My Take on What it Means for Frisco

Congrats to Scott Johnson for his successful City Council re-election bid. Scott is a fantastic Council member. Congrats also to Tim Nelson for his successful big to un-seat 1 term Council member, Bart Crowder.

Congrats also to the Frisco taxpayers for revoking the Arts of Collin County bonds with their FOR vote on Proposition 1. This project just doesn’t make sense at this time for many reasons not the least of is the fact that it is not in Frisco, should be largely funded with private dollars, has a huge ultimate and ongoing price tag, and there is a world-class facility not far from that location called the Eisemann Center. Hopefully this is now past us and if you are interested in reading what I said about this project 3 years ago, read it here.

Congrats to Tom Smith for his campaign (albeit unsuccessful) to become Mayor. Tom Smith came out of nowhere, filed to run towards the end of the deadline, and gave the current Mayor a run for his money. The current Mayor and his people ran another extremely nasty and offensive campaign and when Tom Smith and his supporters fought back, all they could do was cry foul. Terrible, win-at-all-costs tactics that I hope they are ashamed of, but I doubt it.

The current Mayor has created a divisive council and city as evidenced by the majority of the council campaigning for Tom Smith. A very telling sign as to what they believe to be a lack of leadership and more on the part of the current Mayor. Although the current Mayor did win re-election, he has been rendered even more irrelevant with the makeup of the council so even though he won re-election, it doesn’t amount to much.

Overall, good job Frisco citizens!

(from The Frisco Community Newsletter)

Since 2001 ** Your Key To Community

MARCH 31, 2011 – AUSTIN –– The Senate Transportation & Homeland Security Committee today passed SB 469, legislation authored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson to protect drivers from excessive administrative fees collected on delinquent tolls by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). The bill now goes to the full Senate.

“I fully recognize that toll authorities need tools at their disposal to deal with toll violations and delinquent collections.  However, I have heard from more than 160 constituents who have seen relatively small unpaid toll bills balloon into invoices totaling hundreds — in some cases thousands — of dollars,” said Senator Nelson, R-Flower Mound.

At the March 23 committee hearing, a  Fort Worth woman testified she was charged $826 in fees for $23 worth of tolls.

Key provisions of Senate Bill 469 would:

•limit NTTA to one $25 invoice fee regardless of how many missed tolls for drivers who pay within 30 days of receiving notice;

•create a sliding scale of fees up to $225 on second notice for drivers who have multiple toll transactions;

•authorize NTTA to include an additional fee for collection agencies to pursue the most flagrant violators; and

•require one unpaid invoice and three unpaid notices of non-payment before the process would move through the court system.

CURRENT ISSUE OF THE FRISCO COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

HOMEPAGE OF THE FRISCO COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

 

Left to Right: Texas Tornado hockey forward Taylor Herndon, Erika and Matt Lafata, Tornado forward George Malliaras & Kaleigh Lafata at the Tornado after-party at Aloft Frisco following the last home game of the regular season on Friday, March 18th

As we approach the end of the 2011 regular season, the excitement of Texas Tornado hockey continues to grow in Frisco and North Texas. After all, where else can you see the future stars of the NHL play hockey AND meet them afterwards for autographs and pictures?

After 57 games played since September, the Tornado are tied for second-place in the South division of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with Amarillo. The season wraps up on March 26 and then we will meet Amarillo in the first round of the playoffs.

This year’s team has a tremendous amount of talent and we are hopeful that the Tornado will play for another championship under coach Tony Curtale, the most winning coach in NAHL history. Coach Curtale has an impressive record of accomplishments with six Robertson Cup championships, three USA Hockey Gold Cup national championships and nine division championships under his belt. He also has done a tremendous job in sending hundreds of players onto college and professional programs during his career.

For those of you not familiar with Tornado hockey, the league is made up of amateurs aged 16-20 who play for college scholarships with some possibly getting drafted into the NHL. These young men come from all over North America (and sometimes outside of the country) to play at a very high level of hockey. They rely on host (“billet”) families to open up their homes to them. It is a rewarding experience for all involved and we have been a host family for many years. Our family currently hosts #18 Taylor Herndon of Oklahoma City and #9 George Malliaras of Chicago. We previously hosted Tornado goalie Ben Bishop who received a hockey scholarship to play at the University of Maine and now plays with the St. Louis Blues. As Ben proves, these guys really ARE the NHL stars of tomorrow!

So what can fans expect as we wind down the season and head into the playoffs? Certainly a stepped-up level of intense, hard-hitting action that we have seen all year. Coach Curtale has put together a talented group of players that earlier this year put together a league-high 15 game winning streak. 

The Tornado have always had great goaltending and this year is no exception. Led by one of the league’s top goaltenders, Jimmy Kruger, the Tornado are among the leaders in least number of goals given up. They are also among the leaders in goals scored with Jack Prince leading in goals (25) and Jackson Leef in points (59). Ralfs Freibergs is one of the top scoring defensemen with 54 points to his credit.

Not only is the team fun to watch but the Tornado organization does a fantastic job in entertaining the fans as well. Many special events happen throughout the year, including Fan Appreciation that happened during the final regular season game on March 18. If you have been to a game, you know. If you have not yet attended a game, think about making the playoffs and the 2011-2012season the time you discover this gem that exists right in our own backyard.

And don’t forget, The Frisco Community Newsletter keeps you posted about home and away game scores when you can’t be there in person. Simply follow us on Twitter @FriscoCommunity or “Like” us on Facebook to get game updates as it happens.

Visit www.TornadoHockey.com to get your tickets to the upcoming playoffs and upcoming season and we look forward to see you at the coolest game in town!

Written By Matt Lafata, founder of The Frisco Community Newsletter

Imagine how easy weekday dinners could be if a professional chef took care of all the time-consuming shopping and prep work and brought everything you needed – ingredients and cooking instructions – with free delivery right to your door, fresh and ready to cook?

That’s exactly what a new service in Frisco offers. Doorstep Chef brings you genuine home cooked meals at prices that compare very favorably with those at your local casual dining or fast-food chain. We’ve tried a number of their meals and just when we’ve found a favorite, something new arrives on our doorstep that we love as much, if not more!

We sat down with owners and Frisco residents Doug & Judy Furney to hear more about Doorstep Chef.

Doug and Judy Furney, Owners of Doorstep Chef in Frisco

The Frisco Community Newsletter: Doug and Judy, tell us your story of how Doorstep Chef came to be.

Judy Furney, Doorstep Chef: Doug and I have always wanted to be involved in the hospitality business. Over the years, we discussed many ideas, but it always seemed like we’d have to move our family out of Frisco (out of the question), or commit to crazy restaurant hours, which isn’t easy when you’re raising a family.

One day, we were rounding up the kids for another quick weekday dinner out, and our younger daughter burst out, ‘Do we have to go out AGAIN? I just want to stay HOME.’ That got us thinking about our hectic lives, and about the need for down time and a chance to connect as a family.

The ideas began flowing. How could we eat at home more often, especially on nights when the family’s schedule is crazy? Wasn’t there someone who could do the shopping and prep everything, so all we had to do was cook? We couldn’t find any answer, so one day Doug said, ‘I guess we’ll have to do it ourselves.’

TFCN: We know that a lot of planning goes into opening up a new concept. Besides working with the City to make sure Doorstep Chef exceeds the health standards, what else did you do to prepare?

Doug Furney, Doorstep Chef: Well, the first step was to get some training. Luckily, we live in a city with a first-rate culinary school. I enrolled in Collin College’s Culinary Arts program and tried to learn all I could about food service and safety, food preparation, hospitality management and basic kitchen skills. The instructors there are great!

TFCN: What makes you different from the competition?

Doug Furney: Since there’s no one quite like us it’s hard to make direct comparisons. Unlike grocery and specialty stores who offer ready-to-eat meal kits that you reheat (making it really dry), our food is freshly prepared daily and delivered ready-to-cook. Some of the meat products will be raw, other items are partially cooked to lessen your time in the kitchen, etc. All the elements you need to prepare the meal are provided, but you’ll have ultimate control over the end result.

Big chain restaurants and fast food drive-thrus are competitors too. We know busy families use these options a lot (we used to!), but are they really the best and healthiest option?

TFCN: As a new business in Frisco, there are so many opportunities to give back to the community. What are your charity initiatives?

Judy Furney: From the start, we wanted Doorstep Chef to reflect our commitment to community service. So, for every dollar you spend with us, you accrue what we call “Give Back” points. You can designate a local charity or community organization to receive cash donations based on your points. Some suggestions include PTAs, churches, Frisco Family Services, North Texas Food Bank, and more. You can use the points to get a discount instead, but we’re finding there’s great interest in giving back to the community.

TFCN: Are the any other interesting facts that our readers should know about Doorstep Chef?

Doug Furney: We try to make wise decisions about our packaging to lessen environmental impact. We use lots of containers, and want to ensure that we are not causing harm. Our clear containers may look like plastic, but they’re actually made from corn. Our baking containers are made from sugar cane. Both are compostable and recyclable. We also deliver in reusable thermal bags with a reusable ice product.

TFCN: Can people pick up their orders if they are outside the delivery area?

Judy Furney: Absolutely! Just call us at or email ahead of time so we have everything ready for you to pick up. We plan to expand our delivery footprint very soon, too, so keep checking back with us. You can also find out more about us on our website.

This link is very helpful because it shows easily how our service can work for your family.

Additionally, here’s how you can find us:

Phone:  (214) 299-8106

Address:  4681 Ohio Dr., Suite 103 in Frisco

Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:30am until last pick-up

Email:  Help@doorstepchef.com

 

I’ve always had a problem with the low standards for air quality and what is generally accepted as safe in the State of Texas. Granted it has gotten better over the past few years but it is still terrible.

Frisco has certainly had its issues with air quality over the years. The cement batch plant in the SH 121/Independence area was a hot topic for a number of years in recent memory. The City, area residents, and the City Council at the time spent numerous hours on this subject. A wastewater treatment plant near the Stewart Creek neighborhood was another major source of odor that the City spent time and money on helping to correct. The City has generally tried to be proactive in protecting its residents.

One source of pollution that continues to haunt Frisco and its residents however, is the Exide battery recycling plant. This plant, located just south of downtown Frisco, has been polluting the Frisco air and ground for decades. It extracts lead from old batteries and despite their best efforts in filtering systems, or whatever they do to reduce emissions, they continue to contaminate the area (and with the way the wind blows around here, who knows how far the contamination spreads).

A health-risk study was done in the 90’s and the data, and the dangers, were inconclusive. I wasn’t around Frisco at the time so I don’t know a whole lot of details but as with any test, you can pretty much come away with any results you want. Now there are supposedly plans for another health-risk study, which I am glad to hear, but what is the City going to do if and when they come back showing danger levels?

As a side note, I applaud the public for coming together and opposing the plant’s plans to expand last year, resulting in Exide dropping the bid. Now it’s time to rise up and for City officials to take real action and get this plant out of Frisco.

No level of lead should be acceptable and even with the EPA lowering the acceptable federal air-quality standard for lead by 90 percent in 2008, companies that produce lead will take years to come into compliance (which is an absolute joke that companies are even allowed to continue like this). In fact, Frisco residents should be dismayed to know that the Exide plant is the only such plant in the south-central part of the U.S. that is not expected to meet these new guidelines.

I’m not an expert but I’ve got to imagine the land surrounding that plant has to be highly contaminated from years of polluting activities and will take years if not generations to clean up. Sure this is nothing new and environmental messes like this (and worse) have taken place over the years in parts of the U.S. and the world, which is a shame. But this is Frisco, Texas, a place that is touted and applauded for its sense of community, its family-friendliness, safety, progressive, and many other descriptive terms that come to mind. We have built a place that families want to move to because of so many factors but above all else, health, safety and welfare are of the utmost importance.

The bottom line is that the residents are being failed by officials (city, state, federal) allowing this plant to continue, knowing that elevated lead levels are a major health risk. Further studies just delay the inevitable, cost money, and expose more people to these potential dangers. Let’s see the right thing happen here rather that turn a blind eye or hope public outcry goes away – shut the plant down and start the arduous but necessary task of clean up. In fact, let’s find a way to get the plant owners to fund the cleanup of the mess that they created over the years, while profiting from their actions.

 

Matt Lafata

 

1. Of course, I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week.. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste …. and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink—–and the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom……and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door——-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book “Burglars on the Job”

Thanks to multiple people for sending this along for the benefit of us all…

 

Matt Lafata

 

Midday Lane Closure on Eldorado Parkway from Frisco Street to North County Road Scheduled for November 10 & 11

On Tuesday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 11, a short section of Eldorado Parkway between Frisco Street and North County Road will be reduced to one lane as part of the road widening project.  A section of the westbound lane of Eldorado Parkway on the bridge over the railroad tracks will be closed at various times between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Flaggers will control traffic on either end of the closure and allow traffic to flow in alternate directions through the single open lane.

Motorists should expect delays at this location on Eldorado Parkway during this midday closure and can follow an alternate route around the road work by using Frisco Street, All Stars Avenue, and North County Road.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the area and to watch for flaggers.

 

Traffic Pattern Switches on Teel Parkway and Legacy Drive at Eldorado Parkway November 9 and 10

As part of TxDOT’s widening project, traffic patterns will be changing at two intersections along Eldorado Parkway November 9 and November 10.

Monday, November 9:

Southbound traffic on Teel Parkway will switch back to the proper side of the median.  This will eliminate the temporary crossover in front of the Eldorado Montessori School. The switch will restore normal operations to the intersection of Eldorado Parkway and Teel Parkway where northbound and southbound traffic will now flow on opposite sides of the median.

Eldorado Parkway motorists turning south onto Teel Parkway should pay special attention and be sure that they are on the correct side of the median.

Tuesday, November 10:

Northbound traffic on Legacy Drive will switch back to the proper side of the median.  This will eliminate the temporary crossovers at Veneto Drive and Crane Avenue. The switch will restore normal operations to the intersection of Eldorado Parkway and Legacy Drive where northbound and southbound traffic will flow on opposite sides of the median.  Eldorado Parkway motorists turning north onto Legacy Drive should pay special attention and be sure that they are on the correct side of the median.

Motorists are urged to use caution in these areas as people become accustomed to the new traffic patterns.

 

 

Matt Lafata

 

From the Frisco Community Newsletter…Your number one source for information related to news and events in and around Frisco!

The Parade will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 11am to 1pm on Main Street in Downtown Frisco.

This year’s Grand Marshall is long time resident and Mayor BOB WARREN.

The parade will honor Veterans from all wars, Homecoming Kings and Queens, and all the High School marching bands complete with cheerleading squads.

You’ll see all your neighbor kids walking the parade route – which begins at Pizza Hut Park and ends at North County. Parking is ample behind all the buildings

The Parade Committee works long hours to ensure all the people in Frisco will come out and support this event.

Parade information can be found at  www.friscoparade.com  where you can find directions, applications to participate, and other general information.         

 

 

Matt Lafata

 

Launches First Traveling Exhibit at Heritage Museum that Can’t Be Seen Anywhere Else

Artifacts and memorabilia that pay homage to The Shawnee Trail and explores and depicts authentic Texas cattle drives are on display for the first time ever at the Frisco Heritage Museum. The exhibit, installed on the second floor of the Heritage Museum will be on view through January 3, 2010 during regular hours of operation.

The extensive display made possible by former Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO, Doug Harman, consists of clothing, accessories, maps, spurs, guns and saddles. Mr. Harman, a collector of western artifacts for nearly 30 years, says, “The Shawnee Trail was the first major trail to take cattle to the North from Texas. Ironically, it is not nearly as well-known as the Chisholm and Western Trails, which emerged after the Shawnee Trail closed down. The goal of the Frisco Heritage Museum exhibit is to let the public know the important and interesting history of the Shawnee Trail.”

Visitors will be inspired by the legacy of the cowboys. Tre Colvin, the Frisco Heritage Museum Coordinator, commented, “These exhibits compliment the many western sculptures and historical information that can be found throughout Frisco and we are delighted to open it up to the public.”

The traveling exhibit, on loan and in development, is part of a larger cooperative with cities that run the length of The Shawnee Trail from Waco to Waxahachie, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Plano, Frisco and Pottsboro. Waxahachie and Pottsboro have both expressed an interest in hosting the traveling exhibit in January 2010. Debra Wakeland, President and CEO of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, says, “It’s important to share the history of The Shawnee Trail. We are very excited about being involved in the traveling exhibit and thrilled about the attention this will bring to our area.”

 

Matt Lafata

 

The City of Frisco, in partnership with Hunt Sports Group, LLC and the Southland Conference, submitted a bid last week to serve as the host of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Games following the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. Should the city be successful in its bid effort, the contest, formerly known as the NCAA Division I-AA Championship game, will be played at Frisco’s 23,500-seat Pizza Hut Park. The Southland will serve as the host conference.

In early August, the NCAA notified prospective cities of the opportunity to submit bid packages. A partnership between Hunt Sports Group, the Southland, Frisco and its affiliated entities – the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, the Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce – was formed, and a bid committee consisting of individuals from these groups formulated a citywide plan to bring the NCAA’s highest-profile football championship to the city. Further, a number of Dallas-Fort Worth area sports and business entities offered their endorsement and support of the Frisco bid effort.

Following last week’s submission deadline, the NCAA is beginning a month-long comment period to communicate with bidding cities before determining a group of finalists. Once the finalist cities are determined, it is anticipated that the NCAA staff and football committee will plan site visits. Finalists will also attend the 2009 championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn., before making in-person presentations before NCAA officials in February.

Pizza Hut Park, built in 2005, serves as home to Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas as well as numerous high school football games, concerts and other special events. Part of a 17-acre project, the Park also includes 17 adjacent fields for soccer, football, corporate functions, and FC Dallas training and youth camps. Major League Soccer held its championship games, the MLS Cup, at Pizza Hut Park in 2005 and 2006, and the venue has hosted numerous nationally-televised games since it opened.

“Every year Pizza Hut Park plays host to world-class events from Major League Soccer to concerts to youth soccer and corporate functions,” Pizza Hut Park Executive Vice President Damon Boettcher said. “We are excited about joining with the Southland Conference and City of Frisco in making this bid and continuing to showcase this spectacular facility and our city.”

The state-of-the-art facility features 18 luxury suites, a 6,000-square foot stadium club, two suite decks and four covered pavilions for larger groups, two video display boards for spectators, and an open concourse allowing full viewing of game action. Baylor Health Care System also has a 6,500-square foot sports medicine and rehabilitation center at the stadium, the national headquarters of U.S. Youth Soccer are located at Pizza Hut Park, and numerous restaurants and retail developments have also been built in and around the complex.

“The Southland Conference is honored to be involved with the City of Frisco, its affiliated groups, and Hunt Sports Group and Pizza Hut Park for what we believe is an attractive and compelling bid package for the NCAA Football Championship,” league commissioner Tom Burnett said. “Pizza Hut Park serves as a first-class, fan-friendly and neutral venue for the championship, and with all the other attractive lodging, shopping, restaurants and entertainment options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we are very confident that Frisco can provide a remarkable experience and lasting impression with the competing teams and all visitors to the area.”

The city’s centralized geographic location, its immediacy to a metropolitan area of 6.5 million people, and its unmatched national air service into nearby DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field were all major factors in the city’s bid effort.

The 2010 championship game will be the culmination of a 20-team national playoff in the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The first four weekends of the playoffs will occur between Nov. 27-Dec. 18, 2010, and it is expected that the championship game will fall somewhere between Dec. 29, 2010-Jan. 7, 2011.

 

 

Matt Lafata