A few years ago a neighbor invited us to a concert here in Frisco.  They said bring the kids, pack a picnic supper and meet us over at Warren Sports Complex.  We had not heard of a concert so we thought it was probably just something small and uneventful.  We agreed to go just to be nice to the neighbors.    

Turned out we were wrong.  It was a bunch of Texas musicians doing their thing and they were darn good at it and ever since my family and I have closed out our weeks on Friday nights in June with a concert. 

Just picture this:  blanket spread out over the grass, the sun setting casting a glow over everything, the kids playing nearby, neighbors sharing stories and laughter and live musicians doing their thing just a few feet away.   All this is yours plus only a 10-15 minutes drive to and fro. 

If that sounds like a good place to be you will want to come out as the American Bank of Texas once again presents “Frisco Grooves” every Friday night in June. 

Starting at 7:30pm Texas bands will take the stage at the Warren Sports Complex.  Bring the family, a blanket or chairs, a picnic supper and your “groove” to be introduced to:

                                    Eleven Hundred Springs - June 5

                                    The Joe Jonas Band - June 12

                                    Brave Combo - June 19

                                    Carolyn Wonderland - June 26

In sponsorship with Baylor Medical Center, The City of Frisco Parks and Recreation, the American Bank of Texas once again introduces us to some of our state’s best and brightest.  The concert is free but there will be some small concessions and items for sale by the musicians. 

 Nestled in our “fastest growing city” is a quaint reminder of the old “curb markets,” a break from the hustle and bustle, some good ‘ole Texas folks and well, yes some fruits and vegetables.  The Frisco Noon Lions Club will present the Frisco Farmers Market for its third season.  The season will run from May 2^nd through September 19^th at the corner of Coleman and Frisco Square Blvd across from City Hall.  Every Saturday you will find local growers from 8am to 2pm or until sellout. 

Those days of the dusty, roadside markets are a thing of the past in most cities.  But supporting our local farmers and merchants is still an age-old truth.  “Taking care of our own” takes on its true meaning when you walk among folks whose livelihood depends on what you might buy.     These folks can tell you where and how the produce was grown.  The produce has also not been trucked all over the country and thus is fresher and as a result healthier than what we can get in the grocery store.  The merchants can even throw in ways to prepare and store it. 

Not only fruits and vegetables are available, folks who lean toward the creative side will be on hand with their unique craft and gift items.  Vendors with gourmet ingredients, pasta, sauces and specialty items will be represented.  There is truly something for everyone.

It’s not that far off your normal route no matter where you are going so stop by Opening Day May 2.  The Frisco Jazz Band will be playing and you can shop to your heart’s content.  Then keep coming back throughout the season and support this great community effort!  You can also find more information, including a list of vendors on their website at www.friscofarmersmarket.org.  

The National Institute of Health reports that thirty years ago only 75% of women with breast cancer survived for 5 years, today that number is 90%. Back then the only surgical option was a mastectomy. 

Chemotherapy mixed with other therapies such as radiation was still being studied.  Hormonal treatments were still being tested in clinical trials.  Most importantly, the genes that increase women’s chances for breast cancer had yet to be identified. 

Today, surgical options are many.  Chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies are mixed together in an individual cocktail created for specific types and stages of breast cancer.  Daughters of mothers diagnosed with breast cancer can be tested to see if they carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that can increase her chances of breast cancer. 

That’s just one type of cancer, the type I am most familiar with because three years ago my Mom was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.  The advancements in the treatment of other cancers are just as amazing.

On May 1, 2009 at 7pm at Memorial Park here in Frisco my family and I will once again join with about 70 other teams to continue to make a difference.  Survivors, caregivers, friends and family will be joining together in the American Cancer Society’s signature event the Relay For Life. 

The Relay For Life is a 12 hour non-stop event.  We will mark 12 hours of Hope, 12 hours of Fighting Back, 12 hours of Celebration to support and remember those affected by cancer.

It’s not too late for you to get involved.  You can join a team, make a donation or just check it out at www.friscorfl.com .  You can also just stop by the night of the event.  The Relay is a festival type environment, child-friendly with lots of information on all kinds of cancer. 

Congratulations to our photo contest winner, Rodney Crawford. A Driver Education Teacher of 15 years, Rodney has had a unique opportunity to get to know the various areas of north Texas. From a young age, Rodney has always had a fascination with cameras and taking photographs. In fact, photography is a favorite pastime of his and his family. They all have cameras and never leave home without them! Over the last few years, Rodney has been honing is craft of photography by shooting various landscapes across Frisco. 

The winning photo was taken one evening when he and his family were out on a journey to find the perfect picture. In Rodney's words "I think the photo, carefully shot along side the Sanyo building, captures the beauty of nature while showing that even though there is a city all around us, we can still see and appreciate nature in its' most beautiful form. Frisco is a lovely city that offers both the luxury of a big city, while still holding onto the beauty of Texas landscapes. I wanted to demonstrate that."