FSM July 2020

BY VIKRAM VENNETI

Is A Smart Home
a Smart Move?

Digital transformation has been at the forefront of many would rather talk to their devices rather than type
businesses for quite some time, regardless of the size of into them and 57 percent believe voice assistants are
the company or the market they operate in. More and revolutionary. With such a magnitude of adoption, one
more resources are invested to make goods and services must wonder what is the underlying need and necessity
readily available through various digital platforms nimble these devices are catering to?
enough to provide the end users with options galore.
These trends of digital transformation have compelled One of the most compelling needs from a user
today’s leaders in small businesses and corporate standpoint is customer convenience. Amazon’s Alexa,
America to think outside the box. This trend has only Apple’s Siri, Google’s Assistant and Microsoft’s Cortana
been fueled further with the day-to-day dependency all have few things in common from a technological
on smartphones and devices – a household necessity perspective; however, from a user standpoint they
for todays’ digital workforce and families. Targeted address the ability to empower the devices they support
advertising, predictive service delivery, customized with customer convenience. One could never fathom
recommendations and pinpointed customer relations talking to a speaker or a picture frame to check weather
are all examples of strategies and trends that came into and set up appointments, but that is today’s reality. From
existence due to digital transformation. While there are setting the temperature on your thermostat to playing
numerous examples and case studies in the business your choice of music to sending yourself reminders
world outlining this phenomenal shift, one cannot ignore and alarms to turning your microwave, Barbeque or
how this trend has hit a homerun in our personal lives. Instant Pot on at a specific time, these devices aid in
Voice-controlled devices are at the forefront of how our accomplishing tasks that would otherwise require manual
lives have transformed in recent times as they are now a intervention and time. These voice-controlled devices
part of the majority of households. have additional peripheral devices (Such as Amazon
pod) that would even monitor the levels of your essential
Voice-controlled devices are the nucleus of our household items and would recommend and process
lives in a world of digital domesticity. From speakers a reorder via your favorite shopping website for refills
such as Amazon Echo, which are much more than just without hassle. From setting up appointments to reading
speakers, to vacuum cleaners from LG and refrigerators email, checking real-time traffic to checking status on
from Samsung that provide the consumer with services the global pandemic, these devices and the underlying
and features far beyond the usual expectation. From a services provide us with information through our finger
research conducted by Salesforce, 42 percent of people tips.

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Apart from customer convenience, there are various assistants depend on a “wake word” or a “trigger word”
other added benefits of using these voice command which activates them. “Alexa” for Amazon, “Hey Siri” for
devices. Accessibility and inclusivity of these devices Apple and “Hello Google” for Google devices wakes
are breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, up these devices to go from a passive listening mode
whether it is physical, cognitive or sensory. Visually to active listening mode. Based on what one would ask
impaired individuals benefit tremendously from the voice after the wake word, the question is formulated and the
interaction with these devices. Since conversations are background technology takes it from there.
building blocks of developing rapport, virtual assistants
can seamlessly deliver conversational experience and “Once the initiation is done, the subsequent question
quickly form a bonded connection with the end user. the end user asks goes through a complex algorithm
The younger generation specifically enjoys interacting powered by artificial intelligence and deep machine
with these devices whether it is for enjoyment and learning, to quickly and accurately find the best possible
entertainment such as playing their favorite music on answer and is delivered back to the user in milliseconds,”
digital platforms said Harsha Nippani, Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon
such as Pandora
and Spotify and Web Services
even uses them (AWS). “There
as an aid to learn are many teams
on a myriad of data scientists,
of topics as a engineers and
learning service machine learning
or platform. experts that
constantly tweak
“One can these algorithms
listen to to make the
Beethoven on outcome as
Amazon Echo accurate as
while checking possible for
their e-learning the end user to
appointments benefit from, it’s
on iPhone a constant work
with Siri, and in progress,”
have Google he said. “The
Assistant science of voice
give a visual recognition
description of the week’s weather – All alleviating the presents its
dependency on my laptop, which is free for me to own set of challenges, such as dialects, accents, tone,
work on my research and homework,” quipped my etc., and natural language processing technologies are
daughter Varnika Venneti, a high school student. That constantly evolving and adjusting to accommodate to
is just one example of the range of possibilities the new these challenges. Each of these vendors has their own
generation sees in utilizing these devices and services. proprietary algorithms and data processing and retention
From a consumer market standpoint, the expansion of capabilities.
Internet of Things (IoT) has created a diverse variety of With a plethora of cutting-edge technologies and
smart objects, appliances and accessories. Continuous complex algorithms, there are challenges that impact
integration of voice command devices with these IoT adoption of voice assistants and risks to mitigate. The
devices has created a new market segment, opening up elephant in the room is “Privacy Invasion.” As with any
new possibilities for customers to enjoy rich features, service that collects data, which in this case are vocal
save time and hassle and not bother about underlying recordings stored in the Cloud, the possibility of data
technological nuances. Smart device advocates also feel breach is not completely ruled out. Since the data
voice-command devices have contributed significantly in stored by these devices is not completely anonymous,
relieving us from a global problem that we face today – information such as personal account information,
screen dependency. Voice-command devices inherently location, weather and traffic are tracked and shared in the
reduce one’s urge to get to a screen to quickly retrieve background.
information. “The microphones on these devices are constantly
active and they are listening actively to conversations,
With all these advantages, one must wonder just what even though you are not speaking to the device actively”
are the underlying technologies based on which these said Harsha Nippani from Amazon Web Services. “This
devices function and what other repercussions could does provide an opportunity for privacy invasion, which
result from such lifestyle-based dependencies. Most voice is a constant concern the vendors are cognizant of and

52 NEWCOMERS'

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are taking measures to ensure that a
breach will not occur.”

Another challenge voice assistants
face is the dependency on Wi-Fi
connectivity. If one does not have
enough bandwidth on their Wi-
Fi connectivity, and since these
devices are not truly wire-free,
portability is a challenge to address
too. “I would rather use a computer
to obtain the search results on the
information I am looking for, as voice
assistants rely on language spoken
and deliver only one outcome as
opposed to multiple options that
a Google search can provide me.
There is no compelling need.”
said Srikanth Akula, a technology
professional. Similar thoughts and
experiences came in from Joseph
Manuto, a USMC Veteran and senior
technologist who said, “The heavy
reliance on having a noise free
environment and the challenges
of comprehension of words often
throws in random unrelated results
from voice assistants.” “I would
rather have multiple results for my
information queries rather than
have inaccurate results driven by
AI empowered devices, as it adds
complexity and reduces our options
for accurate results.”

Nevertheless, there are cases on
both fronts as to how good or how
cumbersome voice assistants can
be. But the bottom line is, like it or
not, voice assisted devices are here
to stay. The sheer idea of talking
to a device to get certain actions
done to refill an item to finding
information in a heartbeat presents
us with immense opportunities
both at personal and business
level. These devices provide new
ways to engage with people, create
new brands, enrich our minds, get
insights and even allow customized,
programmable actions for one
who has a penchant to charter
those avenues. As Peter Parker (aka
Spiderman) quoted, “With great
power comes great responsibility.”

Vikram Venneti is a business leader,

technology evangelist, tree hugger and food

connoisseur. He loves to run and hike and is a

dad with a penchant for writing.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 53

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Entertainment

What has reopened and what COVID-19 precautions are being taken?

Canyons Climbing Gym Frisco Heritage Museum available at this course. Recommend
7164 Technology Dr. Suite 202, 6455 Page St., Frisco, TX 75034 10 feet spacing between each person
Frisco, TX 75033 972-292-5665 on the driving range.
214-872-2992
canyonsclimbinggym.com friscotexas.gov/1355/Frisco-Heritage-Center Frisco RoughRiders
7300 Roughriders Trail,
New hours will be Monday-Thursday, The Heritage Center reopened Frisco, TX 75034
12pm to 9pm; Friday, 12pm to 10pm; on June 9; however, the play area 972-334-1900
Saturday, 10am to 10pm; Sunday, remains closed. Temporarily modified milb.com/frisco
12pm to 7pm. hours are Monday – Friday, 10am to
4pm. Guests must maintain social Dr Pepper Ballpark will work toward
Maximum occupancy is currently 50 distancing of six feet from those not in limited cash transfers, including in
members. their household. Consider wearing a the areas of parking, food/beverage
cloth mask. Wash hands often or use and merchandise. This will limit direct
A maximum of two-hour time slots hand sanitizer. contact between employees and
available, only one per member per guest. Increased regularity and scope
day. Masks are not required, but social Frisco Lakes Golf Club of washdowns and cleaning inside
distancing will be enforced.No rental 7170 Anthem Drive, the ballpark. Increased disinfectant
chalk available currently. Frisco, TX 75034 wipe down cleanings of high-touch
972-292-3089 ballpark surfaces. Added hand
Countdown 2 Escape – friscolakesgc.com sanitizing stations for public and
Boutique Escape Rooms employee use. Re-create existing
6963 Main St., Frisco, TX 75034 Masks are mandatory to be worn in facility seating manifest to allow
972-325-2025 the clubhouse and recommended proper social distancing. Group and
countdown2escape.com hygiene and social distancing hospitality areas will operate with
guidelines are encouraged. All reduced capacity. All staff shall be
Masks are required in the lobby. players must stay six feet apart. No encouraged to wear protective masks,
A rigorous cleaning regime is being more than two customers are allowed as necessitated by current guidelines
enforced. in the pro-shop at a time, plus two
staff members. Water coolers are not

54 NEWCOMERS'

and best practice policies. Entry gate lines will be widened. Kartland Performance Indoor Raceway
Inflatables and standalone playground in Kid’s Zone will be 10550 John W. Elliott Dr., Suite 100,
closed until safe to open. Designated entrance gates and Frisco, TX 75033
designated exit gates. 972-727-7223
kartland.com
National Videogame Museum
8004 North Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034 Limiting the number of customers in the facility and on the
972-668-8400 track. If possible, please use a debit or credit card payment
nvmusa.org to reduce exposure. Cleaning karts and helmets between
each race, so please be patient. Everyone in the facility is
Modified daily hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm asked to practice social distancing while in line, as well as
Social distancing encouraged and promoted while relaxing between races. Employees will be wearing
Museum staff will be monitoring the premises at all times face coverings. Racers will use hand sanitizer before going
and will be sanitizing controllers and other interactive into the pit to race and will wash hands once finished
elements regularly. Requiring all museum visitors (age 3 racing. All frequently touched areas will be cleaned
and older) to wear a mask while on the premises. Masks are routinely throughout the day.
not provided so please be sure to bring your own. Gloves
are optional but recommended due to the hands-on
nature of the museum. Latex free gloves are available upon
request. Some exhibits modified to accommodate social
distancing guidelines. Please practice these commonly-
accepted guidelines throughout the museum.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 55

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One Pot Easy Shrimp
in Coconut Sauce

56 NEWCOMERS'

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RECIPE

A 30-minute, creamy, and comforting One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce with blended vegetables to serve over
rice or noodles. It is dinner made easy!

• Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 30 minutes
• Servings 4
• (Adapted from several versions)

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley plus more
1½ pounds jumbo raw shrimp (deveined, both shell to garnish 1 cup canned coconut milk

and tail removed) 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
5 tablespoons vegetable oil divided 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large lime, juiced)
3 gloves garlic 1 minced and 2 coarsely chopped 1 1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
teaspoon salt divided 4-6 oz cream cheese softened (the amount depends
1 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
½ large white or yellow onion peeled and coarsely on how creamy you want) 1 red jalapeno pepper
thinly sliced (optional)
chopped 1 large orange or red bell pepper de-
seeded and sliced
1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
2 leaves large basil plus more to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the peeled shrimp in a bowl with 1 Tablespoon of oil, one minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½

teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat and let marinade while cooking the vegetables.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onion and bell pepper

and let cook for approximately 3 minutes.
3. Add the 2 coarsely chopped garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute. Add the canned

diced tomatoes, basil, and cilantro/parsley. Let cook for about 2 minutes. Transfer the
cooked vegetables to a blender and set aside.
4. Add the 2 remaining Tablespoons of oil to the skillet and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes,
then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or it until starts getting pink. Transfer the
shrimp to a plate or bowl.
5. Add the coconut milk, chicken/vegetable broth, lime juice, ground ginger, paprika (optional),
and the remaining salt and pepper to the cooked, reserved vegetables and blend everything
until vegetables are completely ground and mixture is homogeneous.
6. Transfer blended mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil; then reduce
to simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese and
stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and homogeneous.
7. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Garnish
with basil leaves, chopped cilantro/parsley, and slices of red
jalapeno pepper if desired.

Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

It must be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Heat well before eating! If desired, add a little bit more of coconut
milk to dilute the sauce.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 57

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58 NEWCOMERS'

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ond

BY ALLIE SPLETTER

It’s no secret the past few months Eagle Scout and Reedy High School graduate Myles Bennette. the-scenes work as a tech. “My new
have been hard. Hard on the world, theatre teacher, Mr. Ben Shurr, really
hard on the United States, hard Eagle Scout, Myles Bennette, that’s made an impression on me by always
on our community and especially exactly what it was about. encouraging me and the rest of the cast
hard on those directly impacted by to treat each other like family. I enjoyed
illness, pandemic, the shut down and Myles began his educational working with him so much that I was
quarantine. While the world works hard career right here in Frisco at Bledsoe planning to give him a Mentor Pin at my
to find a sense of normalcy in response elementary where he Eagle Scout Court of Honor before it
to the impact of recent events, high was canceled,” Myles explains.
school seniors tread onwards toward became a Webelos, which is part of
their futures while coping with a Cub Scouts. Myles describes himself Eagle Scout is the highest
profound sense of loss after having as a pretty quiet kid and began to achievement or rank attainable in the
traversed a normally exciting and come out of his shell during the time he program of the Boy Scouts of America
incredibly meaningful Spring semester. attended Pioneer Middle School where as it requires an unprecedented
Spring Break meant the end of a he met Mr. Anton Bucher, his Advanced amount of commitment, dedication
“normal” school year as students would Theatre teacher. “He encouraged me and time. To become an Eagle Scout, a
know it, and senior students wouldn’t to take a speaking role on one of the scout must complete the requirements
see their prom, senior skip day (shh… UIL teams. Having to speak in front of for six separate ranks. Each rank has
it’s still a thing!), graduation practice, a room full of people gave me more numerous requirements like learning
last day of school or any of the tried and confidence and helped me to become how to cook and give first aid. The last
true rites of passage that seniors for more outgoing. I transferred to Pearson two ranks require the scout participate
generations before them were able to Middle School when it opened, where in Troop leadership for a minimum of six
experience. What they did experience, I participated in numerous activities. months each. In addition to the six rank
though, was growth. Growth in so many I was part of the first boys’ basketball requirements, a scout must complete a
ways. Growth they will one day look and track teams, received an award total of at least 21 merit badges and 13
back on and be proud of. After all, isn’t for my role in our UIL presentation of of them are required for all scouts. To
growth what senior year and working Requiem, participated in the fall and complete a merit badge, a scout works
towards hard-earned goals is all about? spring theatre shows and participated through the requirements designed to
For Reedy High School senior and now in the science fair,” Myles recalls. Myles educate them on a specific topic, such
went on to attend Reedy High School, as family life, and then demonstrate
where he continued to participate in their knowledge to a merit badge
the theatre department, performing counselor. Finally, an Eagle Scout
in a few plays and focusing on behind- candidate must plan and lead a service
project and participate in an Eagle
Board of Review no later than 90 days
after their eighteenth birthday.

Though he’d been active as a scout
since elementary and even had a
cousin who was an Eagle Scout, Myles
didn’t decide until his Freshman year
of high school he wanted to pursue
the exemplary rank of Eagle Scout.
“I decided I really wanted to have an
achievement that was unique within
my family. I had just completed my
first class rank leaving three ranks
to become an Eagle Scout. I have a
cousin in Austin who was also in scouts
working toward his Eagle Scout rank
which encouraged me to continue
advancing. Also, my father has always
been an active part of the scouts.
It was something that my dad and I
did together. We started in Webelos
and finished with Eagle Scout,” Myles
recalls.

For Myles, achieving the Eagle
Scout rank was the end of a journey

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 59

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he started as a fifth-grade student at Bledsoe Elementary. being in the technology industry, I have also had access to
“When I started, I had no idea it would take seven years to a computer and Internet access, so switching to ‘distance
finish. There were times when I wanted to leave scouting, but learning’ was relatively easy for me. My parents say I am
my friends and family encouraged me to keep going. They pretty organized and don’t like missing deadlines, which also
reminded me how big an accomplishment becoming an helps me keep moving toward my goals. However, I did have
Eagle Scout is and how few scouts actually achieve it,” Myles some initial struggles with the increased amount of free time
says. available. When my parents reminded me college would be
very similar, I was able to refocus and keep pushing myself
While working his way through high school and earning to finish my assignments, which gave me more time on the
his way towards achieving Eagle Scout rank, he learned weekend. I must admit I did use the opportunity to start my
numerous life lessons while volunteering his time and school day later than when going to Reedy.”
dedicating his service to others. Because the Eagle Scout
rank is so rare and demanding of willing scouts’ time and While the situation was not ideal for any student, Myles
dedication, those who ultimately achieve the rank are well- says he has his parents and looking toward the future to
versed in an array of areas that serve them well through life. thank for keeping him motivated to finish his senior year
Myles says, “There are the obvious life skills like learning how strong despite the circumstances. “My father constantly
to cook, render first aid and personal management. However, reminded me of how much work I had put in as a scout to
I was reminded of some of the more subtle things, as my end up being “life for life.” Both parents kept telling me
parents call them, that we do as scouts. For example, the can how good it would look to have Eagle Scout on my college
food drives we did as Cub Scouts to support Frisco Family applications. I also didn’t like the thought of putting in seven
Services; the times we picked up trash in the neighborhoods years and not achieving the highest rank I could. In the
that we live in; the other Eagle Scout projects I participated classroom, I really just wanted to finish as best I could in the
in before doing my own project; and, the amount of work it new environment,” Myles explains. He continues, “Finishing
takes to care for a dog that I learned while volunteering at school this way has shown me I can adapt to change, which
The Colony Animal Shelter. We learned how to engage with will help me throughout my life. My father always said the
strangers while selling camp cards, and more importantly, reason soldiers run long distances with heavy packs is
how to be pleasant when being told ‘no thank you.’ Although because things don’t always go as planned. If you have done
scouts learn to lead, they also learn to serve. Both skills are something like adapting quickly to a fast-moving situation,
critically important throughout life.” you will always have the knowledge that you can do it again if
you need to.”
Scouts’ final objective in working towards earning the
Eagle Scout rank is a service project that benefits the scout’s Though there were disappointments in traversing such a
community. The scout must propose, plan, fund, execute unique senior spring semester while working towards such
and report on a project of his choosing. They must lead the hefty goals, there were positives, and one of the biggest
project and not do the project. Myles’ Eagle Scout Project positives was that Frisco ISD was able to give seniors the
involved building a pair of stages to use at Myers Park & graduation ceremonies they so deserved.
Event Center in McKinney, where the need was for a total of
four stages, 12 feet by eight feet. Since he estimated each Myles father Nathan most enjoyed how Myles matured
stage would take four to six hours to complete, he broke through the years and the spring semester of his senior year.
them into two projects of two stages each. Myles’ funded half Mr. Bennette recalls, “I watched him progress from a little kid
of his budget and his parents funded the other half under on campouts just looking to have fun to leading a group of
the condition he would fund any shortfall. Because of the new scouts on some of their early campouts. The proudest
discounts, he came in slightly under budget and donated the moment for me was when the father of one of the new scouts
proceeds to The Colony Animal Shelter. thanked Myles for being a positive influence on his son.
He said Myles made such an impression on his son at the
Myles was set to receive his Eagle Scout rank in a previous campout that he has started taking his role in the
ceremony this Spring, but it was ultimately canceled, troop more seriously. He believed Myles was responsible for
like many other milestones in which he was supposed to his son wanting to become a leader in the troop.”
partake this semester due to the ongoing quarantine and
shutdown. While the disappointment of canceled events was Admittedly, no high school senior, let alone one finishing
overwhelming at times, Myles credits his scouts background and earning his Eagle Scout rank, ever thought a pandemic
and Eagle Scout rank with preparing him to be ready for would shut down one of the very most important times in
the unknown. After Spring Break, Frisco ISD students’ their lives, but seniors all over the country and right here in
curriculums were moved online and students completed Frisco, Texas have defied the odds and have bright futures
the rest of their school year virtually through eLearning, ahead of them. Myles’ dedication to himself, his service, his
which proved challenging for many. He explains, “As a schoolwork and his future kept him laser focused on finishing
scout, we focus on being prepared. It’s the Scout slogan. Of strong and making every choice count. Change is imminent
course, I never expected anything like this to happen, but and Myles – along with his classmates and seniors around the
the emphasis on preparedness and independence helped country – have shown embracing it is sometimes all you can
me adapt quickly to the changing situation. With my father do.

Allie Spletter loves being able to share Frisco with others through writing.

60 NEWCOMERS'

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 61

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Up, Up and Away!

The mural seen from the Roofdeck at The Patios at the Rail
pays homage to the Double Dip and is painted by Patrick Ganino.

ONE DAY IN FRISCO BY CHRIS FRITCHIE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 63

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DID YOU KNOW

SERVICE ABOVE SELF 2020 FRISCO ARTS
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Rotary Club of Frisco has honored Firefighter/
Paramedic Colby Brown, of the Frisco Fire Department, Thanks to the generosity of donors, Frisco Arts
with the First Responders “Service Above Self” Award. Mr. provides a scholarship each year through the Frisco
Brown is the type of firefighter that leads from the front and Education Foundation for FISD students pursuing a
continually strives to improve himself and those around career in the arts. Congratulations to Christine Le, a
him. As a Frisco Firefighter, Brown sets a great example for talented violist, president of the LHS Orchestra and a
both younger and older firefighters. He works hard, trains participant in the independent Study and Mentorship
hard and studies hard to become better. Brown was the Program, Jazz Band and State VASE competition.
second Frisco Firefighter to complete the rigorous Georgia Christine is planning to attend UT Austin and pursue
Smoke Diver Program, a six-day, 60-hour intense program a degree in Music Education.
designed to expose firefighters to the extreme demands
that may be placed on firefighters at any incident. Brown FRISCO’S $1 BILLION GATE PROJECT
is capable of working in any position in the Frisco Fire
Department, from paramedic on an ambulance to acting Construction is underway for the next phase of The
officer on a fire engine. Additionally, Brown was named by Gate – one of Frisco’s most successful mixed-use
his peers as the 2019 Frisco Fire Department Firefighter of developments. The 49-acre, $1 billion Gate project
the Year. Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland and Battalion Chief is on the Dallas North Tollway just north of the Dallas
Cameron Kraemer assisted in the award presentation. Cowboys’ Star mixed-use project in Frisco. The Gate
The Rotary Club of Frisco meets at noon on Thursdays is a project of Dubai-based Invest Group Overseas.
at the Crest Infiniti event center on State Hwy 121. All An excavation underway on in the project on John
are welcome to visit and learn more about serving your Hickman Parkway at Dubai Way will be the site of
community both locally and globally. a new retail development. The 35,000-square-foot
building will house a Govindji’s jewelry store plus
restaurants with underground parking. The City of
Frisco also approved another 16,000-square-foot
retail project across the street, which Invest Group
Overseas plans to start later this year. The Gate
also has sites for office development. Invest Group
Overseas announced details for The Gate in 2014
with plans for more than 2.3 million square feet of
construction.

64 NEWCOMERS' FRISCO EARNS YET ANOTHER #1 TITLE

Frisco grew faster than any other large U.S. city
over the last decade, according to a new study
from the Census Bureau. Frisco had a growth rate
of 71.1 percent during the last 10 years, with the
city’s population reaching 200,490 in 2019, up from
116,989 in 2010, according to the study. The growth
was higher than every other city with a population
of 50,000 or more. This is not the first time the city’s
rapid growth has been recognized. In 2016, Frisco
was the fastest growing city in America, according to
WalletHub’s annual analysis of government data. In
2019, it ranked first in job growth.
Happy growing, Frisco!

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FRISCO FASTPACS’ SUMMER
MEAL CHALLENGE 

The Frisco Station Partnership, developer of Frisco
Station and composed of Hillwood, The Rudman
Partnership and VanTrust Real Estate, has partnered
with Frisco Fastpacs and Frisco ISD (FISD) to launch the
Frisco Fastpacs’ Summer Meal Challenge sponsored
by Frisco Station. The program will provide three
meals a day, seven days a week throughout summer
school, to students across all 72 FISD schools. To
ensure the program’s success, the Frisco Station
Partnership will match all monetary donations
made to Frisco Fastpacs, up to $15,000, through
the end of June. Founded in 2013, Frisco
Fastpacs regularly provides weekend meal
packs during the school year to over 1,000 students
enrolled in FISD. Each pack includes seven non-
perishable, easily-prepared meals for children
to eat over the weekend. During the COVID-19
pandemic, Frisco Fastpacs has increased its
number served to 1,607 students, distributing
42,227 meals to date. As the coronavirus crisis
continues, Frisco Fastpacs has agreed to aid
FISD in serving meals throughout the month of
June, ensuring families in need of packs will receive
them after the regular school year, before the start
of summer school and during the course of summer
classes. The meal program will provide an additional
layer of assistance to students served by the Frisco
ISD Child Nutrition Department, which is providing
free breakfast and lunch for students five days a week
during the month of June. For more information,
visit: https://www.pledgeling.com/frisco-fastpacs-
summer-meal-challenge or text FASTPACS to 707070.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 65

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No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2020 • All rights reserved.