Friday, February 26, 2010

Frisco Home of new Combine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural Baseball Scouting CombineTo Feature Top Amateur Talent in August 2010

Phoenix, Arizona: For the first time ever, baseball industry leaders in performance training, medicine, and technology will bring together elite high school and college athletes for comprehensive performance and medical evaluations, practice sessions and game play in the Inaugural Baseball Scouting Combine at Dr. Pepper Ballpark and the Athletes' Performance facility in Frisco, Texas from August 18-21.

Major League teams will gain unprecedented information about leading prospects well in advance of the 2011 draft, and top players will garner valuable feedback and evaluative data to improve their on-field performance for the upcoming season. Combine components include medical evaluations from the Andrews Institute, performance assessments and recommendations from Athletes' Performance, and objective performance metrics using leading edge technology from SmartKage.

Similar to this week's NFL Combine, every Major League Baseball team has been invited to attend and player selection is by invitation only, commencing March 1st. In total, 100 high school and college athletes will participate, and the event will be the first of its kind for players, teams, agents, and scouts alike.

The four day event includes:
• Comprehensive Physical and Orthopaedic Evaluations from the Andrews Institute
• FMS, VO2, and Body Composition Assessments from Athletes' Performance
• Position player 5-10-5, 60 yard dash, and vertical jump assessments
• Psychological and Leadership evaluations
• Comprehensive SmartKage evaluations that quantitatively measure, analyze and report skill sets and physical tools for players
• Exclusive athlete interviews for MLB teams
• Scout-friendly practice sessions
• Four high school games and four college games

Contacts:
Athletes' Performance: Katie Burke kburke@athletesperformance.com or (781)616-6141
SmartSports: Corrine Vitolo Corrine@smartkage.com or (617 688-5533)

Lane closed on Preston Road

LANE OF PRESTON ROAD CLOSED BETWEEN ELDORADO PARKWAY AND MOCKINGBIRD LANE
FRIDAY, FEB. 26 & SATURDAY, FEB. 27

(February 26, 2010) As part of TxDOT's widening project, Preston Road will be reduced to one lane between Eldorado Parkway and Mockingbird Lane on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27. Flaggers will stop traffic on either end of the closure and then allow traffic to flow in alternating directions through the single open lane.

This section of Preston Road will operate with a single lane between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. If weather delays the work, this lane closure will continue on Sunday, February 28, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Motorists should expect delays at this location on Preston Road. Through traffic can use Dallas Parkway to the west or Custer Road to the east as alternate routes. Motorists are urged to use caution in the area and to watch for flaggers.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

NCAA Division 1 football championship

Feb. 18, 2010FOR IMMEDIATE USE 

CONTACT:  Todd Lamb –972-422-9500, ext. 107;  tlamb@southland.org 

Frisco's Online Ticket Pledge Drive for NCAA Football Ends MondayTeam Frisco will make its final pitch to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee next Thursday 

FRISCO, Texas – In advance of Frisco's final presentation to NCAA officials to possibly serve as host to the next three NCAA Division I Football Championship Games, fans have a last chance to sign up for the city's online ticket pledge program before it ends on Monday.
The city's local organizing committee, also known as Team Frisco, will make its final pitch to the Division I Football Championship Committee in Indianapolis Feb. 25. 

The website www.collegefootballfrisco.com gives online visitors the opportunity to learn more about Frisco's hosting effort, and also allows them to pledge their ticket interest should the event be played at the 23,000-seat multi-purpose Pizza Hut Park.

Officials in Frisco began the on-line ticket pledge initiative in January. In November, Frisco was chosen by the NCAA as one of two finalist cities for the upcoming national championship contests, and after final presentations on Feb. 25, a decision on the game's destination should occur in early March. "We're very excited to know we're (Frisco) not the only ones looking forward to the possibility of NCAA Division I Championship Football being played at Pizza Hut Park," said Frisco Mayor Maher Maso. "Folks from all parts of Texas and all across the country have expressed interest in traveling to Frisco if we're successful in securing the championship games. We'd be honored to be selected as the host city." 

Team Frisco consists of the City of Frisco, its Economic Development Corporation and Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Hunt Sports Group, LLC/Pizza Hut Park, and the Southland Conference.  

www.Southland.org –   Todd LambAssistant Commissioner/Communications & Media ServicesSouthland Conference2600 Network Blvd., Suite 150Frisco, Texas 75034Phone: 972-422-9500, ext. 107Fax: 972-422-9225 SUPPORT FRISCO'S NCAA FOOTBALL BID:www.collegefootballfrisco.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Census Information Station at City Hall

CITY HALL TO HOST CENSUS 2010 INFORMATION STATION TOMORROW, FEB. 18, 4 – 7 P.M.

(February 17, 2010) Be informed, be involved and be a part of history!
The Frisco Complete Count Committee (CCC) and the U.S. Census Bureau will be sharing information about the 2010 Census tomorrow, February 18 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Stop by
the information station, which will be set up in the first floor atrium inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.

Representatives from Frisco’s CCC and the Census Bureau will be available to answer questions. Spanish speaking translators will be onsite, as well. Materials printed in Spanish will also be available. Find out more about why Frisco needs you to ‘take 10 minutes to answer 10 questions’ – or how you can apply for jobs with the Census.

Representatives will also addressing members of the Teen Anime Club and participants in the Resume Writing Class, which are both being held tomorrow evening at the Frisco Public Library, also located inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center.

Frisco’s CCC is also looking for volunteers and sponsors to help support communication outreach efforts, which include the creation of a ‘Census themed’ art installation to be showcased at the Frisco Heritage Museum.

The 2010 Census is coming to your mailbox in March. For more
information, contact Beckye Frey, Planner and Staff Liaison to the Frisco Complete Count Committee, at 972-292-5357 or bfrey@friscotexas.gov

Saturday, February 13, 2010

TML and AMCC

I am at Texas Municipal League (TML) and the Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners conference.

This is an opportunity for elected officials to share best practices and learn about ways to improve government, reduce costs and provide better citizen services.

I just finished a roundtable with elected officials Frisco cities with populations over 50,000. I was able to share some of our best practices. Frisco is always used as an example in these sessions - our citizens should be very proud of what they have accomplished. Our fire chief, Mack Borchardt, gave a large group of officials a presentation yesterday.

Right now, I am on the way to a presentation for effective communication. I hope to pick up some new methods to communicate with our citizens

Friday, February 12, 2010

Trick-a-trout postponed

TRICK-A-TROUT POSTPONED, RESCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 20;'CHUNK YOUR JUNK' TO
BE HELD TOMORROW, AS PLANNED

(February 12, 2010) Trick-A-Trout has been postponed to next weekend, Saturday, February 20 at 8 a.m. at Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road. Due to the inclement weather, Texas Parks and Wildlife was unable to deliver the fish.

For more information about next weekend's. free, family favorite event, go to www.friscofun.org

The 'Chunk Your Junk' event scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 13, will continue as planned. Start 'chunking' your junk beginning at 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Collection Center, 6616 Walnut Street.

For a complete list of items that can be brought for safe disposal,
recycling or donation, go to www.friscotexas.gov

Click on 'Communication' and find 'Special Events'.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

City of Frisco weather update

CITY OF FRISCO CANCELLATIONS FOR THURSDAY, FEB. 11*
(*as of noon, 2/11/10)

(February 11, 2010) Due to inclement weather, the following City of Frisco facilities or meetings are impacted.

•The Senior Center @ Frisco Square will close at 4:30 p.m. today. As a result, tonight's Sweetheart Dance for seniors is postponed. The new date
is Saturday, February 20, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

•All practices held at city parks for youth sports associations are
cancelled through Sunday, February 14.

•Tonight's Citizens Police Academy meeting is cancelled.

•Tonight's Parks and Recreation Board meeting is cancelled. The next meeting will be held March 11 at 6:30 p.m. as regularly scheduled.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Proclamation - Black History Month

WHEREAS, In 1976, Black History Month was formally adopted to honor and affirm the importance of Black History throughout America; and

WHEREAS, During Black History Month, we honor the rich heritage of African Americans and pay tribute to their many contributions to our Nation; and

WHEREAS, For generations, African Americans have strengthened our Nation by urging reforms, overcoming obstacles, and breaking down barriers; and

WHEREAS, African Americans reflect a proud legacy of courage and dedication that has helped to guide our Nation’s success and prosperity. Visionary leaders like Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, and Martin Luther King, Jr., possessed a clarity of purpose and were instrumental in exposing and addressing the issues that threatened our founding principles; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time for all Americans to reflect on the rich history and teachings of African Americans whose contributions are vast and significant to our country; and

WHEREAS, During Black History Month all Americans are encouraged to reflect on the history and accomplishments of African Americans and bear witness to the progress and achievements they have made throughout.

NOW, THEREFORE I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas, do hereby proclaim February 2010 as

“BLACK HISTORY MONTH”

And encourage all Citizens of Frisco to join me in celebrating the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultures, and traditions of African Americans and encourage everyone to participate in educational events honoring the contributions of Black Americans.

Proclamation - Frisco Family Services

[February 2nd Proclamation]


WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services (formerly Frisco’s Project for the Future) was founded by a small group of concerned and caring citizens to provide help to individuals and families in need; and

WHEREAS, The Agency opened its doors on January 28th, 1995, initially offering only food and clothing to those who requested help and 15 years later, remains the only non-profit social service agency in Frisco providing emergency assistance to those in need or in crisis, enabling them to meet their essential needs; and

WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services with the support of individuals, businesses, civic and social organizations and churches distributes food through the only food pantry in Frisco; and

WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services serves those living in Frisco and Frisco ISD which includes Plano, McKinney and Little Elm, the agency continues to expand programs and services to meet the growing and diverse needs of our community; and

WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services helped 170 families in its first year. Since that time, the agency has seen exponential growth. In 2009, FFS served an unprecedented 1688 client families consisting of more than 5370 children, men, women and seniors with 64% of those served being new to the agency; and

WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services food pantry distributes an average of 38,000 pounds of food to 400 families each month and provided more than $250,000 in financial assistance in 2009; and

WHEREAS, The spirit of volunteerism has been an integral part of the Frisco Family Services’ mission since its inception. More than 250 volunteers each month devote their time and energy to support FFS programs and services, demonstrating their commitment to help those in need or crisis; and

WHEREAS, Frisco Family Services is not a part of any national organization nor a United Way agency. It is only through the generous contributions and support from those in the community that FFS is able to continue to assist families and individuals maintain or achieve self-sufficiency, thus preventing hunger and homelessness.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, do hereby recognize Frisco Family Services, their staff, board and their many dedicated volunteers for their steadfast work on behalf of our citizens and do proudly proclaim February 2nd, 2010 as:

“FRISCO FAMILY SERVICES DAY”

And encourage all Citizens to congratulate Frisco Family Services for their many accomplishments and services they provide to the City of Frisco. Celebrating 15 years of Keeping Our Community Strong…..Together!

Recognition - Yin Wang

[Recognition given in January, 2010]

WHEREAS, Yin Wang a former Chinese province team member is the current coach of Andrew Chen who is the finalist of the Cadet Boys’ at 2009 US Table Tennis Championship and a member of 2010 USA National Cadet Table Tennis Team; and

WHEREAS, Yin Wang is also a highly respected top ranked player in the US with many winning titles and has about 15 years playing history; and

WHEREAS, Yin Wang worked intensely with Andrew Chen training him to finally reach his dream of being selected to the prestigious USA Boys National Cadet Team, which will compete internationally in 2010.


NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas, do hereby bestow Special Recognition to Yin Wang for his many years of playing, and coaching the sport of table tennis and for his part in the success of Andrew Chen.

Recognition - Andrew Chen

During Council Meetings, special proclamations and recognitions are sometimes made prior to the start of the meeting. I thought I would start posting them on here! This one was done in January.

WHEREAS, Andrew Chen is the son of Shirong Chen and Bo He; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Chen is a 7th grade student at Pioneer Heritage Middle School where he excels in the Gifted and Talented Program; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Chen is the finalist of 2009 US Cadet Boy’s category at 2009 US National Table Tennis Championship and a member of 2010 USA National Cadet Team; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Chen at the 2009 US Table Tennis Championship in Las Vegas in December was selected to the 2010 USA Boys National Cadet Team where he will represent the USA at international tournaments; and

WHEREAS, By adding this title to his player profile, Andrew currently holds a total of eight elite titles in just over 4 years of his table tennis career.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas, do hereby bestow Special Recognition to Andrew Chen for his exceptional talent in the sport of table tennis. We congratulate him on his many accomplishments, dedication to the sport and for promoting this sport throughout the DFW area.

Frisco Chamber Candidate Forum

The Frisco Chamber of Commerce invites the public and chamber members to the March 2010 Candidate Forum 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, 6843 Main Street, Frisco. Business owners and the voters will have direct access to their representatives at a unique opportunity.

The setting is informal and no set speeches will be given. Instead, attendees will decide what questions they want to ask, if they want to ask, or if they just want to listen to what others have to say. RadioFree Frisco will broadcast the event on site as well as conduct candidate interviews.

The following candidates have confirmed their attendance:
Collin County Judge Race
Keith Self Representative & John Muns Representative

Collin County District Attorney Race
James Angelino, Jeff Bray & Greg Willis

Collin County Justice of the Peace Precinct #4
Mike Yarbrough (I), Kelley Adley & Douglas Reeves

Denton County State Representative District 65
Burt Solomons (I) & Mike Murphy

Denton County District Attorney
Paul Johnson (I) & Brent Bowen

Denton County Justice of the Peace Precinct #2
James DePiazza (I) & Carlos Gallardo

For more information, contact Tony Felker at The Frisco Chamber of Commerce (972) 335-9522.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Daddy/Daughter dance

14TH ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DANCES TOMORROW, FEB. 6;
ONLY 600 TICKETS LEFT BETWEEN TWO DANCES

(February 5, 2010) "Don't be late for this very important date!"
Tomorrow, Saturday, February 6 is the date of the City of Frisco's 14th
annual Daddy Daughter Dance! Just a little more than 600 tickets are all that remain for tomorrow's dances, which feature an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme. You can still buy tickets to the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. dances. The other two dance times originally offered are 'sold out'. The dances are being held in the ballroom of the Frisco Conference Center, located at
7600 John Q. Hammons Dr. (next to the Dr Pepper Arena).

Daddys and their daughters will have a great time walking through the looking glass with Alice, the Mad Hatter, Rabbit, TweedleDum and TweedleDee, the Chesire Cat, as well as the Queen of Hearts and a club of cards!

"We're very excited about this year's dance," said Cara Harting, Special Events Coordinator. "The decorations are whimsical, we'll have lots of special guests in costume and the ticket sale response has been great!"

Tickets are $12 per person, and there are no refunds, exchanges or ticket replacements. Tickets may be purchased for either of the remaining two dance times; however, daddies and daughters will only be allowed entrance
during the time slot for which they bought a ticket.

Purchase tickets at the Frisco Athletic Center (FAC), 5828 Nancy Jane Lane, while they last. You can still purchase tickets online at
www.friscofun.org ; however, tickets purchased online must be picked up at the FAC by 9 p.m. tonight, February 5.

Light refreshments will be served at each dance. Music will be provided by the Motivator DJ. Innovative Images will be at the dance to capture this memory for daddies and daughters from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A portrait
package is available for $22. Payment in cash or check is due at the time of the event.

Free parking is limited at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Frisco Conference Center. A free shuttle service will be provided from Dr Pepper Ballpark. Valet service will be available for $8 per vehicle. For more information on the event, please go online to FriscoFun.org.