Life + Culture

Gifts Of Harvest Healing

Texas Chili Voted America's No. 1 Favorite Fall Food Article by Julie Brown Patton Fall/winter food is all about comfort and connections. Sharing a meal brings people together, and research increasingly shows that gathering around the table can give meaningful boosts to mental health. To explore this link between food and wellbeing, representatives of A Mission for Michael, a family-founded organization providing treatment for mental health, asked 3,014 self-described U.S. food lovers one...

Life + Culture

Light The World With Real Giving, Real Impacts

Texas Giving Machine Returns To McKinney, Spreads Holiday Hope Article by Sharisa Lewis | Photography by Julianne Winzenz and Sharisa Lewis Step into Historic Downtown McKinney this holiday season and discover more than twinkling lights and festive cheer: the Texas Giving Machine is back. Now through Dec. 4, families and friends can experience the joy of giving firsthand, turning simple acts of generosity into lasting impact through custom vending machines that allow donations of goods and...

Life + Culture

Ugly Sweaters Provide Holiday Fun

Prosper Small Business Turns Upcycled Sweaters Into Laughter, Connection, Community Holiday Spirit Article by Alexis Jacobs | Photography by Melissa Hart What started as a simple love for holiday fun turned into a thriving small business for Melissa Hart, owner of DFW Ugly Christmas Sweaters. After moving from Kansas City, Missouri, to Prosper during 2023, Melissa noticed a gap in local Christmas markets. “I realized no one was really doing ugly sweaters,” Melissa says. “Vendors had a few...

Arts + Culture

2025 Parade of Lights:

26th Annual McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade Of Lights By Rotary Club Of McKinney Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Courtesy of Wythe Portrait Studio Christmas Around the World is this year's parade theme in McKinney on Saturday, Dec. 13. This is an annual event organized by the McKinney Rotary Club, which uses the donations raised to fund local, regional, national and international projects focusing on six areas: promoting peace, preventing diseases, providing access to clean...

Life + Culture

Love Life Angel Tree Brings Holiday Hope

Local Program Unites Donors, Schools To Provide Gifts, Essentials, Joy For McKinney ISD Children And Families In Need Article by Alexis Jacobs Holidays can be a stressful time for families struggling to meet basic needs. The Love Life Foundation’s Angel Tree program helps ease that burden by connecting generous community members with McKinney ISD children who might otherwise go without gifts. Donors select an “angel” from the tree to fulfill their wishes or make a monetary donation for Love...

Life + Culture

Uniting Voices And Community

McKinney-Based Sostenuto Choir Ensemble Blends Artistry, Fellowship, Heartfelt Performances Article by Alexis Jacobs Sostenuto Choral Community of North Texas members are far more than a traditional choir. Founded in McKinney by retired educator Cindy Johnston, the group welcomes singers from their 20s through their 80s, uniting volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share a love of music. Meeting Monday evenings for two-hour rehearsals at First McKinney, the ensemble provides what Cindy...

Local Services

Empowering Nonprofits, Enriching Collin County

Gather’s Vision Offers Venues, Resources, Partnerships To Amplify Missions Of Local Nonprofits Article by Alexis Jacobs In the heart of McKinney, a movement is reshaping how small- and mid-sized nonprofits achieve their goals. Gather’s Vision, founded by Darrell Barnes, is dedicated to empowering the nonprofit community of Collin County by providing access to venues, resources and collaborative opportunities that help organizations thrive. “We ensure that nonprofits can focus their resources...

Food + Beverage

Crafting Elegance With Dubai Chocolate

Blending Artistry, Flavor and Elegance, Sue Yaghi Transforms Dubai Chocolate Into Unforgettable Indulgent Experiences Article by Alexis Jacobs | Photography by Isra Yaghi For Sue Yaghi, owner of Sue’s Chic Interiors, chocolate is more than a sweet indulgence; it’s a story. “I was first introduced to Dubai Chocolate as a brand that already embodied elegance and artistry, and I immediately felt a connection,” she shares. That admiration soon turned into inspiration, leading Sue to craft...

Food + Beverage

It's Tea Time

Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa Also Tees Up Special Teas And Pastries Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Provided by Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa Indulge in an afternoon of refined elegance at Omni PGA Frisco Resort's The Lookout Lounge & Bar via an exclusive Afternoon Tea experience. These special teas are available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Savor a curated tea selection by Dallas-headquartered zakti, featuring premium options such as White Down Silver Needle...

Life + Culture

Local Food Truck Scene

Discover Unique Eats, Creative Menus And Mobile Dining Adventures Article by Alexis Jacobs Hibachi Master (Prosper) This grill serves Japanese teppanyaki favorites, including chicken, steak, shrimp and salmon, plus egg rolls, spring rolls and gyozas. All entrees include fried rice and hibachi vegetables, with noodles available as a side.  DonutNV (McKinney) Hot, fresh mini donuts and signature fresh-squeezed lemonade, limeade and orangeade in seven flavors to birthdays, weddings, corporate...