Today's episode of the Allen Fairview Insider is a special one as we're giving you an inside look into the "Eggs and Issues" event hosted by the Allen Fairview Chamber on December 3rd.

In this episode, you'll hear from three key local leaders—Jeff Leach, Mihaela Plesa, and Candy Noble—who came together to share their priorities and insights as we head into the 89th legislative session. Sponsored by Linebarger Attorneys at Law, MD 7 and the Fairview Economic Development Corporation, this event dove into critical topics such as education funding, mental health care, water security, infrastructure, and much more. 

They explore our community's most pressing issues and opportunities and share their perspectives on legislative priorities. From school vouchers and teacher pay to infrastructure and health care, you'll get a comprehensive look at the challenges and potential solutions for our region.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Legislative priorities for the upcoming session

• Mental health care and insurance coverage for first episodes of psychosis

• Education funding, vouchers, and teacher pay

• Business climate and property tax relief

• Challenges in local school districts

• Water security and infrastructure investment

• Reliability of the electric grid

• Nuclear energy and climate stewardship

• Local vs. state governance dynamics

• Access to affordable and quality healthcare

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Allen Fairview Insider, plus it's the debut of our new host, Kimbra Quinn. Today, Kimbra has a heartwarming conversation with LoLo Roberts. You’ll hear about LoLo's profound journey from a personal tragedy to founding the nonprofit Grateful Gratitude, aimed at assisting victims of violent crimes, single mothers, the homeless, and food-insecure seniors.

You'll learn how a simple hand-carved heart sparked a movement of generosity and gratitude in her community. LoLo’s incredible story involves not just distributing "gratitude hearts," but also providing essential groceries for low-income seniors. From working closely with local police departments to touching the lives of seniors with monthly food deliveries, LoLo’s passion is boundless.

We’ll also hear about the unwavering support from volunteers like Carissa, who have significantly helped expand LoLo’s mission. Kimbra will prompt us to reflect on acts of kindness and the transformative power they hold, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson to emphasize the impact we can all have.

To find out more about Grateful Gratitude, visit: https://gratefulgratitude.net/author/loloroberts/ 

Key Topics Discussed:

• LoLo's inspiration from a sermon and fair trade market

• The inception and expansion of Grateful Gratitude, LoLo's nonprofit

• Filing for nonprofit status during the 2018 government shutdown

• Focus areas: victims of violent crimes, single mothers, homeless, and food-insecure senior

• Partnerships with local police and community organizations

• LoLo's call to start a gratitude blog, resulting in significant online engagement

• Transition from corporate motivation to a ministry-focused path

• Collaboration with Amazing Grace Food Pantry to assist seniors

It's getting close to voting day, and one of the biggest items on the ballot in Allen is the bond election for Allen ISD. We're driving deep into what this bond means for residents, and offering some more information empowering voters to feel comfortable with their selection.

Joining this discussion are two experts deeply entrenched in the workings of Allen ISD: Dr. Robin Bullock, Superintendent of Allen ISD, and Brian Carter, the Chief Financial Officer for Allen ISD. Our guest host, Matt helps unpack the $447 million bond proposal, which is designed to improve our schools and community infrastructure.

They discuss the three propositions included in the bond, ranging from campus renovations and technology upgrades to safety and security enhancements. Brian explains the financial details, including the impact on the tax rate and how the district manages its debt to ensure fiscal responsibility. They also talk about what this means for homeowners, particularly those over the age of 65 who benefit from tax exemptions.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, this episode provides essential insights into how this bond will shape the future of education in Allen ISD.

Key Topics Discussed:

• School District Insights: Dr. Robin Bullock, Superintendent of Allen ISD, and Brian Carter, CFO of Allen ISD, share exciting updates about the school district.

• 2023 Bond Election: Understand the $447 million investment proposal set for the upcoming bond election and how it will enhance our schools.

• Financial Transparency: Learn about how Allen ISD manages its finances and what the tax rate implications are for residents.

• Community Engagement: Discover how the bond will touch every campus and benefit every student across the district.

• Pickleball Mania: Yes, you heard it right! The renovation plans include lining some tennis courts for pickleball, ensuring even more community engagement and enjoyment.

Welcome back to the Allen Fairview Insider, the podcast where we dive into the vibrant heart of our community. Today's episode marks an exciting chapter in our journey as we reimagine and relaunch the show to be more inclusive and engaging than ever.  Super Dave Quinn and special host, Erin Gregor, talk about all of the new changes and what you can expect from this podcast.

In this special episode, we'll explore the podcast's evolution, honor the foundational work of the late Mark Friedman, and discuss our mission to provide valuable insights to all residents and business owners in Allen and Fairview. We'll also highlight our new format, featuring diverse series that cover everything from civic updates and community events to practical advice on homeownership and health.

Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our growing community, this episode will help you stay connected and informed. 

Make sure you follow the podcast on your favorite podcast player so you don't miss any of our exciting episodes.

Today's episode is hosted by Joe Boggs, who welcomes special guest, Cassandra Pesina, an enthusiastic educator involved in a groundbreaking externship program. This initiative partners local businesses with school districts like Allen ISD to provide teachers with invaluable real-world education that they can share with their students.

Cassandra shares her experience helping to bring this program to life and the impact she already sees with her students. In this episode, we'll delve into Cassandra’s eye-opening journey as she connects academic lessons with real-life applications, aiming to empower her students with practical skills for future success.

Joe and Cassandra discuss everything from the intricacies of credit management to the importance of early mortgage consultations, all while highlighting the significant impact community involvement can have on both educators and students.

For more information on Joe, visit: https://www.highlandsmortgage.com/agents/joe-boggs/

It’s not easy trying to squeeze in time to organize your home or office. Time moves quickly, life happens and your piles keep growing. Your office can get covered up, the kitchen becomes a wreck, and your closets burst at the seams.

945-260-8552

Friedo and Lidiya Dunn of Maid in Texas talk about simplifying your life through "Minimalism"

The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce has had plenty to be proud of over the last couple of years:

--Earning a 5 Star Accredidation

--Having a Nationally Recognized Membership Director in Saundra Midkiff

--And now, CEO Sharon Mayer is a Certified Chamber Executive

In this episode, Sharon discusses her journey into earning this title.   A journey that has taken plenty of work and some twists and turns.

 The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

Robert Simpson of Home Zone Furniture is in the spotlight in this episode of The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight.

Whether you’re re-styling your entire home or searching for a single piece of living room furniture to seamlessly incorporate into your space, shopping for furniture at Home Zone is fun and effortless. Their warm and welcoming showrooms are designed to inspire without feeling overwhelming. They create a cozy, homelike atmosphere in their stores so you can imagine how a piece of dining or bedroom furniture would look and feel in your home. 

 The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

In this episode we feature The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce and give you the latest update on events and information about our members.

We also congratulate Saundra Midkiff for being recognized by The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.  

And Sharon Mayer for earning the internationally-recognized certification for chamber professionals! The Certified Chamber Executive (CCE)

The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses