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From staff reports
Historical marker being erected
The unveiling of the Collin County Historical Marker for the community of Winningkoff is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at the original site of the Winningkoff School and Blythe Chapel.
The actual location is 745 Winningkoff Road; the marker will be placed near the base of the Lucas Water Tower at the Winningkoff site. From Country Club Road, travel east on Blondy Jhune to Winningkoff Road and continue on E. Winningkoff Road. The water tower will be in view to locate the site.
For information, call 972-345-8857 or email lindajhess@msn.com.
Entries Sought For Allen Rotary Christmas Parade
Entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade. The parade, which is sponsored by the Allen Sunrise and Allen Noon Rotary Clubs, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, starting at 2 p.m.
Local youth groups, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are welcome to march or enter a float in this year's parade. Group entry fees are $40 for nonprofits and $50 for commercial businesses through Nov. 19. The fee is $50 after Nov. 19 with the final entry deadline at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Proceeds from the parade help offset expenses and fund charitable Rotary projects in the community.
Entry forms are available online at www.allenchristmasparade.com. Completed forms should be delivered or mailed to 101 W. McDermott , Allen, Texas 75013 (corner of McDermott and Ash Streets).
The Grand Marshal for the 2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade will be Mrs. Connie Rodenbaugh, a long-time Allen resident and community volunteer. The honoree is the wife of the late City of Allen Mayor Don Rodenbaugh and a member of the family that owns Allen's oldest business - Rodenbaugh's Appliances.
The parade route will begin at Cedar and St. Mary Streets and proceed south to the Main Street. The parade will head west on Main to Allen Drive and then north on Allen Drive to the traffic circle at St. Mary's Drive. A grand prize will be awarded along with "best of" awards in 11 different categories. The theme for this year's parade will be "A Season of Giving."
For information visit www.allenchristmasparade.com.
Sleep Experts and Girl Scouts Share the Warmth with families in need
Mattress retailer Sleep Experts announces its ninth annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive and asks families to drop off new or gently used blankets at any store location, now through Thanksgiving. Items collected during the drive will be distributed to local nonprofits that share a mission of helping homeless families become self-sufficient. North Texas beneficiaries are Interfaith Housing Coalition in Dallas, Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth and The Samaritan Inn in Collin County.
The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas will participate in Share the Warmth for a second year by collecting blankets in their communities throughout the Dallas, Collin and Denton County areas and dropping them at Sleep Experts' stores. This year the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains are joining the efforts and will collect items in the Fort Worth area. The blankets will then be distributed to the three nonprofit groups to help their families keep warm this winter season.
"The Presbyterian Night Shelter provides daily care to over 575 Tarrant County men, women, and children," said Toby Owen, executive director of Presbyterian Night Shelter. "As we approach winter, it is so important that we have warm clothes and warm blankets for all that utilize our shelter. This gift of warmth will really make a difference this holiday season."
In addition to blankets, Sleep Experts accepts donations of other new and gently used comfort items including sheets, pillows, comforters and towels. For store locations visit http://www.sleepexperts.com.
ACO requests food donations
During this season of giving, please be a part of our food drive on behalf of Allen Community Outreach. Please place your donations on your front porch before 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, and contact Keller Williams North Texas Home Team for pickup.
For information, call 214-769-9444 or 214-924-0454, or go to Info@NorthTexasHomeTeam.com.
Local urban gospel star unveils new album
This week, independent record label Tate Music Group is excited to announce the release of Albertine's new album titled "Show Me The Way."
Produced by Tate Music Group, the album offers 12 tracks and is readily available for purchase nationwide at the iTunes Store, Amazon.com, or directly from TateMusicGroup.com.
Albertine is Tina Muwali, an extremely talented woman with a lot of heart for music. She started singing in her local church at a young age and was eventually able to hone her songwriting skills not soon after. She names Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Burning Spear as among her greatest musical influences. Albertine's unique stage presence does not fail to capture the hearts of many audiences!
The album "Show Me The Way" features an eclectic mix of reggae beats with gospel sounds that would surely take gospel music to a whole different level. Albertine believes that she best expresses herself in music, and by the looks of this album, she is proving herself right.
The Electronic Press Kit for "Show Me The Way" including
For information, contact Jonathan Robles, publicist, at jonathan@keymgc.com, or view music samples and contact information at http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=13906.
The Salvation Army implementing smartphone giving option at red kettles
This holiday season, The Salvation Army will give people a new way to donate to its traditional red kettles at more than 400 locations across the DFW area. Between Nov. 2 and Christmas Eve, the red kettle stands will display two QR codes -- one for a $5 donation and one for a $10 donation -- that can be made by scanning the codes with a smart phone.
6-time Grammy winner Amy Grant to speak at 'Doing the Most Good' luncheon
Contemporary Christian music's first major crossover success, Amy Grant, will be the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army's Annual Doing The Most Good Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. In addition to sharing her story, Grant will also sing a few songs.
For information, call 214-637-8254 or visit dfwmc_events@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Online Red Kettle
From now through Christmas Eve, anyone and everyone can raise donations for The Salvation Army by setting up their own Online Red Kettle at onlineredkettle.org. This is a convenient way to make a community impact without leaving the comfort of home.
The Salvation Army to collect Christmas gifts for more than 50,000
Through the popular Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army will collect donated Christmas gifts to distribute to more than 50,000 children and senior citizens in the DFW area. The gifts will be collected at 10 local shopping malls, as well as at companies and churches that operate Angel Trees on-site so their employees and members can easily participate.
World Trade Center survivor to speak at FirstChurch
World Trade Center survivor Sujo John is scheduled to speak at First United Methodist Church Plano at 5 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2012. The event is free and open to all.
Sujo John was on the 81st floor of Tower I when the first airliner exploded into flames just above his office. Sujo, whose pregnant wife's office was in Tower II, recounts the details of the incredible events he witnessed during his narrow escape from death.
His inspiring story has been covered by The New York Times, British Broadcasting Company, The Times of London, the Associated Press, the 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar Television, Charisma Magazine, Billy Graham Specials and other national and international media.
Sujo has spoken nationwide and around the world to hundreds of thousands since Sept. 11, 2001.
Additional information can be found at www.sujojohn.com, or call 972-423-4506.
Cold Facts Paranormal
Want to hear reports on the materials collected by Cold Facts Paranormal at local sites? Want to know more about paranormal investigation and additional details on the sites this team has investigated? Interested in conducting your own paranormal investigations?
Bach to Books is sponsoring a presentation about Cold Facts Paranormal with David Madrid, Nate Hernandez and Al Waltzz at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Allen Public Library. The free program will include photographs, audio and video clips from some of their investigations including some of their recent findings recorded at Allen Heritage Village and Muncey massacre site, the scene of the last Indian conflict in Collin County.
For information, contact Tom Keener at 214-509-4911.
Talking History - Mexico and World War II
Join us at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, in the second floor program room and learn about the little-known history of Mexico during World War II. Dr. Monica Rankin of the University of Texas at Dallas will discuss Mexico's role in the war, how pro-Axis and pro-Allied factions, both domestically and internationally, used propaganda to build support among the Mexican people, and how the war altered Mexican society. Dr. Rankin is the author of the book �Mexico, La Patria! Propaganda and Production During World War II.
Registration is required - online or call 214-509-4905.
Dallas Wind Symphony comes home to Allen Nov. 11 and Dec. 16
When the Dallas Wind Symphony performs at the Allen Performing Arts Center on Nov. 11 and Dec. 16, it will be like a homecoming for many of the musicians. Nearly half of the members of the 50-piece ensemble call Collin County home.
"We have musicians who play the oboe, clarinet, horn, and saxophone who live in Allen, McKinney, Plano, and Frisco," said Dallas Wind Symphony founder and executive director Kim Campbell. "Our principal trumpet teaches at Wylie High School. Even our operations director lives in McKinney. When we first floated the idea of performing in Allen, they were all excited at the opportunity to perform for their friends and neighbors in the community where they live."
The Dallas Wind Symphony is a concert band, comprised of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Hailed as America's leading professional wind band, the Dallas Wind Symphony has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and gained critical acclaim around the world. Founded in 1985, the group first performed in Collin County last July 4, bringing their popular Star-Spangled Spectacular concert to the new Performing Arts Center at Allen High School.
They will return to Allen with family-friendly matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 for Oscar-Winning Winds, a concert featuring the movie music of John Williams, and on Dec. 16 with Horns for the Holidays, a fun-filled concert of Christmas favorites.
"Allen is such a band-loving town." Campbell said. "We'll have the world's largest high school band, partnering with America's best professional band. How cool is that? I'm in awe of the band program here, and just delighted with the new Performing Arts Center. That's a hall many cities would envy."
Campbell cited Allen ISD Fine Arts Director Anthony Gibson and Allen High School band director Charles Pennington as catalysts for the DWS concerts.
"Our Dallas Wind Symphony musicians teach private lessons to lots of students in Allen, Frisco and McKinney. These concerts will also give our musicians a chance to perform with those students. Brass players from the Allen High School Eagle Band will play side-by-side with our brass and percussion during our traditional pre-concert fanfare," Campbell said. "Charles Pennington has agreed to conduct the fanfares at both of our Allen concerts, and we're working with him on plans for some surprises at our March concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center, too."
Tickets for the Nov. 11 and Dec. 16 concerts are available through the Dallas Wind Symphony website, www.dws.org, or by calling 214-428-2263.
Interfaith response to anti-Islam movie
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dallas is organizing an interfaith conference in response to the Anti-Islam Movie. Scholars from Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam will speak on the topic "Holy Founder of My Faith" to shed light on the life and teachings of their respective founders.
The event will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, Baitul Ikram Mosque, 1850 Hedgcoxe Road, Allen, TX 75013.
The national vice president and missionary in charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, Mr. Naseem Mahdi, will be speaking at the Interfaith. Mr. Mahdi, who is a distinguished scholar of Islam, has been outspoken in condemning the acts of terrorism against the United States of America and its citizens. He has been instrumental in the nationwide launch of the "Muslims for Peace," "Muslims for Loyalty" and "Muslims for Life" campaigns (www.muslimsforpeace.org).
Greater Dallas Fine Art Festival at The Village at Fairview
Join us Nov. 17-18, 2012 as The Village at Fairview hosts the debut of the Greater Dallas Fine Art Festival. As the last vestiges of autumn wash over north Texas, local artisans from throughout Texas and artists from across America and overseas will convene at The Village at Fairview. With them will be more than 10,000 pieces of extraordinary handcrafted original artwork. Exhibited and for sale will be pieces created by some of America's most talented and recognized artisans in mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking and more.
Walk the beautiful environs of The Village at Fairview and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet the artisans that create these extraordinary pieces of artwork. Learn of the passion that led them to become artists, how they developed their talents, and how specific pieces were made. Many of these artisans are represented in the top art galleries and private collections in the country.
Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. Admission is free with abundant free parking throughout The Village at Fairview.
For information, visit www.thevillageshopping.com.
Discover a healthier you
Join the Allen Public Library for a series of six monthly programs where health- and fitness-related topics will be explored and taught by expert practitioners and instructors.
Introduction to T'ai Chi with Carole Booth and Lu T'ai Chi Players, Allen Chapter will present their instructions and techniques at noon on Thursday on the second floor. It is free for adults. Registration requested; walk-ins welcome if space permits. Visit www.allenlibrary.org or contact Debbie Vavra at 214-509-4913, dvavra@cityofallen.org or Kara Phillips at 214-509-4905 kphillips@cityofallen.org.
NTCOG transit meetings
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is hosting public transit meetings to give Collin County residents an opportunity to learn about the Access Collin County: Transit Needs Assessment & Planning Study, and to get your input. There are three one-hour public meetings being held in November to find out where you want transit to go, how you would like transit service to change and what improvements are needed.
Visit AccessCollin.org to learn the location and times nearest to you.
Buster Keaton Film Festival
This is your rare opportunity to experience the full grandeur of the silent film era. The Allen Public Library's free Buster Keaton Silent Film Festival comes complete with a live theatrical organ accompaniment, once considered an integral part of the cinematic experience.
Movies for the Buster Keaton Silent Film Festival will be shown at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in November and will include historical-style organ performances, by the esteemed organist Benjamin Kolodziej, who composed the original scores for this event.
In addition, each movie will be introduced by a noted film historian. A discussion will follow after the screening.
Chapel organist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Kolodziej is also an adjunct lecturer in sacred music at Perkins School of Theology. Since 1999, he has also been organist and Director of Worship at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Plano, where he oversees an active music ministry that includes several choirs and two concert series. He is also currently dean of the Dallas Chapter of American Guild of Organists.
The film lineup is as follows:
Nov. 13 - Cops, 1922 (18 min) and Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928 (70 min) Presented by Dr. Diana C. Gingo, professor of English at Collin College and a panelist in the College's Auteur Film Series.
Nov. 20 - One Week, 1920 (19 min) and The Navigator, 1924 (59 min) Presented by Jim Caldwell, adjunct professor on audio acquisition in the Cinema/Television Department of the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.
Nov. 27 - The General, 1926 (75 min) Presented by Allen Public Library Director Jeff Timbs, a film enthusiast since childhood who developed a deep appreciation for the visual poetry of images moving without words.
The theater organ is provided by the North Texas Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen. Drive. For more information, call 214-509-4911.
The unveiling of the Collin County Historical Marker for the community of Winningkoff is 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at the original site of the Winningkoff School and Blythe Chapel.
The actual location is 745 Winningkoff Road; the marker will be placed near the base of the Lucas Water Tower at the Winningkoff site. From Country Club Road, travel east on Blondy Jhune to Winningkoff Road and continue on E. Winningkoff Road. The water tower will be in view to locate the site.
For information, call 972-345-8857 or email lindajhess@msn.com.
Entries Sought For Allen Rotary Christmas Parade
Entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade. The parade, which is sponsored by the Allen Sunrise and Allen Noon Rotary Clubs, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, starting at 2 p.m.
Local youth groups, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are welcome to march or enter a float in this year's parade. Group entry fees are $40 for nonprofits and $50 for commercial businesses through Nov. 19. The fee is $50 after Nov. 19 with the final entry deadline at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Proceeds from the parade help offset expenses and fund charitable Rotary projects in the community.
Entry forms are available online at www.allenchristmasparade.com. Completed forms should be delivered or mailed to 101 W. McDermott , Allen, Texas 75013 (corner of McDermott and Ash Streets).
The Grand Marshal for the 2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade will be Mrs. Connie Rodenbaugh, a long-time Allen resident and community volunteer. The honoree is the wife of the late City of Allen Mayor Don Rodenbaugh and a member of the family that owns Allen's oldest business - Rodenbaugh's Appliances.
The parade route will begin at Cedar and St. Mary Streets and proceed south to the Main Street. The parade will head west on Main to Allen Drive and then north on Allen Drive to the traffic circle at St. Mary's Drive. A grand prize will be awarded along with "best of" awards in 11 different categories. The theme for this year's parade will be "A Season of Giving."
For information visit www.allenchristmasparade.com.
Sleep Experts and Girl Scouts Share the Warmth with families in need
Mattress retailer Sleep Experts announces its ninth annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive and asks families to drop off new or gently used blankets at any store location, now through Thanksgiving. Items collected during the drive will be distributed to local nonprofits that share a mission of helping homeless families become self-sufficient. North Texas beneficiaries are Interfaith Housing Coalition in Dallas, Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth and The Samaritan Inn in Collin County.
The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas will participate in Share the Warmth for a second year by collecting blankets in their communities throughout the Dallas, Collin and Denton County areas and dropping them at Sleep Experts' stores. This year the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains are joining the efforts and will collect items in the Fort Worth area. The blankets will then be distributed to the three nonprofit groups to help their families keep warm this winter season.
"The Presbyterian Night Shelter provides daily care to over 575 Tarrant County men, women, and children," said Toby Owen, executive director of Presbyterian Night Shelter. "As we approach winter, it is so important that we have warm clothes and warm blankets for all that utilize our shelter. This gift of warmth will really make a difference this holiday season."
In addition to blankets, Sleep Experts accepts donations of other new and gently used comfort items including sheets, pillows, comforters and towels. For store locations visit http://www.sleepexperts.com.
ACO requests food donations
During this season of giving, please be a part of our food drive on behalf of Allen Community Outreach. Please place your donations on your front porch before 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, and contact Keller Williams North Texas Home Team for pickup.
For information, call 214-769-9444 or 214-924-0454, or go to Info@NorthTexasHomeTeam.com.
Local urban gospel star unveils new album
This week, independent record label Tate Music Group is excited to announce the release of Albertine's new album titled "Show Me The Way."
Produced by Tate Music Group, the album offers 12 tracks and is readily available for purchase nationwide at the iTunes Store, Amazon.com, or directly from TateMusicGroup.com.
Albertine is Tina Muwali, an extremely talented woman with a lot of heart for music. She started singing in her local church at a young age and was eventually able to hone her songwriting skills not soon after. She names Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Burning Spear as among her greatest musical influences. Albertine's unique stage presence does not fail to capture the hearts of many audiences!
The album "Show Me The Way" features an eclectic mix of reggae beats with gospel sounds that would surely take gospel music to a whole different level. Albertine believes that she best expresses herself in music, and by the looks of this album, she is proving herself right.
The Electronic Press Kit for "Show Me The Way" including
For information, contact Jonathan Robles, publicist, at jonathan@keymgc.com, or view music samples and contact information at http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=13906.
The Salvation Army implementing smartphone giving option at red kettles
This holiday season, The Salvation Army will give people a new way to donate to its traditional red kettles at more than 400 locations across the DFW area. Between Nov. 2 and Christmas Eve, the red kettle stands will display two QR codes -- one for a $5 donation and one for a $10 donation -- that can be made by scanning the codes with a smart phone.
6-time Grammy winner Amy Grant to speak at 'Doing the Most Good' luncheon
Contemporary Christian music's first major crossover success, Amy Grant, will be the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army's Annual Doing The Most Good Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. In addition to sharing her story, Grant will also sing a few songs.
For information, call 214-637-8254 or visit dfwmc_events@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Online Red Kettle
From now through Christmas Eve, anyone and everyone can raise donations for The Salvation Army by setting up their own Online Red Kettle at onlineredkettle.org. This is a convenient way to make a community impact without leaving the comfort of home.
The Salvation Army to collect Christmas gifts for more than 50,000
Through the popular Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army will collect donated Christmas gifts to distribute to more than 50,000 children and senior citizens in the DFW area. The gifts will be collected at 10 local shopping malls, as well as at companies and churches that operate Angel Trees on-site so their employees and members can easily participate.
World Trade Center survivor to speak at FirstChurch
World Trade Center survivor Sujo John is scheduled to speak at First United Methodist Church Plano at 5 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2012. The event is free and open to all.
Sujo John was on the 81st floor of Tower I when the first airliner exploded into flames just above his office. Sujo, whose pregnant wife's office was in Tower II, recounts the details of the incredible events he witnessed during his narrow escape from death.
His inspiring story has been covered by The New York Times, British Broadcasting Company, The Times of London, the Associated Press, the 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar Television, Charisma Magazine, Billy Graham Specials and other national and international media.
Sujo has spoken nationwide and around the world to hundreds of thousands since Sept. 11, 2001.
Additional information can be found at www.sujojohn.com, or call 972-423-4506.
Cold Facts Paranormal
Want to hear reports on the materials collected by Cold Facts Paranormal at local sites? Want to know more about paranormal investigation and additional details on the sites this team has investigated? Interested in conducting your own paranormal investigations?
Bach to Books is sponsoring a presentation about Cold Facts Paranormal with David Madrid, Nate Hernandez and Al Waltzz at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Allen Public Library. The free program will include photographs, audio and video clips from some of their investigations including some of their recent findings recorded at Allen Heritage Village and Muncey massacre site, the scene of the last Indian conflict in Collin County.
For information, contact Tom Keener at 214-509-4911.
Talking History - Mexico and World War II
Join us at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, in the second floor program room and learn about the little-known history of Mexico during World War II. Dr. Monica Rankin of the University of Texas at Dallas will discuss Mexico's role in the war, how pro-Axis and pro-Allied factions, both domestically and internationally, used propaganda to build support among the Mexican people, and how the war altered Mexican society. Dr. Rankin is the author of the book �Mexico, La Patria! Propaganda and Production During World War II.
Registration is required - online or call 214-509-4905.
Dallas Wind Symphony comes home to Allen Nov. 11 and Dec. 16
When the Dallas Wind Symphony performs at the Allen Performing Arts Center on Nov. 11 and Dec. 16, it will be like a homecoming for many of the musicians. Nearly half of the members of the 50-piece ensemble call Collin County home.
"We have musicians who play the oboe, clarinet, horn, and saxophone who live in Allen, McKinney, Plano, and Frisco," said Dallas Wind Symphony founder and executive director Kim Campbell. "Our principal trumpet teaches at Wylie High School. Even our operations director lives in McKinney. When we first floated the idea of performing in Allen, they were all excited at the opportunity to perform for their friends and neighbors in the community where they live."
The Dallas Wind Symphony is a concert band, comprised of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Hailed as America's leading professional wind band, the Dallas Wind Symphony has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and gained critical acclaim around the world. Founded in 1985, the group first performed in Collin County last July 4, bringing their popular Star-Spangled Spectacular concert to the new Performing Arts Center at Allen High School.
They will return to Allen with family-friendly matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 for Oscar-Winning Winds, a concert featuring the movie music of John Williams, and on Dec. 16 with Horns for the Holidays, a fun-filled concert of Christmas favorites.
"Allen is such a band-loving town." Campbell said. "We'll have the world's largest high school band, partnering with America's best professional band. How cool is that? I'm in awe of the band program here, and just delighted with the new Performing Arts Center. That's a hall many cities would envy."
Campbell cited Allen ISD Fine Arts Director Anthony Gibson and Allen High School band director Charles Pennington as catalysts for the DWS concerts.
"Our Dallas Wind Symphony musicians teach private lessons to lots of students in Allen, Frisco and McKinney. These concerts will also give our musicians a chance to perform with those students. Brass players from the Allen High School Eagle Band will play side-by-side with our brass and percussion during our traditional pre-concert fanfare," Campbell said. "Charles Pennington has agreed to conduct the fanfares at both of our Allen concerts, and we're working with him on plans for some surprises at our March concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center, too."
Tickets for the Nov. 11 and Dec. 16 concerts are available through the Dallas Wind Symphony website, www.dws.org, or by calling 214-428-2263.
Interfaith response to anti-Islam movie
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dallas is organizing an interfaith conference in response to the Anti-Islam Movie. Scholars from Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam will speak on the topic "Holy Founder of My Faith" to shed light on the life and teachings of their respective founders.
The event will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, Baitul Ikram Mosque, 1850 Hedgcoxe Road, Allen, TX 75013.
The national vice president and missionary in charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, Mr. Naseem Mahdi, will be speaking at the Interfaith. Mr. Mahdi, who is a distinguished scholar of Islam, has been outspoken in condemning the acts of terrorism against the United States of America and its citizens. He has been instrumental in the nationwide launch of the "Muslims for Peace," "Muslims for Loyalty" and "Muslims for Life" campaigns (www.muslimsforpeace.org).
Greater Dallas Fine Art Festival at The Village at Fairview
Join us Nov. 17-18, 2012 as The Village at Fairview hosts the debut of the Greater Dallas Fine Art Festival. As the last vestiges of autumn wash over north Texas, local artisans from throughout Texas and artists from across America and overseas will convene at The Village at Fairview. With them will be more than 10,000 pieces of extraordinary handcrafted original artwork. Exhibited and for sale will be pieces created by some of America's most talented and recognized artisans in mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking and more.
Walk the beautiful environs of The Village at Fairview and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet the artisans that create these extraordinary pieces of artwork. Learn of the passion that led them to become artists, how they developed their talents, and how specific pieces were made. Many of these artisans are represented in the top art galleries and private collections in the country.
Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. Admission is free with abundant free parking throughout The Village at Fairview.
For information, visit www.thevillageshopping.com.
Discover a healthier you
Join the Allen Public Library for a series of six monthly programs where health- and fitness-related topics will be explored and taught by expert practitioners and instructors.
Introduction to T'ai Chi with Carole Booth and Lu T'ai Chi Players, Allen Chapter will present their instructions and techniques at noon on Thursday on the second floor. It is free for adults. Registration requested; walk-ins welcome if space permits. Visit www.allenlibrary.org or contact Debbie Vavra at 214-509-4913, dvavra@cityofallen.org or Kara Phillips at 214-509-4905 kphillips@cityofallen.org.
NTCOG transit meetings
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is hosting public transit meetings to give Collin County residents an opportunity to learn about the Access Collin County: Transit Needs Assessment & Planning Study, and to get your input. There are three one-hour public meetings being held in November to find out where you want transit to go, how you would like transit service to change and what improvements are needed.
Visit AccessCollin.org to learn the location and times nearest to you.
Buster Keaton Film Festival
This is your rare opportunity to experience the full grandeur of the silent film era. The Allen Public Library's free Buster Keaton Silent Film Festival comes complete with a live theatrical organ accompaniment, once considered an integral part of the cinematic experience.
Movies for the Buster Keaton Silent Film Festival will be shown at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in November and will include historical-style organ performances, by the esteemed organist Benjamin Kolodziej, who composed the original scores for this event.
In addition, each movie will be introduced by a noted film historian. A discussion will follow after the screening.
Chapel organist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Kolodziej is also an adjunct lecturer in sacred music at Perkins School of Theology. Since 1999, he has also been organist and Director of Worship at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Plano, where he oversees an active music ministry that includes several choirs and two concert series. He is also currently dean of the Dallas Chapter of American Guild of Organists.
The film lineup is as follows:
Nov. 13 - Cops, 1922 (18 min) and Steamboat Bill, Jr., 1928 (70 min) Presented by Dr. Diana C. Gingo, professor of English at Collin College and a panelist in the College's Auteur Film Series.
Nov. 20 - One Week, 1920 (19 min) and The Navigator, 1924 (59 min) Presented by Jim Caldwell, adjunct professor on audio acquisition in the Cinema/Television Department of the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.
Nov. 27 - The General, 1926 (75 min) Presented by Allen Public Library Director Jeff Timbs, a film enthusiast since childhood who developed a deep appreciation for the visual poetry of images moving without words.
The theater organ is provided by the North Texas Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen. Drive. For more information, call 214-509-4911.
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