Local Services

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Karen Laine Photography – karen-laine.com or 469-927-0225 Capture the first precious weeks with newborn photos you’ll cherish forever, from stunning color-saturated artistic shots to first smiles to black-and-white photos of ten perfect, tiny toes. Amma Lactation Services – (972) 439-5412 or ammalactation@gmail.com Certified lactation consultants are available to support...

Health + Wellness

More Than Man’s Best Friend

Service Dogs Offer Lifeline for Children with Special Needs Article by Ken G. Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of Craig Hanna Children living with autism, severe allergies, or psychiatric conditions know everyday life can present extraordinary challenges. But with the help of specially trained service dogs, many of these children are gaining safety, independence, and the confidence to navigate their world in ways that once seemed impossible. According to experts at United K9, a Texas-based...

Local Services

Cody’s Friends Rescue

Saving Dogs from Euthanasia, One Foster at a Time Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Courtesy of Tina Austin Each morning, Tina Austin reviews dogs listed on that day’s euthanasia list (aka “code red”) by area shelters, hoping a foster steps up so Cody’s Friends Rescue can save another dog. “We usually save 12 dogs a week,” said Austin, the nonprofit’s founder. “Often, I see a dog that's about to be killed who tugs at my heart, but we don’t have a foster to care for it.” Based in the...

Food + Beverage

Wayback Burgers

The Ultimate Post-Game Spot Article by Wayback Burgers | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Wayback Burgers in Allen, Texas, offers more than just a great meal—it’s a go-to dining destination for fresh and flavorful burgers, shakes, and delicious sides with a welcoming atmosphere that truly brings its guests together. Whether you are looking to grab a quick lunch or if you are celebrating after a big game, Wayback Burgers makes quality the main ingredient in everything they...

Life + Culture

Lacey the K9 Detective

Sniffing Out Clues, Comforting Victims Along the Way Article by Marisa Bingham | Photography by Courtesy of City of Allen Lacey isn’t your average pup—she’s a one-and-a-half-year-old K9 trained by Homeland Security, partnered with Digital Forensic Detective Keith Compton of the Allen Police Department. Together, they fight crimes against children using cutting-edge technology and her highly specialized sense of smell. Lacey is trained to detect TTPO , a chemical compound found in all...

Education

Helping Our Allen Eagles Soar!

Foundation For Allen Schools Directly Impacts Students and Teachers in Allen ISD Article by Foundation For Allen Schools | Photography by Courtesy of Foundation For Allen Schools The Foundation For Allen Schools was established to support and expand the learning experience for students and teachers across Allen ISD. This mission comes to life through three focus areas: Educational Grant Program, Student Scholarship Awards, and Teacher Support and Recognition Program. Grants from the...

Arts + Culture

Allen Band Is Rosebound

Allen High School Band Heads to Pasadena for Prestigious 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade Performance Article by Marisa Bingham | Photography by Courtesy of Shayne Studdard The "Biggest Band in the Land" is heading west. Allen High School’s marching band, along with the Tallenettes and color guard, has earned the honor of performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026. This is no small feat. The selection process takes two years, and Allen is the only...

Fitness

Vacation Ready Body

Feel Confident, Strong, and Energized with Smart, Time-Saving Strength Training Article by Averly Burns | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia If you’re dreaming about your next vacation, now is the perfect time to start feeling your best. Whether you’re picturing beach days, active adventures, or simply looking great in vacation photos, the foundation of looking good is feeling strong—and that starts with building and maintaining muscle. Muscle is more than just definition. It...

Food + Beverage

The Coffee Connection

Bringing the Flavors of Coffees from Around the World to Allen Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia For coffee lovers, there are only two kinds of people in the world: those who are hard-core coffee connoisseurs and those who wish they were. In either case, having an aromatic cup of coffee is a ritual that brings meaning to existence.  Rob Miller understands this obsession for coffee. When he combined his love of fresh roasted coffee with his desire...

Home Services

Take a Vacation from Cleaning

Cleanliness Meets Care with Debby's Complete Services Article by Ken Crawford | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Consider for a moment the elevated luxury of coming home from vacation to a clean and organized space. We experience the scrambled trip preparation with laundry and other logistics, often not leaving time or energy for tidying up. What if your home greeted you with the same detailed attention as your resort? You arrive back at your home or office and everything is...