Eating Healthy on Vacation

 

By Guest Blogger Cole Millen
Travel Writer & Foodie

Vacations are times to relax. It is a time to leave the worries of every day life back at home while you bask in the sun or ski down some slopes. However, you don’t want to leave behind all your rules and regulations or you may risk putting on those pound that you worked so hard to take off. Here are a few tips on how to stay on track while enjoying yourself on vacation.

In the Air

When you flying, there is a good chance that food will be involved. However, you do not need to succumb to all the high calorie snacks. Begin by eating a healthy meal before you even get to the airport. This can help prevent you from grabbing a snack or meal at one of the many fast food joints that seem to be popping up in airports. When you are stuck at the airport and need to eat, such as on layovers, hunt down healthy food, such as baked chicken and salads. Finally, consider packing some healthy snacks for the flight. You do not have to eat the cookies or whatever other food the flight offers. Opt for dried fruit or other healthy snacks you are allowed to carry onto the plane.

You can also use your time at the airport to burn some extra calories. Instead of sitting down waiting for your flight for hours, spend some time walking around. You can get acquainted with the area, find out some interesting facts about the city, and walk off a meal you may be regretting.

At the Hotel

Finding the right hotel for your healthy lifestyle is a pivotal part of your vacation. Ensuring that the hotel has the proper amenities and that you are utilizing them appropriately can make or break a healthy week. For this reason I have found that a little research goes a long way. In my experience, reviews from other travelers have proved to be the most accurate form of information, probably because they are unbiased. On a recent trip of mine to Sin City, I found a great site that listed reviews for Las Vegas hotels regarding not only their amenities and services, but also reviews regarding the restaurants around them. This allowed me to pick the right hotel for me as well as to pick and plan out which restaurants I can go to for a healthy and delicious meal.

When you are settled into your hotel, there are also steps you can take to ensure that you do not fall off the wagon. For starters, you can refuse the key to the mini bar in your room. Not only are those the most expensive snacks and drinks you can buy, they are usually very unhealthy too. Instead, stock up on healthy snacks to keep in your room. Have some fruit, granola, pretzels, and other snacks that won’t make you feel guilty. You can even get soup and oatmeal that can be easily prepared with the hot water from the coffee maker.

You also need to make sure that you don’t overdo it when it comes to the food the hotel has to offer. For example, many hotels offer a free continental breakfast with muffins, bagels, and more. When you hit this breakfast bar, eat as much of the fruit as you want, but avoid the starchy and fatty foods they are offering. You want to fill up on fiber and nutrients instead. You can also reach for the yogurt and eggs, if they have them, as they are a good source of protein. Keep your healthy goals in mind when ordering room service as well. Many hotels are willing to accommodate any requests you make.

If you follow this advice, you will not undo all of your hard work. You will stay right on track and have no regrets whatsoever when your return home.

You can read more of Cole’s work on his blog.

Instagramming McKinney

By Beth Shumate, MCVB Communications Manager

McKinney is fertile ground for photographers, from the historic district to the parks to our own Croatian village, Adriatica, and beyond.

Any good-weather weekend finds families walking through the historic downtown square, a photographer trailing them, to find that perfect spot for the perfect family memory shot. Or maybe you’ll see agency photographers scouting unique backdrops for some type of product shots, be it clothing, accessories or even vehicles.

One such beautiful Saturday (just last weekend, in fact), I had the privilege of accompanying a visiting group of photographers around the historic square. A couple of them had digital cameras to document this stroll, but all of them, including me, were armed with their Smartphone cameras, seeking unusual angles and subject matter to share via the popular app, Instagram.

McKinney resident Shawn Roller posted a photo promoting this “Instameet” on the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Destination McKinney Facebook page. I wasn’t familiar with this type of meet-up group, so decide to head to the meeting point (in front of the McKinney Performing Arts Center) at the appointed time to check it out. I found 10 participants, ready to head out on a quest for cool pictures of downtown McKinney; half of the group were locals while the other half hailed from elsewhere in the metroplex – Euless, Dallas, Richardson, and The Colony. Some knew each other, having participated in earlier Instameets elsewhere in the area, while others exchanged Instagram user names and got acquainted before heading off. 

I must say, as someone who promotes McKinney and who loves to spend time on the square, allowing myself to follow these folks around without wearing my usual tour guide hat was quite refreshing…and doing so allowed me to experience McKinney again through fresh eyes. These new friends headed off down alleys and into tight spaces, wide open ground, looking high and low, and often snapping close-up shots of little details or interesting angles not immediately noticeable, not unless one takes the time and makes the effort to see it.

We spent a total of two hours together, encountering numerous photographers and families along the way, some doing high school senior portraits, and even a couple of guys with fancy cameras and lights, shooting photos of an equally fancy motorcycle. We made a wide loop – east on Louisiana, across Hwy. 5 to the Flour Mill (a favorite place of all involved), and back westward on Virginia before scooting north of Tennessee, then heading west to Church Street. We turned the corner at Virginia, stopping briefly at the MCVB Visitors Center to grab a bottle of water or can of soda. These Saturday visitors then headed off to enjoy dinner on the square, with the residents recommending their favorite places to the out-of-towners.

What a fun way to spend an afternoon, and how fun to see a new kind of tourism – created through social media networking – at work/play in our very own city!

Jeyson Paez, resident of The Colony and organizer of the metroplex group, InstaDFW, has held 10 of these meet-ups since November 2012, the largest being one in downtown Dallas where 40 folks turned out. Next up? “I want to do one at the Fort Worth Stockyards,” said Paez, who is also a freelance photographer.

We’ve shared some of these Instagram photos (and others we found from McKinney) on a special Pinterest board. Or if you’d rather see them directly through Instagram, search for tag “#historicmckinneygramsesh”.

If you Instagram and want to share your photos, drop us an email and we’ll share them on our Facebook page and add them to our Instagram board on Pinterest.

Many thanks to Jeyson, Shawn, Brandi Hussey, Crystal Hexamer, Jessica Wright, and the other Instagrammers for letting me tag along. It was a blast!

A Romantic Surprise…With a Little Help from His Funny Friends

Photo Credit: Mark Woods

Three decades ago, Cliff Cubbage (of Allen) proposed to his bride-to-be Linda in his car. But Saturday night in McKinney, Cliff was more public, this time asking his wife to renew their vows while on stage in front of a comedy show audience of more than 400.

“When I first asked Linda to marry me, I chickened out and instead of asking her over dinner at Red Lobster, I asked her in the car. [A couple years ago], Linda said it would have been nice if I had asked her in the restaurant,” Cliff said. “I was going to take her to Red Lobster again [this year] with everyone in the family and ask her to redo our vows for our 30^th anniversary.”

Enter McKinney’s all-female comedy troupe, the Four Funny Females, who came into the picture after the Cubbages attended one of their January shows.

“Sitting there at the show, I was thinking [they] might be able to help me go above and beyond my own expectations,” Cliff said.

Cliff met with Bartlett to share ideas about a special surprise for his wife, and she asked him if he’d mind the re-proposal being built into the show.

“He said he was game for anything,” Bartlett said.

During this meeting, Cliff related to Bartlett the circumstances behind his request, which dated back to 1995 when a bad fall dislocated his left shoulder, lower back, and left ankle, and crushed his right knee, leaving him in pain and disabled.

“[At one time], I was taking 39 medications. [A few years ago], I was rushed to the hospital three different times. That last time, when my wife walked in the room, [the way] she looked at me, I knew I had to make some changes,” Cliff said. “I stopped taking 22 of the medications, I started reading the Bible and what I was reading told me I needed to fix my marriage.”

The idea of renewing their vows seemed the perfect way for Cliff to rededicate himself to Linda.

“After I heard his story, I knew we needed to make this more special than just inviting him onstage,” Bartlett said.

A few phone calls to local businesses explaining the romantic request resulted in donations of special touches for the evening: a tuxedo rental from Men’s Warehouse (in Allen), a bouquet of roses from The Lily Pad Flower Shop, a romantic dinner at Café Malaga, and sweets from Nothing Bundt Cakes. The comedy troupe also gave the couple a special-label bottle of wine from Landon Winery, and Bartlett contacted Red Lobster (in Plano), who donated a gift card.

The night of the Feb. 9 show arrived, and Cliff and Linda took their seats at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, ready for an evening of laughter followed by dinner with the family and friends attending the show with them. Cliff had taken Linda to have her hair and nails done and had bought her a red gown for the evening out, so she had an idea he was planning something.

Photo by MCVB

As headliner Linda Stogner took the stage, Cliff excused himself to the restroom, when in reality he was sneaking into the MPAC Green Room where the comics helped him do a quick-change into the tux. Comics Jodi Hadsell and Sherry Belle, who had finished their sets, worked with the back-stage volunteers gathering the goodies and listening for their cue. As the show ended, Belle went into the audience to escort Linda from the front row onto the stage.

“Come on. Huuuhhh-neh,” Belle said in her thick Louisiana drawl, grabbing Linda’s hand. “You’re come’n with me!”

“You think you’re just here for a night out with family,” Bartlett told Linda, as they stood center stage. “But you’re really here because your husband wanted to make this a special evening for you.”

The tux-clad Cliff appeared from behind the curtain, walked to center stage, handed the roses to Linda, and took a knee in front of his stunned wife. The audience cheered.

“To the world, you are just a person, but to me, you are my world,” he said, holding her hand. “Buttercup, will you be my Valentine?”

Following a kiss and more enthusiastic applause from the sold-out audience, Cliff continued.

“I love you with all my heart. Linda Marie Friend Cubbage, will you marry me all over again for the second time?” he asked, pulling the ring box from his pocket.

Photo: MCVB

Barlett held a microphone for Cliff so the audience could hear the proposal, adding her own narration, “She said ‘yes!’,”eliciting more applause and a standing ovation. “And she said ‘yes’ again!”

Backstage after the show, the Cubbages posed for photos with the comics.

“I knew he was doing something, but I just thought he’d do something while we were having dinner with the family,” a beaming Linda said. “My husband’s never done anything like this. And I’ve never even seen him in a tux! I’m still in shock!”

The Cubbages will renew their vows on September 4, 2013, their 30^th wedding anniversary.

For more about the Four Funny Females, visit www.FourFunnyFemales.com.

To see more photos of this event (including backstage shots), visit the MCVB Facebook page, Destination McKinney Texas.

Ring Them Bells: It’s Christmastime in McKinney!

And so the Christmas season has begun again in McKinney, the holidays official rung in over Thanksgiving weekend at Dickens of a Christmas: Home for the Holidays and the wonderful Believe Run with its Great Santa Chase. That weekend was the precursor of a month full of feel-good, homey activities in McKinney ahead of us, a time when the community comes together to celebrate all we hold dear, and a time to reach out to those who might need help. (In McKinney, the desire to help others is happily a year-round attitude. That being said, please drop a contribution in the red kettles while you’re out and about. We have a very active Salvation Army and they will appreciate your support.)

Take a gander at what is coming up in the month of December, mark your calendars and by all means, please take part in one, three or many of them. You’ll be glad you did, and your cheeks will feel rosier!

The Arts: Music, Drama & Visual

There’s still time to see Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” the classic holiday tradition from the McKinney Repertory Theatre at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (Dec. 1-2.  Tickets are available online or by calling 214-544-4630.

Join McKinney’s own Jon Christopher Davis (pictured at right) for Wales Manor’s first Music Under the Stars Holiday Concert (Dec. 1, 7-10:15 p.m). Admission is $10/person. Bring a lawn chair and blankets, but no outside beverages. Wine, margaritas, sodas and water for sale, and oven-fired pizza!

The Krakatuk Ballet presents two performances of A Nutcracker Prequel Ballet (Dec. 12 for schools; Dec. for the public). The story includes an evil mouse queen, a king, queen, princess, sausages, nursemaids, cats, a very hard nut to crack and a boy who is able to crack it. Tickets are at MPAC.

The all-volunteer McKinney Community Band is holding its first public Christmas Concert, “Sounds of the Seasons” (Dec. 14, 7;30 p.m.) at Christ Fellowship Church in McKinney, 2801 Orchid, just off Eldorado. Admission is free, and the church will have its coffee shop open for purchases of hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and other yummy goodies.

Enjoy the Romance of Christmas Concert with Erica Lane and Dustin Keele (MPAC, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.). Tickets are $20 and $22.

The Turtle Creek Chorale brings laughter, joy and the most beautiful music of the season to MPAC (Dec. 15, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) in their “Comfort & Joy” concert. Tickets are $20 and $30.

Second Saturday (Dec. 8, 7-10 p.m.) as always showcases the art of wonderful local and regional artists at our downtown art galleries. For a list of participating galleries and businesses, click HERE.

The annual Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts its annual Holiday Tea & Conversation (Dec. 12) program this year, showcasing the amazing voices of the McKinney High School Harmony group and the Boyd High School Jazz Choir.

Holiday Sights and Lights

The McKinney Rotary Club presents the 13th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights (Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.) around the historic downtown square. This year’s parade features the theme, “Christmas at the Movies.” Gather your family and friends to see all of the beautifully decorated and lighted floats as we kick off the festive Christmas season, McKinney-style. Then hang around the square for dinner and live music!

The first weekend of December (Dec. 1-2) has been The Heritage Guild of Collin County Holiday Tour of Homes since 1973! Every year, five or six homes and historic structures are decorated for Christmas for the tour. Proceeds from ticket sales and raffle are a major component to the ongoing operation of Chestnut Square. Tickets are $20 at the door/$15 in advance and are available online or at locales downtown; 12 and under free.

The Heard Museum hosts its Holiday Trail of Lights (Dec. 14-15, 6:30-9 p.m.) where guests will see thousands of holiday lights–many synchronized to holiday music–along a half mile Heard nature trail. Have a photo taken with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Enjoy hot beverages and treats. Listen to live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater performed by local groups.

And Even More To Do:

Dec. 1: The DFW Toys for Tots 44-mile Motorcycle  Run kicks off in McKinney to collect toys. Line up at 8:30 a.m., leave at 10:30 a.m. Don’t ride a motorcycle? Bring $15 and a new toy to the McKinney VFW Post 2150 for lunch, and photos with Santa and Marines. Benefitting DFW Toys for Tots. 1710 N. Church. For info, call 214-563-4185.

Dec. 1:  Morning Maniacs Shine & Show Classic Car Show: 7:30-10:30 a.m. around the McKinney Performing Arts Center on the square.

Dec. 5-6: Scholastic Book Fair: Pick up books and great stocking stuffers at this annual  McKinney Community Center event; all inventory 50% off.

Dec. 14-16: Third Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest monthly trade days/flea market in North Texas. Over 400 vendors offer almost anything you can imagine—unique gifts, delightful home décor, trendy clothing and accessories, sporting goods, antiques and collectibles, landscaping materials, tools, and small animals along with many specialty “state fair” type food concessions. Shoppers will find plenty of all-weather parking, clean restrooms, two ATMs, an air conditioned and heated Mall building, mobility cart rental, wagon and stroller rental, and a family-friendly atmosphere including a fun playground and train ride. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. all three days.

Dec. 15:  For Adriatica’s Christmas Cookie Competition & Craft Fair, bring a plate of your decorated cookies, take pictures with Santa, sip on some hot cocoa, and check out all of the wonderful crafts! Winners of the Christmas Cookie Decorating Competition will receive awesome holiday prizes! Craft Fair: 10am-5pm; Cookie Competition: 2pm-4pm; Pictures with Santa: 2pm-4pm. At the Love Life Wrapping Center, 6851 Virginia Parkway, 972.540.5955.

Saturdays at 11 a.m.: Franconia Brewery Tour with Bavarian brewmeister Dennis Wehrmann shares his knowledge and laughs. Tour fee of $5 gets you the tour and tastings. 495 McKinney Pkwy., 972-542-0705.

 

Ring in the New Year at MPAC!

The McKinney Performing Arts Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 bash featuring casino games, dancing and a champagne toast. Guests will groove to the beats of DJ Mark Brown and enjoy refreshments in the courthouse’s old vault retrofitted as a lounge area. Details and tickets are available on the MPAC website.

It’s November Already?

This will be the scene in downtown McKinney in the next week or so, as the city prepares for the holiday season.

Doesn’t it feel like it was just September? Then we blinked and it was November. We did enjoy many wonderful activities in McKinney in October; it just seemed to go by in a whirl.

Now that we’re into November already (it’s Election Day, as we post this – we hope you all voted!), there is again so much to keep everyone busy as we close in on the holidays – music, art, drama, races, and of course, Dickens of a Christmas.

McKinney Art Studio Tour (MAST)

Three galleries and 22 artists’ studios will welcome guests for tours  (self-guided after buying a ticket booklet – get tickets HERE) during the McKinney Art Studio Tour (MAST). This is the fourth year of the tour which offers T-shirts for purchase, and those who complete at least 15 stops on the tour (validated by signatures from the artists) can enter a prize drawing. The self-paced, leisurely tour allows visitors to watch the artists where they work and live, and talk to them about their creative processes.

32nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas

McKinney Main Street kicks off the holiday on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 23-25) by hosting Dickens of a Christmas – Home for the Holidays. Historic Downtown McKinney will offer holiday shopping, entertainment, activities and food. This free event offer visitors to Historic Downtown McKinney a chance to enjoy strolling carolers, live entertainment, carriage rides, children’s activities, holiday shopping and dining at the more than 100 shops and restaurants downtown. The ever-popular show hill is coming back this year, and of course, Dickens wouldn’t be complete without Santa!

Believe Run (1 Mile/5K/10K)

This fun and healthy family event starts and ends at McKinney’s Mitchell Park early the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving (Nov. 24). The McKinney Rotary Club hosts this race that benefits Holy Family School and other charitable organizations. Before the race, kids get chase Santa (alias McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller) in the Great Santa Chase. Teams and families often dress in costume; strollers and dogs are welcome! Then hang around town after the race to enjoy Dickens.

ShopAnthropy Shopping Tournament

How fun is this? Teams of four each ($200 per team to enter) will spend the day (Nov. 10) on the downtown square, saving money (participating stores offer discounts to these teams), stopping for great food, and having 100% of the proceeds help kids in our area who have aged out of the foster care system and were never adopted. You can check out the charities here: www.embracetexas.org andwww.simplestofgifts.com.

On Stage

Everything from young performers to seasoned ones are performing this month.

Legally Blonde, the Musical (Nov. 10-11, 15-17): Fine arts students at McKinney Boyd High School bring this adaptation of the popular Broadway musical to their auditorium at 600 N. Lake Forest.  An opening night gala on Saturday (10th) features reserved seating, dinner, dessert at intermission, a silent auction and a meet-and-greet with the cast following the show, all for $25. Regular show tickets are $15 for adults. Get tickets HERE.

Young Actors Guild One-Act Plays (Nov. 16-18): McKinney Repertory Theatre’s Young Actors Guild presents two one-act plays, the mystery comedy “Who Murdered Who?” and an old-fashioned melodrama, “She Was Only a Farmer’s Daughter.” For showtimes at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC)  and to get tickets, click HERE.

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Nov. 23-25, 30-Dec. 2): The McKinney Repertory Theater once again presents this holiday class to MPAC in what has become a long-standing tradition for kicking off the

Steel Magnolia (Nov. 29): This country duo won Can You Duet? on CMT in 2009 and now they’re hitting the Courtroom Theater stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Winners of the McKinney Mash-Up (finalists were crowned earlier in the month) will open for the duo. Get tickets HERE.

Nightlife

Many talented musicians and singers call McKinney and our area home. You can see them almost any day of the week at many eateries and the wineries downtown and elsewhere throughout the city. Below are establishments that regularly offer live entertainment.

• Cadillac Pizza Pub
• Delaney’s Irish Pub
• Hank’s Texas Grill
• Grand/Rick’s
• Grotto
• Jack’s Pub
• Landon Winery
• Lone Star Wine Cellars
• Spoons Cafe

Second Saturday Art Exhibits & Activities (Nov. 10)

McKinney’s galleries and other businesses feature new art exhibits, starting each Second Saturday on the Square, or hold special events. During this special evening, the galleries and many stores stay open later than usual, and provide snacks as well as the opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work. The artists being featured at various locales downtown this month include:

• Design Ten1 Studio: Ashley Bossung Bruegel; 110 S. Tennessee. 972-542-5514.
• Garret Gallery:  Garret artists Clara Stovall, Ginny Bitting, Babs Light, Gail Delger, and Marian Hirsch; 111 E. Virginia; 972-548-9361.
• Imaging on the Square: Jewelry artist Joy Jones. 109 S. Tennessee, 972-548-7575.
• Laura Moore Fine Art: Peggy Epner (GODSPEED); 107 S Tennessee. 214-914-3630.
• Orisons Art & Framing: Santa artist Brenda Brannon;. 110 E. Louisiana, 972-529-1441.
• McKinney Wine Merchant: Nick Saia (sample pictured at right) and wine tastings from Mt. Eden Vineyards; 120 W. Virginia, 972-542-4636.
• Main Street Magic & Fun Company presents two cabaret style magic shows in their Magic Attic Theater on Saturday – 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $10 each. Seating is limited so call 214-274-7802.

While we try to be as complete as possible in our monthly event blog, new things do come up, and then there are the monthly standards like flea market and vintage shopping at Third Monday Trade Days, Old Red Lumberyard, and the Flour Mill District; classes, garden shows and workshops, nature days and Dinosaurs Live! (at right) at the Heard Museum and more!

As always, check VisitMcKinney.com and the Destination McKinney Texas Facebook page for more event information.

And if you don’t have our Smartphone app yet (for iPhone, iPad or Android) by all means, go HERE now and get it! You’ll be glad you did.

October 2012 Second Saturday in McKinney

We want to thank McKinney Main Street for providing the following information about all the activities going on during October 2012′s Second Saturday in downtown McKinney, including art gallery exhibits, a magic show, live music and shops staying open late.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, guests can explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and taste delicious offerings at some of the area’s best eateries.  Many places in downtown McKinney will keep their doors open from 7 – 10 p.m. for this monthly event.

ART Events featured this Saturday

Alternative Furnishings – will feature local artist Jeni Weems Tomlin, stop by and see her wonderful works that she will have on hand throughout the evening.

 Design Ten1 Interiors –will feature home-grown Texas artist Denise Kendrick.  Denise is a graduate of the Art School at the University of North Texas.  Her interpretive style in her most recent collection of acrylics and oil on canvas art reflects her Texas roots in a warm, rich pallet.  Denise is married to her high school sweetheart, Bruce, and mother of 8 children by birth and adoption.

Ken Toki’s Texas Koi Fish

Garret Art Gallery – will be featuring artist Ken Toki . Ken was featured in 2010 at the gallery and will be displaying his new work titled, “Texas Water Scenes With Koi Fish.

Ken Toki is excited to return to the Garret Art Gallery at McKinney, Texas with his new 2012 acrylic paintings of Texas waterside scenes with koi or carp fish. While a fantasy of composition, Toki has studied both the jewel-like fish and Texas rivers and creeks for many years. While a youth in southern Japan he often swam with koi and learned of their almost human-like characteristics. Compared to samurai for their courage, koi are said to not flinch when on the chopping block. Toki often tours and sketches Texas riverside scenes which he loves. Ken is a member of Dallas Koi Kichi.

Toki was an All-Japan Gold Medalist in 2005, and the same year exhibited 64 works in conjunction with Japan’s Kyushu National Museum at Dazaifu. His paintings have been shown in Japan’s major museums including Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museums of Art of Nagoya, Yokohama and Osaka, Japan. Also, the Musee de la Marine, Paris and the National Museum of Hamar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

 Imaging on the Square – is featuring various local artists, showcasing their many different mixes and mediums throughout the evening.

The art of William Renzulli at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios

Laura Moore Fine Art Studios – will feature Williams Renzulli, who’s drawing upon places both real and imagined, sets a mood and strikes a feeling with each of his bold canvases. In Renzulli’s most recent series “Nature Imagined”, he often summons internal landscapes from the memory of experienced places. Alternating between a moody, monochromatic palette and an electric vibrant one, each painting evokes a different response, but each consistently tugs at the edges of memory and recognition. The medium to large-scaled paintings in the exhibition are more about the feelings derived from a place than the place itself. Renzulli feels drawn to “create beauty, both elegant and mundane” with his thought provoking works.

William Renzulli of Paducah, Kentucky, left a 9-year practice of internal medicine and now devotes all of his time to art making. “Nature Imagined” features 15 of his bold and lyrical acrylic on canvas paintings.  Meet Renzulli during opening night for the exhibition “William Renzulli: Nature Imagined” on Saturday, October 13th 7-10pm.  Through November 7th at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S Tennessee in McKinney, Texas.

Art selections from CityArtCal at Orisons Art & Framing.

Orisons Fine Art & Framing Gallery – will be featuring ten exceptional artists from CityArtCal in a group show.  Bold compositions and innovative use of media characterize the works chosen.  Linda Bourgault, Kris Byars, and K.D. Hafley are represented by Orisons.  Susan Bishop, Pauline Caffrey, Rachel Davis, Cindy Gray, Trent Mann, Mary Morgan, and Patricia Rodriguez are first time exhibitors in the gallery.  These artists will be published in CityArtCal’s annual calendar, Fine Art in Dallas. Please join us for a reception and meet the artists, October 13, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Other Fun Events at Second Saturday

Main Street Magic & Fun Company – Join us for a little “Spooky Magic Show” at 7:00 p.m.  This show will be a family-friendly; however it does contain some bizarre and scary magic and stories, so parents please use discretion in regards to whether you child/children would enjoy this type show.  Tickets are $10 each.  Reservations can be made by calling 214-274-7802.

Local Yocal Farm to Market – is excited to present Matt’s art of Oktoberfest!  Did you get rained out for Oktoberfest, not to worry we are serving Brats and German sausage all day.  Everyone is invited to enjoy a good food, live music on the patio during Second Saturday, BYOB.

Patina Green Home & Market – will be featuring Market Dinners each second Saturday on our front patio.  The 5 course dinners are by reservation only, and the store will be CLOSED to accommodate the intimate dining.  For more information please call 972-548-9141.

LIVE MUSIC on Saturday

• Cadillac Pizza Pub – Buzz Andrews Band
• Café Malaga  - Six of the Matter  
• Grotto – Maylee Thomas
• La Misha Bistro – Tom and Kate
• Landon Winery– Tu-Tones
• Lone Star Wine Cellars – Steve Rose
• Rick’s Chophouse – Jon C. Davis
• Spoon’s Café – Duane Bates

Shops open during Second Saturday (extended hours)

Antique Company Mall
Apex Counseling Etc.	Artisanal…A Food Lover’s Market
Barrons Estate Jewelers	The Bear Market
Bella Byou	Bloom
Cadence Cyclery of McKinney	The Canine Cookie Company
Cadillac Pizza Pub	Café Malaga
Churchill’s British Restaurant & Pub	Coffee Squared
Cynthia Elliot Boutique	Dawgs N Hawgs
Design Ten 1 Interiors	Dobscha Studio
GiggleBrush Designs
Goodies Texas	Gray Living
Gregory’s Bistro	Grotto
Heirlooms
Home and Garden Trading Company	Homepieces
Kiss and Make Up Boutique & Salon
Kiss and Make Up Design & Consign	Kitchenwares on the Square
La Misha European Bistro	Landon Winery
Loco Cowpoke Salsa Shop
Lone Star Wine Cellars	Louisiana St. Grill
Made of Sugar & Spice	Main Street Magic & Fun Company
McKinney Wine Merchant	Nan Lee Jewelry	Order 66 Toys
Paciugo Gelato
Patina Green Home & Market	Primp Boutique & Garden
Primp Salon and Spa	The Pub
Rick’s Chophouse	Ruggeri’s Italian Ristorante
Sauce on the Square	Shelby-Marilee and Company Salon & Boutique
Snug on the Square	Spa Esoteric
Special Things	Spoon’s Cafe
Spoons Garage	Square Burger
Uptown

October in McKinney: Fall Colors & Spooky Stuff

Grab a pumpkin and have a fun October in McKinney

Once again, we feel the hint of crispness in the air as our thoughts turn to all things autumnal –pumpkins, brilliant colors of changing leaves, and things that go bump in the night!

McKinney offers all these things and more. Check out the many activities in store for visitors and residents in McKinney in the month of October.

At the Heard Museum

October 2012 gets underway with the Oct. 2 opening of the annual Dinosaurs Live! exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. T-Rex and his pals will be around until February, giving you plenty of time to see and hear these animatronic creatures, made right here in Collin County, by the way. Don’t forget the camera as family pictures with the dinos make great additions to annual holiday cards. (We know this first hand, as we at the McKinney CVB took our holiday picture with the T-Rex a few years back!)

Dinos return to the Heard Oct. 2

A little later this month at the Heard:

• Halloween at the Heard(Oct. 20, 6-10 p.m.) allows kids to trick-or-treat by flashlight along the nature trails, or take a detour to the “Haunted Forest” (not recommended for younger guests). There’s a costume contest (12 and under), concessions for purchase, and this year’s outdoor movie, “The Lorax.”  Tickets go on sale to members today (Oct.1) and to the general public on Oct. 8. Note: this event sells out fast!
• The monthly 2^nd Saturday Bird Walk (Oct. 13) allows bird and nature enthusiasts to explore the abundant bird life in the sanctuary. For more about birds and nature, watch this VIDEO.

Historic District Events

McKinney Community Band Free concert

Enjoy several entertainment options taking place in and around downtown McKinney this month:

• McKinney Repertory Theatre brings Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” (Oct. 5-6, 12-14) to the Courtroom Theater at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
• A capella sensations Pentatonix(winners of the Nov. 2011 “Sing-Off” Season 3 on NBC) perform at MPAC this month (Oct. 18), but sorry, folks – this show’s already sold out!

• The McKinney Community Band honors Serenity High during their “After Ghoul Special” concert featuring bewitching music befitting the Halloween season. The concert is free, but tickets are needed as seating will fill up quick for this special night at MPAC. Get tickets HERE.
  

  Scare on the Square

• Kids will fill the square by the thousands for Scare on the Square (Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m.) featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and the McKinney Fire Department McTown Klownz(performing at 6:30 p.m. in a free show at MPAC).
• Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 19, 9-11 p.m) – The adults can enjoy some kid-free Halloween fun, too, as they rock along with this cult-classic. Bring your water guns, newspapers, toast, rice and more, or buy your Rocky Horror Kit when you buy your ticket to this late night event at MPAC.
• Vocalists are submitting videos now (through Oct. 11) for the McKinney Mash-Up with online voting starting soon (Oct.12-26). Contestants will be notified Oct. 29 with the event taking place next month at MPAC.

Over at Chestnut Square Historic Village, enjoy the following family-friendly events:

• Visit the last weekly Farmers Market (Oct. 13) Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, before monthly markets start up.
• At Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk (Oct. 20 & 27), guests will learn about McKinney’s ghostly legends on a self-guided tour through McKinney’s purported haunted locales, including this year’s addition of a haunted trolley ride to Finch Park (additional fee applies).
• The city’s Parks department is hosting an outdoor showing of “The Hunger Games” at the McKinney Community Center (Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.). You bring the lawn chair and/or blankets while the city provides the movie and free popcorn.

Jon Christopher Davis

McKinney At-Large

Fall fun isn’t just for the historic district. Check out these Fall events elsewhere in the city:

• Wales Manor Vineyard and Winery again welcomes Jon Christopher Davis and friends to the outdoor stage for Music Under the Stars (Oct. 6).
• Pumpkinville (Oct. 17-31) features a pumpkin patch, display of farm equipment from the Collin County Farm Museum, tractor-pulled hay rides (times vary by day), pumpkin decorating, games, picnicking, a toddler-sized hay maze, and more. Free admission with pumpkin sale proceeds benefiting McKinney Christian Academy.
• Visit Storybook’s Ghost Ranch and Pumpkin Patch (thru Oct. 31) for wagon rides, petting zoo, hay maze and more.

Charitable Causes

Go to Pumpkinville at Tucker Hill & see their incredible fountain

• The 4th annual Wish 100 (Oct. 6, 8 a.m.) in which the city partners with The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas, McKinney Velo and Matrix Cycling for a 60-mile ride through McKinney and surrounding communities to raise funds to help make wishes come true for children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
• A special Sunday Brunch at Gather (Oct. 14) benefits CASA. Reservations are recommended and a photo booth will be on-site for capturing the fun with your friends.
• Walkers and runners can help multiple charities at the Stonebridge Racers’ Halloween Hustle (Oct. 28) which features 1K, 5K and 15K races.

This event list may look extensive, but our website calendar is full of many others, including Second Saturday art gallery openings, Third Monday Trade Days and Old Red Lumberyard, classes, FFA shows, garden workshops, Scouting badge days and more!  As always, check VisitMcKinney.com and the Destination McKinney Texas Facebook page for more event information.

And if you don’t have our Smartphone app yet (for iPhone, iPad or Android) by all means, go HERE now and get it! You’ll be glad you did.

Part 2: Unique By Nature? Yes, We Are! (The Sequel)

Fishing at Towne Lake Park

In the first part of our blog on “Natural McKinney,” we covered the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (which happens to turn 45 years old this weekend!). Now in this second part of our series on what makes McKinney unique, we’ll highlight other McKinney locations, in addition to the Heard, where you can relax and experience nature.

Erwin Park

This beautiful 212-acre city park sits north of University/380 and east of N. Lake Forest (4300 County Road 1006) and features more than eight miles of  challenging mountain bike trails. The Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) maintains the trails which are twisty and full of dips and tree roots. Read reviews of the trails HERE.

Indian paintbrushes blanket the open spaces at Erwin Park.

Note: A McKinney CVB staff member tried walking the trails with a friend awhile back and let me say that we wished we were on bikes. We certainly did get our hearts going – great cardio workout – and our legs were quite achy (that’s a good thing!) from climbing in and out of the big dips. If you try this, we suggest you wear hiking boots instead of running shoes, and be prepared to yield to the cyclists as these really are their trails. 

Erwin Park offers a nice mix of wooded areas and open space where you can feel far away from the city when in actuality, “civilization” is a mere who miles south. Here you’ll find three picnic pavilions (you’ll need to reserve these by calling 972-547-2690), restrooms, playgrounds, and a fishing area. Probably the best part of Erwin Park – certainly for outdoor enthusiasts – is the fact that overnight camping is available here. Like the picnic pavilions, you’ll need to make reservations at the number provided. Keep cars on the paved areas please, and take a camera along as you’ll want to capture the action and the scenery.

A mama goose and her babies take a stroll near Boy Scouts camping at Myers Park.

Myers Park & Event Center

Right up the road from Erwin Park, you’ll find the rolling hills and large clusters of trees as well as a lake and gardens at the almost 160 acres of Myers Park & Event Center. Owned by the county (Collin County), it is a real gem with all sorts of activities going on year-round. The non-nature- related part of Myers Park features a show arena and stalls where FFA livestock shows, horse shows, rodeos and other  events go on, including dog agility shows that fill most weekends from fall into late spring/early summer.

Next to the arena is the park’s event venue with complete catering kitchen, restrooms, and large seating area, making it perfect for receptions, family reunions, and other parties, and just down the hill from this facility is a lakeside gazebo, a popular wedding spot. Cross the lake via the bridge and… hello, nature!

Research Gardens at Myers Park teach about drought-resistant plants.

Supervised youth group camping is allowed in Myers Woods (scouts, churches and such) where you’ll find fire pits and great spots for pitching tents. No cars or motorcycles are allowed in this rustic area so all supplies will need to be carried across the footbridge. Up the hill from the wooded area the perennial garden and a clearing area called the “Back 40.” This is a hilly, wide-open space perfect for large group events.

Note: A few years back, a re-enactment group held a weekend long event complete with cannons, horses and plenty of marching troops.

And back on the other side of the woods from the Back 40 are a pole barn and stage for use by groups for parties and meetings, as well as the Collin County Farm Museum, park office and the research gardens that were created and are cared for by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Collin County Master Gardeners.

Keep in mind that all activity at Myers Park needs to be scheduled through the park office or the Collin County Farm Museum by calling 972-548-4792 or emailing mpec@collincountytx.gov. May we suggest a visit to the farm museum followed by a family picnic near the lake or in Myers Woods? Or plan a group camping trip. Just make sure to carry anything out that you brought in, please.

And last but not least…

The bronze sculpture “Memories” sits on the northwest side of Towne Lake Park.

Towne Lake Park

This centrally-located community park features at its center a 22-acre lake with paddle boat rentals, a fishing pier, and fountains. Two picnic pavilions and picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park make it a perfect spot to enjoy nature while relaxing with family and friends over a meal. A concession stand, playground, lighted horseshoe courts, sand volleyball courts and the challenging disc golf course and softball/baseball complex on the east side of the park prove Towne Lake offers a little something for everyone.

Also here are the community center and nature trails with meditation garden located to the south of the park. The city holds the annual summer concert series, Jammin’ in July, here as well. And when you do come, make sure to bring bread to feed the many ducks and geese who call Towne Lake home.

To reserve the picnic pavilions at Towne Lake, call 972-547-2690. For information about the paddle boat rentals, call 972-542-4865.

Watch for more ways McKinney is “Unique by Nature” in future blog entries from the McKinney CVB. Or check out all the city parks and trails on the city’s website or find parks listings on the Visit McKinney Texas smartphone app.

August in McKinney is Alive with Arts & Music

MPAC stands in the center of McKinney’s downtown square, overlooking a bustling arts scene.

McKinney always offers a wide variety of arts and musical experiences, but August seems to be more chockful than ever! From community theater to a world-renowned rocker (hint: think Fleetwood Mac!), there is no shortage of arts and music from which to partake in McKinney this month.

On the Stage

The McKinney Repertory Theatre is keeping the stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center busy this month with a couple shows. The first two weeks of the month feature a melodrama, “Return to Calamity Gulch” which encourages audience participation in the way of popcorn being thrown at the performers and much cheering and booing. Then later in the month (Aug. 17-19), the MRT’s Young Actors Guild takes over, bringing “Fox Tales” to the MPAC stage.

Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) to rock the MPAC stage in a sold-out concert Aug. 22.

Rocking the MPAC stage on August 22 is Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Sorry, though, folks – if you don’t already have a ticket, you’re out of luck on this one. This show sold out last month. But those lucky fans who do have tickets are in for a treat! ENJOY!

Another future show sure to sell-out is another nationally-known act: 2011 winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” Pentatonix, coming to the MPAC stage October 18. (Click the group’s name to order your tickets now so you won’t miss that show. And if you aren’t familiar with them, check out videos of them HERE.)

Second Saturday Packed Full of Artists

As always, McKinney’s downtown square comes alive for Second Saturday (August 11) when guests are invited to enjoy a fun filled evening of art, shopping, music, food and spirits. The local art galleries and even a few of the other businesses feature local and regional talents of artists and musicians.  Of course, a trip downtown isn’t complete without eating in at least one of McKinney’s fine eateries. (Why not see how many you can visit by enjoying pre-dinner drinks and appetizers in one location, dinner in another, then stop for dessert somewhere else! All the while, there’ll be great music to set the mood for your evening.  Also, quite a few shops in downtown McKinney will also keep their doors open for this monthly event.

Where to see art on Second Saturday:

Garret Art Gallery is featuring watercolor artist Sarah Buie (from Aug. 11 through Sept. 6). At a young age, Sarah Buie enjoyed both drawing and painting. Sarah studied art history at the University of Dallas but painting remained her passion. Her style falls somewhere between Impressionism and Realism with an endeavor to express the good and the truth through everyday objects and nature. Her primary desire is to glorify God through her art by helping people see that despite the storm there can be peace, despite the sorrow there can be joy, and despite the struggle there is hope.

Sarah works as art teacher and in-home caregiver in Grapevine. She continues to enjoy traveling and giving of her time and talents to people close to home and abroad. Stop by The Garret Art Gallery from 7-10 p.m. during Second Saturday to meet Sarah and see her art, while enjoying refreshments.

Imaging on the Square  is featuring various local artists, showcasing their many different mixes and mediums throughout the evening.  They’ll also feature up-and-coming singer Stacey Whitson during the Second Saturday event.

A sample of art in Laura Moore’s Hideout “open call to artists” juried art exhibit this month.

It’s time for Laura Moore Fine Art Studios’ annual open “call to artists” juried art exhibition, this year themed “Hideout.”  Guests can see more than 80 works of art from 45 artists in two locations through September 5 at two locations: the gallery itself at 107 S Tennessee, and hiding out in a second location at the Heard-Craig Carriage House at 205½ W. Hunt Street. There is always an eclectic mix of artists and mediums in this show, so do make a point of seeing it. You’ll be glad you did!

Orisons Fine Art & Framing Gallery  features the work of several professional photographers from the north Texas area who have been invited to show their work in a Group Photo Show.  The public is invited to the gallery to view and vote for their favorite photograph leading up to the event.  Voting patrons will be entered in a prize drawing for free print to canvas services.  Photographers winning the People’s Choice Awards will be announced during the Second Saturday reception.

And something even more special at Orisons: The gallery has acquired three extremely rare Bert Stern photos of Marilyn Monroe.   Taken six weeks prior to her death, these are from Monroe’s final photo shoot commissioned in June 1962 by Vogue Magazine.  All three were originally published in Stern’s 1982 book and are signed and numbered (each is 199/250) with certificates.  The plates used to print these were donated to a museum and will never be printed from again.  During the photo exhibit, these will be on display and for purchase.  Vote for your favorite of these as well through August 10 to be entered in a drawing for a free 16 x 20 canvas wrap.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company’s Chris Gracy performing magic at this year’s Ice Cream Crank Off.

Other businesses featuring local art include:

La Misha European Bistro where you can see the work of artists Catherine Brown and Miles while enjoying a glass of wine or a bite of light Mediterranean fare. 113 N. Kentucky, 972-540-6050; and
McKinney Wine Merchant features the art of Nick Saia. 120 W. Virginia, 972-542-4636.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts their monthly Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 p.m.  (for adults & children) and again at 9 p.m. (for adults only) in their Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older.  Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets.

The following is the live music you can enjoy during Second Saturday.

• Cadillac Pizza Pub – Buzz Andrews Band
• Café Malaga – The Bodarks
• Grotto – Maylee Thomas Band
• Landon Winery– Tu-Tones
• Lone Star Wine Cellars – Steve Rose
• Rick’s Chophouse – Melissa Medlock
• Spoon’s Café – Duane Bates

The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau also lists all live music for the month on their Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. Click HERE to access a link to download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Support Local High School Musicians!

The McKinney Boyd Band drumline kicks off their Drum-a-thon on the downtown square.

The McKinney Boyd Bronco Band’s annual fundraiser and teambuilding event, Drum-a-Thon, features high school musicians playing marimbas, tenors, bass drums, snares, cymbals, and more as percussion playing for 18 straight hours at McKinney Boyd High School (600 N. Lake Forest Drive). The event runs takes place on Saturday, August 11 from 6 a.m. to midnight. No admission is required, but the drumline will happily take donations! In fact, any patron who donates $100 or more will be listed on this year’s drumline shirt, which not only will be worn by our percussionists, but also by friends of the band and MBHS students.  You can get a sneak-peek of the event during their kick-off on Friday, August 10, from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. on McKinney’s downtown square. Last year, the group moved around the square, playing for awhile on one corner before moving elsewhere. Just listen for the drums and enjoy! Please contact Derek Stoughton for more information regarding this event at: dstoughton@mckinneyisd.net

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page!

McKinney: Embracing Healthy Eating for Cancer Patients

The McKinney community is all about health and wellness, being looked to as one of the healthiest cities in North Texas. In fact, from our mayor and city government, to our shops and Farmers Market, and even including our hospitals and wellness venues and events, McKinney embraces and encourages a healthy lifestyle for all its residents. And those residents and business owners help promote these same “best practices” to our visitors as well.

McKinney has become a hub for healthy eating, featuring a variety of outlets for “slow food.” Healthy eating, especially organic and locally-grown selections, undoubtedly help people to fight illness. And for those dealing with perhaps one of the scariest of health issues, cancer, McKinney also offers treatment facilities like McKinney’s Rena Tarbet Cancer Center and Cancer Center Associates, and a cancer treatment-certified spa, Spa Esoteric – facilities targeting the wellness of its patients and clients.

We now introduce our guest blogger, Jillian McKee, who approached us with a piece she wrote to help those dealing with cancer and their loved ones to use better nutrition in fighting this disease. After reading her submitted piece, we agreed that, in light of McKinney’s stance on healthy living, her piece offered useful information to our residents, visitors and blog readers.

Wellness Tips: Better Nutrition for Patients Fighting Cancer
By Guest Blogger: Jillian McKee

Cancer treatment has changed radically over the past decades. Former techniques have been refined, and new techniques have been developed. Those fighting breast cancer, mesothelioma cancer, prostate cancer and other cancers have seen a dramatic rise in their long-term survival rates. Some of these techniques, such as good nutrition, can be controlled by the patient and are not completely in the hands of doctors. Here are some tips to help patients fight cancer with good nutrition.

Fruits and vegetables have come to be regarded as a key element of a nutritious diet. Fruits are a healthy, delicious food filled with anti-oxidants and other healthy nutrients. Vegetables, with ample fiber, can help regulate the digestive system. Both fruits and vegetables are good for the cardiovascular system, and each can be cooked or prepared in a variety of ways. Once diagnosed with cancer, a patient should try to eat even more fruits and vegetables than typical daily requirements recommend; vegetables contain valuable nutrients that the body uses to fight against cancer, and the sugar content of fruits gives patients a boost of energy that can help them remain active before, during and after treatment.

Protein is important to give the body the building blocks it needs to fight cancer and repair itself from the damaging effects of cancer treatments, such as those that treat mesothelioma. Proteins from meat products, however, are not as healthy as plant-based protein sources. Additionally, meat contains a variety of components that can encourage cancer growth. The best sources of protein for cancer patients are beans and legumes. These foods are filling, healthy and delicious. They also contain high levels of fiber and iron, which help the body remain healthy. Furthermore, beans go well with both grains and vegetables.

Carbohydrates are necessary to give the body the energy it needs to effectively create cancer-fighting tools and maintain itself. However, not all carbohydrates are the same. Complex carbohydrates are advantageous because they take a longer time to break down, which means that their energy-boosting properties last longer than simple carbohydrates. Rice is generally regarded as the best source of complex carbohydrates, and it goes well with both beans and vegetables; it is also an easy food to digest, which can help when treatments cause nausea. Brown rice even contains moderate levels of fiber and iron. By combining a grain, such as rice, and a protein source, such as beans, patients can easily make a great base for their nutritional intake.

Cancer patients should view their diet and nutrition as one of the primary cancer-fighting tools that they can control. Doctors are ultimately in charge of many of the aspects of treatment, but patients still retain some control over the outcome of their fight. New meals and knowledge gained can be a benefit to patients long after their treatment has ended and their cancer has been defeated, and proper nutrition has been shown to help prevent the recurrence of cancer. Further, cooking and balancing nutritional elements can be fun, and patients can become a valuable source of nutrition information for their family and friends. Thank you, Jillian, for bringing us this information!

About our Guest Blogger, Jillian McKee:

Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.

Stay Connected with Jillian McKee

• Connect with Jillian on Facebook
• Follow Jillian on Twitter
• Add Jillian to your Google+ Circles
• Email Jillian at jmckee@mesothelioma.com

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm#ixzz21ZxKxY7O

About the MCVB: If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, please let us know. As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click here.)