Life + Culture

Local Experiences

Discover local gems, create memories and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Kathy Moreno Georgias Farmers Market: This family-owned produce market brings the best of local goods to the community. Specializing in homegrown fruits and vegetables, the market also offers locally made jams, salsas, candles, and more.  916 E 15th St., Plano, TX  Thunderbird Roller Rink:  Thunderbird has been a Plano tradition for over 52 years and is family owned and operated.  They are...

Shopping

Back to the Future

Collin Creek is back, and eagerly awaiting the return of loyal Plano residents Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Provided In 1981, Collin Creek opened its doors as Plano's first large-scale shopping mall. Maybe you or your kids roamed its halls, listening to Bette Davis Eyes while dressed in leg warmers and shoulder pads. Or perhaps oversized sweaters and big hair were more your style. For decades, families visited the mall for shopping and entertainment alike. It was a hangout spot...

Life + Culture

A Labor of Love

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation lovingly focuses on education, health care and the performing arts Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Provided When it comes to The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation, the words “power couple” come to mind. Christina Mennen Andrea and Rudy Andrea are the driving force behind the philanthropic efforts of The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation. The foundation lovingly focuses on education, health care, and the performing arts. “These three things help a...

Fitness

The Rise of Pickleball

A Sport for All Ages Article by Angi Burns Pickleball, a dynamic blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Originally invented in the 1960s, it’s gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its accessibility, social nature, and adaptability for players of all ages and skill levels. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball, pickleball offers a fun and engaging way to stay active while building...

Wellness

Youth Mental Health Check-Up

Many students suffer with the post-holiday blues. Fortunately, there’s help around the corner. Article by Fatima Durrani The Holidays Are a Paradox The holidays are a paradox: full of exhilaration for some and despair for others. Most of us have experienced being in the middle of that continuum, a place where jingles and salutations—“ho, ho, ho” and “pa rum pum pum pum”—simply lose their grip on our spirits. Our young ones feel it too. A deterioration in student mental health during the...

Local Services

Non-Profit of the Month: Hank’s Friends

Building a Community for Autism Support and Resources Article by Beverly Moss | Photography by Lorena Balaguer: Lovelyn Photography Hank is 12 years old. A handsome boy with a beautiful smile, he loves to watch Disney movies. When he hears any song, he can sing it from beginning to end, even if it’s in a different language. Particularly fond of a Korean band, he can repeat every word in English—and then sing that same song in Korean. “But Hank doesn’t understand the meaning behind the words,”...

Fitness

Local Experiences

Discover local gems, create memories and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Kathy Moreno 1. Crunch: A vibrant, inclusive community where folks of all backgrounds and levels of fitness can come together to embrace their individuality.   No matter your workout of choice, they want you to feel good while reaching your goals. Come join the fun.  1701 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75093 2. Sweathouz: A unique Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge recovery studio that offers a wellness...

Life + Culture

First Responder of the Month

How Matthew Gonzales Turned Adversity Into Community Impact Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia While walking down the halls of the Plano fire station, you can feel the presence of the many men and women who have served the community. Among them is Matthew Gonzales, the first responder of the month, who has been with the Plano Fire Department since 2017. Gonzales has overcome challenges to reach where he is today: helping connect the community with...

Local Services

Non-Profit of the Month

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County: Breaking the Silence Article by Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County | Photography by Provided Did you know that each year, more than 6,000 reports of child abuse are made in Collin County? The unfortunate fact is that one in ten children will experience abuse before their 18th birthday. For over 30 years, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) has provided hope for children and families victimized by child abuse and...

Finance + Legal Services

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Complete Your Estate Plan Article by Burch Law | Photography by Provided Ho Ho Ho... Heart Attack? Did you know that heart attacks, accidents, and hospitalizations spike during the winter holidays? While it’s not the most festive topic, it’s a real reminder that life doesn’t always follow our holiday plans. So, while you’re decking the halls and wrapping presents, take a moment to think about giving your family a different kind of gift—the gift of peace...