G I V E Y O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S A N E D G E W I T H T H E S M A L L B U S I N E S S E X P E R T S AT C A P I T A L O N E ® . • Expert advice Small business specialists in every branch t o help you st reaml ine your f inances and opt im ize your b o t t o m line. • Small = Big Direct depos i t , f raud pro tec t ion , and cash f l o w managemen t . No mat te r w h a t your size, w e have the f inancial too ls your business needs. • Growing? We're ready Capital One has the produc ts t o meet your business's chang ing needs. From checking and savings accounts t o loans, lines o f credi t , and cash f l o w m a n a g e m e n t tools, we 've go t you covered. C a p i t a l O n e B a n k 2 3 0 0 W . E l d o r a d o P k w y M c K i n n e y , T X 7 5 0 7 0 2 1 4 - 5 4 4 - 4 8 0 0 Normal credit qualifications apply. Branch bank products and services are offered by Capital One, N.A., a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation. Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. ©2008 Capital One Services, Inc. Capital One is a federally-registered service mark. All rights reserved. "Dinosaurs are Alive" in cKinney In January, the McKinney C o n v e n t i o n and Visitor 's Bureau n a m e d the Hea rd M u s e u m as its 2 0 0 8 C o m m u n i t y Partner of the Year. The Dinosaurs Alive exhibi t re turns - wi th 12 new "prehistoric" an imat ronic dinosaurs on August 29, 2008. By popular request, lyrannosaurus Rex also will return. Zfo Dinosaurs Alive exhibit features 14 "Any venue that at tracts tens of thousands of visitors is life-size robotic dinosaurs that are placed noteworthy," said M C D C ] Executive Di rec tor Mike throughout the woods of our sanctuary Cibson . "But to br ing them into such a fun and educat ional a tmosphere is precisely why the H e a r d M u s e u m is m o r e than a venue.. . it's a un ique McKinney treasure." or Sy Shahid, Executive Direc tor of the H e a r d Natura l Science Museum, F Dinosaurs rule. As the dist inguished gent leman glides his glasses up the bridge of his nose, it is impossible to overlook the passion gleaming like a sun shower through his hazel eyes, " l h e Dinosaurs Alive exhibit features 14 life-size robotic dinosaurs that are placed th roughou t the woods of our sanctuary," he said. "We were thril led to hear that McKinney Community Deve lopmen t C o r p o r a t i o n gran ted us more than $50 ,000 to help p r o m o t e the event th rough advertising." Shahid, a 28-year McKinney resident, has invested nearly two decades serving the Heard Museum. Alongside wife, Julia, Shahid started as a volunteer, then served on the museum's board of Directors , and eventually chaired that board until he assumed his current posi t ion . Along the way, Shahid has learned the benefit of developing strong partnerships. "We relied u p o n dona t ions and existing funds to br ing the dinosaurs to McKinney, bu t M C D C allowed us to spread the word about this unique exhibit t h roughou t N o r t h Cent ra l region," said Shahid. "More than 40,000 people of varying ages McKINNEY came here be tween O c t o b e r through February - Unique t>vj nature. and the vast majority of them were from out of town." For more information about M C D C , call 214.544.0296 or visit wmv.mckinncycdc.org. A McKinney Chamber of Commerce Publication www.mckinneyliving.com McK inney Liv ing • March 2008 1 A global leader. Who just happens to be your new neighbor. We enjoy being part of the McKinney community. And we consider ourselves very much a part of its fu tu re—whether helping our clients strengthen thei r port fol ios, fund ing their children's educat ion, or p lanning for ret i rement. We take pride in being the world's largest weal th management f i rm ' and best private bank.' But it's the relationships we've fo rged w i t h our clients in McKinney that we consider our greatest asset. We look fo rward t o your visit at our office in McKinney. We can show you a wor ld of financial opportuni t ies. For m o r e in format ion , visit or call for a f ree consul tat ion. UBS Financial Services Inc. McKinney Green Building 4500 West Eldorado Parkway, Suite 1300 McKinney, TX 75070 877-812-4157 www.ubs.com/financialservicesinc Back row: Abby Love, Mark Kissinger, Steve Sarkissian, Hope Balsley Front row: Allison Tarpley, Rick Brewer, Lisanne Glew 'Scorpio Partnership, June 2007 'Euromoney, 2007 You & Us UBS ©2008 UBS Financial Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member SIPC. Real results for real people. Cooper Fitness Center. Here's why real people like Paul Boucher chose the Cooper Fitness Center. "Dr. Cooper's reputation was key. I really buy into his philosophy that we each need to take responsibility for our health. Just one visit to his new Craig Ranch facil i ty convinced me that i t would be the right place to work out. When you add in the variety of exercise classes, first-rate trainers, and a wonderful day spa, the choice was easy." Let the Cooper team help you reach your fitness goals faster and easier. Get started today with a FREE no-obligation 5-day pass. Call 214.383.1000. " Cooper Fitness Center Ex e r c i s e w i t h a P u r p o s e at Cra ig Ranch 7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy | McKinney, Texas 75070 CooperCraigRanch.com McKinneyLving April / May 2008 Volume 19, Number 3 Table of Contents L I V I N G with progress: 12 Collin County's Best and Biggest By Eric Nishimoto Weedex Lcuvn Care L I V I N G with history: 20 McKinney's o w n Route 66: U.S. 380 By Jennifer Miller L I V I N G for service: Greener Lawn. 28 Cool Cops on Harleys McKinney's Motor Unit By Diedre Woodard L I V I N G with nostalgia: 34 A Legacy of Excellence - N e w Boyd H i g h School wi l l graduate its first seniors By Erica Lovejoy L I V I N G with the arts: 38 Andr e w Harris - The Best is Yet to C o m e By Diedre Woodard L I V I N G for others 44 Home Sweet (in Between) Home By Margaret Lamb f ami ly L I V I N G 50 Mom, Mother, Momma A Mother's Story By Michele Bernard L I V I N G to serve 58 ManeGait - Therapeutic Horseback Riding By Christopher Foster Think learning stops McKinney Living Editorial Commi t tee Editor - Sara Simpson Thomas /Square One Mortgage Assistant Editor - Deb Fitzgerald / McKinney Chamber when school's out? Dr. Carrie Alfieri / Pinnacle Eye Associates, P.A. Beth Bentley /McKinney Housing Authority It doesn't have to. Get your Glenn Coleman / Ebby Halliday REALTORS child ready for next year. We CoCo Good / City of McKinney offer Reading, Writing, Math, J. Eric Higgins, P.C. / Loughmiller / Higgins Attorneys at Law Science, and Social Studies Laura Kay Houser /Happiness is... Quilting! Tonya Knott/A Web Site Checkup with individual attention from Mike Livezey / Cutter Aviation a degreed teacher. Harvey Oaxaca / McKinney ISO Lemuel Randolph / City of McKinney - Parks • Unique summer Robb Temple / Pathfinder Credit Solutions workshops Lisa Vasquez / Collin College • PreK - College • One-on-one Advertising Sales jpv • All subjects Allison Settlemeyer, Andrew Hardin M tutored Art Director/Production !};| • Enrichment Garden Graphics: Georgene Wood, Tisha L. Davis, Stephen Cymerman Publisher Andrew Hardin / McKinney Chamber 1*1 McKWHtTY McKinney Living is published 10 times annually by .....,„>.- McKinney Chamber Publications, Inc. Fur information on this TUTORING 101 magazine or subscriptions write: 1650 W. Virginia, Ste. 110, McKinney, TX 75069 or call 972-542-0165. Copyright 2008, exclusive of proprietary ads and artwork designs. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in You ton be greater then you think. part by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. PIANO 972 985 3276 > ALLEN 972 359 0222 pPulabcleimshenrt orf aitdsv eretipsrinegse nitsa tnivoets ,a paenrdso naol elinadboilristeym eanrits ibngy tthher Cefhraomb eirs, assumed. Story ideas for McKinney Living should be emailed to L Rejuvenate Your Senses | Relax Your Body | Renew Your Spirit Just in t ime for Mother's Day! Receive a free Cooper Spa Towel Wrap w i th a $200 gi f t certif icate purchase.* Invite that special mother in your life to release her stress and feel her soul blossWn anew w i th a Cooper Spa gif t certificate. Rely on our highly-skil led and licensed massage therapists, nail technicians,and estheticians to restore inner peace and outer g low through a wide range of spa services f rom classic to unique. Pampering awaits. Call today. Rejuvenate. Relax. Renew. G s, ooper ojp Choose from two locations. 12100 Preston Road | Dallas.TX 75230 | 972-392-7729 • 7910 Collin McKinney Parkway | McKinney,TX 75070 | 214-383-1010 •Valid 4/28/08 to 5/11/08 M c K i n n e y L i v i n g Of Special Interest Dames Barnes, D.D.S., P A . Vote - It's Your Business FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 10 Information on local elections 5080 Virginia Pkwy, Suite 100 Spring 2008 Parade of Homes McKinney, Texas 75071 18 This year's tour features homes at Tucker Hill (NW corner Virginia Pkwy & Lake forest) Art and Jazz Festival 62 Join the fun in d o w n t o w n McKinney The Sweet Nectars of Summer 66 2008 McKinney Garden Club Home and Garden Tour Departments: 8 From the Publisher 55 McKinney Scene 56-57 Living Profiles and Chamber Ambassadors of the Month 70 N e w Chamber Members 71 Visit McKinney 72 Real Estate Directory 72 Index of Advertisers 73 Shop and Dine in McKinney 74 Here's my Card 75 Calendar of Events 76 Sustaining Member: Medical Center of McKinney McKinney Chamber Publications Finance Committee John Valencia / Primo Microphones, Chair Dennis Baker / Baker State Farm Insurance Lori Bhargava / 209 Downtown Salon & Spa Keith Clifton / Tenant Tracker Johnny Galyean / Square One Mortgage Ray Ricchi / The Ballfields at Craig Ranch Terri Ricketts / McKinney Chamber Cindy Smith / City of McKinney Don Stone / NorthSide Medical Sherry Tucker David / Tee Bee Caprock COVER P H O T O Stewart James (3rd place winner in the 2008 McKinney Living Photo Contest) provided a dramatic view of the dome of the new Collin County Courthouse. See story on page 12. Bclurc After Betore After 6 McKinney L iv ing • Apr i l /May 2008 www.mckinneyliving.com A M c K i n n e y Chamber of Commerce Publication success stories AAA Air Services McKinneys Friend in the A/C Business sk any satisfied customer and he'll tell you that the triple A in A A A Air Services stands for attested, aboveboard and accurate. If you've Aexperienced the first-rate service of this local heating and air condi- tioning company, you've probably experienced some cost savings as well . AAA AIR Attested A A A Air Services is locally owned and operated, has been in business for 1 0 years, and boasts a personal staff truly vested in the company. Jason Sigmon, Owner of A A A Air Services, says that "each employee treats the company as if it were his own . " The A A A team consists of professional people (and even some family members) who Jason has groomed to run the business. His personal goal is to provide an environment where every employee has an opportunity to excel. A b o v e b o a r d The AAA mission is to exceed customer expectations and be the best heating and air conditioning company in the area. A A A Air Services wil l beat competitors' deals and promises to save you money by providing total Above, you can't maintenance solutions and not just a "quick fix." The company's goal is to provide the best customer service possible so that customers wil l recom- miss the bold mend A A A to their family and friends. sign in front of the business Accura te location. Speaking of cost savings, AAA has proven time and again to l o w e r resi- Right, Jason dent ia l electricity bills b y 3 0 % . Through honest recommendations and Sigmon is regular maintenance, A A A Air Services puts money back in your pocket! always ready to A A A Air Services also offer commercial equipment leasing. Its proven for- greet customers. mula is to cut a business' electric bills in half by installing leased equip- ment, which allows the business customer the privilege of putting VA of the savings back into the business. If you're a McKinney business owner, this is music to your ears! What sets AAA Air Services apart from the competition: • AAA specializes in both residential and commercial maintenance and services • AAA's air conditioning and heating products are rated #1 among all others • The A A A staff of technicians comprises more than 2 0 years experience Mention this ad for • All A A A technicians are NATE certified Spring Air Conditioning • Only A A A offers same-day service and 24-hour scheduling System Check-up The AAA staff genuinely prides itself in 100% customer service. Services are guaranteed. If you're not cool today, AAA offers you a free hotel stay for the night! N o w if that's not enough to make you pick up the phone and call A A A Air $59.95 Services, maybe this is: AAA was the American Standard Dealer of the Year in 2 0 0 7 and is an active member of the Better Business Bureau. (per system) Be sure to call A A A at 214-544-8555 or stop by their new location off of 3 8 0 at 1005 W . University Drive. Don't be surprised when you're wel- $89.95 for commercial customers comed with a familiar smile. Jason "loves customer interaction"! 1005 W. University Drive • McKinney, TX 75070 • 214-544-8555 • www.aaaairservice.com A McK inney Chamber of Commerce Publ icat ion www.mckinneyliving.com McK i n n e y L iv ing • Apr i l /May 2008 7 from the publisher of McKinney Living Magazine Clouds above McKinney. inter has alternated between town was built in 1874 and remodeled in special needs by giving them an opportu- 80 degree days and snow. Don't 1927. In 1979 it was replaced by the nity for recreation and improved physical you just love Texas? The variance in courthouse two blocks to the South and and emotional well-being through inter- our weather is yet another example of the almost 30 years later the building in our action with horses. breadth of opportunities and pleasures of feature story on page 12 is previewed. Finally, do not forget to vote May living in McKinney. Another story that chronicles 10th. This is your opportunity to help Having grown up here I do not know McKinney's past, present and future select the leaders of our city, school and that much about snow, but many of my starts on page 20. Highway 24, 380 or community college. The McKinney friends have told me that they do not University Boulevard - no matter what Chamber of Commerce will host a candi- miss it. Snow to me is just another noun you call it - reflects the change and date forum on April 25th where you can for celebration. For when it snows here - growth over the last 100 years. meet and compare the candidates. Check it becomes a holiday. Our world looks Transportation is always the lifeline in their website, mcKinneytx.org, for the beautiful and people talk about shutting every community to its success and per- latest information. down schools and work and heading sonality. This story tells about our histo- And as always, drop me a note and home to relax and enjoy the moment. ry and our future on our own "Route 66". let me know what you think about this But as quickly as snow melts, spring And ManeGait is one of those feel- issue and what stories you would like to arrives and our world bursts alive with good stories (page 58) that everyone see in the future. every color in the spectrum. Every tree enjoys. This dream is the passion of and flower blooms as if they are putting McKinney resident's Bill and Pris Darling Andrew Hardin on their Sunday finest and we cannot who are an example of the best of wait to get out and work in the yard or go McKinney. play golf. No matter what you enjoy, Bill with his brothers, Bob and Steve, McKinney has it, and that is probably the moved to McKinney in the 1980s and reason you moved here. grew Darling Homes building quality This two-month issue of McKinney homes. ManeGait gives back to Living also has something for everyone. McKinney and area individuals with