FSM February 2019

Heart House strengthens a child’s social emotional
development, giving them a stronger chance for
overcoming the barriers of young immigrant
child.

matches job-seekers with companies look-
ing for specific skill sets, Collin College,
which offers more than 100 degree and
certification programs, the Small Busi-
ness Development Center, which provides
free business counseling and can assist in
grant and loan opportunities and Search 4
U Inc., a site where corporations can post
job opportunities for candidates seeking
employment. While many legal immi-
grant families move with jobs already set
up, many do not. Resources like these are
great places to begin the search.

For legal immigrant families that are
not proficient in English, the Frisco Pub-
lic Library offers an ESL Language Lab
for adults where participants learn gram-
mar, pronunciation and conversation on
Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m., on the fourth
floor in the McCallum Room, through
the end of April, and an ESL English Chat
for informal English conversation practice
on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m., on the
fourth floor, in the McCallum Room,
through the end of April.

As immigrant families acclimate to life
in Frisco, they can plug into the commu-
nity through their job, their child’s school,
a church home and their neighborhood.
They might even discover the taste of
home at one of Frisco’s many specialty cul-
tural markets. Additionally, many neigh-
borhoods and cultural groups have pages
on Facebook that allow them to further
plug into their new communities.

“My advice for immigrant families com-
ing to Frisco would be to embrace all this
community has to offer,” Ms. Ogbu shares.
“There are so many opportunities to flour-
ish here and it is a melting pot of sub-com-
munities. I hope people understand that
immigrant families sacrifice so much to
give their children a better life. They are
not much different than anyone else. The
American Dream is alive and well! Behind
a culture and accent, immigrants are hu-
man beings who work extremely hard to
contribute to our greater society.”

Allie Spletter is a freelance writer who is proud
to call Frisco home. She loves being able to share
Frisco with others through writing.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 51

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BY CHRISTINE PERRENOT

52 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Spice ItUP!
After the closing of Frisco’s beloved Mattito’s Tex-Mex restaurant in Frisco
Square in 2018, the restaurant space on this iconic corner of the city has
since been taken over by Chito’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant. Thank-
fully, the location will continue to be inhabited by a dining destination
serving up authentic and delicious Mexican food so Frisco residents can
still get their queso or taco fix when needed!

One cold, rainy night at the beginning of the year, I met with a couple of my friends
to try some of the excellent food at Chito’s that I had been hearing about. After moving
from Plano and opening the Frisco location, there has been a lot of buzz about everything
being cooked up in the Chito’s kitchen!

Upon our arrival at the restaurant, we put our name on the wait list and it was only a
few short minutes before we were escorted to a booth toward the back of the restaurant,
right next to the bar. Upbeat music played in the background while families and friends
throughout the spacious setting enjoyed conversation and great food.

Our waitress promptly brought over a large bowl of light, crispy chips and saucers
of salsa (which was very spicy and had a smoky flavor), and we ordered drinks while
we started to look through the menu. At the time I went to have dinner at Chito’s, the
restaurant did not have their liquor license yet, so Diet Cokes and iced teas were enjoyed
by all (but I am looking forward to trying one of their famous margaritas soon)! Their
usual drink menu includes libations like bottled and draft beer, wine, margaritas and
specialty drinks like micheladas and the Café Mexicano.

Our group was starving, so we wasted no time ordering something to eat. For our
appetizers, we ordered a plate of nachos and chips and queso. We decided to go all out
and get the Queso Fundido, which is mozzarella cheese topped with chorizo. It was so
warm, creamy and flavorful. Our Fajita Nachos were a combination of chicken and beef.
Everything on the table went quickly!

The menu at Chito’s features some all-time favorites found at Mexican food
restaurants, including a section for Soups and Salads, Mom’s Recipes (with items like
mole, carnitas and asado de Puerco), Traditional Mexican Dishes (like flautas, burritos
and enchiladas), Seafood, Parrilla and Desserts. There is also a kids’ menu for youngsters
12 and under (offering things like tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas).

After carefully looking everything over on the menu, I was immediately tempted by
the chimichanga and ordered it filled with ground beef, topped with queso and served
with a side of refried beans and rice. Let me just say, there was no shortage of cheese
on this menu item and I was not disappointed by that! The chimichanga was fried to
perfection and I made sure each bite had sour cream and guacamole to accompany it.

Brittany ordered the steak quesadillas, which were covered in cilantro and served

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 53

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Chito’s churros and
fried ice cream.

with sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole. The plate was was. It is never too cold for ice cream!
presented very well. It was colorful and offered a delicious blend With its convenient location and delicious food options, Chito’s
of flavors! Every time she pulled a quesadilla from the plate, the
cheese stretched for days, which looked so scrumptious. The serves as a great destination for Frisco families and anyone
steak was tender and well-seasoned. traveling through or looking for a great place to eat after an FC
Dallas game at Toyota Stadium. With a great family atmosphere
Hayden ordered the fish tacos, which are made with corn tortillas and an outdoor patio that will be awesome this spring, you may
stuffed full of a generous serving of grilled fish, avocado, pico de just find your new favorite hangout.
gallo and cabbage slaw, topped with a special sauce. This plate came
with a generous serving of white rice. With only one glance at his Chito’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant is located at 6129 Main
plate, I decided I would be trying this dish on my next visit! Street in Frisco Square. The dining destination is open Monday
through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 469.980.7056 or
After we finished our meals, it was hard to believe we could visit chitosmexicanrestaurant.com to learn more about the menu
even think about ordering more food. But, we decided we would or the new location. Buen provecho!
be able to manage a few more bites. After all, doesn’t it seem like
there is always room for something sweet? So, for dessert, we had Frisco STYLE Magazine dining reviews are not scheduled with
to go with a staple and ordered the churros. They were fried to or paid for by the featured restaurant. All reviews are completed for the
perfection and were so fluffy. The dough was fresh and the sugar purpose of helping readers know and enjoy local dining options.
and cinnamon coating tasted so sweet. We also caved and ordered
fried ice cream (one of the best desserts I have ever had), which Christine Perrenot is the editor of Frisco STYLE Magazine and an
was unbelievably good, even with the weather being as cold as it outdoor enthusiast who loves creative writing and going on weekend
getaways.

54 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 55

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Healthy Valentine's Day Truffles

PROVIDED BY LAURA HAMBY

INGREDIENTS: pour it into a mixing bowl. Add the refrigerator until the truffles are firmly
1 c. organic cacao powder remaining ingredients and combine set (about 30 minutes). Transfer the
1 c. organic unrefined coconut oil them thoroughly. Pour the mixture truffles into a glass storage container
1/2 c. organic peanut butter into a shallow bowl and refrigerate it and keep them in the refrigerator.
1 Tbsp. organic vanilla until it is solid (about 1.5 hours). Using While these flavorful treats will
4 Tbsp. raw honey a small spring-release cookie scoop, stay fresh for at least a month, they
organic coconut (shredded) or scoop out the truffles, one at a time, probably will not last that long! Note:
chopped nuts (optional) and place them on a parchment-lined If you prefer a sweeter chocolate
baking sheet. If you would like to add taste, just add more honey. Using
DIRECTIONS: more sweetness, dip the truffles in organic ingredients assures truffles
Gently melt the coconut oil in a shredded coconut or chopped nuts. will be free of unwanted chemical
saucepan on medium heat and Place the baking sheet back in the pesticides. (makes 28 truffles)

56 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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SMALL BITES

BAWARCHI SWAGRUHA
214.705.1313
bawarchiswagruhafrisco.com
2693 Preston Rd., Ste. 1052
At Bawarchi Swagruha, diners can
enjoy traditional Indian foods from
a menu that incorporates seasonal
changes and new chef creations.

DURKIN’S PIZZA

972.668.2288 - durkinspizza.com
6065 Sports Village Rd. #700
Try a specialty pizza, salad, pasta
dish, sandwich or calzone to enjoy at
Durkin’s Pizza or to take home.

XPRESS THAI KITCHEN

972.292.9021 - getxpressthai.com
6750 Gaylord Pkwy, Ste. 140
Xpress Thai Kitchen offers flavorful,
spicy food items like fried rice, curry,
pad Thai and much more.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 57

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BY STEPHEN HUNT

Change on the

RANGE

58 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Mayor Jeff Cheney, Dr. Todd Fouche, David Ovard and City Council-
man Will Sowell take swing on the land in Frisco that will become the
headquarters for PGA of America.

About three years ago, Frisco teed off seeking a hole- And with the two courses already scheduled to host the PGA
in-one: to convince the PGA of America, profes- Championship and the PGA Women’s Championship twice and
sional golf’s governing organization, to relocate the Senior PGA Championship once, this development will de-
from its longtime Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. home liver something not seen in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in
to Frisco. On December 4, 2018, the Frisco City more than five decades — a golf major.
Council, the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
and the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees completed the hole-in-one The four majors are The Masters (April) played in Augusta,
goal by announcing that PGA of America was indeed coming Ga., the PGA Championship (May) and U.S. Open Champion-
here. The new headquarters, which will initially employ at least ship (June), played at rotating sites, and The Open Champion-
100 people, will anchor a 600-acre mixed-use development with ship (July), played at one of 10 sites in the United Kingdom.
an initial investment just north of $500 million.
WITH PGA OF AMERICA MOVING ITS
“The conversations started early on about a (new) course and
potentially the PGA (relocating here),” Ron Patterson, the presi- CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TO
dent of the Frisco EDC, says. “Then, other partners came into
the mix. It started out, basically, with a corporate relo with the FRISCO, THE AREA’S REPUTATION
golf association into housing, retail and office and also a confer-
ence center/hotel. Not only did it take time, but the scope of it FOR PROFESSIONAL SPORTS WILL
grew.”
ONLY GAIN MORE ATTENTION.
This new development at Rockhill Parkway and Legacy Drive,
one-third mile south of U.S. Highway 380, will also feature two In 1963, the Dallas Athletic Club hosted the PGA Champion-
championship-level golf courses opening in 2022 and will host at ship, the first of five PGAs won by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.
least two PGA Championships, two Women’s PGA Champion- And Dallas/Fort Worth has been a regular PGA Tour stop since
ships and the 2023 Senior PGA Championship. These courses the 1940s, with the AT&T Byron Nelson (1944), now played at
could also play home to the Ryder Cup, a popular international Trinity Forest Golf Club in southern Dallas, and The Fort Worth
tournament between the U.S. and Europe held every two years. Invitational (1946), a tournament golf legend Ben Hogan won
five times.
With the two main courses, a short course and practice areas,
this development will feature 45 holes of golf, plus a 500-room But, these new courses clearly place the metroplex in the mix
Omni Hotel & Resort, a 127,000-square-foot conference center, for also hosting the U.S. Open, a high-profile tournament which
a state-of-the-art retail village, along with parks, trails and office Dallas/Fort Worth has only hosted twice, most recently in 1952
space. “Well, it is not small. You have the headquarters of a major at Northwood Club in Dallas.
sporting organization (coming here),” says Craig Rosengarden,
the president of Avid Media Ventures, Inc., which publishes Avid “It is certainly an economic boost to the city and surround-
Golfer magazine. “New York City’s got the NBA and the NFL. ing communities,” says Jerry Moorehead, a Dallas resident and
Now, you have the head of golf in our backyard. It is certainly longtime golf fan. “Major golf championships tend to have a large
going to be a mecca for golf.” economic impact to the hosting city. Frisco will reap substantial
revenue during those tournaments. Unlike most sporting events
Not surprisingly, this announcement has set the local golf where revenue is over 3-5 days, Frisco will easily see 6-8 days of
community abuzz! revenue. Television personnel, players and support staff will all
need hotels, transportation and food. For a major tournament,
MAJOR LEAGUE IMPACT that number could easily be 1,000.”
Economic impact is the primary way benefits from projects like
this are quantified, and the Frisco EDC estimates an impact of at And since The Players Championship, a March tournament,
least $2.5 billion over the next two decades.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 59

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The new location of the PGA of America headquarters (one-third mile south of U.S. Highway 380) is indicated in red. From Google Maps.

which many consider the unofficial fifth major, has been played As Mr. Rosengarden explains, hosting majors provides a
at TPC at Sawgrass near PGA headquarters since 1982, local golf nice bonus with additional economic impact in the months and
fans also wonder if The Players could move to Frisco, either on an years leading up to the actual tournament. “Having a major
annual or occasional basis. here is massive. We have never seen it (in our lifetime),” he
says. “People do not realize this, but as soon as you announce
“Texas does not really have a golf course that can host a PGA or there is a major coming to a golf course, that course gets
U.S. Open Championship. This facility changes that,” says Pros- traffic from people not in town. That creates more revenue for
per resident and golf aficionado Leo Hockemeyer. “This is a huge everybody.”
win-win.”

60 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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A TRUE WIN-WIN FOR THE COMMUNITY
Not only will golfers and golf fans benefit from this development,
but the general public will also be able to use the adjoining parks and
trails, as well as play these courses. But, another group that will ex-
perience considerable benefits are the student-athletes who play golf
for the FISD. “The PGA relocation will give FISD golfers the oppor-
tunity to practice and compete at a world-class facility, and provide
a wonderful course for hosting tournaments,” David Kuykendall, the
FISD director of athletics, says.

Mr. Kuykendall also sees the PGA’s move as one benefitting stu-
dents interested in pursuing a career in the sports business by provid-
ing internship and mentoring opportunities that will allow them to
gain much-needed experience in the sports industry.

FISD student athletes will also benefit from being near many high-
level golf professionals, experiences which will also help the district
in a major way. “Having high-level professional golf events at a facility
the district uses will undoubtedly help encourage and motivate more
students to participate in golf and grow in the sport,” Mr. Kuykendall
says.

ECONOMIC IMPACT IS THE PRIMARY

WAY BENEFITS FROM PROJECTS LIKE

THIS ARE QUANTIFIED, AND THE

FRISCO EDC ESTIMATES AN IMPACT OF

AT LEAST $2.5 BILLION OVER THE NEXT

TWO DECADES.

Of course, Frisco residents who do not play or watch golf or have
children who play the sport in FISD are wondering exactly how this
development benefits them. Mr. Patterson has a simple, convincing
answer, saying, “If we are creating job opportunities, that is a ben-
efit. Whenever you are creating re-locations and corporations, they
are building new buildings and putting new value on the ground. Any
time we can create non-residential value that helps support the city,
that is a benefit to every citizen. So, you have the corporate world
helping support the operations of the community, which helps to re-
move some of the burden from the citizens who live here.”

Already home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, the NHL’s Dallas
Stars, FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, the NCAA Division I Foot-
ball Championship, the Texas Legends, Dallas Rattlers, Texas Revo-
lution and Frisco Bowl, Frisco has earned the moniker of “Sports
City USA.” And with the PGA of America moving its corporate
headquarters to our fair suburb and opening two championship-level
golf courses to host major golf tournaments in the future, our town’s
profile will only continue to grow.

Hearing “live from Frisco” on the broadcasts of future majors has
a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Stephen Hunt is a Frisco-based freelance writer who has no idea what his golf
handicap is, but that doesn’t stop him from occasionally hitting the links when
the mood strikes.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 61

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BY CHRISTINE PERRENOT military. He shares, “Once I got out, I struggled to assimilate
back into the civilian world. I struggled to find work and ended
ave you ever worked for or applied for a position up making the decision to live out of my Jeep for a few months.”
with a company known for hiring veterans? When While living in his Jeep, Mr. McEuin decided he wanted to be part
soldiers return to the U.S. from being on duty, they of a change that could ultimately help veterans avoid going through
bring with them a unique set of skills that often what he was. “I finally found work in the nonprofit world, hoping
to make an impact,” he shares. In April 2016, Mr. McEuin was
Hmake them beneficial and desirable job candidates invited to the White House to be honored by former President
Obama for the work he was doing for veterans. After being
in the corporate world. However, sometimes, this is overlooked honored, the nonprofit he worked for sent him to events to speak
by potential employers. and sent him on the very first Project RELO mission where he and

Frisco’s Project RELO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
educating business executives on the benefits of hiring military
veterans. This education occurs during immersive leadership
courses where veterans and corporate executives conduct
simulated military exercises on U.S. Army bases. The Project
RELO team teaches the community to learn, lead and find talent
businesses need.

There are currently more than 44,000 veteran nonprofit
organizations in existence. What sets Project RELO apart is

lteraadninsfgoarmation Provided by Project RELO.

that the group is changing the narrative from corporate America the founder bonded immediately. “We knew our visions for taking
helping veterans by hiring them, to veterans helping corporate care of veterans aligned with one another. I resigned from my old
America by being hired into positions that maximize their impact. company and took the reigns of Project RELO,” Mr. McEuin says.
Casey McEuin, the president and executive director of Project
RELO, says, “We do this by immersing corporate executives, To help Project RELO meet its goals and bring attention to the
usually from directors of HR all the way to the CEO level, into a organization’s cause, there is an annual fundraiser held in Frisco.
three-day pseudo military operation where they are led by the very This year’s February 21 event, taking place at Verona Villa, will
veterans who are looking at transitioning from military ranks into have a Charity Casino Royale theme that is expected to bring
ranks of the companies in attendance. Through these three-day people from around the nation together to raise money. Every
operations, executives get a firsthand look at the value veterans dollar raised will go directly to Project RELO’s mission to educate
can bring to their company and get to see past the verbiage written corporate America about the value of hiring veterans onto their
on a resume. They see the true character of a veteran. Through business team. “Through this education, we drive demand for
this, we shift the dialogue from hiring a veteran for a social good veteran talent,” Mr. McEuin shares.
to actually doing so because it is good business!” He adds, “We see
ads or events that discuss the victimization of veterans and know The Casino Royale event is highlighted by its poker tournament
that veterans need assistance. We want to change that dialogue where the winner will win a seat at the World Series of Poker Main
and show companies they need veterans and what they can bring to Event in Las Vegas, where, last year, the winner was on global
the table. Above anything else, we are not about giving a veteran television at the main table of the event. This month’s event will
a handout. Moreover, we are focused on initiating the handshake.” also feature a silent and live auction, live music, food, a cash bar,
casino games, a state-of-the-art photo booth, many NFL players/
Mr. McEuin has been the president and executive director of alumni, local celebrities, Medal of Honor recipients and more.
Project RELO since the organization’s inception in 2016. He To get additional information about the event or to order tickets,
served in the U.S. Army for 17 years. In 2011, he was critically visit casinoroyale.live. The event team is hoping to highlight
injured in Afghanistan during an attack on his outpost, which many Frisco companies and has numerous sponsorship packages
subsequently forced him to be medically separated out of the available.

Project RELO educates corporate America in five ways. First,

62 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Casey McEuin is the president and
executive director of Project RELO.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2019 63

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they provide publicity and public speaking to underscore the combat towns and mock negotiations with costumed mullahs

mission and change public perceptions of the value of veterans diversifies understanding of veterans’ skillsets. “As the collec-

in business. Secondly, they have established a speaking plat- tive team navigates various obstacles that invariably arise dur-

form called “VET talks” allowing veterans to showcase their ing any military operation, leadership, teamwork and selfless-

successful transitions ness allow the collec-

and workplace value. tive team to meet its

They talk about in- objectives. It is also

novative and inspir- here that participants

ing ideas any business experience the best

leader would want for leadership training

their company. In ad- available anywhere.

dition, Project RELO Instead of in a class-

has missions that help room or on a white-

individuals experience board, leadership is

the unique abilities taught by example.”

veterans possess that Afterwards, Proj-

are common miscon- ect RELO continues

ceptions. Launching its veteran advocacy

in 2019, the organiza- beyond missions by

tion is adding “Proj- helping firms estab-

ect ALPHA,” which lish or improve exist-

showcases how elite In April 2016, Mr. McEuin was invited to the White House to be honored by ing military hiring
mindsets think alike, former President Obama for the work he was doing for veterans. programs. Companies

even when environ- have the option to

ments are different. join a planned mission

While similar to Proj- WHEN SOLDIERS RETURN TO THE U.S. FROM or to let the team at

ect RELO missions, BEING ON DUTY, THEY BRING WITH THEM A Project RELO cre-
this is run by elite ate one for them. Mr.

special operations ser- UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS THAT OFTEN MAKE McEuin says, “If com-
vice members (Delta panies like Microsoft,

Force, Navy Seals, THEM A BENEFICIAL AND DESIRABLE JOB Amazon, Google, UL,
Marine Force Recon, JCPenney, Sprint,

Green Berets, etc.) CANDIDATE IN THE CORPORATE WORLD. Walgreens and more
and partners one-on- have looked to us, then

one with high-level imagine what we can
CEOs in high-tempo do with other compa-

operations conducted nies. The word we live

on military bases. And, finally, the organization fosters cor- by every day is ‘impact.’ Through Project RELO, we are mak-

porate connections and networking for company-wide shifts ing an impact in the lives of veterans because we are removing

in perception and intimate ties between the military and cor- the proverbial red tape in companies that once had a hiring bias

porate America. against veterans. We are making an impact in business by helping

One of the most important elements leading to the group’s their bottom line and connecting them with veteran talent that

success are the three-day leadership courses. Project RELO will help their organizations grow!”

courses “provide the best leadership training. Period,” Mr. Volunteers are critical to fulfilling the organization’s mission

McEuin assures. “Training missions are conducted on military and have helped build it up through things like fundraising,

bases where participants and transitioning veteran instructors event organization, website design and social media outreach.

conduct multi-day pseudo military operations. Participants de- The team is looking for people who are passionate about raising

velop a deep understanding about the character, quality and awareness on the value veterans bring to organizations.

full extent of veterans’ skills. And with this understanding Any business leader looking at being part of the change

comes appreciation and a desire to hire more former military can join this leadership mission or help sponsor veterans.

members into their respective organizations.” Veterans and community members can learn more about this

During Project RELO missions, participants conduct real organization and find ways to get involved or volunteer at

physical convoy operations, navigating to various objectives projectrelo.org.

in massive military training areas. Weapons training (real

weapons/simulated rounds) and high-tech simulators provide Christine Perrenot is the editor of Frisco STYLE Magazine and an

a glimpse into military members’ backgrounds. Exploration of outdoor enthusiast who loves creative writing and weekend getaways.

64 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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s a longtime runner, Frisco resident Kimberlee BY LISA FERGUSON
Malin knew the possibility existed that she could
encounter coyotes or wild animals while travers- case, a female jogger was hospitalized and underwent surgery
ing the streets around her Panther Creek-area after being bitten on the neck.

Ahome. “I was always told they are more scared While an unknown number of coyotes inhabit Frisco, Animal
Services Supervisor Steven Lerner says the behaviors exhibited
by the critter in question were not typical of most that roam the

of you than you are of them. Just yell and they will never ap- city. “This is the only incident in 12 years that we have had an

proach you.” However, during the pre-dawn hours of October aggressive one like this,” he explains.

26, 2018, Ms. Malin learned firsthand that “They are curious and they will

is not always the case. come close, but they have

That morning, Ms. Malin hit their boundaries. Normally,

the pavement to continue you cannot touch them.”

training in advance of Animal Services,

running the following along with Frisco Po-

month in the famed New lice Department offi-

York City Marathon. cers and representatives

Alone and headed east from the Texas Parks &

on Eldorado Parkway, Wildlife Department,

approaching Granbury coordinated on the case

Drive, she spotted a by stepping up patrols of

pair of eyes peering at the area, responding to calls

her from the intersection Steven Lerner is of coyote sightings and set-
and quickly determined it Frisco's Animal ting traps to capture the
was a coyote staring back.
Services Supervisor. creature, among other ef-

“We both looked at each forts. Frisco Police

other. It was very close to me Public Information
— a lot closer than I had ever Officer Grant Cot-
been to one,” she recalls. tingham says the
department “made
Assuming the animal sure that we could
would be skittish around devote as many re-
humans (as most coyotes sources as possible
that live in urban areas … with the goal of
making the public
WILDusually are), Ms. Malin says, feel safe.”

“I thought he was just as On December
freaked out, so I was going 18, 2018, the po-
to keep going on my path

at heartand that would scare him
off. So, I kept going up the lice department

road,” she says. Instead, the announced that a

animal advanced toward her coyote believed to

on the sidewalk. Ms. Malin said she began jumping backward likely have been related to the attacks had been “removed” from

and kicking wildly in an attempt to scare it away. “I kept moving the area and sent for testing (the results of which were not available

around in a circle and he kept trying to get behind me. It was prior to publication deadline).

probably like 10 seconds of him coming near me and trying to Frisco is home to a wide variety of wildlife including bobcats,

touch me. That is when I started screaming, ‘No, no, no. Get raptors, hawks and raccoons. Even white-tailed deer can still

away, get away, get away!’” occasionally be spied frolicking in the remaining creek beds and

A passing motorist happened upon the scene and blew their wooded areas that were once the landscape norm here before it

vehicle’s horn, causing the coyote to briefly retreat. It returned became one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. However,

once more before the blaring noise finally scared it away for with additional residential and commercial construction projects

good. “I had an angel or somebody looking out for me,” Ms. of all shapes and sizes planned or already underway, questions and

Malin says. “It was kind of getting to the point where I think an concerns have arisen over whether Frisco’s fauna will continue to

attack was imminent.” survive and thrive as the creatures’ natural habitats disappear.

Ms. Malin’s encounter with what local safety officials and Case in point: Construction is set to begin by March 2022 on

state wildlife experts described as an “aggressive” coyote was a 100-acre branch campus of the University of North Texas at

one of five such incidents that occurred from late October Panther Creek Parkway and Preston Road, very near the locations

through mid-December last year, along a two-to-three-mile of the 2018 coyote attacks. “It is not unusual to see a coyote in

stretch of Eldorado Parkway. Four people, including a young there,” Mr. Lerner says. “The creek that runs through there, that

child, sustained injuries when the animal attacked them. In one is nature’s highway.” Meanwhile, PGA of America announced

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last year it will relocate its headquarters to a 600-acre, mixed-use development to Interactive Map Tracks
be built on an expanse at Rockhill Parkway and Legacy Drive. Scheduled to open Coyote Sightings and
beginning in 2022, the project is slated to include a pair of golf courses, a 500-room Attacks
hotel and a 127,000-square-foot conference center, as well as retail and office space.
Despite current and future development plans, Mr. Lerner says it is unlikely wildlife IN JANUARY, The City of Frisco an-
populations will ever abandon Frisco entirely. “No matter what we build, we will nounced it is launching a new, interac-
have coyotes in the area. They will stay here,” he explains. tive map designed to help track coyote
sightings as the community learns more
WITH ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS about living with urban wildlife. This
will allow the public to report coyote
PLANNED OR ALREADY UNDERWAY, CONCERNS sightings by providing data at friscotexas.
gov/coyote. The map link is also on the
HAVE ARISEN OVER WHETHER FRISCO’S FAUNA myFRISCO app. Frisco Animal Services
will use information to identify coyote
WILL CONTINUE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE AS territories, travel patterns and places
where aggressive animals frequent. Pub-
CREATURES’ NATURAL HABITATS DISAPPEAR. lic sightings will be noted on the map.
The map will display a month’s worth of
“As the city expands, we are just going to have to learn to peacefully co-exist,” data and will be regularly updated. At-
Mr. Cottingham says. The key is educating residents. “With the number of new folks tacks on people and pets will remain on
who move into Frisco ever year, it is almost re-setting the clock because they are the map until further notice.
not used to the wildlife that we are accustomed to seeing every day.” Earlier in the
city’s development, he recalls, the police department would often receive late-night In the City’s recent press release, they
calls from residents of newly-built subdivisions who thought “they were hearing a shared tips for living with wildlife:
wounded animal in the area. We would have to tell them those are coyotes. Once • A void walking or jogging in areas
people realize that and become accustomed to it … they will understand.”
known to be frequented by aggressive
However, Mr. Lerner does not believe construction has caused the local coyote coyotes.
population to become more aggressive. “We had a lot more reports because people • Walk all pets on a leash.
panicked a little bit, so they called in for every one. Of course, that was a great • Listen for potential predators.
education opportunity for us to talk about coyotes to people,” he recalls about last • Do not feed wildlife.
fall. He anticipates that Animal Services and Frisco police will again experience • K eep trash picked up and in contain-
an uptick in calls beginning this month as the coyotes’ annual mating season gets ers.
underway. • Do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Pick up dropped bird seed.
Sam Kieschnick is an urban wildlife biologist who oversees the Dallas/Fort Worth • Report all coyote sightings.
area for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. He worked alongside Frisco police
officers and Animal Services staffers while investigating the recent coyote attacks. Wildlife experts say a coyote roller
The species is particularly adaptable in city settings, he shares, referencing the is a tool homeowners can purchase and
findings from the long-running Urban Coyote Research Project, which has for years install on top of fences to keep coyotes
studied coyote populations in Chicago. He says, “They are literally living in parking and other wildlife out of their yards. Bi-
garages and basically the cracks of the sidewalks is where they roam.” ologists say coyotes are more visible to
the public during mating season (usually
Wildlife “has three choices in all of life: It can adapt, it can move or it can die,” during winter). Uncharacteristic weath-
Mr. Kieshnick explains. “Even in the wild, there is always a new disturbance,” such er patterns may also be impacting local
as drought, floods and fires. “In the urban environment, they have to adapt to us animal habits.
(humans) taking over some of those open spaces. Fortunately, we like to leave some
areas wild … and these are the spots that wildlife goes to for refuge. They will use
parks; they will use ditches, or they will use the little area where the river runs
through where people cannot develop as their new refuge.”

That is not necessarily detrimental for either species. “It is kind of a remnant of
the wild that is still here, even in the urban environment,” Mr. Kieshnick says. “It is
a good thing they are here with us. They control rodent populations, they clean up
the carrion and roadkill. So, they are doing a great ecological service to all of us.”

While many in Frisco continue to keep a closer eye on the wildlife around them, it
is good news that we have not run these furry neighbors off just yet.

Lisa Ferguson is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications
nationwide.

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DID YOU KNOW

tion and how to grow vegetables in raised secretary’s office began accepting appli-
beds, containers, small spaces and more. cations for a place on the ballot January
Demonstration tables will be manned by 16 and will stop accepting applications on
Master Gardeners who have expertise in February 15 at 5 p.m. Find out more at
vegetable resources, raised bed construc- friscotexas.gov.
tion, water conservation, drip irrigation,
Provided by Shashank Easwar. propagation, container gardening, polli-
nators, greenhouse gardening, tree care,
insects/disease and more. Register for
this event at ccmgatx.org.

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PET OF THE MONTH
STUDENTS RAISE BREAST LAUNCHES SPANISH HARVEY is a three-year-old rescue
CANCER AWARENESS IMMERSION PROGRAM that was found during Hurricane
Legacy Christian Academy will launch Harvey. He was passed around
Friends and Centennial High Schoolers a Spanish immersion program for the from Houston to Waco, then to Ad-
Shashank Easwar, David Moon, Brian 2019-2020 school year for Pre K-4, Kin- dison, where the Campbells found
Lee and Jessica Nguyen started a breast dergarten and First Grade. Legacy is the him at Operation Kindness. He is
cancer initiative in August and have first Christian school in the metroplex to the perfect fit for their family!
been working under the National Breast offer this program that prepares students
Cancer Foundation to spread awareness for the changing global market in cogni- SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER
throughout the community. Their initia- tive, social and cultural ways. Fluency in BLASTS INTO 2019
tive is called “Past the Pink: Prioritiz- a second language will increase students’ Since its founding 15 years ago, Frisco’s
ing People.” The group noticed people, social capital in their abilities to form di- Sci-Tech Discovery Center has brought
particularly those of the younger gen- verse relationships, as well as fostering fun to families across North Texas. On
erations, associate breast cancer with empathy and tolerance. All class instruc- January 19, the center opened its new-
the color pink. While the pink ribbon tion, discussion and social interaction is est exhibit, Great Balls of Fire. The
is a symbol of fortitude and hope, many in Spanish. Research shows immersion 3,500-square-foot exhibit engages visi-
people do not understand there is more education benefits English language de- tors of all ages to experience the science
to this disease. The young team wishes velopment as it allows students to de- behind asteroids, comets and meteors.
to emphasize this, as patients and their velop listening, reading, speaking and Great Balls of Fire was created by the
families are all affected differently by writing skills in two languages, building Space Science Institute’s National Cen-
the disease. The team has raised aware- further academic fluency in both English ter for Interactive Learning, with fund-
ness through a t-shirt fundraiser for the and Spanish. For more information, visit ing from the National Science Founda-
National Breast Cancer Foundation and a legacyca.com. tion and NASA. Great Balls of Fire will
booth at their school’s “Pink Out” foot- be available to families through May
ball game. They have invited oncologists FRISCO RANKED IN 31, 2019. For more information about
to speak to students at the school and “TOP 10 SAFEST CITIES” the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, visit
hosted a patient encouragement card- Frisco, also known as the “Best Place to mindstretchingfun.org.
writing session. Live in America,” is now at the top of the
“Safest Cities in America!” list. Smart- PINK ELEMENTARY RECEIVES
EDIBLE GARDENING 101 asset.com recently named Frisco as one AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
of the country’s best, looking at factors AWARD
The Collin County Master Gardeners like violent crime rate, property crime The Frisco ISD’s Pink Elementary is the
Association (CCMGA) will host Edible rate and more. Get all the details about recipient of the American Heart Associa-
Gardening 101 on February 16 from 9 key findings, more data and safety tips at tion’s national Heart Healthy School of
a.m.-1 p.m. at the Landing at Myers Park smartasset.com. the Year award. Pink Elementary is the
and Event Center in McKinney. CCMGA
has expanded Spring into Vegetable Gar- MAY 2019 GENERAL ELECTION
dening classes to offer tips on growing This May, Frisco residents will elect two
other edibles such as herbs, berries and council members to Places 2 and 4 on the
more. CCMGA will discuss specifics Frisco City Council. If you are interested
of planning, designing and planting a in running for office, candidate packets
garden, the best plant varieties and the are available for download online. The
planting calendar for Collin County gar- packet includes information on how to
dens. Event attendees will learn about run, eligibility requirements, required
the importance of soil and soil prepara- forms and important deadlines. The City

70 COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Provided by LPS Frisco. first school in North Texas to receive competing for cash prizes, scholarships Helpers has been self-funded by client do-
this national award, which was presented and an all-expenses-paid Lindblad nations. Thanks to them, Frisco Helpers
to the school on January 18. The Heart expedition to the Galapagos Islands made donations to three nonprofits dur-
Healthy School of the Year award rec- aboard the National Geographic Endeavor ing 2018, including the Meals on Wheels
ognizes an American Heart Association II. Learn more at lpsfrisco.com. program of Collin County, Benevolent
Jump Rope or Hoops for Heart school
that implements heart-health focused FRISCO HELPERS IN Ministries of First Frisco
programs and awareness throughout THE COMMUNITY United Methodist Church
the entire school, year round. Pink El- Frisco Helpers is a volunteer organiza- and Grace Avenue United
ementary exemplifies this commitment tion sponsored by local area churches Methodist Church. Each of
through their involvement with sev- and made up of senior volunteers. Dur- these organizations received
eral fitness and nutrition focused pro- ing 2018, Frisco Helpers provided minor $2,500. Gretchen Feinhals,
grams. Get additional information at home maintenance and repair services to the RSVP director with The
friscoisd.org. seniors and special needs residents living Senior Source, attended the
within the Frisco ISD. Twenty-five vol- January 10 Frisco Helpers
LEADERSHIP PREP SCHOOL’S unteers representing six churches visited meeting to thank volunteers
AIDAN HUTCHINS ACHIEVES 500 clients in 2018, performing multiple for last year’s contributions.
BIG WIN services and recording more than 2,200 Frisco Helpers is currently
Students from Leadership Prep School volunteer hours. Frisco Helpers added seeking volunteers. If you
(LPS) participated in the school-level 198 new clients during 2018! Safety is a have handyman skills and wish to join the
competition of the National Geography high priority, and volunteers installed group, or if you are in need of Frisco Help-
GeoBee on January 15. Aidan Hutchins, 244 safety bars, in addition to multiple ers’ services, call 214.973.1490 or go to
an eighth grade student, won first place at wheelchair ramps and toilet safety frames. friscohelpers.org.
the competition. LPS fifth grade student Frisco Helpers is referred by a number of
Suvir Gudipati placed second and seventh home health care agencies for its reputa- FRISCO CHAMBER OF
grade student Chloe Waller finished in tion of installation consistency and ad- COMMERCE NEW EMPLOYEES
third place. The school-level competition herence to American Disability Act stan-
is the first round in the annual dards. Since its inception in 2014, Frisco The Frisco Chamber of Commerce re-
National Geographic GeoBee, a cently announced its newest employees.
geography competition designed Brian Davis will serve as the Director of
to reward students’ curiosity Membership and Jody McCaghren will
about the world. Questions cover serve as the Partner Relations Manager.
geography, cultures, physical Both individuals joined the team on Janu-
features, history and earth ary 2. This year, the Chamber will be
science. School champions take restructuring its membership team to
an online qualifying test, and better serve its chamber partners. Mr.
up to 100 of the top test scorers Davis will lead the membership team,
in each state become eligible to as well as work with larger businesses.
compete in the State GeoBee. Ms. McCaghren will work with existing
The winners of the State GeoBees Frisco Chamber partners in a role similar
receive all-expenses-paid trips to to Kathy Erickson’s former position. Get
the National Geographic Society more information at friscochamber.com.
headquarters to participate in the
GeoBee National Championship,

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ONE DAY IN FRISCO BY GABRIELA GILSTRAP

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