Cool October events work to put cancer on the run
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Amanda Casanova
Runners and walkers standing near the starting line jogged in place and tugged at their gloves 
A dog accompanies a participant in the 5K race at the Cool Run on Oct. 27 near the Four Seasons Resort and Club.for warmth just before the start of the 5K and 10K race at the Cool Run on Oct. 27.
The annual race earned its name this year as temperatures dipped into the 30s as a cool front blew through the metroplex. The run is part of the Four Seasons Resort and Club’s Cool October events that support the Irving Cancer Center at Baylor Medical Center.
“You’re part of history,” John Drake, president of the Irving Healthcare Foundation, told participants. “The money is raised here and it stays here. We’re really thrilled that you’re out here running against cancer.”
Funds raised are earmarked to buy equipment in radiation therapy. Last year, the month of events raised $150,000 for the Irving Healthcare Foundation. Combined with other funds raised during the year, the money went to buy Image guided radiation therapy equipment, which is used for patients who come to the hospital after a cancer diagnosis.
For less competitive participants, the event also included a one mile fun run/walk. In that race, strollers pushed by moms and dads rolled along the one mile course.
“I pushed her,” Valerie Cooper said, of her 4-year-old daughter. “She got out and ran the last leg with me though.”
Cooper said she participated in the run last year and although the cold weather kept her from bringing her infant, she said the event was fun for children and also an important community event.
“It’s very important for us to help other people and to encourage health all around,” she said. “It’s a family event.”
Runners take off from the starting line in the 5K and 10K race at the Cool Run on Oct. 27 near the Four Seasons Resort and Club.The chilly weather wasn’t new for the appropriately named Cool Run, said Yvonne Vasquez, who participated in the one mile run/walk.
“We do this every year,” Vasquez said. “This is my eighth year and it’s always cold, but it’s a great event with a family environment and for a good cause.”
For Vasquez, an employee at Texas Oncology, the event hits close to home.
“People need to be aware that cancer can hit anyone at any time, and people take time for granted,” she said. “This event is our way of saying, ‘We’re here for them.’”
In its 28 years, the Cool Run has raised more than $2.3 million to support cancer services.
A boy sits still while getting his face painted at the Cool Run on Oct. 27 near the Four Seasons Resort and Club.
Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:28
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Food challenge raises funds for children
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Amanda Casanova
Participants raised about $50,000 for Captain Hope’s Kids in this year’s first Chili and Chocolate Challenge held at The Studios at Las Colinas.
The Oct. 20 event benefitted Captain Hope’s Kids, a foundation that helps homeless children. The inaugural challenge drew about 150 people ready to cook.
“Everybody loved it,” said Jeanne Reyer, executive director for Captain Hope’s Kids. “We were laughing from beginning to end. It was a very unique event and really liked by everybody.”
The event was based on popular reality show “Iron Chef.” Each table of 12 competed against other tables to prepare the best dinner and dessert.
“There was just a pile high with pots and pans and utensils and 8-foot tables filled with food and produce and then refrigerators filled with meat and chicken and fish and everybody at your table was against the other table,” Reyer said. “It was like bedlam at the beginning of the competition with everyone scrambling for what they could grab.”
Awards were given for several categories, including best tasting dishes, best dessert and best presentation.
“Then everybody eats,” Reyer said. “It was a lot of fun.”
In 2011, Captain Hope’s Kids helped more than 33,000 homeless children in the Metroplex.
“We’re hoping to double what we raised this year next year,” Reyer said. “We need this type of event to continue to help those homeless kids.”
Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:11
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Seniors enjoy an old fashioned boot scootin’ celebration
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Amanda Casanova
Residents at the Remington at Valley Ranch laugh at a country western party on Oct. 25.The inside of the Remington at Valley Ranch looked like a scene from an old western movie. Residents had donned colored cowboy hats and wrapped bandanas around their necks to set the boot-stompin’ mood at the Remington’s country western party on Oct. 25.
Notably missing was a rolling tumbleweed and a fiery shootout, but the party featured other western staples: juicy barbecue, scuffed boots, live music and good friends.
Outside the senior living facility, a fast-moving cold front and light showers blew through Irving, but the weather didn’t dampen the event, which was originally set to take place outdoors. Instead, staff at the Remington packed up the band’s equipment and other decorations and took the hoedown inside.
“We don’t believe in cancelling,” said Karen Weatherford, marketing director for the facility.
While they left a newly built stage outside, the Gold River Band, a Dallas-based country group, did not have problems entertaining residents, staff and visitors, who had all pulled chairs around to hear the country sounds.
For the residents, the event is a chance to trade “Howdys” with each other and have some fun.
“This event allows us to give the residents an opportunity to show how much we care about them,” said Diego Barrantes, executive director of The Remington. “They get to socialize and get 
A couple dances to the Gold River Band at a country western party on Oct. 25 at The Remington at Valley Ranch.
to see the staff come together and create this environment for them.”
Few details had been overlooked. Texas-sized boot cut-outs flanked the band, and each table boasted roasted peanuts. Even staff was outfitted in western wear and hats.
“It was a lot of effort and a lot of love,” Barrantes said. “We try to go all out as much as we can.”
The event is an annual party for the facility, and one of several special activities planned throughout the year at the Remington.
The Remington at Valley Ranch opened in May 2000 and offers seniors a lifestyle of health, education, wellness and recreational programs. About 140 people live at the facility.
The Gold River Band performs “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” at a country western party on Oct. 25 at The Remington at Valley Ranch.
Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:32
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Coppell High School Band qualifies for state contest
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Gail Thomas
The Coppell High School Band will compete in the 2012 UIL 5A Texas State Marching Band Contest Nov. 5-6 in the San Antonio Alamodome. They earned the spot by finishing as one of the top four bands at the recent UIL Area C Class 5A Marching Contest in Mesquite Oct. 27.
After a second round of performances from the 10 finalists, the judges selected Coppell as one of the top four bands to advance to State. Berkner, Duncanville, and Rowlett will also represent Class 5A Area C at the State Contest. Coppell will perform at 2:15 in the Prelims on Nov. 6.
The UIL State Marching Band competition is held every two years for Class 5A. The band, which will perform its program titled The Spectrum: The Music of Richard Wagner, aims to improve on its performance in the 2010 State contest, where it placed fifth out of 36 bands.
Before heading to the State contest, the CHS band will perform at one more competition on Nov. 3 at Duncanville High School.
Coppell High School band directors are: Scott Mason, Head Band Director; Brandon Slovak and Doug Grice, Assistant Band Directors; Zach Scheer, Percussion Director; and Dave Marchuk, Assistant Percussion Director. Head Colorguard Director is James Thomas, assisted by Bryan Morgan.
Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:10
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kib partners with North Lake students at YMCA Fall Festival
Written by Phil Cerroni
Keep Irving Beautiful continued its partnership with the Irving Family YMCA by attending their annual Fall Festival on Oct. 26. KIB provided the recycling stations, along with signs in both English and Spanish reminding everyone to place trash and recyclables in the proper receptacles.
Seven North Lake College Service Learning students also attended and helped in several ways. Some ran the prize wheel where attendees answered questions about the environment, natural resources and recycling to win books donated by the Friends of the Irving Library. Others helped with game booths, while still others walked the grounds to make the event litter-free. In total, the group gave 23 hours of service time on a chilly evening to help make the event a success.
“This type of activity represents what a community is all about,” said KIB Board member Rachel Torrez-Moon. “We enjoy supporting the YMCA in this event and throughout the year. We are also working with them again this year for America Recycles Day which will involve both the seniors and the youth groups in a competition to see who can collect the most recyclables. The YMCA and KIB have a common goal to engage people of all ages in their activities, and that makes them a great partner.”
Source: Keep Irving Beautiful
Last Updated on Sunday, 04 November 2012 21:09
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