FSM June 2011

PERSON OF THE YEAR • JUNE 2011 • Vol XVI, Issue 01 • $2.50
Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995

2011 Frisco STYLE Magazine Person of the Year

Sundays in Old Frisco | The Railroad’s a Comin’!





4 Frisco STYLE f e at u r e

38

2011 person
of the year

Sue Stafford

By Allison Harrell

On the cover:
2011 Person of the Year,

Sue Stafford

Photo by:
Chris Fritchie

d e partm e n ts

13 B U S I NESS

A Look at the Suite Life | By Chris Martin

19 fa m i ly

H ere Comes the Bride &
the Tattoo Artist | By Chris Martin

19 51 d i n i n g

‘ Gotta Have Some More of

51 that Whiskey Cake | By Garry Beckham

55 e d u c at i o n

T hose Lazy, Crazy Days of
Summer...School | By Allison Harrell

Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly sponsors the Celina Balloon Festival, Christmas in the Square,
Clothe-A-Child, Frisco Arts, Frisco Community Parade, Frisco Family Services, Frisco Freedom
Fest, Gary Burns Fun Run, ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, 2011 Mother & Daughter
Tea and Style Show, Plano Balloon Festival, Prosper Arts & Music Festival, Prosper Christmas
Festival, Silver Dollar Ball and is a member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.

person of the year



35 63 PERSON OF THE YEAR
JUNE 2011
columns
publisher,
25 entertainment CHRIS JOHNSON

Makin’ Tracks to Frisco | By Maria Leahey editor-in-chief,
ROBIN JOHNSON
35 tr avel
art director,
Little Town, Big Welcome | By Jan Bellamy LEAH RATLIFF

31 p e t s staff photographer,
CHRIS FRITCHIE
Goin’ to the Dogs | By Katie Minchew
manager, account services,
34 Streets of Frisco Andrea Hikel
53 Small Bites
staff writer,
60 now & then ALLISON HARRELL

Sundays in Old Frisco | By Bob Warren intern,
miriam johnson
62 Recipe
63 profile director of business development,
george rodriguez
Out of Her Shell | By Carolyn Cameron
advertising sales,
67 Did You Know JODI sanders
68 Community calendar LESA SWIMELAR
70 O n e D ay i n F r i s c o | By Chris Fritchie
Ad Sales: 972.335.1306
Still want to know more about what’s going on around town? Or maybe you’d like to
read an extended version of this month’s entertainment article. Maria Leahey tracked down Style Publishing Group,
the full story of the Railroad Museum’s first “find” for its new Frisco home. You’ll find it and P.O. Box 1676, Frisco, Texas 75034
much more on our website, friscostyle.com.
Phone: 972.335.1181
6 Frisco STYLE Toll Free: 877.781.7067

Fax: 214.722.2313
[email protected]
www.friscostyle.com

No portion of this publication may be
reproduced without express written permission

of Style Publishing Group, LLC.
©2011 All rights reserved.

www.friscostyle.com designed and
managed by Internet Marketing Images.

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l e tt e rs t o th e e dit o r

COMMUNITY DEVOTIONAL

Lisa and Markus Lloyd train for the
Seton Soles 5K

The Collaboration churches seems to be greater than the LOVED the Collaboration Equation If you’ve gotten this far in the magazine you’ve probably al-
collaboration among those churches and article in the March issue! Please ready noticed something different about this month’s issue: it’s
Equation this tragedy is not God’s doing but man’s. ask the author to be a regular con- got a new look. Art Director Leah Ratliff gave the publication she’s
The Bible challenges the idea of churches tributor to Frisco STYLE! designed for the past eight years a little “freshening up.” Along
by Markus Lloyd doing ministry completely independent of with the change of font and adding a picture of our Feature writer
each other. Des Jorda-Rodriguez each month, you’ll notice a new Frisco STYLE Magazine logo. We
Have you ever heard the phrase: on this placement of churches he appears hope you’ll enjoy the new look as much as Leah’s enjoyed creat-
“There’s a church on every corner?” at to lack perfect efficiency. In Philippians 2 the apostle Paul writes: Thank you for the piece by Chuck ing it.
first glance it may appear to be mere “…make my joy complete by being like- Martin in the May issue. Since I don’t
hyperbole, but for those who live in the I firmly believe God doesn’t make mis- minded, having the same love, being one live in your distribution area I read Do you have something to say? Feel free to write us about some-
Bible belt, it’s no exaggeration. takes, so there must be some hidden plan in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out the magazine online and find your thing you’ve read in the magazine or maybe something you’d like
beneath this façade. Perhaps he has setup of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but articles interesting and often, as in to read about. We have lots of good ideas, but our readers are our
In fact, a couple of years ago, I found a weekly forum in which the leaders of all in humility consider others better than this case, inspiring. Thank you for best resource for future stories. Contact us through our website or
a map of the area in which my church these churches get together to plan ways yourselves.” Phil.2:1-3. The part of that including this kind of content in your email [email protected].
is located, took a pen and marked out a to work together to reach this one-mile passage that challenges me most is “being fine magazine.
one-mile radius. I then counted the num- radius with the love of Christ. Just imag- one in spirit and purpose,” because un-
ber of churches in the outlined area. all ine seeing everyone in that one-mile ra- fortunately, Christians are known more Susan Duncan, Abilene
in all there were six churches located in dius experiencing the spirit of Christ and for schisms than unity. about 500 years
this one-mile radius. Six churches! each choosing to follow Him because these ago the Protestants and Catholics had
one, for the most part, different in its six churches joined together to serve as what some might call a “minor” disagree-
denominational affiliation but in several Christ served. It’s a beautiful plan. alas, ment that continues to divide them today.
cases very similar in style, all claiming to after some research I could find no evi- There are, within both groups, numerous
have been “called” by the same God to dence that such meetings take place. subdivisions or denominations which may
this particular geographic area for minis- apparently God’s “calling” was for each scare unchurched people away from God.
try. This realization leads me to ask the church to work independently and have They may think to themselves, “I have
question: “Why would God call so many no connection or collaboration at all. enough drama in my own life, why would I
churches to such a small area?” It seems What a waste. want to get involved in theirs?”
like overkill to me; to the outside world it
looks like competition. Does God really I hope that those of you who are still In Philippians Paul is calling the people
need this many “houses of worship” in a with me recognize the satirical approach of God to be united in the one thing we
one-mile radius? God is perfect but based I am taking to make my point, which share … Christ. Further into the chapter
is: in a given area the concentration of he reminds the readers that their “atti-
March 2011 tude should be the same as that of Christ
Jesus who…made himself nothing, taking
the very nature of a servant.” (Phil. 2:5-7)
Imagine what could happen if churches put
aside their differences and took Paul’s ad-
vice to follow the example of Jesus. Imag-
ine a city where all the churches united in
one spirit for the purpose of serving the
community as Christ would.

I can hear people asking, “What keeps
this from happening now?” according to
Paul the answer is “selfish ambition” and
“vain conceit”(Phil. 2:3). We church lead-
ers sometimes get so focused on our own
personal mission statements and building
our own little kingdoms that the idea of
working with other churches never cross-
es our minds. In fact, most of us are afraid
that if we do work with other churches,
we may lose some of our own people to
those churches. That doesn’t look good in
the eyes of a culture that bases success on
the number of people interested in your
“product.” This is where the competition
is created.

59www.friscostyle.com

CoMMunity DevotionAl

© Christina Deridder | Dreamstime.com

Accept Reality and stances to change, but I am helpless to do
anything. Yes, I would like to be healed,
Change Your LifeAfteryou! but I do not have anyone to help me.

by Dr. Chuck Martin his answer reveals the perspective of
someone who has allowed circumstances
When Jesus saw him lying there and the seemingly obvious. To the surprise of to defeat him. he is acting out the role of
learned that he had been in this condition many, the crippled man did not answer a victim. sometimes we get so comfort-
for a long time, he asked him, “Do you “yes.” able in our circumstances – even as dys-
want to get well?” (John 5:6, nIV) functional as they might be – that at some
his answer reveals the complexity of level, we do not want to change. hence
“Do you want to get well?” This is not change, and a common tendency that too Jesus’ original question. Jesus knew that
the kind of question someone normally often paralyzes us from taking personal healing would require change. Was this
asks a person who has had a debilitating responsibility and making real progress man ready for that?
condition for 38 years. Yet that was the in life. We make excuses. We choose to
startling question Jesus asked a man who be paralyzed by our circumstances. Listen his answer also reveals the tendency
lay among a crowd of broken and infirm to his response as recorded by the new toward making excuses for why things
people, placed beside a pool that many Testament writer John: have not changed. In that day, there was
claimed to have healing properties. The a belief (you might say superstition), that
man was begging for handouts from those “sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one when the water of this particular pool was
who had come to town for a festival. Do to help me into the pool when the wa- stirred, whoever could be the first into
you want to get well? Many of us have had ter is stirred. While I am trying to get in, the pool when the water bubbled, would
a teacher drum into our heads, “There is someone else goes down ahead of me.” be healed. Like sea turtles rushing to the
no such thing as a stupid question,” but (John 5:7, nIV) sea, the infirm would rush into the pool
this one seems to test that theory. whenever the intermittent spring did its
Rather than a simple yes, he offers an thing. Only he was crippled and at a dis-
The man’s answer revealed that Jesus explanation for why his condition has not tinct disadvantage in the race to the pool.
knew exactly what he was doing, asking changed. This is the classic “yes – but” The truth is, his explanation makes sense.
answer. Yes, I would like for my circum- It is quite reasonable. That is the nature of
May 2011 excuses – they make sense to us.

73www.friscostyle.com

8 Frisco STYLE person of the year

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F R O M T H E p u b l ish e r

D ON ’ T M I S S

This month’s recipe “D o or do not.
takes us out to the grill! There is no try.”
Kabobs of various kinds
will satisfy the taste- ~ Yoda, a fictional character in Star Wars.
buds of everyone at
your cookout. It is our fortune and pleasure each year to dedicate our June issue to the Frisco
STYLE Person of the Year. Sometimes we’re asked about the nature of the award and how
Also, after having only we determine the honoree. There is no better place to review the program than here.
two Frisco zip codes
for decades, the post Frisco isn’t Frisco by accident. It’s amusing to me when people talk about cities,
office has announced companies or churches; we often forget these are made up of people—our neighbors,
a third. Check out Did friends, elected officials, etc. People work, make decisions and volunteer to make Frisco
You Know to find out what it is today. While not all of us are involved in the day-to-day inner workings of the
what neighborhoods will share these city, we certainly all enjoy the results that make us proud to claim Frisco as our home.
new digits. While it is one thing to live in Frisco, worship, enjoy the shopping, entertainment and
restaurants and rear a family—it is an entirely different thing to have been a major
COMING UP catalyst for bringing and maintaining this culture in the first place.

Who once lived where your home Our Person of the Year issue is recognition of the men and women who have been and
stands now? Was it acreage planted by are making that difference in Frisco. We strive to honor those who have given their time,
generations of a single family or was it money and energy to our community in such a way that we all feel the impact and future
owned by landholders just waiting for generations will reap the benefits of their investment.
a boom to hit town and make them
rich? We’ll find out. We’ll also catch Being Person of the Year is our “Lifetime Achievement” award. Our honorees are
up with the man with the plan far the involved, committed and selfless. At times, they know no boundaries; they only know
future of Frisco’s roadways. What’s what‘s right and what needs to be done, then do it.
next and when will your biggest traffic
nightmare come to an end? We’ll have I suspect if we were to take to the streets of Frisco and ask, “What would you like to do
those stories and more in the July more of over the next year,” many of us would answer, “I’d try to volunteer more ... help
issue of Frisco STYLE Magazine. others.” Past honorees asked and answered this question themselves, long before we
came on the scene. They turned love, commitment and thoughts into action. They did
not talk about trying; they committed to doing. And, this year’s honoree is no different.

Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician and printer
(1706-1790), said, “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” Investing in others
through education since 1969, Sue Stafford has tenaciously worked on behalf of Frisco’s
underprivileged children and their families, giving selflessly of her own time, energy
and resources to help provide others with an improved quality of life. She has tirelessly
invested in the lives of others, bringing silver to the surface and turning it to gold.

Called “Frisco’s Mother Teresa” by many, Dr. Rick Reedy says of Ms. Stafford: “She has
complete disregard for her own well-being in relationship to what she wants for others ...
she has no ego, no pretension. She really spends all her time and energy thinking about
how she can help others, to a degree I’ve never seen in anyone else.”

Benjamin Franklin is also credited for saying “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I
remember. Involve me and I learn.” With all due respect to Mr. Franklin, Ms. Stafford has
not only told, taught and involved her students in learning; she has shown them by living
the impeccable example of a selfless educator and servant.

Thank you, Sue Stafford, for your limitless contribution to our city, schools and children.
It is our honor to recognize you as our Person of the Year in this issue of Frisco STYLE.

11June 2011 Friscostyle.com

12 Frisco STYLE person of the year

b u si n e ss

modern features, but also offer a stylish re-
treat for those wishing to wind down a bit
in their well-appointed rooms. Simply put,
we put a fun spin on the on the ordinary
travel experience.”

Comfort Suites at Frisco Square

9700 Dallas Parkway

The Comfort Suites at Frisco Square is

one of Frisco’s newest hotels. Under the

Choice Hotels International umbrella, the

property is an all-suite, value-priced ho-

tel. It includes a business center for those

guests working in and around Frisco, and

space for small- to medium- sized meet-

ings or special events. The leisure traveler

can take advantage of the hotel’s location

in the heart of Frisco. “We are the only

hotel located in the geographic center

of Frisco, close to all of the attractions in

the downtown area,” says Mindy Dennis,

general manager of the Comfort Suites.

Guests can easily walk to the shops and

restaurants in Frisco Square, the Cine-

mark movie theater and the sporting and

special events at Pizza Hut Park. “We are

also located within close proximity to the

Fieldhouse USA and other sports venues,

making Comfort Suites a great location for

A Look at families or any travelers wanting to be in
the Suite Life the heart of downtown Frisco.”

by Chris M artin Embassy Suites
7600 John Q. Hammons
The Embassy Suites is Frisco’s largest ho-
tel, featuring 330 guest suites and offer-
ing an extensive selection of business and

leisure amenities. Connected to the Frisco

Conference Center, the largest meeting

Contemporary appointments give Aloft Frisco an urban vibe. facility in North Dallas, the Embassy Suites

has access to over 92,000 square feet of

With the beginning of summer, minds co has a stylish, decidedly urban feel. The flexible meeting space. “We can accom-

turn toward vacation. Living in Frisco, with property’s loft-inspired design features modate meetings and special events for

all the entertainment available, there may wide-open spaces, contemporary furnish- two or up to 2,500,” says Andrea True,

be no need to actually go anywhere else. ings, mood lighting and music selected Embassy’s director of sales and marketing.

But if you just must get away from home, to fit the time of day. “We are a branded We have a state-of-the-art business center

or if you have family coming to town (and hotel with a distinctive and definitely bou- with most any service the business traveler

you’d enjoy each other much more if you tique hotel kind of vibe,” says PJ Bailey, might need. In addition, we have a full-ser-

weren’t actually under the same roof), then director of sales and marketing for the vice spa for guests to pamper themselves

you’ll be happy to know there are plenty Aloft Frisco. “We also offer a full comple- and a full-service restaurant with 24-hour

of quality hotels waiting to welcome you ment of high-tech, in-room features to ac- room service.” The hotel is one of four

and yours with open arms. Here’s a look at commodate both the business and leisure Embassy Hotels worldwide with the dis-

Frisco’s “homes away from home.” traveler.” The property features the W XYZ tinction of being a 4 Diamond and a 4 Star

Bar, where guests can shoot pool, listen to Embassy Suite. “We provide all guests, no

Aloft Frisco a DJ and even host a private party. Guests matter whether they are here for work or

3202 Parkwood Boulevard can also spend time in the open area so- play, with a fantastic experience, geared to

A member of the Starwood Hotel family cial space Remix Lounge. “We keep our make their stay as relaxing or productive

and spin-off of the W Hotel, the Aloft Fris- guests connected with our open flow and as they want.”

13June 2011 Friscostyle.com

Hampton Inn and Suites certain our guests, whether traveling for The culinary offerings from Eric Foster,
right, Executive Chef/Food & Beverage
3199 Parkwood Boulevard business or leisure, will enjoy their stay with Director at the Hilton Garden Inn, make

A member of the Hilton family of hotels, the us that we offer a 100 percent satisfaction events at the hotel extra special.

Hampton Inn and Suites offers both suite- guarantee—if they aren’t completely satis- hotel is particularly proud of is the excel-
lent quality of its foodservice. “Most of our
style and traditional stay rooms in a com- fied with their stay, we don’t expect them guests are pleasantly surprised when they
taste the superior quality of the offerings
fortable, charming atmosphere reminis- to pay.” provided by our executive chef—it’s some-
thing that makes our events at the hotel
cent of a country lodge. As a select-service extra special. And, another special benefit
is that as part of the Hilton family of hotels,
hotel, without a full restaurant or bar, the Hilton Garden Inn guests enjoy all the quality and benefits of
the Hilton brand, including the Hilton Hon-
Hampton offers attractive rates for both 7550 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco ors Rewards program, but at an even more
attractive rate,” adds Mr. Severe.
business and leisure guests. “We do have The Hilton Garden Inn is the mid-priced
Holiday Inn Express Frisco
a hot breakfast and all the amenities our property in the Hilton Worldwide chain, 4220 Preston Road
The Holiday Inn Express has the distinc-
guests could want,” says General Manager catering to both the business and leisure tion of being the first hotel in Frisco. And
as such, the entire location is about to
Rebecca Light, “but we are able to provide traveler. “The price-conscious traveler undergo a complete remodel, scheduled
to be complete in time for the holiday sea-
them with wants a good son. “We are really excited about our fresh,
new look and will be redoing everything
affordable, value without on the property right down to the studs,”
says Robin Quick, general manager of the
all-inclusive sacrificing Frisco location. The hotel, while it does
serve the family and leisure traveler, boasts
pricing— quality,” says a large corporate clientele. And as a Holi-
day Inn Express property, it differs slightly
meaning John Severe,

they won’t director of

pay extra for sales and mar-

phone calls, keting for the

Internet Hilton Garden

access or Inn in Frisco.

break fast.” “We offer

The hotel most all of

has a busi- the amenities

ness center The Hampton Inn is located within walking distance of of a focused-
Dr Pepper Ballpark and offers the charm of a country lodge. service hotel,
and meet- including a
ing space

for small to medium groups. And for those business center, meeting space, a full-bar

coming to play, the Hampton is located and restaurant at an economical price.”

within walking distance of Stonebriar Cen- The hotel also has space for weddings,

ter and Dr Pepper Ballpark. “We are so parties and special events. One thing the

Hotel
Phone
AAA
Family Suite
Dist. to Pizza Hut
Park
Dist. to DrPepper
Ballpark
Dist. Stonebriar
Ctr.
Check In/Out
Pool
Room Service
Fitness Center
Restaurants
$ Parking/ Day
Refrigerator
Microwave
Coffee Maker
WiFi - $/day
Free Breakfast
$ Rollaway Bed/
Crib

Aloft Frisco 972.668.8031 3 No 4.5 mi .1 mi .1 mi Noon/ Yes No Yes wxyz bar Free Yes In lobby Yes Free No Crib- Yes
4pm Free Yes Free

Comfort Suites 972.668.9700 2.5 Yes .1 mi 4.1 mi 5 mi 3pm/ Yes No Yes Blue Goose/ Free Yes Yes Yes
Noon Lochrann’s

Embassy Suites 972.712.7200 4 Yes 5 mi .1 mi .1 mi 3pm/ Yes Yes Yes Cyprus Grille $8/day Yes Yes Yes $14.95 Yes No rollway;
Noon cribs free

Hampton Inn & 972.712.8400 3 Yes 4.8 mi .5 mi .5 mi 3pm/ Yes No Yes - Free Yes Yes Yes Free Yes No rollway;
Suites 469.362.8485 Noon Yes Yes Yes Free cribs free
Hilton Yes Yes Yes Free
3 Yes 3.5 mi Across the .3 mi 3pm/ Yes Yes Yes Great American Free No Free
Garden Inn street Noon Grill yes Yes Yes Free

Holiday Inn 972.668.5959 Connect- No $15
3 ing 3 mi <1 mi <1 mi 3pm Yes Yes Yes 3400 Grill Free

Rooms

Homewood 214.618.0111 3 Yes 5 mi .8 mi .8 mi 3pm/ Yes No None; Compl. Yes Free
Suites Noon Yes Evening Recep- Free

tion, M-Thu

Sheraton 972.668.8700 - Y 5 mi 2 mi 3 mi 3pm/ No Yes Yes 5444 Free Upon Upon Yes Free/basic Platinum Free
Stonebriar Noon Request Request $9.99/ Members

High Speed only

Legacy Grill $9.95/
Executive Basic
The Westin 972.668.8000 4 & Luxury 5 mi 2 mi 3 mi 3pm/ Yes 24hr Yes Peter’s Café Free Yes Upon Yes $14.95/ No Free
Stonebriar Noon Ernie’s Bar Request
Suites Aqua Bar High
Speed

14 Frisco STYLE person of the year

from the traditional Holiday Inn, offering a
more streamlined menu of guest services.
The hotel provides a free, hot breakfast,
but doesn’t have room service or a full res-
taurant or bar on property. It does include
a business center for its guests and meet-
ing space to accommodate smaller events.
“And because all of our services are includ-
ed in one price and not charged on an ala
carte basis like at most full-service hotels,
we are able to provide our value-conscious
guests with very affordable rates.”

Homewood Suites
3240 Parkwood Boulevard
Homewood Suites by Hilton is an upscale,
extended-stay hotel, targeting travelers
who are on the road longer than the aver-
age guest. Designed for people traveling
on field assignments, relocating to a new
community or attending a training pro-
gram, the hotel features amenities suited
to the long-term guest. “All of our rooms
are suites with fully-equipped kitchens.
We offer laundry service, complimentary
shopping services and a full breakfast and
dinner,” remarks Michelle White, director
of sales for Frisco’s Homewood Suites.
The hotel features a business center and
meeting rooms for its corporate clients as
well. However, the property is not solely
focused on the business guest, but also
provides distinct benefits for the leisure
traveler. “We have guests in town for wed-
dings or families attending sporting events
that prefer the all-suite concept, giving
them more space to spread out and relax,

15June 2011 Friscostyle.com

16 Frisco STYLE person of the year

All the rooms at the Homewood select-service hotel, the Wyndham does
Suites have fully-equipped not offer a full restaurant, bar or room ser-
kitchens, catering to the vice, but guests can take advantage of the
extended-stay guest. many complimentary amenities included

in the hotel’s one-rate, all-inclusive, value

travelers alike. Pleasure seek- pricing. “We do offer a hot breakfast, an

ers can take advantage of the evening reception with adult beverages,

hotel’s lagoon-inspired pool, free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as other

the in-room spa services and services which are all included in our rate;

golf privileges at the Stonebriar so our guests don’t feel like they are being

Country Club’s championship ‘nickel and dimed,’” says Ray Perez, gener-

Tom Fazio golf course, which is al manager of the Wingate. The property is

so they don’t feel cramped or confined. In located adjacent to the property. Business located on 121 at Independence, putting

fact, we pride ourselves on providing our travelers will find state-of-the-art business it where Plano, Allen and McKinney meet

guests with all of the comforts of home, amenities and facilities to accommodate Frisco. “This allows us to offer our guests

but for the price of a traditional hotel.” a small board meeting or a large-scale easy access to the surrounding area, mak-

sales conference. “We are dedicated to ing it convenient to shop, attend sporting

Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel providing all of our guests with award- events or do business in the cities around

5444 Highway 121 winning service and top-notch amenities,” Frisco.” The hotel offers a business center

The sister property to the Westin Stone- says Michelle Clement, director of sales and meeting space for small to medium

briar, the Sheraton Stonebriar is located and marketing for the Westin Stonebriar. meetings or special events. “We really

in close proximity to the Westin and of- “We can also host weddings, receptions pride ourselves on making our guests feel

fers many of the same amenities, but on a and private events of most any size.” The like we are their home away from home.”

smaller scale. “We are a unique The beautiful pool at the Westin adds to the resort-like
property because we are small- atmosphere of the luxury hotel.
er than the Westin and most

Sheratons, giving us a boutique

hotel type of atmosphere, all

in a setting that’s a little more

modern than our sister proper-

ty,” says Ms. Clement who is di-

rector of sales and marketing for

both properties. The Sheraton

Stonebriar caters to the busi-

ness traveler during the week,

featuring a business center and

two fully-appointed meeting

rooms. However, its location

among the shops and restau-

rants of Stonebriar Commons

makes it popular with weekend

leisure guests seeking a smaller

venue with more attractive rates.

Guests of the Sheraton can use

the Westin’s facilities, includ-

ing the fitness center, pool and

Stonebriar Country Club’s championship property features scenic outdoor space, Coming Soon

Fazio golf course. “Guests appreciate our including the three-tiered terrace garden Home2 Suites by Hilton

upscale feel, while enjoying our quaint at- overlooking the pool and grounds where Magnolia Lodging is bringing the new

mosphere and convenient location, all at a guests can host events as well. “No matter Home2 Suites by Hilton concept to Frisco.

very affordable price.” what brings guests to the Westin, whether Slated to begin construction soon, the ho-

business or pleasure, we can meet their tel is a modern, midscale extended-stay

The Westin Stonebriar unique needs in style.” hotel geared toward the budget- savvy

1549 Legacy Drive guest.

The Westin Stonebriar is an upscale, rusti- Wingate by Wyndham

cally elegant, resort-style hotel featuring 14700 State Highway 121 Chris Martin is a staff writer for Frisco

a full complement of amenities designed The Wingate by Wyndham is Frisco’s new- STYLE Magazine who is crazy about room

to cater to leisure guests and business est hotel, recently opening in May. As a service.

17June 2011 Friscostyle.com

18 Frisco STYLE person of the year

fami ly

Britteny Carmichael is tattooed at her wedding. provided by Britteny Carmichael

The Big Day. It needs no other introduc- to watch the ultimate wedding celebra- “We wanted to do something unique

tion. No single day in our lives is more sto- tion. And while this modern day fairy tale to reflect who we are, so we decided

ried or revered than our wedding day. It’s likely ignited the imagination of a new we would have rings tattooed on our

the day every little girl dreams about from generation of little girls and their dreams fingers at the wedding,” she says. “We

the first time she watches Cinderella marry of marrying the handsome prince in an both already have a lot of tattoos, which

the handsome prince and ride off into the enchanted castle, there are certain to be are forever, and that’s what a wedding

sunset. Just the men- Here Comes the Bride is about—a commit-
tion of the word “wed- (and the Tattoo Artist) ment to be together
ding” evokes enchant- forever–so we thought
ing visions of a flowing it was a great way to
white dress, majestic show that commitment
flowers, sparkling dia- to each other.” The
monds and radiant fac- couple had the tattoo

es, glowing with hap- By Chris M artin artist at the ceremony
piness as love fills the and, between the cer-

air. Most recently, all of emony and the recep-

the pomp, pageantry and tradition of the those less traditional girls, who dream of tion he tattooed rings on their fingers.

Royal Wedding comes to mind when we doing things just a little differently than “The guests thought it was really unique

think of a wedding ceremony. A true Cin- the rest of the crowd. and that it suited us perfectly.”

derella story of a beautiful young woman Britteny Carmichael is one of those The couple also had a cereal bar at the

becoming a real princess by marrying girls. Married in 2010 at Frisco’s Fairy Tale reception instead of a groom’s cake. “We

the handsome prince and riding off in a Manor, she and her husband Chris aspired both love cereal and didn’t particularly

horse-drawn carriage to live happily ever to do something out of the ordinary at care for the idea of a traditional groom’s

after. This traditional storybook wedding their wedding to suit their personalities, cake, so we had a table set up with bowls,

captured the imaginations of millions, as which Mrs. Carmichael describes as just spoons, milk and jars of different types

people from around the world tuned in “a little bit different.” of cereals instead. Our guests loved it

19June 2011 Friscostyle.com

“We invited all of got back from fishing. When he came in,
I gave him a change of clothes and told
our close family him we were going to get married in 45
minutes. He was shaking in his boots and
and friends to the asked me if I was sure I wanted to do this.
And I said ‘yes I am, because I am ready
wedding and re- to spend my life with my best friend,’ and
that settled it,” she recalls. The couple
ception, but after then exchanged vows on a dock on the
Arkansas River. And what became of the
that, we invited the fishing tournament? Mrs. Steelman ad-
mits her husband didn’t win the tourna-
whole town to the ment that weekend. “Apparently, he had
bigger fish to fry,” she adds laughingly.
wedding dance at
While the Steelman’s wedding didn’t
the America Le- prove to be a lucky charm for the fishing
tournament, Justin and Sheila Auchter
gion Hall,” says made sure they had plenty of good luck
charms at their wedding. In fact, the
Mrs. Whaley. “We couple placed them in the filling of their
wedding cake. “We had a cake pull at our
made and put up wedding, in which charms are put inside a
layer of the wedding cake and attached to
posters all over decorative ribbons which are tied beauti-
fully on the outside of the cake,” says Mrs.
town—in stores, Auchter. “At the reception the brides-
maids each pulled a charm from the cake
gas stations, the and kept it as a memento of their partici-
pation in our ceremony. The charms can
tavern—every- be any meaningful symbol to the bride
and groom.” The Auchter’s had platinum
where—announc- charms custom made by a local jeweler.
The charms are believed to bring luck to
ing the wedding the bride and groom, and then, as they

and inviting every- are pulled, they
pass on the good
one to the dance. fortune to those
in the ceremo-
That’s just the way ny. “The largest
charm is of a ring;
we did things in the bridesmaid
who pulls it is be-
our town—we had lieved to be the
next one to get
no idea that ev- engaged. Appar-
ently there must
eryone didn’t do be something to
it, because my
things that way. My friend that pulled
the ring charm
friends who came got engaged two
weeks later,” re-
Christie Chavez ditched the traditional wedding cake in favor of from other places calls Mrs. Auchter.
various flavors of pie; this special one was eventually cut by the bride thought it was such Raquel DeWitt,
and groom. provided by Christie Chavez a unique way to of Frisco who at-
tended the ceremony, thought the cake
and we liked having our celebration re- have a wedding, that some of them kept pull added a really special touch to the
Auchter’s wedding. “It really was such a
flect who we are together. Besides, who one of our posters as a souvenir. It was
person of the year
doesn’t love Fruity Pebbles?” she asks great fun though, because everybody in

with a laugh. town got to celebrate with us.”

Another Frisco bride and groom decid- Frisco’s Tillman

ed to forgo cake altogether at their wed- and Rhonda Steel- The Gardner’s
ding two years ago, opting to have a “pie man had slightly wedding
only” reception. “Tony and I both prefer fewer guests when included a
pie to cake and we wanted to do some- she surprised Scotsman in
thing that was special to us, so we asked Tillman with their full regalia
all of our close friends to bring a pie to last-second wed- who was hired
the reception,” says Christie Chavez. “We ding. “We did have to “address”
didn’t specify a flavor and ended up with one guy who hap- the traditional
all kinds of pies, enough to serve our 200 pened to be fish- haggis.

provided by

Donna Gardner

guests with plenty left over.” The couple’s ing on the end of

favorite is banana cream, so they chose the dock watch us

that pie to do the traditional cutting of get married, plus

the cake, or rather pie, and fed that to Tillman’s parents,”

each other during the reception. “It was says Mrs. Steelman.

fun and it really meant a lot to us that our The Steelmans got

friends helped out and participated in our married during a

big day.” pro fishing tourna-

Sally and Mark Whaley, of Frisco, know ment in which Mr.

all about having everyone participate in Steelman and his

their big day—they put up colorful post- father were partici-

ers all over their home town of Watseka, pating. “The courthouse was across the

Illinois, (population around 5000) invit- street from the tournament and I decided

ing everyone to join the celebration. to surprise him with the wedding when he

20 Frisco STYLE

21June 2011 Friscostyle.com

beautiful sentiment,” says Mrs. DeWitt. way to ensure they’d get some great pic- Barb Kiernan knows all about. “It’s not ev-
“Even though their wedding was several tures on their wedding day. The local cou- ery day you see two dogs walking a bride
years ago, I have always remembered ple included a photo booth as part of their down the aisle,” says the Frisco resident.
it—I have never seen anything like it.” wedding recep-
tion and asked Mrs. Kier-
That same sentiment can be echoed their guests to nan’s niece
about the wedding of Frisco’s Donna and pop in for pho- had her two
Kevin Gardner. It’s safe to say that many tos throughout black labs
of the guests at their wedding had nev- the celebration. accompany
er before tried haggis, a combination of Each person who her and her
minced sheep organs, oatmeal and pep- made a photo father as
per, stuffed into the lining of a sheep’s got a copy of it they walked
stomach. Nor had they seen a Scotsman and one to put down the
in full regalia, complete with kilt and in the couple’s aisle on her
sword, perform an elaborate, full-on the- guest book with wedding
atrical presentation of the lengthy prose a personal mes- day. “One
“Ode to the Haggis.” Mrs. Gardner, a na- sage for the bride and groom. “It was so dog flanked
tive of Scotland, and her husband Kevin, much fun and it really brought everyone either side of them as they made their way
provided their wedding guests with an together,” says Mrs. Park. “Another great down the aisle, and they behaved per-
opportunity to enjoy both of these expe- fectly—better than some flower girls and
ring bearers I’ve seen,” she
recalls. Mrs. Kiernan says the
family breeds labs, but that
the two dogs in the ceremo-

Sally and Mark Whaley, left,
with one of the signs they
posted around their hometown
announcing their wedding
reception. The Parks wedding
album, above.

riences. “Most of them sat there with their part about it was seeing totally unex- ny were their beloved fam-
jaws dropped open during the perfor- pected groups of people in the pictures ily pets. “My niece trained
mance—it was quite a sight—like nothing having a blast together. And what made them, took care of them and
they had ever seen. It was brilliant,” says it even funnier was that the photo booth had them in 4H with her, so
Mrs. Gardner, in her Scottish brogue. “Of came with a bunch of fun props, like hats, they were a big part of her
course, when it came time to try the hag- glasses and feather boas for our guests to life. She thought it would be
gis—the national dish of Scotland--their use in the pictures, so as you can imagine, great to include them in her
jaws were no longer wide open,” she says the photos became more and more enter- big day. And I must say, it is
with a laugh. “Although, when all was said taining as the night wore on,” she adds. something I won’t soon for-
and done, most of our guests were brave “We laughed for days over the guest get,” she adds.
enough to give it a try. Plus, it made for book. It’s a great keepsake and made for
some great pictures,” she adds. a really memorable night.” While unforgettable wed-
ding stories abound, from
Erik and Mimi Park had another unique Memorable weddings are one thing the traditional to the uncon-
ventional, one thing remains the same
22 Frisco STYLE throughout, and that is love. Whether
a couple marries in a castle or on a fish-
ing dock, while wearing a diamond ring
or one that has been tattooed, it mat-
ters not. A wedding unites us all, bringing
people together to share in the dream of
living happily ever after, even if on occa-
sion it seems those dreams have all gone
to the dogs.

Chris Martin is a staff writer for Frisco
STYLE Magazine.

person of the year

23June 2011 Friscostyle.com

24 Frisco STYLE person of the year

e n t e rtai n m e n t

A crane lifts the engine that was damaged in a derailment. Next time it’s seen in public, it will gleam. provided by the Museum of the American Railroad

Five years ago, the City of Frisco, They had long outgrown their 1.3-acre tory is the Union Pacific “Big Boy,” the
to honor its history as a water stop on corner at Fair Park and estimated that biggest steam locomotive ever built,
the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, ap- they needed at least nine acres to bring weighing 1.2 million pounds.

proached the Museum of the American every piece of their rolling stock out of Phase 1B means laying an additional

Railroad about moving northward 40 storage. The City of Frisco was offering 2500 feet of track to accommodate

miles from their current Dallas location them a whopping 12 acres and was will- more inventory. Phase 1C will complete

in Fair Park. “flatwork” such as
It was a win-win-
win situation. By sidewalks,lighting
and fencing after
Makin’ Tracks to Friscohousing a national the trains arrive.

railroad museum, By maria le ahe y Phase 2 of the
the City could high- ing to fund $1 million of the $1.5 million project involves
light its ties to the constructing the
nationwide railroad network; after all, train shed and the station. This is an-

railroads are the reason Frisco’s growth needed to relocate the railroad cars ticipated to take eight to ten years, with
exploded in 1902. Open the coffee and locomotives in the first phase of a nationwide capital campaign to raise
table book Frisco: The First Hundred the plan. the funds needed. Phase 3 includes the

Years, and trains are mentioned as soon According to the careful planning addition of a four-stall roundhouse and
as page 19. In fact, its first chapter is on of Museum President and CEO Bob shop facilities.
railroad history. Frisco was indeed built LaPrelle and the museum’s leadership,
by the railroad. the move will take place in three phases. “Museums have to be visionary and
think very long term,” notes Mr. LaPrelle

For the Museum of the American Phase 1A: laying one mile of track and on the Museum leadership’s patience in
Railroad, the surprise offer was an an- transporting more than 40 pieces of pursuing this relocation. “Museum ac-
swer to their quest for more space. the rolling stock. Included in that inven- tion plans are typically 25 years into the

25June 2011 Friscostyle.com

future.” were standing still.” Enter Bill Withuhn, Curator Emeritus
World War II saw enormous railroad One diesel locomotive from the Mu- at the Smithsonian Institution, who, in
1984, realized that these treasures were
use and, during that time, railroad man- seum is already in Frisco, never having worth bringing back to America. By
agers found diesel engines like the PA-1 touched the Fair Park acreage. “Our” that time these four PA-1 locomotives
to be cheaper and more reliable than PA-1 just completed an arduous jour- were all that was left of the PA-1 type in
the steam engine. ney from Oregon to Frisco and now sits North America and all were in Mexico.
Mr. Withuhn started his solo efforts to
The beauty of old engines like this one, circa 1965, will come back to life at the Museum of the get these engines back to the States.
American Railroad in Frisco. provided by the Museum of the American Railroad With the Smithsonian’s approval, but
funding his own travel, he made half a
Before diesel engines, travelers took in storage until its restoration is com- dozen trips to Mexico between 1984
for granted that all trains belched smoke plete. and 1998.
and required voluminous water supplies
and coal, refueling at stations about ev- This locomotive, an American Loco- Mr. Withuhn narrowed his focus on
ery 100 miles or so. By the 1930s, the motive Company (ALCO) PA-1 type, ar- bringing back two of the four—former-
U.S. was witnessing the beginning of rived in May as the first installment of ly the D&H 16 and 18—because FNM
the end of the Steam Age, which had the Museum’s priceless collection of would not part with the other two.
spanned more than 100 years prior. rolling stock in Frisco. And it will be a Their interiors had been stripped of the
treasure. 2000+ horsepower diesel engines and
Many classify the railroad’s switch to most other parts, and yet their historical
diesel as a decline in the industry; ac- Like each piece in the Museum, this potential was still there.
tually, it was a re-birth. Fewer employ- locomotive has a rich individual his-
ees—from mechanics to clerks to bag- tory. It began as one of 169 PA-1s built “A Santa Fe PA-1 needs to be re-
gage handlers—were needed to carry between 1946 and 1950. It might have stored,” says Mr. Withuhn of his efforts.
out the same operations at fewer sta- been one of the ALCO PA-1 locomo- “It’s an icon of the first diesel passenger
tions. More than 2500 towns that had tives, which pulled Santa Fe Railway’s locomotives and also—in its famous
sprung up to service steam trains were famous Texas Chief streamliner in the motif of ‘silver and scarlet’ paint and
affected by the move to the more effi- late 1940s till the early 1960s. Four of stainless steel with the Santa Fe ‘war-
cient diesel engines. these Santa Fe PA-1s wound up in ser- bonnet’ logo—it’s a universal icon of
vice on a New York-based railroad, the American railroading in the 1940s-60s.
Diesel locomotives have a distinctive Delaware & Hudson. Then the National I think it’s the handsomest of all diesel
look about them: flashy silver streaks— Railways of Mexico (Ferrocarriles Na- locomotives. Its distinctive aesthetics
streamliners, they were called—as styl- cionales de Mexico) (FNM) bought unmistakably say ‘power and speed.’”
ized as they were reliable and money them, putting them into further service
saving. “They delivered the nation’s on their rails. After several years, FNM Mexico was reluctant to repatri-
goods and passengers faster and relegated them to storage. Frisco’s par- ate these engines. Cesar Romero, the
more reliably at far less cost,” explains ticular PA-1, originally Santa Fe No. 59L, rolling-stock superintendent of FNM’s
Bill Withuhn, Curator Emeritus at the was the worse for its wear. In 1981, it was northwestern railroad operations, had
Smithsonian Institution. “Streamliners sidelined after sustaining heavy dam- kept these engines running in their au-
had the look of speed even when they age in a derailment in Mexico. tumn years and he protected them from
being scrapped.
26 Frisco STYLE
Also important in this repatriating
process was Doyle McCormack, noted
railroad preservationist. He also tried
to free the locomotives, without suc-
cess. So Mr. Withuhn asked Mr. Mc-
Cormack to team with him. After FNM’s
agreement to transfer ownership to the
Smithsonian, Mr. McCormack gener-
ously funded the move of both PA-1s
into the U.S.

For 14 years, starting in 1984, Mr.
Withuhn negotiated with five FNM Di-
rectors-General. “When we would dis-
cuss the PA-1s, they would refer to the
D&H 16 and 18 as ‘locomotoras,’ while
I called them—in their stripped-down
condition—‘carcassones’ (carcasses),”
he recalls. “I guess I eventually wore the
fifth director-general down because he

person of the year

27June 2011 Friscostyle.com

28 Frisco STYLE person of the year

gave his full approval. since there would never be room in as a high and wide load,” Mr. Willis says

“To help move the two PA-1s across Washington, D.C. to display it. Propos- with a wry grin. “We took the move at a

the border, the Smithsonian engaged a als were received, but nothing resulted. glacial pace.”

customs agent. With McCormack’s ex- “At that point, I told Doyle to ‘put our

pertise and a volunteer crew arranged name in the hat’ on behalf of the Mu- The importance of a paint job

by me through Romero, the PA-1s were seum of the American Railroad,” says Diesels like PA-1 were built in batches

secured to flatcars at Empalme, Mexico, Mr. Willis on a production line, so any uniqueness

to go on their way across the U.S. bor- “Then, the shortline railroad in Ore- of a locomotive could only be through

der, bound for storage at McCormack’s gon which housed the PA-1-–mind you, customized color. Diesels featured paint

workshops in Oregon,” recounts Mr. they had been very patient—sent a let- and colors like few steam locomotives

Withuhn. ter to let everyone know that this need- before them could. On a steam engine,

Then, just as the PA-1s had safely ed to move or they would need to scrap paints got shabby with soot. On diesel

crossed the Mexican border, they were it,” says Mr. Willis. At just that point, a locomotives, the paint schemes be-

stopped on the U.S. side. “I got a fran- proposal to restore the Santa Fe 59L, came one of their most important and

tic call from our customs broker to say which the Smithsonian had been work- instantly recognizable features.

that the U.S. railroad there wanted to ing on for several years, fell apart. To The two PA-1 locomotives now in the

return the engines United States will

to Mexico,” says Mr. be easy to dis-
Withuhn. “I said, tinguish, based
on their colors.
“O ur” PA-1 just completed‘Go down and lie Since Mr. Mc-
Cormack’s father
on the tracks if you worked on the
“Nickel Plate”
an arduous journey fromhave to.’ Under no Railroad in Ohio,

conditions would
we allow the PA-1s

Oregon to Frisco and nowback over the bor-
der.” as a tribute the
As it turns out, railroad preser-
vationist plans a
sits in storage until itsthe railroad inspec-
tors on the U.S. side blue-and-white
thought the PA-1s Nickel Plate RR
paint scheme for
restoration is complete.were complete lo-
comotives rather his PA-1 in Or-

than the stripped-down shells. As such, Mr. Withuhn’s great relief, the Museum egon. The one now in Frisco will be

they had figured their weight to be far of the American Railroad literally rode in the only one in the authentic silver and

above what they actually weighed. Cri- to the rescue. scarlet, fulfilling the goals of both Mr.

sis was averted and the PA-1s were on “We had one shot—our last shot—at Withuhn and the Museum of the Amer-

their way: first stop, Phoenix. saving this snapshot of history. Period. ican Railroad.

Mr. Withuhn, along with Museum Full stop,” states Mr. Willis with convic- The PA-1’s exterior will be restored;

board member Robert Willis and Mu- tion. “Our charge is to do this.” the paint will take a few months to ap-

seum President Bob LaPrelle give much Mr. Willis, Mr. McCormack, Mr. ply, after repairs are completed on the

credit to BNSF for the U.S. part of the LaPrelle and Mr. Withuhn worked to- car body. Mr. LaPrelle notes that the

move. BNSF generously donated free gether to save the 59L from the crusher restoration will use the talents of mu-

transport of the PA-1s from Phoenix to in Oregon. With the agreement with the seum staff, a trusted welding contrac-

their destination in Lebanon, Ore., near City of Frisco in place, the team knew tor and an experienced railroad paint

Portland. that there was room for this national contractor.

“Getting these PA-1 locomotives into treasure. And, once again, they found The PA-1 in a Frisco warehouse and

the United States was a profound ac- how supportive the rail community can other rolling stock in Dallas’ Fair Park

complishment of Bill and Doyle,” notes be: BNSF railroad told Mr. McCormack will do as they have since the agree-

Mr. Willis. that it would transport the locomotive, ment to relocate the museum to Frisco

Upon arrival in Oregon, the PA-1 des- gratis. was signed: they will wait patiently as

tined for Frisco, Santa Fe No. 59L, sat Frisco works to make a home for them

idle for years. In 2007, Mr. Willis asked The Latest for decades to come.

Mr. McCormack about the Smithso- Just last month, our PA-1 arrived in Fris-

nian’s PA-1. The goal of Mr. LaPrelle co in a painstaking, fits-and-starts jour- Maria Leahey is a freelance writer who

and the Smithsonian, from the very be- ney from Oregon. Measuring 60-feet caught railroad fever—or shall we say

ginning, was to find another museum, long by 14 feet high by 10 feet wide, the “fervor”—from her husband. This ar-

which would give this extremely rare car body of the PA-1 required utmost ticle only served to push her train tem-

and historic locomotive a good home, caution to transport. “It was classified perature higher.

29June 2011 Friscostyle.com

30 Frisco STYLE person of the year

p e ts

tGheoDino’gtos

By k atie minche w

Monica Evans and Roni Seely’s love of pets
extends beyond their own canines.

According to the Humane Society we are not only adopting and rescuing, serve. Ms. Seely says, “People in this city
of the United States, an estimated six to but solving a huge problem, is rewarding are ready to help, they just need a place
eight million dogs and cats enter shelters enough to keep us happy until we can.” to go.” The H4P team is currently in search
in the U.S. every year. Three to four million H4P will adopt animals, spay or neuter of a facility to fulfill their bold goals for the
are euthanized. This devastating statistic them, vaccinate and microchip them, then organization. “We only need 2,500 square
is what brought Roni Seely and Monica test them for common diseases, all while feet,” Ms. Evans insists. “We need a small
Evans to organize a new non-profit searching for responsible, caring homes. building like an old fire station or house,
The energetic pair first met when Ms. even, with a big field where the dogs can
organization bringing the first “forever
Evans went to fill out an application to run and play and explore,” chimes in Ms.
home,” a no-kill shelter, to Frisco.
The group, called Habitat 4 Paws, is volunteer at the SPCA one day; Ms. Seely Seely.
bringing its new facility to town because, was her trainer. “It was hard work but These are two of the most enthusiastic

they say, Frisco is the perfect fit. Currently, when I saw Roni walking all the biggest pair of businesswomen you’ll come
dogs and cats found loose on the street dogs, I thought to myself, “If she can do across. Perfect for dealing with their
are taken to Collin County Animal Services, it, I can do it too,” Ms. Evans remembers, future clientele. “We’ll know all of their
more widely known as animal control. grinning. The two became fast friends and little personalities, being able to steer
“A lot of people don’t even know where eventually left to start Second Chance adopters in the right direction. You know,
their lost pets are taken,” says Ms. Seely, SPCA together in Plano. Last July Ms. Seely you wouldn’t want a quiet retired couple
president of the board of directors for had a new vision. She was encouraged by to take home a bouncy, energetic lab.”
Habitat 4 Paws. As for the dogs and cats friends and mentors to think big and that H4P won’t solely benefit Frisco. The

rescued from the streets without owners, is precisely what she did. Once again, Ms. organization also plans to hold monthly
she says, “City shelters have adoption Evans dedicated herself to her friend’s pet food drives for other facilities in
programs but just can’t adopt them fast strong dreams and in August they began need. Take for example the recent fires
enough. We need a rescue facility to help the necessary paperwork to form Habitat at Possum Kingdom Lake. Many families
4 Paws. were forced to leave their pets behind for
with the overflow.”
Frisco is one of Dallas’ biggest suburbs, city shelters to pick up. The owners may
That is where Habitat 4 Paws comes in.
H4P, for short, will go into city shelters and yet it lacks a facility of its own for stray dogs never see their family dog or cat again.
rescue as many animals as possible. “You and cats. Those interested in volunteering When H4P finds a facility with lost animals
know walking in that you can’t take them at an animal shelter or adopting a pet and they will take them and keep them safe
all,” says Ms. Seely, “but knowing that live in Frisco, have to go elsewhere to until their families come to get them. H4P
31June 2011 Friscostyle.com

will also start an emergency pet food the shelter will be approximately $7,000 foster, take the animals on vet runs or walk
pantry. No one will have to dispose of an per month. It is a common misconception the dogs and play with the cats. The only
animal for lack of food. that tax dollars pay for non-profit shelters danger is that volunteers often fall in love
like this one. Tax dollars pay for city with the pets they had only planned to
H4P hopes to take away any excuse to shelters, but not for shelters like H4P. “foster,” often resulting in adding a new
dispose of a pet by having an open-door Adoption fees will help cover the basic member to the family. Ms. Seely and Ms.
policy. “If an adopter is unable to keep costs for the animals’ needs. The facility Evans say they are perfect examples of
the animal they chose, we will take the will also rely on fundraisers and donors what they call “foster failures.” Ms. Seely’s
animal back into our home, no questions to meet its needs, but the goal is to be full house includes four Chihuahuas, two
asked.” So many overzealous families as volunteer-staffed as possible, which muts and one iguana. Ms. Evans has four
adopt puppies or dogs that are much too will give the city ample opportunity to dogs, three cats “and a husband,” she
large for their homes to accommodate. be involved and contribute to the cause. adds. The two women laugh, knowing
Instead of these pets being thrown away, Bringing in daily volunteers helps socialize that their homes truly define organized
H4P gladly gives them a home where the animals, which increases their chances chaos.
they can socialize with other dogs and be of being adopted. Dog adoptions will cost
loved and cared for. roughly $200 and cats around $100. Although the organizers of H4P have
done a wonderful job pulling everything
According to Dallas Animal Advocates, You can find evidence that a shelter together, there will be plenty to do once
of the 25,914 dogs impounded by Dallas like H4P can succeed in Frisco by looking the shelter is built. Whether someone in
Animal Services in 2009, fewer than one in at Austin and Seagoville as examples. your family suffers from animal allergies
ten were adopted. That means more than According to media reports, rescue group or you simply don’t have time to keep
20,000 dogs were euthanized. Cats faired Austin Pets Alive just hit its city no-kill up with a furry friend, you can get your
no better, with a total of 6,520 out of 7,703 goal. Also, the city of Seagoville recently “pet fix” by volunteering at their soon-
cats euthanized in the same period. adopted a no-kill policy. Only extremely to-arrive, forever home, Habitat 4 Paws,
sick animals are euthanized there; the city in Frisco. Just beware of “foster failure”
Such statistics devastate these animal now adopts out or transfers all healthy syndrome; it’s very contagious.
lovers to the core. When asked why this animals to rescue groups. Their goal is to
particular project means so much to be 100 percent kill-free. Katie Minchew is a local writer with a cat
them, Ms. Evans answers, “Once they’re named Sugar who, we understand, is not
in our hands, they’re safe for the rest of At the new shelter there will be other always so sweet.
their lives.” options besides adopting. Volunteers can

Habitat 4 Paws’ operating budget for

32 Frisco STYLE person of the year

33June 2011 Friscostyle.com

S T R EE T S O F F R I S C O
fsm ’ s A n dr e a hi k e l as k s

What was your
high school senior song?

“ We had one, but I don’t have a clue
what it was. When I hear Her Man
by Gary Allen that always makes me
”think of my senior year.
everett armstrong

“ I don’t think we had an official senior
song, but I remember they played The
Graduation Song by Vitamin C and
”Time of Your Life by Green Day.
josh clay

“ I’m not sure what our song was, but
Kid Rock and Eminem always make
”me think of high school.
Brad welborn

“ I don’t remember our
official senior song,
but the song I remem-
ber the most from
high school is Hitch a
”Ride by Boston.
Gene Pilkington

34 Frisco STYLE Best of Frisco

trav e l

The 1902 Santa Fe Depot continues
to serve passengers riding the

Heartland Flyer to Fort Worth.

LittleBTiogwWne,lcome
By Jan Bell amy

Giggles bursting forth, the three-year- “We rent the CD for $7.50 and give back Gainesville’s second museum, the

old lets go of the carrot as the giraffe’s $5 when people return it,” says museum 1902 Santa Fe Depot, stands out as one

long, purplish-black tongue snaps it up. manager Cathy Farquhar. “Or they can of only 47 in the country which operated

Jackson Otts of Gainesville is a veteran buy it for $15.” a Harvey House

of 20 to 30 trips to the morning feedings The Morton Restaurant with

at Gainesville’s Frank Buck Zoo. “I feed Museum provides Harvey Girls waiting

them carrots and lettuce,” says Jackson, a quick overview tables downstairs

helped a bit with his explanation by mom, of Cooke County and living above.

Laura Otts. “The giraffe’s tongue tickles history, including Founded by Fred

my hand.” an 1870s log cabin Harvey after the

The zoo is just one of the many delights r e c o n s t r u c t e d Civil War, Harvey

visitors will find in this small town with as a room in the House Restaurants

a big heart on Interstate 35, an hour museum. Only a operated through

northwest of Frisco and five miles short of few feet away, a Historic homes add exceptional the 1930s.
the Oklahoma line. magnificent stained beauty to a tour of Gainsville. Today’s Santa

“Pure Texas” is how locals describe glass skylight Fe depot museum

the picturesque valley town. Gainesville graces the ceiling. The Louis Comfort lobby continues to serve passengers

boasts many historic Victorian homes, Tiffany stained glass dome, a donation riding the Heartland Flyer on its Amtrak

complete with watchtowers they claim from a former Gainesville home, is one route to Fort Worth. Although only a

once served as lookout points for bandits of eight stained-glass pieces on display. half-circle in the floor recalls the dining

and Indians. Visitors can rent or purchase Built in New England in 1904, the dome counter, the depot museum serves up a

a CD version of the self-guided tour at the weighs 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. Its value is 100-year history.

Morton Museum, with a map of the route. estimated between $35,000 and $50,000. Above the depot’s museum, two

35June 2011 Friscostyle.com

The Historic Santa Fe Depot museum serves up a 100-year history. above left; A scale model, above center, of the Community Circus’s Big Tent and
three-rings at the Morton Museum; The Harvey Girls worked and lived in Gainesville’s Harvey Hotel, below.

rooms are furnished as a long-ago Harvey Chisholm Trail, the Butterfield Stage Line eatery during a whirlwind tour of the
Girl might remember, complete with a and the California Trail all passed through courthouse square. “It’s more than ‘chick
reproduction black and white uniform, the area at one time. Some commercial food,’” she quips, laughing. “I know a lot
starched and ready to go. Two rooms on buildings maintain their historical facades of real men that eat there.”
the first floor recall the glory days of the while others reveal the passage of time
Community Circus that operated from and changing tastes. Gainesville bustles with shopping,
1930 to 1958 when a fire at the Cooke whether tastes lean toward personal
County Fairgrounds destroyed it. A scale Overall, downtown Gainesville reflects boutiques or the new factory shops outlet
model of the Community well its Main Street image, thanks to mall. The area’s strong commitment to
Circus’s Big Tent and three-
rings is displayed at the residents, business people and the hard the horse industry is reflected
Morton Museum. “The model work of people like Main Street program in the fashions of Filly Kisses,
was built by Robert Hooper director Lynette Pettigrew. located just off the northwest
when he was a student here,” corner of the square. There’s
Ms. Farquhar says. “He now “You have Sarah’s on the Square, which also Otts Furniture, where little
designs Sonic drive-ins.” serves meatloaf and chicken fried steak,” Jackson is honing his language
Ms. Pettigrew says, pointing to the stylish skills on the sales floor of the
In addition to the family business.
architectural and cultural
attractions of this North Texas And down a block sits
city, water sport and camping Cahoots Handbags, the
opportunities are available at brainchild of Gainesville native
five area lakes, just minutes and artist Paige Davidson.
away. The city maintains an Back from art school in Austin,
18-hole golf course across Ms. Davidson started creating
from the Gainesville Municipal custom handbags and clutches
Airport, which provides from small to large from fabric
courtesy cars. The Winstar Casino golf and buttons saved by her
course and gaming tables are a few miles grandmothers.
further across the state line. “We ran out of those fabrics and now I
have an international network of contacts
Gainesville flourished in the 19th to find fabrics and buttons,” she says. Ms.
century with the development of the oil, Davidson, a painter by training, whose
cattle, cotton and horse industries. The design talent attracts national attention,
adds, “We sent 75 handbags to be used
36 Frisco STYLE
person of the year

Regulars, right, gather each morning
at the Fried Pie Company

in goodie bags for Oscar presenters and back.”

we’re also supplying bags for random Before or

celebrities at the MTV Movie Awards.” after a heavy day of museum browsing, About ten years ago Mr. Pettigrew led

Anyone’s favorite fabric can be turned historic home touring and shopping, a movement to distinguish Gainesville as

into a custom bag, Ms. Davidson says. check out any one of the more than the country’s only Medal of Honor Host

Just bring in the fabric and pick a style. 40 eateries in and around Gainesville. City. “We offer a $250-a-day stipend to any

In addition to personal bags, the artist’s A highlight among them is The Fried Medal of Honor winner for three calendar

patterns include stroller blankets and Pie Co. “That’s my coffee shop!” says days in Gainesville,” Mr. Pettigrew says.

diaper bags. Don Pettigrew, also known as Lynette’s “We tell them, ‘Your money’s no good in

Ms. Davidson is on a personal mission husband. He visits The Fried Pie Co. every Gainesville.’”

to attract more artists The first year, four Medal
and crafts people to the of Honor winners visited,
he says, growing to 11 in
We offer a $250-a-dayGainesville area. Among the fourth year and about a
dozen visits each year since.
them is Landon Howell, In addition to the Host City
a custom boot maker
program, Gainesville also
stipend to any Medal ofopening a shop in nearby celebrates Medal of Honor
Lake Kiowa. Day each March 25.
“I’m doing what I love,”
“It’s hard to explain the
Honor winner for threesaysMr.Howell,whogrew impact these veterans have
on our community when they
up in Lake Kiowa and
returned after attending

calendar days...Texas A&M University in
College Station. “I found come,” says Mr. Pettigrew.

college wasn’t for me, but I have found morning because, “You can get the old “As of May 1, there were only 85. When

what I have a passion for.” type of café breakfast, the blue plate you shake their hands, you are touching a

Mr. Howell says the key to a custom boot specials,” he says. bit of living, breathing American history.”

is a good fit and an attractive design. “I An appreciation of good things comes The same could be said about the little

measure the foot at nine specific points to naturally to Mr. Pettigrew, now retired. He town that extends them such a warm

compensate for flaws in the foot shape not has a particular appreciation for those greeting.

addressed in a factory boot,” he says. “In who’ve served their country and earned

addition to fit, you have to have attractive the highest military tribute the United Jan Bellamy is a writer with a special love

design to keep a good customer coming States can bestow: the Medal of Honor. for Texas history.

37June 2011 Friscostyle.com

FEATURE

E STAFFORD
SU

OF THE YEAR
RISCO STYLE 2011 PERSONF

38 Frisco STYLE person of the year

B Y A L I S ON H A R R ELL

On a balmy spring afternoon in 2006, worldview from a young age. Ms. Stafford realized her
an extreme home makeover is revealed
in Frisco, Texas. There are no television In 1962, the Wilsons began sponsoring childhood dream, teaching
cameras at the little house on Dogwood
Street, nor is there a mob of spectators Gerald Cole, a young boy who lived in a second grade just like her
present to witness the climactic “Move
that bus!” moment. There isn’t even a nearby children’s home, providing him mentor, Mrs. Taylor. Her
bus. Instead, a small group of friends and
family watch as the woman who many with the emotional and financial support dedication to her students
call “Frisco’s Mother Theresa” moves
wonderingly through the home she has of a loving family. “Gerald is like a brother and her vocation were evident even in
lived in since 1979. It has been gutted,
reconstructed, refurbished, re-roofed to me,” Ms. Stafford states fondly. “He those early years of teaching, as Ms.
and fully refurnished in stunning fashion,
a labor of love involving thousands of was placed in the children’s home with Stafford received several honors, including
people in the Frisco community eager to
demonstrate their appreciation for one his five siblings, who ranged in age from the Duncan Chamber of Commerce
remarkable woman.
two to 12. He was four at the time. The “Outstanding Young Educator.” She
At the center of this amazing feat
she stands, acutely uncomfortable in judge had stipulated that none of them also served as president of the Stephens
the spotlight. She is a woman far more
accustomed to focusing attention on could be adopted because he didn’t want County Reading Council and was
the needs of countless others in the
community. For more than 30 years, Sue to split up the siblings, but my parents inducted into Delta Kappa Gamma, an
Stafford has tenaciously worked on behalf
of Frisco’s under-resourced children always sponsored him. He went to school honor society for educators.
and their families, giving selflessly of
her own time, energy and resources to in Tipton, Okla. at the children’s home, Although she was a working mother
help provide others with an improved
quality of life. It is because of her tireless but every vacation he was home with us.” of two young children, Ms. Stafford’s
dedication to this mission that friends
and strangers alike rallied to give Sue Forty-seven years later, Ms. Stafford says compassion for marginalized people was
Stafford a home makeover as generous
as Ty Pennington could engineer. This that Mr. Cole and his wife and children are already evident. “The Vietnam War ended
remarkable outpouring of love speaks
volumes about the woman who Frisco still very much part of the Wilson family. while I was teaching in Duncan,” recalls
STYLE Magazine is pleased to name our
2011 Person of the Year. In addition to the influence of her Ms. Stafford, stating that a segment

Sue Wilson Stafford was born on April parents, Ms. Stafford says that early on she of the city’s minority population was
4, 1946, in Madill, Oklahoma, part of the
fourth generation of her family born in was also greatly impressed by her second comprised of Vietnamese children who
the small town just north of Lake Texoma.
From childhood, Ms. Stafford says that grade teacher, Mrs. Gladys Taylor. “Mrs. had been relocated to that area by the U.S.
she and her younger sister, Ann, learned
the importance of helping others through Taylor was everything that a kid needed in government in order to escape the wrath
the example of her parents, Otis and
Evelyn Wilson. “I grew up in a home a teacher back in the early 1950s. She was of the Communist regime. “I received
where I can hardly remember a day that
my parents weren’t either encouraging very disciplined and expected so much out ESL (English as a Second Language)
or helping others. I learned early that
that’s why we’re put on this earth—to of us, but she also taught me how to spin a certification at Cameron University in
help others.” With such deep roots in
Madill, Ms. Stafford’s family was active in top and play jacks out on the playground. order to work with those Vietnamese
the business community as well as many
civic organizations. But beyond their I was left-handed and she made me write children.” But while she obtained her
involvement in Madill, Otis and Evelyn
shared a deep compassion for children until I did it ESL certification
in need that would help shape Sue’s own
correctly. Every in order to work

time someone with Vietnamese

comments on children, Ms.

my handwriting Stafford would

now I remember come to use

Mrs. Taylor. She that training

was great.” to assist an

Ms. Stafford entirely different

says that it is segment of the

Mrs. Taylor’s population when

influence that she and her

prompted her family relocated

to determine as

a second grader Sue, age 5, with little sister, Ann and their mother

in the Madill Evelyn Wilson. provided by Sue Stafford

public school

system that she would one day become a to Frisco, Texas.

teacher herself. In June of 1979, Ms. Stafford’s husband

Ms. Stafford graduated from Madill was transferred to the Dallas area,

High School in 1964 and then from prompting the family’s move to the small

Southeastern Oklahoma State University farming community of Frisco. Although

in 1968. She began her teaching career Ms. Stafford recalls that both gasoline

in Duncan, Oklahoma, where she taught and teaching jobs were in short supply

in the public school system from 1969- during the summer of ’79, she found a job

1979. During those years she also began at Frisco Middle School teaching sixth

her family, marrying and then welcoming and seventh grade English and reading.

daughter Kari in 1969 and son Brooke in “I was a little wary of changing teaching

1973. During her ten years in Duncan, levels from second grade to middle

39June 2011 Friscostyle.com

40 Frisco STYLE person of the year

about 250 adults learning how

to read and write so they could

get their naturalization papers.

“So I not only had their children

during the day, but I had their

parents as students at night,”

Ms. Stafford says of Frisco’s

migrant families.

Through these connections

with the migrant population

in Frisco, Ms. Stafford became

more aware of the enormous

material needs felt by so many of

these families. Friends say that it

was not merely the recognition

of the needs of others, but the

way she responded to those

needs that truly set Sue Stafford

apart. FISD Superintendent

of Schools Dr. Rick Reedy has

worked with Ms. Stafford since

she began teaching in Frisco in

1979 and testifies to her unique

drive to meet the needs of

strangers. “She has complete

school,” recalls Ms. Stafford, “but I found a regular classroom because the migrant disregard for her own well-being in

that I loved working with middle school coordinator position was no longer relationship to what she wants for others,”

students just as I had enjoyed seven- and needed. “I’ve always been drawn to at- Dr. Reedy states. “She has no ego, no

eight-year-olds.” As Ms. Stafford settled risk students,” says Ms. Stafford. “The pretension. She really spends all her time

into her new community, she began to migrant coordinator position was kind and energy thinking about how she can

recognize the unique needs of a large of a social worker-type job. It was like a help others, to a degree I’ve never seen in

yet easily overlooked segment of Frisco’s Head Start program for kids age three anyone else.”

population—the migrant community. through 21. We made sure that part of the Her selfless determination to meet

Although Frisco is known in 2011 as the program was to meet their needs not just the needs of others was perhaps refined

fastest growing city in the U.S., during academically, but also socially and health- through Ms. Stafford’s own personal trials

the early 1980s it was a sleepy, rural wise.” during this time,

town where the farmland acreage easily In 1987, which include

outnumbered the citizens. Land that is Ms. Stafford dealing with a

now covered with housing developments, also began painful divorce

schools and retail establishments was, t e a c h i n g in 1983. Son

only 30 years ago, white with cotton. English as Brooke Stafford

As a result, a large segment of Frisco’s a Second says that while

population was comprised of migrant L a n g u a g e his admiration

workers whose children faced unique and GED for his mother’s

educational challenges. “Many of the preparatory philanthropy

migrant children were not graduating c l a s s e s in the Frisco

from high school because their parents during the community is

were taking them out of school in the evenings. Ms. Stafford enjoys being a grandma to grandchildren Wil
spring,” recalls Ms. Stafford. “A lot of the “I got to and Grant Stafford, top; J and Joey Bailey, above.
families would go to Michigan to work in know a lot
the fields for companies like Del Monte of families provided by Sue Stafford

and Green Giant, then come back after t h r o u g h

school had already started in the fall.” teaching the adult education classes at boundless, he is most impressed by the

Due to her concern for the needs of night,” recalls Ms. Stafford. Because of the way she overcame the challenges of

Frisco’s migrant children, Ms. Stafford amnesty that had been offered to illegal being a single parent. “The easiest thing

became Frisco’s migrant education immigrants by the Reagan administration for her to do would have been to get

coordinator in 1983. She held that during this time, Ms. Stafford says that remarried and have another income,”

position until 1994 and then returned to her night classes were often packed with says Mr. Stafford. “But she knew that

41June 2011 Friscostyle.com

www.stonebriarfootankle.com Robert P. Taylor, DPM if she did remarry, she
Fellow, American College of Foot & wouldn’t be able to do
42 Frisco STYLE Ankle Surgeons, Board Certified the things she wanted to
do for her students. She
FRISCO made the choice not to
get remarried so that she
972-712-4161 could dedicate her life to
raising her kids and raising
5575 Warren Parkway, Ste. 101 her students.”
Frisco, Texas 75034
This selflessness frames
(Baylor Medical Center of Frisco) all that Ms. Stafford
has done for Frisco’s
PLANO children over the past
three decades. Although
972-981-3101 she was herself a single
mother struggling to
6124 W. Parker Road, MOB3, Ste. 230 raise two young children
Plano, Texas 75093 on a teacher’s salary, Ms.
Stafford nevertheless
(Presbyterian Hospital of Plano) worked tirelessly to
rally the support of the
community to meet the
needs of children who
would otherwise fall
through the cracks. During
this time, because Frisco
was still a small farming
community, there existed
no organized framework
to assist families in need.
Longtime friend and
Frisco leader Dr. Reedy
believes Ms. Stafford’s greatest impact on
her community is perhaps the inspiration
she provided through her example. “Sue
exemplified a level of commitment to
giving of oneself and one’s resources to
the point that it inspired a lot of these
organizations that we have now. I don’t
know that we would have had a great
organization like Frisco Family Services
and the Frisco Education Foundation as
quickly as we did if not for the example of
Sue Stafford.”

Dr. Reedy recalls many Christmas Eves
when Ms. Stafford persuaded him along
with others in the community to help her
family deliver the gifts she had collected.
“There were several of us reluctant elves
who would step in and fill huge grocery
bags full of toys and then make the rounds
and deliver on Christmas Eve. That’s how
the Stafford family spent their Christmas
Eve every year—under Sue’s leadership,
delivering gifts to families who otherwise
wouldn’t see much under their Christmas
tree.”

As she recalls these years, Ms.

person of the year

Former students Yesenia Villagomez and
Javier Gaona, both graduated
from Frisco High School and

are now employed by Frisco ISD.

Stafford is reluctant to speak of her own a bread route, bringing day-old bread occurred after she visited the run-down

work, preferring instead to highlight items donated by grocery stores to rent home of one of her migrant families.

the involvement of others in the Frisco Frisco families in need. Beloved Frisco Ms. Stafford stopped by the convenience

community. “I had great friends who had firefighter, the late Gary Burns was also store Mr. Burns owned and told him about

wonderful ideas,” insists Ms. Stafford. “I well known as one of Sue Stafford’s the dangerous conditions she had just

just had the privilege witnessed. “I just mentioned

of finding families in passing to him that some
who could benefit of these homes were firetraps
because of their open-faced
I have a group of friends whofrom their many acts
of kindness. I have a stoves. The next thing I heard
group of friends who he and the other fireman had
put smoke detectors in every
are generous and I have otherare generous and I

have other friends home in that part of downtown
Frisco.”
friends who are in need; I justwho are in need; I
Ms. Stafford found a kindred
just help bring the spirit in Gary Burns, partnering
two together.” with him to begin the Frisco

help bring the two together.A few examples
of Ms. Stafford’s Children’s Fund in the early

partnerships with 1990s. “We just used that (the

others in the Frisco community include cohorts, working alongside her to provide fund) if little things came up with kids,

years of leading a coat drive for families for Frisco children in need. “Gary Burns like a medical need. We couldn’t do huge

in need of warm coats, as well as a rice was a dear friend—he was like a little things, but if a kid needed something

and bean drive to benefit migrant families brother to me,” says Ms. Stafford. “The we used that.” Ms. Stafford fondly

when they missed work during periods day he passed away, Frisco children lost remembers the dedication of “old Frisco”

of bad weather. For years, Ms. Stafford a great, great friend.” She remembers to rally whenever a child’s need was made

and fellow teacher Joyce Comstock ran a particular incident with Mr. Burns that known. “If I ever said to a Frisco person,

43June 2011 Friscostyle.com

Ms. Stafford at the school that To help raise money for their Frisco Fund. So they used the chili money that
bears her name; and in 1982, right. Children’s Fund, Ms. Stafford and Mr. year to endow a scholarship in my name.”
Burns partnered to start a chili cook-off
‘You know, I have a kid who needs a pair in 1996. “Gary Burns and I were needing Another of Sue Stafford’s long-running
of track shoes,’ within minutes someone money for the kids at Christmas and services to her community was played
would say, ‘I have a pair of track shoes.’ different medical things that came up, and out for many years on the carport of her
And we didn’t even have the Internet and our friend Marsha Knuth had the idea of little home on Dogwood Street, which
Facebook back then,” she says with a a chili cook-off at Staley Middle School.” was widely known among Frisco residents
chuckle. “It was just understood—people Now in its 15th year, the Frisco Education as the drop-off point for donated goods.
have just always helped with the kids.” Ms. Foundation Chili Challenge has become Debra Purefoy has known Ms. Stafford
Stafford credits the late Dr. Erwin Pink, Dr. an annual tradition in Frisco that now fills since 1987, and says that long before
Vicki Davis, local dentist Dr. Terry Walden the north end of Pizza Hut Park. Proceeds Frisco Family Services existed, Sue
and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Douthit from the event going to the Sue Wilson Stafford bridged the gap between the
with providing an incalculable amount Stafford Educational Scholarship. “By people in town who had needs and the
of medical help to uninsured children. 2004, we had so many other organizations people with the resources to meet those
Friend and fellow teacher Debra Purefoy in Frisco that were helping kids that we needs. “Sue Stafford was Frisco Family
says of these doctors, “They were her didn’t need our little Frisco Children’s Services,” says Mrs. Purefoy. “For years,
‘go-to’ people. Sue would go in and plead people would drop off things on her little
someone’s case and they were always so carport—clothes they didn’t want, food,
good about taking care of them.” shoes, you name it. And then people she
didn’t even know would come by and go
44 Frisco STYLE through everything.” Ms. Stafford’s son
chuckles as he remembers the scene.
“She basically ran the local Goodwill,
with people rummaging through stuff
out there day and night.” And despite
the fact that Frisco Family Services now
accepts donations at their resale shop just
a few blocks from Ms. Stafford’s home, “I
still have people who leave things on my
carport,” Ms. Stafford says with a smile,
“and I still get them to the people who
need them.”

Amid the countless acts of selfless love
that have made up Sue Stafford’s life,
perhaps none defines her more distinctly
than her relationship with three young
men she calls “the Gaona boys.” Among
all the children she has helped in Frisco
through the years, brothers Lupe, Javier

person of the year

45June 2011 Friscostyle.com

Ms. Stafford with her former principals Charlie Mooneyham and Rick Reedy when she received her 30-year pin from Frisco ISD, left and with her
son, Brooke, daughter, Kari and the Gaona boys, Gerardo, Lupe and Javier, right. provided by Sue Stafford

and Gerardo Gaona hold a special place in it,” Mrs. Bailey says simply. “It was a need and take them home.” Now a teacher

Ms. Stafford’s heart. Now grown men, the that needed to be filled. Like every other and coach himself, Brooke Stafford says

brothers have a deep love for this woman circumstance she encountered, when she his mom was intentional about the way

who has been an integral part of their lives saw a need she filled it. It was nothing out she poured her free time into attending

for as long as they can remember. “She of the ordinary for my brother and me. It’s her students’ activities. “Her schedule

is my grandmother,” Lupe Gaona states something we saw her do time and time was always full of going to see students

simply of his relationship with Ms. Stafford. again.” do stuff they are interested in. She said

The sudden death of the Gaona boys’ One of the many ways in which Ms. she started doing that because whenever

father left their mother in they needed motivation, she

dire straits, with toddlers wanted to be able to talk to
them about something they
She’s like the Unsinkable Mollyto feed and a third on the
way. “It was about as bad were interested in other than

a situation as you can English or U.S. History.”
Ms. Stafford’s singular focus
Brown ... I don’t know anybody elseimagine,” recalls Brooke
Stafford. A single mother on the needs of others in the

herself, Ms. Stafford Frisco community is made
even more remarkable by the
who would have sacrificed their ownstepped in to assist
the boys’ mother, and fact that she is also a cancer
health to help others like she has. survivor. In 1991, Ms. Stafford
took a special interest had her first mammogram
in the Gaona boys,

which continued over “on a whim,” only to hear the

the course of their growing up years in Stafford has displayed her love for the news that any woman dreads. “Dr. Pink

Frisco. “I am grateful she chose our family Gaona boys as well as countless others is called me bright and early one Monday

to devote a lot of her time to,” says Lupe through support of their extra-curricular morning to tell me I’d better come down

Gaona. “I’m grateful to Kari and Brooke activities. Debra Purefoy says, “For years to his office. I had breast cancer.” After

to share her with us, because they didn’t and years, Sue would go all over town surgery, six months of chemo and five

have to.” picking up all these little kids and making years of intense therapy, Ms. Stafford

Now married and with a family of her sure every one of them got to play soccer, remains cancer-free and deeply grateful

own, Ms. Stafford’s daughter Kari Bailey baseball, whatever. Since their parents to the Frisco community for their support

says she and her brother never resented didn’t have the means to get around, she for her family during that difficult time.

sharing their mother’s affection with would pick all these kids up and make “I’m telling you, Frisco walked through

the Gaona boys or any other children in sure they were at their games, then she that with us. It was an amazing time. The

Frisco. “I don’t think we thought a thing of would go back around and pick them up community as a whole just embraced

46 Frisco STYLE person of the year

us.”
As one who remembers Ms. Stafford’s

response to her cancer diagnosis, Dr.
Reedy says, “She’s like the Unsinkable
Molly Brown. She worked in the evenings
even after her surgery when her health was
not good in order to make enough money
to help put the Gaonas through college. I
don’t know anybody else who would have
sacrificed their own health to help others
like she has.” Through her sacrifice, Lupe
Gaona is a graduate of Dallas Christian
College, Javier Gaona is a graduate of the
University of North Texas and Gerardo
Gaona is a graduate of Texas Women’s
University. Now employed with Frisco
ISD as a Risk Management and Worker’s
Comp Specialist, Javier Gaona says,
“Without her, I think I would probably be
in jail right now or I wouldn’t be alive. I
don’t think I’d have a life I’d be proud of. I
think she saved me.”

At age 65, with so much accomplished
during her lifetime, Sue Stafford shows no
discernable signs of slowing down. She
continues to teach World History, Texas
History and U.S. History to middle school
students in FISD’s KEYS Program, an
alternative education program designed
for students who have had a problem on
their regular campus. She continues to
teach her GED classes at night and acts
as a “charitable broker,” as daughter

47June 2011 Friscostyle.com

48 Frisco STYLE person of the year

Kari refers to her, on behalf of those with makeover in 2006, led by Karene Goff, the lives of so many. “I was blown away
needs in the Frisco community. Teen Leadership Coordinator at Frisco by people’s response. Not one single
High School. In the span of about one person hesitated to give what they could.
And she continues to take great delight month, high school students district-wide Not one person said ‘no’ when they were
in her family. While she still spends a great joined with Ms. Stafford’s former students, asked. They were excited and eager to
amount of her free time watching students’ friends and strangers throughout the area give and be a part of giving back to one
athletic events, they are frequently now to fund and execute a stunning renovation of the most beloved members of this
her own grandchildren’s basketball and of Ms. Stafford’s home, desperately in community.”
football games. “I could talk all day need of repair. “Sue had been so busy
about my grandchildren,” Ms. Stafford helping everyone else that she put her own In 2008, Ms. Stafford’s life of service was
says with a grin. Daughter Kari and son- needs on the back burner,” says Ms. Goff. fittingly honored when Sue Wilson Stafford
in-law Brian Bailey have Joey Evelyn, a Friend John Kraft volunteered as general Middle School opened in Frisco. “Having a
senior at Gunter High School, and son J, contractor of the project, leading a team school named in your honor is absolutely
a sophomore at Gunter High School. Son of countless individuals who donated the most humbling thing,” says Ms.
Brooke and daughter-in-law Melisha have money, goods and services to provide Ms. Stafford as tears gather in her eyes. “I think
Wil, age six, and Grant, age three. “If you Stafford with a transformed home. what it means to me is that one day when
get how much I love my family, how much my little 3-year-old grandson is grown up,
I love children and how much I love God, “I felt like the most honored, privileged he’ll take his own children out there and
you’re going to get me, because that’s just person in this town to be chosen by God there will be little Stafford Spartans all
who I am,” Ms. Stafford says. An attendee to do this,” says Ms. Goff. “This was God over the place and he’ll say to his son or
of the Collinsville Church of Christ, Ms. taking care of Sue Stafford and using all daughter, ‘That school is named after your
Stafford’s deep faith has provided the of these people to carry it out. Later she great-grandmother.’ It’s going to go on,
foundation for her life’s work. “Sue’s heart told me that she had been praying that like my scholarship. It’s so endearing to
comes from her faith,” says Debra Purefoy. God would show her what to do about me because long after I’m gone, the most
“Her love for Christ makes her want to do the needs she had in her home, but he important people to me, the children of
what she does.” showed me instead. “ Ms. Goff says that Frisco, Texas, will still benefit.”
the response of the Frisco community
In response to Ms. Stafford’s lifetime to the home makeover project was a Allison Harrell is a staff writer for Frisco
of selfless love for others, the Frisco testament to Sue Stafford’s impact on STYLE Magazine.
community rallied to support her home

49June 2011 Friscostyle.com

50 Frisco STYLE person of the year