Allen Image February 2013

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contents February 2013 Vol. 23, Issue 2

48

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cover story52 The growing buzzzz

Barbara Corbin has been fascinated by bees since she was a child and a few years ago, she began to explore the dream of trying her hand at beekeeping.

Brenda Newell and John Moog became interested in bees when they visited a friend’s bee hives in East Texas. They now ship their bees all over the country.

by Peggy Helmick-Richardson

feature22 heARTS for ART

The heARTS for ART benefit and silent auction was originally conceived a year ago January by several of the Schmidt family’s friends to show daughter, Samantha, how much everyone cared about her.

by Deborah Dove

special sections

24 kids korner

Be My Valentine

by Deborah Dove

36 pet page

Maya

44 calendar22

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Allen Imagepublisher/editor

Barbara Peavy

office administrator

Carrie McCormick

advertising sales

Jill Edelman

Joy Dickschat

contributing writers

Heather Darrow

Vicki Deerman

Deborah Dove

Tom Keener

Kathy Litinas

Jeff Mues

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

Peggy Helmick-Richardson

Marjorie Vaneskahiancover

photo

Larry Fleming

Allen Image © 2013 by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. Allen Image is published by Moonlight Graphics and individually mailed free of charge to the residents of the Allen area.

Subscriptions are available to residents outside the delivery area at a rate of $2.50 per issue—$30 per year.

Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to:

Allen Image, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807 or visit our website at www.allenimage.com.

contents

36

departments civic forum10 Lone Star Conference Championship

by Jeff Mues

12 Sam Bass Dayby Tom Keener

14 Something for everyone…Kathy Litinas

16 Alliance for a Healthier Allenby Jeff Mues

17 Ten years and countingby Vicki Deerman

18 The circus is coming to Allen

All about beauty

libraryby Tom Keener

19 Baseball legend Bobby Brown

20 It’s for the birds

Develop the writing voice and publish your novel

21 Negro Baseball League

education26 Area teachers volunteer

by Keith A. Taylor

29 Allen Eagles win second state football title

30 College education brings knowledge and loveby Heather Darrow

helping hands34 Involvement promises fun and funds

by Marjorie Vaneskahian

gardening36 Winter vegetable garden

by Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

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civic forum

Though it may be freezing cold outside, college basketball is really starting to heat up! In just a couple of months, everyone will be filling out their brackets and cheering their favorite schools on to a successful tournament run.

In Allen, college basketball fever has caught on early with planning well underway for the Lone Star Conference Championship Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. This great event returns to Allen Event Center on March 6-9, 2013, spanning four days of NCAA basketball competition with a variety of other activities and events to engage fans.

One of the premier conferences in NCAA Division II basketball, the Lone Star Conference consists of 11 member institutions in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico including Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Angelo State University in San Angelo,

University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville, Texas Woman’s University in Denton and West Texas A&M University in Canyon along with Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and Eastern New Mexico in Portales.

Tarleton State edged last year’s tournament champion Midwestern State by a slim margin in the 2012-13 Lone Star Conference men’s basketball preseason poll, which reflects the opinions of LSC

head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives throughout the region. The two schools shared last year ’s conference championship with identical 15-3 league records. For the women, Tarleton State is the preseason favorite as they aim to

defend last year’s Lone Star Conference Championship title. The TexAnns went 23-9 overall last year and 17-3 in conference play, claiming their first-ever Lone Star Conference Championship and Tournament crown last season.

For both men and women, the Lone Star Conference champion will be the regular season winner determined by league games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as Lone Star Conference Tournament Champion and earns the conference’s automatic qualification. The top eight teams in the final conference standings will qualify for the postseason tournament at Allen Event Center.

First round games will be played in four doubleheader sessions consisting of a women’s and men’s same-seeded contest on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7. The sessions are set for noon and 6 p.m. each day. The semifinal contests will be played on Friday, March 8 in two doubleheader sessions starting at noon and 6 p.m. The tournament concludes with both championship games in a doubleheader session at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

To purchase tickets for the 2013 Lone Star Conference Basketball Championship, visit the Allen Event Center box office or go through Ticketmaster.com. General admission tickets will be sold individually for each of the seven sessions or in all-session tickets. Single-session tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. All-session tickets are $60 for adults and $32 for students. Luxury suites, which include 10 tickets, are also available for $250 per session.

Lone Star Conference Championship basketball returns to Allenby Jeff Mues

A l l e n I m A g e x F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 3 11

While the championship is at stake for the ten universities that compete in men’s basketball and the 11 that compete in women’s basketball, the impact on the City of Allen is also significant. The event had an estimated economic impact of more than $500,000 in 2012, and this year promises to be bigger and better!

A number of associated events will enhance the tournament experience. FanFest returns again this year. Scheduled for Saturday, March 9 from 3 to 6 p.m., the free family event takes over the parking lots surrounding the arena and features games, inflatables and food. New this year, College Night, scheduled for Thursday, March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the arena concourse, will showcase many of the universities. During the event, students will be able to get information on admission and speak with representatives from the universities.

In addition to attending the games and participating in all the official

events, many volunteer and sponsorship opportunities offer a chance to help drive the success of this great community event. Being an official welcome host to student-athletes and coaches, helping to decorate the team’s hotel and accompanying the players and coaches on prearranged community appearances and projects are among the many ways to participate from a sponsorship

perspective. Volunteers can help out in many areas including serving as media/courtside attendants, ushers, greeters and locker room/back of house security.

To learn more, please visit LSCChampionshipAllen.com. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.


In 1872, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad arrived in Allen, ultimately connecting its rail line from Galveston to Denison and the rest of the country. Arrival of the railroad changed the course of Allen’s history. It was February 22, 1878, when Sam Bass and his gang robbed the train at Allen Station, thereby committing the first successful train robbery in Texas.

To commemorate this event as well as learn more about trains and how they impacted our community, join in the celebration of the Allen Heritage Guild’s fifth annual Railroad History Day. Events for everyone in the family will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 23, at the Allen Depot, 100 E. Main Street.

At 11 a.m., acclaimed actor and Allen resident Burton Gilliam will speak; at noon you can listen to old-time fiddling and enjoy free hot dogs and drinks; and at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. the Allen High School drama students will re-enact the Sam Bass robbery.Events throughout the day:• Page Thomas will offer outdoor

blacksmith demonstrations with his forge

• Learn about train bells and the meaning behind each ring and take the opportunity to ring the new Ebenezer Allen steam engine bell

• Have your picture taken with the Sam Bass gang portrait

• Try your hand at transmitting Morse code messages across a telegraph system.

• Youngsters can transfer “water” from the water tower to a train, which illustrates how important water was to the railroad

• A train bingo game will be fun

• Learn about different flag signals that trains used in the 1870s.

Students are encouraged to enter the Sam Bass Day Art Contest. The request for this year’s contest is to draw or paint a steam locomotive that

came through Allen in the 1870s. Information can be obtained from the art teacher at each AISD school. Home school students can enroll at the Allen Heritage Guild’s website. Entries will be judged on originality and creativity. Winners will receive a ribbon and first place winners in each category will receive a monetary award. The age brackets are: K-3rd; 4th-6th; middle school; and high school. Entries will be picked up from each campus by February 8. Winners will be announced on the Allen Heritage Guild website on February 13.

Go to www.allenheritage.org for information or call 972.727.8985. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with

the Allen Public Library.

Sam Bass Dayby Tom Keener

Natalie Gregg is an Allen resident, entrepreneur and mother of two. She was named a “2012 Rising Star” by Texas Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for less than 2.5 percent of practicing attorneys in the state of Texas.

“I like to problem-solve and I love helping families,” says Natalie. “My passion is finding a way to help my clients to achieve their goals with the least amount of collateral damage.”

Natalie is the managing partner of the Law Office of Natalie Gregg, a full service family law litigation firm that is focused on divorce, mediation, child support/custody and step-parent adoption. A prolific writer, she is also a guest blogger for The Huffington Post’s Divorce Blog.

Since 2005, Natalie has dedicated her career to the practice of family law. She received her J.D. from the Dedman School of Law at the Southern Methodist University, and is also a trained mediator and collaborative law professional. These skills help her to diffuse her client’s anger against the other party while coaching them to become effective co-parents.

“You can love your kids or hate your ex-spouse, but you can’t do both. I help divorcing families to build a plan for navigating the rest of their lives together.”

This approach enables Natalie to save her clients a significant amount of time and money while producing superior results for their entire family—especially their children. She is experienced in the courtroom, practicing a majority of her time in Collin County courts. Natalie Gregg combines a great sense of compassion with a dedication to delivering results for her clients.

“The process of litigating these issues is sensitive, but it requires an aggressive approach in order to achieve our client’s goals,” says Natalie. Her practice is informed by years of advocacy for families in crisis, and she is a passionate champion for clients who are dedicated to protecting their most precious asset: their families.

In 2012, the firm added Melissa Cason as an associate attorney. Melissa received her J.D. with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and she successfully passed the State Bar in not only Texas but also

in Florida and New York. She began her Texas family law practice with CitySquare’s Legal Action Works, a nonprofit law firm committed to representing low-income Dallas families. There, Melissa handled a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child support and custody, domestic violence, adoption, and grandparent custody.

The firm’s website, www.NatalieGregg.com, includes a variety of free resources for anyone experiencing or considering divorce. These articles can be helpful regardless of which attorneys they plan to hire, and they include advice on how to minimize the costs and heartache of family law litigation.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the firm’s website, call or email [email protected].


The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus is cele - brating 15 years of fine arts events in the community.

On Friday, February 15, we invite you to our collaboration with First United Methodist Church of Allen for a Dan Fogelberg Tribute Weekend. The tribute artists will be traveling to Allen from across the nation to celebrate the musical legacy of Dan Fogelberg. The evening begins at 7 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Courtyard at Marriott Hotel located at 210 Stacy Road. Join us for

stories and the songs of Dan Fogelberg. The Tribute Artists and their bios, as well as ticket information, are posted at www.allenphilharmonic.org. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and include a buffet and cash bar.

On Sunday, February 24, at 2 p.m., join us at the Performing Arts Center located on the campus of Allen High School as the full orchestra takes you on a musical voyage to the great beyond…space.

Programming features Pixar movie’s “WALL*E Suite” by Thomas Newman, the fanfare from Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op 30” (made famous as the theme from 2001 A Space Odyssey), the “Star Wars Medley” by John Williams and “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. “The Planets, Op. 32” is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst written between 1914 and 1916.

Each movement of this work is named after a planet—excluding Earth and Pluto—in the solar system and its corresponding astrological character as defined by the composer. Holst’s intention was to convey ideas and emotions associated with the influence of the planets, not the Roman deities for whom the planets are named. Pluto was discovered in 1930, four years before Holst’s death, and was hailed by astronomers as the ninth planet. Holst expressed no interest in writing a movement for the new planet—perhaps with foresight of the future controversy regarding Pluto’s plane-tary status. The Allen Philharmonic offers family ticket packs which are available on our website.

Something for everyone…by Kathy Litinas

Tribute artist, Donnie Mills


On Saturday, March 2, the Allen Philharmonic welcomes the legendary artist Doc Severinsen to the Performing Arts Center located on the Allen High School Campus for our celebration of fifteen years in the community. A Grammy award winner, Doc has made more than 30 albums—from big band to jazz-fusion to classical. Two critically acclaimed Telarc CDs with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra showcase his multifaceted talents from Bach to ballads. While here in Allen, Doc will present a master class for Allen ISD music students. Net proceeds from this event will establish a fund to be maintained by the Foundation for Allen Schools to promote and nurture the arts in our school district.

Please visit our website, www.allenphilharmonic.org, for up-to-the-minute details and ticket information for each of these events. We thank you, the community, for your support of the arts here in Allen. v

Kathy Litinas is the president of the APSO

board of directors.

Doc Severinsen


Just a few weeks ago many of us made New Year’s resolutions to be more healthy and active in 2013. If only keeping resolutions were as easy as making them! Without a bit of

teamwork and support, realizing our goals can be very difficult.

It’s worth noting however that several community partners have teamed up to help Allen residents keep those resolutions, working collaboratively to create a healthier community. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, Allen ISD, Allen Community Outreach, Keep Allen Beautiful, the City of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department and several other businesses and individuals partnered in 2008 to form The Alliance for a Healthier Allen (AHA).

AHA has been quite busy already in 2013 having once again partnered with Live Healthy North Texas, a branch of Live Healthy America (LHA), to offer their annual wellness challenge, which runs 10 weeks, January 28 through April 5. It’s not too late to reap the benefits and AHA encourages anyone who is interested to visit LiveHealthyNorthTexas.com for more information.

As the Live Healthy initiative ramps up, a youth initiative—Motivate to Move—launches March 1 and runs through April 30. The free program encourages school-aged children to be more active and to make healthier

eating choices. Motivate to Move programming will be incorporated into all 16 Allen Elementary Schools with plans to expand the program to other North Texas schools in the future, thanks to a grant from the Dr Pepper/Snapple Group.

Don’t let those resolutions fall by the wayside. Sign up for the 10- Week Challenge, encourage your school-aged children to take advan-tage of the Motivate to Move program and remember that you can count on your teammates at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, Allen ISD, Allen Community Outreach, Keep Allen Beautiful and the City of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department to help you achieve an active, healthy lifestyle.

Visit AllianceForAHeathierAllen.com and on Facebook.com/GetAllenHealthy for all the latest information and updates. To join the AHA team in a volunteer capacity, helping with upcoming events, call Lyndsey Cecka at 214.509.4751 or email [email protected]. v

Jeff Mues is a senior marketing coordinator

with the Allen Event Center and Allen Parks

& Recreation Department.

Alliance for a Healthier Allenby Jeff Mues


Founded in 2003, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools involves the community in generating and dis-tributing funds, property and gifts that enhance the educational experience in the Lovejoy ISD. The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools benefits the students, faculty, graduates and staff of LISD. This continues to be the mission of the foundation as we celebrate our ten-year anniversary. We are proud to have been able to grant $913,000 to Lovejoy ISD and invest another $134,000 in our endowment fund.

We have many plans for a year-long celebration. One of them is our 7th annual Denim & Diamonds Gala and Auction. The 2013 theme is The Beat Goes On…Ten Years and Counting. This fun gala and auction will be on Saturday, March 2, at Southfork Ranch. The honorary chair for the event is founding board member Tommy Thompson.

Tommy and his family have lived in Fairview for 34 years. His two daughters went through the Lovejoy system and graduated from Allen High School. His son graduated from the Fairhill School and his wife, Betty, has been a tireless worker and supporter of both Lovejoy and Allen schools as well as serving on the Texas A & M School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board.

Tommy retired from Quest Medical in 1998 after 18 years as CEO. He spent his career in the medical device industry as CEO of four companies and has served on numerous boards of directors during the past 40 years. He holds 16 patents and has had a continuing dedication to the non-profit sector in both the medical device industry and education. He was a founder of the Medical

Device Manufacturers Trade Association in 1992, served as chairman of the board for 10 years with the Fairhill School, a founder and initial board member of the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools in 2003 and continues to serve as an advisory director. He is currently the head of T2 Construction, LLC in Fairview.

Tommy will be joined at the gala by all former and current foundation board members to celebrate the accomplish ments of the past 10 years. The event chair, Kelli Litchenburg, expects there to be approxi-mately 700 in attendance for the silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment by Anson Carter.

If you are a business owner, you may support the gala by becoming a sponsor, donating an item to the auction or advertising in the event night

program. This year’s presenting sponsor is Pogue Construction. For sponsorship information or tickets, visit www.foundationforlovejoyschools. v

Vicki Deerman is the executive director for the

Foundation For Lovejoy Schools.

Ten years and countingby Vicki Deerman

Tommy Thompson


SnippetsSnippetsThe circus is coming

to Allen

The Carson and Barnes Circus will return to Allen March 22-24 at Allen Millennium Park, 505 Century Parkway. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Allen and the Allen High School Key Club, the attraction will feature high-wire daredevils, acrobatics, animal shows and a petting zoo.

Shows will take place at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22; 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23; and 2 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. Tickets are $6 for children and $14 for adults. Advanced tickets will be available at local ticket outlets and through Allen Kiwanis Club members. There will be a spectacular tent raising where everyone can come watch the elephants raise the world’s largest circus tent on Friday, March 22, tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m. More details, including outlet ticket sites, will be posted on the Kiwanis website, www.AllenKiwanis.org.

For sponsorship opportunities at this event, contact Becky Brown, 469.342.3944, or [email protected], or the Kiwanis website, www.allenkiwanis.org. v

Are you curious about hair and skin care? Want to know how to take your hair and skin care to the next level? How does nutrition play a part in your skin and hair? Learn the secrets to a great makeup application with Crystal Green and Erin Peterson at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 1st floor meeting room, Allen Public Library. Learn how to maintain beautiful, healthy skin and hair. Sponsored by the library’s Adult Services, this program is free.

A graduate of Roberts Cosmetology School and Paul Mitchell School for Esthetics, Erin Peterson was formerly Lead Esthetician at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. This provided a foundation for her to launch About Face Skin Care & Waxing in Allen.

After serving as a Cosmetology Instructor, Crystal Green received certifications in editorial, glamour and airbrush makeup. Her talents and professionalism have allowed her to travel and work among other professionals in the beauty and cosmetic domain.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4905 for information. v

Erin Peterson

Crystal Green


library

World Series legend Bobby Brown will be on hand at the screening of The Pride of the Yankees (1947) for this year’s opening of the ALLen Reads film series. Brown and Yogi Berra are the last two survivors of the Yankees team that won the famous 1947 World Series.

In his eight seasons with the Yankees, mostly as an infielder, Brown played on four championship teams, assembling a .439 batting average in World Series play. He ranks in the top 10 for World Series OBP, SA and OPS, as well as BA.

Brown was the first major leaguer in baseball history to play while simultaneously attending medical school. In addition, from the last half of the 1952 season to the beginning of the 1954 season, Brown traded his pinstripes for the olive drab of an Army medic during the Korean War. He assisted wounded soldiers as a battalion surgeon at the 160th Field Artillery Battalion Aid Station in Korea and also served in a MASH hospital 15 miles behind the demilitarized zone.

He then practiced cardiology in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for more than 25 years. After retirement, Brown

served as president of the American League. In 2009, Brown appeared in uniform once again alongside former Yankee teammates Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford on the grass of the new Yankee Stadium on the occasion of Old Timer’s Day. All films begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.

February 5—The Pride of the Yankees (1947), starring Gary Cooper, Babe Ruth, Teresa Wright and Walter Brennan. This Oscar-winning film tells the story of the life and career of the famed baseball player Lou Gehrig.

February 12—The Big Year (2011), starring Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black. Two bird enthusiasts strive to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition. Majestic scenes from remote areas of national parks highlight this film, which will be introduced by Gailon Brehm. A past president of Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society, Gailon is a Connemara Conservancy Board Member. He leads small groups to watch birds in the Meadow Preserve and Gardens of Connemara. Gailon

has traversed the United States and enjoys the pursuit of rare birds and common ones as well.

February 19—Miss Potter (2006), starring Renée Zellweger. The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children’s book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and her struggle for love, happiness and success. Donna Alexander, a psychotherapist and personal and professional coach, will relate the tales with Ms. Potter’s life.

February 26—Drawn From Nature (2007). This is a documentary about the life of John James Audubon, best known for his The Birds of America. This film will be introduced by Erich Neupert, the manager of the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas, a sanctuary dedicated to environ mental preservation and conservation of birds of prey and wildlife in their natural habitat.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr., Allen. All films are free. Call 214.509.4911. v

Tom Keener is the cultural arts manager with

the Allen Public Library.

Baseball legend Bobby Brown opens ALLen Reads film series

by Tom Keener


Even the most highly skilled photographers and outdoorsmen can find themselves baffled by the challenges of working outdoors. ALLen Reads offers nature lovers and photographers of all skill levels the opportunity to learn through the experiences shared by a panel com-prising a nature photographer and area conservationists. Sponsored by ALLen Reads, this free program is at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 7.

The panel includes John S. Mead, science teacher and nature photo-grapher; Kirk Evans, science teacher and the president of Connemara; and Erich Neupert, manager of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas.

Working with middle-schoolers at the St. Mark’s School of Texas, John Mead loves to open his students’ eyes to the natural wonders of our world. His photography stems from a desire to share what he has encountered in nature. Neither venomous snakes nor extreme heights deter his desire to obtain that chilling photograph.

A science teacher at Olson Elementary in Allen, Kirk Evans has

developed an environmentally and ecologically based curriculum for AISD. He takes his teaching on the road and allows students to experience real-life scenarios. They visit outdoor edu-cational facilities and research and plant aquatic plants in an area across from the school. It not only provides study habitat, but also helps remediate storm water run-off into Mustang Creek.

With a supply of shrink-wrapped packages of white mice in his home freezer as evidence of his devotion to raptors, a few years ago Erich offered his volunteer services to the newly-established Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. Today, as both executive director

and state and federally licensed raptor rehabilitator for the facility, Erich’s job is to demonstrate the beauty of raptors to others across North Texas, promote the protection of these graceful creatures and get the organization’s site on Lake Lavon up and flying. Erich will bring two of his raptor friends to the program.

Okay for Now, the ALLen Reads selection for this year, honors the art of James J. Audubon. During February, the photographs of John Mead and Marty Selznick will be featured in the library’s gallery.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214-509-4911 for more information. v

It’s for the Birdsby Tom Keener

Are you an aspiring writer? Join author Jenny Martin as she discusses what is essential about writing a novel and having it published. A librarian, Jenny is a DFW Writer ’s Workshop member and local author. Her debut novel, Tracked, will be published by Dial, an imprint of Penguin Books for Young Readers in 2014.

Jenny will present two free programs. The first session

will discuss crafting your novel and cultivating your inner writing voice. The second part will discuss the steps for book publication. Jenny will explain querying, finding an agent, responding to offers, submitting to editors and con-summating the contract.

Jenny recommends reading Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card, On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft by

Develop the writing voice and publish your novel!by Tom Keener


Stephen King and Your First Novel: A Published Author and a Top Agent Share the Keys to Achieving Your Dream by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb to further explain the writing and publication process.

Do you have questions about writing and publishing? Now is the time to ask! Join us for these two exciting programs.

Develop Your Writing Voice—Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.and

Get Your Novel Noticed—Saturday, February 23, 2 p.m.

Registration for these programs begins January 9 for teens and adults.These programs take place at the Allen Public Library, 2nd floor Adult

Program Room. (Walk-ins are welcome if space permits) Please call 214-509-4905 for more information. v

“What if” histories stir the imagi-nation, leaving people won dering how their lives could have been different if altern-ative deci sions had been made.

History and sports fans alike will find the “what if” of the major leagues being inte grated long before Jackie Robinson, a fascin-ating option to consider. And, how would twenty-one stars of the black ball era (Negro Leagues and independent black teams) like to be honored? At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, Bob May will discuss his acclaimed book, The Best Season, the First Ninety Games.

Honoring black baseball players through highly sophisticated game simulation and prodigious research, Bob’s book gives startling statistics on how baseball could have been different had black players been allowed to participate in major league baseball during its segregated era.

Through sophisticated simulated baseball board games, here the skills of the batter are pitted against the

skills of the pitcher. Twenty to twenty-five percent of the game action is determined by fielding (error and range ratings), ballpark factors and wild plays.

“The purpose of this book is to honor these twenty-one players from the Negro Leagues on the field,” Bob notes. “They were all so passionate about playing baseball. It is important to me to have people read the book, not buy the book. Share the book.

Donate it to your local library. Talk about it! I also believe the book honors all who have played black ball.”

Joining Bob is an eye-witness to Negro League baseball, Bill Blair, who pitched from 1946 to 1951 for the Cincinnati Clowns and Cincinnati Crescents, playing against players such as Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige and Hilton Smith. After retiring from baseball , Bil l became a fixture in

Dallas, running a local newspaper—Elite News.

You can learn more about this fascinating chapter of baseball’s illustrious past and how its history could have been different. If you know a friend or family member who was in the Negro League Baseball, bring us your story!

The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214.509.4911 for more information. v

Negro League Baseballby Tom Keener


feature

On February 3, 2012, Peggy and Perry Schmidt buried their sassy, vivacious ten-year-old daughter Samantha, a mere seven months after she was diagnosed with cancer. The very next day, they attended an event organized in her honor that was attended by hundreds of people and raised $21,000 in four hours. It was an outpouring of love and support that was a love letter from an entire community to Samantha Schmidt and her family.

“My mom later said, ‘I can’t believe we did that!’” says Samantha’s mom Peggy about attending the heARTS for ART benefit last February, the day after her daughter’s funeral. “But I couldn’t have done it any other way. It was amazing.”

The heARTS for ART Benefit and silent auction was originally conceived a year ago January by several of the Schmidt family’s friends to show Samantha how much everyone cared about her. The previous June, nine-year-old Samantha—who attended Story Elementary—was on vacation when she got sick. Thinking it was probably just a virus, Samantha’s mom Peggy took her daughter to Children’s Hospital in Plano when they returned home. When Peggy and her husband Perry were asked to step outside and speak to the pediatric oncologist, they knew it couldn’t be good.

The diagnosis was myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS, a form of pre-leukemia that is very rare in children.

The treatment for MDS is a bone marrow transplant, so Samantha was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Dallas and ultimately Cook Children’s Hospital for treatment. On what would have been her first day of fifth grade, Samantha and her mom moved into the Ronald McDonald House while Samantha underwent five days of full-body radiation. Following radiation, she had a stem cell transplant at Cook’s that doctors said would give her an 80% chance of defeating the disease.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. In October, blood work showed the disease had turned into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of leukemia. Samantha started chemotherapy in the fall and had to stay in the hospital about five weeks, confined to a hospital room to minimize infection, although friends were allowed to visit. Art therapy became the highlight of her week, and Samantha discovered she had a talent and love for drawing and painting.

Samantha was able to come home for Christmas before she began her second round of chemo. However, two days after Christmas a bone marrow biopsy revealed Sam’s leukemia level had jumped from .4% to 15-20%. The options were to continue with an intense form of chemotherapy that could kill her (with a 95% chance that the cancer could return), or Samantha could come home. She came home.

“She was worn out,” says her dad, Perry. Samantha had four weeks at home, during

which she visited In Sync Exotic Cat Rescue,

heARTS for ARTby Deborah Dove

On February 3, 2012, Peggy and Perry Schmidt buried their sassy, vivacious ten-year-old daughter Samantha, a mere seven months after she was diagnosed with cancer. The very next day, they attended an event organized in her honor that was attended by hundreds of people and raised $21,000 in four hours. It was an outpouring of love and support that was a love letter from an entire community to Samantha Schmidt and her family.

“My mom later said, ‘I can’t believe we did that!’” says Samantha’s mom Peggy about attending the heARTS for ART benefit last February, the day after her daughter’s funeral. “But I couldn’t have done it any other way. It was amazing.”

The heARTS for ART Benefit and silent auction was originally conceived a year ago January by several of the Schmidt family’s friends to show Samantha how much everyone cared about her. The previous June, nine-year-old Samantha—who attended Story Elementary—was on vacation when she got sick. Thinking it was probably just a virus, Samantha’s mom Peggy took her daughter to Children’s Hospital in Plano when they returned home. When Peggy and her husband Perry were asked to step outside and speak to the pediatric oncologist, they knew it couldn’t be good.

The diagnosis was myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS, a form of pre-leukemia that is very rare in children.

The treatment for MDS is a bone marrow transplant, so Samantha was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Dallas and ultimately Cook Children’s Hospital for treatment. On what would have been her first day of fifth grade, Samantha and her mom moved into the Ronald McDonald House while Samantha underwent five days of full-body radiation. Following radiation, she had a stem cell transplant at Cook’s that doctors said would give her an 80% chance of defeating the disease.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. In October, blood work showed the disease had turned into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of leukemia. Samantha started chemotherapy in the fall and had to stay in the hospital about five weeks, confined to a hospital room to minimize infection, although friends were allowed to visit. Art therapy became the highlight of her week, and Samantha discovered she had a talent and love for drawing and painting.

Samantha was able to come home for Christmas before she began her second round of chemo. However, two days after Christmas a bone marrow biopsy revealed Sam’s leukemia level had jumped from .4% to 15-20%. The options were to continue with an intense form of chemotherapy that could kill her (with a 95% chance that the cancer could return), or Samantha could come home. She came home.

“She was worn out,” says her dad, Perry. Samantha had four weeks at home, during

which she visited In Sync Exotic Cat Rescue,


spent time with her friends and family, played with her little brother, Daniel, and talked her dad into getting her a puppy. Acclaimed Allen artist Amanda Dunbar came to visit and stayed three hours, talking with Samantha about their shared love of art. Brett Favre called and Samantha told him, “Football players are tough, but you’ve got nothing on kids who have gone through chemo.”

Samantha also spent a lot of time talking to her parents about faith and heaven, although she told her mom, “I don’t think Jesus is going to heal me here.”

Samantha died on January 30, 2012, surrounded by her parents, although her mom says she was spunky until the end. “Her dad had stepped out of the room and I heard her say ‘not yet,’” she remembers. “She was bossing Jesus around, waiting until we were both there.”

In the midst of Samantha’s last days, the family’s friends were putting together heARTs for ART, a fundraising event named by Samantha herself that centered around art—it was Samantha’s passion. Although the fundraiser was originally conceived to help the Schmidt family, Samantha insisted all proceeds go to Cook’s Children’s Hospital for leukemia research “so other kids don’t have to get sick.”

Pressed for time, family friends Leigh Moulden, Julie Kiel, Renee Good, Kim Ellis, Pam Hundtofte and Ann Reidmiller put the event together in three short weeks, and the community opened its heart and pocketbooks for the artistic, outgoing and brave little girl.

“People started coming out of the woodwork wanting to help,” says Leigh Moulden.

Honey Thornberry, who learned of Samantha through her affiliation with Girl Scouts, offered to be the volunteer coordinator. The Allen Chamber of Commerce coordinator sent out an e-mail blast to find a venue, which ultimately ended up being the old fire station on Anna Drive. Individuals and businesses throughout the community offered their time, food and auction items without question, including an item autographed by Brett Favre and electronics donated by Samsung.

Moulden hesitantly asked the Dunbars for a book autographed by Amanda to auction. They gave her three autographed books, an original of one of Amanda’s prints, ran prints of one of Samantha’s own paintings which were sold for $25 each, and showed up with a truck full of easels for kids to use at the event.

Kim Ellis, who worked in food service for Allen ISD, coordinated the food and her chef husband prepared the meat that had been donated. Julie Kiel laughingly recalls “DJ Dave” calling her out of the blue, offering to DJ the event. When Moulden arrived two hours before the fundraiser was to begin, mobs of people were already there.

The event far exceeded everyone’s expectations. “There was definitely God’s hand in it,” they all agree, marveling at how it all came together. In four hours, they raised enough money to donate $21,000 to Cook Children’s for AML research, hopefully having some small part in preventing pediatric leukemia.

Although originally conceived as a show of support for Samantha, the Schmidts have decided to keep the fundraising event going to keep Samantha’s memory alive and to help in finding a cure for leukemia. They hope to make it a community-wide event.

This year, the Samantha Schmidt heARTs for ART Benefit and Silent Auction will be held on February 17, from 3-7 p.m. in the common area of the Allen High School Performing Arts Center. This year Samantha’s friends—Madeline Moulden, Ruby Kiel and Annika Hundtofte—are organizing an art contest at the elementary school level.

The event will once again feature a silent auction and raffle, hair painting, arts and crafts stations, face painting, refreshments, a bake sale and more, with all proceeds benefiting AML Pediatric Leukemia research at Cook Children’s. This year’s benefit is growing to include live performances.

Individuals and companies can sponsor the event at a variety of levels or simply attend the event to celebrate Sam’s life and her passion for art. For more information, contact [email protected].

In Peggy Schmidt’s words, “This is the one way God doesn’t let leukemia win.” v

Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.

Perry and Peggy Schmidt

spent time with her friends and family, played with her little brother, Daniel, and talked her dad into getting her a puppy. Acclaimed Allen artist Amanda Dunbar came to visit and stayed three hours, talking with Samantha about their shared love of art. Brett Favre called and Samantha told him, “Football players are tough, but you’ve got nothing on kids who have gone through chemo.”

Samantha also spent a lot of time talking to her parents about faith and heaven, although she told her mom, “I don’t think Jesus is going to heal me here.”

Samantha died on January 30, 2012, surrounded by her parents, although her mom says she was spunky until the end. “Her dad had stepped out of the room and I heard her say ‘not yet,’” she remembers. “She was bossing Jesus around, waiting until we were both there.”

In the midst of Samantha’s last days, the family’s friends were putting together heARTs for ART, a fundraising event named by Samantha herself that centered around art—it was Samantha’s passion. Although the fundraiser was originally conceived to help the Schmidt family, Samantha insisted all proceeds go to Cook’s Children’s Hospital for leukemia research “so other kids don’t have to get sick.”

Pressed for time, family friends Leigh Moulden, Julie Kiel, Renee Good, Kim Ellis, Pam Hundtofte and Ann Reidmiller put the event together in three short weeks, and the community opened its heart and pocketbooks for the artistic, outgoing and brave little girl.

“People started coming out of the woodwork wanting to help,” says Leigh Moulden.

Honey Thornberry, who learned of Samantha through her affiliation with Girl Scouts, offered to be the volunteer coordinator. The Allen Chamber of Commerce coordinator sent out an e-mail blast to find a venue, which ultimately ended up being the old fire station on Anna Drive. Individuals and businesses throughout the community offered their time, food and auction items without question, including an item autographed by Brett Favre and electronics donated by Samsung.

Moulden hesitantly asked the Dunbars for a book autographed by Amanda to auction. They gave her three autographed books, an original of one of Amanda’s prints, ran prints of one of Samantha’s own paintings which were sold for $25 each, and showed up with a truck full of easels for kids to use at the event.

Kim Ellis, who worked in food service for Allen ISD, coordinated the food and her chef husband prepared the meat that had been donated. Julie Kiel laughingly recalls “DJ Dave” calling her out of the blue, offering to DJ the event. When Moulden arrived two hours before the fundraiser was to begin, mobs of people were already there.

The event far exceeded everyone’s expectations. “There was definitely God’s hand in it,” they all agree, marveling at how it all came together. In four hours, they raised enough money to donate $21,000 to Cook Children’s for AML research, hopefully having some small part in preventing pediatric leukemia.

Although originally conceived as a show of support for Samantha, the Schmidts have decided to keep the fundraising event going to keep Samantha’s memory alive and to help in finding a cure for leukemia. They hope to make it a community-wide event.

This year, the Samantha Schmidt heARTs for ART Benefit and Silent Auction will be held on February 17, from 3-7 p.m. in the common area of the Allen High School Performing Arts Center. This year Samantha’s friends—Madeline Moulden, Ruby Kiel and Annika Hundtofte—are organizing an art contest at the elementary school level.

The event will once again feature a silent auction and raffle, hair painting, arts and crafts stations, face painting, refreshments, a bake sale and more, with all proceeds benefiting AML Pediatric Leukemia research at Cook Children’s. This year’s benefit is growing to include live performances.

Individuals and companies can sponsor the event at a variety of levels or simply attend the event to celebrate Sam’s life and her passion for art. For more information, contact [email protected].

In Peggy Schmidt’s words, “This is the one way God doesn’t let leukemia win.” v

Deborah Dove is a freelance writer from Allen.


kids korner

HOMEMADE VALENTINESSure, you can buy pre-packaged cards, but these fun and unique handmade ideas rounded up on Pinterest are easy, fun and original.- Using your printer or markers, write, “You make my heart glow!” on colored paper trimmed with decorative scissors. Attach a glow stick.- Using your printer or markers, write, “I dig you!” on colored paper trimmed with decorative scissors. Attach with ribbon to a clear cellophane bag filled with Valentine colored M&Ms or conversation hearts and a clean plastic shovel.- Using your printer or markers, write, “You’re the bomb!” on colored paper trimmed with decorative scissors. Individually wrap 3 packages of Rolos or Lifesavers in red paper. Use a hole-punch to make a hole in the top corner of the card, then attach card to a black pipe cleaner and tie around candy rolls to create a bundle of “dynamite.” Attach a small piece of black pipe cleaner to the top to make the fuse.- Melt multi-colored bits of crayon in heart-shaped silicone molds at 230º for 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Attach to heart shaped cardstock that says, “You color my world Valentine!”- Fill a clear cellophane bag or zip lock with a graham cracker square, one miniature Hershey’s bar and two heart shaped marshmallows. Attach a card that says, “I need s’more friends like you.”- Cut a heart out of foam. Using a hole-punch, punch two holes on opposite sides of the heart and write, “You’re just write for me, Valentine!” on the heart in marker or Sharpie. Insert a Valentine pencil through the holes behind the foam Valentine. - Using your printer or markers write, “Valentine, you Rock!” on a piece of paper and cut to the same width as a package of Pop Rocks. Attach to a package of Pop Rocks with double-sided tape.

VALENTINE TREATSMake these sweet treats for your child, or with them, to give to someone special.Valentine Pretzel ButtonSquare pretzels Hershey’s Hugs (unwrapped) Valentine colored M&MsPreheat oven to 200°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the pretzels on it and top each with a Hershey’s Hug. Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is shiny and soft (but not quite melting). Carefully place an M&M in the center of each hug and press it down to spread the chocolate. Allow to cool completely.Marshmallow Tea BagsThis is a cute idea from www.thedecoratedcookie.com. Take a piece of baker’s twine about 8 to 10 inches long and thread with a tapestry needle. Make a double or triple knot in one end of the twine and snip off the excess. Grease the needle with shortening. Thread the twine through a jumbo marshmallow. Pull the marshmallow until the knot

gently hits the base of the marshmallow. Pull the needle off the twine. Cut out two hearts from red cardstock and glue, staple or tape at the end of the twine. Write a Valentine’s message on the marshmallow with edible writers. Dunk in hot cocoa (discard string when marshmallow dissolves).Easy Strawberry Fudge1 can strawberry frosting 12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips Heart shaped sprinklesSpray a 9x9 pan lightly with cooking spray. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. When chips are melted, stir into the strawberry frosting. Spread in the pan, top with sprinkles and place in the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes. Cut into squares, or use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes.

SWEET WAYS TO TELL YOUR CHILD “I LOVE YOU”- Float heart-shaped milk ice cubes in your child’s milk (as they melt, the milk turns pink). Combine milk and a few drops of red food coloring in a small bowl. Freeze in heart-shaped ice cube trays until ready to use.- Halve strawberries and cut a v-shape off the top to make heart shapes and serve with pink milk for dinner.- Cut heart shapes out of white paper. Write a message in white crayon. Give to your child with a set of watercolor paints. When they paint over the heart with watercolor paint, the message is revealed.- Put a Valentine and Hershey’s kisses in their lunchbox.- Decorate your child’s door with heart-shaped sticky notes with something you love about him/her written on each heart-shaped note.- Create a Valentine’s scavenger hunt with clues that ultimately lead to a small gift (a picture frame with a picture of you and them together, a chocolate bar or box of candy, a small toy, a book, etc.)- Hang red, pink and white ribbons or streamers over their doorway.

AREA EVENTSOn February 8, from 10:30-noon, (ages 3-5 with an adult) and February 9, from 10-11:30 (ages 4-6) and 2-4 p.m. (ages 7-11), kids can make sweet treats such as Window Pane Cookies, Cute Heart Tarts, Sweet Heart Pops and Lemony Love Potion at Market Street McKinney’s cooking school for kids. Cost is $22-$30. Call 972.548.5167 for reservations.At Barnes & Noble Creekwalk Village in Plano at 11 a.m. on February 9, kids can make a valentine for a loved one after story time, which will feature The Perfect Hug by Joanna Walsh and other Valentine’s day-themed stories.Pick up a duck to decorate from the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium for $5 and return it with your entry form by Friday, February 15. Come back to race it on Saturday the 16th from 10-12. Prizes are given for the fastest and best decorated ducks.

Be My Valentine

By Deborah Dove


education

Fifteen area teachers, including five from Allen ISD, will be spending a week in Jamaica this summer. They won’t be sunbathing, snorkeling or relaxing in a resort spa, though. Instead, they will be doing what they usually do for nine months of every year—teaching.

“What we’re doing is teaching the teachers,” said Julie Hill, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Evans Elementary. “It is very gratifying and rewarding to see their faces light up when we arrive.”

The teachers are part of the “Teaching with Jamaica” program founded by former Plano teacher Karla Hughes Cass in 2006. After working as a summer missionary in Jamaica for several years, she saw the need for additional educational support for the country’s teachers. Working with Jamaica Link Ministries, a partnership was formed to support Jamaican teachers holding an annual education conference.

“Compared to teachers in the United States, Jamaican teachers have less formal education and few supplies and resources,” said Vaughan Elementary kindergarten teacher Patti Gilbert. Most of the island’s teachers have only six months training in instruction, although some have two-year degrees.

“What we bring is the only extra training they receive,” Gilbert said.

Tourists often only see the resort areas and cruise ship ports of call when they visit the island, Hill said.

“The island is beautiful,” she said, “but most of the population lives in poverty and education is the way to overcome poverty.”

The teachers explained that most of the teachers they help work in schools without many of the basic resources taken for granted here.

“I get mad when the copier doesn’t work,” said Donna Walsh, a kinder-garten teacher in Lovejoy ISD. “They don’t have copiers. They don’t have

air-conditioning. There are bars on the windows and doors. Some rooms have fans, but many don’t work. They may have a box of broken crayons for 60 kids to use. They really appreciate the supplies we bring them.”

Besides Hill and Gilbert, the other Allen teachers are Susan Polansky, Susan Beazley and Amy Wright.

Hill said part of the problem in Jamaica is how funding is distributed from the government to the schools. Higher performing schools receive more money and resources. The poorer, lower performing schools receive much less funding.

“That’s why our work is so important,” Gilbert said. “When the students are in the sixth grade, they are tested. If they score well on the tests, they can go to a better school. The Jamaican teachers do whatever they can to help their students score well on those tests. We do whatever we can to help the teachers to help their students succeed.

The teachers said that they work on a three-year cycle with the same pre-school through sixth-grade teachers, returning each year to see if they are being successful with the techniques taught the year before. After three years, they begin working with a new set of teachers.

“We try to teach them to work efficiently with what they have and to find substitutes for resources they don’t have,” Gilbert said. She cited an example of a teacher using bottle caps and seashells for counting exercises.

Walsh tells the story of another teacher copying a work sheet about the letter “G.”

“She was copying the worksheet,

Area teachers volunteer to assist colleagues in Jamaicaby Keith A Taylor

Julie Hill, Donna Walsh and Patti Gilbert


so I went over to ask her about her progress,” she said. “I asked her if she had a way to make copies for the worksheet for all of her 24 students. She said she would hand-copy it 23 more times.”

The volunteers also visit the classrooms of the teachers from their conferences. “We want to see if they

are using what we have taught them in the training sessions. We review who is doing the best and they receive special prizes and recognition at the end of the conference,” Gilbert said.

Besides teaching classroom techniques, the group also provides much-needed supplies.

“They really are working with the

bare minimum,” Walsh said. “We spend almost the whole year raising money and seeking donations so that we can take basic supplies to the teachers.”

While the volunteers spend a lot of time acquiring the supplies, the real challenge is shipping the supplies to Jamaica. “If we collect $1,000 in supplies, it can cost twice that much to have it shipped to Jamaica,” Hill said. So, they have improvised.

“Don’t tell our husbands,” Gilbert said, “But we put all the supplies in our checked luggage and carry all we need for the week in our overnight bags.”

The group shipped more than 3,000 pounds in supplies last summer using this technique.

Although much of the support for the group comes from Plano and Allen Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, the teachers also raise money through other activities.

“My kindergartners have an annual pancake breakfast fundraiser,”

Patti Gilbert with Jamaican teachers


Walsh said. “While we’re planning for that, they learn about Jamaica, the students and the teachers we help. It gives them a connection to the larger world. They are very proud of what

they accomplish and the money they raise. Don’t worry, they don’t cook.”

“Teaching with Jamaica” spends all of the money it raises on supplies and teacher resources, such as laptops

and workbooks. The volunteers pay their own way to the popular vacation spot. Last year, the round-trip airfare topped $1,200.

Even after the three-day conference is over, the teachers have more work to do: They volunteer at an orphanage before taking Saturday off to prepare for the return trip to the U.S. on Sunday.

All three of the volunteers related stories of how much their work is appreciated, but one was partic ularly poignant. “I had a young teacher come to me apologizing for missing the first day of the conference,” Walsh said. “She said that her father had been found dead over the weekend in a shallow grave on his farmland. I was stunned and told her that she didn’t need to apologize. I told her she shouldn’t even be at the conference. She said, ‘No. If I don’t come to this, I don’t get any help. I don’t get anything.’”

Hill said it was a privilege to work with the Jamaican teachers.

“It’s gratifying to make a difference in the lives of colleagues dedicated to teaching,” she said. “They are so eager to learn. They soak up everything like a sponge.” v

Keith Taylor is a public relations specialist for

Allen ISD.

A Jamaican school teacher celebrates after being recognized for her class work


The second time was a charm for the Allen Eagles football team—in more ways than one.

For the second time in five years—and the second time in history—the Allen Eagles won a Texas State Football Championship title by defeating Houston Lamar High School, 35-21, on December 22, 2012, in Cowboys Stadium. The victory also was the second championship for Head Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Tom Westerberg.

Allen won its first state title in 2008 with a victory over Fort Bend Hightower, 21-14, earning its first Texas UIL Class 5A Division I Championship. The victory over Lamar gives the team its second state trophy.

More than 48,300 fans watched the game in Cowboys Stadium, making it the largest crowd to ever watch a high school game in the facility.

The Eagles began their march to the finals with a victory over Southlake Carroll High School, the defending 5A Division I champions, in the first game of the season. The August game also was the inaugural game for the new Eagle Stadium with a standing-room crowd of more than 21,000 fans attending.

The Eagles rolled through the regular season with only one non-district defeat against Coppell, 24-27, in September. After winning district play with no losses, the Eagles started the playoff season with a victory against Richardson, 63-14. The

team then won games against Mesquite, Round Rock Westwood, Dallas Skyline and DeSoto before advancing to the championship game and attaining a record of 15-1.

Only nine schools have won more than one state title in Class 5A since it was created in 1980 by the University Interscholastic League. v

Allen Eagles win second state football title

by Keith A Taylor

Photos: Ian Halperin


They never should have met—two members of a thousand-student throng, bustling in and out of classrooms and fanning into hallways, from one end of the campus to another. They never had a class together. By chance, Jessica, who had recently moved to Collin County from a four-year stint in Australia, read the blackboard outside her professor ’s office advertising a student organization that promised a research opportunity. Brian’s psychology professor mentioned the same Psi Beta national psychology honor organi zation in her class. Lady luck had played her

cards and from that m o m e n t

on these two students’ lives took on a brand new trajectory.

It wasn’t love at first sightHours of research, numerous academic

competitions and countless paper revisions melded a group of four Collin College students into lifelong friends.

“We were friends for a year before we started dating. I got to know Brian in that context. Brian is an easy person to talk to. He is

very caring and has a soft heart. He thinks of other people all the time. We have the same value system. He is very reliable. We were both interested in psychology, which is how we met. We both hold academics high in importance, and ultimately we wanted to do something worthwhile with our lives. He’s adorable,” Jessica said, smiling at Brian.

Brian says he was attracted to Jessica’s mind and heart. “Jessica is cute, but her beauty is a bonus. She learned to read at one and a half. She was reading chapter books to four- and six-year- olds.”

“Stop. I don’t remember that,” Jessica interjects, blushing.

Brian smiles, but goes on. “She is a logical, rational person. She is the most altruistic person I have ever met. She is very spiritual, fun, adventurous, upbeat and forward. She does not play games. I like the fact that she is strong- willed. She has beliefs and morals that are uncompromising. Whatever she does she does well. I am so glad I married her.”

When the Zadoroznys reflect back on their beginning they cannot help but think fondly of Psi Beta competitions and their academic

The tale of two Collin alumni

College education brings knowledge and love

by Heather Darrow


prowess. While in Psi Beta, Brian and Jessica and their friends took second place for their paper “Don’t Know Much About Sexual Anatomy: A Survey of Undergraduate Knowledge and Implications for Communication and Health,” at the 24th Annual Great Plains Student Psychology Conference.

They published their research in the Journal of Psychological Inquiry. At the conference, Jessica and her peers also took second place for “Examining Physical Discussion Boards as a Tool for Measuring Civic Concerns on College Campuses.” This research was published in The Journal for Civic Commitment.

Brian was impressed by the college’s support of the Psi Beta college chapter. “I remember District President Cary Israel came to our meeting and asked if there was anything we needed or that he could do for us. I asked him to be a reference. He offered to be a reference and mentor, and we met several times,” Brian said.

Though they began dating in 2004, the couple married in May 2010. Today, Jessica holds an associate of science degree from Collin College, a bachelor ’s of science degree in psychology from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Albany Medical College. She is currently working as a physician assistant at Children’s Medical Center, taking care of children with liver transplants.

Brian earned an associate of arts degree from Collin College, a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. He is currently working as a labor relations specialist for the Department of Labor and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management.

First date and indoor picnicsJessica vividly remembers their

first date at Compari’s Italian Ristorante. “It is almost like someone puts on

a soft focus lens and all the lights start

twinkling. That first date made me feel really special. I’m the kind of a girl who plays soccer and kickboxes. I spent the afternoon putting together a cute outfit, straightening my hair and putting on makeup. Brian told me that I did not get to help pay for this dinner because it was a date. He bought me flowers. He still buys me flowers.”

“After that dinner, Jessica had a discussion with her parents and then it was official. We were dating,” Brian said.

Brian recalls indoor picnic lunches at a round table on the second floor of the Spring Creek Campus, near the staircase of the I wing. It was a respite from the rest of the world. “It was one hour in the middle of the day to spend time together. I brought cheese and crackers and fruit. We commandeered the table. I remember hugging and a couple of our teachers giving us a hard time,” Brian said, laughing.

Jessica smiles as she thinks about the pro fessors at the college. “I don’t


keep up with professors from any other colleges but Collin. Professors Kyle Wilkison, Kay Mizell and Jennifer O’Loughlin Brooks made such a

difference in my education. Collin offers a fabulous education, com-parable if not better than, educational experiences we had at the universities

we attended because you are one of 30 students in a class with a professor. You work hard and get this rich education at Collin,” Jessica said.

“I also enjoyed Dan Lipscomb’s death and dying class. It was amazing to be 21 years old and have published a paper in a well-known journal.” Brian adds.

“Yes, a paper on human sexuality is always a talking point for graduate school interviews,” Jessica laughs.

Then suddenly serious again, she adds, “Collin is well represented. I had my choice of transfer institutions, but my classes transferred from Collin College and that means a lot.”

Brian agrees, “I wouldn’t change my experience at Collin for anything. I am proud to be an alumnus.”

He turns to gaze at Jessica and says, “I am so glad I attended Collin.”

For more information about Collin College visit collin.edu. v

Heather Darrow is a public information writer

for Collin College.

Photos: Nick Young, Collin College.


ining in llen


helping hands

It’s hard to imagine here in Allen, that there are families who are hungry and have no food in their refrigerators or pantries; there is someone unable to keep her children warm at night because of the electric or gas bill that she cannot afford; there’s a mom who can’t pay the rent and she and her children will soon be homeless; and there is an out-of-work dad who can’t face another day of the fear in his wife’s eyes and the disappointment on his children’s faces. These people are your neighbors, your children’s classmates, the friends you sit next to in church. It’s hard to imagine they are facing devastating crises like these.

Allen Community Outreach (ACO) is where families can turn in times of crisis. We can offer relief to Allen area residents with financial assistance of utility bills, rent and mortgage payments and give them the opportunity to grocery shop with dignity and choose foods that

are family favorites. Job counseling is available and a computer lab is open to anyone needing to update a resume, search the Internet for open positions and pay bills online.

Through vouchers to our Resale Shop, parents can choose clothing for their family—coats, shoes, school clothes and other necessities—at no charge thanks to the donations the community provides the store.

ACO depends on community donations to make it possible to provide services, food and necessities. But donations alone are not enough.

Fundraising events make up part of the ACO budget, so community participation and support is vital. It’s also fun! Plans for 2013 include a variety of events—everyone can choose a fun way to participate while providing funds to our programs.

On Friday, March 22, the 11th Annual Wine Masters Event takes place, 7-10:30 p.m. at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club.

Involvement promises fun and fundsby Marjorie Vaneskahian

Monday, April 29, for the

Inaugural Colin Moran Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by Two Rows Restaurant and benefiting ACO. Colin Moran passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27. This tournament is a way to celebrate Colin’s life and continue his legacy.

The tournament will be held at The Courses at Watters Creek. Cost is $125 per golfer or $450 per team. Sponsorships are available.

JOIN US


Executive Chef Jason Bartlett will prepare a gourmet sampling of food to pair with exquisite wine for guests to enjoy. Dancing and live and silent auctions will add to the festivities of the evening. Tickets are $99 per person and sponsorships are available.

Raffle tickets are also available for an exclusive trip to Napa Valley. Great Migrations Travel Advisors has donated a luxury Napa Valley getaway package with a stay at the exclusive Carneros Inn to be raffled at the Wine Masters Event. Raffle tickets for the trip—worth $5,383—can be purchased for $25 each and the raffle is capped at 500 tickets. You need not be present at the Wine Master Event to win! All proceeds will go directly to ACO. It is a wonderful trip benefiting a great cause! Buy your tickets online at www.acocares.org

The Inaugural Fairview Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) and 5K, will take place Saturday, April 6. Beginning at Fairview Town Hall, the race will wind through the beautiful Fairview countryside. This race is being produced by Libby Jones and benefits ACO programs. Early bird registration for the Fairview Half Marathon will begin at $25 for the 5K and $50 for the half marathon. Register at www.fairviewhalf.com

It is unimaginable that affluent

communities like Allen, Fairview and Lucas could have so many families needing help. But they do and thankfully Allen Community Outreach is here. We couldn’t provide the assistance without the support and participation of Allen area residents, businesses, churches, schools, civic groups and organi zations. Please get involved and participate in our upcoming fund raising events.

For ticket information and sponsorships, please contact ACO

Development Director, Stacy Cooper at [email protected]. For volunteer information or ACO Food Pantry donations contact ACO Volunteer Services Director, Marjorie Vaneskahian at [email protected]. Allen Community Outreach is located at 801 E. Main Street in Allen. Call 972.8727.9131 or visit us on the web, www.acocares.org. v

Marjorie Vaneskahian is the director of

volunteer services/ACO Food Pantry.


pet page

Maya is a four-year-old female Chihuahua/terrier mix. She was one of 13 adults and puppies surrendered to CCHS when their owners could no longer care for them. At the time, she had 3 nursing puppies but now her job as a mom is done; all the pups are safe and on their way to new homes so now it is Maya’s turn for a home of her own.

She is great in the car or on a walk. She walks so well on a lead, you have to look down to make sure she is still beside you! She goes to her crate for meals and sleeping and she is completely housetrained.

Good, quiet and sweet, Maya loves to be with her human family and will make a great family pet. She is smart, learns quickly and has the best house manners. She has a short, soft coat that will require minimum care and is up to date on all her vaccinations. She gets along great with her doggie foster family and leaves most of the barking to them.

All CCH pets live in foster homes so you know how they will live in your home. The CCHS adoption fee includes all shots including rabies, spay/neuter, ID chip and one month of Heartworm preventative. If you would like to adopt Maya, complete an application at: www.collincountyhumanesociety.org.

Maya wants a home of her own

“Maya”

For Your HealthMarketPlace



gardening

February has often been called the toughest gardening month. Chilly rains and northern winds nip at our noses, but that doesn’t stop faithful gardeners from working in their gardens. Devoted gardeners know that the growing season is just revving up in winter.

Of course, late February/early March is one of the best times of the year to prune trees, shrubs and roses (be sure your garden tools are in order and use sharp shears that will make good, clean cuts), but it is also a great time for planting! Here in Collin County we have a nearly year-round growing season and can grow a variety of frost-tolerant plants. That includes herbs and vegetables, and we are fortunate to have a cornucopia of cool season crop options to choose from.

Even though fall is touted as our second growing season, the often hot temperatures we experience August through October are stressful on plants and they frequently yield little, if any, produce before our first hard frost. However, vegetables grown in a winter garden thrive in

our relatively mild winter conditions and since soil holds moisture longer, they require less water. Be watchful of the weather and cover plants with garden fabric if freezing temperatures are forecast. Available at most garden centers and nurseries, row covers protect plants to temperatures in the low 20s, yet still allow sunlight, air and rain to reach the plants.

Select a sunny, open space to plant your herbs, fruits and vegetables. Most plants need four to six hours of sunlight to produce their best and when choosing your location, remember those small seeds and transplants need plenty of room to grow. Good soil is essential

for healthy gardens. Unfortunately, most of us in Collin County start out with less than ideal soil. The good news is that it can easily be improved by simply adding good organic matter. Compost not only increases drainage to our heavy clay soil, your plants will thank you if you spade one to two inches of nutrient rich compost into the soil each year.

“What is paradise, but a garden

full of vegetables and herbs

and pleasure?

Nothing there but delights.”

– William Lawson

Winter vegetable gardenby Dawn Bluemel Oldfield


My husband and I are fortunate to live on over an acre, enjoy a bountiful herb garden outside our kitchen and use raised beds for our vegetables. If you have a small yard, no worries…there is always room for edibles. Consider adding herbs and vegetables to your foundation plantings. They add a visual punch that is a treat for the eyes and the stomach! If your space is very limited, try container gardening. Most veggies and herbs will do well in large containers. Containers can also easily be moved indoors or covered with garden cloth during inclement weather.

While tomatoes and peppers may be king and queen of the summer vegetable garden, root vegetables and salad-type greens reign in the winter garden. Many of these veggies can be directly seeded into a prepared garden bed, or by the planting of transplants. Some recommended vegetables that are best planted between February 10 and March 10 are asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, swiss chard, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

Often, winter is the only time to get these cool season crops to grow properly. Not only will they have better texture and flavor than if you try growing them in spring or summer, these kinds of vegetables are some of the easiest to grow; and with proper planning, they require little more than a bit of sunshine and water to flourish.

Herbs are easy to grow and taste great when fresh from the garden. Chives, cilantro, parsley and winter savory are but a few herbs that are at their best in winter


months. Who can resist their fresh flavor when paired with eggs, meats, salads or vegetables?

February is also the preferred time to plant most varieties of fruit trees. When selecting a tree, remember that a small tree with a good root system is preferable to a large one with a poorly developed root ball. Consider dwarf fruit trees. They lend themselves nicely as ornamental specimens to smaller landscapes and most bear fruit a little earlier than standard size trees. While

our mild climate allows a variety of fruits to be har vested throughout the year, knowledge, time to care for plantings and good drainage are essen-tial for growing strong, healthy trees.

Grapes, blackberries and blue-berries are also excellent crops for the home garden. Blackberries grow in just about every region of Texas, are one of the easiest fruit crops to establish and are excellent hedge plants for the perimeters of your property. Grapes can be trained on

trellises or arbors and are as decorative as they are delicious. Blueberries offer tasty berries that are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, but also add green foliage and fall color to your landscape.

Anyone who loves cooking or gardening will tell you growing your own herbs and vegetables is a rewarding experience, especially when you get to eat the fruits of your labor. With a little planning and maintenance, you can grow a winter garden that will provide you with fresh, delicious produce through the warmer days of spring, when it’s time to plant warm season herbs and veggies like the beloved tomatoes and basil.

For more information on cool season herbs, fruits and vegetables that grow well in our area, visit a trusted nursery professional, or contact the Collin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 972.548.4232. Visit the “Vegetable Picker” guide at www.ccmgatx.org for specific varieties recommended by Collin County Master Gardeners as plants they have successfully grown in their own gardens. Happy gardening! v

Dawn Bluemel Oldfield is a freelance writer.

For Your HealthMarketPlace



calendar


Charlotte’s Web presented by Allen’s Community Theatre, through the 9th. Friday shows,

8 pm; Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 pm; Saturday, Feb. 9, 3 and 8 pm. Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Drive, Allen. Reservations highly recommended. For information, visit www.allenscommunitytheatre.com.

Texas vs. the Nation, 1:30 pm at the new Allen Eagle Stadium. Nationally televised

event with NFL scouts, officials and VIPs as the nation’s top college players take the field in hopes of being drafted by the NFL or other pro football leagues. For information or tickets, go to visitallen.com.

11th Annual Krewe of Barkus! Dog Parade and Costume Contest, 12:30-

4 pm, Mitchell Park, Downtown McKinney. Barkus Gets Animated celebrates animated characters. Free and open to everyone. Cost to enter the costume contest is $5/dog, pre-registration required. Not a fee to walk in the parade. To register, email [email protected], for details contact 972.547.2660 or www.downtownmckinney.com.

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church presents Christopher Hoyt on the

organ, 7:30 pm, 821 South Greenville Avenue, Allen. For details, visit www.christtheservant.com.

Allen Philharmonic Symphony and First United Methodist Church

of Allen present a Dan Fogelberg Tribute Weekend, 7 pm, in the Ballroom of the Courtyard at Marriott Hotel, 210 Stacy Rd. For information or tickets, visit www.allenphilharmonic.org.

4th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show, Allen Event Center, thru the 17th. More than 200 vendors present home and garden techniques and products. Features Roger Hazard, a Texas native and TV’s original home stager and designer featured on A&E’s Sell This House. Hazard will host several design seminars and share several staging tips to help sell homes quickly. For further details, visit allenhomeandgardenshow.com or call 1.877.663.6186.

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Living for Zachary 2013 HeartBeats Gala: “Unforgettable,” 6 pm,

Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel. Black tie event features silent & live auctions, celebrity appearances and a live performance by Downtown Fever. All proceeds benefit Living for Zachary, whose mission is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth. For details, visit www.living4zachary.org.

Allen Special Olympics Delegation presents “Special Angels Among Us”, 15th Annual Benefit Auction & Dinner, 6-11 pm, Courtyard by Marriott, Allen. Dress is semi-formal, benefits Allen special olympians. Call 972.727.0570x135 for additional information.

heARTS for ART Benefit and Silent Auction, 3-7 pm, Allen High School

Performing Arts Center. Celebrating Samantha Schmidt’s life and her passion for art. Proceeds benefit research for AML pediatric leukemia at Cook Children’s. Silent auction, raffle, arts and crafts, face painting,

and more. For more information contact [email protected].

Allen Philharmonic Symphony takes you on a musical voyage to the

great beyond…space, 2 pm, AHS Performing Arts Center. Features “WALL*E Suite”, “Sprach Zarathustra, Op 30” (theme from 2001 A Space Odyssey) and the “Star Wars Medley”. For information or tickets, visit www.allenphilharmonic.org.

CITY OF ALLENAllen Event Center

Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or at the Allen Event Center Box Office. For more information, visit www.alleneventcenter.com.

1 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Arizona Sundogs

5 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Texas Brahmas

8 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Missouri Mavericks

21 Texas Revolution Football vs. North Texas Crunch

22 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Wichita Thunder




24 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Laredo Bucks

25 Allen Americans Hockey vs. Wichita Wild

29 Lone Star Conference Championship. Spanning five days of NCAA Division II basketball action (thru March 4), the event also features an alumni and fan event at TopGolf on Mar. 1. On Mar. 2, Fanfest offers fun for the entire family with carnival rides, free food and performances that will take place just outside the main rotunda entrance of Allen Event Center. For more info: LSCChampionshipAllen.com.

Parks and Recreation Events1 Flapjack Friday, 8 am, Allen Senior

Recreation Center. Members with a birthday during Feb. eat FREE and get their names entered into a drawing for prizes! Breakfast includes orange juice, bacon and sausage, and all you can eat pancakes for $2/members or $3/non-members.

8 SNAP Dance, (Valentine’s Theme), 7-10 pm, Recreation Hall. Special Needs Adapted Program! Dances feature live music, a fun and creative theme, snacks and a commemorative photo. For complete information or to get on the email distribution list, email [email protected] or call 214.509.4707.

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9&23 Saturday Night Rec and Roll, Joe Farmer Rec Center. Fun and safe social program for students grades 3-6. Gym games, dancing with music by a DJ, dodge ball, pool, table tennis, theme nights and contests with prize giveaways. Supervision provided & concessions available. Party Packs $12—$5 concession credit for only $4 (20% savings). ID card (one-time $5 fee) required and must be purchased at JFRC anytime before 5:30 pm on the day of the event.

13 Valentine Luncheon, 11 am, Allen Senior Recreation Center. Luncheon complete with Italian cuisine from Olive Garden and live entertainment from Marty Ruiz. Register by February 8 to attend.

16 Duck Derby, 10 am, Rodenbaugh Natatorium, in the lazy river. Determines the fastest duck in the pool. Purchase your “racing duck” from the Natatorium and decorate it to your liking. Submit your duck to the Natatorium by Feb. 15. Come back and race your duck against the best Allen has to offer. on Feb. 16.

For more info: 972.912.1097 or www.AllenParks.org.

Adult Athletic LeaguesFor more info: www.allenparks.org or call Athletic Information Hotline: 214.509.4810.

Softball—Reg. thru Feb. 13. Late reg. Feb. 14-17. Cost: $345—8 games + playoffs. Play begins March 4.

Flag Football—Reg. thru Feb. 13. Late reg. Feb. 14-17. Cost: $350—7 games + playoffs. Play begins March 5.

Ultimate Frisbee League—Reg. through Feb. 17. Cost: $265—14 games. Play begins March 7.

Adult Men’s and Coed Soccer League—Reg. thru Feb. 13. Late reg. Feb. 14-17. Cost: $515—8 games. Play begins March 5.

Men’s Basketball—Late reg. thru Feb.3. Cost: $425—8 games + single-elimination tournament. Play begins Feb. 19.

Volleyball—Late reg. thru Feb. 3. Cost: $235—8 games + single-elimination tournament. Play begins Feb. 18.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARYChildren

Storytime Schedule Baby and Me—For pre-walkers with an adult.

Tues. & Thurs., 10:15 am. Fun Ones—For 1-year-olds with an adult,

Mon. & Wed., 10 am, Tues., 6:30 pm. Together Time—For 2 & 3 year-olds with an

adult, Tues. & Thurs., 11:15 am.All by Myself—For 4 & 5 year-olds, Wed.,

11:30 am.Family Storytime—For 2-6 year-olds & family,

Mon., 11:15 am, Thurs., 7 pm.

Teens

Ages 12-1814 An Anime Afternoon, 4: 30 p.m., 2nd

floor program room. Join us for an hour of anime, Japanese candy, and fun!

21 Game On, 4:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Come show off your incredible gaming skills!

25 Tangled Teens, 4:30 pm, 2nd floor program room. Learn to knit! Come with yarn and needles & leave with a scarf!

Adults6 Noontime Pageturners Book Club, noon,

“Stiff: The Curious Life Of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach, Adult Program Room. Bring lunch and a friend and join us for a lively discussion!

12 2nd Tuesday Chess Night, 7-8:30 pm., 2nd Floor Program Room. Age 16 to adult. Open chess play for all skill levels in a fun, noncompetitive setting. Free. No reg. required. Newcomers welcome. Chess boards & pieces provided. For more info: Rebecca @ 214.509.4913.

13 Twisted Threads Fiber Craft Circle, 6:30 pm., 2nd floor program room. A social group for knitters, crocheters, felters, quilters and any other type of craft done with thread or yarn. All skill levels. Bring your latest project and work on it in the company of other fiber crafters.

11 Discover a Healthier You—Self Defense, 12-1 pm. Self-defense with Sifu Cheryl Bales, Inner Strength Martial Arts. SMA curriculum focuses on street application self defense against single to multiple attackers. Participants will learn some of the self-defense techniques taught to ISMA students and others.

19 Mom’s Night Out Bookclub, 7 pm, Adult Program Room. Moms come and join in a discussion of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Registration required..For more info: 214.509.4905.

Connemara ConservancyConnemara Meadow Preserve

3 Bird Walk at the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 8-11 am, Allen. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

10 Astronomy Walk, 9-11 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join Clyde Camp for an Astronomy walk. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot at 9 pm sharp and walk to the Meadow the back way.For more info: www.connemaraconservancy.org.

23 Winter Tree Walk with Master Naturalist Jim Varnum, 10 am-noon, Alma and Tatum Rd, Allen, TX (Meadow Preserve Parking Lot Public Gate).

24 Open House, 1 pm, Connemara Meadow Preserve. Join us to wander (and wonder) at the meadow hiking the trails, watching the flora and fauna. Enter at Wooded Gate on East side of Alma, south of Bethany.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONSCity of Allen offers a variety of affordable

recreational classes and programs. Register at Joe Farmer Rec Center, 214.509.4750 or Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 214.509.4770.For more info: www.allenparks.org.


Allen Early Childhood PTA, support for parents and caregivers of preschoolers. A new calendar each month with fun activities for all. Activities—play groups, park days, lunch with friends, field trips, Mom’s Night Out, Dads and Kids, and other great events. Come play with us!For more info: www.aecpta.com or [email protected].

Heart Link Women’s Networking group, women only business networking. Monthly meetings—days & locations vary.For more info: http://75002.TheHeartLinkNetwork.com.

MOMS Club of Allen, New group for moms and children who live in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Monthly playgroups, kid field trips and local business tours, special events, Mom’s Night Out and more. For more info: http://momsclubofallentx.weekly.com or [email protected]

Baylor Health Care System offers support groups, medical information and events. For more info: www.BaylorHealth.com.

MOMS Club McKinney Central, support group for stay-at-home moms. Play groups, daytime activities, Mom’s Night Out, holiday parties, babysitting co-op, etc. Monthly bus. meeting.For more info: [email protected].

Divorce Care, 13-week courses—biblical teaching for recovering from divorce. For more info: Kim Tedford: 214.544.8050 ext. 109, [email protected] or www.creekwoodumc.org.

Urban Explorers, laid back, fun, diverse social group with meetups throughout Dallas area. Something for everyone!For more info: www.meetup.com/getoutandabout.

Texas Health Presbyterian, a variety of events.For more info: www.texashealth.org.

Plano Bicycle Association, club rides, social activities, monthly meetings, newsletters. For more info: Chris Mathews, 972.964.2869 or www.planobicycle.org.

American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to appointments. If you have a car and can spare time 9-5, you can help.For more info: Debbie Moen, 972.712.5711.

Support Group? Wanted: Anyone interested in starting a support group for Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder?) For more info: Megan at [email protected].

Kids Helping Kids, bring new or gently-used toys to Kids Pediatric Dentistry, donate to kids in the area. Receive chance to win prize.For more info: 972.727.0011 or www.kidspediatricdentistry.com.

Every Monday-Friday

The Shores AA Group, noon, Raceway Profesional Building, 200 W. Boyd, Suite C (Adjacent to Dayrise Recovery), Allen. Open AA discussion group. Everyone welcome.For more info: 469.854.9593.

Every Monday

Ericsson Village Toastmasters Club, 12-1 pm, Ericsson, 6300 Legacy, Plano. Guests welcomeFor more info: Per Treven, 972.583.8273 or [email protected].

Allen Toastmasters’ Club, 6:30 pm, Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main, Allen. Guests welcome.For more info: Joe Nave at 214.566.3100.

Allen Symphony Chorus rehearsals, 7-9 pm, choir room at First UMC.For more info: [email protected]

Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany, Ste. 208, Allen. Work out to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.For more info: [email protected].

Preston Persuaders Toastmasters, 7:15 pm, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Rm B2, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano.For more info: Ed Meissner, 469-323-0538 or Todd Richardson, 214.497.4495 or www.prestonpersuaders.org.

Every Monday, Thursday & Saturday

Allen AA meets, 601 S. Greenville.For more info: 972-359-7383.

Second Monday

Collin County Early Childhood PTA, 9:45 am, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, 2700 Dallas Pkwy., Plano. Nursery res. req.For more info: Suzanne Judkins, 972.712.3634.


Heard Museum Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, 7 pm, Heard Craig Center, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566 or www.northtexasbeekeepers.org.

American Association of University Women-Plano/Collin County Branch, 6:45 pm, 2nd Floor Conservatory, Senior Living Center, 6401 Ohio Dr., Plano. Open to anyone with bachelors or assoc. degree interested in helping women.For more info: Carol, 972.862.3460 or www.aauwplanocollin.org.

The MOB (Men of Business), 11:30 am-1 pm, TopGolf USA, Allen for male bonding and networking over lunch. $20 chamber members; $25 non-members/general public. For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, William H. L. Wells Camp, No. 1588, 7 pm, Tino’s Too Restaurant, 2205 Ave. K, Plano. Speakers, school programs, etc. Open to anyone interested.For more info: Lloyd Campbell, 972.442.5982.

McKinney Ladies Association (SRLA), 7 pm, Community Lifeline Center, 1601 W. University Drive, McKinney. MLA welcomes the public to participate in this evening of service for CLL. For more info: www.mckinneyladies.org.

Third MondayCollin County Aggie Moms, 7 pm, Texas A&M Ext. Center, Coit between Bush Tollway & Campbell.For more info: 972.382.3124 or www.collincountymoms.aggienetwork.com

Plano Amateur Radio Klub, 7 pm, all welcome.For more info: www.K5PRK.net.

Breast Cancer Support Group for patients, family & friends, noon, N. Central Medical Center, 4500 Medical Center Dr., McKinney.For more info: Kelly Finley Brown, 972.540.4984.

Allen Retired Educators, 10:30 am, Heritage Ranch Country Club, 465 Scenic Ranch Circle, Fairview. For more info: or RSVP: Jerri Caldronia@ [email protected].

Fourth Monday Allen Seniors Genealogy Club, 1 pm,

Allen Seniors Center. Must be a member of ASRC. For more info: www.asgconline.com or Richard Henry, 972.390.7402.

Legacy 4-H Club (Allen and Lucas), 7 pm, Lovejoy High School, Lucas.For more info: [email protected] or 214.616.2460.

Texas Democratic Women of Collin County meets at 6:45 pm, Collin College, Frisco campus, Rm F148.For more info: www.tdwcc.org or Barb Walters, 214.477.5183.

Plano Photography Club, 7 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.planophotographyclub.com.

Every Tuesday

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:15-8 pm, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 750 W. Lucas Road, Lucas.For more info: 1.800.YEA.TOPS or www.tops.org.

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Live networking breakfast, 7:30 am, 5th Street Pizza, 111 Central Expwy., #102, (Inside Stacy Furniture). $1 member/$7 non-mem. 1st visit free.For more info: 972.727.5585.

Toastmasters Creative Expressions, 11:15 am-12:30 pm. Raytheon, McKinney. Guests welcome.

2ChangeU Toastmasters, 7-8:45 pm, Custer Rd. United Methodist Church, Rm B5, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.2changeu.org.

Allen Serenity Al-Anon Family Group, 7 pm, 1st United Methodist Church, Wesley House, 601 S. Greenville. Offers strength and hope to friends & family of alcoholics.For more info: 214.363.0461 or www.al-anon.alateen.org.

Every Tuesday & Thursday Volunteer Master Gardeners offer

landscaping & gardening advice, 9 am-4 pm. Texas A&M’s Co-op Extension, 825 N. McDonald #150, McKinney.For more info: 972.548.4232 or 972.424.1460.

First Tuesday Heard Museum Native Plant Society,

7:30 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.

First and Third Tuesday

Allen Lions Club, 7 pm, Twin Creeks Golf Club, 501 Twin Creeks Drive.For more info: [email protected].


Common Threads of Allen, 7 pm, A Real Bookstore, 113 Praire Rd., Village at Fairview. Share needlework projects, learn new techniques, make friends.For more info: contact Debi Maige at 214.704.0994 or [email protected].

Second Tuesday

Plano Pacers run at Schimelpfenig Library parking lot, 5024 Custer, in Plano, 7 pm.For more info: www.planopacers.org.

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, 7 to 9 pm, Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. Visitors welcome.For more info: www.bptmn.org or email [email protected].

Allen Senior Citizens Luncheon, 11:30 am, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville.For more info: 214.509.4820.

Allen Democrats, 6:30 pm, Reel Thing Catfish Cafe, 600 E. Main St., Allen.For more info: Deborah Angell Smith 214.893.3643.

Collin County Archaeology Society, 7 pm, Texas Star Bank, McKinney.For more info: [email protected].

Collin County ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County, 7-9 pm, parlor, First United Methodist Church, 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen.For more info: Shirli Salter, [email protected].

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, 9:15 am, Valentine Tea, Collin College Conf. Center, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. Cost $12. Reservations by Feb. 4. Guests are welcome!For more info: www.newcomerfriends.org.

Third Tuesday

McKinney Area Newcomers’ Club, welcomes new residents, 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney. Julie Vargo will speak on the history of McKinney —you will learn interesting facts about our quaint town. Speakers, prizes and refreshments each month. For more info: www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parents Group provides support & resources for parents of children with autism & related developmental disabilities. Join online group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismparentsupport.

Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, The General Bernardo de Galvez Chapter meets Aug.-May.For more info:[email protected].

Fourth Tuesday

Allen/Fairview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and speaker, 11:30 am-1 pm. $20 member/$25 guest.For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Heard Museum Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society meets at 7 pm, One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.


Porcelain Art Guild of North Texas, meets at 9:30 am, Carriage House, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Open to anyone, beginner to expert, interested in china painting and porcelain art.For more info: Gayle Harry 214.509.0787.

Every Wednesday

Allen Rotary Club, Noon, Courtyard by Marriot, 210 East Stacy Rd. For more info: www.allenrotary.org.

Toastmasters SpeakUp Allen, “Become the Speaker and Leader you can be”, 7 pm, Market Street, 985 W. Bethany Dr., Allen. For more info: Marlene Byndon, 816.456.6803.

Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 am, Twin Creeks Hospital, 1001 Raintree Circle.For more info: 972.673.8221 or www.asrotary.org.

McKinney Chess on the Square, 4-7pm, Downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center. Open play & lessons. Chess promotes creativity, imagination and strategic thinking. For more info, 214.620.0527 or mckinneychess.org.

First Wednesday Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Heritage

Center, 100 E. Main St, 6:30 pm. For more info: 972.740.8017 or www.allenheritageguild.org.

Art History Brown Bag Series, 12:30-1:30 pm, Heard-Craig Carriage Hosue, 205 W. Hunt St., McKinney. Lectures presented by Annie Royer. Bring lunch.For more info: 972.569.6909 or www.headcraig.org.

Collin County Master Gardeners Assoc. guided tour of Myers Park, 10 am, 7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney. Res. requested.For more info: 972.548.4232 or go to [email protected].

First and Third Wednesday MOPS of Hope Plano, Hope Community

Church, 9:30-11:30, 3405 Custer, Ste. 200, Plano.For more info: 214-762-0037 or www.mopsofhope.com.

Second Wednesday Collin County Genealogical Society, 7

pm, Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano. For more info: [email protected].

VFW Post 2195, 7:30 pm, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Hwy. 121, Allen.For more info: Larry Nordgaard, 972.727.9956 or www.vfw2195.org.

Every Thursday Sweet Adelines, NoteAbly North Texas

Chorus, 7 pm, Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2005 Estates Pkwy, Allen. Women of Allen & surrounding area invited.For more info: [email protected].

Allen Kiwanis Club, Noon, Twin Creeks Clubhouse, 501 Twin Creeks Blvd. Visitors welcome.For more info: Sandy McNair, 214.548.5483 or www.allenkiwanis.org.

Community Bible Study, 9:30–11:30 am, Community North Baptist Church, 2500 Community Avenue, McKinney. Bible study for women and children. Studying Luke. Registration required. For more info: [email protected] or mckinneyallen.cbsclass.org.

Allen Classic Cars, 7-10 pm, 103-111 N. Central, parking lot of Chipotle and Stacy Furniture.

Weight Watchers, 12:15 and 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Greenville Ave., Allen. Enter at the south entrance, second floor.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collin County), Recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. Led by trained individuals. Free, 6:30-8:30 pm, Custer Road UMC, 6601 Custer Rd., Plano.For more info: 214.509.0085 or www.namicco.org.

Speak Up! Frisco Toastmasters Club, 7-7:30 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting. U of D-Frisco campus, Frisco Chamber, 6843 W. Main St.For more info: http://speakupfrisco.freetoasthost.ws.

First Thursday

W.I.S.E. (Women in Support of Enterprise), 11:30 am. Location varies. Networking & discussion of women’s issues. Fun & informative meeting for women in Allen & surrounding areas. $20 member/$25 guest. Payment expected unless reservation cancelled 48 hrs. in advance.For more info: www.allenchamber.com

Allen Garden Club, meets 7 pm, monthly gardening talks by area experts, Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Street.For more info: Denise Webre, 972.390.8536 or www.allengardenclub.org.

Second Thursday

McKinney Area Republican Co-Ed Club, 7 pm, Collin County GOP Headquarters, 8416 Stacey Rd., #100, McKinney. Location sometimes varies.For more info: collincountyconservativerepublicans.com.

North Dallas Newcomers, 11 am. Listen to a physician from the Medical Center of Plano discuss the heart risk in women. This program will include a cooking demonstration by Chef Miguel. We love to have new members join the many fun activities that this group offers. Guests are welcome.For more info: www.northdallasnewcomers.net.

Osteoporosis Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Community Education Rm-Medical Office Bldg. 2.For more info: 972.747.6036.

PSA:NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] of Collin County, 7:30 pm, Custer Road UM Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano. Enter at the SE end, room B2. Peer support group, B6, and Family support group, B1, meet from 6:30-7:20.For more info: www.namicco.org.

Lovejoy Preschool PTA. Monthly gen. meetings at Creekwood United Methodist Church, 261 Country Club Road, Fairview. Different topic and guest speakers each month. Lunch provided free and babysitting available for nominal fee. A list of speakers is available on website.For more info: www.lovejoypa.org, meetup.com/Lovejoy-Preschool-PTA/.

Legal Aid Clinic, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church.For more info: www.lanwt.org or 1.888.529.5277.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Allen Area Patriots, 7-8:45 pm, New Heritage Church, 8 Prestige Circle, Allen. Local Tea Party presents speakers, enlightening and motivating citizens to participate in the political process. For more info: www.AllenAreaPatriots.com.

Allen High Noon Lions Club, 5th Street Pizza (inside Stacy Furniture), 111 Central Expwy. S.For more info: Tony Pritchard, 214.293.1598.

Third Thursday

Live @ 5 Business After Hours, 5-6:30 pm at various member businesses. Free.For more info: www.allenfairviewchamber.com.

Knights of Columbus, 7:30 pm, St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville, Allen.For more info: Steve Nagy, 469.569.3357 or www.stjudekofc.org.

Collin County Republican Men’s Club, 7 pm, locations vary.For more info: www.ccrmc.org.

Cancer Support Ministry, 7 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E101. For more info: James Craver, 972.727.8241.

Allen Community Theatre presents Improv Night, 7:30 pm, Escape Coffee House, corner of Jupiter & Bethany. Free to watch or join in the fun!For more info: www.allencommunitytheatre.net.

Allen/McKinney Area Mothers of Multiples, new & expectant moms’ forum, 7 pm, First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt, McKinney. For more info: www.amamom.org or 972.260.9330.

Allen Quilters’ Guild, 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Greenville.For more info: www.allenquilters.org.

Xtra Years of Zest Seniors Luncheon, noon, First United Methodist Church Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Fellowship Hall. An inspiring group of retirees and soon to be returees who gather once a month for lunch and fellowship. Speakers and entertainers. For more info: [email protected].

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 pm, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, 1105 Central Expwy. N., Community Education Room-Med.Office Bldg. 2.For more info: 972.747.6036.


Thanks to Simple Sleep Services they’re sleeping in the same bed again.

Local residents Missy and Steve Duffle, decided years ago the only way to get a good night’s rest was to sleep in separate rooms. Steve’s loud snoring had become such a disturbance he started retreating to the couple’s guest room soon after they were married. The custom appliance from Simple Sleep Services worked on the very first night. Missy claims, “The device is an absolute miracle! Thank you Simple Sleep Services for providing relief for my husband and our entire family. We are all getting uninterrupted sleep—thanks to you guys”!

They knew about sleep studies and the CPAP mask, but decided that the mask or surgery was not an option.

The therapy and devices used by Simple Sleep Services have been around for a while and they are proven to work,

but they are the first to streamline the process, making it an all-around easier experience for the patient.

If you are wondering if this is an affordable solution, the answer is absolutely. Simple Sleep Services works with all private insurance companies including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and others.

At Simple Sleep Services, the testing is done in the comfort of your own home by wearing a soft headband with a small recording device. You take it home and sleep in your own bed. Then simply bring it back to the office and their doctor, a board-certified sleep physician, interprets the test results and they contact you with a diagnosis.

Simple Sleep Services is the streamlined, easy and effective solution for diagnosis and treatment. To read more success stories or set up your consultation, call or visit our website.

A good night’s sleep shouldn’t be work. It’s Simple. Stop Snoring, Sleep Healthy, Live Life!

There will be sweet dreams this Valentine’s Day!

469.685.17006101 Chapel Hill Blvd., Ste. 201, Plano

www.simplesleepservices.com

Fourth Thursday

Voyagers Social Club of McKinney, 10 am, Heard-Craig Hall Gallery, 306 N. Church St., McKinney. Social club open to women in McKinney and surrounding areas. Meet new people.For more info: [email protected].

Every Other Thursday

North Texas Referral Group, 11:45 am, Friday’s (121 & Preston by the mall). For more info: www.ntrg.info.

Every Friday

Allen Senior Rec Center Dances, 1-3 pm. Ages 50+. Members free/Non-member Allen resident $3. For more info: 214.509.4820.

McKinney Chess Club, 2-5 pm, Senior Center, 1400 South College Street, McKinney.Adults 50+(Free).For more info: 972.547.7491.

Every Other Friday

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), non-denominational support group for moms with kids birth to 5 years, 9:30-11:45 am, First Baptist Church in Allen. Childcare provided. For more info: 972.727.8241.

First & Third Friday

Classic 55+ Game Night, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church Allen, 201 E. McDermott, Rm E104. Snacks, fellowship and games. Open to the community, no res. required.For more info: 972.727.8241 or Eddie Huckabee at [email protected].

Every Saturday

McKinney Chess Club, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, McKinney Public Library, 101 E Hunt St. Any age. Free.For more info: 972.547.7491.

Second Saturday

Heard Museum Nature Photography Club meeting. 1:30 pm, Heard Museum, One Nature Place, McKinney.For more info: 972.562.5566.

Department 56 Village Collectors Club meets in the Plano/North Dallas area to share ideas.For more info: www.bigd56ers.com.

Vrooman’s Regiment, Children of the American Revolution, service organization to teach children to serve their local community.For more info: 972.396.8010.

Third Saturday

Single Side Up, 7 pm, This Side Up Family Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano. Single parent support group. There is no charge to attend. Low cost child care is available. For more info: www.singlesideup.org or [email protected].

Allen Folk Music Society, 7-10 pm, The Blue House, 102 S. Allen Drive, Allen. Musicians aged 15-100. Bring snacks to share.For more info: www.twiceasfar.com.

Fourth Saturday

American Sewing Guild, 10 am-noon, Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd (at Parker), in Plano.For more info: Jane Johnson, 972.841.6854 or www.planoasg.org.

Last Saturday

Plano Pacers run at Bob Woodruff Park on San Gabriel Rd., Plano, 8 am.For more info: Bob Wilmot, 972.678.2244, or www.planopacers.org.

Every Sunday

Fit and Funky Fit Club, 7:30 pm, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, 604 W. Bethany #208, Allen. Work out live to p90x, Insanity, etc. Free.For more info: [email protected].

First Sunday

Readers Book Club, 2 pm, First Methodist Church of Allen, 601 S. Greenville, Church Parlor. Join us for book discussion and refreshments. Book selections are determined at the January meeting.For more info: [email protected].

Please keep us informed of any local activities or events of general interest to our readers by fax to the Allen Image at 972.396.0807 or email to [email protected].

For Your Health



For Your Health

cover story


Barbara Corbin of Lucas credits her beekeeping maternal family for her heeding the siren buzz of the bee.

“My grandfather’s parents were East Texas beekeepers,” she notes. “When I was seven years old, we moved to a farm next to my mother’s family. I was fascinated by those beehives and always wanted bees, but I thought when you lived in town you couldn’t have bees.”

After graduating from Arlington State College (University of Texas at Arlington today) with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry and math, Barbara got a job as a research technician in a neurophysiology lab at Southwestern Medical School.

When the research project moved to Galveston, Barbara stayed behind. Her husband “Mac” had just graduated with his degree in electrical engineering with assistance from Texas Instruments and he was committed to staying in North Texas to work for the company. Barbara returned to school to earn her education certification and took a position with Nichols Junior High School in Arlington. After she taught life, earth and physical science classes for several years, the Corbins moved to Plano and started their family.

When Barbara, Mac and their son and daughter moved to their Lucas home in 1977, she also began long-term substitute teaching for the Allen and Lovejoy school districts. After working with the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2000 census, Barbara took a part-time job at the Spring Creek Campus Collin College library. Less than a year later, she was offered and accepted the full-time position of head of circulation for the school’s Preston Ridge campus library in Frisco and she has held the position for over 10 years.

Barbara then began to explore the dream of trying her hand at beekeeping. To help get her started, a neighbor introduced her to Allen bee -keeper Wyvonne Robertson Brecheen.

“She had bees and offered to be my beekeeping mentor,” Barbara emphasizes. “It helps to have somebody help you get started.” Barbara also joined the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association to

further her apian education. Appreciative of Wyvonne’s support, Barbara later took new beekeepers under her wing and devoted hours of time to young women competing in the annual local, state and national Honey Queen contest.

Barbara acquired her first honey-bee hive when Wyvonne alerted her to an unwanted swarm at a nearby residence. It soon found a new home in Barbara’s yard. “The first time I met Barbara, I liked her and thought she was brilliant,” Wyvonne recalls. “We used to go out and catch swarms and have the best time!”

Although Wyvonne is not as involved in beekeeping as in the past, the two friends still get together to extract honey.

Learning that beekeepers are advised to maintain at least two beehives “so if you get in trouble with one, you can move brood, bees and honey around,” Barbara soon added a second hive. The Lucas beekeeper eventually accrued 14 beehives.

Emphasizing that she has never had an interest in earning income from selling honey or bee products, today Barbara has three hives at the back of her Lucas property. Another hive was recently

set up in her front yard after a pest control operator brought her a swarm he had collected from a customer’s home, explaining that he didn’t have the heart to destroy them. Barbara points out that her three principal hives are now kept behind a wooden fence because her husband never got comfortable being around the bees.

“2011 was the worst year for me as far as honey collection because I only produced 120 pounds,” she points out. “This year I pulled 200 pounds of honey so my hives did better.” While her recent annual yields needed only one extraction, Barbara’s hives once pro-duced so much honey that additional extractions were often required over the late spring and early summer period for honey collection in Texas. So that her bees have sufficient wildflowers to draw from, she maintains a patch of the native wildflower, Gaillardia, on a portion of their property.

Barbara has also seen honeybees in this area impacted by a number of other modern problems.

Ten years ago, the headlines in Texas trumpeted warnings of the arrival of the Africanized bees. These hyper-aggressive bees had

Honey Chocolate Cake2/3 c. shortening 1 c. honey 2 eggs

2 c. sifted flour 1/2 c. cocoa 1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. soda 2 tsp. baking powder 3/4 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. vanillaCream shortening, then continue beating while slowly adding honey. Beat in eggs, one at a

time, beating well after every addition. Sift flour, cocoa, salt, soda and baking powder together

3 times. Add dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and vanilla to creamed mixture.

Pour batter inot greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350º for 20 to 25 minutes or

until cake tests done. Frost with favorite icing.

Vegetarian Lentil Casserole

1 lb lentils, cooked 3/4 c. honey 1/2 c. soy sauce

2 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp.pepper 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 c. chopped onion 1/2 c. sliced carrots 1/2 c. sliced celery

3 Tbs. vegetable oil 8 c. cooked white rice

Place lentils in 2-1/2-quart casserole. Combine honey, soy sauce, mustard, pepper and

ginger in a small bowl. Gently stir into lentils. Cook and stir onion, carrots and celery in oil in

small skillet over medium-high heat until onion is translucent. Add to lentils. Cover and bake

at 350º for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more. Serve over rice.


been imported to Brazil for experiments in increased honey production and were reportedly accidentally released in the 1950s. Today they have been spotted across most of the southern United States.

Barbara explains the Africanized bee threatens the gentle-natured local honeybee hives because queens with Africanized genes have a greater chance at survival. “It used to be thought that the queen only mated with a few of the male bees, but they know now that they mate with a lot more,” she notes. “And the Africanized male is much more aggressive than the European male.” This leads to the potential of a greater number of Africanized queens being produced, and they mature faster, emerging from their cells one day earlier than their European counterparts. “The first one out stings the other still-developing queens,” she continues, “and because queens don’t have barbs on their stingers, they can sting repeatedly.”

To simplify her monitoring for possible encroachment of Africanized bees, like many other beekeepers, Barbara marks her queens. Her vigilance has paid off and she proudly announces that she has not had to destroy a hive because of overly aggressive bees in a number of years.

Although Barbara shrugs off concerns about getting stung, she warns, “If you want to be a beekeeper but mind getting stung, find something else to do because it’s going to happen.” She recalls that one of her worst stinging incidents occurred when she failed to notice the broken elastic on one of her gloves and five bees got inside and stung her hand when they couldn’t get out.Barbara Corbin and Martin Hicks


“A lot of a bee’s world is dominated by smell and when a bee stings it leaves a scent that excites the other bees and tells them to come and defend,” Barbara points out. “That’s one of the problems with the Africanized bees. They are so keen on scent that once you get stung, every bee in that hive will be ready to get you. And they have not been able to breed that out of them.”

Other growing problems Barbara has observed with local bees are tracheal mites, Varroa mites, hive beetles, the bacterial foulbrood and the fungal chalkbrood, along with the notably serious colony collapse disorder. With the latter, entire hives of worker bees have unexplainably disappeared, leading to an estimated 25% reduction in domesticated bees in the United States.

Shaking her head, Barbara sighs, “We are moving further and further up the toxic chain because some beekeepers are putting organophos-phates in the hives to take care of the problems, but I decided I wasn’t going to do that. It is very important for me that it is natural and not contaminated with anything. I’m organic here, even the grass.”

Barbara points out that although re-queening hives yearly is a common practice among beekeepers, because of the multiple problems she sees area bees battling today, she has opted not to replace her queens every year.

“I was more interested in getting a race of hygienic bees,” Barbara explains as to her preference for the darker Russian bees she has maintained for a number of years. “Different races have different characteristics of what they are more susceptible to, as far as disease. And I like the gene pool that I have.”

Barbara’s beekeeping skills and her love of bees have also provided her several opportunities to travel abroad. In 1998, Barbara attended the London Honey Show with Sarah Paulson, the 1997/98 Texas Honey Queen and 1998 American Honey Princess. The trip was provided by a donor in appreciation for Sarah’s accomplish ments and Barbara’s support and training needed for the

young woman to compete in these two prestigious events.

Barbara has also taken four bee-related trips to Panama after meeting Pennsylvania master beekeeper Tom McCormack. He has assisted the people of westernmost Panama with both beekeeping and humanitarian issues, such as providing clothing and medical supplies for 19 years.

The love for honeybees also continues inside her home. Bookshelves bulge with apical literature, framed

pictures and cross-stitched pillows show bees, beehives or cute bee-related quotes and curio cabinets overflow with honey pots. On the tables and shelves are handmade candles formed from the wax of her hives.

Barbara has also collected an impressive bee and honey related stamp, cover and postmark collection, which she points out has the advantage of not taking up so much space. “I spend a lot of time at stamp shows and right now I have about 80 percent of


the older stamps that are related to beekeeping,” she notes. “For me, it’s the beauty of them.”

Barbara advises anyone interested in trying their hand at beekeeping to first take a class under a skilled instructor and recommends those offered by the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association (CCHBA).

A CCHBA seminar instructor for almost 15 years, John Talbert has been a beekeeper since the mid-1980s and owns the 500-hive Sabine Creek Honey Farm in Josephine. He serves on the board of CCHBA, is on the executive board of the American Beekeeping Federation and is an executive secretary for the Texas Beekeepers Association.

A growing interest in beekeeping has led to a recent rise in the number of CCHBA beekeeping students. John states, “Last year we had about 80 people. Our limit for each group of students is 25, so we had four groups of classes. Ours is 20 hours and we spread them over five Saturdays, starting in January.

“We recommend in the first year that you are in your colonies at least every two weeks so you can learn about your bees,” he shares. “After

that first year, you probably won’t get into them quite that often. You don’t spend more than 30 minutes in a colony because the more you disturb them, the less productive they are.”

In addition to honey production and sales, John also transports his bees to farms at various agricultural locales in the United States, including California almond crops and North Dakota canola farms, for pollination services.

Some for-profit beekeepers have no interest in commercial honey production, raising bees strictly for pollination. This service is not one to be taken lightly. The famed ento-mologist and environmentalist E.O. Wilson explained it succinctly when he said, “Every third bite of food you take, thank a bee or other pollinator.”

Brenda Newell and John Moog (known to their friends as “Bunny” and “Rooster”) earn income from their 200 beehives solely by transporting to various agricultural areas around the United States for pollination of the fields. For them, a forklift is a vital piece of equipment for their bee-keeping endeavor.

“We move the hives first to California for the almonds, then to the blueberries in Maine and then the cranberries in Wisconsin,” John

Brenda Newell and John Moog


explains. “There is a trucking company that we use. We load them on the truck, put the net over them and strap them down.” The hives are then delivered to brokers in these agricultural areas. They disperse the hives to the different farms and once pollination is complete, the hives are loaded back on the trucks and returned to East Texas.

Although importing bees from significant distances may seem unusual, it is a common and vital agricultural practice. During the pollination period, the California almond farmers import almost one-half of all domesticated honeybees in the United States.

John Moog credits his neighbor and long-time beekeeper, Randy Klein, for their foray into beekeeping and pollination service. When not in “use” their bees and hives are kept in rural East Texas.

“We went out and worked with Randy for a little bit and decided it was a venture we would like to try,” John states. “There are six of us out there and the famers let us keep our bees on their property.”

“We do a little honey, but only for our personal consumption and to give to friends and family,” he avers. “We probably do five hives and it is the East Texas clover honey. We have a three-frame extractor and probably get 100 gallons a year, which isn’t much. The rest of our honey we leave in the hives and let the bees eat it.”

Loaded with antioxidants, vita-mins and minerals, and demonstrating antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey has long been touted for its many health benefits. Since antiquity, it has also been used as a treatment for allergies and wound care.

Three years ago, Barbara learned first-hand the healing benefits of honey and gave her bees the opportunity to return the loving care she has given them for so many years.

Diagnosed with HER2 cancer, Barbara, who notes that she is allergic to every known antibiotic, developed a wound that would not heal as a result of her radiation treatment following her surgery. When it appeared that the

only treatment left to her was more surgery, her doctor suggested putting honey on it.

“I came home and put honey on it and it was the first relief that I had from the pain,” she recalls. Barbara credits her bees’ honey for eventually healing her seriously damaged tissue. “I carried a bottle of honey with me everywhere I went,” this bee devotee declares.

Whether you want to raise them or simply appreciate the multiple

benefits that these tiny creatures offer us, honeybees deserve our thanks and protection.

To learn more about bees and beekeeping, check these sites: Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association www.cchba.org; Texas Beekeepers Association www.texasbeekeepers.org; American Beekeeping Federation www.abfnet.org; and National Honey Board www.honey.com. v

Peggy Helmick-Richardson is a freelance writer.


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Allen Image February 2013