Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Frisco community newsletter, as presented by Matt Lafata. This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by Holli Costanza with Arbonne International. Holli has an incredible offer for newsletter readers that is only available until December 30 so don’t delay! Also check out the spotlight on Bonnie Ruth’s Café Trottoir et Patisserie. They are quickly becoming one of my many favorite places to visit and they have some great specials for newsletter readers, including their New Year’s Eve extravaganza! 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.
I would like to take a minute and introduce two new newsletter staff members who will be contributing on a regular basis to this newsletter. Kaleigh Lafata, who has been contributing for a couple of months now, brings us information on our Texas Tornado hockey team through her column, “Tornado Talk”. Our newest addition, Sarah Ianace, will be covering Frisco ISD news for us. Thank you Kaleigh and Sarah! To continue to bring you the best in Frisco community information, additional staff members will be joining soon. Stay tuned for details!
This newsletter and information source is designed to bring us all a little closer together each week by providing coverage of so many things going on in our community. There are so many amazing things in this newsletter, as there are every week. Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive it themselves. They will greatly appreciate you for it as no citizen should be without this important information at their fingertips. Let’s work to get all Frisco citizens on this list as a more informed society is a more functional society.
I would like to wish all of you the very best this holiday season and hope that you have a happy and safe holiday.
Parents - please talk with your children about vandalizing Christmas lights and displays. Unfortunately a lot of this goes on everywhere, not just in Frisco and this type of destructive behavior is costly and disheartening at a time of year when we all want to enjoy the season. If you are victim of vandalism, or see if take place, please notify the police.
There are several great events in the Frisco area that take place on New Year’s Eve. Three are mentioned in this newsletter and one was mentioned in the December 7 newsletter, which you can view on my web site. This issue talks about the events at The Embassy, at Bonnie Ruth’s, and at The Abbey Grill. Two weeks ago we talked about Josephine’s Wine Bar & Bistro. Be sure to try and get to one of these and let them know that you heard about it through this community newsletter.
If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, fundraising events, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than thirty-five thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send them to me at matt@mattlafata.com so I may include them. The newsletter goes out each Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Wednesday if you want something to be included.
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are
interested in advertising and
reaching more than 35,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the
surrounding areas, please email us at
sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details on the various options
available to you. The newsletter is also included on the web site
www.mattlafatamarketing.com and
www.frisco-online.com for additional exposure. It’s a great way to promote
your business, promote an event at your place of business and is the most cost
effective and efficient way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population.
You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers
only.
If you received it from somebody else and would like to be added to the list, just send me an email at matt@mattlafata.com. 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.
Newsletter Sponsor – Holli
Costanza, Arbonne International:
Are you ready for a NEW YOU in the NEW YEAR?? Reinvent yourself in 2007!
People are thinking about their health and want more natural products. Do you
realize that your skin is your body’s largest organ and it absorbs almost
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something for everyone from baby care to anti-aging, nutrition and weight loss
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All newsletter readers can now get the BEST products in the marketplace for 50% off! From now through midnight December 30th, get 50% off of your products when you become a wholesale buyer (which entitles you to 35%-80% off for an entire year with no minimum requirements EVER) and order $150 (retail value) or more. Also, each person that takes advantage of this special will go into a drawing for a FREE Figure 8 Weight Loss System ($122 value) to start the New Year right! (Drawing will be held during the first week of January.)
Did you know you could earn an income with Arbonne? I started my business under 2 years ago with the intention of earning a little extra income. Within a year and a half, I earned my white Mercedes Benz with healthy products that are improving people’s skin and an opportunity that is transforming people’s lives. Whether you want the best skin care and nutrition or an additional income stream, contact Holli Costanza, Executive Regional Vice President and Independent Consultant at 214-457-6813 or email through my website at www.holli.myarbonne.com for a NEW YOU in 2007!
Spotlight on…Bonnie Ruth’s Café Trottoir et Patisserie:
This interview was conducted with owner Ernie Ianace. I’ve been in Bonnie Ruth’s several times now and the food and service is fantastic. I highly recommend this place…
Tell us about your business, Ernie
Bonnie Ruth’s Café Trottoir et Patisserie is an authentic Parisian bistro and sidewalk café. We offer a sophisticated menu that will cater to traditional as well as more adventuresome palettes. At Bonnie Ruth’s our guests can dine on Steak Frites, a hand carved prime rib sandwich on fresh baked bread, or Duck Confit, as well as gourmet pizzas, soups, salads and other fine dishes. All of the items on our menu are inspired by my wife and chef-owner, Bonnie Ruth Ianace. Or, if you would like to take something home, we offer a full bakery featuring Artisan breads and mouthwatering desserts.
Those Steak Frites are SO good! So, what makes you different from your competition? What makes your business unique?
We have a Belle Époque style bar which recaptures a period of time in France in the early 1900s where artistic and cultural refinement were at an all time high. During the Belle Époque time, the Paris bistro was, and still is, a place where intellectuals gathered, and friends relaxed amidst fine food and drink. At Bonnie Ruth’s, our Happy Hour is from 4-7. It’s a relaxing place where you can sip a classic cocktail with a complete selection of pastis (an anise-flavored liqueur from France) or choose from an extensive list of wine and spirits. Ask our bartender, Craig, to make you a special drink. Two of his favorites are the wedding cake martini and his favorite, a cantaloupe martini.
I’ve enjoyed your apple martinis during a Happy Hour not too long ago. Now that people are getting interested, how does someone find you?
We are located in the Shops at Starwood, at the intersection of the North Dallas Tollway and Lebanon. Access from the Tollway is temporarily blocked due to construction on the Tollway to it’s best to access Bonnie Ruth’s by taking Legacy to Lebanon. You also can visit our web site and review our menu at www.bonnieruth’s.com or call the restaurant at 214-705-7775.
Ernie, this is the part everybody has been waiting for. Everybody loves a special. Any special offer for our newsletter readers?
We have three specials I’d like to share:
If your readers mention that they read about us in your newsletter then we’ll give them a free dessert with their meal.
Also, we have a fabulous New Year’s Eve planned featuring:
30’s and 40’s Classics
5 Piece Band with chanteuse Lynn Ross
Two seatings:
Both include live music, three course menu, one cocktail and a glass of champagne
Early seating begins 6 – 7 p.m. thru 9 p.m.
$75 per person
Late seating 8 – 9 p.m. thru 1 a.m.
$100 per person
214-705-7775 for reservations ask for Tom
Also, we have a standing offer for city employees. If they show their city ID, they can receive a 15-percent discount off their lunch or dinner. We are proud to live in Frisco and it’s our way of saying thank you to the fire, police and city employees who are helping our city grow.
That’s fantastic! Great specials and a great way to give back to the city employees who make this such a great community to live in. Ok, anything else our readers should know about you?
Bonnie and I have always been involved in the restaurant business. In fact, years ago when we were students at SMU, we both worked part time at Chili’s. That’s where we fell in love with the restaurant business and with each other. After we were married, we opened a tea room in downtown Plano, opened several ZuZu Mexican food franchises and our first Bonnie Ruth’s at Casa Linda Plaza.
When we moved to Frisco, Bonnie recognized a need for a restaurant that would cater to Frisco’s sophisticated side. We have had terrific feedback from our customers and appreciate the tremendous support we have received from the community.
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..
How to Whitelist this Frisco Community Newsletter in Your Spam Filter: 5
City of Frisco Trash/Recycling Schedule following Christmas Week: 5
Enter Today to be the next Mrs. Frisco: 6
2006 Annual New Year’s Eve Family Festival at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco: 6
Genesis Metro Church Christmas Eve Services: 7
Tornado Talk…by Junior Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata: 7
Celebrate New Years Eve with friends and family at the Abbey Grill Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: 8
Crossroads Family Services Looking For Volunteers: 8
Frisco Resale Needs Volunteers: 9
Texas Tornado Holiday 6-Pack Stocking Stuffer: 9
Feb 2nd Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle: 9
Collin County Songwriters Association News and Recommendations: 10
The Frisco Area Children’s Theater Announces Acting Classes Starting in January: 10
North Texas Baseball Alliance: 11
Frisco Retired Teachers Association Meeting: 13
Business Compass 2007 - Mark Your Calendar: 13
Plano Symphony Orchestra Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream - The Music of Shakespeare”: 13
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano – Upcoming Events: 14
Cooper Aerobic Center's Cindy Kleckner - Lose weight with simple changes: 15
Commission-Based Sales Positions At HRchitect: 16
Advice from Dr. Checo – Generic Drugs: 17
Frisco House and Garden Show: 20
Holiday Hours for City Hall, City Services: 21
Update on Drought and Water Conditions from Gary Hartwell, Director of Public Works: 21
Police Report for November and Crime Alert Cards: 22
Update From Recent City Council Meeting: 23
AT&T Joins the Winter Games of Texas as Title Sponsor: 25
Capitol Steps by Rep. Ken Paxton: 27
Try Parking It – from Denton County Commissioner, Cynthia White: 27
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.
City of Frisco Trash/Recycling Schedule following Christmas Week:
Residential trash/recycling service will be delayed one day due the no service on Christmas Monday, December 25th.
Monday trash/recycling service will be done on Tuesday, December 26th
Tuesday trash/recycling service will be done on Wednesday, December 27th
Wednesday trash/recycling service will be done on Thursday, December 28th
Thursday trash/recycling service will be done on Friday, December 29th
Friday trash/recycling service will be done on Saturday, December 30th
Enter Today to be the next Mrs. Frisco:
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.
2006 Annual New Year’s Eve Family Festival at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco:
This is going to be an incredible family event that will sell out fast so call and make your reservations right away and enjoy New Year’s Eve at this beautiful hotel. Kids and adults alike will come away with a memory you won’t soon forget…
* Beautiful two-room suite
* International Buffet Dinner
* Activities for kids of all ages: Bounce house, face painting, balloon artists, wax hands, dance revolution
* Disc Jockey, karaoke and dancing
* Family souvenir photo
* Free movie in your suite
* Dessert Extravaganza at midnight as you watch the Embassy Lighted Ball descent from the 14th floor in the Atrium
* Cooked to order breakfast buffet the next morning
* Late checkout
* Free Parking
All centered around the family – $349.00 per suite for two adults and two children. Extra adult price $59.00, extra child $10.00. Prices do not include applicable taxes.
Genesis Metro Church Christmas Eve Services:
Join us Sunday, Dec. 24 at 10:45 am at Pink Elementary School for the Genesis Metro Church Family Christmas Eve Service. We’ll have a reading of the Christmas story and sing your favorite Christmas carols. Bring your entire family! We look forward to seeing you. Check out www.genesismetro.com for details.
Tornado Talk…by Junior Reporter, Kaleigh Lafata:
This past Friday and Saturday the Texas Tornado achieved another SWEEP against the Wichita Falls Wildcats this time and are now on a 6 game winning streak. They got as close as 5 points out of 1st place, but now they are 9 points out going into the Christmas break due to 1st place Santa Fe winning a couple of games. And Ryan Fuller won the NAHL player of the week award and it was well deserved. He had 4 goals and an assist during their 2 game weekend sweep. It’s the 4th time the season someone from the Tornado won the award.
In the 1st period on Friday, the Wildcats struck first, but no worries the Tornado followed it up with goals from Ryan Fuller and Justin King. The 2nd period was filled with goals. Ryan Fuller scored 30 seconds in with Lyon Messier and John Bullis assisting. Next it was Tom Brooks on a power play with Sean Roadhouse and Colin Long assisting. Now with it 4-1, Wichita put one in to make it 4-2. Then it was back to the Tornado as Nielsson Arcibal scored. Sadly, Wichita score again with 16 seconds left in the period. In the 3rd period all the scoring was done at the end. Wichita snuck one in with about a minute left and Ryan Fuller snagged his hat trick with an empty net goal with 8 seconds left. The final score was 6-4 and the shots were 25-22. The 3 stars were: Ryan Fuller, Stephane Da Costa and Lyon Messier.
Saturday night in Wichita Falls it was all up to the Tornado to keep their winning streak going. In the 1st period Lyon Messier started off the scoring on a power play. Stephane Da Costa followed up the goal with one of his own and it was also unassisted. A minute later Wichita scored, but another minute after that Julian Mikola scored one for the Tornado to end the 1st period 3-1. In the 2nd period Stephane Da Costa got the solo goal of the period. And in the 3rd, Ryan Fuller closed the case with an empty net goal with John Bullis assisting. The final score was 5-1 and shots on goal were 30-26.
The Tornado have a well deserved Christmas break from games for a while, after their 6 game winning streak. The next home game is on December 29 vs. Wichita Falls Wildcats at 7:30. For tickets call 972-335-9800 or go to www.tornadohockey.com.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Celebrate New Years Eve with friends and family at the Abbey Grill Murder Mystery Dinner Theater:
Entertaining, fun, exciting and close to your home in the heart of down town Frisco, this special production of our popular murder mystery dinner theater is produced by the Actors Company of Dallas. Join us for this 15 year tradition with two shows starting at 5:45 pm or 9:15 pm. Dinner, show, champagne and party favors for just $49.00 or $59.00 per person.
Please call us at (972) 335-3812 for more information and reservations. www.abbeygrill.com
The Abbey Grill also has a great New Year’s Day Brunch planned. Call for reservations and be sure to let them know you heard about these events from this community newsletter.
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
Temporary Art Space Needed:
Frisco Residents of Color (FROC) a newly established non-profit community organization within Frisco is currently seeking exhibition space for a forthcoming Youth Art Show/Reception. This will be one night event in February 2007. Please contact twofromdbayou@yahoo.com or (214) 387-6902 for additional details and/or questions.
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 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.
Frisco Resale Needs Volunteers:
Frisco Resale, which is the primary revenue center for Frisco Family Services Center, is very fortunate to be the recipient of many generous donations at this time of year. However, we need help in processing the donations that we receive. Our highest volume of donations will be Tuesday, December 26th through Sunday, January 31st and we need volunteers to help us during this time. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 12-4. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Please just go to the store and you can complete a volunteer application on site. If you have questions, you can call Frisco Resale at 972-712-7833 and speak to Robert or Danny. Thank you very much for helping Frisco Resale and our community.
Texas Tornado Holiday 6-Pack Stocking Stuffer:
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.
Hoops Holiday Pack:
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.
Feb 2nd Second Annual Mardi Gras Frisco 2007 and Reverse Raffle:
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.
Collin County Songwriters Association News and Recommendations:
Day Job Refugees will be rocking RockHouse Live on January 16th and back at Obzeet on February 3rd. Check out this talented band at http://www.dayjobrefugees.com.
Got a musician on your holiday gift list? Mudcat Band has some fun items on their site at www.MudcatBand.com. Also check out the Gigster Clinic (www.GigsterClinics.com/merch.htm) site for “Got Gigs?” and other unusual gift items, most under $30.
Another musician holiday gift idea: Veteran rocker, Ryan Michael Galloway, will present The Gigster Clinic, a serious nuts-and-bolts music career program for rising and returning performers. Form your band, get your gear, make some news, rock the world! The clinic will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Music Conservatory of Texas, 9255 Preston Road in Frisco, Texas from noon to 5:30. Lunch, snacks, drinks included, as well as a textbook for full participants—and as usual, previous attendees welcomed to audit for free. www.GigsterClinics.com, or 972-841-0226 for more information. Full participants $115, or audit for $65. Yup, another good gift for the musician on your list.
The Frisco Area Children’s Theater Announces Acting Classes Starting in January:
For more information or to register online, please visit: www.FriscoACTs.com or Call Aileen at 972-377-2675
Acting I (Ages 7 to 18) - Learn the basic of acting!
"What’s the Story?" (Ages 4 to 6) - Act out a different classic story every class!
Be A Star (Ages 4 to 6) - Be a different Character each class. Learn the Basic of Acting and Auditioning.
Acting II (Ages 7 to 18) - Perform a show! You've learned to act now use it to perform a show!
Home School Acting II (Ages 7 to 18) - Perform a show! You've learned to act now use it to perform a show!
PLEASE NOTE!
We keep our classes small so that every child gets attention. No one is left out! Class size is limited for all classes so sign up early so that you can avoid being on a waiting list!
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BEFORE THE DAY OF CLASS.
The Frisco Area children's Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the IRS tax laws.
Small World Angel Program:
Thank you, to everyone that helped with the Small World Angel Program. Your help and donations is greatly appreciated! Our Angel Program was a success because of you!
Warm Wishes and Regards,
Denise Wharton and the Small World Board Please visit us at www.smallworldwithlove.org
North Texas Baseball Alliance:
The North Texas Baseball Alliance was established in 2004 to help support inter-city competition in North Texas. The alliance is built on strong relationships while maintaining independent leagues. We agree to provide combined competitive baseball for all age groups to develop skills, enhance learning, and cultivate personal growth
The experience of visiting neighboring cities, playing on different baseball fields, and meeting new people allows coaches and players alike to see different levels of competition and explore learning tools. We have coaches and players from all over including Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, The Colony, Garland, Dallas, Plano, Carrolton, Richardson, Anna, Melissa, and more playing on teams associated with each select league.
Today, the alliance is supported by city leagues in Frisco, McKinney & Little Elm.
* Frisco Baseball/Softball Association (FBSA)
* Triple Crown Academy at Triple Creek Complex (TCA)
* McKinney Baseball Association (MBA)
* Little Elm Area Youth Sports Association (LEAYSA)
NTBA welcomes all teams and players to visit league websites for more information or just visit www.ntba.us for the latest 2007 spring league information.
COST: $1500 for all age groups U9 - U14
Offering both AA & AAA USSSA League
USSSA Roster and Proof of Insurance Required
Equipment and game balls supplied by teams
Determined by players age on 4/30/2007
18 Games Guaranteed
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in League
Both single and double-header games will be scheduled to accommodate teams
Games are played in Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney
SEASON STARTS - March 9th 2007
National & State Qualifying League
Two State qualifying AA & AAA Tournaments
Team and Individual Awards for 1st & 2nd place in tournament
INCLUDED
DEADLINE TO ENTER - February 15th 2007
Christmas Tree Safety:
Christmas is near and the Frisco Fire Department offers the following tips to make your holiday season safe and enjoyable:
* Choose a fresh, natural tree. A fresh tree should not lose many needles when the trunk is tapped on the ground.
* Cut the selected tree 1 inch from the bottom of the trunk to help the tree absorb water prior to decorating. The tree stand used should have at least a 1-gallon capacity. A 6-foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days.
* Keep the tree in a protected area away from the wind and sun until it is ready to decorate
* Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, vents and other heat sources.
* Use lights approved by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) and never connect more than three strands. Never use real candles on a tree, even an artificial one.
* Check the light strings for missing bulbs, cracked insulation or broken sockets. Turn off all lights when away from home or sleeping.
Frisco Business and Professional Women meet January 4, 2007 - 5 Tips to Keep Nutrition Simple & Effective:
Start the New Year with the Frisco BPW on Thursday, January 4 where our speaker Sarah Handy will give us tips to keep nutrition simple and effective.
Frisco BPW meets at the Frisco Embassy Suites' Cyprus Grille's Garden Room, 7600 John Q. Hammons Drive, just west of Stonebriar Mall. Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner and speaker at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. Please email/call Nina Barr at ngbarr@tx.rr.com or 972-377-0335 to make a reservation or for more information. Guests are always welcome. The Frisco BPW meets on the first Thursday of the month for dinner, guest speaker and networking.
Also on display at this meeting will be the quilt made for the grand opening of the Women’s Museum in Dallas in September 2001. It was to be featured at the dedication ceremony by Ann Richards, when 9/11 happened and the ceremony was cancelled. This double-sided quilt is handmade with squares individually signed by most of the nation’s first ladies, celebrities, entertainers, and important women leaders in Texas and around the country. Many women not only returned their signed square, but sent a note of congratulations to the Museum. These notes are assembled in a scrapbook also available for viewing.
Members and guests are invited to come between 6pm and 7pm to view the quilt prior to the dinner meeting at 7pm.
The Business and Professional Women (BPW) is a national organization of women helping women through education, support and advocacy. Members and guests are encouraged to network with other professionals, share career strategies and interests and to learn from guest speakers on topics of interest to women as community members, individuals, business owners, employees, those advancing their careers, changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
Visit www.friscobpw.org for more information.
Frisco Retired Teachers Association Meeting:
The Frisco Retired Teachers Association will meet Tuesday Jan 9th, 9:30-10:00am for continental breakfast and 10:00-12:00 for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Our featured speaker this month will be Glenda Covington, Frisco Police Officer. She will be giving a presentation about personal safety.
Business Compass 2007 - Mark Your Calendar:
Mark Your Calendar for January 24th, 11:00—1:00 at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. An overview of the direction of growth and real estate in Frisco presented by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce School of Business will be the focus of this event. This session will feature John Lettelleir, the Director of Planning for the City of Frisco, Jim Gandy, President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, and private sector real estate developers in both the commercial, retail, and office areas. The goal is to map, as clearly as possible, for business owners the locations and supporting markets for commercial expansion in the city. Please make your reservations by calling the Chamber at 972.335.9522 or you may register on line at www.friscochamber.com. Lunch is provided. $5.00 for advanced reservations—$7.00 at the door.
Plano Symphony Orchestra Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream - The Music of Shakespeare”:
with Maureen Thomas and Jenni Till - Soprano, San-Ky Kim - Tenor, Rebecca Campbell - Mezzo Soprano, and the Texas Voices Choir – Alan Dyer, Director
What: Music and theatre are special partners that through the years have offered some of the most thrilling and moving human experiences possible. Don’t miss this semi-staged version of one of the most beloved combinations of music and story – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with music by Felix Mendelssohn. Prior to this famous story coming to life, enjoy the mesmerizing romance of both Gounod’s and Tchaikovsky’s interpretations of “Romeo & Juliet.” Don’t miss this unique evening of music and drama!
Guest Artist: Canadian actress Maureen Thomas has accomplished much in her long career. With a full length film, television, voice over, commercial, and theatre career, Ms. Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades from Canadian television and professional organizations. Her unique staging of “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” performed all over Canada and the United States, has been described as “a dazzling revelation” of what symphony programs can be.
Program: 1. “Nuit d’hymenee” for soprano and tenor
2. “L’amour, l’amour” for tenor
3. “Je vieux vivre” for soprano
From “Romeo and Juliet-----------------------------C. Gounod
Romeo and Juliet--------------------------------------Tchaikovsky
Midsummer Night’s Dream-------------------------Mendelssohn
When: Saturday, January 27 - 8:15 PM
Where: Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson, TX 75082
Tickets: To order, call the Plano Symphony Orchestra Ticket Office at 972-473-7262. Reserved Seating tickets: $9-$70. Add $2 at the door.
Plano Symphony Orchestra’s 2006-2007 Season sponsors include The Dallas Morning News/DallasNews.com, American Airlines and major funding from the City of Plano.
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano – Upcoming Events:
January 2007:
Want some help with your New Year's Resolution to lose weight? Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano invites all women from Plano and surrounding communities to attend on Tuesday, January 9. Cindy Kleckner, Cooper Aerobic Center's dietician, presents "Nutrition You Can Live With" and will motivate us with simple changes that will make a big difference in our lives. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano, Mapsco 556S). Coffee & Social at 9:30a, Meeting at 10:00am, followed by optional After Meeting Lunch. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Janet O'Pella at 972 672-4763 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org
February 2007:
You don't want to miss our fabulous Valentine's Tea on Tuesday, Feb 13. Suzi Checki will entertain us with "Blonde Highlights of Hollywood", a comedic one woman show with songs and impersonations of famous Hollywood Blondes. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano). Social at 9:30am, Tea & Goodies & Entertainment at 10:00am. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Suzanne O'Malley at 972 208-1232 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org
About Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano
Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano is a social organization of warm, caring women, which provides a supportive environment for new and established residents of Plano Texas and all surrounding areas. The Club assists women in their transition to the community by introducing them to others, fostering friendships and encouraging participation in the group’s many activities.
We invite women to join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There is always an interesting speaker and you’ll meet a lot of fun, new women! We also host a wide array of monthly activities, including: Potluck Lunches & Dinners, Bunco, Canasta, Arts & Leisure Outings, Quilting, Movies, Wine Tasting, Book Club, Bridge, Gardening Group, Needlework, Couples Activities, a monthly Welcome Coffee and more. We are a sociable group of over 200- women who meet year ‘round and we love to see new faces!
Prospective members are invited to try our activities for one month before joining the group. Our monthly newsletter highlights our activities. We’ll be happy to send you one if you call Janet O’Pella at 972-672-4763. Look for us online at www.newcomerfriends.org.
Cooper Aerobic Center's Cindy Kleckner - Lose weight with simple changes:
Want some help with your New Year's Resolution to lose weight? Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano invites all women from Plano and surrounding communities to attend on Tuesday, January 9. Cindy Kleckner, Cooper Aerobic Center's dietician, presents "Nutrition You Can Live With" and will motivate us with simple changes that will make a big difference in our lives. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway (SE corner of Tennyson & Democracy, W of Preston, Plano, Mapsco 556S). Coffee & Social at 9:30 am, Meeting at 10:00 am, followed by optional After Meeting Lunch. For more info or to reserve your spot, contact Janet O'Pella at 972 672-4763 or visit www.newcomerfriends.org.
All women from Plano and surrounding communities are invited and it is FREE.
Who is Cindy Kleckner, RD, LD?
As the registered and licensed dietitian and culinary specialist for the Cooper Aerobics Center Craig Ranch in McKinney, Cindy helps clients improve diet, lose excess pounds, and enjoy optimal health.
A specialist in cardiovascular wellness, weight management, sports and culinary nutrition, Cindy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her dietetic internship at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. She is a former President of the Dallas Dietetic Association and Texas Dietetic Association Media Spokesperson and continues to be very active in her profession in many dietetic practice groups. Additional accomplishments include Co-authoring “What’s Cooking at the Cooper Clinic” and a contributing author of nutrition chapters for Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper’s, “Overcoming Hypertension, Preventing Osteoporosis, The New Aerobics for Women”. When she’s not helping others meet lifestyle goals, Cindy loves travel and gourmet cooking, and stays fit playing competitive tennis. Married 25 years to her college sweetheart, she is a Mom of two sons, ages 19 and 14.
23rd Annual Frisco Chamber of Commerce Banquet - "Fire and Ice" Presented by Dallas Baptist University-North:
January 20, 2007 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Embassy Suites Hotel – Frisco (7600 Hammons Drive; Frisco, TX 75034)
This year's theme, Fire and Ice, was created to evoke the spirit of our great community and fuel everyone's passion about the continued growth of Frisco and its future.
Arrive in your best cocktail attire at 6:00 p.m. and enjoy an ice bar, music and silent auction. The dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Stay after the program for live music and dancing! See who wins awards in the categories of Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and more!
To ensure your spot at the banquet, call today!
For sponsorship information, contact Gary Carley, Fundraising Chairman, at (972) 701-2804 or gary.carley@ndbt.com.
To donate an item for the silent auction, contact Carolyn Bittick at (972) 322-3050 at cdbittick@garverengineers.com or Scott Burchett at (972) 334-1932 or sburchett@ridersbaseball.com.
For volunteer information, contact Jackie Jeffrey at (972) 467 -1850 or jackiejeffrey@aol.com.
Hurry because space is limited! Advance reservations required. Deadline for reservations is January 12th. We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christi Wilson, Director of Events, (972) 335-9522 or cwilson@friscochamber.com.
Commission-Based Sales Positions At HRchitect:
HRchitect, a small nationwide and fast growing human resources technology consulting firm based in Frisco, TX, is a leading provider of consulting services to major corporations. We sell our services to mid-size and Fortune 500 companies.
We are currently searching for highly motivated individuals to drive sales within existing and new clients. We are searching for entrepreneurial-minded people who would like to work in a unique environment with independent and flexible work hours (part-time or full-time territories available), and great earning opportunities. Primarily focused on inside sales – you’ll be able to work from home and our new offices in Frisco Square.
Sales representatives earn a straight forward and lucrative commission. The majority of leads come from HRchitect, our business partners, and numerous other sources. This is a commission only position where our sales representatives make great money and enjoy uncapped commissions. The right candidates have the potential to build a six figure income stream very rapidly.
This is the perfect opportunity for people who want the flexibility to enjoy their family life, enjoy what they do and make great money while doing it.
Requirements:
* Outside or Inside, commission sales experience
* Proven record in a challenging, fast-paced environment
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Commitment to excellence and customer service
* Ability to work independently
* Very Organized
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
If you are a success-minded, goal oriented person who enjoys a family friendly work environment, we are ready to give you the opportunity to achieve your goals.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Matt Lafata
Director, Sales and Marketing
HRchitect
Advice from Dr. Checo – Generic Drugs:
Hello Frisco,
To no one’s surprise, cost and healthcare are (unfortunately) joined at the hip. As a result, debates/discussions/talks arise on a daily basis in medical offices directly related to this relationship. A very popular topic is the cost of medications; specifically, the generic vs. brand name debate. Despite the fact that generic medications have been on the market for years, there’s still quite a bit of confusion regarding their efficacy, safety and, well, cost. Hopefully, after reading this article, Frisco residents will have a better understanding of this sometimes confusing topic.
First and foremost, generic drugs are safe, effective alternatives to their brand-name equivalents. There should be no hesitation by the patient or physician to take/prescribe a generic medication as long as the other tenets of good healthcare are followed; prescribing the correct medicine for the symptom and/or disease process being treated. That may sound simplistic- and it is- but it needs to be mentioned nonetheless. So why the confusion/controversy?
Most folks are not aware of the processes involved in the development of generic medications. To get a generic equivalent of a drug, the patent that was obtained by the drug manufacturer for the brand name medication (let’s use Lipitor as an example) needs to expire. That is, the exclusive rights to sell this medication are held by the drug company for a period of about 20 years. That can, of course, vary with an individual medication but that’s the general rule of thumb. Once those 20 years have expired, any number of generic drug companies can and do submit applications to the FDA to secure their respective right to sell said medication. This is not a casual process. The generic manufacturer has to go through the same rigorous process that Merck, for example, has gone through to get that coveted FDA approval. This process can often take years and can cost tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. This is one of the reasons that when a popular drug does come off patent, the generic equivalents aren’t that much cheaper initially. However, the price does go down over time, the main reason why generics are so attractive to the healthcare community.
Once the drug is on the market, by federal mandate, said drug must perform identically to the brand name medication. Notice I wrote perform. As long as the therapeutic effect is the same, the generic equivalent may, and often does, look and taste differently. This is a likely source of questions for the physician- and rightfully so. But do not mistake different appearance for different performance- no such difference should exist. Please remember that brand name drug manufacturers often shape or color their pills to market them more effectively- something generic manufacturers don’t have to be concerned with.
So much for efficacy. How about safety. Another non-issue. Again, remember these drugs must pass FDA muster- just like their name-brand equivalents. So therefore, they need to be just as safe. If they were not, they wouldn’t be on the market.
Despite the above reassurances, some patients, for various reasons, still prefer the brand name. That’s fine by me- as long as the patient is aware that if a generic equivalent is available, their insurance company will likely, shall we say, “influence” their decision by making the brand name often prohibitively expensive. It’s up to the patient to decide whether they’re willing to foot the bill. That’s a personal decision but based on how similar the performance is, to pay for what is effectively a nicely shaped and colored pill doesn’t make much financial sense. And for those of you who are wondering, every medication in the Checo household is generic, if an equivalent is available.
So there you have it. Hopefully this will give you the know-how to make an informed decision regarding your medications. As always, have that one-on-one with your physician regarding this and all medical decisions. To pay less for the same result makes sense to me. Hopefully, to you as well.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Dr. Checo is a board-certified Internist with 16 years of experience in the care and management of the Adult patient. He can be reached by calling his office at 469-633-9700. He can also be reached at pecmd@yahoo.com
Happenings in Frisco ISD:
This is a new section that will appear regularly in the newsletter from the newest addition to my newsletter staff, Sarah Ianace…
December 21-January 2 is a Frisco ISD Student Holiday, Enjoy!
Frisco ISD Fun Facts
* The school district's history dates back to 1876 before the railroad and the town arrived
* 2,570 employees – largest single employer in Frisco
* Fifth largest employer in Collin County
* 20,237 Students
* FISD has 101 buses, transporting 3,166 students
* Students in FISD are served by a distinguished, "District of Excellence" Child Nutrition Program as designated by the American School Food Service Association, Elementary lunches are $2; secondary prices are $2.25