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Around Allen
Members of the AHS FFA clowned around while also participating during this past weekend's Texas Stampede at the Allen Event Center. / Photo courtesy of Stacy Schertz
From staff reports
Allen FFA corrals honors
Allen FFA was represented at the district FFA leadership development event contest on Nov. 6 at Anna High School. The students trained many hours to prepare for the contest and enjoyed having two teams advance to the area contest on Saturday at Prosper High School.
The district results are as follows:
• Senior Skills: Fourth-place team - Sydney Cooper, Kelly Richards, Samantha Alaw, Jackie Fruit
• Radio Broadcast: Kyla Cross, Mariah Dickson,Anabelle Yoder
• Greenhand FFA Quiz: Third-place team - Maresa Cooper (Fourth-highest individual of all participants in district) Gloria Cruz, Allison Nguyen, Kayla Persyn
• Senior Quiz: 10th-place team - Jackie Fruit, Reagan Koiner, Katelyn Westephal
• Ag Advocacy: First-place team (Advancing to Area Contest) - Katelyn Westephal, Austin Butler, Sydney Calton, Will Norton
• Senior Creed: Sixth place- Stephanie Jackson
• Public Relations: Team Members - Katarina Payton, Lauren Selph, Haley Knight, Chloe Brannon
• Ag Issues: Second-place team (Advancing to Area) - Jake Barnes, Brittney Borserine, Ashleigh Frost, Jordan Nickal, Victoria Smith, Sarah Tracey, Erin Wash
• Job Interview: Eighth place- Jake Barnes
• Sweepstakes (Overall) Allen High School FFA - Second Place
A conflicting account
Did Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald know each other before President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas? Who was the unidentified "Babuska Lady" seen in Abraham Zapruder's film on the other side of the street filming the events? Where is her film?
Beverly Oliver, once a friend of Jack Ruby, a singer at Ruby's Carousel Club and the adjacent Colony Club, and co-author of Nightmare in Dallas, shares startling revelations about Kennedy's assassination based on her riveting personal experiences at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Allen Public Library. Co-author Coke Buchanan will also be on hand.
On Nov. 22, 1963, Garland native Beverly Oliver was a 17-year-old teenager who was suddenly thrust into a pivotal chapter in American history. Her story of this historical event begins in the summer of that same year, when she accompanied Jack Ruby to New Orleans where she met Mafia bosses Johnny Roselli and Carlos Marcello. Shortly after that, she recalls Ruby introducing her at his Dallas nightclub, the Carousel Club, to Lee Harvey Oswald as a friend of his.
Oliver shares in her story that on Thursday evening, Nov. 21, after having dinner with Jack Ruby at the Egyptian Lounge, she accompanied him to the plush Cabana Motor Hotel where an owner of various Pepsi-Cola franchises was hosting a lavish party. After dancing and socializing, Ruby and Beverly departed, heading to different destinations and into the pages of history. Beverly went to Fort Worth and Jack is believed to have returned to his nightclub. These two friends never saw each other again. When asked to describe Ruby, Beverly responded, "Complex, but he was always a gentleman with me."
Oliver states that she was the infamous and mysterious "Babushka" lady seen standing on the south side of Elm Street when President Kennedy was assassinated the following day. She was therefore one of the closest witnesses to the fatal shot that killed the president.
To be an eyewitness to this event is significant enough, but that her story conflicts with the Warren Commission's account of what happened that day is of much greater interest. Further, she claims that she filmed the event with her new movie camera but three days later, two men who identified themselves as government agents confiscated her film and never returned it, even after repeated requests.
Come hear the intriguing story of Beverly Oliver's experiences surrounding the Kennedy assassination, knowing Jack Ruby personally and meeting Lee Harvey Oswald.
Co-author Coke Buchanan serves as director of the Center for Indigenous Culture, Center for Global and Local Outreach, and Center for Spirituality with the Memnosyne Foundation.
After the program, the authors will have their books available for purchase and signing.
Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required.
Village Rewards
Now area consumers can shop at a place that values their business and rewards their purchase - every time they shop or dine. Shoppers can join the new Village Rewards program and get instant shopping and dining rewards for every purchase made at The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview.
To join, Text REWARDS to 635-66 and get the free Village Rewards Best Buzz app - it's available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. Then scan the Village Rewards QR code and your Village Rewards are just a tap away. Simply scan the receipt every time you make a purchase or dine at any of The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview restaurants and the rewards will come right to your phone. No cards, no coupons - just all your rewards right there on your phone. Members also get special rewards and offers up to five times per month and have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes like shopping sprees, event tickets and free gifts!
Holiday Toy Drive
Beginning Sunday and running through Dec. 11, please drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating locations and help those in need in the community by donating to the Villages Holiday Toy Drive, benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive and help brighten the holidays for children in the area who have been abused or neglected. Donations bins will be set up at events throughout the season as well as at The Village at Fairview Management Office and at participating retailers. Shoppers can visit www.thevillageshopping.com for a complete list of donation drop-off locations.
Sounds of the season
Music makes the holidays merry and there is plenty of music for the whole family at The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview, from strolling carolers to school choirs to holiday spinners - and just about everything in between. Visit www.thevillageshopping.com for a complete schedule and regular updates.
Kaleidoscope of Dreams Tree Lighting
On Friday at 7 p.m. there will be the first Kaleidoscope of Dreams light show at The Village at Fairview. Enjoy free entertainment, free cookies and cocoa for the first 200 children, sponsored by La Duni Latin Kitchen and dulce. Also, get ready to welcome The Big Guy to The Village at Fairview! One lucky child will be selected from the audience by The Big Guy himself and invited on stage to officially start the show. Representatives from KLAK will be on hand to help celebrate. Remember to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Kaleidoscope of Dreams Light Show
Beginning Saturday and running through Jan. 4 every night from 5-9 p.m., come see one of the largest holiday light shows in North Texas! Enjoy 250,000 sparking LED lights that are sure to put you in the holiday state of mind at The Village at Fairview, Macy's Fountain entrance.
The Village at Allen Community Tree Lighting
Help officially start the holiday season at The Village at Allen on Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Grove! Representatives from KLTY will be on hand to help celebrate. Enjoy a performance by the Ereckson Middle School Ovation Show Choir, free treats for the first 200 children, sponsored by Bliss Cupcakes & Confections, and an appearance by The Big Guy. Remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Photos with The Big Guy
It's a hallmark of the Holiday Season that kids look forward to all year: a visit and a photo with The Big Guy! This season, The Big Guy can once again be found inside the warmth and comfort of a Real Bookstore at The Village at Fairview. As in years past, The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview will be offering the virtual line queue. This system allows people to reserve a place in line via website, via text message, or in person at the photo set without having to actually stand in line. Once people are in the queue, they are given a return time so they can do some shopping or grab a bite to eat while they wait. Text "SANTA" to 775-200-XMAS (9627), visit www.thevillageshopping.com, or stop by a Real Bookstore starting Saturday to reserve a place in the virtual line.
Hours for The Big Guy:
Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
THANKSGIVING DAY CLOSED
Nov. 23-24 11 a.m. -8 p.m.
Nov. 25 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Nov. 26 - Nov. 29 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Nov. 30 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 1 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 2 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 3-6 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Dec. 7-8 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 9 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 10-13 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Dec. 14-23 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 24 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Breaks 3-4 p.m. daily
AHS FFA pancake breakfast
The Allen High School FFA is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Dec. 15 at the AHS Cafeteria. Tickets can be purchased on site or via email at allenffaalumni@yahoo.com.
Historical marker being erected
The unveiling of the Collin County Historical Marker for the community of Winningkoff is 10 a.m. Saturday 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 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.
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.
Girl Scouts share the warmth
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.
SA implementing smartphone giving
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 smartphone.
Amy Grant speaking at 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 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.
Salvation Army collecting Christmas gifts
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 Saturday. 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.
Dallas Wind Symphony comes home
When the Dallas Wind Symphony performs at the Allen Performing Arts Center on 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 a family-friendly matinee at 2 p.m. 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 Dec. 16 concert are available through the Dallas Wind Symphony website, www.dws.org, or by calling 214-428-2263.
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.
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.
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. 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 information, call 214-509-4911.
Allen FFA was represented at the district FFA leadership development event contest on Nov. 6 at Anna High School. The students trained many hours to prepare for the contest and enjoyed having two teams advance to the area contest on Saturday at Prosper High School.
The district results are as follows:
• Senior Skills: Fourth-place team - Sydney Cooper, Kelly Richards, Samantha Alaw, Jackie Fruit
• Radio Broadcast: Kyla Cross, Mariah Dickson,Anabelle Yoder
• Greenhand FFA Quiz: Third-place team - Maresa Cooper (Fourth-highest individual of all participants in district) Gloria Cruz, Allison Nguyen, Kayla Persyn
• Senior Quiz: 10th-place team - Jackie Fruit, Reagan Koiner, Katelyn Westephal
• Ag Advocacy: First-place team (Advancing to Area Contest) - Katelyn Westephal, Austin Butler, Sydney Calton, Will Norton
• Senior Creed: Sixth place- Stephanie Jackson
• Public Relations: Team Members - Katarina Payton, Lauren Selph, Haley Knight, Chloe Brannon
• Ag Issues: Second-place team (Advancing to Area) - Jake Barnes, Brittney Borserine, Ashleigh Frost, Jordan Nickal, Victoria Smith, Sarah Tracey, Erin Wash
• Job Interview: Eighth place- Jake Barnes
• Sweepstakes (Overall) Allen High School FFA - Second Place
A conflicting account
Did Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald know each other before President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas? Who was the unidentified "Babuska Lady" seen in Abraham Zapruder's film on the other side of the street filming the events? Where is her film?
Beverly Oliver, once a friend of Jack Ruby, a singer at Ruby's Carousel Club and the adjacent Colony Club, and co-author of Nightmare in Dallas, shares startling revelations about Kennedy's assassination based on her riveting personal experiences at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Allen Public Library. Co-author Coke Buchanan will also be on hand.
On Nov. 22, 1963, Garland native Beverly Oliver was a 17-year-old teenager who was suddenly thrust into a pivotal chapter in American history. Her story of this historical event begins in the summer of that same year, when she accompanied Jack Ruby to New Orleans where she met Mafia bosses Johnny Roselli and Carlos Marcello. Shortly after that, she recalls Ruby introducing her at his Dallas nightclub, the Carousel Club, to Lee Harvey Oswald as a friend of his.
Oliver shares in her story that on Thursday evening, Nov. 21, after having dinner with Jack Ruby at the Egyptian Lounge, she accompanied him to the plush Cabana Motor Hotel where an owner of various Pepsi-Cola franchises was hosting a lavish party. After dancing and socializing, Ruby and Beverly departed, heading to different destinations and into the pages of history. Beverly went to Fort Worth and Jack is believed to have returned to his nightclub. These two friends never saw each other again. When asked to describe Ruby, Beverly responded, "Complex, but he was always a gentleman with me."
Oliver states that she was the infamous and mysterious "Babushka" lady seen standing on the south side of Elm Street when President Kennedy was assassinated the following day. She was therefore one of the closest witnesses to the fatal shot that killed the president.
To be an eyewitness to this event is significant enough, but that her story conflicts with the Warren Commission's account of what happened that day is of much greater interest. Further, she claims that she filmed the event with her new movie camera but three days later, two men who identified themselves as government agents confiscated her film and never returned it, even after repeated requests.
Come hear the intriguing story of Beverly Oliver's experiences surrounding the Kennedy assassination, knowing Jack Ruby personally and meeting Lee Harvey Oswald.
Co-author Coke Buchanan serves as director of the Center for Indigenous Culture, Center for Global and Local Outreach, and Center for Spirituality with the Memnosyne Foundation.
After the program, the authors will have their books available for purchase and signing.
Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required.
Village Rewards
Now area consumers can shop at a place that values their business and rewards their purchase - every time they shop or dine. Shoppers can join the new Village Rewards program and get instant shopping and dining rewards for every purchase made at The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview.
To join, Text REWARDS to 635-66 and get the free Village Rewards Best Buzz app - it's available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. Then scan the Village Rewards QR code and your Village Rewards are just a tap away. Simply scan the receipt every time you make a purchase or dine at any of The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview restaurants and the rewards will come right to your phone. No cards, no coupons - just all your rewards right there on your phone. Members also get special rewards and offers up to five times per month and have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes like shopping sprees, event tickets and free gifts!
Holiday Toy Drive
Beginning Sunday and running through Dec. 11, please drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating locations and help those in need in the community by donating to the Villages Holiday Toy Drive, benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive and help brighten the holidays for children in the area who have been abused or neglected. Donations bins will be set up at events throughout the season as well as at The Village at Fairview Management Office and at participating retailers. Shoppers can visit www.thevillageshopping.com for a complete list of donation drop-off locations.
Sounds of the season
Music makes the holidays merry and there is plenty of music for the whole family at The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview, from strolling carolers to school choirs to holiday spinners - and just about everything in between. Visit www.thevillageshopping.com for a complete schedule and regular updates.
Kaleidoscope of Dreams Tree Lighting
On Friday at 7 p.m. there will be the first Kaleidoscope of Dreams light show at The Village at Fairview. Enjoy free entertainment, free cookies and cocoa for the first 200 children, sponsored by La Duni Latin Kitchen and dulce. Also, get ready to welcome The Big Guy to The Village at Fairview! One lucky child will be selected from the audience by The Big Guy himself and invited on stage to officially start the show. Representatives from KLAK will be on hand to help celebrate. Remember to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Kaleidoscope of Dreams Light Show
Beginning Saturday and running through Jan. 4 every night from 5-9 p.m., come see one of the largest holiday light shows in North Texas! Enjoy 250,000 sparking LED lights that are sure to put you in the holiday state of mind at The Village at Fairview, Macy's Fountain entrance.
The Village at Allen Community Tree Lighting
Help officially start the holiday season at The Village at Allen on Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Grove! Representatives from KLTY will be on hand to help celebrate. Enjoy a performance by the Ereckson Middle School Ovation Show Choir, free treats for the first 200 children, sponsored by Bliss Cupcakes & Confections, and an appearance by The Big Guy. Remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Photos with The Big Guy
It's a hallmark of the Holiday Season that kids look forward to all year: a visit and a photo with The Big Guy! This season, The Big Guy can once again be found inside the warmth and comfort of a Real Bookstore at The Village at Fairview. As in years past, The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview will be offering the virtual line queue. This system allows people to reserve a place in line via website, via text message, or in person at the photo set without having to actually stand in line. Once people are in the queue, they are given a return time so they can do some shopping or grab a bite to eat while they wait. Text "SANTA" to 775-200-XMAS (9627), visit www.thevillageshopping.com, or stop by a Real Bookstore starting Saturday to reserve a place in the virtual line.
Hours for The Big Guy:
Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
THANKSGIVING DAY CLOSED
Nov. 23-24 11 a.m. -8 p.m.
Nov. 25 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Nov. 26 - Nov. 29 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Nov. 30 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 1 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 2 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 3-6 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Dec. 7-8 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 9 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dec. 10-13 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Dec. 14-23 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 24 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Breaks 3-4 p.m. daily
AHS FFA pancake breakfast
The Allen High School FFA is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Dec. 15 at the AHS Cafeteria. Tickets can be purchased on site or via email at allenffaalumni@yahoo.com.
Historical marker being erected
The unveiling of the Collin County Historical Marker for the community of Winningkoff is 10 a.m. Saturday 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 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.
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.
Girl Scouts share the warmth
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.
SA implementing smartphone giving
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 smartphone.
Amy Grant speaking at 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 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.
Salvation Army collecting Christmas gifts
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 Saturday. 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.
Dallas Wind Symphony comes home
When the Dallas Wind Symphony performs at the Allen Performing Arts Center on 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 a family-friendly matinee at 2 p.m. 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 Dec. 16 concert are available through the Dallas Wind Symphony website, www.dws.org, or by calling 214-428-2263.
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.
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.
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. 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 information, call 214-509-4911.
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