Archives for December 2013

The Texas Legends: Professional Basketball in Frisco, Texas

December 31, 2013

The D-League’s inaugural season was 2001-2002.

Texas Rangers fans get a glimpse into the future of their favorite major-league team anytime they take in a game at Dr. Pepper Ballpark, home of the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders. Did you know that the basketball equivalent to a minor league team is also right here in our very own backyard? It’s time you learn a little more about the Texas Legends. Just like the RoughRiders, they too call Frisco home.

The Legends are Born

The Texas Legends moved to Frisco in 2009.

There are 18 teams separated into three divisions in the NBA’s Developmental League or “D-League.” The Legends are in the D-League’s Central Division, with the Austin Toros, Iowa Energy, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Tulsa 66ers. All told, the D-League season comprises 50 regular season games, plus a postseason.

The Texas Legends began as the Colorado 14ers in 2006. The 14ers disbanded in 2009 and the team relocated to Frisco. The team decided to let it’s new fan base decide on the team’s name, and “Legends” was selected as the winner.

The Texas Legends have had three head coaches, each of whom is legendary in their own right. Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman was the Legends’ inaugural head coach. Lieberman guided the Legends to their first and only playoff appearance. After Lieberman left, it was 1995’s NBA Coach of the Year, Del Harris, who took the reins. Today, former NBA (and Dallas Mavericks) star Eduardo Najera is calling the shots for the Texas Legends.

2013-2014 Player Spotlight

The Legends are off to a hot start in large part to SF Devin Ebanks and C/PF Melvin Ely.

Currently ranked as the D-League’s number one prospect, Forward Devin Ebanks is shooting 74.6% from the field and is third in the D-League in points per game, averaging 24.3. The Queens, New York, native saw time in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers over the last three seasons. Although slightly undersized to slide into the role of center, Ebanks is long enough to grab rebounds with ease while providing solid defense in the paint.

The Texas Legends are Ebanks’ third D-League team, as he has also starred for the Bakersfield Jam and the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Melvin Ely is something of the elder statesmen on the Legends’ roster. The former first round (12th pick) of the Los Angeles Clippers, the 35-year-old has spent time with five NBA teams since his rookie season in 2002-2003 with the aforementioned Clippers. Ely started 2012 playing in the Puerto Rico for the Brujos de Guayama. Seeking a career revival and a chance of cracking an NBA starting lineup once again, Ely is off to a terrific start with the Legends.

Through the Legends’ first ten games, Ely is averaging 15.1 points per game poured in 25 points in the Legends’ 127-118 win over the BayHawks last week. A versatile big man who can play center or work the court as a power forward, Ely brings NBA experience to the foray. Ely earned an NBA Championship ring for spending parts of the 2006-2007 season with the San Antonio Spurs.

The Texas Legends: The secret is out

Unless you had some serious free time (and more than a few frequent flyer miles) you weren’t able to catch the Mavericks’ top prospects live and in-person last weekend in Boise, Idaho. Fear not though, as you need travel no further than your own home or office. All Legends games are available to watch via their YouTube channel.

The Legends return home to Dr. Pepper Arena on Tuesday, January 7th to take on the Canton Charge. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Be sure to check back here often, as each week Lifestyle Frisco will recap the previous weeks Legends’ games as they charge towards the postseason.

5 Things to Do in 2014 Instead of New Year’s Resolutions

December 30, 2013

Tired of the typical NYE resolutions to lose weight, get fit, or get out of credit card debt? Here are five fresh alternatives to be a better you in 2014 without leaving Frisco, or changing your habits… too much!

1. Spend time. Sometimes all you need is a new perspective… a new point of view that can be easily had with a Frisco stay-cation. After all the in-laws and out-laws have left, how about a little pampering? Gather the whole family up, vacate the house in which you’ve been too cooped up, and check out of the day-to-day by checking in to a friendly hotel. Call it a family “off site” and you’ll be a hero.

2. Give back. Who says a New Year’s resolution has to be about what’s wrong with you, and how you should change? Honor something bigger than yourself with a financial or time commitment to a cause you care about. Most non-profit organizations will allow you to pledge a monthly donation for a one-year term. A side benefit: research shows that donating money boosts happiness and self-image–the perfect antidote to the self-critical resolution.

3. Be present. If the sit-down-together family dinner has become a stand-over-the-sink situation, it’s time to reconnect. No better place to regroup and recharge than over a warm and hearty family meal. Or, take the opposite approach and hit the FAC for a family basketball, volleyball, or racquetball game. Either way, the goal is to make new memories together, and maybe establish a new meal-time or athletic habit as a family. Research shows that one of the best predictors of emotional health is the ability to anticipate and savor future pleasures.

4. Learn more. Discover more about the place where you live! City Hall 101 is a free program, designed to give citizens a behind-the-scenes look at how Frisco city hall and other municipal facilities operate. The 15-week program will take place on Monday evenings, when participants will ‘graduate’ from this citizens’ academy with a deeper knowledge of all aspects of what it takes to keep Frisco growing.

5. Be grateful. Make a list of what you are grateful for in your life. Sure, New Year’s is a great time to think about what you’d like to change, but you’ll be much happier if you first think about everything you’re grateful for. In fact, if you make a gratitude list first, you might be surprised how it shapes your wish list for 2014. You’ll have a clearer sense of what matters most to you, and a better vision of what you want the future to look like.

Frisco Public Art Board – Promoting The Arts In Our Community

December 20, 2013

Art and culture are important elements in Frisco’s growth and development as a community where people come to live, work, play, and grow. Public art strengthens our community’s cultural identity, especially in the development of new capital projects, through the beautification of our public areas, commemorating our heritage, and expanding our cultural diversity.

The initial concept for the Frisco Public Art Board came from the Parks & Recreation department, specifically Dudley Raymond. In 2002, the Frisco City Council passed an ordinance establishing Frisco’s Public Art Program. This ordinance calls for a percentage of Capital Project Funds to be used to commission public art. Known as “Percent for Art,” Frisco was one of the smallest cities in the country to implement program and it’s now used by more than 350 cities, states, and public agencies across the country.

The Frisco Public Art Board is a citizen organization appointed by the City Council to oversee the implementation of the Public Art Program. Working with City Staff, the PAB advises the Council on the commissioning of all Public Art works in Frisco which promote tourism and economic vitality in Frisco through the artistic enhancement of our public spaces.

The current Public Art Manager is Kathleen Stewart, but I had a chance to briefly chat with Board Chairman, Richard Oldham. As the Public Art Manager from 2007 to 2011, Richard was a part of the original volunteer board for the program. Richard says, “After moving back to the Frisco Independent School District, I applied and was accepted back onto the board and served as President last year. I was an art teacher for many years, and I have always been attracted to the idea of a percent of capital project funds being ear-marked for the art program in our city. That’s what drew me to service on the PAB.”

The Frisco PAB’s annual Art in the Atrium exhibition provides a venue for our local and regional artists to display their work directly to the citizens of Frisco. Showcasing selected works by 43 area artists through August 2014, visual artists who live or work in and around the North Texas area were invited to submit images of artwork available for loan during the exhibit. Selections were made by the Public Art Board in October.

Keep up with all upcoming events and how you as a citizen of Frisco can participate with the PAB on their web site and Facebook page. One way to engage with the PAB is through the Artist Selection Committee. Artists are selected by volunteer Artist Selection Committees (ASC) that review artist qualifications and proposals and ultimately make recommendations to the Public Art Board. A new, ad-hoc committee is formed for each project. All committee meetings are open to the public, and you’re always welcome to attend!

Frisco Events Weekend Roundup for Friday December 20th

December 20, 2013

This weekend in Frisco: Christmas model train display, more holiday lights, live music, a Polar Pajama Party and more.

Have you joined us for the Frisco Podcast? Listen here.

Friday, December 20th

Christmas Tree Lot in Frisco Square still has Frasier Firs, Douglas Firs and Scotch Pines. Only open until Sunday, 22nd.

The Jesse Washmon Group live at CrossRoads Winery Hours 6-11pm

Frisco Christmas Season Model Train Display at 5pm in Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 Dallas North Tollway

Holiday Lights at Frisco Fire Safety Town at 6pm in Central Fire Station, 8601 Gary Burns Drive

Saturday, December 21st

Breakfast with Santa You are cordially invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph in the Frisco Senior Center. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in holiday activities and visit with Santa about their Christmas wish list. Children must attend with one parent or responsible adult. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for a picture with Santa!

Frisco Christmas Season Model Train Display at 5pm in Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 Dallas North Tollway

Holiday Lights at Frisco Fire Safety Town at 6pm in Central Fire Station, 8601 Gary Burns Drive

Hwy31 is playing at the Lemon Bar – Music starts at 9pm

Sunday, December 22nd

Christmas in the Square: Big Event Night In Cinemark Frisco Square, Cinemark Frisco Square, come see parachuting Santa, snow slide, food trucks and more.

Monday, December 23rd

Emerald City Superstars Karaoke – at The Pub in Frisco from 8pm- 12am

Squeezing in last minute Christmas shopping? Take a look at the Frisco Small Business Shopping guide.

Tuesday, December 24th

Christmas Eve!

Wednesday, December 25th – Christmas Day

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Elevate Life in Frisco Presents “Dream” featuring iLuminate from America’s Got Talent

December 18, 2013

Elevate Life Church in Frisco presents “Dream”

Come join Elevate Life Church this holiday season for their FREE, family-friendly, original Christmas production “Dream” on December 23rd and 24th.

“Dream” brings well-known Christmas stories to life through a little boy’s dreams as he attempts to fall asleep despite the excitement of Christmas coming in the morning. The expertly executed production will feature professional dancing, singing, and acting. Also performing are a 16-year-old championship ballroom dancing pair and acrobats.

iLuminate, the group of glow-suit dancers who won third place on America’s Got Talent in 2011, will have a featured number during the production. iLuminate will be opening their off-Broadway production in January 2014, but will bringing the fusion of music, dance, and technology to North Texas this holiday season. Featured on major talk shows such as Good Morning America and Ellen, look here to see a video of their amazing dance and light show skills.

This will be a family-friendly production, open to all ages. Children will also be able to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and other popular Christmas characters for pictures in the lobby. Following the production, Pastor Keith Craft will be delivering a Christmas message to remind us of the reason for the season.

This never before seen production will be held at Elevate Life’s new cathedral located at 8500 Teel Pkwy in Frisco, Tx on December 23rd at 7 PM and December 24th at 4 and 6 PM. You can find out more about Elevate Life by ‘liking’ them on Facebook or following them on Twitter.

Christmas in the Square Changes Date for Parachuting Santa and Inner Tubing Snow Slide

December 17, 2013

Frisco, TEXAS (December 17, 2013) – Frisco Square Property Owners Association, NBC 5 and the City of Frisco 8th annual Christmas in the Square is underway and continues through January 4th, 2014 in the heart of Frisco Square, at Main Street and Coleman Boulevard.

In addition to carriage rides and the Light Extravaganza, this Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, don’t miss out on the opportunity to skate with the Dallas Stars Ice Girls as well as some figure skaters at Skate the Square. Plenty of fun and giveaways will be provided.

Due to the weather forecasting rain on Saturday, Frisco Square Property Owners Association is changing the date of Parachuting Santa and the 3 lane inner-tubing snow slide from Saturday, December 21st to Sunday, December 22nd from 5:00 – 10:00 pm. In addition and not to be missed are; carriage rides, trackless train, hot air balloon glow, light extravaganza, Skate the Square and more will also be open on Sunday, December 22nd.

For the complete calendar of events, please visitwww.friscosquare.com/CITS

Frisco Square is a pedestrian-friendly, urban experience that blends shopping, dining, office space, apartment living, parks and Frisco’s City Hall and library. For Additional information about Frisco Square and to sign up for the weekly e-news, visit friscosquare.com. Follow Frisco Square onFacebook/FriscoSquare; Twitter/@FriscoSquare; FourSquare;YouTube/FriscoSquareTX and Instagram