Frisco Memorial Day Event

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT FRISCO COMMONS PARK, MAY 30

(May 26, 2011)  A vintage, military helicopter display and presentation of a memorial wreath are among the highlights of a Memorial Day Ceremony to be held on Monday, May 30 at 9 a.m. at the city’s war memorial at Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road. 

The keynote speaker will be Frisco resident Col. Grady Venable, USAF Retired.  Boy Scout Troop 298 will present the colors.  Residents will also enjoy patriotic performances by the Frisco Chorale and the Frisco Community Band.  Military vehicles will also be on display, as well.
Organizers are encouraging observers to bring their lawn chairs or blankets for seating. The event is free and open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the City of Frisco, the Frisco VFW Post 2848 and the Frisco Garden Club. Other participants are the Frisco Rotary Club and Civil Air Patrol Cadets.   

Proclamation: Pippa Couvillion Retirement

WHEREAS,   Philippa Couvillion, known to one and all as “Pippa”- wife to Kenneth, mother to Jason and Justin, and a resident of the City of Frisco since 1987; and

WHEREAS,   Pippa Couvillion’s career with the City began first as a volunteer in 1987, then as a part-time employee in 1994, and finally as a full-time employee in 1999; and

WHEREAS,   Pippa Couvillion’s efforts saw the start of curbside recycling with 18 gallon bins, implementation of fully automated cart service for household trash collection, the transition to 95 gallon carts for recyclables collection, and the recycling milestone of over 1,500 tons collected per month –resulting in savings to Frisco’s citizens of millions of dollars in avoided landfill disposal costs; and

WHEREAS,   Pippa Couvillion has been “spot on” with recommendations for improving recycling in Frisco, implementing programs ensuring the city’s future continues to be green including “Chunk your Junk”, household hazardous waste program, the environmental collection center, the city’s largest volunteer event  “Clean It and Green It”, Heard from the Curb, as well as obtaining over $600,000 in grant funding; and

WHEREAS, Pippa Couvillion has been “brilliant” in the creation of Rufus Recycles, Cari the Cart, Benny the Rent-a-Bin, Buzz the Bee, and all the other communication and teaching tools.  Moreover, she has been recognized by receiving the 1994 Citizen of the Year Award, 2004 North Texas Corporate Recycling Association – Environmentalist of the Year, 2005 National Recycling Coalition – Outstanding Educational Program, 2006 Solid Waste Association of North America’s  Public Education Excellence Award, and the 2009 Leadership Award from the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling; and

WHEREAS, Pippa Couvillion has tirelessly and loyally served Frisco’s residents with her trademark generosity, courtesy, “jolly good” humor, and affability - winning friends and supporters for Frisco’s Environmental Programs; and

WHEREAS,   Pippa Couvillion has been extremely knowledgeable about effective recycling/solid waste management techniques, helpful, dutiful, unselfish, and has provided exemplary service and abiding commitment to the City of Frisco and its citizens; and

WHEREAS,   Pippa Couvillion upon retiring from public service after 17 years employment and almost 25 years total effort in the cause of bettering the City of Frisco - the Frisco City Council, staff, and citizens want to express our appreciation to Pippa Couvillion for serving the City of Frisco and wish her a fond “Cheerio!”    

NOW, THEREFORE, I,  Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, on behalf of the City Council and the Citizens of Frisco, do hereby proclaim May 11, 2011 as:

“PIPPA COUVILLION DAY”

Proclamations

WHEREAS,   today’s society is finding more citizens involved in motorcycling on the roads of our country; and

WHEREAS,   motorcyclists are roughly unprotected and therefore more prone to injury or death in a crash than other vehicle drivers; and

WHEREAS,   campaigns have helped inform riders and motorists alike on motorcycle safety issues to reduce motorcycle related risks, injuries, and, most of all, fatalities, though a comprehensive approach to motorcycle safety; and

WHEREAS,   it is the responsibility of all who put themselves behind the wheel, to become aware of motorcyclists, regarding them with the same respect as any other vehicle traveling the highways of this country; and it is the responsibility of riders and motorists alike to obey all traffic laws and safety rules; and

WHEREAS,   urging all citizens of our community to become aware of the inherent danger involved in operating a motorcycle, and for riders and motorists alike to give each other the mutual respect they deserve.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas do hereby proclaim May 2011 as

“MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AND AWARENESS MONTH”

And urge all citizens to do their part to increase safety and awareness in our community.

Proclamation: Wakeland High School Girls Soccer State Champions

WHEREAS, The Wakeland High School Varsity Girls Soccer team was founded in 2006; and

WHEREAS, The Wakeland High School Varsity Girls Soccer team is led by Head Coach Meagan Wilson and Assistant Coach Jennifer Cruz; and

WHEREAS, The Wakeland High School Varsity Girls Soccer team consists of Seniors: Maddie Brown, Brittanie Barbero, Kourtney Holleman, Haley Lyons, Christine Sparks, Whitney Stone, Logan White, Ashley Vega; Juniors: Katey Carmichael, Ashley Kingston, Jennifer Perry; Sophomores: Lexie Devore, Maddie Lundberg, Michaela Moen, Kaylin Peery, Paige Reid, and Freshmen: Paige Jorgensen, Sydney Kingston, Zoe Lauer, Tatum Moog, Kristin Rodriguez, Morgan Siano, and Haley Womack; and

WHEREAS,  The Wakeland High School Varsity Girls Soccer team also includes Manager: Kaitlyn Riley; Trainers: Mathu Allen, Tysha Beaty; Student Trainers: Taylor Breeding and Maggie Yates; and

WHEREAS,  The Wakeland High School Varsity Girls Soccer team on their road to the 4A State Championship game in the playoffs defeated 7 other teams to compete in the 4A State Championship game where they won ending their outstanding season with an overall record of 25 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas do hereby proclaim May 17th, 2011 as

“WAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM DAY”

And encourage all citizens to congratulate them for their dedication, determination and outstanding season. Go Wolverines!!

                                                                       

Older Americans Month Proclamation

WHEREAS,               Older Americans teach us the timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice, and love. By sharing their wisdom and experience, they serve as role models for future generations. During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our Senior Citizens and their contributions to our Nation; and

            WHEREAS,               Our Seniors deserve our greatest respect. Their example shows us how to persevere in the face of hardship, care for others in need, and take pride in our communities. Their patriotism, service, and leadership inspire Americans and shape the character and future of our country; and

            WHEREAS,               Millions of Americans are now living longer, more productive lives, and many are choosing to stay active in the workforce. Senior Citizens are also giving their time and talents by volunteering in many ways -- from mentoring youth and participating in environmental stewardship projects to serving the homeless and assisting in emergency preparedness. More than 500,000 Senior Citizens volunteer through Senior Corps, a network of programs that enables older Americans to meet the needs and challenges of their communities. Through the USA Freedom Corps and Senior Corps, older Americans are dedicating their time and energy to strengthening our Nation and serving a cause greater than themselves; and

            WHEREAS,               This year marks the 46^th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965, which was created to improve the welfare of our Seniors. By treating older Americans with the dignity and respect they deserve, we honor their legacy and contributions to our Nation. Their guidance and love enrich our country and make America a better place for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maher Maso, Mayor of the City of Frisco, Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as:

“OLDER AMERICANS MONTH”

And I commend our Senior Citizens for their many contributions to our society. I also commend the network of Federal, State, local, and tribal organizations, service and health care providers, caregivers, and dedicated volunteers who work on behalf of our Senior Citizens. I encourage all Americans to honor their elders, to care for those in need, and to publicly reaffirm our Nation's commitment to older Americans this month and throughout the year.

Railroad Museum ready to go

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Railroad Museum Signs Construction Contracts, Sets Groundbreaking in Frisco

Frisco, Texas, May 18, 2011

FRISCO, TX:  The Museum of the American Railroad will hold a groundbreaking at its new 12.34-acre site in Frisco, Texas, on May 31, 2011.  The event kicks off the initial construction phase of a project that will relocate one of the nation’s finest collections of 20^th Century railroad artifacts and exhibits from Dallas’ Fair Park.

The first phase of construction provides for extensive grading and site preparation, along with the installation of nearly one mile of trackage at the Museum’s new site just south of Frisco Square.     

“It is very exciting and gratifying to be at this point in the project,” said Museum CEO Bob LaPrelle. “While our Capital Funding Campaign continues, we now have sufficient funds on hand to begin construction. This important benchmark enables the museum and its stakeholders to establish a true physical presence in Frisco and seek support for the next phase of work.  We look forward to continuing and expanding the museum’s nearly 50-year legacy of providing educational programs to North Texas.”

Privately raised dollars from foundations and individuals, along with the City of Frisco’s contributions to the project, have generated funds sufficient to complete the initial phase of construction.  The scope of work will provide the Museum with adequate facilities to move its collection of historic trains to Frisco.  Additional funding is sought to complete the remaining phases of construction, which ultimately includes a main museum building, period style-train shed, and restoration shop facilities. 

Engineering for the project was completed and favorable bids awarded in 2010.  Venus Construction Company of Mansfield, prime contractor for the first phase of work, will mobilize to begin grading and preparing roadbed for an extensive layout of track at the new site.  Trac-Work, Incorporated of Ennis was awarded the contract for track construction.  Burlington-Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, has graciously agreed to provide the switch connecting the Museum to their main line at no cost. 

Engineering was provided by Arlington-based Lunsford Associates, which also donated a portion of their services to the project.  The layout of track at the site posed challenges due to the immense size of several Museum pieces, including “Big Boy,” the world’s largest steam locomotive.  “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the design and construction phases of the Museum, a premier facility that will attract many generations of railroad enthusiasts from Texas, the U.S. and around the world,” said Rick Lunsford of Lunsford Associates.

The new Frisco facility will allow the Museum to greatly increase its footprint and showcase its 40-piece assemblage of historic locomotives and rail cars, including the nation’s premiere collection of Pullman first-class sleeping cars from the 1920s.  “We’re thrilled the Museum of the American Railroad is ready to break ground on its new home in Frisco,” said Mayor Maher Maso.  “It will be a tremendous, regional attraction complementing our growing collection of cultural, historical and entertainment venues in the area including the Frisco Discovery Center, the Frisco Heritage Museum and Pizza Hut Park, not to mention a sampling of outdoor public art displays.  The synergy is exciting!  It will generate tourism, enhance Frisco’s reputation as an entertainment destination, and educate residents and visitors, alike, about the impact of the American Railroad on our nation’s history, not to mention our own, considering Frisco’s name is rooted in the St. Louis- San Francisco Railroad.”  

About the Museum of the American Railroad

Founded in 1963, the Museum of the American Railroad is a not-for-profit Texas corporation dedicated to celebrating the heritage and exploring the future of railroads through historic preservation, research, and educational programming. The museum has collected artifacts and archival material from the railroad industry to exhibit and interpret their significance in American life and culture. Exhibits and general programs are provided year-round.  Educational programs are available to local schools and universities through study trips, in-class programming & outreach, and online resources.  For more information about the Museum’s move to Frisco and current programs, visit www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org