Local Services

Nonprofit of the Month

One Woman Dedicated to Alleviating Food Insecurity Among Seniors Article by Laurie "LoLo" Roberts | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Laurie "LoLo" Roberts It all started with a heartfelt conversation at a church gathering.  A concerned church member, with genuine worry in their voice, shared, "Did you know that there are hungry senior citizens living in the apartment complex behind our church?" The Grateful Gratitude Hearts Foundation, a one-woman nonprofit devoted to providing fresh...

Education

Student of the Month

Kiran Karthik Helps Others with Tech Through Elevate Tomorrow Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Kiran Karthik Kids today are accomplishing more than ever before. And Kiran Karthik, a local Allen resident and senior at Greenhill School in Addison, is a perfect example.  For the past five years, Kiran has been a volunteer tutor for refugee students. In his words, “I’ve seen how important STEM education and access can be to those that are less fortunate. Many of...

Education

Not Your Typical Home Economic’s Class

Allen High School’s Blu Culinary Arts Program Introduces Students to a Professional Hospitality Career Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Steven Offield Making popcorn and sewing cushions might be what you remember from your days of Home Ec. But in Allen ISD, these simple skills have been replaced with quality education to help students grow. In the 2010s, Allen High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) department finished renovations on Blu—the...

Food + Beverage

Champions of Breakfast!

Best Local Spots to Start Your Morning Off Right Article by Angi Burns Best Coffee: Frogg Coffee Bar & Crêperie This charming Watters Creek café pairs espresso drinks and specialty lattes with crêpes, waffles and pastries. Frogg Coffee Bar & Crêperie 832 Watters Creek Blvd. Best Mimosa: TwoRows Classic Grill  Weekend brunch pairs its famous Honey Pepper Bacon with a classic mimosa of fresh orange juice and sparkling wine. 711 Central Expy. S. Best French Toast: Sofra Breakfast &...

Entertainment

One Location, Limitless Date Ideas

Paint, play, dine, indulge, or unwind—Watters Creek offers endless possibilities for a date worth remembering. Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia A soft smile, the clinking of drinks, and maybe a cute selfie or two—a date night with that special someone is a time to connect and make memories. Watters Creek Village offers a variety of date night options without leaving the city limits . . . or even needing to move your car. Enjoying food and drinks...

Food + Beverage

The Chef Behind Elke’s

Elke’s Market Cafe’s legacy continues under Chef Gregory Casale, whose remarkable career has taken him from New York to kitchens across America. Article by Kim Casale | Photography by Valerie Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Even if you’ve never been to Elke’s Market Cafe in Allen, there’s still a good possibility you’ve experienced the culinary expertise of owner and chef, Gregory Casale. Elke’s has been legendary in Allen for over 22 years, but Chef Gregory’s 30-plus years of culinary experience...

Beauty

Rooted in Confidence

Drybar Allen Helps Clients Elevate Their Style through Healthy Hair, Confidence, and Expert Blowouts. Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Zaharra Hemani: Blue Gem Portraits Whether it's soft waves for date night, a sleek style for the office, or a voluminous blowout before a special event, hair elevates confidence and ties an entire look together. And Drybar Allen has been creating this experience since opening its doors in 2024. "Everyone has their own personal style, and your hair...

Shopping

Workin’ It

Young Professional Fashion Fit for the Perfect Pitch to the Happiest Hour Article by Roxanne Carne | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Call it the One-Piece Rule: one of this fall's most popular fashion trends, and also the smartest way to get dressed while somehow still being the simplest. Instead of piecing together five brand-new looks from scratch, real style now hinges on a single, deliberate anchor - one bold piece, worn with confidence, everything else kept quiet around...

Life + Culture

Don't Tell Mama Band

Twenty Years of Music, Memories, and Bringing People Together Article and Photography by Patti Faulhaber For nearly two decades, the Don't Tell Mama Band has been proving that great music has the power to unite people. Since its founding in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Glenn and Maria Lightford, the Dallas/Fort Worth-based band has grown into one of North Texas' premier live entertainment acts, earning a loyal following through exceptional musicianship, high-energy performances, and a...

Life + Culture

Nonprofit of the Month

The Art of Coping Supports Kids’ and Teens’ Mental Health Through Art and Dance Expression Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Gracelyn Baggett: Sun Kissed Imagery When life starts to overwhelm us and we’re unsure where to turn, ideally, a professional therapist can offer guidance, or a trusted friend can lend a listening ear. But for some children, visual and performing arts can bring an immediate source of peace. That’s where a local nonprofit, The Art of Coping, is working to make...