972-562-7387

Speak Up – Frisco Toastmasters Group – 972-881-9989

Stonewall Democrats of Collin County

Texas Democratic Women of Collin County

Texas Tornado Hockey

Toastmasters Club of Frisco – 972-712-4611

Visual Arts Guild of Frisco

Volunteer Center of North Texas

Voter Registration Information – Collin County

Voter Registration Information – Denton County

Women Encouraging Business – 972-335-9522

Word of Mouth Productions

Young Life Frisco – 972-424-6339

Youth Leadership Frisco

Churches and other Places of Worship in and around Frisco

One of the wonderful things about Frisco is the many diverse religions you can find. If your Church is not listed, please contact me at matt@mattlafata.com so we can list it and continue to maintain the most comprehensive list available.

Apostolic Temple – 972-712-5673

Assembly of God Cornerstone Community Church – 972-335-4704

Celebration Covenant – 214-387-9833

Central Christian Church – 972-377-2608

Church of God in Christ – 972-377-3649

Church of Living Stones – 972-335-3499

Compass Christian Church – 972-335-7546

Congregation B’nai Israel

Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church - 469-362-7844

Cornerstone Community Church – 972-335-4704

Crossroads Community Church – 972-712-0582

Crosswalk Community Church

Faithbridge Presbyterian – 972-377-9560

Fellowship of Frisco – 972-335-1700

First Baptist Church of Frisco – 972-335-9830

First Pentecostal Church – 972-292-3174

First United Methodist – 972-335-4380

Frisco Bible Church – 972-335-8150

Frisco Church of Christ – 972-335-2118

Frisco Trails Fellowship Bible Church – 972-731-5999

Genesis Metro – 469-450-6277

Grace Avenue United Methodist – 972-335-2882

Grace Church - 469-633-9104

Grace Pointe – 972-292-3174

Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church – 972-377-3348

Hope Fellowship – 972-377-8855

Kingdom Life Christian Center – 214-618-1500

Lebanon Baptist Church – 972-377-3348

Liberty Baptist Church – 972-625-3546

Living Waters Family Worship Center – 214-387-9602

Lone Star Baptist Church – 469-358-7089

Newstart Church of the Nazarene – 214-282-5576

Northstar Church – 972-712-8282

Praise Fellowship Worship Center – 214-387-9397

Preston Ridge Baptist Church – 972-712-7007

Preston Trail Community Church – 972-668-1244

Rejoice Lutheran Church – 972-335-6411

Revolution Ministries – 214-649-0623

Rock Hill Church of Christ – 972-346-2710

Shawnee Trail Church of Christ – 972-377-9106

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – 972-712-2645

St. Philips Episcopal Church – 214-387-4700

Stonebriar Church of Christ – 972-712-9264

Stonebriar Community Church – 469-252-5000

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 972-377-4724

The Journey – 214-529-8873

Turning Point CMA Church – 469-733-3196

Water’s Edge Lutheran Church – 972-712-7377

About Matt Lafata:

Matt Lafata and his wife Erika share six children between the two of them. In January 1999, Mr. Lafata moved to Frisco from Gloucester, MA. Mr. Lafata has helped build several highly successful businesses for more than 20 years. A long-time business consultant, entrepreneur and human resources professional, he is the Director of Business Development with the Frisco-based HR strategy and technology consulting firm HRchitect (www.HRchitect.com). He is also the founder of several marketing and public relations agencies including The Matt Lafata Marketing Group (www.mattlafatamarketing.com). Previously, Mr. Lafata was an Executive Vice President of a computer software company where he was responsible for corporate development, marketing, sales, product development and more. Mr. Lafata studied finance and business management at Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts.

Mr. Lafata is involved in numerous organizations throughout Frisco. He is in his 2^nd term as a Frisco City Council member and has been involved in the following…

·         Former Deputy Mayor Pro Tem on the Frisco City Council

·         Former Planning & Zoning Commissioner

·         Graduate of Leadership Frisco

·         2005 recipient of the “21 Leaders of the 21^st Century” by Inside Collin County Business

·         Graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy and a member of the Alumni group

·         Youth sports coach

·         Past board member for the Frisco Family Services Center

·         St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Member

·         Member of the Frisco Heritage Association

·         Member of the Frisco Association for the Arts

·         Member of the Frisco Community Theatre

·         Community Advisory Board member for the Frisco Women’s League

·         Friends of the Frisco Public Library Member

·         Board member for the Frisco Square Municipal Management District

·         City of Frisco Technology Committee member

·         City of Frisco Budget and Audit subcommittee member

·         Tax Increment Finance board member

·         Wakeland High School PTA Technology/Publicity Committee Chairperson

·         Co-Director of the Mrs. Texas United States Pageant

·         Honorary Chair for World AIDS Day 2007 in Collin County

Since 2001, Matt and his marketing company have produced this very popular e-newsletter that goes out every week to over 40,000 people and businesses which keeps the Frisco community in touch with local events and businesses.

In July 2007, Matt announced his bid for Mayor of Frisco in the May 2008 election. Visit www.matt4mayor.com for more information about his candidacy.

How to “Whitelist” this Frisco Community Newsletter in Your Spam Filter:

With the advent of outrageous volumes of unwanted email these days, of which I get a ton, it's unfortunate that legitimate email publications like this are not being seen by some of the readers who enjoy those publications. There is much fear today that the email publishing/marketing industry is in serious trouble, due to mistakes in filtering when legitimate email is erroneously tagged as unwanted email.

While we applaud the anti-spam industry for removing the plethora of unwanted email from many of our mailboxes, from time to time, some legitimate email publications are mistaken as unwanted.

Sometimes, this results in our mailings bouncing back, with requests for us to respond to challenge/response messages to prevent future filtering. However, due to the size of our list, it's nearly impossible for us handle the volume of such requests.

To that end, please realize that we want our readers to always anticipate and enjoy the valuable information that this community newsletter delivers.

If you currently use an anti-spam program or service, we ask that you take just a minute or two to add this newsletter to your "safe" or permitted email sender list. This usually involves simply adding our sending address (From:) to your whitelist, safelist, or list of privileged senders. This is commonly known as whitelisting a publication. Simply add the email addresses of matt@mattlafata.com and matt@mattlafatamarketing.com.

If you wish to be removed from this list, please send an email to matt@mattlafata.com.

Dear Friends,

This week’s newsletter is Proudly Sponsored by Marc May, Attorney at Law. Marc is a Frisco resident and an excellent attorney that can assist you in family law matters. Also check out the Spotlight on Joe Hockaday, CPA. Joe is introducing a brand new program called Optima and is offering newsletter readers a special offer as well as a discount on tax preparation fees. I have known both Marc and Joe for many years and they are both quality people. lot of work goes into putting this newsletter together and I greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors so please patronize them wherever possible.

I hope everybody is enjoying the holiday season. If you go shopping this weekend, please have patience and courtesy for others as stores will be very crowded. Please also be aware of your surroundings and lock your vehicle as thieves love to go shopping this time of year as well.

This is a community newsletter and as such, I want to encourage you to send me community events as well as write-ups about people or groups who should be recognized and/or commended for what they do or have done. This is a newsletter about Frisco for all of us to play a part in. It is designed to bring our community closer together so please submit stuff to me at any time.

If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 40,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please email us at sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details on the various options available to you. The newsletter is also included on the web site www.mattlafatamarketing.com and www.frisco-online.com for additional exposure. It’s a great way to promote your business, promote an event at your place of business and is the most cost effective and efficient way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population. You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers only.

Newsletter Sponsor – Marc May, Attorney at Law:

Hello Frisco, I am a partner in the law firm of Woods, May & Matlock, P.C. We are a full service firm that provides quality legal services in any type of civil matter. My practice is fairly evenly divided between family law and personal injury and commercial litigation matters.  I have been practicing law since 1980 and I have been Board Certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1986.

During my career, I have represented hundreds of clients in divorce, property division, child support, visitation and custody, adoption, paternity, and other family law matters.  My past experience includes cases involving the valuation and division of clients’ ownership in many types of business entities. My practice also includes commercial and personal injury litigation.  These cases involve such things as automobile and construction site accidents, collection suits, foreclosure suits, partnership and corporate dissolution matters, and litigation relating to contractual disputes. 

Upon acceptance of the case, I provide personal attention to each client from start to finish.   This includes open communication with my clients to achieve the best possible results.  As a husband and a father, I understand the possible emotional impact a family law matter can have on children.  Therefore, when the issues involve children, I work diligently to achieve a resolution that is in the best interest of the children.

I am very dedicated in my efforts to offer quality representation.  Therefore, my approach involves taking an aggressive stand when necessary.  At the same time, I understand the value of resolving legal disputes amicably if possible.  To that end, I often use Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as mediation, in an attempt to negotiate a fair and equitable resolution for my clients. 

My policy is to keep all clients fully informed to help them understand the potential consequences of any choice or legal action.  My clients and I work together to reach decisions designed to achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances of each case.

My office is at 2500 Legacy Drive, Suite 204, Frisco.  This is at the corner of Legacy Drive and Stonebriar Drive.  I can be reached by telephone at 214-387-8501, or by email at mmay@ntxfamlaw.com.  

Spotlight on…Joe Hockaday, CPA:

Joe, please tell us about your business 

I offer tax preparation, bookkeeping and other financial and accounting related services to individuals and small businesses.  My 23+ years of experience as a CPA brings a wealth and depth of knowledge to the Frisco and surrounding area business community.  My goals are to minimize taxes, maximize refunds and reduce audit risk while taking full advantage of the Internal Revenue Code's opportunities for saving taxes.  There are many hidden treasures that competent research and a thorough knowledge of the Code can uncover.

With the growing number of CPAs and accounting firms in this area, please tell us more about what’s unique or different about your business?

Well, Matt, I have spent the last several months researching and developing an exciting new program that can significantly reduce the tax burden for self-employed people and their families.  The Optima program was initially conceived by a fellow CPA with 30+ years of experience.  I have refined the program, expanded its benefits and made it easier to implement.  It brings together IRS code-compliant tax saving strategies that not only pass IRS muster but they do not raise unwarranted red-flags.  In most cases it is simply a documentation of existing work practices inside the small, family owned business so that they are used to minimize the income tax bill.  I have seen tax savings of between $3,000 and $15,000 annually by the implementation of this program.  And at a cost of only $50 per month, you can see the terrific return on a client's investment that is possible by enrolling.  I have even had clients who were not initially self-employed develop a small business to take advantage of some of the features of the program.  There aren't many tax breaks out there for the typical taxpayer, so why not take full advantage of the laws as written and minimize what has become one of the largest expenses a family can have?  This program, coupled with my years of experience and tax planning know-how, helps my clients save money.  I take an aggressively conservative approach so that my clients do not overpay taxes.

In addition to tax preparation expertise, my years as a Chief Financial Officer for both large and small companies, along with my MBA from SMU, provide my clients with a powerful, knowledgeable resource to handle the issues that face businesses today.  From business planning to financial guidance to development of policies and procedures, Joe C. Hockaday, CPA is ready to help your small business grow and proper.

Obviously this is the time of year that people start to think about getting ready for tax season. How does someone find you?

I have recently secured office space on the southeast corner of Lebanon and Ohio just east of Preston Road.  Our office number is 214-705-2095 and my cell phone number is 214-460-2096.  I can also be reached at jhockadaycpa@yahoo.com.  If new clients mention this Spotlight piece, I will take $50 off of the enrollment fee for the Optima Program.  That is a savings of 33%!  For new tax-only clients, mention this piece and receive $25 off of one year's tax preparation fees.  So if you enroll in the Optima program and have your 2007 taxes prepared by Joe C. Hockaday, CPA, you can save $75!

This is the part of the spotlight where people get to know a little more about you. One of my passions is music. What kind of music do you like to listen to? 

Like any native Texan, I do enjoy country music but my favorites are older 70s and 80s rock and roll.  And the all-time favorite is Jimmy Buffett!  Yes, I fit right into his target demographic.  

It’s tough to beat 70’s and 80’s rock and roll! Another passion of mine is food and eating at the great restaurants we have in Frisco. What are some of your favorites?  Manny's is a favorite!  We also love Dickie's BBQ and Solare.  And we can't wait until Lochrann's opens!  For dessert, who can top Sheridan's Frozen Custard? 

Thanks Joe!

It’s time to “just do it!” -- Interview to be Mrs. Frisco 2008 and represent married women of Frisco!:

Many times, wives and moms get so busy with the day-to-day activities of life that they forget to do something *just* for themselves. 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, at least 21, and married, you’re eligible to compete for the title of Mrs. Frisco United States® 2008. 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 at the host hotel Westin Stonebriar Resort this coming April in Frisco!  This will be the fourth year the state competition has been held in Frisco. The new Mrs. Texas gets an all-expense paid trip to compete at the televised Mrs. United States® competition July 2008 in Las Vegas. Other contestants interviewing for Mrs. Frisco also will have a chance to compete at the state Mrs. Texas pageant at a discounted entry fee!

There is no talent competition, no platform, & no experience is necessary. Age and having children have no bearing on judging. We have had winners of various age ranges. This will be a fun, laid back weekend filled with great memories and lots of new friends for you and your husband!

The reigning Mrs. Frisco, the amazing Sheila Elliott, will be passing on her title to a new winner on SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 at Lenz Boutique in Frisco. If you would like to interview for Mrs. Frisco, please email Erika Lafata at or visit the Mrs. Texas website to get the entry form. Deadline to enter is January 9.

Last Chance to Purchase FRISCOPOLY:

In celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of I.S. Rogers Elementary we are offering these original board games at $144 per case…that is only $12 each (50% off retail)…or $15 per individual game (40% off retail).  Our goal is to present the Frisco Education Foundation with a check of $10,000 at our 20^th Anniversary reception on March 9, 2008.  All proceeds benefit a FEF Scholarship Endowment and special recognition will be given to our supporters.  These games feature many Frisco businesses and interesting historical facts.  They make a great gift or collectible!! Contact rogers_pta@yahoo.com today!

KidsNArt and the Grand Opening of their Frisco Art Studio:

Now open in Frisco!  KidsNArt announces the Grand Opening of their Frisco Art Studio!  Come visit us at 6201 Technology Drive, Ste 103 Frisco 75034 to check us out!  You can also visit us online at www.kidsandart.com or give us a call at (972)821-8643.  We offer many different classes and programs such as Mommy & Me classes, Draw, Paint & Sculpt classes, multi-craft classes and more starting at 2 years through teens-we even have some adult classes and open paint times too!  All of our instructors are caring artists and not only will your child be introduced to new techniques and mediums, but they will learn about famous artists as well!  Also put on your calendar our Grand Opening celebration on January 14th from 4pm-6pm where you can meet our artists, check out the studio and have some refreshments!  Come join the fun and we hope to see you soon!

Mardi Gras Frisco 2008:

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL … for an evening you won't want to miss at the

3rd Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2008   Friday, February 1, 2008 from

7PM to 12:30AM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Frisco, Texas. Party the night away at the hottest event in town This year we will again feature "The Cajun Sensation", Hunter Hayes (from Breaux Bridge, LA ) and the Louisiana Hot band.  Hunter plays a variety of music from Cajun to Country, to Rock, to Blues.  Other entertainment includes street/courtyard performers, a Jazz Band, and the world famous ( O.K. famous in Frisco) Reverse Raffle with $8,000 in total prizes including $6,000 for the winner.  The food will also be even better than last year with a Cajun fare and plenty to fill up your hungry spot!  The live auction will round the night out.  Plenty of fun, friends, and atmosphere for everyone! Last year's attendance was over 550 people, you won't want to miss out!

http://www.mardigrasfrisco.org/index.htm

Be part of the excitement.    Be part of the fun.   Sponsorship, Donation and Volunteer Opportunities are available. Something for everyone. proceeds are divided among many charitable community organizations and outreach programs.  Please contact George Vogt III at gvogt3@hotmail.com for information.

Tickets $40 per person - Reverse Raffle $100 per ticket

The Nail Studio Will Bring Relaxation and Rejuvenation to your Stressful Life:

The Nail Studio provides several specialty Spa Manicures and Pedicures.  We also offer Solar Pink and White Nails.  Mention this ad and receive 50% off your Spa Manicure when you book your Spa Manicure and Pedicure appointment. The Nail Studio is a private suite where Martinis and Wine are Served for your relaxation.

Spa Manicure $23- Your Not So Basic Manicure with a few more extra treats. The soothing, zen-sational qualities of antioxidant teas plus a relaxing aroma sure to calm and restore! The white tea massage cream has a blend of botanical extracts, antioxidant vitamins, soothing white tea essence, and emollients offers a relaxing massage and gentle hydration.

Spa Pedicure $38 - Your journey to relaxation starts here. Soak your tried feet in a fizzing mineral soak bath. Simple drift away with the warming foot scrub with vitamin A & E and the clay mask wrapped in warm towel. Your journey will come to a end with a leg and foot massage and your toes polished to perfection.

The Nail Studio is located inside Salon Pour Vous @ 8811 Teel Pkwy. #200 Rm. 111

Olivia Richard 214.636.2953

Santa's Gift Shop at Christmas in the Square:

The Second Annual Christmas in the Square at Frisco Square will incorporate a Santa's Gift Shop for patrons to shop while they view the fantastic light show and family oriented activities on Friday and Saturday night, December 21-22 from 5:30-9:30.  Booths are available to rent in either 10' x 10' or 8' x 8' sizes.  Those vendors interested in participating should download a vendor application.

InterLiga 2008 Tickets on Sale:

Tickets for InterLiga 2008 are now on sale to the public. Pizza Hut Park, a venue for the third consecutive InterLiga tournament, will host two doubleheaders in this year's edition. The tournament features the top eight Mexican First Division clubs competing for two berths for the 2008 Copa Libertadores, South America's prestigious club championships.

Ticket prices for admission to InterLiga doubleheaders range from $20 to $45. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance as a surcharge is applied to all ticket categories on gameday. For more information on the tournament, visit: www.interliga.com/sum/interliga/

FRISCO, TEXAS: PIZZA HUT PARK (all times Central) - Tickets start at $20.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Match 1 - Group B - Monterrey vs. Pumas - 7 p.m.
Match 2 - Group B - Cruz Azul vs. San Luis - 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 6, 2008
Match 7 - Group A - América vs. Toluca - 4 p.m.
Match 8 - Group A - Atlas vs. Morelia - 6:30 p.m.

FOR TICKETS: Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 214.373.8000, on www.ticketmaster.com, through the FC Dallas office at 888-FCD-GOAL (888-323-4625) or www.FCDallas.net.

Tornado Talk…by Junior Reporter Kaleigh Lafata:

It was another weekend to forget at the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco, Texas. The Tornado have still failed to return to their winning ways, and lost two more games this weekend. There’s a bit of excuse though, they faced the first place Wichita Falls Wildcats. Normally the Tornado would be in first place now though instead of 1-13-1 on their last 16 games. With the holidays coming up fast, the boys could snag a couple of wins this weekend and make it a happy holiday.

Friday started off with a Wichita g