PERFECT! The SIDEKICKS season begins.

Perfect 
by JB Blocker

  The return of the Sidekicks felt like coming home at the new Allen Event Center. I stood inside the edge of the field with the camera men and wondered how many of the old Sidekicks would be remembered.    

  The near capacity crowd of around 6000 had come by the teams, the families, the companies, and area community leagues. When I crossed the parking lot to enter I passed a senior enthusiast in a wheel chair and was passed by a set of teens with one boy halfway running with use of his crutches. They came in so many colors it was like a UN assembly of joyful children. They came in Purple!

  They came with old Sidekicks t-shirts and jerseys. They lined up in crowds around the new Sidekicks accessories. Kids running around in packs of pink and blue jerseys. My own grandchildren delighted by the giveaway soccer backpacks. It was a place for families to be. I watched as the crowds gathered and then settled in as the loud speakers introduced the team!

  Stavro, Sagu, Shamu, Couch, David, Ricardinho, they knew those names! The crowd remembered! 

After eight years, my 15 year old went to their games in elementary school. Tatu coaches at her High School. She remembered Doyle, and Renato, and Powers.

  When the spot light directed to the giant purple air blown tunnel opening and the last name was announced, TATU, the crowd exploded with what you could call nothing less than love. Love for his being a part of the community. For giving us 20+ years of exciting soccer. And for teaching hundreds of local children and their families the game of soccer.

  Tatu came bounding out with the same wide eyed exuberance he displayed years ago when he famously ripped off his shirt after goals.

  This time, elegant with time and grace, the man in a sports suit still ran out into to arena as if he were ready to play.

  I was, at that moment, proud for the area to once again have the Sidekicks active in the North Dallas communities. They will be great ambassadors for area schools and soccer clubs. You can count on this ownership for their vast experience and connection to this community.

  As the returning players gathered around the center of the arena and were joined by the 2012 Edition, I eased out a side panel and slapped the plexglass. The clap was nothing compared to what 6000 people were about to witness!

Game On

  I’ve been to the games at Reunion and at the American Airlines Center. When the team generated full houses, it was more like being part of a spectacle. My nice choice press box seats were a mile away and the players moves were too quick and too far away to appreciate.

  As soon as play began in Allen’s cozy 6000 seat arena the slamming of bodies against the wall began. Booming, jarring, in your face collisions with man and ball and plexiglass. From that point on, the raw action of quick passes, brilliant footwork, and explosive kicks came from every part of the field.

  Sagu was tested early with a barrage of shots on goal. He was a prized goalie 8 years ago and has only gotten better during that time winning awards and championships. Dallas is lucky to have him back and for those who fell for the Team USA Soccer goalies and their determined athletisism, you can witness a world class goalie up close as he returns to defend for the Sidekicks.

    These were knowledgeable fans. These were soccer families not only from around the Metroplex, but from all over the world. Many fans returned who like me spent young adulthood cheering for Tatu and the teams heroics. And for this crowd, they were getting a full display of power, speed, and skill from both teams. As the dynamic collisions with glass continued, even the press box seats gave you a great look of the intricacies of footwork on display. This crowd recognized skill and gave back their appreciation throughout the game.

  I predict that each home game will sell out the rest of the way and if you and your family participate in soccer, you are in for a treat!

Perfect

  The night was perfect! Dallas won 6 to 2 over the Harrisburg Heat led by former local favorite Richard Chinapoo.

  The size in the arena is going to prove to be too small for the fans, but it will be perfectly sold out every game and professional skills soccer is going to entertain and inspire a new generation in soccer rich Collin County.

  Tatu is gifted as a soccer talent but his joy for the game and the people it puts him near is his real value to not only his team, but our community. He’s the perfect coach for the Kicks.

  I watched with pride as the great Norm Hitzges and coach Gordon Jago prepared in the press box as the on air voices for the old Sidekicks. These are two respected powerhouses who love the Sidekicks and what they gave Dallas in the 80’s and 90’s. This is a community driven team who will feed off the energy of their fans and give it back in spades.

  It was a little late when I left the arena. I gave my regards to my old friend Jim Tolbert, one of the new owners and left with one of my favorite couples to hang out with, Mayor Steve Terrell and wife Sally. As I reached the exit doors, there was Tatu. He was still surrounded by children and he was smiling from ear to ear as he posed for photos and signed the soccer backpacks. The night was perfect.

 

 

 

 

to watch the introduction of the team to the community you can follow this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWZtNljFp8Y

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas.

State Rep. Ken Paxton receives the 2012 Patriot Award

Ken and Angela Paxton

   The Honorable Cathie Adams presented the 2012 Patriot Award for Courageous Christian Leadership to Texas State Senate Candidate Ken Paxton. Paxton made a special point to recognize his wife Angela's role in his faith, family, and career.
  The long serving Texas State Representative for the 70th House District is on the November ballet to replace Senator Florence Shapiro and the 8th Senate District.

 For more information and a list of endorsers go to:
http://www.teaparty911.com/candidates/ken_paxton_for_texas_senate.htm
- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas.

KELLY COOPER 'I am prepared!'

Position you're running for: Prosper Town Council Place 1

Occupation: Account Executive and licensed TX Property Tax Consultant 

"I know that if we expect an accountable local government, it requires being involved and aware of what is going on in our community.
   In order to have a true voice, the city leaders need to know who I am, and that I take their volunteered service to represent all “Prosperites” very, very seriously."

• To date over the past two years I have attended the vast majority of Town Council meetings; and for 2010, more than half of the assemblies.   
• Attended many PISD board meetings
• Honored by the request of the Mayor to serve on our Prosper Town Charter Amendment Committee in 2010
• Asked by Council to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) in early 2011 – Aug 2012. I enjoyed and valued serving on both of those committees. 

 "Having been involved in a numerous programs throughout the community has helped me become more aware of the long and short term effects that our future decisions carry." 2010-present: Precinct Chair, Prosper Voter Precinct 178

• 2010: Became a Collin County Deputy Voter Registrar and helped Prosper Tea Party to facilitate a very successful 2-day Voter Registration Drive.
• 2011: Attended the Collin County Citizens Sheriffs Academy, in order to see how well our county tax dollars are being used, and understand the workings of the many responsibilities of the County Sheriffs Office and how they serve Prosper in particular; and to basically become a more informed, valuable, and responsible county citizen
• 2012: Attended the Collin County Citizens Prosecutors Academy.  Again, to understand how our tax dollars are being used in the County Judicial system, and likewise to become a more informed county citizen.
• Attended, co-hosted, and/or facilitated three 8hr U.S. Constitution classes.
• Facilitated two fourteen-week long, weekly Constitution Study Groups, one in Collin County and one in Prosper.
• I have gained access to many of our county,  state, and U.S. Congressional representatives.  This was done by building professional relationships with these individuals.

Why are you running?   

  "About five years ago I began to become very worried about many issues that had to do with government, debt, our future, and the future in store for my young daughters who were just beginning public education.
   I started to pay much closer attention to the activities in our country, state, and local governments." 


"Four years ago, as things continued to become more worrisome, I attended my first political rally in Dallas, resulting in my joining the emerging Dallas Tea Party."

In July of 2009 with a handful of equally concerned Prosper citizens, I volunteered to coordinate the Prosper Tea Party.

Prosper Tea Party Assembly

  Over this time, I became a regular attendee of our Prosper Town Council meetings and also attended various other town and County meetings whenever I could (such as PISD board, PTOs for the girls’ schools, Prosper Rotary Club, Planning & Zoning, County Commissioners Court, multiple town hall meetings and public hearings, and much more).  
  My goal was to get connected to the town, town members, and elected representatives who are involved in shaping our growth and policy.  
  I have particular interest in the budgets and how our tax dollars are spent.  This includes local policy and its impact on our private property rights, policy and curriculum in our PISD, and future development that is planned or is a potential for Prosper. General accountability and honesty in the open government is what We the People expect and count on. I will serve Prosper with principle, accountability, and honor."

What would you like to change?   
   "I believe there needs to be accountability and transparency at all levels of government, including our local municipal government.  
   This will be an automatic focus and instinctive commitment of mine as a member of this council, since I have spent the last several years working to achieve just that on a local, county, and state level.    
   Additionally, I would also like to see our road and other infrastructure projects be scheduled and completed in a more timely and efficient manner." 

Why are you the best candidate?    
  "For over three years I have been a citizen watchdog of our taxes and town policy and have been serving as a vocal involved citizen representative of the people of Prosper.   
  When measured against candidates for this council seat, I am confident that my experience and involvement in our town, county, and state over the past proves my qualification.  It assures the voters that I am diligent, prepared, responsible, and reliable. I am a capable and trustworthy candidate at this time for Prosper Town Council Place 1."
  "I am ready to hold the responsibility of a vote on behalf of Prosper citizens on our Town Council." with no conflicts of interest and no time needed to get up to speed.  I am passionate about protecting Prosper and the citizens who’ve invested their time and resources to make Prosper the worthwhile life style investment that all who live in it want it to be."  

Thank you, to my neighbors, the good citizens of Prosper.  I will stand for you and I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
Please take the time to get to know me and then share and VOTE! 

Endorsements:

  My family has known the Cooper's since they moved to Prosper. It didn't take long to realize that Kelly is intelligent, hardworking, honest, and consistent. She's a great mom, good friend, and someone you can count on.
  Kelly is completely committed to her family and our community. As a constitutionalists, she believes in keeping the government small and keeping the community a part of the conversation.  

  Without a doubt, Kelly has the ability to help build a stronger foundation for our community as we move into the future. She will do her absolute best for the Town of Prosper! She'll make intelligent decisions and show fiscal responsibility that allows Prosper to grow, without causing excessive financial burdens to the residence of Prosper. Also, I know Kelly will keep the council true to the spirit of community, which is why many of us chose to make Prosper our home in the first place. There is no place quite like Prosper, and we want to see that preserved as we continue to grow.
  My husband Ryan and I believe she's the best person for the job. We know Kelly has a way forward for our community. Our family loves the bond we feel within our town and Kelly Cooper is a part of that positivity.  

  We love living in Prosper, and spend time as a family participating within the community through various volunteer activities. We do what we can to make a positive difference. Ryan is the Director of Product Architecture for a North Texas telecoms company. As for me, there is no way to “glam up” being a stay at home parent. I chase after kids, although I feel more like a zookeeper some days.
Angie Pipkin, mom of five, and proud Prosper community member. 

• Prosper Tea Party
• Collin County Deputies Association
• Jim & Dana Herblin: TX State Senate 2012 candidate ; wife, CPA
• Ben Williams: Chief of Staff for Representative Ken Paxton TX Congressman HD 70 (Prosper)
• Sgt Donald Rutledge Jr: Retired US Army, Collin County Director for Oath Keepers
• Barbara Harless: District Coordinator Constitution lobby, Retired Stock broker, Voter Precinct Chair 144
• Joe Wright: Constable Elect Collin County Precinct 4
• Shane Williams: Constable Elect Collin County Precinct 1
• Ray Ricchi: McKinney City Councilman
• Joe Pizzuro: Founder of the Providence Tea Party, Youth Coordinator for Plano Tea Party
• Lorie Medina: Co-founder of the Dallas Tea Party, Founder of the Frisco Tea Party, Radio co-Host of the Right Alternative
• Brad Chumley: Former Board Member & current member Prosper Chamber of Commerce, Former President of Prosper Rotary, President of CIM Wealth Investors
• John Hill: Prosper Builder for Darling Homes
• Bill Remington: past President of Prosper Chamber of Commerce, past President of Addison Business Association, member Prosper United Methodist Church
• Bob Luckock: Broker, past President and Board Chairman of the Prosper Chamber of Commerce, and six year member of the Prosper EDC
• Bob Ernst: Retired US Navy officer & pilot, Financial Advisor - Edward Jones, Prosper Rotary member, member Rheas Mill Baptist Church
• Ane Cassidy: Realtor, Former Prosper Town Councilwoman, Former Prosper ISD Board Member, Prosper CPAC member
• Dick Smith: Voter Precinct Chair 13, First Methodist Church of Celina, Former Celina City Council member, and Celina Fire Dept