Plano Profile January 2010 : Page 10
panorama top 10 for …let’s get ready to RESOLVE! 10 BACK EDUCATION The Plano ISD Education Foundation presents “An Extraordinary Evening on the Mountaintop” at Ski Plano 2010. More than 900 guests will converge at Southfork Ranch in Parker on Saturday, January 30 to raise funds for Plano ISD teachers and programs. (See pg. 22 for the 2009 teachers that received awards for their programs.) “The uniqueness of this event is its boldness in being a casual gala,” said Lisa Raskin, co-chair of Ski Plano, along with Joa Muns. “The timing is in late January after the hustle and bustle of the holidays has waned. People are ready to emerge, and the fact that Ski Plano is an evening of casual dress and fun entertainment makes it that much more appealing.” The entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include dinner, live and silent auctions, the Neiman Marcus Avalanche, and dancing to the music of Mars Hill. A cocktail hour will showcase music by Classic Jazz, a band composed of Plano ISD employees. The live auction will spotlight gift packages such as a 12-month lease on a Lexus, donated by Park Place Lexus; a $3,000 shopping spree that includes a limo ride and lunch for four at Mariposa at The Shops at Willow Bend; a dinner for 10 catered by Central Market’s executive chef; and a Napa wine country tour. “Our guests and sponsors help the Plano ISD Education Foundation 10 PLANO PROFILE JANUARY 2010 Lisa Raskin co-chairs Ski Plano, which benefi ts Plano ISD Educational Foundation. Profi le photo/Mike Newman UP FRONT
Up Front
Brit Mott
…let’s get ready to !
10 Back Education
The Plano ISD Education Foundation presents “An Extraordinary Evening on the Mountaintop” at Ski Plano 2010. More than 900 guests will converge at Southfork Ranch in Parker on Saturday, January 30 to raise funds for Plano ISD teachers and programs. (See pg. 22 for the 2009 teachers that received awards for their programs.)
“The uniqueness of this event is its boldness in being a casual gala,” said Lisa Raskin, co-chair of Ski Plano, along with Joa Muns.
“The timing is in late January after the hustle and bustle of the holidays has waned. People are ready to emerge, and the fact that Ski Plano is an evening of casual dress and fun entertainment makes it that much more appealing.” The entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include dinner, live and silent auctions, the Neiman Marcus Avalanche, and dancing to the music of Mars Hill. A cocktail hour will showcase music by Classic Jazz, a band composed of Plano ISD employees.
The live auction will spotlight gift packages such as a 12-month lease on a Lexus, donated by Park Place Lexus; a $3,000 shopping spree that includes a limo ride and lunch for four at Mariposa at The Shops at Willow Bend; a dinner for 10 catered by Central Market’s executive chef; and a Napa wine country tour.
“Our guests and sponsors help the Plano ISD Education Foundation Fund critical programs for the Plano schools,” said Raskin. “We are so pleased that the proceeds from this event benefit our administrators, our teachers, our children…our future.” Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts is Ski Plano’s Aspen Sponsor. Tickets are available by calling 972.248.8252 or by visiting pisd.edu. Books wanted Throughout the school year, the Plano Retired Teachers Association is delivering over 2,200 books to students in first through fifth grades in Plano Title 1 schools. A bookplate is attached to every book for the student to put his or her name on. To donate new or gently used books, call LaWynn Rogers at 214.547.8102. 9 While Indeed.com is a click away, face-to-face interaction may make a more memorable impression. The Plano Career Fair is Tuesday, January 26 at the Plano Centre.
From 10 a.m.–2 p.m., employers will be awaiting your handshake, résumé, and smile. For more information, call
702. 257.1562. Ongoing support The JOB (Job Opportunity Basics) group at Custer Road United Methodist Church provides job search support every Tuesday from 6:30–9:30 p.m. For details, call Taci Kistler at 972.618.3450, ext. 242.
8 The need for food is dire and the Scouting for Food drive hopes to bring some relief February 13–20. The Plano Food Pantry, the major beneficiary of the drive, is serving more families than ever. The spike comes as the U.S. Labor Department announced last fall that the national unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent.
Perhaps you know the drill: Boy Scouts of all ages will disperse through neighborhoods and knock on doors to ask for a food donation.
If no one is home, they will leave a yellow bag on your porch and return to pick it up.
“Please don’t ignore the yellow bags this year,” says Jeanine Stevens, co-chair of this community-wide effort. “Please set out a bag on February 20 or give it to a Scout who comes knocking. One bag can feed a whole family for a week!” Items especially needed include canned fruit and vegetables, chili, pasta, boxed dinners, and peanut butter. For more information, call 972.814.5997 or e-mail Jeanine Stevens at tardam@aol.com. 7 February is Heart Health Month, but you don’t have to wait a month to take care of your ticker. Not only does Collin County have a slew of local gyms and YMCAs, we also have our beautiful outdoor parks and fully equipped recreation centers. This is by no means a complete list, but it’s a start to shipshape your heart!
ALLEN: Allen Senior Recreation Center, 451 E. St. Mary Dr., 214.509.4820; Celebration Park, 701 Angel Pkwy., 214.509.4100; Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium Aquatic and Fitness Center, 110 E. Rivercrest Blvd.,
214. 509.4770; Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201
E. Bethany Dr., 214.509.4750 FRISCO: Frisco Athletic Center, 5828 Nancy Jane Ln., 972.292.6600; Frisco Commons, 8000 McKinney Rd., 972.292.5000; Frisco Senior Center, 6670 Moore St., 972.292.6550; Warren Sports Complex, 7599 Eldorado Pkwy., 972.292.5000 PLANO: Carpenter Park Recreation Center, 6701 Coit Rd., 972.208.8087; Douglass Community Center, 1111 Ave.
H, 972.941.7174; High Point Park Tennis Center, 421 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., 972.941.7170; Liberty Recreation Center, 2601 Glencliff Dr., 972.769.4234; Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Rd.,
972. 941.7540; Plano Senior Recreation Center, 401
W. 16th St., 972.941.7155 Calling all coaches Volunteer coaches are needed to coach third through fifth graders for the Girls on the Run program at the Tom Muehlenbeck Center (5801
W. Parker Rd., Plano). Group discussion teaches the girls lessons related to a healthy lifestyle including self-respect, confidence, and teamwork.
Classes begin in mid-February and are held twice a week for 10 weeks, culminating in a 5K on Saturday, May 1. If interested, call Janette Steinheimer at 972.849.4668 or visit. Gotrdfw.org. Winter Games of Texas Athletes will step up their game at the Winter Games of Texas January 15–17 competing in basketball, dance, fencing, figure skating, flag football, gymnastics, and other sports. The Games are held at various venues in Frisco: Fieldhouse USA, The ICE at Stonebriar, the Frisco Athletic Center, The Dr Pepper Arena, Pizza Hut Park, and Frisco ISD’s Natatorium. Organizers are expecting a record 4,600 athletes and 17,000 spectators.
The Winter Games of Texas were created as a companion to the Summer Games of Texas by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, the Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Frisco Parks and Recreation Department. Call 1.800.GoFrisco (463.7472) or visit taaf.com. 6 Neil Sperry’s Home Landscape School is Saturday, January 9 and 23 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Plano Centre. Dr. Steve George from Texas A&M University, along with the Neil Sperry team, will teach an all-day program on landscape design, plant selection and placement, effective use of color, and “hardscape” elements of landscape. Admission is $169 for one; $219 for two from the same household. For information, call
972. 562.5050 or visit neilsperry.com. Cutest canine cover contest We're looking for a top dog to feature on the cover of Plano Profile. Deadline to enter the Cutest Canine Cover Contest is Monday, January 25. The winning dog will be photographed in our studios.
In addition, select “Best of” winners will be featured in the magazine, and every entry will be posted on our Web site. Visit planoprofile.com for de-tails!
Not to get too sappy, but… We’re proud to acknowledge that Plano is a “Tree City USA.” Trees not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they also increase property values and reduce energy bills. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture reported that “healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value.” And, “the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” 5 The Plano Symphony Orchestra’s Family Symphony Sundays Series returns to the Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano with two shows in January. Concerts begin at 3 p.m. and are geared toward children ages 3–12. The Instrument Petting Zoo is an interactive musical learning experience where children can play a violin or beat on drums and enjoy many more instruments before the concert.
Subscription tickets, which include all four concerts (below), are $21.60–$37.60. Single tickets are $7–$11. The Family Symphony Sundays Series is sponsored by Target. Call
972. 473.7262 or visit planosymphony.org/ education/family.asp. Percussion Junction: January 10 Silly Strings: January 31 Brass-A-Palooza: February 21 Gone with the Winds: March 7 Dancing with dad She may have to stand on your toes, Dad, but she’s your daughter and she adores you! Dads and grandfathers may enjoy a special night with their little girl at Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance. The dance is for girls ages 4–12. Admission is $15 per person. Photography packages will be available.
Call 972.941.7250 or visit planoparks.org.
4 take time for two Texas Reelers Square Dance Club will host a free chili supper and introduction to modern square dance on Tuesday, January 5.
The dinner is open to everyone; however, reservations are required.
Call Debbie at 214.502.2296 or Paul at 214.693.6253 for the location and to make your reservation.
Be mine, Valentine The Plano Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Valentine Gala on Saturday, February 13 at the Hotel Intercontinental Dallas.
Guests will be transported to France’s romantic boulevards for an evening themed “Paris Nights: Passport to the Stars,” as they dine and dance to Max Class and the Class Act. To order tickets ($125 each), call 972.473.7262 or visit planosymphony.org. 3 celebrate diversity Every January, Plano citizens of all races and ethnicities pause to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Various city-wide events take shape bringing together generations, young and old. This year’s Celebration, “Leadership Through Service,” ascends into action Saturday, January 16 with a Unity Walk and concludes Thursday, January 21 with a Plano ISD tribute.
Earnest Burke, chair of the MLK Steering Committee, talked to Plano Profile about why it is important to remember Dr. King’s legacy: “Because of his legacy, we enjoy civil rights that were nonexistent in America prior to
1963. People were afraid to respect and be kind to persons of different cultures. Employment opportunities and wages were not comparable; education opportunities were restricted; and more importantly, we, as Americans, were afraid to support our rights to equal justice under the law,” Burke said. “It Is important to stop and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Because he gave his life for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.” The Plano MLK Celebration Committee was organized by the Plano Community Forum, and in 1986 began celebrating Dr. King’s legacy through a three-day weekend celebration.
Burke asserted that while it’s challenging at times to recruit community involvement, citizens cannot let this annual event slip away. “As we progress, we become busier and sometimes forget what got us where we are today. All of the cultures that make up our Plano communities must remember that Dr. King preached love for one other, and nonviolence for all of us, and we must continue to ensure love, equality and justice for the ages to come,” he said. “Because of Dr. King’s unique legacy, the City of Plano has evolved into its own legacy as an All- America City.” MLK CELEBRATION EVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Unity Walk 8:45 a.m. Assemble at staging area, Plano Housing Authority parking lot, 1740 Ave. G, Plano 9:45 a.m. Walk begins Contact Brenda Dailey, 972.422.0012, brenda@tes.com City Hall Program with Pastor Bob Rice of Northeast Bible Church as the guest speaker 11 a.m. Plano Municipal Building Council Chambers, 1520 Ave. K, Plano Contact Julius Chambers, 972.881.7015, juls.acham@verizon. net or Helen Macey, 972.423.4928, ext. 130, hmacey@ planoha.org Free Luncheon and Health Fair 11 a.m. Douglass Community Center, 1111 Ave. H, Plano Contact Arthur Young, 972.578.9768, alyoung001@verizon.net SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 MLK All-Community Choir 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Contact Helen Macey, 972.423.4928, ext. 130, hmacey@ planoha.org or Brenda McDonald, 972.423.4928, ext. 140, bmcdonald@planoha.org, or Dr. Myrtle Hightower, jfhightower@aol.com
. Monday, January 18 Power Leadership Breakfast, a free breakfast/panel discussion with community leaders, college students and elected officials 7:30 a.m. Breakfast 8:15 a.m. Program begins Collin College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Contact Evelyn McKnight, 972.422.5615, missevemcknigh@aol.com . Thursday, January 21 Plano ISD MLK Tribute, “Free to Lead” 7–8:15 p.m. Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Guests are encouraged to be seated by 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a special salute to Plano ISD student leaders.
Contact Dr. Myrtle Hightower, jfhightower@aol.com For more information on the MLK Celebration, visit planomlk.org, or call Earnest Burke at 469.766.8936, or e-mail him at burke.agency@gmail.com. 2 p-art-y FOR KIDS: Pull those ten little fingers away from the video game controllers and let them get sticky in some glue! A slew of hands-on activities for children ages 3–12 will be presented at the 26th Annual Very Special Arts Festival. The annual event is Sunday, January 24 from 2–5 p.m. at Plano Centre. More than 30 “make it and take it” projects will get your kiddos crazy over crafts!
Admission is free. For details, call Addy at
972. 941.7327 or Joan at
972. 941.7272. Discover downtown art FOR ADULTS: The Art Centre of Plano (artcentreofplano.
Org), the 14th Street Colorful "make it and take it" arts and crafts kept children busy at the 25th Annual Very Special Arts Festival. Profile photo/Brit Mott Gallery (14thstreetgallery.com), and The Studio Gallery (studiogalleryofplano.com) showcase a range of art throughout the year, including oil on canvas, watercolor, and digital and mixed media. From January 8–February 6, the Art Centre of Plano presents the Dallas Area Woodturners exhibit. An opening reception is Friday, January 8 from 6–8 p.m. For details, call 972.423.7809.
…and the number-one resolution for 2010…
1 be a visionary New Year’s Resolutions are all about looking ahead, furrowing your brows with determination and resolving to take a course of action. Progress and fruition begin with visionaries, positive thinkers whose attitude carries them to new heights.
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s Plano First—64th Annual Meeting “Presenting Plano’s 2009 Year-in-Review and Vision for 2010” is Friday, January 22 at the Plano Centre. Six of Plano’s top business leaders will engage citizens in a year-in-review and 2010 vision statement.
Speakers will include chairman of the board Jamie Schell and incoming chairman of the board Kelly Palmer, as well as Mayor Phil Dyer, PISD Board President Skip Jenkins, Collin College President Dr. Cary Israel, and SMU Plano Campus Director Kate Livingston. The Membership Development awards and Ambassador of the Year award will also be presented.
A VIP reception will take place from 11–11:30 a.m., when the featured speakers will be available to answer questions.
Lunch will follow, and networking will conclude the event from 1–2 p.m. Let’s give 2009 a hearty send-off and raise our glass to 2010. Be a part of the vision!
Tickets are $40 for members; $50 for prospective members. Table sponsorships (for 8 seats) are $420.
Advanced reservations are required. Call Gina Reno, Director of Networking, at 972.424.7547, ext. 224 or visit planochamber.org. — BRIT MOTT
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