This Friday, October 2, is the final day to purchase tickets for the 2009 Mother Son Dance. Come dance the night away we pay tribute to the red, white and blue in our 'Salute to America.' The dance will be held on Saturday, October 3 at Wakeland High School located at 10700 Legacy Drive.
Tickets are $12 per person (both mother and son need a ticket) and may be purchased online at FriscoFun.org or in person at the Frisco Athletic Center located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. All tickets purchased online must be picked up at the Frisco Athletic Center by 9 p.m. on Friday, October 2.
Dress to show off your American pride or come in your Sunday best as we let freedom ring around the dance floor. Limited tickets are still available for both dances. Dance times are 5:30 - 7 p.m. for ages four to seven and 7:30 - 9 p.m. for ages eight to twelve. Tickets may be purchased for either time; however you must attend the dance time for which you purchase tickets.
The evening will include music, refreshments and lots of special memories for mothers and the special young men in their lives. Innovative Images will be onsite to commemorate the special night with professional portraits. Portrait packages are $22 (payable at the event, cash or check
only) and include two 5x7 prints and eight wallet-size photos.
In order to purchase tickets online, you must have an account set-up in advance. If you already have an account but have forgotten your Login ID and Password or if you need to create an account, you may log on to FriscoFun.org and click on the eFun online registration link. Accounts created on the weekend may not be processed and activated until the next business day. Please call 972-292-6600 if you have any questions regarding your account.
For more information about this event, visit our website at FriscoFun.org or contact Kari FitzPatrick at KFitzPatrick@FriscoTexas.gov.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Sci-Tech Exhibition "Grossology" is opening
I am excited about the upcoming opening of the new Sci-Tech Center near Frisco Square. This is a MUST SEE exhibit for your entire family. Sci-Tech is a wonderful addition to our community and I encourage you to support them in any way that you can.
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We are getting “grosser” to the official opening of the new permanent home of Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco. The first exhibit is guaranteed to a crusty, stinky and slimy good time!
ADVANCE TOURS AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE – SEE EXAMPLE OF NIGEL NOSE IT ALL INTERVIEW
Daily updates on the construction and exhibit installation process on Facebook (Become our FAN!) and Follow us on Twitter
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd NOON – GRAND OPENING
The grand opening celebration begins with a Rube Goldberg Machine triggering the ribbon cutting and day of family fun with hands-on interactive exhibits all about Grossology…
Nigel Nose-It-All (runny noses), Tour du Nose, Skin Climbing Wall (bumps and blemishes), Burp Man, Y U Stink, TootToot, Gas Attack!, GI Slide (enough said), Vomit Center, Patients Please! Click Ick, Listen to Your Body (gurgles, breathing and burps), Look Inside, Up Your Nose, Urine: the Game
http://www.mindstretchingfun.org/discovery-experiences/exhibitions.html
EXHIBIT INFORMATION:
Grossology will be open Tuesday - Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m; Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m; Closed Mondays. Early and extended hours are available for groups upon request. Ticket prices are $6.50 for ages 3 and up, children 2 and under are Free.
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership to support Sci-Tech Discovery Center is available for families. Membership benefits include free admission, discount on birthday parties, camps and gift shop purchases, invitations to exhibit previews and exclusive members-only events and a Sci-Tech window decal. Family memberships include two adults and all children/grandchildren ages 18 and under in the household.
ABOUT SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER: Sci-Tech Discovery Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization began as the brainchild of the Junior League of Plano in 1999 to meet the community’s demand for an innovative education discovery center. The Center has a clear mission to provide a dynamic, interactive experience that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the exploration of math, science and technology. Sci-Tech Discovery Center seeks to spark a life-long interest and help equip area children with these advanced skills to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, educators and innovators. Prior to its permanent home in Frisco, Texas near the Heritage Park, Sci-Tech also provides outreach bringing various discovery programs to community centers, libraries, schools and scout groups across Collin County. The organization hosted two successful preview exhibits in the summers of 2004 and 2005 at the Shops of Willow Bend that gave more than 30,000 visitors a peek at these experimental learning opportunities. Sci-Tech Discovery Center will offer year-round exhibits, education outreach, groups and special events to ignite a passion for science in young people. To learn more about Sci-Tech Discovery Center or to contribute, visit http://www.mindstretchingfun.org/ or call (972) 546-3050.
=====================
We are getting “grosser” to the official opening of the new permanent home of Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco. The first exhibit is guaranteed to a crusty, stinky and slimy good time!
ADVANCE TOURS AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE – SEE EXAMPLE OF NIGEL NOSE IT ALL INTERVIEW
Daily updates on the construction and exhibit installation process on Facebook (Become our FAN!) and Follow us on Twitter
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd NOON – GRAND OPENING
The grand opening celebration begins with a Rube Goldberg Machine triggering the ribbon cutting and day of family fun with hands-on interactive exhibits all about Grossology…
Nigel Nose-It-All (runny noses), Tour du Nose, Skin Climbing Wall (bumps and blemishes), Burp Man, Y U Stink, TootToot, Gas Attack!, GI Slide (enough said), Vomit Center, Patients Please! Click Ick, Listen to Your Body (gurgles, breathing and burps), Look Inside, Up Your Nose, Urine: the Game
http://www.mindstretchingfun.org/discovery-experiences/exhibitions.html
EXHIBIT INFORMATION:
Grossology will be open Tuesday - Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m; Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m; Closed Mondays. Early and extended hours are available for groups upon request. Ticket prices are $6.50 for ages 3 and up, children 2 and under are Free.
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership to support Sci-Tech Discovery Center is available for families. Membership benefits include free admission, discount on birthday parties, camps and gift shop purchases, invitations to exhibit previews and exclusive members-only events and a Sci-Tech window decal. Family memberships include two adults and all children/grandchildren ages 18 and under in the household.
ABOUT SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER: Sci-Tech Discovery Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization began as the brainchild of the Junior League of Plano in 1999 to meet the community’s demand for an innovative education discovery center. The Center has a clear mission to provide a dynamic, interactive experience that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the exploration of math, science and technology. Sci-Tech Discovery Center seeks to spark a life-long interest and help equip area children with these advanced skills to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, educators and innovators. Prior to its permanent home in Frisco, Texas near the Heritage Park, Sci-Tech also provides outreach bringing various discovery programs to community centers, libraries, schools and scout groups across Collin County. The organization hosted two successful preview exhibits in the summers of 2004 and 2005 at the Shops of Willow Bend that gave more than 30,000 visitors a peek at these experimental learning opportunities. Sci-Tech Discovery Center will offer year-round exhibits, education outreach, groups and special events to ignite a passion for science in young people. To learn more about Sci-Tech Discovery Center or to contribute, visit http://www.mindstretchingfun.org/ or call (972) 546-3050.
NTTA Traffic Advisory
NTTA TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Please note the following temporary road closures on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT):
Monday, Sept. 28, through Tuesday, Sept. 29:
All SRT main lanes northbound from Independence Parkway to just north of Custer Road will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Entrance ramps from Coit Road and from Independence Parkway also will be closed.
The closures are needed to make final preparations for the road’s next segment opening on Tuesday.
Message boards and traffic control will be provided during this closure.
All closures are subject to weather conditions and will be postponed, if necessary.
Please note the following temporary road closures on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT):
Monday, Sept. 28, through Tuesday, Sept. 29:
All SRT main lanes northbound from Independence Parkway to just north of Custer Road will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Entrance ramps from Coit Road and from Independence Parkway also will be closed.
The closures are needed to make final preparations for the road’s next segment opening on Tuesday.
Message boards and traffic control will be provided during this closure.
All closures are subject to weather conditions and will be postponed, if necessary.
Friday, September 25, 2009
New Eastbound Lanes on Eldorado open on Monday.
The new eastbound lanes on Eldorado Parkway between FM 423 and the Dallas North Tollway will open to traffic on Monday, September 28, weather permitting. Eastbound and westbound traffic will begin flowing on opposite sides of the median. After eastbound traffic is shifted to the new eastbound lanes, westbound traffic will remain in one lane for a time as the paving work on that side of the roadway is finished. As part of this work, westbound traffic will be shifted into a different westbound lane at various locations over the course of the week.
At intersections and driveways, motorists should pay special attention when turning onto eastbound Eldorado Parkway to be sure that they are on the correct side of the median. Motorists approaching Eldorado Parkway from the south should pay special attention to the new locations of stop signs on the south edge of the widened roadway. In addition, TxDOT's expansion of Eldorado Parkway did not include a median opening at Rio Grande Drive. Therefore, westbound traffic will no longer be able to turn left into Rio Grande Drive and all northbound traffic on Rio Grande Drive will have to turn right onto Eldorado.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people become accustomed to the new traffic patterns.
At intersections and driveways, motorists should pay special attention when turning onto eastbound Eldorado Parkway to be sure that they are on the correct side of the median. Motorists approaching Eldorado Parkway from the south should pay special attention to the new locations of stop signs on the south edge of the widened roadway. In addition, TxDOT's expansion of Eldorado Parkway did not include a median opening at Rio Grande Drive. Therefore, westbound traffic will no longer be able to turn left into Rio Grande Drive and all northbound traffic on Rio Grande Drive will have to turn right onto Eldorado.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people become accustomed to the new traffic patterns.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Denton County Flu Vaccinations
Don’t Let the Flu Season Get You Down.
9/21/2009 – Flu vaccination is one of the most important ways to help prevent the flu. The Denton County Health Department will provide residents the opportunity to receive their flu vaccinations this year during two community flu clinics. As in previous years, DCHD will hold flu clinics in Denton and in Lewisville. The clinic dates and locations are:
.
• September 25, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lewisville Civic and Recreation Center.
• September 30, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex in Denton.
Flu shots will be available for the general public, but DCHD especially encourages those at high risk of complications from the flu to receive a flu vaccination. Those individuals that are considered high risk include:
• Children 6 months – 18 years of age
• Adults over the age of 50
• Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Persons living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities
• Pregnant women
• Persons living with or caring for high risk individuals
The cost of the flu shots is $20 and only cash will be accepted. Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP will also be accepted as payment.
Vaccinations are the most effective preventive measure, but here are some other steps you and your family can take to stay healthy this fall and winter:
• The simplest way to stop the spread of the flu and many other diseases is to wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub sanitizer in your hands until they are dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time, some for 2 hours or more, on surfaces like door knobs, desks, and tables.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs cause illnesses like the flu. The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets from the cough or sneeze move through the air and get on the mouth and nose of people nearby. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away to prevent the spread of the droplets. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze into the crease of your elbow. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, make sure to wash them immediately.
• If you feel ill, stay home from work and keep sick kids home from school or daycare. Contact your health care provider for specific treatment.
Denton County Health Department is also gearing up to distribute H1N1 Influenza Vaccine. Denton County Health Department expects to receive H1N1 flu vaccine in mid-October and begin distributing the vaccine to the community shortly after. Please check the Denton County Health Department’s Flu Hotline at 940-349-2584 and the Denton County Health Department website at www.dentoncounty.com/health for the most up to date information.
9/21/2009 – Flu vaccination is one of the most important ways to help prevent the flu. The Denton County Health Department will provide residents the opportunity to receive their flu vaccinations this year during two community flu clinics. As in previous years, DCHD will hold flu clinics in Denton and in Lewisville. The clinic dates and locations are:
.
• September 25, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lewisville Civic and Recreation Center.
• September 30, 2009, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex in Denton.
Flu shots will be available for the general public, but DCHD especially encourages those at high risk of complications from the flu to receive a flu vaccination. Those individuals that are considered high risk include:
• Children 6 months – 18 years of age
• Adults over the age of 50
• Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Persons living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities
• Pregnant women
• Persons living with or caring for high risk individuals
The cost of the flu shots is $20 and only cash will be accepted. Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP will also be accepted as payment.
Vaccinations are the most effective preventive measure, but here are some other steps you and your family can take to stay healthy this fall and winter:
• The simplest way to stop the spread of the flu and many other diseases is to wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub sanitizer in your hands until they are dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time, some for 2 hours or more, on surfaces like door knobs, desks, and tables.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs cause illnesses like the flu. The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets from the cough or sneeze move through the air and get on the mouth and nose of people nearby. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away to prevent the spread of the droplets. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze into the crease of your elbow. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, make sure to wash them immediately.
• If you feel ill, stay home from work and keep sick kids home from school or daycare. Contact your health care provider for specific treatment.
Denton County Health Department is also gearing up to distribute H1N1 Influenza Vaccine. Denton County Health Department expects to receive H1N1 flu vaccine in mid-October and begin distributing the vaccine to the community shortly after. Please check the Denton County Health Department’s Flu Hotline at 940-349-2584 and the Denton County Health Department website at www.dentoncounty.com/health for the most up to date information.
Voter Registration - Collin County
Public Information Office
2300 Bloomdale Rd.
Suite 4192
McKinney, Texas 75071
www.collincountytx.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2009
Contact: Sharon Rowe, Elections Administrator,
972-547-1990
Voter registration deadline for November elections: Oct. 5
(McKINNEY, Texas) – Voting officials want to remind residents that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, for the Nov. 3, 2009, Constitutional Amendment, Wylie ISD Bond and the City of Farmersville Local Option Special Elections.
To be eligible to vote in Texas, you must:
· Be a U.S. citizen;
· Be a resident of the county;
· Be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months)
· Not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including probation)
· Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law.
You must be registered at least thirty days prior to an Election.
Applications to register to vote can now be downloaded at
http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp, or by calling the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990 for an application. Voter registration applications are also available at most post offices, libraries and high schools. Faxed Applications are not accepted.
Those who are registered to vote but don’t have a current voter registration certificate (orange card), please contact the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990, or go online at http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp and download an application and mail it to: 2010 Redbud Blvd. Suite 102, McKinney, TX 75069.
If you were registered to vote, but moved from one county in Texas to Collin County, you will need to register with Collin County before being allowed to vote in Collin County by the above deadline.
You can now change your name or address by accessing the Secretary of State web address, www.sos.state.tx.us; otherwise, updates must be done by mail or in person.
###
Tim Wyatt
Collin County Public Information
2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154
McKinney, Texas 75071
972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us
Tim Wyatt
Collin County Public Information
2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154
McKinney, Texas 75071
972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us
2300 Bloomdale Rd.
Suite 4192
McKinney, Texas 75071
www.collincountytx.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2009
Contact: Sharon Rowe, Elections Administrator,
972-547-1990
Voter registration deadline for November elections: Oct. 5
(McKINNEY, Texas) – Voting officials want to remind residents that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, for the Nov. 3, 2009, Constitutional Amendment, Wylie ISD Bond and the City of Farmersville Local Option Special Elections.
To be eligible to vote in Texas, you must:
· Be a U.S. citizen;
· Be a resident of the county;
· Be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months)
· Not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including probation)
· Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law.
You must be registered at least thirty days prior to an Election.
Applications to register to vote can now be downloaded at
http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp, or by calling the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990 for an application. Voter registration applications are also available at most post offices, libraries and high schools. Faxed Applications are not accepted.
Those who are registered to vote but don’t have a current voter registration certificate (orange card), please contact the Collin County Elections Office at 972-547-1990 or metro 972-424-1460 Ext 1990, or go online at http://www.collincountytexas.gov/elections/voter_registration/index.jsp and download an application and mail it to: 2010 Redbud Blvd. Suite 102, McKinney, TX 75069.
If you were registered to vote, but moved from one county in Texas to Collin County, you will need to register with Collin County before being allowed to vote in Collin County by the above deadline.
You can now change your name or address by accessing the Secretary of State web address, www.sos.state.tx.us; otherwise, updates must be done by mail or in person.
###
Tim Wyatt
Collin County Public Information
2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154
McKinney, Texas 75071
972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us
Tim Wyatt
Collin County Public Information
2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4154
McKinney, Texas 75071
972-548-4673 / Fax: 972-548-4699
http://www.co.collin.tx.us
Sunday, September 13, 2009
New Frisco Frisbee League
Tired of the same old sports? Looking for something new and exciting?
Join the Parks & Recreation Department's new Ultimate Frisbee League.
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact, high energy sport that is quickly gaining popularity around the U.S. The sport combines football, soccer and Frisbee, for a one of a kind cardiovascular workout.
The new league will begin Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Games will be held at Harold Bacchus Community Park, located at 13995 Main Street, on field number one. The first three weeks will be open play, giving individuals and teams a chance to get to know the game. Teams are required to have a minimum of five players and no more than eight players and must play with a 2-to-1 male to female ratio. Individuals interested in playing who do not have a team, are encouraged to come out to the open play games. League play will begin October 5. All games will be self-officiated.
Registration for the Ultimate Frisbee League is available online at FriscoFun.org or at the Frisco Athletic Center located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane. For more information, contact Michelle Zelrick at MZelrick@FriscoTexas.gov.
Join the Parks & Recreation Department's new Ultimate Frisbee League.
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact, high energy sport that is quickly gaining popularity around the U.S. The sport combines football, soccer and Frisbee, for a one of a kind cardiovascular workout.
The new league will begin Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Games will be held at Harold Bacchus Community Park, located at 13995 Main Street, on field number one. The first three weeks will be open play, giving individuals and teams a chance to get to know the game. Teams are required to have a minimum of five players and no more than eight players and must play with a 2-to-1 male to female ratio. Individuals interested in playing who do not have a team, are encouraged to come out to the open play games. League play will begin October 5. All games will be self-officiated.
Registration for the Ultimate Frisbee League is available online at FriscoFun.org or at the Frisco Athletic Center located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane. For more information, contact Michelle Zelrick at MZelrick@FriscoTexas.gov.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Day of Remembrance
Please Join the Frisco Garden Club
In a Day of Remembrance
Celebrating Freedom
September 11, 2009
at Freedom Meadow
Warren Sports Complex
7599 Eldorado Parkway
6 p.m.
The guest speaker will be Vaughn Lohec of Frisco, sister of Lauren C.
Grandcolas. Mrs. Grandcolas was a passenger on Flight 93 that crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001.
The passengers of that flight gave their lives to foil the attempt to attack another American site - perhaps even the White House.
The Frisco Garden Club will also officially turn over the responsibility for maintaining the native plant garden to the City of Frisco - following the completion of a five-year agreement to support the establishment of the garden. The program will include a flag ceremony and patriotic music.
Guests will be asked to join in the scattering of wildflower seeds in
memory of victims of terrorism and those who fight for freedom
In a Day of Remembrance
Celebrating Freedom
September 11, 2009
at Freedom Meadow
Warren Sports Complex
7599 Eldorado Parkway
6 p.m.
The guest speaker will be Vaughn Lohec of Frisco, sister of Lauren C.
Grandcolas. Mrs. Grandcolas was a passenger on Flight 93 that crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001.
The passengers of that flight gave their lives to foil the attempt to attack another American site - perhaps even the White House.
The Frisco Garden Club will also officially turn over the responsibility for maintaining the native plant garden to the City of Frisco - following the completion of a five-year agreement to support the establishment of the garden. The program will include a flag ceremony and patriotic music.
Guests will be asked to join in the scattering of wildflower seeds in
memory of victims of terrorism and those who fight for freedom
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Pete Sampras coming to Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lisa Wade:(512)289-5887,lisa@prolinkplanet.com
“PISTOL PETE” SAMPRAS AND TODD MARTIN TO HEADLINE THE TENNIS CLASSIC
TO BENEFIT THE CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS
Dallas, TX (September 9, 2009) - One of the greatest tennis players of all time, “Pistol Pete” Sampras and American legend Todd Martin will headline the Tennis Classic on Friday, November 6th at 7:00PM at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco,Texas.
The always entertaining Murphy Jensen will host the event. In addition to the Sampras and Martin men’s singles match, the Tennis Classic will also feature local players in The Lone Star Challenge: Pete Sampras and Team Dallas versus Todd Martin and Team Austin. Each team will consist of girls and boys 18 and under teams, Mixed 8.0 teams and club pro teams competing in tie-break shootouts. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that finances the college education for children of soldiers from Ft. Hood killed in the line of duty.
“We are very excited to have Pete and Todd join the Tennis Classic and this celebration of tennis in Dallas,” says Tim Stallard, President of Prolink Sports and Entertainment. “This will be an amazing night of world-class tennis and family entertainment. I know that Pete and Todd are excited to come to Dallas and provide tennis fans with the best in men’s tennis.”
Pete Sampras captured his final grand slam title with his dramatic US Open victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in 2002. His resume boasts 14 grand slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He was ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years from 1993-1998. In July of 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
Todd Martin was a finalist at the 1999 U.S. Open and the 1994 Australian Open. In 1994, he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Grand Slam Cup. Every year from 1994 to 2002 Martin played Davis Cup for the United States. He was inducted into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in May of 2007.
Tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday, September 12th. Tickets can be purchased on line through tickets.com or 866-337-1312. Ticket prices are $28.50, $48.50, and $78.50.
###
Media Contact: Lisa Wade:(512)289-5887,lisa@prolinkplanet.com
“PISTOL PETE” SAMPRAS AND TODD MARTIN TO HEADLINE THE TENNIS CLASSIC
TO BENEFIT THE CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS
Dallas, TX (September 9, 2009) - One of the greatest tennis players of all time, “Pistol Pete” Sampras and American legend Todd Martin will headline the Tennis Classic on Friday, November 6th at 7:00PM at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco,Texas.
The always entertaining Murphy Jensen will host the event. In addition to the Sampras and Martin men’s singles match, the Tennis Classic will also feature local players in The Lone Star Challenge: Pete Sampras and Team Dallas versus Todd Martin and Team Austin. Each team will consist of girls and boys 18 and under teams, Mixed 8.0 teams and club pro teams competing in tie-break shootouts. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that finances the college education for children of soldiers from Ft. Hood killed in the line of duty.
“We are very excited to have Pete and Todd join the Tennis Classic and this celebration of tennis in Dallas,” says Tim Stallard, President of Prolink Sports and Entertainment. “This will be an amazing night of world-class tennis and family entertainment. I know that Pete and Todd are excited to come to Dallas and provide tennis fans with the best in men’s tennis.”
Pete Sampras captured his final grand slam title with his dramatic US Open victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in 2002. His resume boasts 14 grand slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He was ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years from 1993-1998. In July of 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
Todd Martin was a finalist at the 1999 U.S. Open and the 1994 Australian Open. In 1994, he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Grand Slam Cup. Every year from 1994 to 2002 Martin played Davis Cup for the United States. He was inducted into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in May of 2007.
Tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday, September 12th. Tickets can be purchased on line through tickets.com or 866-337-1312. Ticket prices are $28.50, $48.50, and $78.50.
###
Friday, September 4, 2009
About the Budget and Tax Rate
The new fiscal year for Frisco starts on October 1, 2009, and your city council is finishing up the budget process. We are very close to approving the tax rate. The economy has been difficult for everyone, including the City of Frisco, and this year has been a little different than those in the past. Our challenge is not just handling our budget, but making sure we do not place a burden on our citizens. We remain vigilant to ensure that we provide the level of services our citizens demand.
I have received a few messages along the lines of "less government, cut - cut - cut" and generally pushing some measures that may actually have the opposite effect of keeping the cost of living expenses down. My reply to some of these e-mails may be good for everyone to read as it does not make the case for higher or lower taxes, only the data we are considering. Please take the time to send us your opinion on this important issue.
If you do not like reading long messages, I will give you a warning that this is one of them. However, I will also tell you that the message is saying this: your city council is evaluating whether to keep the tax rate the same (.45 cents per $100) or increase the rate, but not the effective tax rate (.4650 cents). In other words, the tax amount would bring in the same revenue as last year, and the average home would not see an increase. The difference between the two rates is approximately $44 per year for the average priced home ($291,000). The message below may explain it better, and I welcome your opinions(s).
"Your City Council is taking the time to deliberate this issue and evaluate all available data. I know they appreciate hearing your views, and we need your help to stay focused on the right solution for Frisco. These are difficult times, but our decisions should always follow the basic logic of efficient government and great services. We should not allow outside factors or national politics influence our judgment as to what is right for our community. Together, we need to work toward common goals: the long term health of our community, public safety and welfare of our citizens. We do this transparently and allow input from our citizens on the direction they would like to take. Our form of government is closest to the people, and you are encouraged to contact your Mayor, city council members and administration to get your questions answered and opinions considered. Please help me keep that level of cooperation, open government and transparency in our process to always do 'the right thing' by considering all the options.
First, I need your help to stay focused on the right decision for Frisco. These are difficult times , but our decisions should always follow the basic logic of efficient government and great services. We should not allow outside influences or national politics to enter into doing the right thing for our community. We do that together with the same goals in mind: The long term health of our community and the public safety and welfare of our citizens. We do it in a transparent way and allow input from our citizens on the direction they would like to take. Our form of government is closest to the people and you are able to contact your Mayor, Council and City Administration easily and get your questions answered and your opinion considered. Please help me keep that level of cooperation, open government and transparency in our process and to always do “the right thing” by considering all the options.
Please read this note in a way that is meant to give you as much data as I can and not as making a case for keeping the same tax rate or increasing it. I need your participation in this process, but even more so, your informed participation. That is my goal, to give you information to help you understand our process.
Currently, Frisco has a tax rate of .45 cents per $100 valuation. To see how that impacts your home, multiply your home value X .45 and divide by $100 and that is what you are paying your City. Of course, a majority of our home taxes are school district taxes, which is a separate entity and we also have Collin College and Collin County if you live in the Collin County part of Frisco and Denton County if you live in the Denton County portion of Frisco.
The city’s tax rate is divided into two components: Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which helps fund the operation of the city (not including water, sewer, sanitation and convention and visitors bureau) and Debt Service, which is used to pay for the general obligation bonds that are voter approved. The City of Frisco uses .21 cents per $100 valuation for debt service and .24 cents per $100 valuation for M&O. Our M&O, or what it costs to operate the city, is one of the lowest in the entire region. I believe the next closest city to us is Plano at .32 cents per $100 valuation. Some cities run their cities on double or even triple our M&O rate. While each city is different and I don’t like to typically compare cities, it is never a bad idea to take a snapshot of where you are as a community.
City Tax Rate M&O Rate
Frisco .45 .24
Allen .556 .42
McKinney .5855 .406
I am very proud of our efficient city government and our low M&O rate. There are always ways to make improvements and we have made some major reductions in expenses (see below)
I taped a special “Mayors Corner” with George Purefoy, our City Manager, and Nell Lange, Assistant City Manager, to discuss the budget. It can be viewed here: http://sire-cntl-vid01.siretechnologies.com/SIRE/friscocity/Mayors%20Corner/4521/4521.wmv
The effective tax rate notice can be located here: http://www.friscotexas.gov/communication/Documents/rptNoticeOfEffectiveTaxRate--CityofFrisco-2009.pdf
The proposed draft budget can be found here: http://www.friscotexas.gov/communication/Documents/rptNoticeOfEffectiveTaxRate--CityofFrisco-2009.pdf
The Video and Minutes of the last Public Hearing held on the budget and Council and Citizen Comments can be found here: http://sire.friscotexas.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=7356
Currently, the City Council is considering two proposals. One is to keep the current tax rate of .45 cents. This would mean that the average home in Frisco would see a decrease in taxes paid to the City of $45 annually (the average value of a home in Frisco is approximately $291,000). The other option is to raise the rate to bring in the same amount from the average home in Frisco (what we call the effective tax rate). That would take the rate to .4650 per $100 valuation (again, that would be a $44 a year over the .45 rate, but not a tax increase for the average home. In summary, if we approve the same tax rate as last year, the average homeowner would see a decrease in the total taxes they pay the city of Frisco. If we approve the effective tax rate, the average homeowner would pay the same amount of taxes as they did last year. The City Council does not have a proposal to increase taxes over the effective rate (in other words, to increase your taxes over what you paid last year).
Here are some of the questions I have received and some answers/comments:
1) In tough economic times, you should reduce taxes, not increase them. You should cut services and reduce expenses.
· Frisco put in place cost reductions starting in the summer of 2008.
· A hiring freeze has been in place since 2008. There are 34 unfilled positions, 11 of which are in the fire and police departments.
· Staff was requested to cut 10% from their FY09 proposed budget, which was achieved.
· Staff was further requested in 2009 to cut another 4%, which was achieved
· The current budget also reflects these savings (Fiscal Year 2010)
· We deferred capital equipment expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009 and in the current proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget, including reduced library materials.
· Staff imposed restrictions in travel in Fiscal Year 2009 and also in the current proposed budget (Fiscal Year 2010)
· The proposal is not to increase effective taxes. Please keep in mind that there is no effective tax increase being proposed or even looked at. The question that the Frisco City Council is facing is whether to keep the same tax rate, which will actually lower revenue from existing value or increase the rate, but not the amount, for an average home. In other words, if Frisco adopts the effective rate, which is 1.50 cents higher, the average Frisco home will not see additional taxes being paid. Meanwhile, Frisco is still experiencing growth and new population figures. Since start of summer in 2008, we have added approximately 5,000 citizens to our population (approximately 5%) with no increase in staffing levels. In fact, some areas saw a decrease and all departments have reduced budgets. We are not like many other cities that are not experiencing growth – we are still one of the fastest growing communities in the country.
2) Why is the current revenue not enough?
· We have a reduction in revenue in some funds and an increase in costs in others:
· Revenue is down approximately $6 Million from the new home permits due to the slow down
· We have been successful in reducing water consumption per state mandates, but at a loss of $5 Million in revenue
· The cost of water that the City of Frisco purchases has increased
· An anticipated Health Care cost increase of 10% was actually 29% percent which is approximately $750,000.
· Unfunded Mandates: Unfunded mandates are new laws passed by the state that require funding through you, the local tax payer. For example, the new cell phone law in schools is an unfunded mandate. The City is required to post signs in all school zones. The approximate cost is $18,000. This is paid by the local tax payer. Some unfunded mandates are passed on to the citizens in other methods besides general fund/property taxes. For example, the new irrigation requirements that the State of Texas passed are funded by a fee for sprinkler system installs or expansions. Again, this is a form of unfunded mandate that you pay for.
3) If the City Council chooses to keep the rate at .45 cents, which collects approximately $44 less per year from the average home in Frisco, how will we balance the budget?
a. As already stated, we have a hiring freeze in effect, which we will maintain.
b. We will use some of our reserve funds (approximately $2 Million)
c. We will not sell any additional capital improvement bonds this year (such as roads, facilities, etc.). This will delay future bond sales also.
4) If the City Council chooses to set the tax rate to an effective rate of .4650, what actions will be taken?
a. We will still use some of the reserve funds (depending on council, approximately $750,000)
b. We will hire 17 critical positions (11 Public Safety, 3 Parks and Recreation and 3 Public Works
c. Depending on Council, minor bond funds may be sold for infrastructure.
5) Why not use the reserves to fund all the needed services?
a. In my opinion, that would be unwise. What happens next year if the economy does not improve? I have view the reserve as a catastrophic reserve fund. It was not long ago that we had a major hurricane that put Frisco in its sights. Luckily, it did veer away from us (although we spend many dollars in preparing). Major man-made or natural disasters can impact our community and we have to always be prepared.
6) Lower our tax rate even more!
a. There is an inherent danger of not having enough money to fund critical city operations. Most City Managers and economists would agree that .24 cents per $100 valuation for a city of over 100,000 may be an inadequate amount for city services . Some of the things that could take place if you are not adequately funding city operations include:
b. Lower bond ratings, which make it more expensive to borrow money for infrastructure (which the taxpayer pays for). This would create a situation where we pay more in fees and interest to build the same infrastructure. Our Citizen’s dollars would not go as far.
c. Lower quality of life, thus less attractive of a city for new corporate relocations and a downward pressure on home and business values (a downward spiral would be created)
d. Higher indirect fees. For example, the exact same home in Frisco has a home insurance rate approximately $150-200 less than in Allen, McKinney or Plano annually. Thus, potentially, for a savings of $44 per year on the average home (value of $191,000), you may lose the cost savings you see in insurance rates due to a fully funded, trained and well equipped fire and police department.
e. We saw what could happen with road funding in our area. Our representatives, while vocally saying they would never raise taxes by increasing the gas tax 10 cents, allowed SH 121 to be tolled when it did not need to be. Now, for the average car, driving on 121 to work 5 days a week, instead of a $60 annual increase, the user pays approximately $1500-1800 annually in tolls. Unfortunately, not enough citizens joined us as our city attempted to stop this un-necessary and unfair taxation of our citizens
I know this was a long message, but I tried to give you some of the many moving parts to the information needed to understand this issue. I hope this, along with the actual draft of the budget, the questions you are asking and your own sources of what it is like living in Frisco, gives you the information to help us as we determine what our rate should be. Please do not bring national politics to Frisco. Let’s make the right decision, whatever that is, with a cool and level-headed look at where we want our city to be and what makes sense for our community. Frisco is a success story. I receive national and international visitors on a regular basis who come to see our financial model. Let’s continue our well planned growth while keeping government small and non-intrusive.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Frisco Square Boulevard now open!
Today a new segment of Frisco Square Boulevard was opened between John W. Elliott Drive and First Street, which includes a new railroad crossing. Motorists can now travel continuously on Frisco Square Boulevard from Dallas Parkway to Main Street. This provides a new access point to the Heritage Center, City Hall, and the Library from Main Street. At the intersection of Frisco Square Boulevard and First Street, motorists should pay special attention to the new operation of the intersection where Frisco Square Boulevard is now the through street and First Street must now stop.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people get used to the new traffic patterns.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people get used to the new traffic patterns.
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