Two of the three friends resting up at ELPO
Animal activists will recognize this story the minute they see it.
It's fast become an Internet sensation.
After all, how often do you see a threesome like this? Two dogs and a goat... it sounds a little like the beginning to a bar joke.
But it's really so much more.
The three amigos aren't your typical day travelers. They are lifelong buddies with a really interesting story to tell.
It all began a couple of weeks ago, when one pooch - now known as Echo - and her best buddy Mo the goat were rescued in Garland.
Seems they were on the run from their owners, who were searching desperately for them, when they ended up at the
East Lake Pet Orphanage located here in Lake Highlands.
Reader and friend Deborah Brown first alerted us to the story.
"I'm on a distribution list where emails are sent alerting me to animals needing homes," said Deborah late last week.
"Hopefully everyone on the list works to forward the emails and help out in these kind of situations. So many animals have been rescued and placed this way."
But this email message was an extra-special one.
"I am such an animal person, and this story was certainly an unusual combination to hear about."
Unusual is right, especially since what began as a dog-and-goat story has now become two dogs and a goat.
Seems while Mo and Echo were on the lam, Lucky was back at home missing them terribly. Lucky is the third amigo, the three-legged lab who completes the trio.
Dr. Karen Fling, veterinarian and owner of
East Lake Veterinary Hospital, explains it best.
According to Fling, the intense media attention is why the owners were able to reunite Lucky with Echo and Mo. After the pair's escape, and subsequent rescue, a relative saw the television coverage and was able to connect the family to their pets.
Unfortunately, it also alerted the authorities, who classified Mo as "stray livestock" and were obligated to remove him from ELPO until those owners stepped forward.
It was then that everyone learned just how deep the bonds are between the amigos. Mo was a mess when the sheriff separated the pair.
"Echo had to go with the goat just to reassure him it was okay," says Fling, in describing Mo being loaded into the sheriff department's trailer.
"It was pathetic to see him so distressed."
Luckily the separation was short-lived, since the owners were able to communicate with East Lake and the sheriff, effectively settling the issue of Mo's stray goat status.
It's not an entirely happy ending, however.
Turns out the Garland owners aren't able to care for the three amigos, and Echo is really sick.
"The family is living in a small, residential area of Garland," said Dr. Fling. "They are financially limited and really feel the better thing is for the trio to stay together and have more land."
The financial obligation is mounting, too. Echo has heartworms, and the cost associated with getting her better is expected to total thousands of dollars.
"We are embarking on the heartworm treatment," explained Fling. "But there are additional medical issues the animals are facing, including skin treatments, dental issues and each of them needs to be spayed or neutered."
Dr. Fling and her staff estimate it could take a month or more to get everyone healthy and ready for adoption.
As their care continues, hundreds of people have reached out for updates, to submit applications for the group's adoption, and to offer donations.
"When I saw the photo of two of them sleeping together, it broke my heart," said Brown. "I made a donation to East Lake when I learned they had been rescued by the clinic, and when I went in and saw them, I knew they were receiving the best care possible!"
In an effort to continue raising funds for their care, local chef Gabriela Kovacic is hosting an event in honor of the three amigos next month.
Gabriela's restaurant,
Café Lago, will host an event she's affectionately calling "Ate-Ate" on August 8th, because after all "that's what goats do," she says.
You can join in the fun, which promises an appearance by the trio, on Sunday, August 8th at the café. For a $20 donation, you'll enjoy food and beverages, with all proceeds going to the East Lake Pet Orphanage. A cash bar will also be available.
Café Lago is located at 9219 Garland Road, Suite 1102.
East Lake Pet Orphanage is located in the East Lake Veterinary Hospital at 10101 East Northwest Highway. If you're interested in seeing the three amigos, check out the webcam on the hospital's website
here.
You can also look for updates on the group's
Facebook page or call 214.349.ELPO to make a donation.
Lake Highlands on vacation
On June 3rd, a whole bunch of Lake Highlands kids were jubilant that school was over.
A whole lot of parents exhaled a sigh of relief knowing that their daily school responsibilities were at an end for a couple of months.
But just as quickly as they breathed out, they inhaled thinking, "Come tomorrow, within four hours of waking, my kids will be saying, ‘I’m bored, what are we doing today?’"
Just where are Lake Highlanders off to this summer? That’s what LH Today would like to find out.
We want you to share your tips and trips, new places you've ventured, sights to see, and new experiences, whether close to the ‘hood or off the beaten path.
Perhaps your summer vacation will be an inspiration to other Lake Highlands residents looking for a fun way to pass the last days of summer.
To kick off the LH Today Travelogue, our first feature adventure takes four local girls on a Texas country road adventure to Kerrville.
Exploring the Road Less Traveled by JJ Pair
Camp Kickapoo is an all girls camp in the Hill Country, about a five hour drive from Lake Highlands.
When Casey Patty dropped off her 11 year-old daughter, Lillie, on June 21st, Lillie had some trepidation about spending three weeks away from home.
However, by day two at camp she was hooked - even without her iPod and cell phone to keep her company!
On July 9th, the three week camp adventure was at an end, and my daughter and I joined Casey to make the road trip to Kerrville and surprise Lillie.
Surprise Lillie we did!
There’s video to prove it, which involved hiding in the hotel bathroom. (That’s one of the great things about traveling - taking lots of pictures to remember all the fun you had.)
From Kerrville, our foursome hit the road to San Antonio, intending to go to SeaWorld and spend some time with Shamu.
Ah, the best laid plans.
An alternative adventure
We decided instead to head to the Riverwalk and Mercado.
We landed in a coolly appointed room at the
Marriott SpringHill Suites in downtown.
The very hip turquoise and orange lobby, indoor pool, great breakfast, flat screen TV and wireless connection made lounging on the soft sea foam luxe sheets very relaxing.
No trip to San Antonio's Riverwalk would have been complete without a bit of honor bestowed at the Alamo, then it was shopping the Mercado, dinner at
La Margarita, and the obligatory trolley ride.
When it was time to head home, we chose the road less traveled.
LHHS football captains take in Cowboys Stadium
Jul 22 2010, 7:00 am by Steve Clary
'Cats team captains take in Cowboy Stadium
Being voted a team captain for any sport is an honor.
For the 2010 Wildcat football team captains, the honor comes with a pretty cool photo op as well.
With the team motto of "Let's Make History" in mind, Wildcat Head Coach Scott Smith needed a unique picture for the Wildcat Football poster this year.
"I thought Cowboy Stadium would be pretty special for the captains," Smith said. "Besides, some of those pictures might provide a little motivation for a return trip for a playoff game or two this fall."
One additional highlight of the trip out to Arlington was the chance to meet Mr. Bruce Hardy, former general manager of Irving Stadium and now senior consultant to Cowboys Stadium.
"If it wasn't for Mr. Hardy, high school football probably wouldn't have ever been played at Irving Stadium, let alone in the new Cowboys Stadium," Smith said. "It was great to see him again, and I know the guys enjoyed meeting him."
Senior Zack Knickman presented Mr. Hardy with a Wildcat football helmet which was signed by all the captains (see picture three of the photo gallery.) Standing in his office was like being in a sports history museum.
"I do all this to make a difference in young people's lives," Hardy said during his visit with the Lake Highlands players. "If I can make a difference in just one young man's life, I did my job."
After spending a little time getting to know the 2010 Wildcat team captains, Hardy told Coach Smith and the rest of the 'Cats to make plans for a game at Cowboys Stadium in the fall.
"You work hard, and we'll see you back here later this year."
Football season is now officially a month away. The South Garland scrimmage is set for August 20th at the Boneyard, followed by the season opener against Mesquite on August 26th.
Keep in mind, too, we'll be broadcasting all the football games LIVE right here on LH Today! Be sure to check back here in a few days and visit our brand new LH Today Broadcast Center.
GO 'CATS!
Apartments track the good, the bad & the ugly
Jul 21 2010, 7:00 am by LHT Staff
We reported on Learning Links Centers® last year, but in case you don't recognize the name, they are the
socially responsible apartment investors from California.
With the group's purchase and turnaround of the Ashley Apartments here in Lake Highlands, now named The Madeline, they have already brought positive change to the Forest and Audelia area.
Their focus on fostering a village mentality within the walls of the apartment complexes is at the core of their business model, and it starts in earnest with criminal background checks of all their prospective residents.
Until recently, however, several costly aspects of their business couldn't be red flagged by a traditional background check.
Skips, evictions and proxy renters were hard to track without the creation of a centralized database for the entire DFW apartment industry.
Learning Links Centers® co-founders Joe Killinger and George Pino, have now solved the problem.
The two have recently launched The Rent Rite Directory, an affiliate company that enables rental property managers and owners to lower make-ready costs, write-offs and criminal activity on their properties, potentially saving them thousands of dollars annually.
The Rent Rite Directory is a free-to-use website and database that tracks skips, evictions and criminal activity committed by prospective residents as well as “proxy renters,” those who sign leases on behalf of tenants who would not otherwise be allowed to rent.
Suzette Sutton has been named senior director and will be responsible for updating and monitoring the website, approving and verifying registered users, and attending crime watch meetings.
Most importantly, Sutton will be working closely with the police department and apartment associations to educate and communicate with property managers, owners and management companies about how The Rent Rite Directory can positively impact their bottom line while simultaneously bettering their communities.
"We are excited to get The Rent Rite Directory launched in Texas, with our goal being to expand nationwide," said co-founder Killinger.
"I have known Suzette for several years and with her strong background in property management, she was the first person that came to mind whom we knew could run this company the way we feel it needs to be run."
The Rent Rite Directory was test launched in June 2010 here in Dallas and has become an overnight success, having already amassed more than 284 properties and owners as registered users of the website.
Additionally, nearly 100 skips and problem tenants have been added to the user-friendly database.
The Rent Rite Directory also manages The Landlord Blog on the website which fosters real-time communication about vendors, job postings, crime watch meetings, community events and ideas to make the neighborhood safer and more inviting.
"I am inspired by the perseverance and dedication of the managers I meet who take on challenging and sometimes unbelievable circumstances to create a safe environment that their residents can call home," said Sutton.
The database provides a powerful tool to help prevent landlords from renting to tenants who have past records of late payments, destruction of premises, non-payment of rent or utilities, lease violations, evictions or histories of posing as shill residents for criminals.
The Rent Rite Directory also encompasses areas that credit bureaus do not address, such as better quality tenants who lower maintenance and administration costs, raise occupancy levels and stabilize overall occupancy.
For Lake Highlands, especially Lake Highlands schools, anything that helps stabilize the occupancy rate of apartments is a certainly a good thing.
We'll keep you posted as the new system progresses. In the meantime, for more information about Learning Links Centers click
here.
LH Public Improvement District in full swing
Jul 20 2010, 6:00 am by LHT Staff
What will the PID do for Lake Highlands?
For those unfamiliar with the Lake Highlands Public Improvement District (PID), it's a special tax assessment district along Skillman Road, from LBJ to Abrams.
Covering over 500 acres, the PID represents an exciting partnership of over 700 commercial, condominium and townhome property owners located along the Skillman corridor.
The purpose of the PID is to fund public improvements and supplement basic services over and above those provided by the City of Dallas.
Specifically, the PID’s charter is to create and maintain a safe, attractive and dynamic economic environment that serves the surrounding community.
One of the first orders of business, based on the PID's high priority of improving public safety, was the establishment a Security Patrol program.
The patrol team is led by Sergeant Mark Johnson of the Dallas Police Department and staffed by several off-duty Dallas police officers. The team has been providing additional security patrols every day throughout the PID since October of 2009.
Sergeant Johnson is very pleased with the patrol.
"The increased presence of an extra police car in the PID is a great deterrent for crime," said Johnson.
"PID officers have been interacting closely with several different retailers and offering tips on how to stay vigilant. We are also work closely with PID residents, offering our assistance to supplement on-duty city patrols."
The Lake Highlands PID is one of eight public improvement districts located throughout the city of Dallas. In addition to increased security, PID funds also typically support landscaping, community signage, litter and graffiti management, park renovation and the marketing of local businesses.
Recently hired as Executive Director, Ms. Rebecca Range believes that public safety programs, combined with these other initiatives, will result in a revitalized and more appealing Skillman corridor.
"We envision the PID as having a robust crime watch program, and we also plan to use various marketing tools and events to promote the district," Range said.
Ms. Range comes to the Lake Highlands PID with a successful background of public sector service. She holds a graduate degree in Public Administration and is a military veteran, having served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force for more than 10 years.
Range has already met with many Lake Highlands residents and business owners to begin determining how best to focus the PID’s efforts.
"Lake Highlands is a great community, full of warm and energetic citizens and business owners," said Range. "We are looking forward to launching initiatives that will truly improve our standard of living and promote businesses."
The PID is managed by a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation led by a board of directors comprised of district property owners and local representatives.
Additionally, the board has members representing the City of Dallas Department of Economic Development and the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association. Financial oversight is provided by the City of Dallas and the Dallas City Council.
Dorinda Cavender represents The Woodmont Company and serves as the PID board vice-president. She is optimistic about the PID and what it can accomplish.
"There is much work to be done, but we are off to a strong start," said Cavender. "We have an ambitious agenda and hope to make a positive impact on the district, which in turn impacts the entire Lake Highlands community."
Just last month, the PID held an annual meeting for all property owners. Councilman Jerry Allen attended and offered a positive report.
"The Lake Highlands PID is a critical element in our arsenal of public tools, much like the Skillman Corridor TIF."
"We’re carefully utilizing these tools to spur economic development along the corridor. We want to put Lake Highlands on the map as a desirable destination to shop, work, live and play."
For more information on the LH Public Improvement District email Rebecca Range at
or visit the group's website
here.
Lake Highlands PID Board of Directors:
Stephanie Colovas, President
Prescott Realty Group
Dorinda Cavender, Vice President
The Woodmont Company
Mark Flynt
Behringer Harvard
Sharon Galipeau
Leaders Corporation
Sue Hounsel
City of Dallas
Office of Economic Development
Phil Scheble
Charter Holdings
Jack White
Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association
What city budget cuts really mean for our community
Jul 19 2010, 7:30 am by M.E. Clary
What the cuts mean to Lake Highlands
It's not really news, in the traditional sense, if it's been on our minds, in our hearts and on meeting agendas for months now.
You'd have to be trying hard to miss it anyway.
I'm talking about the city and the $30 million budget shortfall we're currently facing.
If there is news to report, according to a recent announcement from City Manager Mary Suhm, it's that the number is down from an estimated $100 million shortfall as first reported this spring.
District 10 Councilman Jerry Allen highlighted the issue in an article we ran a couple of months ago. You can read it
here.
So while $70 million worth of fewer cuts certainly represents a silver lining of sorts, now begins the hardest work – the actual cuts.
This is where my earlier mention of "not really news" comes in.
It's long been known that our city services, our parks, our arts program, our libraries – they're all on the chopping block.
According to Joan Walne, vice chairman for the Dallas Park and Recreation Board and long-time Lake Highlands resident and volunteer, the hard work of mitigating those cuts has been going on for months.
But despite all the media attention, and the public discussion, apparently there are some who are just now absorbing it, and I guess you can't blame them really. We all put off the unpleasant as long as possible.
It's the assumption that her department, and our city leaders, are just now addressing the issue, however, that most troubles Walne.
"For people to insinuate that the city and our District 10 leaders are only just now talking about these issues is simply incorrect," said Walne late yesterday.
"Your city staff, including the park department, Office of Cultural Affairs, police and fire, and the libraries, have all been working on this for months now."
It was during our conversation that Walne cited recent misinformation that's been circulating about the closing of the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center.
Apparently bad news travels fast, and wrong news even faster.
"It's a testament to our community that people are so passionate, but certainly this is no surprise," said Walne in responding to email reports of the rec center closing its doors.
"But the truth of the matter is LH North is closing because it's scheduled to undergo an $800,000 renovation, which was approved by the voters in the 2006 bond election."
It's no secret that rec centers will be cutting hours and programming as part of the budget cuts, however.
So where exactly does that leave us after the renovation is complete? In a pretty good spot, according to Walne, when you consider the alternative.
"I'm concerned about LH North, of course," said Walne. "But I'm also concerned about the 3,000 kids in Dallas who will have no summer camp experience next year."
"I'm also ultimately concerned about the bigger picture."
Lake Highlands is blessed with vocal leadership, and our community has no problem putting its money where its mouth is. This is best evidenced in the work of the
Lake Highlands Women's League, the
Lake Highlands Junior Women's League, the
Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, and many homeowners associations including Lake Highlands North and LHENA.
Due in large part to these groups and their efforts, the LH North Recreation Center and park will be better able to absorb some of the looming economic fallout.
"It's the public-private partnerships already at work in Lake Highlands that represent an important part of this story," said Walne. "We already know how to get it done here, but this struggle is so much bigger than just our community."
"These funding cuts are going to have a severe impact on our park and rec department, in addition to the arts and cultural groups that are going to be forced to shut their doors entirely."
So instead of setting more fires, Walne recommends we take up our fire extinguishers.
"What we need now more than ever are consistent, fact-based messages," she said. "Messages that work to inform, not incite, and to equip our already powerful Lake Highlands volunteer base."
"At this point we have to ask ourselves and our friends, 'what are we willing to do to be part of the solution?'"
For those interested in learning the facts, and stepping up to offer their time and volunteer commitments, a town hall budget meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17th at 7:00 p.m.
*
The agenda will focus on presentations related to the city's budget cuts, including an update from the parks department.
Bring your working gloves and your thinking caps, because rest assured your help is needed when it comes to the significant cuts our city services, arts organizations and libraries are all facing.
*Meeting location has yet to be confirmed. Organizers have slated the Lake Highlands Freshman Center. We'll let you know when that's confirmed.
Deal of the Week: Tex Mex Grill & Cafe
Jul 19 2010, 6:30 am by LHT Staff
Celebrating a successful year with a great deal
Elvis called.
He’s got a deal on fajitas and 'ritas he'd like to share.
If you’re tired of $8.00 margaritas and over priced Tex-Mex, you’ll like this week's deal.
Seems like yesterday when
we introduced you to Elvis and Pancho, owners of Tex Mex Grill and Café.
On August 11th, the most unlikely duo in Tex-Mex restaurant history will be celebrating their one year anniversary.
"We've had a great year, and to show our appreciation to our customers, we're running an anniversary special on fajitas and margaritas," says Elvis.
For the rest of July and all of August, you can enjoy chicken fajitas for two AND two margaritas (or two drinks of equal or lesser value) all for just $19.99.
Dinner for two, with drinks, has never been so affordable – or enjoyable.
Tex Mex Grill & Café is located at 9711 Plano Road.
They are open for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Now, go
Shop Lake Highlands and take advantage of another great deal from our friends at Tex Mex Grill & Café!
Missions & change at Highlands Christian Church
Jul 19 2010, 6:00 am by JJ Pair
Local day missions serve the community
During the week of July 12th, the youth of Highlands Christian Church were scheduled to take a mission trip to Cairo, Illinois.
On the agenda was work to establish a sports program for underprivileged kids through an organization called YouthWork, a ministry specializing in short term youth mission trips.
Unfortunately, the kids' conflicting work schedules negated those plans, but HCC Youth Minister Kimberly Russell was not deterred.
"Things work out for the best," she said. "The fact that we didn’t go to Cairo gave more of our kids the opportunity to participate. Instead, by doing day missions in their own hometown, it gave them a feeling of being part of the community."
The canceled trip notwithstanding, HCC youth were able to raise $2,000 to send to Cairo for the program.
Plan B, a brainstorm of Russell, included a week of "day missions" throughout Dallas. She asked the kids for suggestions, and they implemented the most feasible.
The Youth Service Week started at White Rock Lake with the kids armed with large trash bags. Then it was back to the church to prep for painting the next day and a little work in the HCC community garden.
Additional day missions found the kids spending a morning of service assisting with Shoes for Orphaned Souls, a ministry of Buckner International, and lending a hand at Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park.
The most fun mission of the week for the kids was a furry one – spending time with homeless cats and dogs at the Humane Society’s no-kill shelter, Dog and Kitty City.
The sanctuary provides a permanent home for pets not adopted or not considered good adoption candidates, including disabled cats and dogs. The shelter welcomes dog and cat "socializers" to walk, groom, play with, train and pet the many animals housed there.
After returning from each day's endeavors, the kids also found time to paint the church bathrooms and youth room. Then they put their backs into some maintenance in the HCC Community Garden.
The week wasn’t all work and no play. On Saturday, they all headed to a full day of fun at Six Flags!
Ministers enjoy last weeks with kids & congregants
Russell particularly enjoyed her week of day missions spent with the youth, as she’s leaving Dallas after three years with HCC to return to her hometown of Atlanta. She’ll be assuming the role of a chaplain at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Additionally, Pastor David Tambur, who joined HCC four years ago, has bid farewell to the congregation, as well.
Tambur accepted a position as chaplain with the U.S. Navy.
Following a July 11th reception hosted by the church for both him and Russell, Tambur and his family were off to Rhode Island where he'll begin his training. The family will then head to California for his first duty assignment.
In his final newsletter column, Pastor Tambur reminded his congregants that since November, the church has added over 40 members, and that ministering to the people of God, the community of Lake Highlands, and the greater DFW metroplex is only limited by the size of dreams and visions.
It was clear that his heart was already at sea as he said, "there is a strong feeling of community and love at this church, and a strong desire to shake things up. Plot the course. Set the sails and boldly go where God is calling."
Highlands Christian Church is located at 9949 McCree Road in Lake Highlands.
For information about Dog and Kitty City Shelter and Sanctuary, visit the group's website
here.
LBJ Skillman ready for redevelopment?
Jul 16 2010, 7:30 am by Steve Clary
LBJ/Skillman DART Station
With all the commercial real estate activity in Lake Highlands, some big news recently flew under the radar.
LBJ Skillman Urban Planning Initiative, the brain child of LH resident, Susan Morgan, was recently granted $125,000 by the
North Central Texas Council of Governments or "COG."
The funds will be used to study the best possible use of sustainable, transit-oriented development at the LBJ Skillman gateway.
A thorough analysis will be done on how to best utilize the assets of the area such as the existing DART station, confluence of major thoroughfares, natural creek areas, vacant property, and the commercial, retail, residential and recreational mix.
The initiative has been studied closely by Morgan and her team for the better part of four years.
"I think the award of this project signifies the importance of this location, not just to our community but to the entire region of North Texas."
Allowing for a moment to put the cart way in front of the horse, it’s important to remember that the end game of this process is redevelopment of the LBJ-Skillman intersection.
If you aren’t familiar with the COG, the North Central Texas Council of Governments is a voluntary association which serves to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments in order to assist them in planning for sound regional development.
As a committee member of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association, Morgan has had her eye on the LBJ Skillman intersection for a long time.
"Four years ago we started with a visioning process that seemed the next logic step after having participating in the Land Use Planning Advisory Council for
ForwardDallas!," says Morgan.
"We worked with TX DOT and community members to help understand both the challenges and the opportunities associated with improvement in the areas around the LBJ Skillman intersection."
"City planners made us aware of this opportunity and encouraged us to work toward the goal of getting the study funded," she says. "To get to this point and receive the funding is personally very rewarding. When they show you the money, then you know you're creating something of value."
In recent years, much of the redevelopment activity in Lake Highlands has been focused on the southern areas of the community. COG’s funding of the LBJ Skillman Urban Planning Initiative study signifies how important the northern LH area is to the greater North Texas community.
With limited dollars made available from the COG each year, the process by which an entity seeks funding from the COG is an extremely competitive one.
Each year, the COG only accepts a handful of projects for funding in the North Texas region.
It’s a process that begins by getting a recommendation to the COG from the City of Dallas.
Knowing how competitive the process is, Morgan needed help – especially with some of the technical components of the application.
Enter LH resident and engineer, Don Scarborough, who was recruited by Morgan to assist with the submittal of the application.
With a deadline of July 9, 2009, Scarborough spent the better part of four weeks putting together the application which was submitted to the City, which then, in turn, made its recommendations to the COG.
The Morgan Scarborough team submitted their application, along with 27 other regional entities that were looking for funding from COG.
Out of the 27 applications received, the LBJ Skillman Urban Planning Initiative was one of only nine projects approved for funding. The approval came nearly a year after the application process began.
"I didn’t want to just sit idle and hope for change," says Scarborough. "I was compelled to act when Susan approached me and was excited to have the opportunity to contribute."
"We want to be ready when the next economic up-tick comes around, and I think this funding proves that all the work leading up to this point wasn't in vein."
A BIG thank you to Susan and Don for their continued efforts on the behalf of the Lake Highlands community!
Stay tuned to LH Today for updates on the LBJ Skillman Urban Planning Initiative study.
Serious contender emerges for LH Plaza
Jul 15 2010, 7:30 am by Steve Clary
Proposed sale adds another bidder to the mix
As reports concerning several local bidders on Lake Highlands Plaza continue to develop, LH Today has learned that one now appears to have bubbled to the top.
While nothing is guaranteed in commercial real estate, the regional retail investment firm,
The Retail Connection, appears to be in the catbird seat at the moment.
From what we’ve learned, the company’s emphasis will be to create opportunity for redevelopment which will include both a residential and retail component.
In the past few days, representatives from the firm have sought out and met with several of the current tenants of the shopping center, as well as with leaders from LH Plaza’s contiguous neighborhood associations.
While The Retail Connection’s plans are not finalized, reports indicate the residential component would include 8-15 lots and would, generally speaking, mimic the schematics developed by the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association’s Land Use Committee.
In those schematics, which can be viewed
here, the residential lots would be built on a cul-de-sac located along the southwest side of the property with an entrance at Spring Branch Drive.
The specific number of lots would largely be determined by what amount of the former Walmart space remains on the property.
According to sources, one plan calls for a complete scraping of the building, which would allow enough space for 15 homes, while the second option would aim to keep, but redesign, roughly half of the existing building in hopes of attracting an anchor tenant such as a specialty grocer.
Both plans call for the scraping of all but roughly 14,000 square feet of the largely vacant building along the south side of the property, up to but not including the current location of My Office.
All remaining retail buildings would receive a significant face lift, which would include modernizing their cosmetic appearance.
Regarding the residential lots, not unlike the LUC schematics, the lot sizes would be zoned R-7.5, and local homebuilders would be engaged to build custom homes on the property.
Most interesting about this particular scenario, however, is the opportunity local investors may play in the future of LH Plaza.
Sources indicate that a limited partnership is being formed over the next 5-7 days, and qualified local investors may be given the opportunity to participate.
With respect to LH Plaza, it’s a model that is all too familiar.
Just ask the 20 investors who currently own a share in Highlands Cafe.
Stay tuned – LH Today will keep you updated.
Keepin’ it Green in July
Jul 15 2010, 12:00 am by Cindy Engel
Cindy helps us cut down our paper use
I hope you've been enjoying traveling on DART, the TRE, and The-T this summer!
If you missed last month’s article, with travel tips and directions on how to use public transportation, you can find it
here.
Saving paper is another one of my “green” passions.
According to the Forest Stewardship Council, the U.S. is the largest market for paper products in the world, producing 90 million tons of paper annually and, in-turn, consuming about 100 million tons.
Unfortunately, paper production requires a great deal of water and trees, two of our most important resources. However, there are many things we can each do to help.
Evaluate your printing choices
Reducing the amount of printing you do is one way to save paper. I find I can save money on ink, as well! Consider a few things before you print.
• Necessity: Do I really need to print this? If I just need an address, for example, I could jot that down on a sheet of scratch paper.
• Print preview: Using the “Print Preview” option helps me verify I’m printing the right thing.
• Change your font: I've switched to the Century Gothic font.
According to an April report by
Wisconsin Public Radio, the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay has switched the default font on its e-mail system from Arial to Century Gothic. The university says the change sounds minor, but it will save money on printer ink when students print out e-mails in the new font.
You can choose Century Gothic for your word processing, as well. You might also consider adjusting your margins if there is more than one page to print.
• Duplexing: This is printing front and back on each page.
Some higher-tech machines have that option already, but you can also choose it as the default option. On my simple printer at home, I either use the clean side of an old page (like a one-sided flyer from my kids’ school) or I feed the paper back through, so it prints on both sides of one sheet.
Cut Down on Unwanted Publications… and Clutter
Another way to save trees, while also reducing clutter in your home, is to address the following 3 issues:
Unwanted “Briefings”
If you want to stop your
Dallas Morning News “Briefings,” the free publication delivered by Belo, you can cancel online
here or by calling 214.977.8333.
Unwanted Phone Books
According to
Yellow Pages Goes Green, millions of phone books hit American doorsteps unsolicited every year, to the tune of more than 19 million trees. If you don't want your copies, you can contact the following companies and tell them you want to “Opt Out.”
Verizon at 1.800.888.8448
AT&T at 1.800.792.2665 or online
here.
Unwanted Junk Mail
Tired of receiving unsolicited catalogues and other junk mail? I've had success calling up the companies that send me junk and telling them to take me off of their mailing list.
Most companies don’t want to waste their money sending you something you’re not going to look at, so they cooperate.
The city also has a useful list of tips for stopping junk mail.
You'll find it on the sanitation page by clicking
here.
A few other paper saving ideas
These might cost extra, unfortunately, but they're great if you can afford them.
• Buy recycled toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, etc.
Seventh Generation, for example, sells quality, soft toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper (minimum 80% post-consumer).
• Buy compostable
Bagasse plates, cups, etc. instead of paper or Styrofoam. Bagasse is the sugarcane fiber that remains after extraction of juice from sugarcane.
Sugarcane is not only an annually renewable resource, but it can be turned into products normally made from plastic or paper. I use Bagasse plates when I need disposables and have found them to be very sturdy. I have seen Bagasse plates in smaller quantities at Green Living and Whole Foods Market.
Local company,
Eco Dallas, also sells Bagasse in larger quantities. Several other companies offer their products on the Internet, as well.
• Buy recycled paper. When you buy notebooks, notebook paper, or computer paper, make a selection that's been recycled and made without chlorine bleach.
These are just some of the ways that we can all work together to reduce our paper usage.
I hope you find these tips useful, and I encourage you to get creative and find even more ways to save!
Bedtime stories with Mrs. K & LHAECPTA
Jul 15 2010, 12:00 am by LHT Staff
Event hosts, Walker & Gorman with Mrs. K
Earlier this year, we covered the Lake Highlands Early Childhood PTA
Home Tour & Auction.
Celebrating 50 years is no small feat, and the LHAECPTA did it in style.
Raising thousands of dollars, supporting our families and our community – it's all in a day's works for these ladies.
And it turns out the fun didn't end back in April.
One of the most popular action items at the auction was a "Sign & Go Party" courtesy of Mrs. K and
Launa's Little Library.
According to Tiffany Walker, president of the LHAECPTA, families each paid $15 to attend the special story time at her house, and she had no shortage of takers.
"April Gorman and I asked Mrs. K back in February if she would help us kick off our first Sign & Go event," says Walker. "She happily offered to donate not one, but two, special story sessions!"
"Co-hosting with April was so much fun. What could be better than back-to-back nights of magical Mrs. K time?"
First up was Teddy Bears and Lullabies, where guests enjoyed snacks in keeping with the evening's theme, including sweet dream punch.
Wishes and Fishes followed the next night, and everyone was encouraged to wear their green and blue pajamas and snuggle up for some great bedtime stories.
"Each night the parties kicked off with the children decorating their own pillowcases," says Walker.
"Then Mrs. K led a 30-minute story time that catered to the evening's theme. The kids were in awe of the fun stories."
"Mrs. K even offered each family a personalized book at the end of each night!"
Proceeds benefited the LHAECPTA and no doubt earned Launa's Little Library a few more dedicated patrons.
For more information about the Early Childhood PTA, visit the group's website
here.
And be sure to mark your calendars for this Friday, July 16th, when the Mrs. K will host her annual Teddy Bear Picnic at
Highlands Christian Church.
The PTA would surely love to see a few new faces there. The fun gets started at 11:30 a.m.
The coffee business is a good business
Jul 14 2010, 7:30 am by JJ Pair
White Rock Coffee - now open in Lakewood
Almost all of us are familiar with White Rock Coffee, located just west of Ferndale off Northwest Highway.
Fair to say it's an example of successful small business thriving in Lake Highlands.
Now the newest White Rock Coffee is located at 4216 Abrams Road.
There, at the corner of Mockingbird and Abrams, it freely stands in the Hillside Village shopping center.
On July 9th, Nancy and Bob Baker hosted a soft opening at their new location, and they were thrilled to welcome on-the-go coffee lovers to this double drive-thru store.
The original Lake Highlands WRC hosts tables upstairs and down for sipping java, nibbling scones, and clicking keyboards via free wi-fi.
The twist on this second location is the "express" concept, which according to Nancy affords busy moms with kids in the car the ability to grab treats and coffee without having to haul everyone inside.
"We understood, and still understand, how valuable the drive-thru is from birth to age 18," she says.
"We wanted to appeal to the increasing market of busy Lakewood families on their way to and from work, school, and all those extracurricular activities."
That concept extends to the business person who wants a morning cup of coffee but can’t afford the time to park and stand in line.
When construction began back in February, the Bakers were shooting for a Memorial Day opening, in conjunction with the five year
anniversary of the Lake Highlands location.
But while the building was complete and the equipment installed, city permits delayed the opening. Once the permits cleared, they decided on the July soft opening, while hammering down plans for the upcoming Grand Opening.
Baristas and bakers alike are ready.
Lake Highlands manager, Cristal Lazaro, has done some tap dancing with the scheduling for both locations, but it's all coming together.
"We’ve got a total of 24 employees, and we’ve been sending them back and forth between locations so everyone can become familiar and comfortable with the new store."
"Six of us took point at the Lakewood store, covering all the cleaning, organizing, stocking and prepping – trying to cover every contingency. That included Nancy and Bob, while Bob stuck to what he does best – roasting!"
Barista Michael Vaughn elaborates.
"Those of us who set up the new shop tested all the equipment. We wanted to make sure everything was working properly and that our product here is just as good as at the Lake Highlands store. An important goal is to assure ease and efficiency for employees working the windows. After all, it’s a double drive-thru!"
Because there’s no indoor seating, though there is a small covered patio at the front of the store, the interior of the new location boasts more work space for on-site baking.
Along with the scones, cinnamon rolls, and sweet breads that customers have come to know and love, new items include lemon pound cake, and the coffee shop namesake, White Rock Coffee coffeecake.
Picking up fresh sandwiches, salads and smoothies at either window make an on-the-go lunch convenient, quick and healthy.
The hours for the new Lakewood White Rock Coffee are Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. & Sundays 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information about the Lakewood location, call 214.792.9767 or click
here.
TX DOT changes plans for White Rock Trail
Jul 13 2010, 12:00 am by LHT Staff
TX DOT to keep White Rock Trail open
With almost every construction project, plans change.
The Northwest Highway project is no different.
LH Today has learned, like anyone else who ventured across Northwest Highway on White Rock Trial yesterday, that after reviewing several possible scenarios, TX DOT has changed its original plans.
Those plans called for a complete halt to both north and southbound traffic through the intersection of Northwest Highway and Lawther for the better part of two years.
The two year closure would have included not only automobile traffic, but also access for pedestrians and cyclists on the highly-traveled White Rock Trail.
TX DOT sited safety concerns as the main reason for the complete closure of the intersection.
However, after meeting with officials from the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation department, and the construction company handling the project, TX DOT is now considering several options which would allow White Rock Trail to remain open for business.
Boyd Wallace, the owner of Dallas Bike Works who recently expanded his business to include a
second location in Lake Highlands, was alarmed when he first heard of the closure.
"The news set us back a bit, but I’m really glad TX DOT heard what everyone had to say and has changed their plans," said Wallace. "Huge relief, really. I mean, it would be one thing if they closed for a few days here and there but for two straight years – that would have been painful."
"I appreciate their willingness to be flexible."
While plans aren’t finalized, according to Michael Hellman, parks planning manager for the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, serious consideration is being given to a covered tunnel scenario.
"The goal is to keep the trail flowing," said Hellman late yesterday. "Nothing is etched in stone yet, but we are confident we can keep the trail open."
Beginning this morning (Tuesday, July 13th) the traffic closure will commence. However, the section of White Rock Trail that crosses over Northwest Highway will remain open and unaltered for the time being.
All asphalt at the intersection will be removed, with the exception the trail's, which will remain untouched until the progress is made concerning the tunnel scenario.
When the time is right, those covered tunnels would be put in place running east and west along either side of the highway and connecting underneath the new bridge structure, which is currently in place.
While cyclists will be encouraged to dismount their bikes before entering the tunnels, the inconvenience of the short walk is nothing compared to frustration associated with long-term, full closure of the trail.
Keep in mind, however, that with every construction project, things change.
Here's hoping that these plans stick.
In the meantime, go ride a bike…and don’t forget to stop by
Dallas Bike Works while you're at it!
Back to the Garden for the month of July
Jul 12 2010, 6:00 am by Heather Rinaldi
Rinaldi shares advice in her monthly column
A wonderful benefit of growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers is the interaction it allows with children.
The gardeners at Lake Highlands Community Garden are raising a healthy horde of vegetable eaters and young nature lovers.
This month, I'd like to share some gardening tips I've have learned when dealing with the kiddos at the garden.
Check it out:
Gardening with kids is a special endeavor that requires some unique guidelines.
Time: Kids are not on the same clock as adults, who want to stay until the job is done.
So how can you prepare for a happy gardening interaction with a child?
Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
• A good guideline is 5 minutes per year of age, with some other variables.
• For a typical 6 year old, this means they could handle about 30 minutes of gardening time.
• Siblings change the equation.
• In the case of our 6 year-old, subtract 29 minutes (5 min x 6 years) - 29 minutes = 1 minute
• Friends have a more positive influence. Add 15 minutes (5 min x 6 years) + 15 = 45 minutes
• Bring a snack or let them graze in the garden; add 10 minutes
• Ask them to squish cucumber beetles; add 10 minutes
• Ask them to load mulch in the wheelbarrow; subtract 20 minutes
• For every degree over 90 degrees; subtract 5 minutes
The main idea, of course, is to allow for flexibility, which isn’t always easy when you're trying to get through your garden work list.
If you have a big, tedious job, it will be easier to ask your parenting partner to do something else with the kids that day.
Safety: There is a balance between exploration, safety and destruction.
Make sure kids understand the garden rules and are old enough to follow them.
General safety rules to consider include:
• Using lots of sunscreen
• Always wearing closed-toed shoes
• Staying out of neighbors' plots
• Placing tools in the proper place for safety
• Staying within eyesight
• Watching for things like poison ivy areas and fire ants
Fun! Here are some ideas to bring fun to the garden plot:
• Let older kids bring a camera and take pictures of interesting bugs, flowers and plants
• Designate a corner of the garden to digging, planting, watering and other kid exploration
• Keep a bucket and kid-friendly hand tools ready
• Scavenger hunt: make a list of bugs and plants that the kids can find in the garden
• Stop and smell the flowers, or watch the ladybugs, lizards, and other critters
• Take the kids to the nursery, and ask them what they would like to grow
• Assign a plant to each child to help them understand how to care for it
• Eat it as you pick it!
Weekend plans? A few ideas to consider…
Jul 09 2010, 4:00 pm by LHT Staff
TGIF, Lake Highlands!
Following the smashing success of the Exchange Club's Independence Day parade last weekend, and this week's news of development, re-development, and DHA issues, we're really looking forward to the weekend.
We've enjoyed the week long rain, or at least the plants and flowers have, and now we're ready for a little R&R.
How about you?
If you're looking for an easy way to ring in the weekend, then look no further. We've got a few ideas for you.
Shakespeare Dallas at Samuell-Grand Park
Friday, July 9th – Sunday, July 11th
We highlighted the group and their summer productions earlier this week.
Check out the full article
here.
Comedy of Errorswill be performed Friday night;
Cymbeline is on tap for Saturday & Sunday.
Gates open at 6:45 p.m. for members & 7:15 p.m. to the general public.
For weekend performances adults pay $10; seniors and students pay $7.
Members and children under 12 are always free.
The 2010 summer season runs through Saturday, July 24th.
Visit Shakespeare Dallas online
here to purchase tickets and get additional performance information.
Taste of Dallas
Friday, July 9th – Sunday, July 11th
Fair Park Esplanade & Centennial Hall
$5 admission for adults; children 12 and under are free.
Cooking demonstrations and samplings begin Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday's event begin at 11:00 a.m.; Sunday gets started at 12:00 p.m.
Parking is $10, but the DART Green Line to Fair Park is a budget-friendly alternative.
Lake Highlands' favorite, the Old 97's, are scheduled to perform Saturday night at 8:00 p.m.
White Rock Local Market
Saturday, July 10th
The Green Spot, Buckner at Northcliff Drive
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Farmers and food producers who practice natural, sustainable, organic practices offer their goods for sale every other Saturday of the month.
The second Saturday, in this case tomorrow, includes vendors offering up dog treats, handmade soaps and body products, clothing, and jewelry, too.
Saturday's market will also feature a performance by Parallel Play at 10:00 a.m.
For a complete list of market vendors, click
here.
A few more ideas
You might also want to consider the ever-popular Spray Park at our Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, or
Giggle, Giggle, Quack currently on-stage at the Dallas Children's Theater.
Read our full performance review, complete with links and show times
here.
Keep in mind, too, that site sponsor TopGolf Dallas is offering LH Today readers a FREE 30-day gift card. If you're looking for a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon, head over for some free play, courtesy of TopGolf.
Get your coupon
here.
Enjoy your weekend, LH! See you back on the homepage Monday!
Trevor Atkins commits to play lacrosse at Colgate
Jul 09 2010, 8:19 am by Steve Clary
Trevor Atkins commits to Colgate
One could argue its extremely difficult to get noticed by major colleges if you're a lacrosse player in the state of Texas, with only a handful of players earning a scholarship each year.
After finishing his junior year in high school ranked
third in the country in goals scored, LHHS senior Trevor Atkins has made it a bit easier for college coaches to find him.
Brown University, Army, Air Force and Washington & Lee were a few of the schools showing strong interest in the left-handed attacker who's a team captain for the Hillcrest Panthers.
After multiple college visits, Trevor made his choice official and has verbally committed to play lacrosse for Colgate University.
In doing so, Trevor is just the seventh Texas high school lacrosse player to have committed to a major college this year.
"It came down the rapport I had with the Colgate coach, Jim Nagle," Trevor says of his commitment. "He offered me a scholarship this spring, but I needed some time. Coach Nagle has been real patient in letting me check out all these other schools before making my decision, and I'm grateful."
Trevor, a two time All-State player for the Panthers, thought Colgate was the best fit for him for a number of reasons, among them is the fact that his sister, Avery, plays soccer for the Lady Raiders. (View youtube video of Avery
here)
"Going to Colgate and having the opportunity to be at the same school as my sister is a big deal," says Trevor. And apparently his sister agrees.
"I'm so excited that Trevor chose Colgate!"
"I've been praying that the Lord would send more Christian athletes to Colgate," says Avery. "I just didn't think His answer would come from my own family! Once again, He is faithful."
"It hasn't completely sunk in yet, but I can't wait for Trevor to get here and be apart of the Colgate community."
With their older brother, Zac, attending Sewanee University and starting at linebacker for the Tiger's football team, playing sports in college is quickly becoming an Atkins family legacy.
In case you are wondering, there is also a fourth Atkins sibling.
As previously reported
here, as an incoming 2010 freshman, Thayer Atkins is already making a name for himself in Texas wrestling circles following his gold medal performance in the 110 lbs. weight class at the recent Texas USA Championships.
No pressure, Thayer. No pressure.
As for Trevor, while he's enjoyed roaming the country visiting colleges this summer, he's also been busy continuing to build his lacrosse resume'.
In Rhode Island, Trevor was selected as an All-Star at the Brown University camp and was also named a Top 99 All-Star which is awarded through nominations from college coaches who participate in the invite only camps throughout the state of Texas.
Trevor notched his third All-Star honor of the summer at the
Denver Shootout, after one of two select teams Trevor plays for, Dallas Select Lacrosse, placed second at the high profile tournament.
Later this month, Trevor's other select team, Team Dallas, will compete in one of the premiere select tournaments in the country – The Shootout by Brine held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
For his senior year campaign, Trevor is anticipating another great year for the Hillcrest team, which graduated only three players from last season's squad.
"While we had a lot of wins last season, our early exit from the playoffs was a huge disappointment," says Trevor. "We return with seven starters from last year, including the entire defense, so the goal is a state title."
Congratulations to Trevor! Watch for more of his articles – coming soon to the LH Today sports page!
DHA changes plans for supportive housing in LH
Jul 08 2010, 5:00 pm by LHT Staff
DHA takes Woodside Condos off the table
LH Today has just learned that the Dallas Housing Authority has changed its plans for supportive housing in Lake Highlands.
Dallas City Councilman Jerry Allen confirmed the change late this afternoon.
"After many hours of discussions with the Dallas Housing Authority, they have heard the concerns of Lake Highlands citizens," said Allen.
"DHA has agreed to take Woodside off the table."
Original plans called for 70 previously-qualified candidates from DHA's permanent supportive housing program to be placed in Lake Highlands.
Of the 70, 20 individuals classified as non-violent, previously incarcerated felons were to be placed at Woodside Condominiums, located at 9302 Forest Lane.
The additional 50 participants in the program will be placed at the nearby Trinity Palms apartments.
Initial reports indicated this group of individuals would consist of up of 30 single mothers from battered relationships and 20 United States veterans. It is unclear at the present time if these plans will remain the same.
According to Allen, Mayor Tom Leppert is expected to assemble a tri-level commission, tasked with examining the process DHA currently uses to select locations for the permanent supportive housing plan.
"All we wanted was a seat at the table to have these discussions, and to have the voices of the citizens of Lake Highlands heard," said Allen.
"At the end of the day, taking a look at how this process really works is best for the citizens of Dallas, as well as the candidates in the PHS program."
"The mayor's tri-level commission will accomplish that goal."
"I'm grateful for DHA's willingness to listen to the concerns of the people of Lake Highlands," continued Allen.
"Furthermore, I want to point out what makes Lake Highlands so special – its people and the passion they have for this great city."
Jack White, president of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association, also commented on the news.
"The LHAIA was glad to be a part of this process, and we are pleased that the concerns of the Lake Highlands citizens have been heard," said White.
"I would especially like to thank our 30 homeowner organizations for their participation in the debate and willingness to get involved."
Stay tuned to LH Today for continued updates.
Memory fitness for mind & body
Jul 08 2010, 10:30 am by JJ Pair
BEST for Seniors targets LH health and fitness
Lost your car keys – again?
Then make plans to attend the next series of memory therapy sessions hosted by Whiterock Court.
The program, known as Recallections, is a six-week session designed to slow the decline of memory, currently offered at the local independent living facility nestled along wooded White Rock Trail.
As an added bonus, the sessions aren’t just for the residents of Whiterock Court. They are free to all members of the community.
Recallections was initiated in 2009, and is part of a larger fitness and health program known as BEST for Seniors, the creation of Ron Stein, an enthusiastic certified personal trainer with a very healthy sense of humor.
Right from the beginning, Whiterock Court management team member, Anita Hansen, knew it would be a hit with the residents.
"We are thrilled to cover the cost of the program, not only for our residents, but for any community members who would like to experience it. It’s a terrific program!"
The goal of Recallections is to slow, or even halt, the decline of memory, and while the program caters to seniors, any age group can certainly benefit.
Many of the 89 residents of Whiterock Court can attest to that. For 30 minutes each week, Stein leads participants through a series of mental exercises aimed at forging links between short-term memory and other areas of the brain. What follows are physical exercises designed to improve strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and flexibility – all important for fall injury prevention.
The umbrella program, BEST for Seniors, encompasses equilibrium and stability training with a focus on exercise, wellness, and fall prevention, which is a serious problem for senior citizens.
"In 2004, I started researching the incidence of seniors falling, and the numbers were alarming," explains Stein.
"I found that one of every three people over the age of 65 fall annually, and four million of them become permanently disabled as a result. So I developed a series of mental exercises and cognitive drills to help in the prevention of falls."
"The program is a combination of mind and body exercises, including all the cognitive aspects and components."
The physical exercise portion of Stein's program adds a tremendous sense of empowerment to participants, as they begin realizing they can indeed regain their skills and capabilities.
The combination of memory and physical exercise drills are stimulating and fun, and Recallections has become a crowd-pleaser among Whiterock Court residents, as well as a number of Lake Highlands neighbors.
Sally Allen-Smith, client services coordinator for Best For Seniors, is highly impressed with Stein’s methodology. "Ron is not one to toot his own horn," she says, "but this program he’s created is really fabulous."
"For anyone frustrated with their short term memory loss, Ron offers the tools people need to get them through the day, helping them remember things." One of those exercises incorporates music. As an accomplished pianist, Stein often plays for his students.
"We can remember information more successfully if we organize it into patterns by using tempo and rhyme," he explains. "Not only is it an excellent memorization tool, the residents love it and have a lot of fun."
Stein cites that people are most likely to retain information if they put it into the context of something they already know. Additionally, a big part of why people (of all ages) have trouble remembering is due to the fact that they’re not really paying attention. Why?
According to Stein, we've all become accustomed to the "information blur." Translation: television and the Internet!
With that in mind, during a recent session, he challenged his students to turn off their TV’s and computers for two weeks to see if their short term memory would improve. Following the audible gasp in the room, Stein assured his students it would make a huge difference in their short-term memory.
Stein final word of advice to his students were encouraging. "You all are just as smart as you’ve always been," he said. "Even if you forgot what you had for breakfast!"
"Short-term memory loss doesn't entail any loss of your intelligence, and it can be improved through a combination of mental and physical exercises!"
And when a student asked him to repeat what he’d said, his humorous response delighted his audience.
"I would, but I don’t remember what you asked!"
For more information about Recallections at Whiterock Court, call 214.503.7223 or visit the
Whiterock Court and
BEST for Seniors websites.
The next session is scheduled to begin August 7th.
Home Corner: Easy color tips for decorating
Jul 08 2010, 10:00 am by Dee Blakey
Color and pattern in your home
Dee Blakey, Lake Highlands resident and volunteer, is also the owner of Re-Sell It!, the local consignment store located in Northlake Center.
As a dealer in home furnishings, decor and estate items, she's got a few tips to offer our readers.
What are the best ways to use color and patterns in your home environment?
Dee has some easy tips to consider when you're looking to update, change or just add a little splash to your rooms.
Solids can be stylish, but patterns add pizazz.
For visual interest in your room, pair checks with stripes, plaids with dots, and florals with geometric patterns.
Any way you mix it, the result should add up to more than the sum of its parts.
Using different shades of color – such as various shades of blue – is an easy way to pull a room together.
To prevent monotony, vary the textures and use a different color in a pillow, throw or vase.
Next, work to follow the "Rule of 3." When you pick a color, use it at least three times in your room.
When you're spreading color around a room, think about proportion. If you're using three colors, try a 70/20/10 distribution, with the highest percentage going to the lightest color. For two colors, try a 70/30 split.
Try breaking up a room of matchy-matchy wood furniture with one painted piece. It doesn't have to be a bold color – think about combining natural wood with black.
Of course everyone thinks of walls when they think of color.
But using color in accessories – rugs, pillows, art – makes an amazing impression without going crazy on the walls.
Be sure to bring in fresh flowers, too. Floral arrangements offer color without commitment.
Art and fabric are great building blocks for a palette. Look closely at the item, then pull out the background colors to use as room accents.
If you pull the dominant color, it can actually be too much of a good thing.
A few resources you can visit, for more details and ideas, include Jaima Brown's blog,
Decorating with Pattern and
TLC's Decorating & Design page.
Be sure to drop by the store the next time you're out, too.
ReSell It! offers home furnishings on consignment, and we provide on-site estate sale services, as well.
Visit the store online
here.
Perfect summer for a little Shakespeare
Jul 07 2010, 11:00 am by M.E. Clary
Shakespeare Dallas productions delight & amuse
It's another hit summer season for Shakespeare Dallas.
Since opening night on June 16th, the 2010 productions
Cymbeline and
Comedy of Errors, have entertained thousands.
Are you one of them? If not, you should be.
In the interest of fairness, I should admit right up front that I'm a huge fan of the Bard.
My shameless plug for Shakespeare Dallas has a lot to do with a history that began with Shakespeare in the Park back in the early 90's.
As a sophomore at the University of Texas, that summer was my first encounter with SD and Samuell-Grand Park.
I've been a member, a volunteer and a supporter ever since.
Funny thing is, there are a lot of Lake Highlands connections to this great group. We introduced readers to Raphael Parry, Executive and Artistic Director for Shakespeare Dallas, in an
article last year.
We also detailed SD's
big announcement in March, when the arts group successfully concluded its six-year debt relief campaign. No small task in this economy.
Past board chairman, Chris Wells, is a long-time Lake Highlands resident, as is the incoming 2010-'11 chairman, David Ellis.
Wells detailed last summer's productions for our readers in June of '09, and Raphael Parry has some great things to say about this summer's current shows.
"The 2010 productions are a fantastic representation of the wide spectrum of Shakespeare."
"Cymbeline is a traditional, romantic fairytale. Comedy of Errors is a slapstick comedy."
"The Bard's appeal is wide, and we've got something for everyone this summer," he says.
I've personally seen both the shows, and I couldn't agree more.
If you don't want to take my word for it, take the recommendation of theater critic, Lawson Taitte, of the
Dallas Morning News.
Taitte calls
Comedy of Errors "twice the fun," based in part on the mistaken identities and slapstick comedy that involves the story's two sets of twins. You can read his full review
here.
The rainy days have hurt attendance the last couple of weeks, so as the skies clear, Shakespeare Dallas is hoping the crowds will return.
"We can't control Mother Nature," says David Ellis. "But we can put on a fantastic show, which our team is hard at work doing."
A little soggy or not, I'll be heading to the park this weekend. I sure hope you'll consider joining me – you won't be disappointed.
Comedy of Errors runs through July 23rd;
Cymbeline through July 24th.
Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre is located at 1500 Tenison Parkway in East Dallas.
Fridays & Saturdays adults pay $10; seniors and students pay $7.
Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday productions are free, but a $10 donation is requested.
Children 12 and under and members are always free.
For more details, or to purchase tickets, visit the Shakespeare Dallas website
here.
All photos courtesy of Shakespeare Dallas.
‘Cats 7-on-7 football wraps up summer league play
Jul 06 2010, 9:49 am by Steve Clary
'Cats wrap 7-on-7 & prepare for the '10 season
The Lake Highlands Wildcats wrapped up summer 7-on-7 league play last Thursday night at Plano West High School.
Unfortunately, the 'Cats didn't fair well in their last three games, going 0-3 against Plano West, Plano East and Sachse.
While UIL rules prevents the Wildcat football coaches from participating in coaching during 7-on-7 play, they do pay attention to how the players are developing.
"The format of 7-on-7 play gives the kids a great opportunity to stay in shape and continue their mental development of the game, as well," says Wildcats Head Coach, Scott Smith.
"It's really not about wins and losses. None of these wins or losses mean anything in the fall."
"The biggest fear most of the coaches have regarding 7-on-7 is injury," explains Smith. "This year, we've managed to come out of the 7-on-7 series healthy, and I think the kids got a lot more comfortable with each other."
In the case of the 2010 Wildcat football team, one position that everyone is watching is quarterback.
Senior Brian Dupree and a pair of sophomores – Trent Jones and Michael Ketchmark – will compete for the starting job during August camp.
"Getting all three of our quarterbacks as many reps as possible during 7-on-7 was important," says Smith.
With the graduation of Ricky Zorn, who started at QB for the 'Cats the last two seasons, the starting job is still anyone's to earn.
All three of the candidates bring certain attributes to the table but, as of yet, none have separated themselves as the starter.
Players who stood out during 7-on-7 play included senior defensive back Quitin Rivers, senior running back Desmond Roland, junior Devonte Sunwengham and linebacker Roderick Mackey.
With the summer series now complete, player focus turns to strength and conditioning via the Wildcat Athlete Course (WAC) program.
For the month of June and three weeks in July, all players participating in the WAC go through a regimen of strength and conditioning courses four days a week.
The final week of July and the first week of August provide everyone an opportunity to catch their breath before two-a-days begin on August 9th.
A few dates to keep in mind during the month of August:
Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m.
Snacks & Facts for all the Wildcat Moms
Football 101 at LHHS
Saturday, August 14th at 12:00 p.m.
Picture Day
Tuesday, August 20th; time TBD
'Cats scrimmage vs. South Garland at the Boneyard
School starts on August 23rd with the 'Cats first game of the season scheduled for Friday, August 27th.
The 'Cats begin their season against Mesquite High School at Hanby Stadium in Mesquite. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Be sure to check the Lake Highlands Sports Calendar for all your Wildcat sports schedules!
GO 'CATS!
Another successful celebration – LH style
Jul 06 2010, 5:00 am by LHT Staff
A few things were new this year, like the 1st annual hot dog eating contest.
But some things never change.
Red, white, and blue are colors always in style in Lake Highlands.
Thanks to our local Exchange Club, wearing them in honor of July 4th has never been so much fun.
Thousands of neighbors, families and even furry friends, were out in force this Saturday, enjoying what has become the hugely successful Lake Highlands Independence Day Parade.
Adam Meierhofer, Director of Americanism and Citizenship for the Exchange Club, reports the event set new records last Saturday.
"We eclipsed last year's estimated totals, which was no small feat."
"Over 3,000 people attended the parade and carnival this year," says Meierhofer. "We saw more floats, more booths, and more people."
"It's so great to see all the faces in the community come out and enjoy the parade. It's really what Lake Highlands is all about."
Local resident Helen Bowles captured the energy and enjoyment of Saturday's events in her video, which she graciously offered to share with our readers.
One look and you'll be sending the link to friends and family. Odds are you'll see more than one familiar face in her production.
Whether the Boy Scouts, our favorite spirit leaders - the Highlandettes and LH cheerleaders - or the dozens of families and businesses who worked hard to build their parade floats, the whole day was a successful tribute to our community, the members of our military and our nation.
Taking first place honors in the float contest was the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA. Watch for their ocean inspired creation in Helen's video!
"Of course the Exchange Club is proud to put it on," says Meierhofer. "It's a true team effort. None of it would be possible without the volunteers and our sponsors, especially Ebby Halliday, Wal Mart and the Dallas County Republican Party."
"It's our local supporters, in addition to so many of our small businesses, who make it all happen."
Be sure to check out the
LH Today Photo Gallery, for lots of additional pictures from the day's events.
Thanks to everyone for submitting such great photos of both the parade and carnival.
We're already looking forward to next year!
Special thanks to Helen Bowles for capturing the spirit of the day and sharing her video with us.
Deal of the Week: TopGolf Dallas
Jul 06 2010, 12:00 am by LHT Staff
30-day game card - FREE for LH Today readers
Exclusively for our LH Today readers, TopGolf Dallas is offering a great Deal of the Week.
How does a FREE 30-day game card sound?
No catches, no fine print (other than one per person, which we think is fair.)
Just click
here to download and print this amazing offer.
Whether you're looking to beat the July heat – they have misting fans – or work on your swing, you're in luck.
While you're there, you can also check out the miniature golf courses, batting cages, and the Texas Grill, where menu items are available all day. Patrons can order while playing or enjoy a meal at the bar or patio.
TopGolf also hosts Ladies Night events on Thursdays, throughout the month of July.
Lady golfers enjoy one free game and half-off featured signature cocktails and bottles of house wine.
Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournaments are also on tap for Tuesday evenings this month.
Head over at 7:00 p.m. for a single session, where the winner walks away with a $50 cash prize.
The Monday Night League is also making its return on Monday, July 12th.
For more details about the league, including drink specials, free pizza and prizes, click
here.
There's something for everyone to enjoy at TopGolf – especially LH Today readers!
So what are you waiting for? Get your free
30-day game card today!
Community garden earns its non-profit status
Jul 06 2010, 12:00 am by JJ Pair
Tax exempt donations now accepted!
Great news! The IRS has recently decreed the Lake Highlands Community Garden to be a public charity.
If you're looking for specifics, the IRS documentation officially reads, "Upon review of your application for tax exempt status, we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code."
Let the garden grow!
It's good news for Van Lane, treasurer for the LHCG board of directors, who informed fellow gardeners last week.
Lane reported the specifics of the filing process to LH Today on July 5th, while working in his own plot at the garden.
"It began when fellow gardener Tom Harris, who also happens to be an attorney, filed the Articles of Incorporation with the state back in June of 2009."
"After that, the board of directors was established, and over a period of several months additional policies were put in place."
Lane, an accountant by trade, then used $700 from the garden account and filed an application with the IRS. On June 24th, that application was approved.
The official name of the first city-sponsored community garden in Dallas is Dallas Is Gardening, Inc., which is appropriately shortened to DIG.
This new non-profit status allows for the garden to become involved in additional endeavors, like education.
"We chose DIG so that we could get involved in other things," says Lane, "like helping more gardens get started."
Lake Highlands Community Garden remains the group's assumed name, as it's been commonly referred to since the garden's inception in April of 2008.
Also important to remember?
Now as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the garden can begin accepting direct donations, much like giving money to a church.
"I think it’s good for people to know that if they give the money to the Community Garden, they get a tax deduction for it," says Lane.
"Now that our application is approved, the garden is ready and able to receive donations!"
"Additionally, our volunteers can now investigate - and apply to - foundations and private enterprises that offer grants."
Lane is pleased the process is complete.
"Perhaps some organizations will think differently about us, and we can build on our success, helping the garden continue to be one of the highlights of Lake Highlands."
For more information about DIG, Inc., aka the Lake Highlands Community Garden, to get on the waiting list for a plot, or to make a contribution, please visit
http://www.lhgarden.org.
Happy Independence Day, Lake Highlands
Jul 03 2010, 7:30 am by LHT Staff
Celebrations to consider for Independence Day
The holiday weekend is officially upon us. Don't let the rain get you down.
Get your red, white and blue ready, and head on out to celebrate.
We have to give top-tier props to our favorite local event, of course – the Exchange Club's annual Independence Day Parade.
But there are a few other weekend festivities to consider, too.
Based on the list we've compiled, odds are good you'll be able to enjoy more than just one.
Exchange Club of Lake Highlands presents the LH Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 3rd
9:00 a.m.
Church Road, between Northlake Elementary & LHHS
8:00 a.m. Float judging at the north side Northlake Elementary
8:30 a.m. Bikes, trikes, wagons and pets judging at North Highlands Bible Church
9:00 a.m. Parade begins
9:45 a.m. Awards and entertainment at LH North Recreation Center
Cash prizes for float entries will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as the wildest float.
Make plans to wear red, white and blue and cheer for the USA and Lake Highlands. Groups are encouraged to participate and to register their entry by emailing
with your contact information and details.
Kaboom Town
Addison's 25th Anniversary of their annual Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 3rd
5:00 p.m. - midnight
Addison Circle Park
Food, live music, family activities and fireworks
Stay after the fireworks for a 10:00 p.m. Cinema in the Circle showing of
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Event details can be viewed
here.
Star-Spangled Spectacular
Dallas Wind Symphony performs at the Meyerson Symphony Center downtown
Sunday, July 4th
1:00 p.m. indoor symphony performance
Guest conductor Lt. Colonel John Clanton of the U.S. Army Band will lead the DWS annual salute to America.
Fun on the 4th, including hot dogs, ice cream and Uncle Sam.
For ticket prices and details click
here.
Fair Park Fourth ... on the Fifth!
Fair Park's Independence Day celebration was initially canceled to due difficulty funding the event privately, combined with cutbacks in the city's budget.
Things change, however, and the event is now back on – now scheduled for Monday, July 5th.
6:00 p.m. Concessions and games open, along with the Esplanade Fountain show
8:45 p.m. Dallas Wind Symphony performs
9:30 p.m. Fireworks show begins
Parking is $10 or take a ride on the new DART Green Line and save yourself the traffic hassle!
Click
here for complete details.
Keep it safe, Lake Highlands
The
National Council on Fireworks Safety says injuries sustained on our nation's birthday are down, but make no mistake – fireworks celebrations can be dangerous, especially the home grown variety.
The group reports that illegal explosives and improperly handled fireworks are among the top causes of fireworks-related injuries and deaths.
And, unfortunately, children make up the largest percentage of the victims.
So to keep everyone safe this weekend, be sure you only purchase fireworks from licensed vendors. Look for fireworks that have printed safety warnings on their packaging and list the country of origin.
The council has also published the following list of precautions:
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, don't use them.
• Always have water handy, whether via a hose or bucket.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter or combine them.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
• Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter.
• The shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks: They are dangerous!
• Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Our thanks to Mark Davis for the cool fireworks photo!
Toys are taking over the house!
Jul 02 2010, 1:00 pm by Darlene Wolf Moore
Darlene Wolf Moore, LHT guest columnist
Toy Story 3 opened in theaters a few weeks ago.
It's the heartwarming story (moms, take some tissues!) of what to do with toys that aren’t played with anymore because the children in the family have outgrown them.
Does this issue sound familiar? Managing toys is a familiar organizational challenge in homes with children.
I recently helped a mother with three boys purge unwanted and unused toys and video game accessories.
We went on to establish organizational techniques to manage what was left.
Here are some of the solutions we put to work in her house. They just might work for you, too!
Play Space
To keep toys organized, designate a play space(s) and encourage your children to keep toys within that boundary.
If your home is large enough, a specific playroom with lots of room on the floor works best. If not, be sure there's a place to actually spread out and play with toys in each child’s room.
Allocate a section of the family room for toys, movies and video game accessories. Many stores such as Target, Pottery Barn, and Ikea have storage units, baskets, bins and shelving that look attractive enough for a family room and have ample space to stow children’s items, as well.
Getting It Under Control
Sort everything into piles of similar things.
Traditional categories include: Legos, puzzles, action figures, books, electronics, toddler toys, costumes, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, games, dolls, building sets, school supplies, musical items, cars and trucks, stuffed animals, outside toys, and CD’s and movies.
Fine tune these categories depending on the age of your children. As you sort, throw away all broken items, puzzles and games with missing pieces, dried out markers, toys with missing parts, etc.
Time to Purge
It's very important to let your children participate in the decision making process as you decide which toys are unused, no longer age appropriate, collectible or have special meaning.
Your kid will appreciate this consideration, and it will help eliminate any surprises and hurt feelings later. Don’t be afraid to act decisively. Are they really playing with all those toys?
Store toys that one child has outgrown, but might eventually be age appropriate for younger ones. Consider whether or not these items will be obsolete in a few years.
Pay it Forward
Donate toys you don’t intend to keep to local schools, shelters, charities or friends with age appropriate children. Garage sales are an option if you have a large amount of items to sell. There are also toy swapping services available through the Internet. You and your child will feel good knowing that other kids, possibly those less fortunate, are enjoying your former toys.
Storage Solutions
Designate containers that are large enough to hold all the items in a specific category, plus a little more. Use common sense when deciding where to locate toys. Placing building sets on a high shelf in a room with no floor/building space is not conducive to hours of playtime with that toy.
Much of the work involved with this process will be based on your child’s primary interests and your family’s personal space. Make sure that a toy’s home is convenient and accessible to your child. Be creative!
Use that Label Maker
Each container should be clearly labeled (try a label maker with a large font size.) Not only does this make locating the item and cleaning up easier, it's also a wonderful tool for helping younger children learn to read!
Guide Your Picasso
I always recommend that art and craft materials be kept in a specific place in the kitchen. It's definitely a good idea to supervise your children as they paint, color, cut, glue and glitter.
Little Ones Library
Books for younger children should be placed in the family room on an accessible shelf and sorted by category. Books for older children should be arranged alphabetically. Locate books where they'll have the most exposure.
Once you've implemented these practices, familiarize every member of your family with the new organizational systems you've established. Take them on a "walk through" so that they can participate in learning the new locations and keeping toys organized.
Summer is the perfect time to complete this mission since your children are more readily available to participate.
Once accomplished, your kids will appreciate having specific places for their belongings and knowing that all the components are located in one place.
Your reward is knowing that you reduced clutter, regained precious space, created a better environment for playtime. All while giving Woody, Buzz and your children’s other old toys a chance to be played with again!
If you have questions about Darlene's professional services or a need in your own home, you can reach her by email at
or by phone at 214.914.7943.
You can also visit the Moore Organized website by clicking
here.
Are the DHA plans on hold?
Jul 01 2010, 5:15 pm by Steve Clary
Councilman Allen addresses constituents
It hasn’t been two weeks since the Dallas Housing Authority announced plans for permanent supportive housing in Lake Highlands.
In that time residents of the LH community issued nothing short of a call to arms, and their message has been heard loud and clear at City Hall.
Based on the outcry, District 10 City Councilman Jerry Allen and Mayor Tom Leppert made a joint announcement this afternoon, stating their official request to DHA and the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance to put plans on hold for a month.
In part, the message from Councilman Allen, which was delivered this afternoon, said:
"I have received many emails regarding the Dallas Housing Authority plan to put two permanent supportive housing communities in our neighborhoods. Many question whether Forest Lane is the right place for these communities. Some express concern that crime could go up.
Please know -your voices are being heard.
Permanent supportive housing is a very complex issue that requires thorough and thoughtful discussion. The Mayor and I have had conversations regarding this issue and as a result of these conversations the Mayor and I are asking the Dallas Housing Authority along with the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance to set aside the month of July for an open, frank and thoughtful discussion with neighborhoods being affected.
If DHA and MDHA agree, then I will ask the Board of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association to put together a Blue Ribbon committee made up of the leadership of the affected neighborhoods to open up the communication process."
Expressing confidence in his Lake Highlands constituents, Councilman Allen mentions the calling of a Town Hall Meeting once a "timely, constructive communication process between all stakeholders resulting in a
Good Neighbor Agreement" is adopted by the parties involved.
LH Today reached out to Councilman Allen late this afternoon, who offered a few additional comments on the matter.
"This is consistent with the goals from day one," said Allen.
"We want an opportunity to be in the discussions, to sit down and work through issues. We must make sure we work diligently to figure out what’s best for everyone involved."
"Bottom line is that the concerns of the community have been heard, and taking the month of July to work through some of the challenges of the program is a great thing."
"This will give us time to zero in on the critical questions and work to find solutions. Hopefully DHA and MDHA see it that way, as well."
Jack White, president of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association also offered comments relative to LHAIA’s support of the process.
"The LHAIA’s mission is to help develop and implement action plans to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community," said White.
"As such, the entire board of the LHAIA is honored to have been asked to be involved in this process."
"As soon as we get word that DHA and MDHA have agreed to this process, we will immediately begin working on the selection of a committee and get a meeting schedule in place for July."
It has been suggested that the committee will likely consist of apartment managers, representatives from MDHA, DHA and all its vendors, in addition to the all important community representatives who will likely come from the areas most affected by DHA plans – the Woodbridge subdivision and its contiguous neighborhoods.
Stay tuned to LH Today for additional developments.
Kingsley Square hits the market
Jul 01 2010, 6:30 am by Steve Clary
The next Lake Highlands sale
In 2006, Charter Holdings spent millions of dollars redeveloping the Kingsley Square shopping center.
They now appear to be set to cash in on their investment.
LH Today has learned that the property, located at the northwest corner of Skillman and Walnut Hill, is officially going up for sale today.
Charter Holdings, owned by Dallasite Ray Washburne, has a portfolio of assets spread out over three states, consisting mainly of retail, office space and industrial properties.
Last year, the
Dallas Morning News reported that Washburne paid $170 million for Highland Park Village and owned a combined three million square feet of property.
At $680 per square foot, the Highland Park Village purchase qualified as one of the highest priced commercial transactions on a square foot basis the country has ever seen.
With regards Kingsley Square, Washburne's willingness to bring investment dollars to the LH community has encouraged visions of what could happen all along the Skillman Corridor TIF.
Look no further than the shopping center's full parking lot nearly every night of the week as evidence that the multi-million dollar remodel has been well received by both LH residents and businesses.
Commercial real estate brokerage firm, Cushman & Wakefield, is representing the seller, with Lake Highlands resident and senior director Brandon Beeson on point.
"Over the past several years, the current ownership of Kingsley Square has done a great job of re-engineering the retail space and attracting quality, name-brand national companies," says Beeson.
Beeson believes the property will attract a lot of attention from potential buyers, and it doesn't take much imagination to see why the property should fetch top dollar.
Located in the heart of the Skillman corridor, Kingsley Square is also directly across the intersection from the Lake Highlands Town Center project.
As for tenants, the fully occupied property boasts two national name brand companies in LA Fitness and CVS, along with the popular local restaurants, Mi Cocina and Picasso's.
"Moving our restaurant to Kingsley Square was the best business decision I've ever made," says Picasso's owner, Andrew Albert.
Based on the restaurant's popularity, it's obvious many in Lake Highlands agree.
When we inquired about the sales price of the property, Beeson indicated there's no official price listed.
"While no sales price is listed, one could easily see how an outstanding property like this could fetch an attractive price for the seller," he says.
Interested buyers can take a look at the sales brochure
here.
Stay tuned to LH Today for updates.
Guest speaker charms at C.C. Young
Jul 01 2010, 6:00 am by JJ Pair
Jennifer Griffin with her mother, Marilyn Whipple
C.C. Young’s Center for Arts and Education, known as The Point, recently headlined a special guest speaker.
June 23rd found Jennifer Griffin, founder of P.L.A.Y. (Positive Living for Active Youth) headlining at The Point's ongoing series known as Body, Mind & Spirit.
Griffin spent the evening with a crowd of about 150 people, both residents and guests, charming the audience with her lecture, "No Limb-its: Stories of Spirit, Humor and Love."
Griffin founded P.L.A.Y. after recovering from the loss of her limbs - both her hands and both her legs below the knees. Daunting, no doubt, and most worthy of a speaking engagement sharing her triumphs and tribulations.
What makes Jennifer and P.L.A.Y. so special is their raison d'être: to empower America’s amputee youth by awarding specialized grants that focus on athletics, education and the arts. A far more ambitious goal than just the telling of life experience.
Jennifer’s difficult and unique journey began in March of 2007 with what she thought was a stomach infection. It turns out the infection was sepsis, a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria. The sepsis raged through her body, causing all her organs to shut down and sending her into a coma. Consequently, no blood was able to reach her extremities.
Even after undergoing numerous surgeries, by the end of April, Jennifer’s team of Medical City physicians realized that amputation was the only way for her to survive. She left the hospital a quad-amputee just prior to her 35th birthday.
However, her spirit was whole, as was her drive and tenacity.
With strong family support, including her mother and other family members routinely making the drive to Dallas from their homes in Kansas City to help, Jennifer expedited her recovery time from several months to only 2 ½ weeks.
And with strong community support, in the form of H. Ross Perot, Jennifer received her first set of prosthetics.
According to Sharon Holman, who’s been with Perot since 1969 and handles special projects for him, Jennifer’s story traveled through channels from the legal department where she had previously worked to Holman’s ear.
"Mr. Perot is very involved with military personnel who have lost limbs," says Holman. "When I sent him the information about Jennifer, he said, ‘Get me her phone number!’"
"He was so excited to become involved with Jennifer - he was really charmed by her. Next thing I knew, Mr. Perot was in my office, telling me he just up and visited with Jennifer and her mother Marilyn. He said, ‘Let’s help this girl.’"
"From there we were on a plane to St. Louis to visit with the top prosthetics doctor."
Not only did that generosity impel Jennifer to push herself to recover, get out of the hospital, and get home to her family, it inspired her to create P.L.A.Y, just a little over a year after such a life changing event.
It was a very determined woman who spoke of her experience during last week's speech, with a no-holds-barred passion, and sometimes tearing up. But the tears, while sincere, were short lived. Her focus was consistent and her audience was rapt.
"Once I started rehab, I began to really feel back in control of my life," says Jennifer. "I had a spiritual revelation."
"I realized that sometimes obstacles may change your dreams, but then those dreams become bigger than yourself. Someone else had a dream for me, and it’s taken on a life of its own. This has been such a journey!"
LHHS students make the trip to our nation’s capital
Jun 30 2010, 8:00 am by LHT Staff
LHHS students & Congressman Pete Sessions
Lake Highlands was well represented as students recently traveled to Washington, DC to participate in Congressman Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program.
Participants in the first June session included Ryan Abbey, Luke Coughlin, Kyle Forbes, Kristen Gavigan, David Green, Roman Milan, Sarah Phillips, Jessica Ritter, Travis Sowards, Ben Wolf, Peter Madrala and Drew Mills.
The second June session included Trent Briscoe, Rhett Bruck, Ryan Mellinger, and Emily and John Westerheide.
"We learned a lot and got to see parts of DC that the general public doesn't usually have a chance to see," said LHHS senior, David Green.
"The Capitol dome tour was especially cool. We were so high up in the dome, we could have literally touched the painting at the top."
"We learned a lot in the program, but I really valued meeting the other kids who traveled to DC for the program," Green said.
"It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and network with them."
Congressman Sessions, who represents the 32nd Congressional District, directs the Leadership and Growth Program in Washington, DC every summer during the months of June and July.
Students at the high school level participate and are given the unique opportunity for a comprehensive experience of our nation’s capital.
"My summer program is about engaging young minds for readiness to consider, challenge, and thoughtfully articulate the public policy debates facing our government as they develop their leadership skills for service in the future," said Congressman Sessions.
"Students have an opportunity to see Washington firsthand by observing House Committee hearings, attending program forums with government officials and Washington leaders, and touring different historical sites, memorials and monuments around the city."
Events from the program session include educational tours of the Pentagon, the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, and the Newseum.
Students engaged in a wide range of activities, from visiting the Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum to researching and discussing policy issues as students.
They were also able to interact with other leaders in Washington, including Congressman Lamar Smith, Congressman Kevin Brady, Congressman Joe Barton, and former FBI Director Judge William S. Sessions.
"I value the opportunity to welcome students from Lake Highlands each year and to discover the perspectives and aspirations of young citizens in my district," said Sessions.
"I'm always amazed by their brightness and discernment, and I was pleased to have these students participate in my program."
There are two sessions remaining in the program this summer, which means nine more LHHS students are set to make the trip to DC.
During July, Lake Highlands will be represented in the program by Celeste Allison, Lindsay Johnson, Kevin Kleppe, Elizabeth Meaders, Connor Neale, Spencer Page, Ashley Salyer, Luke Smith, and Timothy Tran.
Students who are interested in participating in the Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program may contact the Congressman’s Washington, DC office at 202.225.2231 or email Program Manager, Torrie Miller at
Special thanks to Ms. Miller for her assistance with this article.
Supporting Thriving Minds & the Bath House
Jun 30 2010, 7:30 am by LHT Staff
Bidding to support kids & the Bath House
The Thriving Minds Summer Camp is wrapping up this week at the Bath House Cultural Center.
What's in store to celebrate the conclusion of the camp session?
How about an open reception, exhibition and auction of student artwork - and you're invited!
This Thursday, July 1st the public is welcome to view campers' art and participate in both the live and silent auctions, which are part of SLANT 45, Service Learning Adventures in North Texas.
The SLANT 45 project is idea that was first envisioned by former Dallas Cowboy Daryl Johnston to promote student involvement in community service.
Kicked off in February of this year, the program's goal is to become the largest service-learning project involving students in U.S. history.
The aim is to reach out to 20,000 students, primarily those in 3rd - 5th grades in a four-county area (Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant) for 45,000 hours of service-learning.
Student-designed programs range from graffiti removal, recycling, and community clean-up to service at local retirement communities and many other approaches bounded only by students' imaginations and sensitivity to human needs.
Students with the Thriving Minds Summer Camp chose the Bath House as the beneficiary of their Slant 45 project.
"We appreciate the thoughtfulness of these young artists and their efforts to support the Bath House," said Karen Casey, president of the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center.
Thriving Minds, a partnership among Big Thought, DISD, and more than 100 community arts and cultural organizations, including the Bath House Cultural Center, promotes creative learning and the application of arts and culture to help students develop academic and life skills.
SLANT 45, which will conclude before Super Bowl XLV in February of 2011, is sponsored by the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee and Big Thought.
Proceeds from the Thursday's reception and auction will go toward supporting the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center, benefiting the Bath House.
For those interested in learning more about Big Thought, Thriving Minds and the SLANT 45 projects, visit the Big Thought website
here.
To learn more about the Bath House and all its programs, click
here.
The Bath House Cultural Center is located at 521 E. Lawther Drive at White Rock Lake.
Tomorrow's reception and auction takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public.
Our thanks to Joyce Pollard for her contributions to this article.
LHAIA hosts DHA for presidents meeting
Jun 28 2010, 11:00 am by Steve Clary
The first of the DHA meetings in LH
With nearly all the presidents of its member homeowners associations in attendance, the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association (LHAIA) hosted its quarterly presidents meeting on Monday night.
Top on the agenda?
The highly contentious debate over the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) and its plan to place 70 qualified previously-homeless persons, including 20 non-violent, formerly incarcerated individuals, at the Woodside Condominiums located at 9302 Forest Lane.
From what most people gathered at last night's meeting, here's the long and the short of it:
The DHA via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – with the backing of the federal Fair Housing Act of 1988 – has Dallas and Lake Highlands over a barrel.
This situation is a matter of federal law, specifically the Fair Housing Act, and with regards to the City of Dallas, it's federal law that is taken very seriously due to the Walker Consent Decree.
The decree, entered by the U.S. District Court in 1990 and largely the result of a federal lawsuit involving housing discrimination, resulted in a $120,000,000 judgment against the city.
District 10 Dallas City Councilman, Jerry Allen, spoke of this and other issues, as did several key players who were invited to attend Monday's meeting.
In case you missed our Q&A with Councilman Allen regarding the DHA's plans, you can read it
here.
Presenting last night, along with Allen, were representatives from several agencies:
Troy Broussard, Senior VP and COO of Dallas Housing Authority
K.C. Griffin, President, Integrity Asset Management (Palms Properties)
Kathryn Jacob, Executive Director, Housing Crisis Center (non-profit in support of the program)
Suanne Durham, Manager, City of Dallas Homeless Services/Ex-Offender Programs
Reuben Henderson, Project Re-Connect (the city's Offender Reentry Initiative)
Each member of the panel was offered the opportunity to explain exactly what their program does, with most providing compelling reasons as to why their programs are desperately needed.
Broussard explained that the DHA is currently the 11th largest housing authority in the nation.
"The city is in need of 700 units of supportive housing," said Broussard. "The quantities and locations are designated by zip codes."
According to Suanne Durham, one important component of the plan to consider is the assistance individuals placed in supportive housing will receive on a daily basis.
Non-violent ex-offenders who qualify for the program will receive two years worth of dedicated case supervision directly from the program.
"This is in addition to their regular parole officer visits," reported Durham.
After nearly an hour of listening to the details of the proposed permanent supportive housing, the HOA presidents were given an opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns.
Among those first raised were questions related to the area of Forest and Audelia, and whether apartments located near this intersection represent the best location for people looking to turn their lives around.
As one audience member remarked, "Forest and Audelia has enough problems, and dropping these people in this area of the community might not be doing the neighbors any favors, but the people trying to get back on their feet, as well."
While a lot of good questions where raised, perhaps the most compelling argument against the DHA's plan is one that involves zoning and how the city defines "Halfway Housing" in its zoning regulations.
All-State & All-Area honors come in for the ‘Cats
Jun 28 2010, 6:11 am by Steve Clary
'Cats players earn All-State/All-Area honors
With seven players already having picked up
All-District honors, post season accolades continue to roll in for the 2010 Wildcat baseball team.
Senior Byron Burns and Junior Blake Woodson added a couple of lines to their resumes recently, as the standout players earned both All-State and All-Area honors.
After a monster season, Junior Blake Woodson picked up 1st team All-State honors as a first baseman.
While his defense was solid all year, it was his hitting that opposing teams feared the most.
Heading into the 'Cats deep playoff run, Woodson was batting over .500 for the season and ended the season with a team-high 10 home runs and 54 RBI's.
Woodson also earned All-Area honors as a hitter.
Senior Byron Burns joined Woodson on both the All-Area and All-Area teams.
As a hitter, with a .464 batting average on the season, Burns was named to the All-Area team, while his defense in the field earned him the nod for 2nd team All-State honors as a shortstop.
Burns will pack his bat and glove for the trip to South Carolina this fall where he'll be playing for the College of Charleston.
You can see the entire
All-State and
All-Area teams by clicking on the links.
Congrats to the 'Cats!
The aftermath & cleanup of Dixon Branch
Jun 28 2010, 6:00 am by JJ Pair
Clean up now begins at the LH creek
When LH Today broke the story of the illegal dumping of chemicals by RISD into the storm drains at Lake Highlands Junior High, a follow up highlighting the cleanup effort was promised.
While the adverse effects of the those chemicals on the creek has yet to be conclusively determined, remediation efforts are now forthcoming.
Here's what we've been able to learn about the process.
Michael Thomas, president of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association, has continued interfacing with the City of Dallas, Storm Water Management and the Richardson Independent School District.
The Environmental Protection Agency is also now involved in the process.
Thomas reports that over the weekend, a meeting took place between representatives from Storm Water Management, RISD, the City of Dallas, the Dallas City Marshal's Office and the EPA, Region 6.
Storm Water Management senior program manager, Susan Alvarez, has been in contact with Thomas as recently as Saturday.
"On June 26th, Susan Alvarez briefed me on the meeting that took place," said Thomas.
"They reported the latest developments of the chemical dumping that originated at the junior high and traveled into Dixon Branch Creek."
According to Thomas, both the time frame of events and the approach to the cleanup of the creek were topics of discussion during Saturday's meeting.
"Ms. Alvarez was able to share with me that the EPA has requested her department obtain additional samples from both the manholes and the upstream portion of the creek."
"The EPA also asked Storm Water Management to provide a good estimate of the volume of water that has been affected."
Official comment from the school district came earlier in the week.
Tim Clark, communications representative for RISD, reported that the district's internal investigation remains ongoing.
"We are confident at this point that any instances of [the dumping] have been limited to the project at Lake Highlands Junior High, which has been suspended."
"Initial information indicates an employee poured a liquid substance containing water and used floor wax and stripper into a storm water drain instead of appropriately disposing of it via a dedicated sanitary sewer line."
Now at issue is the effort to obtain cost estimates for the remediation effort.
According to Thomas, Storm Water Management teams were on site at the creek working well past 10:00 p.m. on the evening of June 25th to accomplish directives set forth by the EPA.
His hope, along with many of his Highland Meadows neighbors, is that results will be forthcoming sometime early this week.
EPA representatives have also requested any plans or drawings that could show the location and configuration of existing concrete dams at Dixon Branch.
As previously reported, those dams are now old and failing, which contributes to the erosion of the creek, and in turn the loss of property lines of homeowners. Particularly affected are the 57 homes that border the creek.
Another meeting between Storm Water Management, the EPA, the city and RISD is expected soon to compare findings.
The exact date those findings will be made available is unknown, as are estimates for the cost of the cleanup.
"Because of the difficult accessibility from the shore to the creek, and the amount of water that has been affected by the pollutants, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says that the cost of this cleanup could be high," said Thomas.
LH Today will continue to monitor the progress of the cleanup effort. Stay tuned.
The dollars and sense of LH Plaza
Jun 25 2010, 11:00 am by Steve Clary
The tax implications of potential sales
Remember the TIF? It’s an acronym that many people have heard, and probably kicked around a bit, but the complicated nature of it can be confusing.
TIF = Tax Increment Financing (District)
Based on the potential sale of LH Plaza, we thought it might be a good time to review what the Skillman Corridor TIF (SC-TIF) is all about.
Integral to the impact of any sale of LH Plaza, it's important to consider the TIF implications when evaluating the company or organization that might purchase it.
The details can be a bit overwhelming – it has the ability to not only confuse but to make your eyes glaze over – so we're going to try and keep it real simple.
The ABC's of the SC-TIF
The Skillman Corridor TIF is a savings account on steroids.
The SC-TIF is funded by the increase in property valuations within the boundaries of the TIF district.
The SC-TIF can only distribute money when property valuations within the district increase from the baseline calculations made in 2005, when the SC-TIF was first enacted.
So, no increase in value means no money to fund the SC-TIF.
That's about as simply as anyone has ever explained it to us, so we're sticking with it.
If you’d like to read the 57 page SC-TIF plan, you're welcome to it. Simply click
here.
The key component of the SC-TIF funding is property taxes. If they decline or aren’t paid for any reason, the potential of future development is negatively impacted.
Regarding the potential sale of LH Plaza, let’s peel back the onion a bit and take a look at a couple of scenarios.
Applying the principles
For the purposes of this exercise, let’s assume a mixed-use developer and a non-profit organization are bidding against each other for the property.
Current estimated value of LH Plaza, according to Dallas Central Appraisal District, is approximately $6,000,000. This includes the 7-11 and the empty bank building (former Washington Mutual.)
LH Plaza currently generates approximately $168,000 per year in property taxes.
Of that amount, $148,000 goes to the participating entities of the SC-TIF, which are the City of Dallas, Dallas County and RISD.
The school district gets the largest percentage of the three – $84,000.
Let’s assume for a minute there's a viable mixed-use developer in the running to purchase LH Plaza – one whose plan calls for an upgrade to some of the existing retail but would also include residential development of up to 20 single family homes.
Total value of the land, once the project was complete, could total an estimated $20,000,000.
If you do the math on the increase in property taxes, the redevelopment of LH Plaza could potentially contribute somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000 in property tax revenue per year.
Most of that $350,000 would flow into the SC-TIF for new development, or redevelopment, within the SC-TIF boundaries.
RISD names new LHHS Principal
Jun 24 2010, 3:30 pm by M.E. Clary
Peggy Dillon, Lake Highlands High School principal
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!
RISD has just made the official announcement.
Lake Highlands High School has a new principal.
Making the move from Westwood Junior High School in Richardson, Peggy Dillon will assume the lead position at LHHS effective July 14th.
With a long line of service to the district, including her assistant principal role at Pearce High School, Ms. Dillon actually began her tenure with the district as a teacher at Lake Highlands Junior High.
Her return to Lake Highlands is something she's extremely excited about.
"My career in education began in Lake Highlands, and I couldn't be more excited about coming back," said Dillon just this afternoon.
"When I first came to interview with the district, I walked into Lake Highlands Junior High and before I had met or talked to anyone, I just had this feeling."
"I remembering thinking to myself, ‘this is where I need to be.’"
Dillon speaks highly of the Lake Highlands community, its rich traditions, its level of involvement. She says she's looking forward to being a part of it all.
"I can't wait to wear red and black again!"
"Lake Highlands is known for its tradition of champions. Whether its fine arts, academics or athletics, I really believe in education of the whole child, and I know Lake Highlands High School strives toward the same goal."
"I am truly committed to LHHS and to this community," said Dillon. "I am really excited about getting in there and getting to know everyone."
It's certainly been a bit of a whirlwind process, with all the pieces falling into place quickly.
Following the announcement of Walter Kelly's resignation on June 9th, RISD immediately began the process of finding his replacement.
Working together with the Campus Reflector Committee and the Screening Committee, RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner got down to business beginning just last week, Thursday, June 17th.
It says a lot about our new principal that the process moved both swiftly and smoothly.
"I am very confident that Ms. Dillon is the right choice to lead Lake Highlands High School," said Dr. Waggoner.
"We appreciate the parents, community members and staff who provided input as we worked through the selection process."
Following a highly anticipated personal vacation, Dillon's official start date in her new role is slated for July 14th, but she's already been hard at work.
"I've been setting meetings to get the ball rolling and have already spent time with Walter, visiting and getting caught up on things already in place," says Dillon.
"We can't let any time lapse. I want to get right to work!"
On behalf of Lake Highlands, Ms. Dillon, we'd like to say "Welcome home."
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!
PS - See you at the Boneyard!
Local alcohol option lands a spot on the ballot
Jun 24 2010, 7:30 am by LHT Staff
Heading into the November election
In recent months Progress Dallas collected over 200,000 signatures in their bid to get a local alcohol option on the November ballot, and yesterday they got their wish.
The group needed 68,000 verified signatures for each of their two petitions.
Late last night, City Secretary Deborah Watson declared the Progress Dallas effort had "sufficient signatures to qualify as valid."
Once the City Secretary gave her stamp of approval, a 12-1 vote by the Dallas City Council was cast in favor of the election.
While opposition to the petition and subsequent election was expected, they didn’t make their voice heard until earlier this week.
On Tuesday, June 22nd, attorney Andy Siegel wrote a
letter to City Secretary Deborah Watkins asserting that the petitions submitted by Progress Dallas fell short of the required signatures.
The letter states, among other things, "the beer and wine local option Petition is significantly and substantially short of having the legally required number of valid signatures sufficient to call for a local option election."
Siegel further references a review of the petitions conducted through an "independent validation" process, indicating that the required number of necessary valid signatures were not gathered.
Clearly the City Secretary disagreed, as did Progress Dallas spokesman, Gary Huddleston, who is also the Director of Consumer Affairs for Kroger.
"We hired the premiere consulting firm in the state to conduct this petition drive and are confident the signatures we turned into the city meet the standards set forth by the state requirements to order an election," Huddleston said.
With the stamp of approval from the City Secretary and the Dallas City Council, the November ballot will now include two initiatives giving voters the opportunity to have their say on how beer, wine and mixed drinks are sold across the city.
The first initiative will address beer and wine sales in grocery and convenient stores, while the second initiative will address how mixed-drinks are sold in state recognized restaurants, not including stand-alone bars or nightclubs.
"This will be a tough fight at City Hall, since this issue has historically divided the northern and southern sectors," explained District 10 City Councilman Jerry Allen. "Tonight, we gave the citizens the opportunity to have their say."
"Over the years, it’s been a long, hard fight and if you step back and look at how we got to this point, I don’t think it would have happened without one person in particular."
"My hat is off Dee Blakely, who lives right here in Lake Highlands," said Allen.
"She knows more about this process than anyone in the state and deserves recognition for the countless hours she's put into this issue over the years."
Look for lots of fireworks at City Hall between now and November, with this issue being contested by several council members.
Andy Siegel, on behalf of his clients who represent the opposition, is also on record as promising "to seek Court interventions" to prevent what they argue would be a "futile or unlawful local option election based on defective petitions and invalid signatures."
Let the games begin!
Giggle, Giggle, Quack delights at DCT
Jun 24 2010, 7:00 am by M.E. Clary
The barnyard's jumping in this DCT play
Farmer Brown needs a break.
Running a farm is hard work.
Maybe with school out, the temperatures rising, and the summer days growing longer, you could use a break, too?
Giggle, Giggle, Quack, which opened July 18th at the Dallas Children's Theater, just might be the ticket.
I'm a pretty big fan of DCT, and I make no effort to hide my enthusiasm for the theater.
Relocating from their original downtown location in 2003, Lake Highlands got really lucky when the theater chose to make our neighborhood their new home.
Together with donors and supporters, they invested over $8 million in the renovation of a former bowling alley off Northwest Highway and Skillman, and the rest is history.
Now ranked among the top 5 theaters in the nation performing for youth by Time Magazine, I know I'm not the only LH resident excited to call them "neighbor."
So, back to the their latest production -
Giggle, Giggle, Quack.
With Farmer Brown Tahiti-bound, the animals are going to need some tending at the barnyard.
Lucky for the farmer, city-slicker Brother Bob is up for the task, and thus begins the delightful adaptation of Doreen Cronin's popular children's book.
Building on the hugely successful
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type, the Baker Theater at DCT is nicely transformed into a down-home barnyard full of some pretty interesting characters for this sequel.
After dealing with a recent strike - when the cows announced "no milk" and hen refused to lay eggs - Farmer Brown needs a break.
With Brother Bob at the helm, the animals seize their opportunity to have their own vacation.
It's Duck (fans will remember him as the mediator and instigator from previous installments) who is leading the charge to get the animals some perks while Farmer Brown is away.
He seizes his opportunity as Farmer Brown drops a pencil from his pocket on his way out of town. What can a duck do with a pencil?
You'd be surprised!
Getting busy changing notes and directions left by the farmer, the animals are able to enjoy some good fun - including pizza for dinner, bubble baths, and a movie night!
The songs in this production are definitely the highlight of the production.
With music and lyrics by George Howe, both little and big audience members are sure to enjoy "Pizza Baby" and "Pretty Little Pig."
On the particular day I attended, "Golden Pencil" was the runaway hit of the production.
My official recommendation? I'm sure it's obvious by now.
Get yourself, and your family, over to this production. You won't be disappointed.
Giggle, Giggle, Quack runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 25th.
Target's Family Series Performance is scheduled for this Saturday, June 26th at 1:30 p.m.
Half price tickets are available for this show.
For more details, or to purchase tickets, visit the Dallas Children's Theater website
here.
Production photos courtesy of Mark Oristano.
Bidding process heats up for LH Plaza
Jun 23 2010, 11:30 am by Steve Clary
Buyers close in, including a familiar LH group
As previously reported, following a foreclosure earlier this year, Lake Highlands Plaza officially went on the market in May.
Sources are now indicating at least three potential buyers in play for the shopping center located at the southwest corner of Walnut Hill and Audelia.
It is currently speculated that the United Methodist Conference, together with the input of at least two local Methodist churches, is likely the high bidder.
While plans for the property are not confirmed, sources also indicate that potential considerations include a community outreach center or new church facility.
The other two organizations participating in the bidding process include a local mixed-use developer and a company with intentions to redevelop the shopping center as a medical facility or similarly designed medical office space.
In Kathy Stewart's opinion, as managing partner in Highlands Cafe and chairperson of the LHAIA Land Use Committee, only one of these bidders really fits the bill for what the LH community needs and deserves at Lake Highlands Plaza – and that's the mixed-use developer.
Stewart has been on the front lines of the fight to keep Lake Highlands Plaza viable for many years.
"I support a redevelopment of the property that integrates well with the existing neighborhood," she says.
"In serving with the Land Use Committee for the past 18 months, I have listened to the discussions of the professionals serving on this committee as they have evaluated the potential redevelopment of Lake Highlands Plaza."
"Again, the best use for this property is one that integrates well with the neighborhoods that surround it, specifically with current residential homes and small business retail."
In Kathy's experience it's those surrounding neighborhoods that want additional homes and personal service businesses, like the cafe, T Hee Greetings and other locally-owned shops in close proximity.
"I was pleased to learn that a buyer who can make these things happen is a contender for the property," she says.
"While I don't know the specific plans of the Methodist Conference, I question any use other than residential and retail, especially without giving the opportunity for community input."
Redevelopment Implications
The sale of this particular piece of property is being paid close attention by local business owners, politicians (both past and present) as well as a lot of dedicated community volunteers.
Their interest is largely based in the countless hours spent working towards what they argue is a common goal – redevelopment of the site which would aim to reduce the retail footprint, maintain current locally-owned businesses, and provide the opportunity for the addition of residential lots.
For the mixed-use developer participating in the bidding process, that translates into plans for single family homes.
While LH Today has not seen the developer’s plans, we have confirmed with the company's owner that those plans are very similar to the LHAIA Land Use Committee schematics discussed at length in Part 2 of the
2009 Walnut Hill/Audelia redevelopment series.
Like those schematics, the developer's plans call for the demolition of the largely vacant back buildings on the current property, which would thereby accommodate up to 20 single family residential lots on a cul-de-sac.
Also indicated was the developer's plan to engage local custom home builders in the residential component of the proposed project.
50 years difference in Lake Highlands
Jun 22 2010, 12:00 am by Mark Davis
What a difference half a decade makes. Or does it?
Fifty years ago, my dad had his picture taken in the neighbor's yard, across the street from his first house.
It's the one over his left shoulder.
The original print has a date stamp of June 1960.
Thirty years later I bought that house from him.
So this past Fathers Day weekend, I made a photo of myself standing in about the same place.
Other than the 18,250 days between exposures, can you see anything different?
At that time, the infrequency with which people made photographs naturally made them quite valuable.
Today, people take pictures all the time, but that doesn't make them any less important.
On the contrary, we now have the added responsibility of preserving the rich family history these images represent.
Our photos and videos will tell an intimate story of our lives and our time on this Earth.
Five hundred generations from now, our descendants will know what we were like, hear our voices, our laughter, and perhaps see a little bit of us in themselves.
This legacy will be a priceless gift to them.
Most likely though, they'll laugh hysterically at us, and we'll be comedic fodder for centuries to come.
Almost makes me want to just go and rip up every picture in the house.
Enjoy!
I'd also like to offer my special thanks to David Werther for helping me with this endeavor by making me stand in the 100 degree sun and "move a little this way, no wait, the other way, just a little more...now turn a little to the left, a little more..."
We first introduced readers to Mark in our People & Places feature, which you can read
here, in case you missed it.
Once again, we offer our thanks to him for his unique perspective - this time on all things family and photography.
To reach Mark, owner of Davis Studios, call 214.651.7500 or visit his website
here.
City confirms illegal dumping in LH
Jun 22 2010, 12:00 am by JJ Pair
It's an emergency for Dixon Branch & RISD
Yesterday we reported on a situation at Dixon Branch Creek.
As detailed in our early morning story
here, the creek, which runs through the Highland Meadows neighborhood, is currently bearing the brunt of what appears to be illegal dumping of hazardous waste.
Just a few short hours after that initial report, around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, those claims were substantiated by Michael Thomas, president of the Highlands Meadows Neighborhood Association, in a phone call to Lake Highlands Today.
"It’s confirmed," said Thomas.
"Over the course of the weekend, through extensive testing that included the use of cameras and special dyes, [City of Dallas] Water Utilities was able to determine that the source of the gray water in Dixon Branch was not from a sewer line.”
Unfortunately, that left little else to suspect but the dumping of hazardous waste.
"Early Monday morning the white substance continued to empty into Dixon Branch," reported Thomas.
"Thanks to some good detective work by three individuals from Water Utilities, they were able to track the white substance to its source Monday afternoon – Lake Highlands Junior High School."
City detectives
The three individuals Thomas is referring to are City of Dallas employees Donald English, Francisco Rodriguez and Manuel Lopez who spent a great deal of time actually within the storm drains.
Thomas described these men as heroes, diligently working to track down the source of the creek contamination.
Late yesterday evening, Lake Highlands Today reached out to Donald English for confirmation of Thomas' report.
English declined to comment on the record, citing the need to first submit his official report to the city, which is expected later today.
He was, however, able to confirm the events as detailed by Thomas, who arrived on the scene at the junior high shortly after being contacted by city employees.
Thomas reported being told by Water Utilities that upon arriving at Lake Highlands Junior High, they found individuals in the act of pouring chemicals into the storm drain on the eastern side of the school.
Also found in the school's dumpsters and recycle bins were dozens of empty chemical containers.
Thomas further related what Water Utilities reported to him on the scene.
"Upon being confronted, the individuals stated they were employees of the Richardson Independent School District and that they’d been working on stripping and waxing the floors at the school since May."
According to Thomas, at that point the individuals immediately locked the doors to the school and left the premises.
Chemicals at the scene
Based on evidence left in the school's dumpsters, there appear to have been two types of products in use at the school.
Testing by the city is currently underway to confirm the presence and levels of the chemicals in the creek and whether they match those found on site.
LHHS ends year as top dog in District 9-5A
Jun 21 2010, 1:23 pm by Steve Clary
LHHS athletics ends year on top of District 9-5A
The Dallas Morning News recently announced their All-Sports Awards, and for the second year in a row, the Lake Highlands Wildcats took top honors for District 9-5A.
With 93.5 points, the ‘Cats finished in first place, eight points higher than Carrollton Creekview who finished with 85.5.
The Skyline Raiders finished in third place with 73 points.
As usual, Southlake Carroll (5A) and Highland Park (4A) were given top overall honors, with 132.5 and 147.5 total points respectively.
Out of the 63 high schools represented in the All-Sports Awards, LHHS finished in a respectable 10th place.
"For the second year in a row, as an athletic program, we have a lot of dedicated coaches and student-athletes who worked to make this accomplishment possible," said Scott Smith, LHHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.
"To finish in first place in District 9-5A and Top 10 in the area says a lot about where we are as a program. It’s really a tribute to the coaches and athletes."
Out of the 18 sports used to calculate the point totals, Lake Highlands won eight district championships for the 2009 -’10 school year.
With a total of 9 points each, volleyball and wrestling contributed the most points to the All-Sports Awards standings.
Wrestling won the district title and qualified four wrestlers to the state tournament with Isaac Grider bringing home the gold. Volleyball swept the district (13-0) and reached the regional semi-finals in the state playoffs.
Boys soccer contributed eight points to the tally by winning district and then advancing to the regional quarter-finals in the state playoffs.
Bob Williams and the Wildcat tennis team added seven points with their district championship and eight regional qualifiers.
Football, Boys Cross Country, Boys Track and Boys Golf all contributed six points each.
Along with the eight district championships, with Gymnastics included (not a UIL sport so results not calculated in All-Sports Awards), Wildcat sports teams added three state championship titles (team and individual) to their trophy cases this year.
Congratulations to ALL the Wildcat sports teams on a great year!
GO 'CATS!
Illegal dumping in Dixon Branch Creek?
Jun 21 2010, 6:30 am by JJ Pair
Sights & smells at Dixon Branch mean trouble
The very hot afternoon of June 18th found Michael Thomas, president of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association, slogging around in Dixon Branch Creek.
It wasn’t because he was cooling off in the stretch of water that runs through his neighborhood on the eastern-most edge of Lake Highlands, like so many neighborhood children do.
It was to investigate the unappealing sights and smells that lead him to the creek.
The Highlands Meadows Neighborhood Association is bounded by Northwest Highway, Plano Road, Walnut Hill and Jupiter. There are two creeks that run through the neighborhood – the more prominent one being Dixon Branch, the other, McCree East Creek.
Both are part of the White Rock Lake Watershed.
Recently some of the neighbors of the almost 1,400 homes in Highlands Meadows began thinking there was a broken sewer pipe near the creek, based on the strong sewage smell in the air.
There was also the appearance of a white substance that began flowing from the storm drain just south of Walnut Hill, as well as gray water with white particles moving further south toward Northwest Highway and White Rock Lake. Neighborhood members reported it to the city on June 15th.
Just last Friday, Water Utilities crews were lined up at McCree Park investigating well into the evening, then back at it again early Saturday morning.
Their investigation included the use of underwater cameras, as well as attempts to follow and track the contamination by driving up and down the creek to find the source.
It now appears that this is not a case of a broken sewer pipe, but of illegal dumping.
Dumping in our neighborhood
Thomas is dismayed. "We are blessed to have two creeks that make their way through Highland Meadows – Dixon Branch and McCree East."
"But there have been problems, and now there’s a very immediate problem if this is illegal dumping. This is a roughly 700 foot stretch of contaminated water with a very high PH level."
"This has to be addressed as soon as possible, and since Water Utilities have determined it’s not a sewer issue, the responsibility now lies with Storm Water Management to determine the source of the contamination."
If illegal dumping has occurred, Dixon Branch Creek will need specialized help. And if the perpetrators are apprehended, the enforcement guidelines of the Texas Water Code Chapter 7 are tough.
Penalties for illegally dumping into water, and the dumping of hazardous waste, medical waste, motor oil and lead acid batteries can be as high as 30 years of confinement with fines of up to $1,000,000 or more.
According to Thomas, Storm Water Management representatives have been in touch with him over the course of the weekend and are aware of the situation.
Background on Dallas Watersheds
Dallas County has 38 Watersheds. A watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a lake, river, stream, or in this case, a creek.
Rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands, streams and even the oceans can serve as catch basins for the surrounding land.
A watershed is basically nature’s way of dividing up the landscape – a division which sometimes fails to coincide with the political, social, and economic boundaries of a community.
In essence, everyone lives in a watershed, and people's actions greatly affect water quality, as well as impact the land, air, plants and animals.
The belief of the Environmental Protection Agency is that many water quality, human health and ecosystem problems are best solved at the watershed level rather than isolating and treating problems in a specific body of water.
Once the contamination in Dixon Branch Creek is addressed, the ongoing problems that the creek has suffered over the past 50 years due to an aging infrastructure, an increased volume of storm water runoff, and poor soil management can be addressed as the EPA suggests: at the White Rock Lake Watershed.
