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Around Allen
From staff reports
'Multicultural Magnificence' on display at APL
Multicultural Magnificence is a 20-inch vase inspired by a mango vase from Thailand. It's made from 700 pieces of wood from five continents. The colors are real, natural woods with no dyes. This sculpture by Allen artist Murray Stein now spearheads an exhibit of his "international" vessels at the Allen Public Library through Dec. 10. Stein has been invited to showcase this collection for the grand opening of the International Museum of Cultures in Dallas in January 2013.
Stein's sculpture won the People's Choice Award from among 60 entries at the exhibit sponsored by Like Minded Friends this month at Allen's Heritage Guild Museum. He gave the $300 prize back to LMF to help cover miscellaneous expenses. The musicians, in a similar gesture, donated their time and talents.
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| Multicultural Magnificence is a 20-inch vase made from 700 pieces of wood from five continents. This sculpture by Allen artist Murray Stein now spearheads an exhibit of his 'international' vessels at the Allen Public Library through Dec. 10./Photo courtesy of Murray Stein |
Allen HS Performing Arts Center hosts DSO on the GO
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) returns to the Allen Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, as part of the inaugural season of the concert series "DSO on the GO," presented by The Ebby Halliday Companies.
The 2012-2013 season features the DSO playing classical and pops concerts in eight cities and neighborhoods across North Texas and will include 17 performances featuring the most familiar classical pieces and popular light classics, with concerto soloists who are principal musicians in the DSO.
The Performing Arts Center at Allen High School is at 300 Rivercrest Blvd. Tickets range from $10-$30 and can be purchased by calling 214-692-0203.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Friday
Expect surprises, live entertainment and even a visit from Santa and his elves during the city of Allen's annual Christmas Tree Lighting event from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the Allen Civic Plaza, 301 Century Parkway. The grand lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights will be at 7:15 p.m.
All ages are welcome. Presented by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Raintree Pediatrics.
Nativity display at Allen Stake
The Allen Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will celebrate the season with a Nativity display, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.
The church is at 1324 W. Exchange Parkway.
Rudolph Run 2012
The city of Allen's annual Rudolph Run is Saturday, Dec. 1, in Downtown Allen. The event begins with a non-competitive, 1-mile Elf Run at 8:15 a.m., immediately followed by the USATF registered 5K Rudolph Run.
A $100 prize will be given to the overall male and female as well as the overall Master's male and female. Medals will be given to the top three finishers in each of the following age categories: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+, Master's (40+).
Runners may pre-register through noon on Nov. 30 at Luke's Locker, 959 Garden Park Drive, Ste. T200, or online at AllenParks.org. Race-day registration is $25/1 mile or $30/5K and takes place from 7 to 8 a.m. outside the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St.
Sponsored by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, Raintree Healthcare and Dick's Sporting Goods. For information, visit www.AllenParks.org.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Join the Allen Kiwanis Club and Allen High School Key Club for the annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1 at the First Baptist Church on Cedar Street just north of McDermott. Pancakes, sausages and drinks will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. with a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Tickets are available for a donation of $6/adult and $3/child (age 5-9) at the door on Dec. 1. For information or volunteering opportunities, contact Ben Blair at 214-495-0488 or visit www.allenkiwanis.org.
Free photos with Santa at Watters Creek
Watters Creek offers free visits with Santa for families to come have the opportunity to take their own photos at no charge. Times are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 19-24; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 23.
Santa's workshop is across from The Blue Fish and Paciugo at Watters Creek, 970 Garden Park Drive. For information, visit watterscreek.com.
Mystery play
Join the Allen Public Library for a Sherlock Homes-inspired afternoon as the Allen Public Library Teen Advisory Board entertains visitors with a few short plays, at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 in the auditorium.
The Allen Public Library is at 300 N. Allen Drive.
Connemara 'Hops for Habitat' Brewfest sets sail
An evening cruise featuring a tour of holiday displays will highlight The Connemara Conservancy Foundation's next "Hops For Habitat" Brewfest, Dec. 1, on Lake Lewisville.
The third in the series of fundraising events benefitting the Conservancy's conservation efforts will feature a cruise on the Chamonix II catamaran around Lake Lewisville. The party will cast off from Pier 121 Marina at 5 p.m. and return to the dock at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the event, at $50 each and limited to 100 attendees, are now on sale to the public at connemaraconservancy.org.
Christmas food drive
Bring donations and non-perishable items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 in front of Market Street, 985 W. Bethany Drive. The collected donations and food items will be distributed through Allen Ministerial Alliance and Allen Community Outreach.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides
What could be more charming than a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through streets adorned with twinkling holiday decorations on a crisp winter evening? Bring the family or that someone special for a horse-drawn carriage ride around Watters Creek, 970 Garden Park Drive.
Carriages hold up to six passengers and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pick up is across the street from DSW. Rides are available, weather permitting, between 6 and 9 p.m. Dec. 1, 7, 8 and 17-22; check with the concierge at 972-747-8000.
2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade
The 2012 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Allen Sunrise and Allen Noon Rotary Clubs, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, starting at 2 p.m.
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 who 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.
Winter reading clubs begin Dec. 3
Children and teens can stop by the library and pick up their reading logs beginning Dec. 3 for the Allen Public Library's winter reading clubs.
Teens ages 12-18 who read three books before Jan. 13 will earn a free book and be entered into a prize drawing for $25 gift cards to Cinemark, GameStop or Starbucks.
Kids ages 0-11, come "Soar with Books!" Younger readers who read 10 picture books or easy readers - and older readers who read three or more chapter books or non-fiction books - will get a free book when they return their reading logs by Jan. 13.
The Allen Public Library is at 300 N. Allen Drive.
Holiday film classics
Bring the family to the Allen Public Library's Civic Auditorium and take in terrific seasonal classics, beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, with "The Shop Around the Corner."
In the 1940 film starring Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart and Frank Morgan, two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realizing that they're falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.
Other films in the series include:
Dec. 11: "The Bishop's Wife," 1948. Stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, a bishop strives to build a new cathedral prays for guidance. An angel (Cary Grant) arrives, but his guidance does not involve fundraising. A superb script that combines drama and comedy supported by the charm of three Hollywood legends inspire all of us to embrace what is most important: family and friends.
Dec. 18: "A Christmas Carol," 1951. A bitter miser is given a chance for redemption when he is haunted by uninvited ghosts on Christmas Eve. This adaptation is thought to be one of the definitive films of the story and Alastair Sims' performance as a man who is malevolent and later humorous is a holiday gift.
Admission to the screenings is free. For information, call Tom Keener 214-509-4911.
ĄPapel Picado!
Adults and teens can treat themselves to a relaxing holiday break by learning to craft Mexico's traditional cut-paper banners, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the Allen Public Library's second-floor Program Room.
Register online or call 214-509-4900. Visit cityofallen.org for information.
Photos with The Big Guy
The Big Guy can once again be found inside the warmth and comfort of a Real Bookstore at The Village at Fairview. Visiting hours are: Nov. 29: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Nov. 30: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 1-2: 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.; and Dec. 24: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. "The Big Guy" takes a break from 3-4 p.m. daily.
Shoppers may reserve a spot in the "virtual line" via website, via text message, or in person at the photo set. 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 to visit The Big Guy. Text "SANTA" to 775-200-XMAS (9627), visit www.thevillageshopping.com, or stop by a Real Bookstore at 113 Prairie Road to reserve a place in the virtual line.
Weekly 6 a.m. social run
Gather at Luke's Locker every Thursday morning at 6 a.m. for a 45-minute social run. Out and back run, for all levels, bagels and coffee after at the store. Visit http://www.watterscreek.com/ for information.
New test-prep tool available through APL
Studying for the SATs? GREs? GED? Or another standardized test? LearningExpress Library can help.
LearningExpress Library contains practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, ebooks and more. Call 214-509-4905 for login/password. Visit cityofallen.org for information.
Toy drive benefits Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County
Through Dec. 11, 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. 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.
Donation 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.
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 onsite so their employees and members can easily participate.
Deadline for mall donations is Dec. 13. Participating malls include NorthPark Center, North East Mall, Collin Creek Mall, Grapevine Mills Mall, Galleria Dallas, Hulen Mall, Irving Mall, Ridgmar Mall, Valley View Center and Golden Triangle Mall. For information, visit http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/
Toys for troops
Bring new, unwrapped toys or clothes to Watters Creek for "Operation Once in a Lifetime," to benefit military service members who need assistance providing a good Christmas for their kids. U.S. soldiers in uniform will collect the toys on Dec. 16.
In 2010, the program's first year, OOIAL raised more than $35,000 in toys and distributed them to more than 500 military families and more than 900 military children.
Watters Creek is at 970 Garden Park Drive in Allen. For information, visit watterscreek.com or www.operationonceinalifetime.com.
Salvation Army offers smartphone giving, Online Red Kettle
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. Through 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.
Also through Dec. 24, in a convenient way to make a community impact without leaving the comfort of home, anyone can raise donations for The Salvation Army by setting up their own Online Red Kettle at onlineredkettle.org.
Discover a healthier you: Breathe your way through a stress-free holiday
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.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, sip on some chai tea while certified yoga teacher Amanda Lunn will discuss some yogic tools and techniques to reduce your stress this holiday season. No previous yoga experience is required.
It is free for adults. Registration requested; walk-ins welcome if space permits. Upcoming topics include: "Food Matters," Jan. 11; "Self-Defense," Feb. 7; "Sugar Blues?" March 7; and "Walking with Weights," April 4. The Allen Public Library is at 300 N. Allen Drive.
For information, contact Debbie Vavra at 214-509-4913 or Kara Phillips at 214-509-4905, or visit www.allenlibrary.org.
Holiday Hayride with Santa
Take a hayride with jolly ol' Saint Nick, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. Through Bethany Lakes Park and decorated neighborhoods, the family will enjoy the lights and sing-alongs with Santa on this merry holiday hayride. Multiple rides are available.
Cost is $3 for children under 12, $4 for children over 12, and free for 2 years and under. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required; visit www.cityofallen.org for information.
Sidekicks kickoff to library
Meet some of the most popular soccer stars in Texas history - including Dallas Sidekicks head coach and soccer legend Tatu and superstar goalie Sagu - at the Allen Public Library, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Participants will be treated to tales of their exciting soccer careers in the Metroplex, including the challenges they faced and their strategies for victory.
The program will be moderated by Robert Trammell, who has been a broadcaster for high school and college sports for more than 12 years. He is currently public relations director for the Dallas Sidekicks.
Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free. The Allen Public Library is at 300 N. Allen Drive.
Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy
The Allen Civic Ballet will hold its "Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy" on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Allen Conservatory of Dance, 602 East Main St., Suite E. The tea has three seatings: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Guests are welcomed into the Snow Queen's Kingdom and served tea, lemonade and treats, while characters from the ballet visit each table. Mother Ginger tells the story of the "Nutcracker" with the help of the characters, after which guests may take pictures with the cast, or get autographs on anything from toe shoes to tea cups.
Reservations may be made at a cost of $15 per person. Visit www.allencivicballet.org for information.
'Christmas through the Decades' at historic Allen Christian Church
The Allen Heritage Guild is proud to present "Christmas through the Decades" from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the beautifully restored historic Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Drive.
Veteran actor and film star Bertram Gilliam will read the holiday classic, "Twas the Night before Christmas" by Clement Moore, beginning at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Star of Blazing Saddles and Back to the Future Part III, Gilliam's television credits include Charlie's Angels and The Dukes of Hazzard.
In addition, the Collin College String Ensemble will perform old-fashioned classic Christmas carols at 2 p.m. There will also be a special exhibition of German Steinbach nutcrackers from noon to 4 p.m.
At the historic church, visitors can also view the beautiful stained-glass windows that feature the names of Allen's early pioneers. Fresh gingerbread and apple cider will be offered and guests can view a 1930s-style tree with decorations and presents of the period, and reminisce around the 1960s-style aluminum tree, complete with all the trimmings.
The Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Drive, is a partnership endeavor between the city of Allen Parks and Recreation and the Allen Heritage Guild. For information, visit www.allenheritageguild.org or contact Paula Ross at 972-740-8017.
'Z Rizdvom Khrystovym!'
Have a merry Ukrainian Christmas! The Allen Public Library and Friends of the Library present Ukrainian Christmas carols, dance and instrumentals featuring Veselka, a Ukrainian folk singing group of Dallas, and the dance ensemble, Zorya.
The event is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Allen Public Library Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Drive. Admission is free. Call 214-509-4911 or visit cityofallen.org.
Dino featuring Cheryl Kartsonakis - Sounds of the Season
Allen Event Center will welcome grand pianist, international television star and revered entertainer Dino Kartsonakis and his wife, Cheryl, for "Sounds of the Season," 8 p.m. Dec. 10, at the Allen Event Center.
Tickets for this special holiday engagement, Dino featuring Cheryl Kartsonakis Sounds of the Season, are available through Ticketmaster, charge by phone at 800-745-3000; or at Allen Event Center Box Office, 200 E. Stacy Road, #1350. Visit AllenEventCenter.com for information.
Unwrapping the history of Christmas in America
For many, Christmas means traditions like decking the halls, trimming the tree, hanging the stockings, and taking the kids to visit Santa Claus. But is Christmas sacred or secular? Pagan or Christian? A commercial event or a season of hope?
Dr. Penne Restad will discuss these cherished traditions and rituals at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Allen Public Library. Restad is professor of history and distinguished lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the 1995 book, "Christmas in America: A History."
This free event is sponsored by the APL and the Friends of the Library. The APL is at 300 N. Allen Drive. Call 214-509-4900 for information.
AHS FFA pancake breakfast
The Allen High School FFA is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Dec. 15 at the AHS Cafeteria. Tickets can be purchased onsite or via email at allenffaalumni@yahoo.com.
Horns for the Holidays
The Dallas Wind Symphony, a concert band comprised of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments, will return to Allen with a family-friendly matinee on Dec. 16 with Horns for the Holidays, a fun-filled concert of Christmas favorites. Brass players from the Allen High School Eagle Band will accompany the DWS during the pre-concert fanfare.
The performance will begin at 2 p.m. at the Allen ISD Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd. Tickets are available through the Dallas Wind Symphony website, www.dws.org, or by calling 214-428-2263.
Holiday Fantastique concert with Kristen Simchik Lassiter
The Allen Philharmonic and Symphony Chorus welcomes the "bell like, clear soprano" of guest soloist Kristen Simchik Lassiter, Allen High School class of 2003 alumna, for its Holiday Fantastique concert, 8-10 p.m. Dec. 21, at the Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd.
The annual Christmas program will also feature a performance by the wonderful Allen District Honor Choir. Featured works to be performed by the Allen Symphony Chorus will include Mark Hayes' Magnificat and John Rutter's The Very Best Time of Year.
For concert ticket information or to become a member, visit www.allenphilharmonic.org
Kaleidoscope of Dreams Light Show
Through Jan. 4 every night from 5-9 p.m., come see one of the largest holiday light shows in North Texas, with 250,000 sparking LED lights. The Village at Fairview, Macy's Fountain entrance.
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