The Holidays Are Coming...
Is Your Home Ready?
Start now for a stress-free season in a home that stuns.
Guests, Gathering. Great design, Now‘s the time to start your kitchen, bath or whole home refresh to ensure your space is both stunning and functional by the holidays. At Mae Reedy Build + Design, we handle every detail from start to finish - so you can focus on what matters most. Book your consultation now- Fall spots fill fast
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With Gratitude
As the leaves turn and the season of gratitude arrives, our November issue is one that holds deep meaning and reflection. This month, we dedicate our pages to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country, and the families who have supported them along the way. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we pause to recognize not only the freedoms we enjoy, but also the incredible individuals who’ve made them possible—our veterans.
In this special issue, you’ll find stories that go beyond uniforms and medals. We highlight local nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition back into civilian life—whether through housing, mental health support, or career development. Their work is a reminder that honoring veterans isn’t just something we do once a year, but a continuous commitment as a community.
We also shine a light on businesses that are veteran-owned or go out of their way to hire and support those who have served. Their stories are a powerful blend of entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose—proof that service to others doesn’t end when military service does.
One feature we’re especially proud to share is on our local school’s ROTC program. These young leaders are already demonstrating the values of discipline, integrity, and dedication. They are tomorrow’s protectors, peacemakers, and changemakers—and they give us every reason to be hopeful for the future.
This issue is a celebration of service, sacrifice, and the power of community. As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we hope the stories within these pages inspire you to express your gratitude, not just in words, but in action— whether it’s supporting a veteran-owned business, volunteering with a local nonprofit, or simply offering a heartfelt “thank you” to someone who’s served.
From all of us at the Burns Team City Lifestyle, we’re thankful for you—our readers, our partners, and especially our veterans.
With gratitude,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hang Le | hang.le@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Brittany McCaffety | brittany.mccaffety@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Valerie Merrick, Deborah Dove
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Bigenho
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Delia Jo Ramsey
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 - 7: In September, the City Lifestyle’s business happy hour was hosted at the Aloft Hotel in Plano, bringing together local professionals for an evening of networking and connection. Looking ahead, December’s holiday-themed event will take place at Hotel NYLO Plano and will feature festive fun, appearances by Santa, and a unique white elephant gift exchange. All local business professionals are welcome to attend. Follow our Eventbrite for updated event details: City Lifestyle with Angi Burns
Photography by Chris Bigenho
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE
Local Experience
DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS, CREATE MEMORIES, AND EMBRACE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.
Looking to eat out on Thanksgiving Day? Whether you're craving a traditional turkey feast or classic favorites with a twist, there are plenty of options available. Dining out on Thanksgiving is perfect for couples, small gatherings, or anyone wanting to enjoy the holiday without the hassle of cooking or cleaning up. Call ahead to confirm and make reservations.
Truluck's | 7161 Bishop Rd, Plano, TX 75024 | Truluck's three-course holiday menu features seasonal favorites such as roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings, elevated with a Truluck's twist.
Blue Mesa Grill | 5601 Granite Parkway #1200, Plano, TX | Blue Mesa’s signature brunch is dressed up for Thanksgiving with traditional favorites in addition to a street taco bar, omelet station, waffles, brisket, red chile salmon, and more!
Princi Italia | 3300 Dallas Parkway #120, Plano, TX | Enjoy an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving meal with new twists on old favorites such as roasted turkey breast with Italian sausage and pine nut stuffing and Chiantibraised short ribs.
The Capital Grille | 7300 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX | Treat yourself to an elegant Thanksgiving dinner with classics such as slow-roasted turkey, brioche sage stuffing, and pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey, topped off with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet | 4940 State Hwy 121, Plano, TX | Fed up with turkey? This Mediterranean buffet has something for everyone with over 60 dishes, from soups, salads, and dips to vegetables and meats such as meatballs, kabobs, chicken, fish, and lamb shank.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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G I V I NG BACKTOHEROES
Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 40,000 veterans in Collin County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This collection highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits dedicated to honoring their service and ensuring they receive the resources and care they need as they return home and beyond.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT VETERANS IN NORTH TEXAS
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Heroes on the Water
Heroes on the Water is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through therapeutic kayak fishing experiences. Founded in 2007, the organization provides free outdoor wellness events that offer calm, connection, and community for those who have served.
What makes Heroes on the Water unique is its focus on recreational healing. The rhythm of the paddle, the quiet of nature, and the concentration of fishing help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and rebuild a sense of purpose. As one veteran explains, “The locations allow us to connect with nature, and the platform of kayaking enables us to be centered without the noise that motors and electronics may cause.”
With volunteer-led chapters nationwide and specialized therapeutic partnerships with the VA and Department of Defense, Heroes on the Water reaches people of all ages and abilities. No prior kayaking or fishing experience is required—just a willingness to show up and breathe.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking stress relief or a first responder looking for community, Heroes on the Water is a place to belong. Every cast, every paddle stroke, and every laugh shared on the water moves participants toward peace and empowerment.
Learn more or get involved at www.heroesonthewater.org.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families. Their programs and life-changing services help to strengthen the mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellness of service people and their loved ones.
Shawn Morgan, Dallas resident and Wounded Warrior Project Regional Alumni Director, explains that he came across the organization when transitioning from his service in the Army. “I was searching for a job, but I didn’t know where to begin. Wounded Warrior Project encouraged me to apply for open roles at the organization. I will be celebrating 12 years at Wounded Warrior Project in February.”
Morgan recounts how WWP recently supported a local veteran facing serious complications from cancer treatment. “Through one of our free programs, we connected him with a dedicated case manager who guided him to the care he needed and helped stabilize his financial well-being. We also gave him the chance to connect with fellow veterans at Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers games–offering not just a moment of relief but a reminder that he’s not alone.”
You can make a difference for a local veteran by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back.
Carry The Load
Carry The Load began in 2011 by two veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Stephen Holley and Clint Bruce, who felt Memorial Day had lost its true meaning. What started as a way to honor their fallen service people has grown into a national movement that brings Americans together to recognize the sacrifices of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Whether through cleaning headstones at VA cemeteries or joining in a storyboard procession, volunteers across the nation help keep the memories of heroes alive.
Through powerful initiatives like the Dallas Memorial March and the National Day of Service and Remembrance on 9/11, Carry The Load offers the public meaningful ways to reflect, serve, and support those who have carried the load for our country. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to storytelling by sharing the names, faces, and lives of those lost in service to continue their legacy.
Proceeds from Carry The Load’s events and fundraisers support vital services, including counseling, housing, service dogs, and scholarships for children of the fallen.
In support of Veterans Day, please join Carry The Load’s 100,000 Meters Challenge from 11/11-12/11. Register at www.100kmc.com.
CONTINUED >
Image Courtesy of Carry the Load
Veterans Center of North Texas
The Veterans Center of North Texas (VCONT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families across North Texas stabilize, recover, and thrive. Since starting operations in 2014, VCONT has provided free assistance to more than 10,000 veterans and family members, addressing both immediate crises and long-term needs. Their services include help with essentials such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, and household items—practical support that keeps families secure during difficult times.
Anna-Marie Welch, Director of Client Services for Plano, explains that, “We see crises up close—an unexpected bill, a car repair, a notice on the door. When we step in with rent, utilities, food, or transportation, we’re not just paying an expense; we’re buying time and dignity while we connect the veteran to lasting support.”
Together, the staff and volunteers of VCONT provide the individualized attention and follow-through that ensure no one is left behind. By combining crisis intervention with long-term guidance, the Veterans Center of North Texas offers more than a stopgap—they provide a reliable partner for veterans as they build stability, independence, and a renewed sense of community.
To support local veterans, please consider making a donation at www.veteranscenterofnorthtexas.org/ what-we-need.
Image Courtesy of VCONT
DEVELOPING LEADERS
THE LASTING VALUE OF JROTC AT PLANO ISD
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PLANO ISD
For decades, the Army JROTC programs in Plano ISD have been developing leaders, instilling discipline, and preparing students for success both in and out of uniform. Cadets gain valuable experience in teamwork and responsibility while setting themselves apart for college and scholarship applications. In recent years, these programs have undergone an impressive evolution— shifting from traditional military foundations to embrace cutting-edge STEM opportunities that prepare students for tomorrow's careers.
In 2020, Plano ISD’s JROTC programs began integrating STEM into their curriculum, forever changing the experience for cadets. The most striking example can be found at Plano East Senior High, where the Panther Battalion transformed its former rifle range into a state-of-the-art STEM lab. Today, this space houses both a competitive robotics team and an advanced vertical robotics drone team. Students practice their engineering skills through this program and gain excitement for their futures.
Regardless of the school, students in the program learn citizenship and leadership skills they'll carry with them beyond the halls of their classes. Saadhvi D., the current battalion commander at Plano East Senior High, relishes the opportunity to help others: “I get to work with freshmen and sophomores and help each person grow.” Samantha B., another student in the same program, joined because of the confidence she saw in her student recruiters. “I wanted to be like those that were recruiting me; I wanted to be a leader.”
In addition to their academic and leadership achievements, all three of Plano ISD’s JROTC programs boast highly active extracurricular teams that showcase cadets’ discipline, skill, and teamwork. This is what initially drew junior Zaina A. to the program. “I joined JROTC because freshman year I wanted to do physical education, but I wanted it to be more meaningful.” Each program maintains a Physical Fitness Team, Color Guard, and Drill Team, providing cadets with opportunities to push themselves physically, mentally, and creatively.
Sergeant Major Anthony Henry joined Plano ISD six years ago and has been preaching the importance of citizenship ever since. “It’s about knowing what’s going on in our community and making a difference, big or small,” he explains, that makes the JROTC program so impactful for Plano ISD students.
“It’s about knowing what’s going on in our community and making a difference, big or small.”
As Plano ISD looks to the future, its JROTC programs are proving that tradition and innovation can thrive together. From rope bridges to drones and robotics, today’s cadets are learning skills that will serve them in any career they choose.
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THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF Safe Holiday Decorating
AVOIDING CIRCUIT OVERLOAD WHEN HANGING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI
On any given day, we turn our stoves on to fry a few eggs or crank up the heat on our griddles to flip some pancakes without a thought. At night, we automatically flick on the light switch so we don’t stumble in the dark or turn down the temperature if it gets too hot.
Yet most people take our electricity for granted. Today, at least 1.18 billion are “energy poor” and unable to use electricity according to the World Bank. Unfortunately, access to electricity is still a dream for many.
In Texas, we had a taste of what it feels like to be without electricity in February 2021, when winter storms caused a failure of the Texas power grid.
“Locally, every year, people have mishaps that cut off their power, but they can’t afford to get it fixed,” reflects Bill Witty, owner of W3 Electric.
”For example, one time a Garland city council member reached out because an elderly couple in his district was without power for a week. We matched what was fundraised, resulting in $4000. Another time, a local community museum in McKinney had a tree fall on their power line, so we created a system to help raise funds for them too.”
Bill and his wife Jessica founded W3 Electric in 2019. “Our goal is to help twice as many people as we do now. The more communities we get involved in and the various new areas we explore (such as solar energy, or our apprenticeship training program), the more we grow our impact.”
W3’s emphasis on helping those in need comes into even sharper focus when the holidays roll around. This includes educating the community on the electrical dangers of holiday decorating (ranging from personal injury, such as electrical burns, to unforeseen damage to your home).
Here are W3’s top 10 safety tips for the holiday season:
• Having GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) protection is foundational to safety. GFCIs monitor electricity so if it runs through a person or if it runs into the ground, the GFCI will automatically shut off the current. GFCI protection is standard in all outdoor plugs, and in houses built in the 80s and onward.
electricity-consuming features, such as multiple blow-up decorations or additional lights on trees, it’s wise to add a dedicated circuit.
• Avoid overloading extension cords.
• If the GFCI is constantly tripping, then it’s a problem. Ensure the reset button isn’t malfunctioning.
• To mitigate the risk of water shock, don’t run sprinklers with your Christmas lights on, and don’t leave the lights on when it’s raining.
• Be careful not to allow light bulbs to touch combustible material, such as plastics, pine needles, leaves, or grasses
“The gratification of a customer who says ‘thank you so much’ is the fuel that keeps motivating me.”
• Never plug lights into a non-GFCI indoor plug.
• Use your intuition. Look for red flags, such as installers using tape to bind wires or leaving copper exposed. If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.
• Check for frayed or damaged wires.
• Be aware of overloading your system. Distributing lights all around the perimeter of your house is normal; but if you’re adding more
• Use a dry, wooden ladder when hanging holiday lights.
“Finding a company to hang your lights securely is simply nonnegotiable. You want to make sure the company you hire has employees who are drug-tested and licensed, and that the company itself has positive Google reviews and a slew of good referrals,” advises Jessica.
W3 stands for “Win-Win-Win”–for customers, employees, and community. “Electrical work fascinates me. I realize it’s my purpose,” says Bill. “Helping people by providing them safe options is my calling, and the gratification of a customer who says ‘thank you so much’ is the fuel that keeps motivating me.”
Electricity may not be the kind of blessing we are thankful for on a daily basis. But this holiday season, it is truly something to consider.
To learn more about W3, visit www.callw3.com/ plano or call 972-793-0733.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand – even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
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Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts
ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY
The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.
1. Five things that make you happy instantly:
2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?
3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?
4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?
5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:
6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?
7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:
8. List something good that caught your attention today.
9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?
10. What's something you did for another person this week?
11. Three things you own that make your life easier:
12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?
13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.
14. What are you most thankful for in your life?
15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.
16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:
17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?
18. What's your favorite holiday and why?
19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?
20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?
21. What are you grateful for in your career?
22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.
23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:
24. Three things you love about your town:
25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?
26. What meals do you enjoy most?
27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:
28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:
29. A happy memory from childhood:
30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST
Sip,
Savor, and Stroll Through Flavor
Legacy West: 5908 Headquarters Dr., Plano, TX 75024 | 12:00 PM
An elevated culinary experience awaits with 100+ wines, award-winning bites from 30+ restaurants, top-shelf spirits, live chef demos, and exclusive VIP perks—all in one vibrant day of indulgence. From bold pours to bubbly photo ops, this is Plano’s premier foodie festival. Explore passes at www.planofoodandwinefestival.com.
NOVEMBER 4TH - 9TH
Big Laughs, Bold Talent
Mic Drop Comedy Plano: 7301 Lone Star Dr. Ste. A-110, Plano TX 75024
With over 100 comedy acts in six unforgettable days, this is North Texas’s largest celebration of stand-up, sketches, and improv. From rising stars to national headliners, expect sharp wit, fresh voices, and nonstop laughs. View the full lineup and get tickets at www.planocomedyfestival.com.
NOVEMBER 6TH - 9TH
Celebrate 30 Years of Holiday Magic
Plano Event Center: 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX 75074
Shop over 125 curated merchants offering the best in seasonal décor, gourmet goodies, fashion, and gifts at this iconic holiday market. With nearly 10,000 attendees annually, it's the can’t-miss event of the season—benefiting families across Collin County. Plan your perfect shopping day at www.jlcollincounty.org/fundraisers/ntw.
NOVEMBER 7TH - 16TH
Elle Woods Takes the Stage
Genesis Children’s Theatre: 3100 Independence Pkwy. Ste. 324B, Plano, TX 75075
Get ready for bold fashion, fierce ambition, and a whole lot of pink power as teen performers bring Legally Blonde: The Musical to life. This witty, feel-good production is bursting with heart and high-energy talent. Secure your seats now at www.genesischildrenstheatre. ludus.com. What, like it’s hard?
NOVEMBER 7TH
Celebration of Healing and Community
Fusion Academy Plano: 2400 Dallas Pkwy. Ste. 180, Plano, TX 75093 | 2:00 PM
Celebrate life, memory, and togetherness at this meaningful Día de los Muertos event. Therapist Bryna Talamantez opens the afternoon with a powerful talk on childhood grief, followed by crafts, vendors, and family-friendly activities that honor culture and connection. Follow @talamanteztherapy on Instagram for updates!
NOVEMBER 7TH
Jingle, Mingle, and Make It Sparkle
Lee Graves Salon: 6101 Chapel Hill Blvd. Ste. 103, Plano, TX 75093 | 6:00 PM
Celebrate the season in style with a festive night of shopping, sipping, and surprises at this holiday soirée hosted by your favorite local salon. Enjoy permanent jewelry, Grinch mimosas, giveaways, flash sales on Eufora products, and more. Find the perfect gifts—and maybe a little something for yourself!
NOVEMBER 8TH
Run with Purpose, Honor with Pride
Red Tail Pavilion: 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX 75074 | 7:30 AM
Lace up for a powerful morning where fitness meets patriotism. This inaugural run celebrates veterans and their families through community, movement, and meaning, all while surrounded by hundreds of American flags. From fun runs to heartfelt tributes, it’s a race that gives back. Register and learn more at www.events.visitplano.com/event/patriots-run-2025.
NOVEMBER 12TH
Glow and Go
MaxStrength Fitness-West Plano: 19009 Preston Rd. Ste. 116, Dallas, TX 75252 | 6:00 PM
Discover the latest in skincare, cosmetics, fitness, and holistic wellness at this uplifting self-care event. Enjoy complimentary samples, mini fitness sessions, wellness consults, and exclusive discounts from top vendors. Sip bubbly, snack, and explore in a relaxed atmosphere. Find more details by following @maxstrengthfitness_westplano on Instagram.
NOVEMBER 14TH
Global
Grooves: Celebrating Native American Heritage
McCall Plaza: 998 E 15th St., Plano, TX 75074 | 6:00 PM
Experience the beauty, rhythm, and resilience of Native American culture through powerful live performances, traditional music, and artisan vendors. This vibrant evening honors heritage with heart—celebrating community, storytelling, and legacy in the heart of Downtown Plano. Learn more at www.events.visitplano.com/event/global-grooves-fall-2025. Want
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DAVID HOGAN
First Responder of the Month
Officer and Veteran David Hogan Keeps His Community Safe
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID HOGAN
As we practice thankfulness this season, it’s important to honor those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. This month, we recognize David Hogan, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Plano police officer, for his unwavering service.
Inspired by his father, an Army veteran of Vietnam, Hogan enlisted in the Air Force from 1989 to 1996, where he ensured the structural integrity of aircraft. “My occupation required self-integrity and a ‘do the job right with no shortcuts’ attitude,” Hogan reflects. “I believe the same goes for law enforcement, which is why we train so much.”
After retiring from the military, Hogan remembered a pivotal moment at age 13, when his cousin, a police officer, took him on a call. He realized that an officer’s duty extends beyond protecting against crime; it also means supporting neighbors facing trauma. “Those are the people who deserve to be protected. That has stuck with me my entire life.”
Outside of protecting his town, Officer Hogan enjoys woodworking and spending time with his family. This holiday season, let’s give thanks to leaders like Officer Hogan, who put our safety above their own.
