Dear Friends,

I attended the grand opening of the new Dickey’s BBQ this week (in front of Kohl’s on Preston Road) and the food was great. The place looks very nice inside and is clean. If you like BBQ, you need to stop by some time soon for lunch or dinner.

In case you haven’t noticed, our own Texas Tornado Hockey team has an incredible record of 21-3. If you haven’t been out to a game yet, you don’t know what you are missing. Pick up some tickets today for a future game by calling 972-335-9800 or visit their web site at www.tornadohockey.com.

If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than ten thousand Frisco residents, please feel free to contact me. The newsletter goes out each Wednesday/Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Tuesday if you want something to be included.

Feel free to forward this to others and if you received it from somebody else and would like to be added to the list, just let me know.


Frisco StarFest:

The next Frisco StarFest is December 13 and begins at dark. This free night-sky observation event is being held at the pavilion at Warren Sports Complex. Approximately a dozen telescopes will be set up for your viewing pleasure. Direct any questions to starfest@comcast.net.


Pledge of Allegiance:

If you know of a deserving group of children or individual children who would like to lead the Pledge at one of our City Council meetings, please let me know.


Christmas T.V. Trivia:

What is the name of the little girl who asks “Santy Claus” aka: The Grinch, for a glass of water in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and how old is she?  In the movie’s title song, what is the Grinch’s brain full of, what is in his soul, and what is the description of the Grinch in the final line of the song?


Santa Skate – This Event Is Almost Sold Out!!!:

Bundle up as the City of Frisco Recreation Division, in conjunction with the Dr Pepper StarCenter, present “Santa Skate,” on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. The StarCenter is located at 2601 Avenue of the Stars.

Santa will be hitting the ice as he takes a break from the holiday madness to spend time with families and their children. According to one of Santa’s elves, who wishes to remain anonymous (Santa might wonder why he’s not working), “Santa is really excited about having this opportunity to get out and spread a little holiday cheer before his annual trek on Christmas Eve.”

The cost for Santa Skate is $15 per family, up to five tickets, or $4 for individual tickets. The tickets will provide skating, a hot dog, chips, drink, and skate rentals. Participation in holiday games will also be available.

Tickets are on sale now at the Alumni Hall Fitness Center, 9700 Wade Blvd., located on the Preston Ridge Campus of the Collin County Community College District, during regular business hours.

For more information on Santa Skate, please call 972-377-1752 or visit www.FriscoFun.org and click on “Special Events.”


Frisco Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Lot:

The Frisco Boy Scouts of Troop 51 are sponsoring a Christmas Tree Lot at First United Methodist Church for the 2003 Holiday Season.  Proceeds will be used to purchase camping equipment and cover the cost of Summer Camp.

All trees are fresh-cut, and range in size from 4' to 10'.  We have the best prices in town on the best trees.   And your donation will help Scouting in Frisco.  If you have any questions please contact Troop 51's Scoutmaster, Mark Cottam, at 972-335-1314.

The Tree Lot will be open daily until all trees are sold.  Hours of operation are:

Monday - Friday:  5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday:  12:00 Noon - 7:00 PM


The Second Annual Frisco Christmas Nativity Exhibit:

You and your family are cordially invited to attend the Second Annual Frisco Nativity Exhibit on Dec. 12 and 13 from 10 am – 9 pm.  Free admission!  Please join us in welcoming this Christmas Season by exploring hundreds of treasured Nativities from around the world at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5095 Coit Rd between Jereme Trail and Lebanon Road. Visit www.frisconativity.com for more information.   We will also have:

Featured Christmas Concerts:                                         Saturday  December 13th
Friday December 12th                                                     5:00 p.m. Frisco High School Choir
5:30 p.m. St. Francis Choir                                             6:00 p.m. Frisco’s Men’s Chorus
7:30 p.m. LDS Combined Choir                                       7:30 p.m.  Latter-Day Strings


Frisco Library Hosts Holiday Movie Marathon:

Saturday, December 13, 11 – 5 pm at the Frisco Municipal Complex, 8750 McKinney Road

Frisco puts the “holly” in Hollywood with another first for the city! The Frisco Public Library is hosting its first holiday movie marathon on Saturday, December 13. The free event begins at 11 a.m. and wraps up at 5 p.m. in the Frisco Council Chambers at the city’ s municipal complex, 8750 McKinney Road.

Kids, of all ages, will enjoy movies that include everything from an animated family favorite to a Christmas comedy classic.  The first film on the holiday movie menu features “Angelina Ballerina” in “The Show Must Go On:  Christmas in Mouseland”, which starts showing at 11 a.m.

Motion picture licensing & copyright rules prevent us from listing the other shows in a newspaper release; however, we’ll give you some hints: Find out who stole Christmas and why a little boy will do anything to own a Red Ryder B-B gun.

For more information about the movies, contact the Frisco Public Library at 972-335-5510 or on the web: www.friscolibrary.com.
 

Town & Country Blvd. Temporarily Closed For Reconstruction:

A section of Town & Country Blvd. will be temporarily closed for reconstruction starting on Wednesday, December 10. Town & Country will be closed to through traffic between Hilton Head and the St. Charles Apartments, which are located in the 5300 block of Town & Country Blvd.  Road reconstruction is expected to last one week, pending weather and scheduling.  One lane of pavement will be maintained for emergency services use only.
 

Frisco Community Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol:

‘Twas the night before Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge was all alone, or so he thought. This famous tale of transformation from tight-fisted grouch to generous light-hearted benefactor has delighted audiences for generations.  All of Dickens’ beloved characters are part of this time honored tradition from miserly Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the influential spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

While preserving the original story, this new adaptation adds to this “Ghost of an Idea.”

This version captures the spirit of Christmas through the eyes of London’s underprivileged.  While preserving the original story that everyone is familiar with, it also hints to Dickens’ concern and underlying relationship with the poor, found in so many of his stories.

Dickens himself once said, he intended for his stories to be told by a family sitting around the fire.  This adaptation honors his wishes.

Shows are December 11, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and also on December 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and on December 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for adults are $15.00 and for senior citizens and children under 12 $10.00. Proceeds from the December 12 performance will be donated to Frisco Family Services.

For reservations and directions to the Frisco Community Theatre call 972-377-3868.
 

Gone Fishin’:

The State released 500 nine-inch channel catfish in the lake at Warren Sports Complex a couple of weeks ago, so get out those fishing poles and start whistling the tune to “The Andy Griffith Show!”  But FIRST: 

A $23 resident fishing license (Type 201) is required of any resident who fishes in the public waters of Texas (the lake at Warren Sports Complex is considered public water just like Lake Lewisville or Lake Ray Roberts).  You do not need a license if you are under 17 years of age or were born before September 1, 1930.  There are other exceptions and temporary licenses available at a lower cost.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has an excellent web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/licenses/public that covers this and many other state regulations.  Booklets covering fishing and hunting regulations can be obtained at most sporting goods stores.

Although it is not an ordinance, the Frisco Parks Department encourages catch and release at the Warren lake. 


Christmas With Santa Cops:

The Frisco Police Department will act as “Santa Cops” again this holiday season with the assistance of the Frisco Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association (FCPAAA), a non-profit, citizen-based volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Frisco, Texas by supporting the Frisco Police Department through volunteerism and community activities.

The Frisco Police Department plans on adopting approximately two hundred children for Christmas with the Santa Cops program through Frisco Family Services Center and It’s a Small World Foundation.  Frisco Family Services Center serves as Frisco’s only social services agency providing a food pantry, education, and a variety of other services to the community.  It’s A Small World Foundation helps juvenile clients identified in the Frisco Independent School District.

The Frisco Police Department and FCPAAA would like to invite the Frisco community to participate in this year’s Christmas Santa Cops program

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy as your admission to the annual Positively Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 12, at Centennial High School beginning at 7 p.m.  This special holiday concert features the vocal treats of the Frisco Chorale led by Don Hermonat.  Centennial High School is located at 6901Coit Rd. in Frisco.  Please contact Don Hermonat at 972-335-4660 for further information about the Frisco Chorale Positively Christmas Concert.

Toys and clothing are perfect gifts for younger children. Gift cards and/or gift certificates are preferred for the older children.

If you are interested in helping provide a gift for a child this holiday season or have any questions about the Christmas Santa Cops program, please contact Officer Robert Monts at (972) 335-5603 ext. 107 or by email at rmonts@ci.frisco.tx.us
 

Huge Christmas Lights Display:

In the Custer Creek subdivision, there is a huge Christmas lights display at 15361 Lookout Point. They will be turned on every night from dark till about 11 p.m. from now until the first of the year.  On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they will be running their slide presentation and the train until the 5th of December.  After the 5th, they will be running the slide show and train every night. 


Fall Storytime Schedule at the Frisco Public Library:

The Fall 2003 storytime schedule will run through Dec.19.  Toddler storytimes are held on Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 AM for children 18 months to 3 years of age. Preschool storytimes are held on Tuesday and Friday at 11:30 for children 3 years to kindergarten. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes. All events will be held at the Frisco Public Library, 8750 McKinney Rd, Frisco. Frisco Public Library storytimes are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 972-335-5510.

The following are the scheduled themes for the Fall 2003 season. (Note: Themes are subject to change without notice)

Dec 12 - Hats for Every Season
Dec 16 & 19 - Holidays Around the World


Showskate 2004:

The Lone Star Figure Skating Club is bringing Showskate 2004 to Frisco January 24-25 at the Dr Pepper StarCenter.  This is a more theatrical presentation with costumes, lights and a curtain.  This competition is a qualifying event for the National Showcase that will be held in Frisco August 1-7, 2004.  The skaters are judged on the artistic rather than the technical side of skating.  This will be an extremely entertaining competition and will appeal to all ages.  Go to the website www.lsfsc.org for more information.


Frisco Family Services Center:

Serving the needs of families in crisis, Frisco Family Services Center is the only social services agency in Frisco.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who want to assist with holiday gifts for children! For information, contact Kimberly Girard, Program Coordinator at (972) 335-9495, or send an email to kimberly@friscocenter.org.

We also need daytime volunteer assistance with our holiday distribution, Dec. 15 – Dec. 22.  We will be cleaning up after ourselves on Tuesday, Dec. 23. This is an excellent opportunity for teens that are out of school to get some community service hours.

On-going volunteer needs include openings in food pantry and with our twice-weekly donation pick-ups, our reception/client intake position, and with data entry and general office duties. At Frisco Resale volunteers assist the staff with sorting and shelving donated items in the store, and offer phone assistance to donors who want to schedule a pick-up. No minimum number of volunteer hours is required, and training is provided.

Whether you want to volunteer on a regular basis or have only limited time to give, we will work with you to find the appropriate placement. For more information on volunteer opportunities, or to receive a copy of the Holiday Edition of our newsletter, please contact Frankie Wilford, Volunteer Coordinator at (972) 335-9495 or send an email to volunteer@friscocenter.org.

Our Christmas Wish List includes the following items: a frost-free refrigerator, a cargo van, conference room table and chairs. We also need two PC’s for staff use (please call us for details on network requirements).

NOW ON SALE: Raffle tickets for the 2004 Lexus ES 330 that will be auctioned at our March 6th Gala, “Wild Wild Stars & Stripes”. Your odds of winning are far greater than with the lottery - we will sell only 750 tickets at $100 each (11 for $1,000).  Remember, your purchase of lottery tickets is a tax-deductible donation…unless, of course, you’re the lucky winner! Call Jill or Kimberly at (972) 335-9495 today.

Please remember that profits from Frisco Resale help fund our programs and services. Your contributions are always appreciated and are also tax deductible! Donations can be dropped off at the store, which is located at 9085 Dogwood (in the Prosper State Bank Shopping Center at the corner of Dogwood and Main) Mon-Sat from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you prefer to have your donation picked up, please call the store at (972) 712-7833. 


Everyone is invited to the Frisco Bible Church presentation of "The Gift of the Magi":

Would you sacrifice your most prized possession in order to give a gift to someone you love?  "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is a well-known short story that explores this very dilemma.  Set in 1895 in New York City, a couple facing financial hardship must decide what's most important to them at Christmas time.  Treat yourself to an old-fashioned love story this season, and you'll be delighted at the reminder it brings of the greatest love story ever told ~ God's gift to all at Christmas.

The show times are:
Friday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 at 9:15 & 11:00 a.m.

Location is:
Frisco Bible Church, 8000 Country Road 710, Frisco. Call 972-335-8150 or visit www.friscobible.com. Frisco Bible Church is located off of El Dorado Blvd., near Warren Sports Complex, behind the St. Francis Catholic church.


Frisco Schools Namesakes:

Ever wonder about the history behind a school name after in Frisco? Well, wonder no more! Over the next few newsletters, we will cover each school in Frisco.

Borchardt Elementary

Borchardt Elementary is located at 4300 Waskom Drive in Plano (Frisco ISD) and is named after Ruth Borchardt.

Frisco almost lost a favorite historian and beloved teacher before she ever grew up.

Ruth McCormick was a sickly baby born March 5, 1906, in an area that is now part of The Colony. She wasn't thriving and the family moved to West Texas to change climates for her mother’s health. There a doctor suggested feeding Ruth the milk drained from bowls of a new cereal - Grape Nuts. The Grape Nuts treatment did the trick and so did West Texas. The family came back to Frisco when Ruth was 12 years old. Miss Ruth's mother, Mattie McCormick lived to be 104, and Miss Ruth had celebrated 95 years when this building was dedicated in 2001.

Miss Ruth attended sixth grade in the one-teacher school – Erudia – located just west of town. In seventh grade she attended school in Frisco proper, graduating from Frisco High in 1924 with a class of 13 students. Her senior year was the first year of use for the two-story building that is today the main FISD Administration Building on Maple Street.

Ruth then attended Texas Women’s College in Fort Worth, which is now Texas Wesleyan. After a year, she received her temporary teaching certificate and began teaching at Hackberry School – a three-room country schoolhouse in the Frisco-Little Elm area. There, she taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades and attended North Texas State in the summers to finish her degree. While still finishing her schooling she taught in Frisco and then went back to Hackberry, which had consolidated with Little Elm, to teach and be principal of the elementary school.

In 1930, she married and became Ruth Borchardt. Then in 1932, during the Depression, it was decided that families should only have one breadwinner, so she lost her job. She went to Dallas and approached Draughon's Business College, offering to teach spelling and English in exchange for being allowed to take typing. She took shorthand, also, and was then offered a job to teach the course – that short-term situation lasted 12 years!

Her son, Mack Borchardt, Frisco’s Fire Chief, was born in 1948, and when he began first grade, she started school again also. There was a teacher shortage, and she felt it was a good time to get back in the profession – choosing Frisco over Little Elm because the schools had indoor plumbing! She taught middle school and then moved up to high school mathematics when Mack entered middle school. Miss Ruth taught for 21 more years, retiring in 1976. She substitute taught for 10 additional years upon retirement.

Like all good teachers, Miss Ruth never stops learning or sharing knowledge. She is considered a leading authority on history in the area, and states that it has “gotten to the point I can tell anything I want,” because not many are left to dispute it! The grandmother of four can still be found on many days playing “42” at the Senior Adult Center.


Performance Of The Nutcracker:

Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 pm at the Centennial High School Theatre.

Tickets are $20 Adults $15 Seniors & Children 12 and under. For Tickets call 972-208-6604 or visit www.CCBallet.com.


FSBA Holiday Camp Discount at Dallas Bat Baseball Academy of Texas:

All FSBA players receive a 10% discount at Dallas Bat Holiday Camps.  Ages 5-12. 

Camp 1 runs from December 22-23rd, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Camp 2, Pitching and Catching Specialty Camp, ages 15 & under, December 26th, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Camp 3 runs from December 29-30th, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Camp 4, Hitting Specialty Camp, ages 15 & under, January 2nd, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

All camps held indoors at DBAT facility

Limited number of participants *BRING YOUR LUNCH

Sign up on line:  www.dallasbat.com or visit FSBA web site to link to DBAT  http://www.fbsa.org/

Or call at 972-387-DBAT (3228)

***Mention that your a FSBA player to receive your discount***



New Recreation & Aquatic Facility Programming Discussion & Public Meeting:

The Parks & Recreation Department would like to extend an invitation to our citizens to discuss the new Frisco Recreation & Aquatic Center project.  The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Frisco Municipal Complex located at 8750 McKinney Road.

This meeting will address the goals, expectations and program for the facility.  The “program” for the center includes the features and elements that might be included in the project.  The public is encouraged to play a role in this exciting project.

During the bond election in September of 2001, the citizens of Frisco approved $20M to build a Recreation & Aquatic Center.  On November 18th, the City Council voted on and approved the city acquiring the location for the facility.  The 17-acre site is located south of Wade Blvd. and east of Preston Road.

The city has selected F&S Partners as the architectural firm while Lee Lewis Construction has been selected to be the Construction Manager at Risk.  Representatives from both F&S Partners and Lee Lewis Construction will participate in the meeting.

The regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Board meeting will begin at the conclusion of this discussion at approximately 7:30 p.m.


Chamber of Commerce Update:

If you are not a current Chamber member, please consider joining as an individual or as a business to support your local economy. There are over 1300 members. Are you one of them? Visit their web site at www.friscochamber.com or call them at 972-335-9522.

Upcoming ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and other events are listed below. The public is always welcome to attend and show support for businesses in Frisco.

Thursday, December 11 – Fast Find ribbon cutting, 5-7pm at Texas Stardom, 2390 Parkwood Blvd.

Tuesday, December 16 – Accurate Electric ribbon cutting, 9:30am, Chamber office

Thursday, December 18 – Wali Consulting, Inc. ribbon cutting, 9:15am, Chamber office

Thursday, December 18 – Irish Rover & Pub Restaurant business after hours event, 5-7pm, 8250 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 5

Don’t forget that the Chamber sponsors “Get on Track Networking sessions” every Thursday morning starting at 7:45 am at the Chamber. There are consistently more than 100 businesses and individuals represented and it’s a great way to promote your business or learn about other businesses.
 

Neighborhood Parks:

Over the next few weeks, I will include information about existing and future parks. Here is some information on existing, undeveloped, and proposed neighborhood parks. Next week we will include information on Community Parks, Special Purpose Parks and a few other items related to parks and trails…

Neighborhood Parks Currently Developed

Bi-Centennial Park -  Acquired in the early 1970s and located at 9349 Sunset Drive, at the intersection of McKinney Road and Sunset Drive, this 5.3739 acre neighborhood park currently has the following facilities:
·                     One (1) lighted in-line hockey courts with one (1) basketball goal;
·                     Playground System;
·                     Small picnic pavilion;
·                     Picnic Area with tables (4);
·                     Two (2) sand volleyball courts;
·                     Three (3) sitting benches;
·                     Automated irrigation system;
·                     Concrete paved parking areas;
·                     Entry signage.

Duncan Park-  Acquired in 1994 and located at 5700 Norfolk Lane, at the intersection of Greensboro Drive and Norfolk Lane, this 6.0 acre neighborhood park currently offers the following facilities:
·                     One (1) youth soccer/football field;
·                     One (1) practice baseball/softball field;
·                     Playground System;
·                     Automated Irrigation System.
·                     Joint facility site next to Curtsinger Elementary School

First Street Park – Acquired prior to 1980, this small site is located at 8541 First Street, along First Street and the railroad, is a .50 acre neighborhood park offers the following facilities:
·                     Playground System;
·                     Multi-Purpose Court with Basketball goals (2);
·                     Picnic table.

Oakbrook Park -Acquired in the early 1980s and located at 8001 Woodstream Drive, at the intersection of Woodstream Drive and Hickory Street, this 11.5 acre neighborhood park offers the following facilities:
·                     One (1) unlighted practice baseball/softball field;
·                     Multi-Purpose Court with Basketball goals (2);
·                     Picnic Area with tables (2);
·                     Playground system;
·                     Permanent Restroom facility;
·                     Automated irrigation system present within the park;
·                     Concrete trail (6 foot), with one pedestrian bridge, approximately one mile in length.  This trail connects Oakbrook Park with sections of Oakbrook Park Estates and Hickory Springs subdivisions;
·                     Small all-weather surface parking area.

Old Orchard Park Site-  Acquired in 1998 with development completed in 2003, this 6.0 neighborhood park is located at 2200 Old Orchard Road.  Old Orchard park offers the following facilities:
·                     One (1) unlighted practice baseball/softball field;
·                     One (1) unlighted practice soccer/football field;
·                     Multi-Purpose Court with two (2) Basketball goals;
·                     Picnic Pavilion with tables and grill;
·                     Playground system with fibar surface material;
·                     Automated irrigation system;
·                     Concrete trail (6 foot), at the perimeter of the park;
·                     Small concrete parking area.

Preston North Park - Located at 5400 Preston North Drive, at the intersection of Lebanon Road and Preston North Drive, this .50 acre neighborhood park offers the following facilities:
·                     Multi-Purpose Court with Basketball goals (2);
·                     One (1) small covered wooden picnic pavilion;
·                     Playground system.

Preston Ridge Park – Acquired in 1995 and located at 10501 Red Cedar Drive, along Red Cedar Drive, this 7.0 acre neighborhood park completed construction in 1997.  The neighborhood park provides the following amenities:
·                     One (1) unlighted practice baseball/softball field;
·                     2 Playground systems;
·                     Automated irrigation system;
·                     One (1) small covered wooden picnic pavilion;
·                     Concrete trail (6 foot), connecting from Red Cedar Drive to Christie Elementary School;
·                     Joint facility site adjacent to Christie Elementary School.

Smith Elementary/Clark Middle School Park Development- In 1999, the City and FISD agreed to develop an open space area that lies between the Clark Middle School and the Smith Elementary School with neighborhood park components.  This four (4) acre area provides the following facilities:
·                     Two (2) playground systems;
·                     Concrete trail providing connection to all development features;
·                     Landscape and Irrigation installation;
·                     Two (2) lighted tennis courts;
·                     Picnic tables;
·                     Seating benches.

Starwood Park Site – Acquired in 1996 and located at 6551 Starwood Drive, at the entry of the Starwood Development subdivision, this 2.046 acre neighborhood park had initial development performed in 1996 by the developer of the subdivision.  Completion of this work took place December 1996.  Amenities placed on the 2.046 acre park for the first phase of development were:
·                     Concrete trail (6 foot), through the park;
·                     Landscaping, with sitting benches.

Youth Center Park – Acquired in the 1950s and located at Maple Street and Mimosa Road, this 4.0 acre neighborhood park offers many diversified facilities for its limited space. The following amenities are offered at this site:
·                     Municipal Swimming Pool at 9350 Mimosa, with twenty-five yard pool, restroom and shower facilities;
·                     Community Theater and Senior Adult Center facility at 7775 Camelia Lane;
·                     One (1) lighted youth game baseball field;
·                     Permanent Restroom/Concession facility;
·                     Multi-Purpose Court with Basketball goals (2);
·                     One (1) lighted concrete all-purpose court;
·                     Playground system;
·                     Picnic Area with tables (3) and grills (5);
·                     Three (3) small all-weather surface parking areas.

Neighborhood Park Sites Currently Undeveloped

BobWhite Park Site – Located just south of future Panther Creek Parkway, east of future Hillcrest Road, this 8 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002.  This neighborhood park site is currently under construction and should be completed by Spring 2004.  This neighborhood park is being funded through the park development fund as well as through the Public Improvement District (PID).

Fannin Tree Farm Site– Located just north of S.H. 121 and east of future Independence Parkway, this fifteen (15) acre neighborhood park site was acquired in 2001 as a part of a joint school/park acquisition. 

Frisco Heights Park Site - Located north of El Dorado Parkway, and west of Custer Road, this 7 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2003.

Grayhawk Neighborhood Park Site 1 - North of FM 2934, and west of future Teel Parkway, this 10 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002 as a part of a joint use school/park acquisition.  This site lies adjacent to an elementary school located to the north of this park.

Grayhawk Development Neighborhood Park Site 2 – North of Panther Creek Parkway, and west of future Teel Parkway, this 8 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002.

Heritage Green Park Site – Located along and south of Legacy Parkway, just north of Lebanon Road, this 26 acre neighborhood park site was acquired in 2002.  Heritage Green neighborhood park is currently in the process of being master planned by the planning firm of Jones and Boyd and should be completed and submitted to the Parks and Recreation Board for approval by August 2003.

J. R. Newman Park Site – Located just south of FM 720 and west of The Trails Parkway, this 9.58 acre neighborhood park site was acquired in 2001 as a part of a joint school/park acquisition.  This site lies adjacent to an elementary school located west of this park.

Mourning Dove Park Site -  Located just south of future Panther Creek Parkway, east of future Hillcrest Road, this 8 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002.  Mourning Dove Park is currently under construction and should be completed by Spring 2004.  This park site is being funded through the park development fund as well as through the Public Improvement District (PID) during this time.

Panther Creek Development Park Site 3 – Located just to the south of future Panther Creek Parkway, east of future Hillcrest Road, this 8 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002.  This neighborhood park site will be under development by the subdivision developer during the summer of 2003 and be completed at some point in the fall, 2003. 

Preston Manor Park Site-  Located north of the intersection of Camfield Way and Kent Drive, this 6.734 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 1998 to help serve the residents of the Preston Manor subdivision.  A master plan for this park site was approved by the City Council took place in July 1999.  This park site is currently in design phase for development that the Parks and Recreation Board approved funding for in FY’03.  Bidding and construction of this neighborhood park is expected and be completed in 2004.

Second Street Park Site – Located at the northwest corner of Second Street and Pecan, this .25 acre park site was acquired in 2003 and lies within the original downtown area.  This park site is currently being master planned and development for the park is expected to take place in 2004.

Shepherd’s Hill Park Site – Located east and along Inlet Street and south of Canoe Road, this 14 acre neighborhood park was acquired in 2002 and lies adjacent to Gunstream Elementary School.  Shepherd’s Hill neighborhood park is currently in the process of being master planned by the planning firm of Halff and Associates and should be completed and submitted to the Parks and Recreation Board for approval by August 2003.

Stonebridge Park Site – Located west of Custer Road, north of Panther Creek Parkway, this 11 acre neighborhood park lies adjacent to a future FISD elementary school site and was acquired in 2002.

Wade Boulevard Park Site– Located along and north of future Wade Boulevard, west of Preston Road (S.H.289), this 9.0 acre neighborhood park site was acquired in 2000 as a part of a joint school/park acquisition.


Neighborhood Park Totals                                               24 Parks           187.4839 + Acres
Developed Neighborhood Parks -                                     10 parks            46.9199 acres
Undeveloped Neighborhood Parks -                                  14 parks            140.564 acres


Neighborhood Parks – Proposed or in Process of Acquisition

Lone Star Ranch Park Site 2 - North of Lebanon Road, west of Fourth Army Memorial
·                     Site will be between 8-10 acres in size;
·                     Site to be adjacent to a future elementary school site;
·                     City is currently in discussions with the developer regarding this acquisition.

Lone Star Ranch Park Site 3 - North of Lebanon Road, west of Fourth Army Memorial
·                     Site will be between 8-10 acres in size;
·                     Site may be adjacent to a future elementary school site;
·                     City is working with the developer of this area to discuss potential park acquisitions for the future in Lone Star Ranch.

Fairways of El Dorado Park Site - South of El Dorado Parkway, east of F.M. 423
·                     Site will be between approximately 8-10 acres in size;
·                     Staff is currently in the process of acquiring this neighborhood park site. 


Griffin Parc Joint School/Park Site - South of FM 2934, east of Teel Parkway
·                     Site will be approximately 4 acres in size;
·                     Site is located between an elementary and middle school site;
·                     City continues to work with the FISD to develop a joint use agreement for the development of this 4 acres for neighborhood park elements.

Cottonwood Creek Park Site - South of FM 2934, east of Teel Parkway and north of Cottonwood Creek
·                     Site will be approximately 6 acres in size;
·                     Site is located along and north of Cottonwood Creek, south of Griffin Parc, Phase I;
·                     Further discussion of this acquisition will take place as development occurs in this area.

Lawler Development Park Site 1 - East of Coit Road, and around Rolater Road’s intersection with Coit Road
·                     This site will be approximately 6 acres in size;
·                     Site will be adjacent to a future elementary school site;
·                     City has identified the need for a neighborhood park in this area with the developer and will move forward towards acquisition as development occurs.

Lawler Development Park Site 2 - East of Coit Road, and around Rolater Road’s intersection with Coit Road
·                     This site will be approximately 6 acres in size;
·                     City has identified the need for a neighborhood park in this area with the developer and will move forward towards acquisition as development occurs.


Proposed Neighborhood Park Totals                                7 Parks 49.0 +/- Acres


RoughRiders’ First Superstar Laynce Nix Continues His Ascent To Superstardom With The Texas Rangers:

With the 2003 season being the first for the Frisco RoughRiders, many firsts have been created. The first home run, the first shut out and the first playoff appearance have already been recorded. As the years go on, these records may fade into oblivion; overshadowed by flashier numbers and championship wins. Laynce Nix, however, looks to be safe as being the first legitimate RoughRider superstar as he remains in the area as a key member of the Texas Rangers major league roster.

Nix shot to stardom immediately with Frisco with his power hitting and athletic outfield play for continuous sell-out crowds at Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark. His first-half play propelled the RoughRiders to a first-half Texas League Eastern Division championship. Nix became the face of the RoughRider organization; a Texas native playing in Texas and heading for the Rangers. Nix received the call-up in early July to the big league level and has not looked back since.

Appearing in just over 50 games for the Texas Rangers, Laynce Nix belted eight runs, drove in 31 runs and stole three bases. His first hit and spectacular plays were featured on the RiderVision screen at Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark during his first weeks with the Rangers. In the off-season he was protected on the 40-man roster and was penciled in as a major player for the upcoming season.

Featured on the front page of the Dallas Morning News last week, Laynce Nix seems to have completed his journey to the main stage. Fans in Frisco, however, continue to identify him as their own. Nix will be a featured as a Bobble Head item next year during the season. Many RoughRider regulars continue to speak of him as being part of the team. As long as he continues to play in Arlington, many know that he will always be the first RoughRider star.    


Capitol Steps by Rep. Ken Paxton:

This is from one of our State Representatives, Ken Paxton…

Interim Charges
     
This week's column is the third in a series of columns discussing selected interim charges for committees of the Texas House of Representatives.  Committees will soon start meeting and discussing their interim studies in order to make recommendations for legislation during the next regular legislative session.

The House Committee on Transportation has been given a number of charges that are especially pertinent to our area due to the significant increase in traffic over the last couple of years.  After working on and passing what has been referred to as the most comprehensive transportation legislation in the state's history last session, this committee will soon begin meeting to discuss the following interim charges:

• Review transportation best practices in other states to determine possible improvements in administration, operations, delivery of projects, and improving overall efficiency of the Department of Transportation.
• Review and study all existing legislation affecting the development of transportation infrastructure in areas adjacent to the Texas-Mexico border.
• Actively monitor and review Texas Department of Transportation's rulemaking, promulgation of policies and procedures, implementation of programs, and other activities related to the implementation of HB 3588 from the 78th Legislature. (HB 3588 relates to the construction, acquisition, financing, maintenance, management, operation, ownership, and control of transportation facilities and the progress, improvement, policing, and safety of transportation in the state).
• Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, including identifying possible ways to merge or streamline agency functions to produce long-term financial benefit to the State and better efficiency of the agencies. 


The House Committee on State Cultural and Recreational Resources' responsibility includes the following charges:

• Actively study the rules, regulations and statutes which govern Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the department's responsibilities.
• Review, for the purpose of safety, the discharges of firearms for hunting and recreational shooting in our state-owned riverbeds.
• Review the missions and goals of the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and consider possible consolidation.
• Research heritage, cultural, recreational and historical tourism programs the state is involved in and explore new ways to promote and improve tourism in the state.
• Research the regulation and control of scenic by-ways and billboards.

To view a complete list of the charges for these and all other committees, go to www.house.state.tx.us.  I will keep you posted as the committees continue their work and develop strategies to improve the work of government on behalf of all Texans.

Please contact me at ken.paxton@house.state.tx.us or by calling 512/463-0356 or 972/562-4543 with any comments or concerns.


Advice From Dr. Checo:

Hello Frisco,

This week, I’m going to play marriage counselor. Yes, I’m going to tell you how to make your marriage better, last longer and be more fulfilling. Better Communication? Better sex? While all of these will certainly help, there is a scourge that is slowly sapping away at your spouse’s patience and health. Yes, I’m referring to snoring! Laugh all you want, but unbeknownst to most of us, snoring can be dangerous to your health. Either your bed-partner will kill you if you keep it up or the snoring itself will. Let’s explore this a bit.

Besides being annoying, snorers and their partners are usually a tired lot. Fatigue is a direct consequence of sleep deprivation- for BOTH of you! This in turn leads to all of the familiar consequences- increased irritability, lack of concentration, lower productivity at work, daytime sleepiness- think nodding off at the wheel. You get the picture. But snoring has a more sinister side. Until recently, it was thought that snoring was an irritation; something bothersome that was otherwise harmless. Wrong. Snoring has now been conclusively linked to the worsening of hypertension and to an increase in the frequency and severity of headaches. An even worse form of snoring called obstructive sleep apnea can be downright dangerous to your health. So, what to do?

First, see if there is an obvious reason for the snoring. Take, for example, the possibility of nasal issues. If you or your bed partner is an allergy sufferer, make sure those symptoms are taken care of. You’ll feel better because your allergies will be better controlled and you’ll sleep better, too. Does the possibility of acid reflux exist? Maybe the snoring is the only manifestation of this ubiquitous abnormality. Ask you doctor for help. Other remedies you might try:

Nudging your partner onto his or her side or stomach is easy and works surprisingly well.
Try sewing a tennis ball onto the back of the guilty party’s pajamas. Seriously. When they try to sleep on their backs, they’ll sense the ball, and roll back onto their sides/bellies! It may not be the most eloquent of solutions, but appearance should be relegated to a lower priority in this case.
Have a drink before bed- WITHOUT alcohol! Wetting the proverbial whistle will hydrate the parts that make all the noise and may provide some further relief.
Lose weight- ‘nuff said.

If these fail to resolve the problem, it’s time to call for an appointment. As I stated above, snoring can be a serious medical issue- one that should not be ignored. Sleep apnea means you stop breathing for brief periods of time at night. Obviously not enough to awaken you, but certainly enough to prevent deep, restorative sleep. This is the type of sleep we all need to maintain alertness and feel rested. Hence, sufferers of this disease usually complain about daytime sleepiness, which has its own set of problems. Furthermore, sleep apnea worsens high blood pressure, the consequences of which are self-explanatory.

That’s why your doctor should be involved when snoring becomes more than a mere irritation. Maybe a sleep study by a qualified specialist will be warranted. These tests usually pinpoint the cause of the snoring with a high degree of specificity. Once the cause is known, the rest is easy.

In conclusion, snoring is usually a benign issue that can be fixed by some planning and creativity. When it isn’t, it’s time to respect its importance and do something about it- go see your marriage counselor, er, doctor!

Dr. Checo is a board-certified Internist with 13 years of experience in the care and management of the Adult patient. He can be reached by calling his office at 469-633-9700. He can also be reached at pecmd@yahoo.com.


T.V. Trivia Answer:

Little Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two, asked the Grinch for a glass of water and asked why he was taking the Christmas tree.  As the song goes, “…your brain is full of spiders, you’ve got garlic in your soul…”   and “…You’re a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich, with arsenic sauce.”


Matt Lafata
 

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