FSM February 2019

COMMUNITY & CULTURE FEBRUARY 2019 VOL XXIII, ISSUE 10 $3.00 Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995

A PL ACE FOR US ALL FRISCO'S DIVERSE CULTURE
EMBRACING RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES DAUGHTERS OF FAITH
CHANGE ON THE RANGE CIT Y LEADERS CELEBR ATE PGA OF AMERICA













THE BIG STORY

THE FEATURE STORY On Page 40 ON THE COVER: COMMUNITY & CULTURE FEBRUARY 2019 VOL XXIII, ISSUE 10 $3.00 Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995
Frisco: A Place for Us All
By Allie Spletter Some of Frisco’s key players A PL ACE FOR US ALL FRISCO'S DIVERSE CULTURE
take swing on land at the EMBRACING RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES DAUGHTERS OF FAITH
While Texas is ground zero for immigration in the U.S., and immigration in and CHANGE ON THE RANGE CIT Y LEADERS CELEBR ATE PGA OF AMERICA
of itself has been a hotbed political topic in recent months and years, Frisco has future Headquarters of the
adapted, grown and continued to flourish as it welcomes new residents. PGA of America.

8 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cover by Gabriela Gilstrap

No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2019 • All rights reserved.



CONTENTS

58 52 COMMUNITY & CULTURE
24 FEBRUARY 2019
62
publisher
CHRIS JOHNSON

editor
CHRISTINE PERRENOT

art director
LEAH RATLIFF

staff photographer
GABRIELA GILSTRAP

office manager
BECKY JOHNSON

manager, account services
ANDREW JOHNSON

manager, digital media
BEN JOHNSON

sales administrator
LINDSAY JOHNSON

director of business development
GEORGE RODRIGUEZ

advertising sales
LAURA HAMBY
GARY ISAACS

AD SALES: 972.335.1306
[email protected]

OFFICIAL EVENTS WILCOX
CATERER
COOKING CONCEPTS
CULTURE FOOD QUICK LOOKS
52 S pice It Up! SPECIALS EVENTS • TEAM BUILDING • COOKING CLASSES • CATERING
20 Daughters of Faith 13 From the Publisher
By Amy Day Richmond By Christine Perrenot By Chris Johnson Style Publishing Group
56 Recipe: P.O. Box 1676, Frisco, Texas 75034
24 Treat Yourself 14 Letters to the Editor Phone: 972.335.1181 | Fax: 214.722.2313
By Rachel Beaird Healthy Valentine's
Day Truffles 71 C omic Toll Free: 877.781.7067
33 H ow Does Loving 57 S mall Bites By Cal Slayton [email protected] | www.friscostyle.com
Yourself Translate to
Loving Others? COMMUNITY 72 One Day in Frisco No portion of this publication may be
By Leadership Prep 18 T hings to Do By Gabriela Gilstrap reproduced without express written
School Students 58 Change on the Range permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC.

PEOPLE By Stephen Hunt ©2019 All rights reserved.
67 Wild at Heart
16 Scene & Be Seen FRISCO STYLE GIVES BACK
28 C oncrete Canvas By Lisa Ferguson
70 D id You Know Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly sponsors Boys &
By Christine Perrenot Girls Clubs of Collin County, Camp Craig Allen,
Clothe-A-Child, Frisco Arts, the Frisco Commu-
62 L eading a nity Parade, Frisco Family Services, Frisco Freedom
Transformation Fest, Gary Burns Fun Run, the Frisco Rotary Club
By Christine Perrenot and is a member of the Frisco Chamber of Com-
merce.

10 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Depending on your age, you may NEXT MONTH
The beloved March Dining and
find this hard to believe, but there were video games Entertainment issue of Frisco
in the 1980s (along with cellular phones, compact discs STYLE will be arriving in your
and some great pop music). Visit Frisco’s own National mailbox before you know it! Hit
Videogame Museum and you’ll learn that a number of the town with us as we explore
the iconic arcade video games were birthed during the Frisco's unique entertainment
80s. Have you heard of Pac-Man®? Tetris®? Mario attractions and newest dining
Bros.®? Frogger®? Each of these were launched in destinations.
the 80s, followed by a number of versions, sequels
and spin-offs, leading to flourishing franchises and the SHOUT OUT
iconic status they enjoy today (think of movie franchises like “Star Wars,” “James Bond,” Frisco STYLE wants to thank Will
“Mission: Impossible,” “Rocky,” “Marvel Universe” and “Harry Potter”). Sowell, David Ovard, Dr. Todd
Among these video game brands, I often think of SimCity™, as the series so reminds Fouche and Mayor Jeff Cheney
me of the growth and development of Frisco. Like some of today’s games, SimCity is an for the great photos we had the
open-ended, planning and strategy game. You do not fight aliens, monsters or “the dark honor to take at the future site of
side” to win. You, however, get to develop a city from a patch of undeveloped land. Sound PGA of America. It was awesome
familiar? The game structure is comprised of three major development zones: residential to check out the site with such an
zones for houses and apartment buildings; commercial zones for shops and offices; and, inspiring group of local leaders.
industrial zones for factories, warehouses, laboratories and farms.
Rather than entrusting the planning and community balance to city staff or elected FSM FEBRUARY PLAYLIST
officials, in SimCity, you control where to place development and infrastructure, like Make sure you pull up Spotify and
roads, power plants, water tanks, landmarks, multi-family housing and public services listen to Frisco STYLE’s Valentine’s
such as schools, parks, hospitals and fire stations. You also determine the tax rate, budget Day themed playlist. From classic
and social policy. Your city is populated by “Sims,” [simulated persons], who live, work, romantic ballads to today’s favorite
play and hopefully thrive in your city. love songs, we have something
While there is no particular finish line or objective to achieve to win SimCity, the everyone will love.
balancing act of all these varied factors provide the constraints which make gameplay
possible, challenging and enjoyable for many. There’s always more on
When you think about some of Frisco’s latest development announcements, the
challenges and complexity of school funding, the relationship between escalating property
values and property taxes, traffic congestion related to growth, the balance of multi- and
single-family housing and a host of other issues bantered around in social media and city
council meetings, it’s pretty easy to recognize that, while SimCity puts you at the helm of
your own city, it’s little league compared to real life. And, the wild card in all this is that
municipalities do not control every aspect of development and are many times dependent
on the private sector and free markets to invest in and develop the housing, entertainment
and employment opportunities a thriving community needs.
All this said, a snapshot of Frisco today would seem to be an ideal SimCity consequence.
Characterized by cooperation and a public-private partnership development approach,
Frisco’s early victories include the initial economic engine of Stonebriar Centre and
countless other amenities over the years. The execution of a sports-centric development
strategy has resulted in booming development, where today we celebrate the
announcements of a full-scale UNT campus, the relocation of the PGA headquarters and,
more recently, a new 250-acre development overlooking that headquarters. We even have
re-development taking place, turning HALL Park, the city’s largest office park, into a true
mixed-use development, including residential units, a large public park, hotels, additional
retail and a performing arts center on land donated by Hall.
And, the kicker? Frisco has embraced a population that has become more and more
diverse, leading to rich options for restaurants, businesses, worship centers and neighbors.
No wonder Frisco is quickly reaching its own iconic status.
Think you could do better? You may want to try SimCity.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 13

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YOUR LETTERS & MORE

BY DRU BICKHAM In recent years, there has been a shift in choices of the average neurons in the brain from degeneration, like with Alzheimer’s FA RAWATHRHHFEIOLREEAIMSLCLECLPEOHSVG’AEOSARSICLVCTHELEIYMSADRMIATAISIFOGCFlARTEAERTCRaNEEANSATLTTNLFA, DAMMcMFFAERUIKNLITIISTeNEUCSGTROOE. fSor Us CAl l OoarviadnstcieeghmoassOpetatnTppiltioalmneeanpilytoycbncxemlaijoaenniutsiaoifacsoin,cnarusnuollesoihfktwpgFleedinnriyhemaungsmdatarnaFetOsrhttemaiachnFaegersaotcatelsaasinetycevkriorcotnonnsBiooreidsiyetnstmcyvccmstdoenfprounecuoohiYaltfrahoenmdwnoomoy’oflhtACoFodsbatcfatgduehrielvfufaudovaichnioeaerAbariggiiavneipressnztmdrgorsnitlrerr,paisTsei-ihsiapmcoaetamMetgshltffr,aorfoelo,hamwsatuyunlariokdrxinofcmsni,osaotatpta.ctmiataiaeueYussnnnfmivFhnaanefzsootsendrrdceiavglmiares,itdfnrnteltgenmresaiteocMosD.FsogFasinyrwgivtpmiutgecwimbrisftaortotuhlehovt.rypieAgueiyiooFnlsecsaes,oemclleoverWcnlpcccar.ninsamtYi,byfinoaooopictemihtntlF,sulhg3thlesmhnneowacgrfhhaet,lr,7ahittaipoyiRtvmaoeoelvwJiscoimoewuehtnhetencmmestiamnciIhmwlotonuaoeloiiinatonytCieesledcsttewhentviesdiuhiebnsrheseishgaheersc,owehaepn,HosieltariraotsannsdattetaetsraeosrafanoshnrnoereiravcnMesrnttnyadekepmndsimoepmtedhi,ddtdtmsensonsnDehteearieaaotOoiaeulhedroHabaelcoehpnnilaupvysUweetesiimlilnatetiuierstdsiidnNsecsnvcatvcsnea.geytobtadhSeafiadngtenetthadstoaflelel.,seDorduv.nyctleyt,llrtftdoftseiyeogto.tilwPahhierptgdayforwrsrnlimaarfgeoebsnhoeltypoastbmcoidiosrmeivdberoiwisnitefenowdcnipcedltnofreifgylcewtaiaoo-nlloffdren.msoeo,.iytemnmsndatsetpWmar!Wsahsmentih,Nrraon-…ndheaiiehgstpgovFcich,ciwlrrsteoelraeosoeeamenimihm-vnsesotteacahni-nmeottokeatsau-’ollsesssnildhnyai.rlfectetWmioaAtoichdhanganhchamsesjrmc.ottosiotloahoiAreGdhagwlreisonetsrdsiisiymivanuuoinatnenngbmfangioanatgtglttcefeewiiroitttdsmnoatohuiodtbnhmi(ermirnuuetoNikihmnssinnirel.settggdYetriraprt,gacOst.ihatae,,etrerhnetesa’fnewtseF,t’fnetstbiilhactpcrrpaoyiieionr.fomleohl,aoenspaoomtmxmsCraruifmtimsasiilmrta.nidlaeghmuilmtgOeesiiercitf,osoai.gtiynnS)grnnihcro,eetrttohetanao(hoawdfotpmn,oelefeottottrhmahhtsshLDepheaieiaunoocsgeeortlnlgaMmnfeoaytsrer-httieaaoebtimafeSolpsxrgtosatneohailroiranca’mkmeansrdarlipersagnbmSsphrfeItitorHegnghbasihoorgetgtdeoai,felrdseiveirynra.pTasesdunstai-eeenamtnxarrnt,inpaevbcdsdogia,ecprnCrfelwauaoasholsrlwhitafiignnien-elisaedmtt)uh--es-
consumer within the medical landscape. More people have disease or multiple sclerosis. CBD oil can help children with Au-
DUE TO THE ILLEGALITY OF MARIJUANA IN MOST decided to branch out beyond typical pharmacy pills and tism progress and become more present by allowing signals in
OF THE 50 STATES, THERE IS A STIGMA THAT GETS prescriptions for their medicine and are trying more plant- the brain to get through that could not before. It can even help
WRONGLY-ASSIGNED TO THIS PRODUCT. based and natural options. Accounts of products such as es- with irritable digestion and conditions such as Crohn’s disease. It

34 HEALTH & FITNESS sential oils and supplements helping treat not only people’s symp- has helped people improve sleep, deal with depression and even BY ALLIE SPLETTER

toms, but in some cases, improving conditions, are on the rise. impacts appetite and metabolism. When it comes to skin, CBD

One of the most effective yet somewhat controversial of these oil can calm eczema and psoriasis and similar irritating condi-

remedies to appear is cannabidiol, or CBD oil, which is found in tions of the skin. It can help epilepsy patients to calm and lessen

the cannabis plant. seizures. Some of the

Much of the contro- most researched and

versy surrounding CBD CBD scientifically-backed “W E JUST GOT A COPY of the
oil is due to the fact that findings show that magazine. You did a fantastic job
it comes from a plant most CBD oil can be used writing the article. We really like your
people associate with get- with cancer patients message and how you wrote it! It’s a
ting “high.” In fact, CBD is to alleviate the effects really hard topic to educate people
one of hundreds of canna- of chemotherapy, like about and you did a good job.”
binoids found in cannabis nausea, vomiting and
Kellie Kauten
and tetrahydrocannabinol pain. Some have even

(THC) is another. THC is BFDWhat's the found it may be a solu- torliflaeWirondsws.enoahtsnolssLoelseidraltoetmNeaktryhoghfehatsseerbagarxrdhetirilieshrlnhenpoagniwspapiaixmtrdvahletmtctearrlotoanpimbitoaaeedniopaevtuurmdsorrotsexwdpsikbggaeshrestidrt’eelnieirnrYoshuhenhleuignsoioaigndor.eotirn,foragcUfccnweeeocloalfEfeeaoretaitdssoulnnadtcethndotltcxnutoenogtnhoyvtiseidcotepvsbonhoeledrnre,dgnaOeeewbremniiipoicepFicsrrrbnlaafusufeotm.grtsifertstruyfneaiehoeairiTobeFad.ilttoncnyerrlsedsurufyeeodIa.econwencscrebmrx,rn.onesnoitnaaaFyanaasdaoitSfhsnmtnmrisdanbgubocpiodtNcilmroomdohsuiasumnommoueguce,auonaslaaltplarolstevriitertgoirhlbltanuclgreuotkyautiejhuintcaeshrrcohwnrmehra,caestesasdaebedcgvieTosp.nslceaiasrnrsr,eltemntedtunzi,sytsEeesavsiixtchidttel,atnsss,xnnwritihiraersmesnmeusiipcaegteesaimbtletmngenber,pvodsbhpulitecn,eogcrisseiretehtatmeassessulouahoelaacyinjnlcmiaartnsroadnotamsnedeeeornd,gbdtfmnfbxceiudteuidisiscdnbteiurgrapvrau,agnoocegnfsi,ecsrscecohloodtluaialsorlhro-ghtgnfrawtuisnslitgmhaoireohetrieeesahntpvmeseungnnefssntb,emgeneescrrersipbcaoivnonseesiorlcoeuoiineoiaupirpganlmgietapasnrdtlfattntalchhishnniayeetuiroelmdoooetcbiea,ddtlabownsbogumrfaartau,saunssitloiotdsrga-vlsntiespisw-fnaaioiolehAoci.viveilbd-inttntsueueeernmyoehkslrsanosgnutaacp-ilesdnucntlsiltttteirtloeshhrdhountyocicweeciahefds“tnlasbEmanTiedesppclevnabdilanrhum’rerosussaotFiaesislcftdnct-yp.unyaroDiaedAuttidmdmsilswhtrhnlifscbfytebmerphWaotogtooeliaivheercrcWfiocimtEeohntehkglahopanheohiebrgvea)remrecebHmtaviraedestitsoiihites.nehmnntihnreYhhyepnesayatefIeptoorfsnlliosgata1rFaehilnihamsrno9waFcm.teefRadreladhnih9erxaTebehvsteshsIiegii6t.nheoeoplrSooshtltsyaaidcet.rcuhfeoOCemceblbsceorrretc.scScpleOlai.eeifwaioieaohm”Meaatirmesnalsrunhodeunhrl?hnsbmyeeldetveclonottdakearnroh,aedotntficuancbtrdaengcodbwpsgksloyahlmya,erueyaeunt,mnwteaawvaairheeowiaonrl,nnleteledse,elwoyttldn,dgfloFosohoeUitatruftfrfppoefxabcrsoieerii.ll’nurmrrwucusduraiSoAsesocfretjlil.Fethtoetyolsryalhmahhhtufunriue’rdiiacrmosaeeiraeetnnaervoshdnremmnrrnoaceumnsembAdsiapoep.acelb,odaa,rstypmpnyamMotEenoiaf,tbae-iododhdrowcrepgbsaaoMyrereieiirneazloitnteanisisre.nstirbufuscsnuhegnvshiev.ernantIrdsaiwigaeooFrfoesOnsiatfaaratttdn(rshwllrhgmiy-tmhaaim.giooesaegifsoelaobeAstmcwceipoisnraanuleonoantssfrisnecamxaheounoets.yysotaaultsecrdnruhhonsstrnrnrafthdeaFcemueAoaetiatrbitrEhimimvvitntyfmanenoeetBcohaceetobesuegnihsoRnsirae,llntnlae,s,UenitnyrteeilguhtiAgtdsaFsctviyaetubRonara-ltyYoiuniglhgdsiuerda2cr-otst0ooaw1-wtt9ohitneahgt4-1
the psychoactive cannabi- ? tion for acne manage- FRISCOSTYLE.COM
noid that affects the brain ment.
in the high-giving way we
think of when we think of Not only do pa-
cannabis, but CBD is not tient accounts exist on
psychoactive at all. It does how many areas of the
not produce the same af- body can be helped by
fects as THC. And to be CBD, but as the market
clear, CBD oil will not get grows and the demand
a person high and is not the for this product con-
same as marijuana. To use a tinues to boom, more
forms become available

plant for medicinal purpos- (BIG FRISCO DEAL) for purchase. There
es and to produce CBD oil, is the oil that is com-

the plant must contain less mon, to be taken orally

than .3 percent of THC. by the drop. There are

Despite these facts, due to the illegality of marijuana in most of water-soluble compounds that can be taken with drinks for ease

the 50 states, there is a stigma that gets wrongly-assigned to this or better taste. There are also gummy vitamins that have become

product. popular. There are even vape pods containing CBD for fast-act-

Most commonly, you may hear of CBD oil being used to treat ing relief for anxiety or pain and for discretion and ease of trans-

pain, inflammation and anxiety. Often, people will turn to this port. There are topical creams and penetrating oils that can be

relatively new product when they feel they have reached their applied to help skin conditions or target pain in a specific area.

breaking point with more typical forms of painkillers and anti- CBD oil is starting to sound like a miracle solution, right? This

anxiety medications, often being prescribed a new dosage every certainly may add to the controversy or doubt about its effective-

few months or a new medication altogether. As the buzz around ness. How could one product, from one plant, possibly achieve

this compound continues to circulate, more people are explor- and target so much? In a world full of drugs designed to address

ing ways to try it and see if it helps their symptoms. What they specific symptoms, it does not seem possible that you could have

often do not expect is for the oil to help them in other areas of one product do so much. Plenty of people take four or five types

their life, aside from the knee pain they have been battling for of medication daily, just to address a few basic needs. Maybe you

years or the anxiety that has just reached a new and unbearable take an anti-anxiety pill, an antidepressant, a sleep aid at night,

level. Pepto-Bismol to calm your stomach after that one lunch out with

If you do any research on the plant, you will find just how friends or something to keep your moderate to severe plaque pso-

many symptoms and conditions it is claimed to help. It can calm riasis at bay. Medications for those symptoms are so common we

pain and inflammation in joints and muscles and can calm anxi- can see an advertisement for each of them during one commer-

ety in the brain, from everyday nerves to life-stopping panic cial break during a favorite television show. So, it can be hard to

attacks. It helps with episodes related to post traumatic stress believe that one plant, one molecule, can be taken to address all

disorder and can be used as a sort of neuro-protectant to guard those conditions. Each is caused by a different thing, right? There

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JANUARY 2019 35 40 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

HEALTH & FITNESS JANUARY 2019 VOL XXIII, ISSUE 09 $3.00 Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995 “ GOOD DAY! In reviewing the January 2019 Frisco STYLE
Magazine, I noted a familiar name (Laura Hamby). I have
known Laura for about two years. She has a solid and reliable 20 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Daughters of Faith FEBRUARY 2019 21
personality with excellent judgment. She is a valuable asset FRISCOSTYLE.COM
to the publication. We read every issue of the magazine and
enjoy all the advertisements in the city we live in. Congrats proudly presents the first annual
to both Laura and Frisco STYLE Magazine.” Community & Culture issue! Thank
you to everyone who shared their
Sal Salimitari unique stories and helped make the
February issue a success.
THE EDGE OF CHAOS FRISCO'S EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
THE TRUTH ABOUT CBD OIL HEALTHY, HOLISTIC TRENDS
ROOM FOR ANY FAMILY TE X AS SCOT TISH RITE HOSPITAL

14 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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SCENE AND BE SEEN

City Officials locked hands in prayer at the 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Oration Scholarship Gala, left. Padma Sonti
Kuchipudi Kalashetra Dance School performs an original piece, center. The Pelhams are founders of the Linking Cultures of
Frisco nonprofit that sponsors the 2019 MLK Oration Gala, right. Provided by Angelia Pelham.

Hunter Connor is featured at an artist
showcase at The Lincoln Experience Center,
left. Justin LeSaux and Conner Zimmerman,
center. Hunter Hampton, Laurel Dailey,
Kelsey Kocher, Katelyn Robeson and Drave
Stockar enjoy dinner at Sushi Marquee,
above right.

Rob Blaufuss and Kevin Frank get ready for the big NCAA game, far left . Mike and Meghan Bonds with Loral and Jim
Gleasom at City Works, above left. Lindsay Young and Kennedi Harris at The Star, above right.

Kamie Roesler cheers for the Bisons, left. Laurie Brakke with Dave and Dustin Anderson, center. The Schmidt family, right.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Have you recently attended a community event or have you participated in something awesome lately in Frisco?
Share your pictures with us! You just might see them in an upcoming issue of Frisco STYLE! Send your images to
[email protected].
16 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 17

No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2019 • All rights reserved.

THINGS DOFEBRUARY to

DALLAS STARS VS. SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FRISCO TRAIL RACE
MINNESOTA WILD Feb. 3 Feb. 9, 7:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Northwest Community Park
American Airlines Center, Dallas New England Patirots vs. This year’s race will benefit the
americanairlinescenter.com Los Angeles Rams Dallas Off Road Bike Association and
the FISD Education Foundation.
TEXAS LEGENDS VS. DALLAS STARS VS. friscotrailrace.com
SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE ARIZONA COYOTES
Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. TEXAS LEGENDS VS.
Dr Pepper Arena American Airlines Center, Dallas MEMPHIS HUSTLE
texlegends.com americanairlinescenter.com Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., Dr Pepper Arena
texlegends.com
GROUNDHOG DAY, Feb. 2 LADIES WHO LAUNCH
Feb. 5, Crest Infiniti WOGA CLASSIC
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Whether you are an artist, business Feb. 9-10
Feb. 2 owner, entrepreneur or “wantrepre- The Ford Center at The Star
neur,” you are welcome to attend and See athletes compete with future
Frisco Conference Center connect with boss ladies who launch! Olympic stars.
friscofun.org friscoarts.org woga.net

FIGHT NIGHT: ELEIDER DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. FRISCO STARFEST
“STORM” ALVAREZ VS. SERGEY CHARLOTTE HORNETS Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
“KRUSHER” KOVALEV Feb. 6, 7 p.m. Frisco Commons Park
Feb. 2, 6 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas The Texas Astronomical Society
The Ford Center at The Star americanairlinescenter.com holds monthly Star parties to
thestarinfrisco.com educate others about the night sky.
COLLIN COUNTY SPELLING BEE texasastro.org
TEXAS LEGENDS VS. Feb. 7, 6-7 p.m.
SOUTH BAY LAKERS Faubion Middle School, McKinney PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS
Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. The top spellers from across Collin GLOBAL CUP
Dr Pepper Arena County will compete at this event. Feb. 9-10, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
texlegends.com Coached by former PBR World
FLEETWOOD MAC IN CONCERT Champions, Team USA battles
NIGHT OF IMPROV Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Teams Brazil, Mexico, Canada and
Feb. 2, 8-9:30 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas Australia for the honor of being
Frisco Discovery Center – Black Box americanairlinescenter.com named the world’s best.
Theatre, friscoimprovplayers.com attstadium.com
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS GABRIEL IGLESIAS IN CONCERT
Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 8 p.m.
American Airlines Center, Dallas American Airlines Center, Dallas
americanairlinescenter.com americanairlinescenter.com

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Feb. 10, 2 p.m.
American Airlines Center, Dallas
americanairlinescenter.com

18 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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TEXAS LEGENDS VS. Experience the most competitive DALLAS MAVERICKS VS.
SOUTH BAY LAKERS off-road motorcycle racing DENVER NUGGETS
Feb. 13, 7 p.m. championship in the world. Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Dr Pepper Arena attstadium.com American Airlines Center, Dallas
texlegends.com americanairlinescenter.com
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. (NO SCHOOL FISD), Feb. 18 DALLAS STARS VS.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS CAROLINA HURRICANES
Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. THIRD SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE Feb. 23, 4 p.m.
American Airlines Center, Dallas Feb. 19, 1-4 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas
americanairlinescenter.com Frisco Heritage Center americanairlinescenter.com
Enjoy kids’ crafts, games, face
VALENTINE’S DAY, Feb. 14 painting and tours. Admission is free. GENERATIONFIT
friscoheritage.org Feb. 23, 6:15 p.m.
RED CARPET CONCERT SERIES – The Ford Center at The Star
A NIGHT OF ROMANCE DALLAS STARS VS. Join thousands of champions as
Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. NASHVILLE PREDATORS they break a sweat in support of the
The Lincoln Experience Center Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. AdvoCare Foundation and ending
Celebrate Valentine’s Day VIP style American Airlines Center, Dallas childhood obesity. Enjoy a heart-
with a concert featuring the “Pianist americanairlinescenter.com pounding morning workout.
to the Presidents” David Osborne. thestarinfrisco.com
friscoarts.org
MONSTER JAM
MARC ANTHONY IN CONCERT Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. AT&T Stadium, Arlington
American Airlines Center, Dallas This family event features the
americanairlinescenter.com most famous trucks in the world
with world-class drivers who push
NO SCHOOL FISD, Feb. 15 vehicles to their limits.
attstadium.com
THIRD MONDAY TRADE DAYS
Feb. 15-17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 2019 YOUTH ATHLETES TEXAS
More than 450 vendors offer GOLF CLASSIC LEGENDS VS.
gifts, home décor, clothing and Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. IOWA WOLVES
accessories, sporting goods, Stonebriar Country Club Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.
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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 19

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BY AMY DAY RICHMOND

A group of Frisco women, the Daughters of Faith,
meet monthly to share their beliefs from Chris-
tian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu points of view.

Daughters

20 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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of Faith
FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 21

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Anyone who has lived in Frisco for really did not know where this was going hear about. So, it makes me happy to

more than 10 years will agree that the to go, but we did want a safe environment be part of a group that probably raises

Frisco of 2008 looked very different to be able to have discussions and learn eyebrows when we are out in public and

than the Frisco of today — in more ways from each other. The blessing of all this hugging and kissing each other on the

than one. Frisco’s growth has happened is that you gain a better understanding cheeks and showing how much we care

at warp speed, and many of us are still of where somebody else is coming from for each other. I like being that kind of

trying to catch our breath. and can appreciate the things we have in example, and people seeing there are

With growth comes a plethora of common.” great relationships here.”

choices, boundless opportunities and Rabbi Heidi Coretz of Shir Tikvah Ms. Johnson says, “The biggest thing

glorious conveniences, but, sometimes, Frisco adds, “We always speak for me was I learned we have so much in

there are growing pains … such as fear. personally. We do not represent all of common. Instead of seeing each other

When Saba Ilyas moved here from the people or beliefs of our religious as a label, we see each other as human

the melting pot of Chicago in 2007 background, but how my faith informs beings.”

and enrolled her children In addition, the group has
learned countless things about
THE DAUGHTERS OF FAITH HAVEin Rogers Elementary
School, she says it was each other’s faiths, dispelled
numerous misconceptions
LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT OTHER“predominantly white” and
“a little scary.” She felt like and they have been pleasantly
surprised along the way.
BELIEFS, DISPELLED NUMEROUS MIS-they were the only Muslims
in Frisco, so much so that Sadaf Haq of The Islamic
Center of Frisco laughs,
CONCEPTIONS AND HAVE BEENshe laughingly admits to
following the first other “The Christmas [meeting]
Muslim she saw in Frisco PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AS THEY HAVE we had at Preston Trail was

— to see where they GOTTEN TO KNOW EACH OTHER. amazing because all of us
worshipped and where they Muslim women knew the

bought their meat. Christmas songs!” And Ms.

“Usually, people are just afraid of my belief on a subject. So, we have talked Basden says some were surprised to learn

the unknown,” says Sheikh Mubeen about women’s roles within our religious that “what we celebrate at Christmas has

Kamani, a youth director and scholar at space, marriage and family, gratitude … really nothing to do with the Christmas

The Islamic Center of Frisco. “When my Each woman is invited, as she wishes, to tree. It has a lot of symbolism, but there

daughter was a year old, she used to be share her perspective on how that subject is nothing in the Bible that suggests we

afraid of grass. I had to actually expose speaks to her as a Jew, Muslim, Christian should have a Christmas tree in our

her to what grass was, and then she was or Hindu. We have visited each other’s home.”

fine. So, a lot of times, that is how people places of worship, and we have celebrated Uncovering another surprise while

are with Muslims, because they have holidays together. We just learn so much traveling, Ms. Coretz became curious as

never sat down and talked to a Muslim.” more from each other than we would by to how Muslims would handle Ramadan

And, truth be told, misconceptions reading a book or attending an event. and Iftar in Iceland, since it does not

about all religions run rampant It is just a much deeper way of learning get dark there. She then discovered

throughout society. So, one evening, in through a meaningful relationship.” Judaism and Islam were similar in using

the fall of 2017, a small group of women Laxmi Tummala of the Karya Siddhi the time zones of Jerusalem and Mecca,

tentatively sat down to begin the monthly Hanuman Temple says, “I feel like I can respectively, to guide the timing of their

process of openly sharing their respective say anything on my mind, and I know celebrations.

beliefs, from a Christian, Muslim, Jewish I will not be judged. That is one thing Ms. Tummala shares that many

and Hindu point of view, and aptly called I really love about this group … aside religions have the concept of trinity and

themselves “Daughters of Faith.” from the fact that they are just a hilarious a spiritual leader who helps spread the

“They were pretty careful about who group of women. They are so much fun message of God, that other faiths believe

they invited in,” says Robin Johnson of to be around!” in a life after death and that the basic

Preston Trail Community Church. “Just “No one ever wants to leave,” Ms. Ilyas thing every religion tries to teach is to

because we did not want people coming laughs. “We start at 7 or 7:30, and by be good. “These are some of the things I

in with an agenda to convert other people. 9:30, we are all saying, ‘Oh gosh! We did not fully understand before I got into

It is not a proselytizing organization. It is have got to go home!’ That is usually how interfaith.”

just a community of women of faith.” it goes.” And when Pittsburgh Jews in prayer

Denise Basden of Preston Trail Ms. Basden agrees, saying, “It has were brutally massacred, the group

Community Church explains, “The been just a delightful experience. You immediately leapt into action to show

reason why we decided to start with a know, for all the bad news in the world, their support by hosting an interfaith

closed group was primarily because we there is so much good people do not ever service the next day and attending

22 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Shabbat worship the following
Friday night. Ms. Coretz says, “That
is just a beautiful example to me of
the opportunities that are going to
come out of a beautiful friendship
-- not just between the women in
our group, but between our various
houses of worship.”

Because of these positive results,
the Daughters of Faith members
believe interfaith is a critically-
important element for the future
of Frisco. “I think because so many
people of different religions are
coming to North Texas, we are just
going to have little silos of people
if we do not have some kind of
connection with each other,” Ms.
Johnson says.

“The only way to get over [fear
of other religions] is to get to know
somebody on a personal level. Take
religion out of it for a minute,” Ms.
Tummala says. “When you already
understand the person, it is much
easier to discuss different religious
aspects … and any preconceptions,
barriers or prejudices can be broken
down to really just facts.”

Ms. Tummala recommends
starting a group that is large enough
to encompass various religions, but
small enough to maintain intimacy
and allow for deeper relationships.
Finding people who are open, non-
judgmental and who want to learn
is also important to ensure everyone
maintains mutual respect. Or, if a
formal interfaith group is too time
consuming, consider visiting other
places of worship. “The more we
know about each other, the quicker
barriers come down,” Ms. Tummala
reiterates.

Ms. Basden concludes, “For all the
planning that has gone into this city
to create this amazing environment,
it is only really and truly as good as
the relationships of the people within
the community.”

Amy Day Richmond is a writer who relishes
faith, family, intriguing conversations and
inspiring words. She wishes time could be
saved in a bottle, because one lifetime isn’t
enough.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 23

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BY RACHEL BEAIRD

TREAT

At the Float Spot, floatation tanks are filled with 12 inches of water, heated
to your approximate external body temperature. Epsom salts keep you
floating on the surface.

24 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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YOURSELF

Millions of people across out of your day to focus and allow your- “More and more, you see people try-
the nation went into self to unwind.” ing to cram 25 hours into a 24-hour day
2019 with resolutions and really just allow their self care to
— lose weight, lead When Mrs. Schebler and her husband, be placed on the back burner,” says Ray
a healthier lifestyle, Jon, opened Culture A Day Spa in Oc- Thoma, the owner of The Float Spot.
spend more time with loved ones, be tober 2018, they had one goal in mind: “We have so much external stimuli com-
more present, etc. However, according a luxurious and relaxing experience for ing at us from every direction that we
to U.S. News & World Report, around everyone who passes through their doors. literally feel selfish for taking time for
80 percent of New Year’s resolutions They offer massages, facials and even pri- ourselves.”
have already failed by the second week vate dinner parties, but more than that,
of February. But, if you take all of these it offers a place to escape, whether for 45 The Float Spot is a proactive wellness
goals into account, there is one overarch- minutes or an entire afternoon. “We like studio focused on accelerated muscle re-
ing lifestyle change that can make a big to not only invite guests to relax before covery and total relaxation. Here, they
impact in your overall physical and men- or after their treatment, we encourage can offer you an experience like no other,
tal health: prioritizing work-life balance. it,” Mrs. Schebler says. “Our relaxation anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes of time
room is a phone-free zone where any- with only yourself in an environment lik-
Work-life balance not only affects your one can meditate, read, nap or just enjoy ened to that of being in the womb. Their
personal well-being, but also that of your some peace and quiet for as long as they state-of-the-art i-sopod® floatation
family, friends and even your workplace would like. We have even had one client tanks are each filled with only 12 inches
performance. On average, only 11.4 who stayed all day to finish a book!” of water heated to your approximate ex-
hours each day are devoted to leisure and ternal body heat and 22 bags of Epsom
personal care, meaning that for the other Preventing your personal and profes- salts that will keep you floating directly
12 plus hours, you are putting everyone sional lives from encroaching on one an- on the surface. “Because the air, water
else above your own needs, whether that other is also a key factor in maintaining and your body are all in the same nar-
is through answering emails after hours, both physical and mental health. The Na- row temperature range, it is hard to tell
checking homework, working overtime tional Center for Biotechnology Informa- where the water begins and ends, creat-
or baking cookies for the church bake tion found that those who work 55 hours ing a feeling of weightlessness and com-
sale. And while, of course, it is important or more in a week are at a higher risk for plete tranquility,” Mr. Thoma explains.
to take care of your loved ones and be a anxiety, depression, coronary heart dis-
member of your community, it is equally ease and strokes compared to those who Float therapy is ideal for athletes, ex-
important to make sure you are taking work 35- to 40-hour weeks. Chronic ecutives hunched over desks all day, par-
care of yourself. stress can cause people to “burnout” ents constantly on the move and even
and become less productive. You may be pregnant women who are in their second
“Everybody is just so busy nowadays. working longer hours, but that does not trimester and beyond.
Honestly, the art of being able to relax mean the quality of work is improving if
is getting harder and harder because we you are not functioning at 100 percent. Aside from floatation therapy, salts can
are so consumed by our daily lives, so- also be used to clear the central nervous
cial media, emails, texts, etc.,” explains Aside from the conventional means of system and calm the mind in the practice
Katelin Schebler, the owner of Culture A getting some peace and quiet, like read- of halotherapy or the breathing in of salty
Day Spa in Frisco. “People are not taking ing a book, going for a walk, doing yoga, air. At The Salt Retreat, clients can relax
any time for themselves to just relax and etc., Frisco is also home to local business- in “salt rooms” where a machine called
turn off their phones and minds. I think es that offer wholly unique experiences a halogenerator grinds up dry salts then
it is so important to take even 15 minutes guaranteed to get your mind off everyday disperses the mist throughout the treat-
stresses. ment room. “Salt is known to soothe the

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 25

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Culture A Day Spa offers massages, facials and even
private dinner parties as a way for people to escape.

Below, at Frisco’s Gearbox Software, a group of co-
workers started a weekly Aikido club.

central nervous system. So, basically, when people come in and
take therapy with us, whether occasionally or often, they are
getting a deeper relaxation than you can get from just going and
having some quiet time or taking a nap,” says Heather Tognaz-
zini, the co-owner of The Salt Retreat.

The Salt Retreat is one of only two dedicated salt therapy
centers across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Halotherapy
is a 100 percent natural, holistic remedy that stimulates breath-
ing, alleviates allergy and asthma symptoms and helps relieve
pain associated with psoriasis and asthma.

YOU ARE VALUABLE TO YOUR

WORKPLACE! CAN YOU START

IMPLEMENTING ACTIVITIES IN YOUR

WEEKLY SCHEDULE TO REMIND

YOURSELF OF THAT?

As more studies on the importance of work-life balance
emerge each year, some businesses are taking note and actively
implementing non-work-related activities during the week as
an option for employees. Frisco’s own Gearbox Software has
done just that, and a group of co-workers started up a weekly
Aikido club. Aikido is a martial art from Japan that focuses on
movements that promote self-defense and self-improvement. “I
have been practicing Aikido for about 20 years, and I had co-
workers start asking me about it. So, we found a room for a
demonstration and invited anyone interested to check it out,”
says Seung Kim, an FX artist and the founder of the club.

Mr. Kim was also joined by Raison Varner, a sound designer
and now president of the club, to join him in teaching classes, as
he too studied Aikido. Together, they formed the Aikido Club
in April 2017. “We meet twice a week and usually have about
12 to 15 people join us,” Mr. Varner says. “Once we start do-
ing martial arts, we totally forget about our stresses or fatigue
and we get our adrenaline pumping and are able to bond about
something outside of work, which then makes us more produc-
tive when working on projects together.”

Sixty-six percent of U.S. employees do not strongly believe
they have a healthy work-life balance. Attitudes about this topic
continue to evolve with cultural and generational changes, but
at the end of the day, the better balance you find, the more
satisfied you will be as a whole. You are valuable! Can you start
implementing activities in your weekly schedule as a reminder
of that?

Rachel Beaird is a University of Arkansas graduate, travel enthusiast
and public relations aficionado.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 27

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BY CHRISTINE PERRENOT

cCOaNnCvRaETsE
Downtown Frisco is going through a constant Mr. Boulet started drawing at a very young age (most of
period of change and innovation, and there is his creations included Star Wars themes or Ninja Turtles
something new and impressive happening ev- characters), and his passion has only grown with passing
ery day. Not only are more people converging time. “My parents always encouraged this. The spark for my
on the once-quaint area, bringing the need for love of art has burned in my heart since youth, almost like a
additional apartments and entertainment destinations, but raging fire, and I am lucky it has not diminished a single bit.
the arts are leading the way in terms of enhancing the visual I am very passionate about what I can create,” Mr. Boulet
appeal of the historical and beloved area. shares. Fast forward to now, and Mr. Boulet has created
giant murals, magazine covers, drawings and paintings. He
At the corner of 4th and Main Streets, you cannot miss has even done work for Dark Horse Comics and Pepsi®!
the newest mural completed by one of Frisco’s very own
artists. Reflecting the city’s influence, cultures, history, When the opportunity to paint the new mural that would
entertainment offerings and more, the mural, appropriately grace the aged walls of downtown Frisco came up, he jumped
titled “Frisco: Past and Present,” colorfully catches the eye at the exciting chance to get involved. Not only would the
of anyone strolling Main Street on a shopping excursion or project bring attention to the importance and benefits the
simply driving by on the way to work. arts scene has here in Frisco, but it would also provide the
outlet for Mr. Boulet to express his ideas and vision of what
Any artist’s work requires vulnerability, talent and makes Frisco so unique.
passion in order to be appealing. Joshua Boulet, the man
behind this new art display in Frisco, is a freelance artist It all started when Mr. Boulet’s high school friend, Stacey,
who considers himself self-taught and privileged to share his contacted him through social media telling him about
talent. He loves to draw, and, at any given moment, can be submissions that were being taken for the mural project. “I
found with his sketchbook in hand. He knows what it takes thought it would be great to have some of my artwork in a
to lure people into his art. place I grew up, so I created a concept drawing and applied!”

28 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Joshua Boulet is a freelance artist who considers himself self-
taught and privileged to share his talent with the community.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 29

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he shares. first phone call, they treated me awesome and always appreciated

Mr. Boulet has lived in Frisco since Preston Road was just a the hard work that went into making the mural. Plus, they paid

two-lane street with no streetlights. After growing up in The me!”

Colony and graduating from high school there, he lived in several So, what are Mr. Boulet’s plans for the future? “A lot more art,”

places, like Seattle, San Francisco and New York City. he says. “Hopefully, more murals! I have one more mural planned

To gain insight and additional inspiration for the piece, that right now for Woodville, Texas, where my mom lives … for the

was brought to life with only spray paint, Mr. Boulet explored side of her shop.”

the Heritage Center to

gather information about

Frisco’s rich legacy and

historical past. For sections

of the mural that were to

depict the present day, he

simply drove around and

did some sightseeing for

himself. With so many

details to include, the mural

was destined to portray the

culture of Frisco through a

collage of diversified images.

After investing so much

time, energy and creativity

into the mural, it was finally

time for the ribbon-cutting

event, which took place

November 30, 2018. Mr.

Boulet says the experience

was nothing short of

overwhelming, but in a good

way! “I did not expect such NOT ONLY DOES HIS LATEST MURAL BRING ATTENTION
a large turn out! I had been

posting about the unveiling TO THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS THE ARTS SCENE
on social media, and having

so many of my friends show HAS HERE IN FRISCO, BUT IT ALSO PROVIDED THE OUTLET
up almost brought me to

tears. Then, they handed me FOR MR. BOULET TO EXPRESS HIS VISION OF WHAT MAKES
the microphone and I had

to put all of that out of my FRISCO SO UNIQUE.
mind and try to talk. I do

not remember what I said!

I was told I repeated myself once, but that I made the audience After the completion of this current project, Mr. Boulet plans

laugh twice!” he remembers. to travel the world and sketch anything and everything he sees

Now that the mural is completed and spectators have had the during his excursion. He has a YouTube channel that includes

chance to take it all in, Mr. Boulet feels proud to have made his more than 100 videos of himself drawing places like Rome,

mark on the city through his artistic expression. “Hopefully, the Auschwitz, Spain and more. “I would love for more follows, so

mural will inspire young artists to follow their dreams. With check it out!” he shares.

hard work, a lot of things can be accomplished,” he shares. To bring art to life, one can express themselves through any

Although the vision of the new painting belongs solely to Mr. medium possible, whether that is writing, painting, singing or

Boulet, he admits it would have been impossible to complete if dancing. If you have a talent or gift, it is your responsibility to

not for the help he received throughout the process. “My dad share it, just like Mr. Boulet has here in Frisco. For young artists

helped me out a lot. He had a truck we used to transport ladders, or those who dream of creating, Mr. Boulet recommends taking

paint and heaters,” he says. “Sometimes, it was really cold outside. as many life drawing classes as possible. What are you waiting for?

Once, I had to dance on top of the scaffolding to stay warm!” he

shares. “I had a lot of friends come out to check on the progress, Christine Perrenot is the editor of Frisco STYLE Magazine and an

and one friend came back to help out for several days. The Frisco outdoor enthusiast who loves creative writing and going on weekend

Association for the Arts has been wonderful, as well. Since the getaways.

30 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 31

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32 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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BY LPS STUDENTS

How does loving yourself
translate to loving others?

AP English students at Leadership Prep School Frisco
recently shared their thoughts in response to this prompt.

Katherine Bouis able to give your love to others without being
drained by your efforts. People are beginning to
Love is infinitely abundant in our world, but, sometimes, realize this more, taking needed alone time for
it can be hard to express. The wrong circumstances can self-recovery so they can be better-equipped to
lead to feelings of animosity. Even if those feelings are love others.
not deeply genuine, at the moment, they can feel all-
consuming. To be able to truly love somebody and have Loving is about sacrifice, yes, but not self-
a caring, giving relationship, you must first be able to recognize sacrifice. Love is about compromise, but not
the importance of loving yourself, as well. compromising your mental health. It is all about
finding that balance because a loving relationship
Without self-love, your treatment of others can easily dete- needs to be equal parts giving and receiving, and
riorate. When there is no firm basis … no strong foundation to when you are at a point where you realize it is
maintain the love within your very self, it can be easy to release unhealthy or even impossible for you to give any
negativity into the world instead. Our world has enough negativ- more, that is when it is time to temporarily step
ity, though. We must all understand that love is one of our most away. There is nothing wrong with taking some
valuable possessions and that it is meant to be shared so others can time to figure things out for yourself, and every-
feel the same joy as us. body needs space, occasionally. If we all put this
into practice and focus more on loving ourselves
The journey of sharing love begins within us. As aforemen- first and reaching a healthy state of mind, then
tioned, you must be at a strong and healthy point in life to be our relationships will improve as a result.

It can be confusing, though, to figure out
how to ask for this needed space, or even to fig-
ure out what to do with it once you have it. Everybody relaxes
in a different way, or enjoys different things, but nobody knows
yourself more than you do. Do something that makes you happy.
It is as simple as that. Do something enjoyable, rejuvenating …
some form of self-improvement that you can monitor. Set a goal
for yourself on where you want to be by the end of your self-love
hiatus. Asking for a break can be difficult, but if you are with the
right person, they will understand and embrace your desire to take
some time to make yourself happier. Once you have your space,
you will know when the time is right to return. Once you feel
happier and like you are at a solid point to return to giving love to
the world, then you can do so as you please. Your mental obstacles
will be removed, making loving others a much easier thing to do.
Always love yourself first, for this is the body and mind you
will keep. Life is too short to worry about pleasing others to your
own detriment, so make sure to take time, if needed, to care for

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 33

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Esmeralda Ventura

yourself and return yourself to a place
where you can confidently spread
love to the world and loved ones. Be
your best you!

BY K ATHERINE BOUIS Everyone has imperfections and doubts, and everyone gets in-
secure sometimes, but when you use that and twist it into some-
When you treat thing positive, it brings a happier you … and you want to be happy
yourself without so you can spread happiness and love to others. If you are wishing
love, you invite to be admired, trust me, people will admire you for showing your
others to do the love and kindness to them.
same. On the
other hand, when you learn to love You do not need to have the best clothes, shoes, phone or “per-
and validate yourself, you make it fect” life that you want to pretend you do. I was very surprised
easier for others to reciprocate these when reading an article that said it is scientifically-proven that the
actions and thoughts. Far too often, most attractive thing in a person is their smile. People are going
in today’s society, we look to oth- to love you, respect you and look up to you just for being happy
ers in order to validate ourselves. with yourself — for putting that smile on your face and showing
Like any other teen in high school, I that you love yourself.
have insecurities, doubts and nega-
tive thoughts about myself, which The Bible says, in Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is
have led me to realize that I do not kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does
usually tend to forgive myself for my
imperfections. We start using others
as comparisons — as a comparability
just to make an excuse to bring our-
selves down. That is the big issue! We
worry so much about why people are
seen at higher levels than us, and they
become a threat instead of a friend.
We all face this problem, whether
you realize it or not. We experience it
at school, work, home … it can hap-
pen anywhere. I personally was one
struggling deeply with this. I know
many teens do, and it is not easy at
all. It is actually like a cycle.

Many teens have parents who expect us to be perfect. Parents
want us to be really successful because, honestly, they probably
hope we become better than them. I know parents out there
would truly say kids are their pride. If we disappoint them, it
brings them down. They feel shameful because they rely on oth-
ers (their kids) to be their self-confidence.

We get caught up pressuring our loved ones to make us happy.
That gets in the way of showing them our true love for them.
Therefore, we must love ourselves first. We must love our lives,
our personalities and our unique features that God has given us.
I know it is hard to love yourself when there are so many other
people in the world who you admire, but the funny thing you
should always remember is that the person you admire may also
admire you or someone else.

34 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 35

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Andre MacKenzie

not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not I have grappled with depression and suicidal ideas most of my
delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It al- life, so I know what it feels like to have no love for yourself. I
ways protects, always trusts, always hopes, always have spent time in a mental hospital, and the children there are
perseveres.” This passage sums up everything that the most loving and caring individuals I have ever met, but, at
is most important in life and spirituality. It tells us night, they will attempt to steal pens from nurses to harm them-
how we must act toward others, and, at the same selves because they no longer love who they are. I have observed
time, reveals God’s nature towards every person. that the most self-destructive and depressed individuals will of-
I want to emphasize “it does not envy.” I under- ten attempt to shower those around them with love. They do
stand, as humans, we do envy and get mad for not feel worthy of their own respect, and so they would sooner
not having what others have, but when you learn give it away than keep it for themselves. And, yet, I have also ob-
to love every bit of yourself, you find it easier to served that the people who love who they are and what they have
withdraw all that anger and the negative emotions become will also attempt to shower you in love. Just as someone
you delineate for someone else. with no self-love does not want you to feel as unhappy as them,
someone full of self-love will want you to feel the same way. The
When we come together, it becomes a beautiful two extremes will both love on you, but wouldn’t you also want
thing. It is so amazing to see how strong the pow- to love you? If you only have a little, then you will likely bring
er of love is. It can fill our hearts and minds with others down in a vain effort to raise yourself up.
pure gratefulness. It lets us see the world from
a whole different perspective. Humans are built An individual who only has a little self-love is likely to degrade
for connection, and it is through connection with and demean away at others. An individual with no self-love is
others we learn the most about ourselves and we
heal. I cannot count the number of times it was
through the eyes and hearts of my loved ones that
I was able to see myself as worthy of love. Their
love got me back on track, so I could keep moving
toward my own love of myself.

BY ESMERALDA VENTURA

Love is perhaps one of the most complex
and mixed emotions that humans pos-
sess. Philosophers, film producers,
singers and perplexed teens have been
attempting to comprehend love since before civiliza-
tion began … with limited success. Society attempts to say love
is already there – that it appears in a moment. But, most mar-
ried couples will likely inform you that there is much more to
love than a “zing” or some other movie cliche.́ Love for others,
whether romantic, platonic or familial, is ultimately centered in
your regard for yourself. How you regard yourself, and the self-
love, or lack thereof, that stems from that perception is what
controls your love for others.

An individual with a healthy amount of self-love will not strive
to degenerate others. We often hear of bullies, whether adults
or children, who display arrogance and disdain for others. They
do not have enough appreciation for themselves, so they attempt
to make others feel the same way. Even narcissists, who, at an
initial glance, would appear to have far too much self-love, can
still be observed diminishing those they feel are inferior, and de-
manding reaffirmation from others to inflate their ego and self-
worth. However, an individual with no self-love will endeavor to
love others beyond their normal capability.

36 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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38 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Sydney Hansel

likely to love on others to the point of emotional exhaustion. An mind and soul. When you are stable within your-
individual filled with healthy self-love is likely to love healthily self, you become a beacon to those who otherwise
on you. could not find that same love on their own. Being
this light allows others to follow in those footsteps
BY ANDRE MACKENZIE and discover within themselves the love that is de-
void in their life. They then begin to walk amidst
Always put yourself first, they tell you. Fix your own the trials faced throughout the journey. Yes, it is a
problems before you fix others’. Check yourself be- lengthy process and, yes, it is not something easily
fore you wreck yourself. In a fast-paced world, ev- understood right off the bat. Just by guiding some-
erything seems to be about yourself and never anyone one to a path of self-healing, you are providing
else … whether it be with selfish intent or not. In them with a hope that the same love you possess for
an individualistic society, possessing a sound and radiant love of yourself is attainable for them, as well. Become an
yourself is pertinent in order to diffuse love and positivity to those image of positivity you would search for when you
untouched by it. are feeling down and out. Become so comfortable
and confident in yourself that peers converse about
The vast concept of self-love proves to be the key to solving issues how they wish they were in your shoes.
of bitter hatred and resentment amongst people who may not expe-
rience that same love for themselves. Loving who you are allows for Loving yourself is no easy task, but the rewards
comfortability in one’s own skin, illuminating the image of a sound reap plenty and are spreadable. Expel positivity for
yourself like the sun and be the stepping stone to
someone else’s path to inner happiness.

Opposingly, inner love and peace can often-
times be perceived as an outlet for self-centered-
ness and egotism. As harmless as it may appear,
your positive emissions could be negatively han-
dled by those only on a mission to seek and de-
stroy. Their well of love has run dry and they often
believe everyone surrounding them must endure
the same drought-stricken hatred for themselves
that they do. The love you are experiencing, as
seen in their eyes, appears to be that of gloating
and is evidence you are revealing to the world that
your life is better than theirs. Those people are
only out to hurt because something within them
is hindering their ability to feel such compassionate feelings for
themselves. Whether it be a past trauma or simply the refusal to
let warmth and affection in to their devoid heart, they want you
to feel emotions of misery and desolation on their level. In their
minds, love is as appealing as being forced to meet new people. It
is uninviting and awkward and possesses the ability to end up in
embarrassment or heartbreak. Deep down, those weary people
desperately seek that same connection between mind and soul,
but fret the idea of it ending horribly, and therefore only want
to stay in isolation to protect themselves from disaster. The ada-
mant, ever-present image of self-admiration flows through the
entirety of the world’s population, but may be unattainable at
certain periods of life for some.
Differing circumstances call for differing variations of the idea
that self-love is achievable to all, but by being a beacon of self-admi-
ration, you are able to expel positivity to those who are shrouded
by disparity.

BY SYDNEY HANSEL

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BY ALLIE SPLETTER R I
A Place
F

As a community, Frisco continues to move forward previously. While some immigrant families choose to make their
into new beginnings. While the economy contin- homes in coastal states (N.Y., Fla., Calif.), demographers have
ues to boom and the population keeps growing, seen a shift in the migration patterns as more foreign-born profes-
Frisco’s arms stay open wide to new neighbors sionals are choosing to build their homes in the Lone Star State.
moving in from out of the country, out of the state
or simply from another Texas town. Frisco has established itself as WHILE LEGAL IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
a destination city for sporting events, entertainment attractions,
vacations, weekend visits and special events, and the city is becom- ARE ALL VASTLY DIFFERENT, MAKING
ing a place many have chosen to call home permanently.
THE CHOICE TO CALL FRISCO
One of the special facets of Frisco and its persistent growth is
the abundant cultural diversity that has continued to develop … HOME SERVES AS A TESTAMENT TO
especially as it adds, on average, 37 new residents every day! Not
only is Frisco a top-rated city, but it is also decidedly becoming a FRISCO’S CHARACTER AND FUTURE.
place legal immigrant families have chosen to call home. While
Texas is ground zero for immigration in the U.S., and immigra- According to the Office of the State Demographer, Texas now
tion in and of itself has been a hotbed political topic in recent leads the nation in the booming growth of its immigrant popula-
months and years, our evolving city has adapted, grown and con- tion. Given the state’s proximity to the Mexican border, a large
tinued to flourish as it welcomes new residents. People are what majority of the state’s immigrant population is Hispanic, while
make Frisco an amazing place to live and raise a family. While the the Asian immigrant population (mainly from India and China)
journeys of legal immigrant families are all vastly different, mak- has doubled in recent years. One of the state’s biggest and fastest-
ing the choice to call Frisco home serves as a testament to Frisco’s growing industries, construction, has the largest number of im-
character and future. migrant workers, while immigrants are also largely integral in the
manufacturing, retail trade, health care and food services indus-
Over the past century, immigrants have followed a common
pattern of making a home where family and friends have settled

40 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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SCO
for Us All

tries. Legal immigrants in Texas have contributed tens of billions child of immigrants who came to the U.S. from Eritrea (a country
of dollars in taxes, and, as consumers, add tens of billions of dol- in East Africa) in 1996. She knows, firsthand, about the amount
lars to the state’s economy. Immigrant entrepreneurs generate bil- of pride she has for her parents and culture and is now proud to
lions of dollars in revenue and markedly impact business income. call Frisco her home. Of her parents’ journey, Ms. Ogbu shares,
Whether it is through professional jobs, trade jobs, owning a busi- “They worked so they could build a life in America from scratch,
ness or working to build a business, the immigrant population basically for the children they would have soon. I am extremely
works hard to contribute to our increasingly diverse community proud to have parents who came to America with almost nothing
and expanding economy. but the clothes on their back and built an amazing life for me and
my siblings. I have been able to pursue my passions in university
Neighborhoods across Frisco have embraced culture and diver- and become a fierce advocate for others. My brothers are able to
sity through celebration and acceptance, and a large part of that compete in the soccer league, excel in band and do anything they
embrace and acceptance are others welcoming families as we all put their minds to. My family truly embodies what the American
learn to grow together. Simply driving through the city gives one Dream is all about.”
a glimpse into different cultures in the area, given that the city
has embraced restaurants, businesses and industries of all kinds Whether legal immigrants in Frisco are first-generation, guid-
that are influenced by culture. Exposure to the various cultures ing their families to a new life or multi-generational families that
represented in Frisco does amazing things for people, as it allows have been established here for years, these families chose Frisco
individuals to learn about themselves and others and gives them for a myriad of reasons, all of which are serving as continual valida-
exposure to different languages, smells, colors, sights, sounds and tion that Frisco is truly a great home for everyone.
people. Experiencing other cultures increases and broadens one’s
view of the world and allows them to experience new perspectives WHY FRISCO?
and lifestyles. For immigrants, it is as much about learning the cul- Even as a small town, Frisco’s appeal has always been about the
ture of their new home as it is about teaching others about theirs. people. The land, development opportunities and eventual growth
being experienced now are added bonuses. As the fastest-growing
Yolian Ogbu, a political science and communications student at city in the country, others are noticing Frisco as it continues to at-
the University of North Texas, is a first-generation American and

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 41

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Roughly half (45%)
of the nation’s

43.7 million immigrants
live in just three states:

California (24%),
Texas (11%) and
New York (10%).

On average,
Frisco adds
37 new residents
every day.

Yolian Ogbu is a first-generation American
and child of immigrants who came to the U.S.
from Eritrea in 1996.

tract immigrant families with high-paying
jobs, affordable housing and an outstand-
ing school district where diversity is cel-
ebrated and embraced.

On top of being one of the fastest-grow-
ing cities in the country, Frisco was also
named the “No. 1 Best Place to Live in
America” by Money Magazine. Perhaps, the
best part is that those statistics and acco-
lades attract not only amazing businesses,
but new families, and those statistics are a
reason many families are choosing to make
a life here. Frisco’s central location is only
made better by the fact that it is bordered
by three major roadways, including State
Highway 121, the Dallas North Tollway
and U.S. Highway 380, which make com-
muting to work easily accessible. The
developments only keep coming as we
continue to grow and the Frisco North

42 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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There are
more than
70 languages

spoken in
the FISD.

Platinum Corridor evolves, our Historic Downtown comes into personal growth.”
its own and sports ventures and partnerships continue to flourish. The Frisco ISD currently serves nearly 60,000 students in 10

Frisco boasts a highly-educated workforce, as more than 60 per- high schools, 17 middle schools, 42 elementary schools and three
cent of the population ages 25 and older have bachelor’s degrees special programs schools. Given that Frisco is one of the fastest-
or have completed higher levels of education. Frisco’s targeted growing cities in the country, the FISD is one of the fastest-grow-
industries include advanced technology, corporate headquarters, ing school districts, with students moving in daily due to the dis-
professional and informational systems and sports, digital media trict’s exceptional reputation for academic success, innovative and
and videogaming. wide-ranging programs and extracurricular activities. The FISD’s
student population is one boasting diverse cultures and languages,
Frisco has an amazing quality of life that encourages residents to with more than half of the population comprised of students of
get out and explore, whether at one of Frisco’s 48 parks, 56 miles of color. 26 percent are Asian, 13 percent are Hispanic and 10 per-
trails, taking in a game at any four of the professional sports venues cent are African American. Three percent are two or more races,
or roaming around the Texas Sculpture Garden, Frisco Discovery .5 percent are American Indian/Alaskan and .08 percent are Ha-
Center, the National Video Game Museum or the Museum of the waiian/Pacific Islander. There are more than 70 languages spoken
American Railroad. The opportunities for advancement are limit- in the FISD, and the district has developed a Diversity Task Force
less, and opportunity is what immigrant families are seeking. to maintain an educational environment committed to promoting
equality, embracing diversity and differences and encouraging ac-
Ms. Ogbu says, “My parents heard of Frisco through a family tive participation on the parts of families and the community.
friend … and that Frisco had very kid-friendly neighborhoods and
a great school district. We moved in 2005, and it has been home School districts in Texas are required, by law, to assess the Eng-
ever since! My parents knew moving here was the best decision lish language proficiency of all students whose Home Language
they could make, and it has really served as an integral part of my

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 43

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Survey indicates the language spoken in Frisco resident Fatima Patel was born Childhood School.

their home is a language other than Eng- and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. After com- Now, Ms. Patel is a housewife and full-

lish. If the child has a limited proficiency pleting high school in Nigeria, she ap- time employee working for MoneyGram

in the English language, he/she will be plied to the University of North Texas, International as a Strategic Sourcing Man-

eligible for the appropriate language pro- where she got accepted into the Logistics ager. “We choose to live in Frisco to be

gram, either the bilin- closer to family. Frisco has

gual education program amazing schools and the

or the English as a Sec- diversity that feeds into

ond Language (ESL) these schools is really good

program. The goals of for our kids to get exposed

such programs are to aid to,” she shares. “As an im-

English Language Learn- migrant, I am proud that I

ers in becoming educated can give my kids the same

in reading, listening, diversity I was raised in

speaking and writing and feel that kids should

English. Frisco’s out- not be sheltered in one

standing school district specific ethnicity. In my

has served as the catalyst opinion, Frisco is an amaz-

to an amazing life for so ing place for immigrant

many students through families to call home be-

the years, including those cause, not only do you get

who are part of legal im- a great school district, but

migrant families. you also get cultural diver-

Ali Samana moved to sity!”

the U.S. from Pakistan

in 1997 and was adopted AREA RESOURCES

by his aunt and uncle who It is no secret that the

ultimately helped rear journeys of some of these

him through his pivotal families are less than ideal

teenage years. Mr. Sa- as they deal with the legali-

mana recalls, “We moved ties of forging a new path

in 1999 and chose Frisco and building a new life

because it was a small for themselves. However,

town and the schools had North Texas has resources

a stellar reputation.” Mr. legal immigrant fami-

Samana is a graduate of lies can utilize to make

Frisco High School, and their transition smoother.

eventually went on to Ali Samana moved to the U.S. from Pakistan in 1997 and was adopted by his aunt and While some journeys of
The University of Texas uncle. immigrant families are
at Dallas and graduated peaceful ones, many are

with a degree in political not, as some immigrant

science before serving five years with the and Supply Chain Management program families are forced to flee from unsafe

U.S. Navy. Mr. Samana continues to serve which was a “dream come true,” Ms. Pa- environments in an effort to live safer and

his country as a U.S. Navy Reservist. He tel says. During her third year of college, more peaceful lives. Such events can be a

eventually went back to earn his master’s she was offered an internship at a company lot for families, especially children.

in business administration, which lead that was right along her career path. So, Heart House is an apartment-based

him to found and become the president of she took the offer. After graduating with education nonprofit organization that

Farzana, LLC. “The diversity and inclusive honors, she was offered a position with the serves immigrant children with innova-

culture of Frisco made and still makes it same company. tive after-school and summer programs

an exceptional place to call home. I love She married her husband, Arif Qureshi, that utilize social emotional learning to

the opportunities this land has given me 18 years ago and they have three children, help them thrive in their new community.

and my family — from being able to build including their daughter, Asra, an eighth- The sole mission of the organization is to

businesses to being able to raise a family grader at Vandeventer Middle School, combat poverty and promote equity for

with safety and security. This country has their son, Zoheir, a fourth-grader at Imag- the most vulnerable population in the city,

provided the right ingredients for our suc- ine Academy of North Texas and their immigrant children, as they guide them

cess.” daughter, Aiza, who goes to Frisco Early from chaos to calm. Soudary Kittivong-

44 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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46 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Over a third
of all immigrants

in Texas are
naturalized
U.S. citizens.

Fatima Patel, seen here with her family, was born and raised in Nigeria. discrimination and in- Immigrants account

Greenbaum, the director of external relations, explains, “Our sufficient educational
programs allow children to improve academic performance and
mental health, while our core services include culturally-sensitive resources. Approxi- for 17 % of Texas' total
and trauma-informed art and play therapy/counseling, parent en- mately 7,000 refu-
gagement and community outreach.” gee children live in population and support
the culturally-rich
IMMIGRANT FAMILIES HAVE THE area we serve, and the local economy
WORLD AT THEIR FINGERTIPS. THEY
ARE ABLE TO FORGE NEW RELATION- most Heart House in a growing number
SHIPS, SEEK NEW JOBS, CHOOSE
THEIR IDEAL HOME AND BEGIN students (98 per- of industries.
THEIR NEW LIVES. cent) are non-native

The organization’s Head, Heart, Hands program utilizes social English speakers. Eigh-
emotional learning to improve academic performance and men-
tal health in these children, which leads to a decreased at-risk teen languages/dialects are
status at school. Ms. Kittivong-Greenbaum says, “Imagine being
forced to flee your home and the chaos that would ensue as you represented. Eighty-five percent
resettle into a new country and culture you do not understand.
The weight of the trauma you carry is intensified as you encoun- of students have been displaced due to crime/political instability
ter extraordinary obstacles, including language barriers, poverty,
in their country of origin. One hundred percent qualify for free/

reduced school lunches.”

Ms. Kittivong-Greenbaum believes investing in early child-

hood experiences, especially through the holistic, community-

based approach used at Heart House, gives refugee children the

best chance as they acculturate and acclimate. By providing men-

tal health support to refugee children, Heart House strengthens

a child’s social emotional development, giving them a stronger

chance for overcoming the barriers of young immigrant child.

Jaafar, a Heart House student, shares, “What I love most is

learning more things and seeing more people that give me more

hope in life.” Giving children a sense of belonging and social emo-

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 47

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Heart House is an apartment-based education nonprofit organization that serves immigrant children with
innovative programs that utilize social emotional learning to help them thrive in their new community,
above. Sergeant Jorge Sanchez hosts meetings UNIDOS meetings, left.

tional learning skills main purpose is to provide legal representation for individuals and
to make it not just families in removal proceedings. Although we do take on natu-
in that day, week ralization, residency, temporary protected status (TPS), deferred
or school year helps action for childhood arrivals (DACA) and other cases, our niche
them build life-long is removal proceedings representation, meaning we are fighting
skills like resiliency, within the law to help persons stay in the U.S. and, hopefully,
grit, self-awareness gain legal status.” Mr. Villalobos says a majority of cases tend to
and relationship be families and children, which spans the age range of minors.
building.” The main goal of the organization is to provide service and repre-
sentation to all underserved immigrant communities. “Many im-
Heart House even migrant communities are taken advantage of and do not know it.
offers a Parent Re- On top of that, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE)
source Center as a manipulative tactics cause family separation and suffering to U.S.
space for outreach and parent meetings, community potlucks, citizen children and minors in general.”
English Learner/ESL support and translation services. The Par-
ent Center is multi-purposeful and can transform as needed, being AS IMMIGRANT FAMILIES ACCLI-
used for community-based health clinics, mothers’ groups, ESL
classes, mentoring and a resource library. MATE, THEY CAN PLUG INTO THE
Though many immigrants are able to make their way through
the process of calling North Texas home and becoming legal resi- COMMUNITY VIA THEIR JOB, THEIR
dents, some are not, which is where the local organization Refugee
and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) CHILD’S SCHOOL, A CHURCH HOME
seeks to help work through that process.
RAICES has grown to be the largest immigration legal ser- AND THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.
vices provider in Texas. With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi,
Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, RAICES is a Mr. Villalobos believes the work the organization does is vitally
frontline organization in the roiling debate about immigration. important given that access to legal counsel is a large part of U.S.
A diverse staff of 130 attorneys, legal assistants and support staff law, yet many immigrants do not have the knowledge, support,
provide consultations, direct legal services, representation, as- money or time to get it. “The immigration court system does not
sistance and advocacy to communities in Texas and to clients allow time for anyone to understand what they need to do,” Mr.
after they leave the state. In 2017, RAICES staff closed 51,000 Villalobos says. “Additionally, very few nonprofits actually provide
cases at no cost to clients. representation in immigration court like we do.”
RAICES Managing Attorney Felix Villalobos explains, “Our

48 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 49

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According to Mr. Villalobos, it is vital talk to someone in the event they are vic- increase innovation in the U.S.

that communities welcome immigrant tims of a crime. We hope fear does not de- In order to work in the U.S. legally,

families. He explains, “Immigrants are ter them from seeking help,” he adds. “We immigrants must obtain a work visa, and

the lifeblood of the U.S. They always types of work visas available for immi-

have been and always will be. grants interested in working in the

We are overwhelmingly U.S. depend on individual skills

immigrants ourselves, and the extent of one’s educa-

whether in one gen- tion. For example, an EB-1

eration or several visa can be obtained by

ago. Forgetting persons of extraordinary

what we had ability in the sciences,

to go through arts, education, business

is an error or athletics. An EB-2 visa

that causes can be granted to pro-

ethnocen- fessionals with advanced

trism and degrees and qualified alien

disadvantag- physicians who will practice

es the U.S. as medicine in an area of the U.S.

a whole. Most Immigrant Frisco ISD Ethnicities: An EB-3 visa is designed for
of what we have skilled workers (minimum

to gain in the U.S. entrepreneurs Caucasian: 44.45% two years of training and
experience), profes-
was brought by im- generate billions of Asian: 26.61% sionals with bachelor’s
migrants, and we should dollars in revenue and Hispanic: 13.63% degrees and unskilled
be welcoming of all cul- African American: 10.82% workers. The EB-4
visa is for special im-
tures so the U.S. can con- markedly impact than Two or more races: 3.88% migrants, including reli-
tinue to grow and be the business income. American Indian/Alaskan: 0.54% gious workers, employees
best it can be. Stifling immi- and former employees of
gration hurts us.” More Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander: 0.08%
RAICES seeks to educate people

on their constitutional rights, such as their 1 million U.S. government abroad and
right to remain silent in police or ICE en- immigrants translators with the U.S. Armed
counters or how to avoid being taken ad- Forces. The EB-5 visa is reserved for
arrive in the U.S. are able to business investors who invest $1 million or
vantage of.

The Frisco Police Department, with each year. direct fam- $500,000 (if the investment is made in a
support from the city and surrounding law ilies to city targeted employment area) in a new com-

enforcement agencies, hosts a program services to help mercial enterprise that employs at least 10

called “UNIDOS” (meaning “united”), meet specific needs. full-time U.S. workers. Individuals may

which is a Hispanic community outreach We work with Frisco Family Services and also qualify for green cards or visas for rea-

program that provides assistance to Span- local churches that are always willing to sons outside of employment. Other green

ish speakers in Frisco. help families in need. The biggest reward card eligibility categories are through fam-

Sergeant Jorge Sanchez, who also serves of the program is the ability to provide ily, as a special immigrant (for religious

the community and schools as a School people with peace of mind. I want them work, media work, etc.), through refugee

Resource Officer Unit, hosts meetings. to know we are here to serve and protect or asylum status, for human trafficking

“UNIDOS meetings are held quarterly them just like every other Frisco citizen.” and crime and abuse victims and more.

and conducted entirely in Spanish. The Frisco is blessed with a forward-think-

goal of the program is to act as a resource MAKING A LIFE ing and proactive Economic Development

for Spanish-speaking residents and present Immigrant families new to Frisco have the Corporation (EDC) that houses a Business

information and provide help in areas of world at their fingertips, as they are able to Retention and Expansion Program that

importance to the Hispanic community,” forge new relationships, seek job opportu- seeks to retain, grow and assist companies

Sergeant Sanchez explains. The program nities, choose their ideal home/neighbor- as they seek success, while also working

provides Spanish-speaking and immigrant hood and begin their new lives. In 2017, with a large number of business assistance

families with the knowledge needed to more than one third of employers planned agencies that are geared towards work-

navigate through rules and laws that often to hire immigrant workers. Economists force enrichment. Frisco residents can

seem obvious to those of us that have lived often believe immigration increases both find assistance in seeking jobs through a

here. “Our primary goal is to make sure economic output and economic growth number of avenues including the Work-

Spanish-speaking families have a way to rates. Immigrants also significantly force Solutions of North Texas, which

50 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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