Issuu

T H E

G U I D E

T O

T H E

G O O D

PLANOMAGAZINE.COM |JAN-FEB 2022

S T U F F

©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2021

SEKTION/SINARP/HASSLARP Kitchen

2739

Based on a 10' × 10' kitchen price

For details, visit IKEA-USA.com/warranty

Pinch salt, not yourself. Close your eyes. Picture a beautiful and affordable quality kitchen that ’s just your style. Now open. It ’s time to turn that dream kitchen into a reality. We’ll even send a team of professionals to help every step of the way, from measurement to planning to installation. Oh, and did we mention it has a 25-year warranty? On second thought, maybe you do need a pinch. Schedule your virtual or in-store appointment today. Visit IKEA-USA.com/Frisco What’s included in the price? The kitchen price includes cabinets, fronts, hinges, cover panels, deco strips/ moldings, legs and toekicks. All kitchens also include soft-closing hinges. Your choice of appliances, lighting, knobs/handles, sinks, faucets, countertops and interior accessories sold separately.

CONTENTS 10 KNIFE 20 VIDEO UPDATES 22 PLANO WINEMAKER 24 GO GREECE 28 DONOR DOER 30 PEOPLE OF PLANO: RITA CHEEK

CONTRIBUTORS Kathy Tran • Daniel Rockey

Another weird year done. Loo k i n g b a ck , p e r h a ps 2 0 21 wa s so m eth i n g we s h o u l d h ave ex p ected af te r th e t ra i nw reck th at wa s 2 0 2 0.

B ut it’s h u m a n n at u re, fo r m os t of u s a ny wa y, to b e o pt i m i s t i c, to th i n k th at th i n g s j u s t ca n’t s ta y we i rd fo reve r. I n th e g ood n ew s d epa r tm ent, o u r sch oo l s s i d es tep p ed Zoo m a n d k i d s s ta r ted l ea r n i n g i n p e r so n a g a i n. O u r a r t s o rg a n i zat i o n s b eg a n h os t i n g l i ve event s, b r i n g i n g u s tog eth e r a g a i n. A n d o u r cit y’s res ta u ra nt s a n d s h o ps f i g u red o ut wa y s to s ta y o p en a n d m ove fo r wa rd, even i f s m a l l b u s i n es s ow n e r s co nt i n ue to fa ce n ew ch a l l en g es eve r y d a y. So w h e re d o es th at l eave u s? Wh at w i l l 2 0 2 2 h ave i n s to re fo r Pl a n o a n d fo r u s? O u r cit y a n d it s res i d ent s h ave a l wa y s b een res i l i ent. We’ve g row n so m uch th ese pa s t 2 0 yea r s th at reg ro u p i n g, ref i n i n g a n d reco m m it t i n g d u r i n g th e pa s t co u p l e of yea r s s h o u l d b e g ood fo r u s. We’ve h a d a ch a n ce to th i n k a b o ut o u r f ut u re, a n d fo r th e m os t pa r t we l i ke w h at we’re see i n g. We’re s t i l l h e re, a n d we k n ow th i n g s w i l l set t l e d ow n event ua l l y. A n d i n s p ite of eve r y th i n g th at h a s h a p p en ed e l sew h e re, p eo p l e s t i l l keep m ov i n g to Pl a n o — th at’s th e u lt i m ate en d o r sem ent th at we’re o n th e r i g ht t ra ck . H e re’s h o p i n g th i s n ew yea r l ea d s to n ew o p p o r t u n it i es fo r a l l of u s. H e re’s h o p i n g we co nt i n ue to b e a p l a ce th at en co u ra g es p eo p l e to ta ke ch a n ces a n d o p en b u s i n es ses th at m a ke Pl a n o a g reat p l a ce to l i ve. A n d h e re’s h o p i n g th at w h en we l oo k b a ck o n 2 0 2 2, th e wo rd “ we i rd” i s n ow h e re to b e fo u n d. P

-jehadu abshiro

play better, grandpa better,

If your joint replacement is causing pain or instability, find relief with the help of our orthopedic specialists. Get better right here in Plano, thanks to a tailored treatment plan that eliminates pain and gets you back to doing what you love. Call 1.844.BSW.DOCS or visit BSWHealth.com/ComplexJoint to get started.

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-PL-407356 AM

Higher education for adults with disabilities THANKS TO COVID-19, NORTH TEXAS’ MOST ADVANCED HIGHER LEARNING PROGRAM NEEDS OUR HELP TO RAISE $2 MILLION

MY POSSIBILITIES NEEDS OUR HELP. Just days before the pandemic hit, My Possibilities (MP) expected to break ground on Building Two of its Campus for Higher Learning. Its three-year $25 million capital campaign was complete, and construction aimed at helping 1,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities each month was imminent.

AND THEN… Today, plans are back on track with hopes to begin construction in the first quarter of 2022. But there’s a $2 million hitch. Prices have increased for all materials needed for the building: concrete, steel, the works. So the capital campaign is being restarted in order to fill the construction-cost gap, says Michael Thomas, executive director of My Possibilities. MP is the first full-day, full-year continuing education and job placement program in North Texas that

gives adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) a chance at higher education. That includes neighbors with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and many more diagnoses. Adults who attend MP are affectionately known as Hugely Important People, or HIPsters. (Editor’s Note: To read stories about some of the HIPsters, visit planomagazine.com and search hipster.) In its existing building, My Possibilities operates educational programs that teach life skills, independent living skills, social and job skills, and therapeutic and vocational training courses. “After the second building is complete, the first building will be focused on life skills and the second will primarily focus on vocational training, featuring a business school environment that mirrors systems applied in traditional collegiate models,” Thomas says.

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

MY POSSIBILITIES CAREER SERVICES BUILDING

ALL OF US CAN BE CAMPUS CHAMPIONS. Individuals, corporations, foundations can donate today and close the $2 million expense gap brought on by pandemic delays. Visit mypossibilities.org or call 469-241-9100 and find out how you can help HIPsters realize their potential.

4 INTERNS

“The numbers are staggering,” Thomas says. “Four percent of the population has intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are 7.2 million people in North Texas, so that means roughly 250,000 residents in the region are ones with disabilities. Currently we serve 600 HIPsters monthly; with the new building we will be able to serve 1,000 a month. “There is no such thing as a vocational training program for people with disabilities. Our hope is to establish one that organizations similar to My Possibilities will be able to observe and similarly implement in this field,” Thomas says. “HIPsters comprise a highly employable group of individuals who just need training and a chance, just like everyone else.”

CAREER SERVICES LOBBY Sold – The Moody Foundation

MPRINTS

SO WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT?

4 INTERNS

In addition to being the vocational training hub, the second building will house administrative offices, a commercial kitchen and cafeteria where My Possibilities can offer healthy meals and customized dietary plans.

HEB Cafe 5b

Staff offices

TECHNOLOGY VOCATIONAL LAB Sold – Perot

1. Retail/Customer Service Vocational Lab (1,400 s.f.) 2. Administrative Vocational Lab (1,400 s.f.) 3. Facilities Vocational Lab (1,000 s.f.) 4a. Cafeteria Kitchen (1,000 s.f.)

HOSPITALITY VOC LAB 6 – Sold Aimbridge

CULINARY ARTS KITCHEN Sold – Keurig Dr Pepper

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE KITCHEN Sold - McDermott

4a.

4b.

7 6

5(a-c). Vocational Education Classroom (600 s.f.)

CAROL’S CAFETERIA Sold – Troesh Family Foundation

6. Entrepreneurship Vocational Lab (600 s.f. ) 7. Career Services Staff Offices (500 s.f.)

4b. Cafeteria Kitchen (600 s.f.) BUILDING DETAILS 300 HIPsters attending weekly

250,000

NORTH TEXAS RESIDENTS HAVE AN INTELLECTUAL AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

WITH IDD ARE EMPLOYED

52%

OF ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES LEAVE HIGH SCHOOL WITHOUT A DIPLOMA

62%

OF PARENTS OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES DON’T HAVE A FUTURE PLAN.

THEY PUT THE PLAY IN PLANO. WHO’S THAT, YOU ASK? SESSION PILATES, THAT’S WHO. SESSION Pilates isn’t a franchise with corporate-owned studios all over the place. Locally owned and operated by founder and creator Brittany Grignon, this Plano operation specializes in performance Pilates, both in-studio and via its online platform, SESSION@Home. The reformer Pilates studio currently offers about 45 weekly classes, with more to come in the new year. Utilizing the Allegro 2 Pilates Reformer, all classes are highintensity, rhythmic-based, and full-body with a modern/ athletic approach and an emphasis on the core — and at the same time, low-impact and approachable to all fitness levels. As the studio’s clients and team will tell you, try it once and it’s sure to become your next obSESSION. “Connectivity” is the word for these well-spaced 15-person, 50-minute classes where participants move as one; the focus is on connecting people to their bodies, understanding how they personally move and learning how their own body works. The obvious is there, Grignon says, in that results show a gain in muscle definition and overall health, but more importantly, you can expect to develop a mind-body connection and enjoy a chance to check out of your day for a bit. SESSION Pilates takes pride in its team of instructors who are all trained in-house through a three-month intensive program led by Grignon. Instructors are also required to partake in continuing education each quarter, keeping the team current on all things including anatomy, pregnancy and Pilates, how to cater to injuries, and mat Pilates — a style that the SESSION team offers exclusively for off-site, pop-up classes and on SESSION@Home. SESSION Pilates offers classes in its thoughtfully designed, bright, welcoming studio throughout the day, 365 days a year, and are taught by a team of nearly 30 male and female instructors and counting. If you’re concerned about the safety of group on-site training, SESSION also offers online subscriptions with access to more than 300 on-

6 8

demand videos that require little or no equipment for just $30 a month after a 7-day free trial. Grignon, who also operates SESSION Pilates in Uptown, Lakewood and on Lovers Lane in Dallas, is an accessible face in the studio, and her grass-roots approach to business is evident through her community connections: She and SESSION Pilates support a plethora of community organizations that include the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Plano ISD PTAs, Lovepacs and The Family Place, among others. For reformer Pilates that is fun, FIRST CLASS IS FREE approachable, local — not Select the “Intro outsourced — and taught by Session” pricing option a tenured team of instructors, and use promo code PLANOMAGSESSION and do yourself a favor and reserve your first class is free! your spot at SESSION Pilates. For membership and pricing details, call 469-333-8750, visit Sessionpilates.com, or reach out to info@sessionpilates.

sessionpilates.com/plano-location Plano’s SESSIONS Pilates’ owner Brittany Grignon leads a reformer class. Photos by Jessica Turner

we want you to join

our team of highly motivated sales professionals

Advocate Publishing is interviewing ca n d i d a t e s f o r FULL OR PART TIME ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE POSITION. Print advertising sales experience required. Make your own Schedule Generous Commission Health Insurance Great Work Environment If this is you, please email your resume to humanresources@advocatemag.com with subject line: resume P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Brianna Ruelas: a single years in the making story Joshua Baethge | photo

fter years of helping others get into the music business, singer-songwriter Brianna Ruelas recently release her own single. The 42-year-old’s debut single, “Thieves,” i s n o w a v a i l a b l e o n S p o t i f y , i Tu n e s , A p p l e Music, Amazon and other streaming platfor ms. It’s a project she has been working on for a few years now. “I’m very excited to finally get it out there,” she said. Ruelas began writing the song as a response to going through difficult times. She was struggling with being a n e n t r e p r e n e u r, a u t h o r o f t w o books mom. She and her husband also owned a restaurant, Victor Hugo’s which they had close after seven years due to the pandemic. Her hope is that the song will resonate with other female entrepreneurs and moms who are trying to pursue a create pare and are willing to acknowledge that can often be tough. The song’s title was inspired by a neighbor who o n c e t o l d h e r, “ c o m p a r i s o n is the thief of joy.” It’s a concept she believes many people can relate to today whether they are thinking of other paths they could have taken or comparing their lives how others portray themselves on social media. Ruelas has been active in the music industry for nearly two decades. She serves as a reality television music coach and has an online course called the Reality Singing Show Success Academy. One of her students will be on the upcoming season of American Idol. Now, after years of songwriting and mentoring others, she says it’s very gratifying to finally be releasing her own music. “It’s certainly been a journey. Not just my journey but the song’s has evolved so much,” she says. “ To h a v e s o m e t h i n g that’s my own that’s out there makes me very very proud.” P

PRIMARY CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON – CLOSE TO HOME.

Children’s Health is pleased to announce our brand-new primary care location in Plano, formerly Pediatric Associates of Plano. Enjoy the same exceptional care your family has grown to know and trust backed by an award-winning health care system. SM

Learn more at childrens.com/primary-care.

EAT. DR IN K. EN JOY.

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

SEVEN DOORS KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

Simple, regional Italian foods with a focus on the grill. Everything is made by hand, using the best ingredients.

An approachable modern American grill serving chef-inspired shared plates and entrées.

DAVIOS.COM

SEVENDOORSKITCHEN.COM

BARLEY & BOARD

WINDMILLS

A locally created gastropub, influenced by seasonal and fresh ingredients in harmony with hand-crafted brews.

A place where you can soak in great music, books, fine craft beer and carefully curated dishes.

BARLEYANDBOARD.COM

WINDMILLS-USA.COM

SCAN TO VIEW ALL RESTAURANTS AND TO SEE WHAT’S COMING SOON TO GRANDSCAPE

TRUCK YARD

PARRY’S PIZZERIA & TAPHOUSE

A come-as-you-are beer garden and American grill that also features the best food trucks in Dallas.

Award-winning New York-style pizza, authentic buffalo wings and craft beer.

TRUCKYARDTHECOLONY.COM

PARRYSPIZZA.COM

JANUARY 24 - 31, 2022

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT

Enjoy world-class dining experiences. Visit Grandscape.com for more information.

5752 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony, TX 75056 | Grandscape.com

Knife

story Daniel Rockey | photos Kathy Tran

or George Stergios, operating partner at Knife in The Shops at Willow Bend, the restaurant business is all about tackling problems as they come and being grateful for problems that pass him by. At its core, Knife is more than a highend steakhouse. It’s a dining spot with a luxurious air that entices hungry office workers to talk business. And it’s a reliable local spot where families can expect a meal that satisfies everyone. It’s also a landmark for those looking to celebrate with a vast assortment of dry-aged steaks and accompanying wine. Knife has tailored itself to be a bit of something for any occasion. “I think that prior to the pandemic, we had really started to take off,” Stergios says. “Things were getting better, but then people started to not travel as much. They started to work remotely. As things start to open back up, things should get better. Luckily, we have built a reputation with people knowing and reading about us.” During the past year, labor shortages have been a source of struggle for many business owners. Stergios says Knife has been both lucky and benefited from planning ahead. “We’ve been a lot more fortunate here, staffing wise.” Stergios says. “I feel like we have the best staff we’ve ever had. Sure, there are some holes to

plug, but I think (we’re doing well) because we’re a small operation, and I’m here working every day with everyone else. When you’re on the front lines, you’re able to provide support where it’s needed to limit frustrations.” The new age of food delivery creates additional management challenges: While many restaurants have been strong-armed into finding ways to make their food travel-ready, Knife decided to limit their off-site sales. “Our food doesn’t travel well,” Stergios says. “When you have a 3 2 - o u n c e , 90-day-aged ribeye, you order a medium rare, and by the time you get it home its medium well. You’re upset, and it just ruins the experience. I would rather not put ourselves, and our customers, into that situation.” I n s t e a d , Knife ventured into the “butcher shop” aspect of the food business, allowing customers to buy certain amounts of its dry-aged meats to take home and cook themselves. Through everything, Knife and other Plano restaurants remained open when possible and strived to keep their “experience” as consistent as possible. Stergios says it all boils down to the kind of people who visit his and other restaurants regularly. “Here, there’s an element of neighborhood, of family, of regulars. We have a lot of locals who really support this location, and that’s why we just love the area.” P

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

22 7-15 WINNIE THE POOH,

KI DS

7-16 FORBIDDE N BROA DW

WE EKE ND S, THE ATR E AT WIL LOW BEN D CE NTE R OF DE LIG HTF UL SHO THE AR TS W BA SED ON A.A . MIL NE AN D THE DIS NE Y FIL MS JAN

JAN

BALLET PRESENTS ALADDIN

R, 2351 PER FO RM AN CE DR . N AN D BRU CH FEA TUR ES THE TO NE CO LO RS OF THE

ORCH EST RA

E PART Y 20 22

S LIV E SHOW

LE M AKE RS

SAT., LEGAC Y HA LL BOX GA RD EN , 780 0 WIN DR OS TRA NS PO RT YO E AV E. UR SEL F TO AN ISL AN D IN THE SUN WIT H THI

29 WEE ZE R TRIBUTE: TRO UB

SAT., PLA NO EV EN T CE NTE R 200 0 EA ST SPR ING 4-14 YEARS AN D CR EEK PKW Y. THE IR PAREN TS INV ITE D TO AN EN CH AN TED EV EN ING OF FUN JAN

22 PL ANO FA M ILY DAN C

SHOW TIM ES VA RY, AR T CE NTR E THE ATR E, 140 0 SUM NE IL SIM ON ’S REV MIT AV E., SUI TE ISIO N WIT H A FEM E AL E PER SPE CT IVE JAN

21-30 THE ODD COUP LE

WE EKE ND S, THE ATR E AT WIL LOW BEN D CE NTE R OF THI S TIM ELESS, CA THE AR TS PTI VATIN G STO RY IS BRO UGHT TO LIFE IN THI S GLOR JAN - FEB IOUS MUSICAL

21-29 LITTLE WOMEN

JAN

DVOŘ ÁK , BRI TTE

15 PL ANO SYMPHONY CO N CER T SE RI ES CAR N IVALS TO : FAN TA SI ES SAT., EIS EM AN N CE NTE

FRI ., TER RA ME DIT ERR AN EA N, 240 5 DA LLA S PKW PU TNA M’S MO STL Y., SUI TE RS1 Y ON E-M AN PRO JEC T FRO M THE AL BU M AN TIC IPA TIO N PO PS JAN

14 THE M ARCH DIVIDE

FRI ., CO UR TYA RD THE ATE R, 150 9 H AV E. OR IGI NA L FAI RY TAL E BA LLE T FIL LED WIT H EXC ITE ME NT AN D WO ND ER JAN

7 PLANO METROPOLITAN

SHOW TIM ES VA RY, AR T CE NTR E THE ATR E, 140 0 SUM BROADWAY REV MIT AV E., SUI TE UE PA RO DY ING E MU SIC AL THE ATR E JAN

JANUA RY

there is something for everyone at Grandscape.

WITH OVER 30 UNIQUE DINING DESTINATIONS,

EAT. DRINK. ENJOY.

19 4-12 DISNEY’S THE LITT LE M

ER M A ID

FRI ., PLA NO EV EN T CE NTE R, 200 0 SPR ING CR EEK CO ME EXP ERI EN PKW Y. CE SO NU VA RK EY’S UN IQU E BLE ND OF INT ERACT IVE MAGIC FEB

FEB

4 M AGICAL DATE NIGHT

TH E VAG INA M O N O LO G UE S

ED BY YO UTU BE ICO N

ER T

IN TE R’ S TALE

PE AR L G EM

25-27 MD’S VARIETY SH OW GE

N O SPRI N G SALE

AN D TH ERE’S SO MU CH MORE ...

SIG N UP TO RE CE IVE EV EN TS AT PL AN OM AGAZ IN E.C PROM OT E YO UR OM /N EW SLE TTE EVEN T AT PLANO R MAGA ZIN E.COM FOR DE TA ILS OF /EVEN T-S UB MI SS AL L EV EN TS, CL ICK IO N EV EN TS AT PL AN BE SU RE TO CO OM AGAZINE.CO NF IRM TIM E AN M D DATES BE FO RE AT TEN DIN G AN Y EV EN T

SUN .-TU ES. , PLA NO EV EN T CE NTE R 200 0 EA ST SPR EV ERY THI NG NE ING CR EEK PKW W MOTHE RS NE Y. ED, PLU S GR EAT FIN DS FO R K

27-1 DIVINE CONSIGN PL A

WE EKE ND S, CO LLI N CO LLE GE THE ATR E, 280 0 E. SPR A CO ME DIC RO ING CR EEK PKW MP INTO THE WO Y. RLD OF FAN TAS Y RO LE- PLAYIN G GA ME S FEB -M ARCH

24-6 SHE KILL S MONST ER S

FEB -M ARCH

FRI .-SU N., AR T CE NTR E THE ATR E, 140 0 SUM MIT AV SO ME OF THE GR E., SUI TE E EAT BROADWAY TUN ES BRO UG HT TO THE STA

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT

Visit Grandscape.com for more information.

Enjoy world-class dining experiences.

JANUARY 24 - 31, 2022

AD HERE

5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony, TX 75056

C IRQ UE DE LA SY M PO N IE

SAT., EIS EM AN N CE NTE R 2351 PER FO RM AN CE DR A VA RIE TY OF MIN . IMA LIS T CIR CU S AC TS SYN CH RO NIZ ED TO CL AS SIC AL MU SIC FEB

19 PL ANO SYMPHONY:

SAT., LEGAC Y HA LL BOX GA RD EN , 780 0 WIN DR OS JUS T BRE ATH E, THE E AV E. N JAM OU T TO AN AW ESO ME NIG HT OF ’90 S RO CK FEB

19 PEARL JA M TRIBUTE:

WE EKE ND S, GE NE SIS CH ILD REN ’S THE ATR E, 310 0 IND KIN G LEO NTE S’ EPE ND EN CE PKW JEA LO USY RIP S Y., #3 24B APAR T HIS FAM ILY, BU T GR IEF OP EN S HIS HE AR T FEB

11-20 SHAKE SPEARE ’S TH E W

SHOW TIM ES VA RY, AR T CE NTR E THE ATR E, 140 0 SUM STO RIE S FRO M REA MIT AV E., SUI TE L INT ERV IEW S ME E AN T TO EM POWE R WO ME N FEB

FEB

SAT., CO UR TYA RD THE ATE R, 150 9 H AV E. EPI C ACOU STI C CL AS SIC RO CK PER FO RM

5 M IKE M ASSE IN CONC

EDITORIAL HERE 4-19

WE EKE ND S, WIL LOW BEN D CE NTE R OF THE AR TS, BA SED ON THE 6121 W PA RK BLV TO NY AWAR D-W D., B216 INN ING OR IGI NA L BROADWAY PRO DU CT ION FEB

FEBRUAR Y

Embrace the tide and sail away with tropical cocktails in hand and chef-driven, boardwalk fare. Inspired by laidback SoCal vibes, Suburban Yacht Club is the newest concept by 33 Restaurant Group to open in Plano. From the overall decor and color palate reminiscent of San Diego sunsets to the unique Tiki cocktails and Bajastyle dishes, every detail is a departure from everyday Texas to an unforgettable coastal experience. Influenced by SoCal boardwalk fare, the menu ranges from mix and match Streetside Tacos to Boardwalk Burgers and Baskets, as well as Fresh Ceviche, Shrimp Coctel and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Elote. The tropical drink menu showcases playfully named cocktails like the Seafoam Surfer and Basic Beach, Scorpion Bowls for sharing, sangrias on tap and “endless summer” frozen libations. Open daily at 11am, Suburban Yacht Club offers an escape to the coast with an all season patio along the Boardwalk at Granite Park. Call today to make your reservation to sail away! Menu Items: SoCal Chicken Karaage, Chef Kiss Queso, Spicy Tuna Tostada, Flash Fried Calamari, Coastal Protein Bowl, Short Rib Quesbirria, Baja Battered Fish Tacos, Epic Shrimp Burrito, Crisp Pork Carnitas, Jala-Piña BBQ Chicken Asado

COASTAL CANTINA SuburbanYachtClub.com 5872 TX-121 Plano, TX 75024 • 972.905.3664

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

QUALITY you can NOTand the Biggest, TASTE SERVICE you will Only theSAVOR! Best Wagyu Beef USDA Prime Grade Steaks Dry Aged Prime Steaks Shop Made Smoked Sausage Fresh All Natural Poultry Parker Rd ALMA dr

1301 W Parker Rd #100 Plano, TX Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm Sun-Mon closed

972.633.5593 Hirschsmeats.com

THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD IN DFW!

NOW CATERING Boxed Lunch Burgers Build Your Own Burgers Family Salads

TRY ONE OF OUR MOUTHWATERING LOBSTER ROLLS OR A LOBSTER GRILLED CHEESE!

505 HOUSTON ST. COPPELL, TX 75019

1212 14TH ST PLANO, TX 75074 Visit our website to book your catering package!

twistedrootburgerco.com

Fish Market & Grill 4017 Preston Rd #530, Plano, TX 75093 (972) 473-2722 www.seabreezefish.com

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

The Pour Girl Redefining Texas Wine

story Joshua Baethge | photos Kathy Tran

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A 33-YEAR-OLD MOTHER OF TWO SUCCESSF U L LY B U I L D I N G H E R O W N W I N E C O M PA N Y I N P L A N O W I T H G R A P E S G R O W N E XC L U S I V E LY IN TEXAS? T h a t ’ s J e s s i c a Wo r t h a m a n d T h e Pour Girl, her 18-month-old winemaking company — a dream-come-true for Wo r t h a m , w h o s t a r t e d t h i n k i n g a b o u t making and selling wine in college. “I’m just enjoying doing the groundwork, getting out meeting people and pushing my product,” she says. “It’s been a lot of fun for me.” The fun began in her 20s, when Wo r t h a m r e a d a b o o k a b o u t w i n e m a k ing. The process of actually getting into the business has been a little more trying than expected, she says. She and her husband began talking about the business in 2019, with the idea of launching in 2020; that was going to be h e r y e a r. She began licensing work that February only to see the process delayed by various COVID-related restrictions. When things started opening b a c k u p l a t e r, s h e g o t t o w o r k r e fining recipes and working with a custom-crush facility. “If I was going to do this, I was going to do this right,” she says. “That means d o i n g r e a l l y g o o d - q u a l i t y Te x a s w i n e . ” F o r Wo r t h a m , f r e s h n e s s i s k e y . S o m e of the best wine comes from wineries where you can have a true vineyardto-glass experience, she says. That’s why she’s involved in the entire process, ensuring that grapes and other ingredients are exactly what she wants. S i n c e d e b u t i n g l a s t y e a r, s h e h a s b e come one of the top producers at the

Frisco Fresh Market. She’s also been a hit at area wine festivals and events, including the Plano Food and Wine Festival. Wo r t h a m a d m i t s b e i n g a m o m a n d entrepreneur can be hectic. At home, she has a 4-year-old on the autism spectrum as well as a 2-year-old. That often leads to busy days and late-night work long after her children have gone to bed. Occasionally, she just throws up her hands and realizes that certain days are going to be “mommy days.” “It’s a major sacrifice, and sometimes I feel like I’m going crazy,” she says. “But if I’m going to go crazy over anything, it would be for a business that I feel is like my third baby.” The next step for The Pour Girl may be getting on store s h e l v e s . W o r t h a m wants to make her p r o d u c t s more acc e s s i b l e , and a distribution partner would help that effort. She’s currently taking meetings, continuing to learn the business and keeping her fingers crossed that she might find the right fit t h i s y e a r. Another goal is to take some of the pretentiousness out of wine drinking. She believes too many people regurgitate old theories they’ve been told instead of discovering what types of wine they really enjoy. “People should have no shame no matter what type of wine they like,” she says. “I just think that people should like what they like. It’s kind of silly to have all these rules in wine.”

People should have no shame no matter what type of wine they like.

Learn more about The thepourgirlwines.com.

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Pour

Girl

STREET BEAT

CITY OF PLANO USES YOUTUBE TO KEEP RESIDENTS UP-TO-SPEED ON WHAT’S NEW story Joshua Baethge | photos Kathy Tran 22

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

hat’s the best way to learn about Plano? Try “Stoler on the Street,” the city’s latest attempt to educate residents about all sorts of things around town. S t e v e S t o l e r, P l a n o ’ s d i r e c t o r of media operations, recently launched “Stoler on the Street,” a Yo u T u b e s e r i e s d e s i g n e d t o promote the city and educate residents. It’s also a way to have a little f u n f o r S t o l e r, w h o s p e n t t h r e e decades as a television reporter f o r K D F W a n d W FA A p r i o r t o joining the city. “I love doing it because it lets me use just a tiny bit of creativity,” he says. City Manager Mark Israelson came up with the idea, thinking it would be a great way to conversationally explain municipal topics. Before embarking on the project, Stoler met with the directors of various city departments to build a list of more than 150 potential subjects. And that list keeps growing. From explaining city services to highlighting area amenities and promoting upcoming events, Stoler says topics can include just about anything. “The thing is that so many people who live here have no idea what this city provides,” he says. Even Israelson has learned a few things about Plano from Stoler’s videos. The city manager didn’t know what certain city trails include until he watched the Aug. 31 installment of the video series.

Stoler says his favorite episode of “Stoler on the Street” highlighted Plano park land. The video begins with a view of New Yo r k ’ s Central Park, with Stoler talking about the iconic park in Manhattan before abruptly cutting to Plano, when he talks about how our two nature preserves, Oak Point and Arbor Hills, actually have more acreage than the famous New Yo r k C i t y p a r k . Another favorite: Stoler recently visited a Plano water tower to highlight its annual inspection. Many people don’t know each tower is inspected annually for structural integrity and sediment buildup. As part of the process, a contractor climbs the tower and deploys a small remote control device with a camera. Another member of the contractor team maneuvers the device with a video game-style controller while watching video of the inspection on-screen. The information is saved to report back to city staff. Stoler says his goal is to produce two videos each week. Over the past couple of months, he has discussed everything from ongoing library repairs and recreation center costs to animal a d o p t i o n a n d p o o l r e p a i r. H e says there’s no telling where he might pop up next. “I have a lot of fun doing these, and it gets me out of the office, too,” he says. Yo u c a n f i n d “ S t o l e r o n t h e S t r e e t ” o n Yo u T u b e . I f y o u h a v e ideas for video topics, email Stoler at stevest@plano.gov.P

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

GREECE OR PLANO? AFTER A LENGTHY DETOUR FROM THEIR MEDITERRANEAN MARRIAGE VOW, PAT AND ANGELA MINER ARE PACKING UP AFTER 25 YEARS IN PLANO story Joshua Baethge photos Kathy Tran

orty-one years ago, the pair made a p r o m i s e t o e a c h o t h e r. I n a c o u ple of months, they’ll finally fulfill their dream. The Miners have been community fixtures in Plano for more than a quarter-century. From serving on the City Council to leadership roles in civic and philanthropic organizations, they’ve left their mark on the city they love. But they’ve decided it’s time for the next c h a p t e r. In March, the Miners will depart for a new life in Angela’s native Greece. “Finally, it’s time for Angela and I to take time for ourselves,” Pat said in a social media post announcing the decision. “Our family has grown up and begun their own lives, and it’s time for the two of us to go live ours.” The Miners first met in Athens through a mutual friend in 1980. At the time, he was working in broadcast media for the U.S. Air Force, and Angela and her family lived there. After dating a few months, Angela agreed to marry Pat under one condition: When Pat retired, they would return to live in Greece. “It was supposed to be when he retired from the military, and that was in 1996,” An-

FREE 7 DAY UNLIMITED WORKOUT PASS! Try one of our two main classes HIIT: a high speed conditioning class LIFT: a barbell based strength class SIGN UP TO TRY ONE OF THE BEST WORKOUTS IN NORTH TEXAS 8412 Preston Road, Plano TX www.harterstrength.com | 972.520.4053

gela jokes. For 15 years, Angela was a military spouse, volunteering on the bases they called home. But when Pat retired from the service after 20 years, Greece wasn’t their n e x t d e s t i n a t i o n . I n s t e a d , i t w a s Te x a s . At the time, Pat had two job offers, one in California and the other working for Dallas ISD. Since Dallas was closer to Iowa, w h e r e h i s p a r e n t s l i v e , Te x a s w o n o u t o v e r California and Greece. As he was transitioning to his new job, Pat rented an apartment in Dallas while Angela stayed with his parents. When Pat explored the Metroplex for a permanent home, he s t u m b l e d upon Plano, falling in love with the city. “I said: ‘ Yo u ’ v e g o t to see this place. It’s incredible,’” he recalls telling Angela and their two daughters. They settled in Plano, and Pat worked with Dallas schools for six years before moving to a job with the Social Security Administration for the next 18 years. Angela’s first foray into Plano community service was in May 1997; a friend asked h e r t o s e r v e a s P TA t r e a s u r e r f o r t h e u p c o m i n g s c h o o l y e a r. “So here I am, a foreigner not knowing t h a t m u c h a b o u t P TA , ” s h e r e c a l l s . “ We w e n t t o G r e e c e f o r t h e s u m m e r, a n d I k e p t

thinking about it.” The job was the first of many in service to local schools. Angela eventually bec a m e p r e s i d e n t o f t h e P l a n o P TA C o u n c i l , a n u m b r e l l a g r o u p o f 6 9 P TA s w i t h m o r e than 30,000 members. “I loved being the president for two years,” Angela says. “Being involved in the P TA i s h o w I g o t t o k n o w t h e c o m m u n i t y . ” Those connections helped her become involved in other organizations, includi n g t h e Wo m e n ’ s A u x i l i a r y , C h i l d r e n ’ s H o s pital, the Plano Symphony and the Plano Education Foundation, where she served on the board. After stepping down as PTA president, Angela planned to take a little time to relax. Then the T imber Brooks Estates homeowner’s association asked her to be its president. “The community is so welcoming. We’re a big city, but the feeling of those who are heavily involved is like we are a small city, a small community,” she says. “That’s what I love about Plano, and that’s what I’m going to miss when we move.” During the same time, Pat had become more involved with zoning and development issues. He joined the Plano Developers Council before being elected to the City Council in May 2008. Pat served on the Council until 2015, helping oversee some of Plano’s most consequential development issues, including the successful

WE’RE ALWAYS GOING

TO WANT TO COME BACK TO THE STATES, BUT MORE SO, TO PLANO

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

effort to recruit Toyota’s North American headquarters. As Pat planned to step down from the Council, a group of residents encouraged Angela to run for his seat. She had concerns about how voters would perceive her taking Pat’s seat and says she considered the opportunity during a summer trip to Greece. “Finally, I said yes, and I never regretted it,” she says. Among the Council achievements she’s most proud of are her work to get the Legacy Central development project approved, her efforts to get a top-notch recreation center for the east side and helping develop the Envision Oak Point Plan. Angela served on the Council for four years, when she chose not to seek re-election. Everything changed in January 2020, when Pat was diagnosed with colon canc e r. “ W h e n h e g o t h i s c a n c e r, I s t o p p e d e v erything,” she says. “I said I can’t be involved in anything else right now.”

Eventually, Pat became cancer-free, but around the same time, Angela’s sister a l s o h a d a s e c o n d b o u t o f b r e a s t c a n c e r. Those experiences profoundly changed their outlook: It was time for a life change. The Miners have long spent summers in Greece. They have houses in Athens and on a nearby island, inherited from her parents. Their plan is to move to Greece in March, spend most of the year there and return to Plano annually around holidays. Their two daughters and two grandd a u g h t e r s w i l l c o n t i n u e t o l i v e i n N o r t h Te x as, but they expect visits to Greece each s u m m e r. A n g e l a s a y s . A n d t e c h n o l o g y w i l l help the family stay in touch, too. “With today’s ways of communicating, it’s so easy to see family and friends,” she says. “If that wasn’t the case, we might not have wanted to go.” Both agree that the hardest part will be leaving behind a quarter-century of friends and connections. “I did not feel like a foreigner here. I felt like I belonged here,” Angela says.

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

KIDNEY DONOR SHANNON CATALANO ASCENDS TO NEW HEIGHTS

story Joshua Baethge | photos Kathy Tran 28

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

lano resident Shannon Catalano wants the world to know that being a kidney donor doesn’t mean you can’t d o b i g t h i n g s . To p r o v e h e r p o i n t , s h e and 21 other kidney donors plan to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro next March i n r e c o g n i t i o n o f Wo r l d K i d n e y D a y . I n the process they hope to raise awareness for kidney donation and show others how much is possible. “I think the big question that a lot of people have is can you live a normal life a f t e r d o n a t i o n , ” s h e s a y s . “ We ’ r e j u s t t r y ing to prove to the world that, yes you can.” Catalano has long had a personal connection to kidney donation. When she was 11 years old, her brother was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes. As the family began to learn more about the disease, they realized that it could wreck his kidney in time. Since she was his only sibling, Catalano always knew that she would donate hers if he ever needed it. But she never would. T w o d e c a d e s l a t e r, C a t a l a n o s a y s s h e was looking to make big changes in her life. She’d been on the national bone marrow registry list for 15 years when she finally received a call that she was a match. When the procedure ultimately fell through, she was devastated. Then her mind turned back to donating her kidney. She ended up donating it to a stranger nearly four years ago. H o w e v e r, b e f o r e going through with the procedure, she felt compelled to call her brother and tell him she would be giving away “his kidney.” It was a difficult conversation for her because inside she’d always loved the idea of being her brother’s hero. Of course, her brother never considered the kidney his, and was not upset in the least. Catalano says the donation experience ending up being one of the best things in her life. She says she thinks part of that may have been the timing. She was turning 40 and did not have any children. I feel like, as a woman, people kind of expect you to give life, so I felt this was kind of my way of giving life,” she says. The recovery was slightly more difficult than expected, but nothing consequential in the grand scheme of things. Her

only disappointment was that the kidney r e c i p i e n t n e v e r r e a c h e d o u t t o h e r. S h e was hoping to make a connection with h e r. Instead, the people she ended up connecting with were fellow kidney donors. Inspired by a person in Colorado who had founded a similar organization, Catalano founded a local chapter of the One Kidney Club, which brings fellow don o r s t o g e t h e r. “Most of the kidney donors that I’ve met have this zest for life,” she says. “I think that also comes with the responsibility of having to take care of yourself so that you don’t end up in the same boat eventually.” Over time, Catalano discovered a group called Kidney Donor Athletes. She had decided that she wanted to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and posted to the group’s message board asking for tips. That got her connected with a person who had done it. Then another member expressed interest. Before long, so many people wanted to climb the mountain it morphed into an advocacy event. The group has even hired a videographer to document the event, which will take eight days to complete. After an application process, 22 members qualified for the adventure. Now they are all training and preparing for physical challenges they will face. Catalano is no stranger to physical challenges. She has ridden her bike across the country and ascended to 14,000-foot p e a k s i n C o l o r a d o . H o w e v e r, c l i m b i n g t o 19,341 feet will be a difficult test. She is training as best she can at home, though it is obviously hard to replicate mountaino u s t e r r a i n i n t h e p r a i r i e s o f Te x a s . Her husband will be joining her too, and she can’t wait to show the world what they can do. “For a lot of us, we’re stretching our limits to show that we’re going to do big things with our lives after donation,” she says. “I feel like I have lived such a blessed life and I want to make a difference.” To learn more about Kidney Donor Athletes and help fund their mountain climbing awareness campaign, visit kidneydonarathletes.org and click on the One Kidney Kili Climb link.

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

RITA CHEEK STILL ADVOCATING FOR KIDS story Joshua Baethge | photos Kathy Tran

ita Cheek was a retired educator living a happy life in Plano. When the pandemic hit, she felt compelled to go back into teaching. Through online classes, she’s been able to reach kids, many of whom she felt desperately needed some extra attention. “I feel like with the whole pandemic experience, our children are the ones that have been hit the hardest,” she says. “I feel very passionately about being an advocate for the child and also for the arts.” Cheek began her career teaching art and English in public schools. She then spent several years working in private schools before eventually teaching lessons from home as she was raising her kids. As she started seeing how schools were handling online learning, she feared it wouldn’t work. In her opinion, being someone who cares is the only way for educators to help children find their passion and succeed. That’s hard to do when you have a class of more than 20 students online. Cheek said her heart went out to teachers who were putting in tremendous work toward what was seemingly an impossible task.

Around the same time, at the behest of her kids, she was starting to give art lessons to her grandchildren. That was also a difficult task during a pandemic. Then one of her out-of-town grandkids suggested a Zoom lesson. Cheek says she kept it simple and followed their lead. Things went so well, she eventually started teaching online art classes for others. She kept the number of students small (no more than six) so that each student would receive plenty of attention. If their minds started wandering, she could quickly get them back on task. Cheek still visits local schools and other groups where she is known as “Ms. Rita.” She enjoys connecting with kids and sharing her passion for reading and writing as well as painting and drawing. In 2020, she released her first book. It’s a children’s tale called A Dolls’ Christmas Party, which she also illustrated. Based on events from her own family, the story is about three sisters hosting a doll

tea party. It would become a tradition they would hold onto for years to come. “I believe in traditions,” Cheek says. “I think they hold us together as families. It’s important for us to remember who we are and how we got there.” She is currently marketing the book through her website, diaryofastayathomefamily.com. Cheek has also written two other books which she plans to release in the future after they are edited and illustrated. She says her experience as a mother raising “wild and crazy little people” has given her the chance to look back and see what works and what doesn’t work. Her hope now is that she can continue to be someone who uses her skills and passions not only to help children, but their parents as well. “I believe that the doors of education, every single one of them, can be opened through art,” she says.

✓Stronger ✓Healthier Pre-Covid body Over 14,0 0 0 patients served since 1987 BREASTS

•

BODY

•

FACE

•

SKIN

If exercise hasn’t gotten you the scuplted results you’re after, maybe surgery is right for you. As a skilled and experienced board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kerner and her staff are committed to your care and the Plano community. 6130 W Parker Rd #110, Plano, TX 75093 972-981-7144 drkerner.com

P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Tem p of t orary he f q irst uarter s Pla no O during ffic c e, 19 onstru ctio 73

History isn’t just the past. It’s the foundation for the future. ONE OF THE FIRST BROKERAGES IN COLLIN COUNTY IS ALSO FIRST IN SALES Ebby Halliday Realtors grew up in Collin County. From the beginning, the area had obvious potential, and we’re so glad Ebby herself recognized that in the early 1970s. It was one of our first locations, and now, as the market leader, we have seven offices here to serve our neighbors. Suffice it to say, we’re invested in Collin County and invested in you.

ebby.com