Wishbone Grpahics

Smart kids ... Plano Senior High School students won the Pearson Prentice Hall National Scholars’ Bowl competition last month. After two days of intense competition, the team, led by adviser Kevin Dunagan, walked away with the honor. This was the fifth year for the challenge, which was part of the National Convention of the National Honor and National Junior Honor Societies held in Orlando, Florida.

Thirty-two teams competed. The competition began with individual qualifying exams that covered five subject areas: math, science, English, social studies, and general knowledge. Then semi-finalist teams competed head to head in three rounds of short-answer questions, culminating in the championship round late Saturday afternoon.

Each member of the winning team took home a trophy, medal, and $250 cash prize. Steve Olson, Florida district manager for sponsoring Pearson Prentice-Hall, joked, “With this caliber of young adults coming up, I know my retirement is in good hands.”

Safe Kids ... A new program will help educate 6- to 10-year-old children about vehicle safety. Issues to be covered include proper seat belt and booster seat usage, preventing trunk entrapment, how to contact OnStar in the event of an emergency, and teaching families to never leave a child alone in a vehicle.

Safe Kids Collin County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. The local chapter was founded this year and led by Presbyterian Hospital of Plano.

Joining with Safe Kids Collin County in this effort are El Dorado Motors/Chevrolet and Cub Scout Pack 496. John Childers of El Dorado Motors said, “We have worked with many other local organizations in the past to increase awareness about safety issues. This is a chance for us to work cooperatively with the Cub Scouts to reach an important demographic – families with boys ages 6 though 10 – and teach them how to make good decisions in and around vehicles.”

It’s their giving nature ... REI of Plano donated $5,000 to The Heard Natural Science Museum to help maintain and update the facilities, including the Living Lab education center. The grant money will also go toward expenses for seed and grass, irrigation, plumbing, food for the exhibit animals, and other items needed to maintain the grounds, exhibits and sanctuary.

The Heard, which opened in 1967 in McKinney, is a 289-acre site featuring woods, prairies and wetlands. It also houses a wildlife sanctuary for injured animals who will receive treatment and care with the hopes of being released.

Building quite a reputation ... Allen’s Montgomery Farm has been honored by the American Planning Association (APA) as a Texas 2006 Project of the Year for Planning. Located on the border of Allen and Plano, Montgomery Farm was recognized as an example of how public and private partnerships, coupled with thoughtful design and planning, can result in development that creates a sense of place and ensures the protection of natural resources while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing community.

This is the second award in as many months for Montgomery Farms. The Allen Economic Development Corporation presented the company with a Millennium Award, a honor given to businesses and individuals for positively impacting the economic development and the quality of life for residents of Allen.

Happy anniversary ... Longtime area residents recall when L’image Plano Salon and Spa opened at Park and Preston 20 years ago. Owner Lourdes McKnight said the upscale salon was in stark contrast to the pastures and livestock in the neighboring area! L’image continues to be a favorite destination for working women and stay-at-home moms. The salon has completed its own face-lift and is offering attractive spa packages ... a great gift idea, gentlemen.

Celebrating 10 years in Plano is Kirby’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. The restaurant first opened in Dallas in 1954 and has enjoyed a loyal following since. The Plano management was highly praised by Kirby’s owner, Monte Hough. He said, “You can’t have a great restaurant without great heart, and we certainly have that in Chris Simmons and his team.” Kirby’s in Plano is open nightly (except Sundays) at 4:30 p.m. for happy hour, 5 p.m. for dinner.